Like a Phoenix from the Fire - Part 5

Season 3.5 - Summer Fan Fiction Challenge

Like a Phoenix from the Fire – Part 5

by Aquila

Category of the plot summary from the list below – Plot #10

Rating: R
Genre: Angst

Disclaimer: All things Trek, even Enterprise – the prequel, are Paramount’s – my passion for Trip and T’Pol, well that’s mine.

A short summary statement:
Although there are spoilers this story assumes that the season three cliff-hanger never occurred. T'Pol discovers the damage done by the Trellium D can be reversed. She decides to go through with the treatment, knowing she may lose access to the emotions she has unleashed, and that she may have to suppress her new emotions permanently as she has to do with all her emotions. What happens to her relationship with Trip? How does this change her views of herself?

---

Part 5

The first sensation T’Pol noted on awakening was a warm steady cocoon of heat that she immediately associated with Vulcan. Still groggy from a night of deep sleep, she stretched like a cat in the sun, which caused cool air to pucker skin exposed during the stretch. Something was not as it should be. T’Pol sat up, letting the blanket pool around her waist.

“I am not on Vulcan. There is no drone of engines keeping time with my heart, so I know I am not on Enterprise.”

Pushing aside the sheet, she slid off the recovery bed and crossed to the window, where she drew aside the curtains. Water tinted by the dawn’s light winked and flirted with the morning.

“I am in a recovery room at Starfleet medical and that is San Francisco Bay below,” speaking aloud focused her attention. “I feel as if some vital piece of information is playing hide and seek with my consciousness.”

The sound of a curtain sliding along a rail caused her to turn away from the window driving the information further into the shadows.

“Ah, you are awake,” observed Phlox breezing past the curtain filling the cubicle with energy and intellect. “I have brought you some breakfast. You must be hungry.”

“I am. Although I had not noticed until you drew my attention to it.” T’Pol drew the bedside chair to the window. “I would like to watch the sun rise while I break my fast.”

Once she was comfortably seated, Phlox set the tray he carried on her lap. “I hope you don’t mind, but I have brought enough for two. May I join you?”

T’Pol considered his request. “A dining companion is acceptable,” and to her surprise she meant it.

--

A clearing of a throat alerted Trip to the presence of another human being. He ignored the obvious attempt to gain his attention, remaining prone on his bunk with his eyes closed.

“I expect officers under my command to show deference to rank, Commander.”

Trip recognized the voice. “Gerry, I know where the bodies are buried. Cut the rank crap and get me out of here.”

“If you will not show Captain Adams the courtesy he deserves, perhaps you will grant me the courtesy?”

Trip flew off the bunk to stand at attention. He had recognized that voice too.

“Admiral Forrest, sir.” Trip swallowed. “I meant no disrespect.”

Captain Gerald Adams could barely control his amusement. He stepped back to take himself out of the Admiral’s line of sight because his shoulders had begun to shake with laughter.

“At ease, Commander,” Forrest let the merest suspicion of a grin play about the corners of his mouth.

Trip stood with his feet apart and his hands behind his back, uncertain whether there was a twinkle in the Admiral’s eyes.

Captain Adams waved a device at the brig lock and the bars disappeared. Trip did a double take. Starfleet had been developing new technology while they were battling the Xindi.

Since his boot was planted firmly in his mouth Trip kept mum, merely stepping back in invitation to his visitors to enter.

“How long have you known Mr. Tucker, Captain?” Forrest kept his gaze on Trip’s face.

“Since my freshman year at the Academy, Admiral,” Adams sat on the bunk. “We were roommates.”

“So he does know where the bodies are buried?”

Adams felt a void opening under him, “You could say that, sir.”

Forrest filed the information for future reference and Adams counted another nail in his coffin of patronage. Adams was the Admiral’s man now. His career would live or die in concert with Forrest’s. However, few Starfleet admirals were as influential as Forrest, so Adams accepted the reality and prayed for a continued success for the man.

Forrest turned his attention to Trip, whom he circled like a wolf moving in for the kill. Trip kept his eyes on an invisible horizon and remained calm. This was not the first time he had been in this position.

“Do you know why you are incarcerated, Mr. Tucker?”

Trip told him the truth as he knew it. “I asked for leave to attend to the needs of a friend, which, I believe is within my rights.”

The Admiral halted in front of him. “Yes, Mr. Tucker, asking for leave is well within your rights. Denying your request was well within Admiral Spinoza’s.”

“Yes, sir,” agreed the one denied.

“It is your choice of friend that has landed you in the brig,” Forrest paused, “Unlike your relationship with Captain Adams, involving yourself with T’Pol was a career breaking move.”

Uncharacteristically Trip held his tongue.

“Have you nothing to say for yourself?”

“My involvement with T’Pol is none of Starfleet or the Vulcan High Command’s business…sir.” Trip’s voice was tight with anger.

“Ah, the VHC disapproval of your fraternization is not official,” said the admiral denying and confirming Trip’s suspicion with the same statement.

“At ease, Mr. Tucker.” Forrest relaxed his body language too.

“Your involvement with T’Pol is Starfleet’s business when it becomes an infraction of regulations,” began Forrest, who raised his hand when Trip made a motion to protest. “I am well aware that you and she are prepared to foster the perception that you are living within the regulations.”

Trip relaxed again.

“I am also aware that you made a case for a change in the regulations, citing examples of other species that permit committed officers to serve together.”

Captain Adams eyebrows shot up. Committed? Trip Tucker and the Vulcan are a committed couple? Adams looked at his pal with new eyes. Maybe Trip learned something about women in deep space, he speculated silently.

Trip who had been putting two and two together while listening to Forrest asked, “Did Phlox inform you of my situation, sir?”

A new name had been introduced into the web of intrigue that surrounded Tucker’s love life. Adams listened intently.

“Yes, Mr. Tucker, the doctor informed me of your situation and asked me to repay a favour by sorting this out.”

The Admiral’s reply sent a shiver up Adams spine. The name of Phlox was added to the list of people who could influence his career. I wonder what Phlox did that was significant enough for an Admiral to owe him a favour? The same question occurred to Trip who was wise enough not to ask it out loud.

“I cannot countermand Admiral Spinoza’s order,” said Forrest turning to Adams, “But I can change Captain Adams training flight orders.”

Adams rose to stand at ease before Forrest.

“Captain, the Vulcans have a simulation program that is used to train Vulcan space crews in alien planet arrival protocols. The VHC has agreed to allow Columbia to use the program. Please revise your changing flight path to include a three day orbit of Vulcan. I will expect your report as to the effectiveness of the protocol training on your return.”

“Aye, aye, sir,” saluted Adams, thrilled to be given the opportunity.

“During that time, Captain,” Adams waited for the other shoe to drop, “Mr. Tucker will be conducting a diplomatic mission of his own on Vulcan.”

“Understood, sir.”

Forrest returned his attention to Trip. “Koval, the chief of staff of the Vulcan High Command is expecting you.”

Trip blinked twice. Koval? It couldn’t be? The name of T’Pol’s former lover that he had found in her file was Koval.

--

Phlox showed T’Pol a scan of her upper brain stem. The three dimensional image rotated.

“The calcification inhibits communication between your blood stream and the gravas gland, which releases a hormone that counteracts the effects of the Trellium-D. The calcification is a consequence of ingesting the Trellium.”

“You propose to chip away the deposits?”

Phlox nodded his confirmation, “It is an experimental procedure. You must understand that there is the possibility of permanent brain damage.”

“I understand, Doctor, please proceed.”

End of Part 5

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Seven people have made comments

Ooooh... I like. But I'm confused. I thought T'Pol was still on Earth? Man, maybe I gotta go back and reread.

And I really like seeing some of Trip's other friends from home. Even if it's in a professional situation, it's nice to see his past emerge a little bit.

Former lover? Koval? You've got me worried here... more than usual!

I'm not sure I like the idea of former lover either . . . especially one who is Vulcan and might be future husband material. You've got me very worried! Keep it up, please!

I'm not sure I like the idea of former lover either . . . especially one who is Vulcan and might be future husband material. You've got me very worried! Keep it up, please!

Hmmm, interesting twist. Former lover!?! Now, where exactly are you going with all this? I must say I'm looking forward to seeing how all the pieces fit into this puzzle!

I really loved the dialogue from Admiral Forest and am intrigued as to what favour he owes Phlox (good old Phlox batting for Trip). As for Koval being an ex-lover of T'Pol's, wasn't Koval Trip and T'Pol's son in another fanfic? The son Archer thought was his when he married T'Pol?
Ali D :~)

Koval...was just a name I picked...if it has been used previously, my adoption of it was innocent and in no way implies a connection with the previous use.

Phlox, to my mind, is one of the most under used characters in the canon, Ali. He deserves his own fanfic site.

Aquila