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The "T" Key- Pt 3The T-Key Aquila Part Three Rating: PG T’Pol looked up for the fifth time that hour. The Captain turned his head, caught staring once again. Although she knew that he wanted to know what had transpired between them on the planet, she remained silent. Silent to every one, except Trip, who reacted to her emotional turmoil by doubling over in pain in the engine room. “Of all the…” He cut off the expletive as soon as he saw that his crew had frozen in place, waiting for the explosion. “I will be in my office, if you need anything, people.” Personal Log: Tucker, Charles, III, Commander, NX-01, Enterprise in the Delphic Expanse- Only to be opened in the event of my death. Child o’ mine, I love ya too, don’t ever doubt that. We may be feudin’ and fightin’, but that’s between us. We want what’s best for ya. We just don’t agree on what that is. You’re goin’ ta be straddlin’ two worlds, child o’ mine - two almost incompatible worlds. You are goin’ to make choices. I’m not goin’ like all of ‘em. Your mama won’t like some of ‘em. But they are yours to make and we’ll support whatever you decide – with a little arguing on the side for spice. People are goin’ to call you names – Humans and Vulcans. The Humans will call you Vulcan and passionless. The Vulcans will call you Human and emotional. Let ‘em, precious – ‘cause you are Vulcan and Human. You will be emotional, but you are not passionless. I know because your mama taught me, just like she is goin’ to teach you. Your mama is a volcano of passion that lies dormant until some seismic force draws the passion out. I’m bragging when I tell you that your old man is that seismic force. When we made you, the love was eruptin’. Don’t you ever doubt that, baby mine. It comforts me to know that I am goin’ to live on in you. Live long and prosper, darlin’ child. And take care of your mama for me. Daddy Trip pushed the save key and overwrote the old message with the new. While Trip was recording his letter to his child, Porthos pawed at Archer’s leg. His master lowered his hand to rub the beagle’s ears. What would you do Porthos? Confine him to the brig before he self-destructs or confront him with my suspicions and demand an explanation? Porthos whined. No, I don’t know either, fella. I had better keep reading. The answer has to be in there. Request for Compassionate Leave To the Officer Commanding My maternal grandfather, Cyrus, died last night in Panama City, Florida. I owe my career as an engineer to Grandpa Cyrus. He helped me take apart my first engine when I was six years old. He had me flying kites at four. Looking back, I know that it was he, while we flew kites that taught me the principles of aerodynamics. My grandfather was passionate about family traditions. He expected to pass every holiday with his children and their children around him. One time, when I was an ensign, he called my C. O. to confirm that duty really was my excuse for missing my little sister Lizzie’s birthday. He always said, “Family first, Trip. Family first.” The funeral is scheduled for Saturday. I need a day to travel and a day to return. Would you grant me compassionate leave from Friday to Sunday? The C.O. gave him an extra day. I know that for a fact, Porthos, because I attended Cyrus’ funeral. From the first day that Trip introduced us, Grandpa Cyrus made me feel like family. There was always an extra place at the table for me at family celebrations. Family first, Cyrus. Family first. Speaking of family, T’Pol inserted a note in Trip’s file. I wonder what that’s about? Commendation I understand that it is a Starfleet tradition for serving officers to write commendations for colleagues, who have earned them. The commendations are then inserted in personnel files to be reviewed when promotion and command assignments are under discussion. Although I am not, strictly speaking, Starfleet personnel, I am a serving officer on board Enterprise. Commander Charles Tucker has acted in a manner becoming an officer and a gentleman. As I was the recipient of his tact and concern regarding a very private, matter, it is fitting that I write the commendation. I will forever be grateful for the Commander’s concern for my welfare and his sound advice. Sub-Commander T’Pol, First Officer, NX-01 Enterprise More secrets? T’Pol’s commendation leaves out more than it explains. However, her commendation borders on the effusive, a word seldom applied to a Vulcan. She inserted this not long after the beginning of our mission. Did their personal relationship, however they define it, begin then? Porthos, Dr. Phlox has added a report very recently. Perhaps he can shed some light on the situation? Medical Dispensation Commander Tucker is suffering from severe headaches caused by an imbalance of dopamine in his brain. His condition is similar to an addict managing withdrawal. He has refused treatment. He will not discuss the circumstances that led to the problem. I have a theory as to the cause and effect, but am not at liberty to disclose it, as it would be in violation of my oath to protect the privacy of my patients. Until the Commander asks for help, I can do nothing. As of this report, I do not believe the Commander’s condition is affecting his ability to carry out his duties, although his efficiency has been reduced. Withdrawal? Dopamine levels? What is going on Commander? I cannot afford to have my senior staff operating at reduced efficiency levels. As Archer considered his options, a message popped up on the screen. “Personnel file updated.” Archer refreshed the screen. There, at the very top, with today’s date a new link. Archer placed the cursor over the link and clicked. Today’s Date Captain: What you don’t have, Captain, is intel. Next to T’Pol I am the most qualified covert operative you have. But you won’t use that expertise, because the shrinks say I’m not capable of holding it together undercover. I’m capable of anything, Captain, when a member of my family has been murdered and when the family that is left behind is threatened. I’ve borrowed a shuttlepod. I’ve got a long-range transmission bouy and provisions for a month on board. Tell Hoshi to keep her ears open for messages. I’ll be sending ‘em short and sweet. Take care of T’Pol and our child for me, Jon. I leave all my worldly goods to her and the baby. Trip Archer rose out of his chair, shouting no, no, no, no. He was interrupted by the voice of Ensign Sato. “Captain, T’Pol has collapsed. I’ve alerted Dr. Phlox.” The End of The “T” Key
Have a comment to make about this story? Do so in the Trip Fan Fiction forum at the HoTBBS! A whole mess of folks have made commentsOh-my-goodness!! You've left me floored. And pondering why the hell you are not writing for "Ent" because this stuff is miles above some of the scripts we've seen this past year........ Ditto to AurraSing's comments! I'm floored! I don't even have the vocabulary at this moment to tell you how amazing this is! My mouth literally dropped open at that last part! Please don't keep us waiting for more! You know, the only bad thing? When season 3 starts, we're probably all going to be disappointed after this fine, amazing, awesome tale! Thank you, thank you! I joined T'Pol on the floor after fainting... Next story please. Most excellent. Ah what an explanation for why Trip turned so angry.... wow. WOW!! He just up and left? And I love how you have explained why Trip was so angry and bloodthirsty for Lizzie. And poor T'pol. He left her pregnant by herself? What's going to happen next? Wow, talk about stunned! I was definitely *not* expecting this to happen. Trip leaving not only T'Pol but also their child cuts right through to the heart. I am worried for him. Worried for T'Pol and the baby too. Please write the next part soon while I still have some fingernails and hair left! Brilliant writing, excellent plotting and wonderful twists. Bless you, Ali D :~) Wow, wow and double Wow! That was something special. A good explanation for Trip's anger, but so touching in his letter to his unborn child. And now he's just upped and gone! Look after him for us, and write another story soon, please. I agree with Archer - no, no, no, no, no. Actually it was very real, we can't always expect a happy ending. I agree with Archer - no, no, no, no, no. Actually it was very real, we can't always expect a happy ending. holy cow! that was awesome! i really don't know what to say! ditto everything that everyone else has written. please please, pretty please can i have a sequel? G'Day,What an interesting and engaging story,which was partly down to the way the story was written as well as how it unfolded.The way the author had me on a forward motion while discovering past and presant information concerning Charles,T'Pol characters was highly entertaining.It would be a shame if the author left it here and not continue,but thats down to the author allthough I would like more of such a story with a conclusion(ending).Also,this would make a top(really good)novel even if its a thin one it would be a book that I would purchase and read.Hoo-Roo. Where's the rest!! *wails* "Floored" isn´t enough. Dropped dead on the spot! What a story! What an end! |