Soul Search Complete - Ch 4

Soul Search Complete

By Favors

Rating: PG-13
Genre: Angst, Action-Adventure
DISCLAIMER: Star Trek: Enterprise is owned by Paramount, not me. No infringement intended, no profit made.
Spoilers: All season 4 spoilers, and any aired episodes, any spoilers we’ve all heard about
Summary: T’Pol courts Trip after some soul-searching, Trip gets captured by aliens during an away mission

A/N: italics represent inner-thoughts & musings.

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Chapter 4

Trip reached his quarters and stared at the PADD.

Do I switch this on and read it? I don’t think I could take it if it’s more rejection. Why did I behave like such an ass? She must have written this before the movie, she didn’t have time once I left. There was a PADD on the desk, this must be the one. She wanted to talk to you, has for the last few days. Is this good news or bad? She put her hand on your leg, was gonna let you kiss her, hell she woulda let me do more than that! I know that look. Maybe she’s finally come to her senses! This has to be good news, it has to be, it’s just…well…logical. Logical. T’Pol would be proud of me for that line of reasoning.

Taking a deep breath, Trip closed his eyes and opened them slowly. Just as he was activating the switch, his comm beeped. The Captain.

Dammit!

“Yes, Cap’n?’ Trip knew he sounded irritated.

“Trip, I need you to look at some weapons modifications Malcolm wants done before we enter the nebula.”

“Aye, aye.”

I guess this will wait. Trip reluctantly set the PADD down before leaving his quarters.

***

“Enter.” Came the groggy reply to the door chime. “T’Pol?” Captain Archer questioned, rubbing sleep from his eyes.

“The analysis you wanted.” T’Pol extended her hand with a data PADD, offering it to Archer. She stood ramrod straight.

“T’Pol, it’s 0330. I’ll look at in the morning.”

“It is morning.”

“I’ll look at it later then.”

She looks furious. Her nostrils are flaring, that muscle in her jaw is so rigid I bet I could cut glass on it. She looks like she’s ready to strike me.

“What is it T’Pol? What’s wrong?”

“What is it? What’s wrong? You wanted this analysis so desperately and you will look at it later?!? Since it seems be so important to you, that you didn’t mind disturbing my evening at 2143 hours, I believe you should look at it now.”

She just doesn’t look furious, she is furious. She really looks likes she wants to hit me! She could crush my head like an eggshell, and she looks as if she wants to do just that.

“I’m sorry I disturbed your evening. You could have said something you know.”

“Perhaps I should have. May I be dismissed?”

Archer merely nodded his consent.

She pivoted and stormed out the room.

What the hell did I interrupt? Trip sounded pissed when I hailed him too. Are they finally talking? Did I interrupt something intimate? He was in his quarters, she was in hers. I don’t understand.

***

The next morning found Trip Tucker pacing in front of T’Pol’s quarters for several minutes, trying to decide what to say.

What do I say? ‘I read your letter, it was great.’ No, too stilted. ‘I loved your letter, in fact I love you. I want to marry you, I want you to bear my children.’ No, too much. Stick with the basics. ‘Your letter gives me hope that we can journey together.’ Too mushy? Hell, I don’t know. She’s Vulcan. Simple, straight, to the point. Just get on with it Trip. Plannin’ never works with her anyway. You see those eyes and all rational thought leaves your head.

Trip was just about to chime T’Pol’s door when the door swished open. T’Pol stopped short and looked into the enigmatic face of Trip Tucker. The twinkle in his blue eyes was back and a broad smile played at his lips.

He must have read the letter! I know that look; he wants to be with me!

“T’Pol. I wanted…”

“Morning you two.” Captain Archer walked up to the pair.

Frustration, exasperation, and irritation crossed Trip’s features. T’Pol heard him mutter ‘Sonofabitch.’

Trip heard her mutter ‘Damn it.”

Did she just swear?

“Did I interrupt something?” Archer asked them both concern etching his features. Trip was clearly irritated and T’Pol looked none too happy. Archer noticed they were standing close together, their hips brushing one another.

Of course you did, like today would be any different? You may be my best friend, but lately, I just wanna throttle ya.

“No, I was just seein’ if T’Pol needed another probe launched into the nebula for more detailed scans.” Trip lied.

Trip was surprised to see T’Pol look at the Captain with hostility. “The Commander and I were just discussing some possible changes to the probe that would enhance the sensor readings. Perhaps you and I can discuss those modifications over lunch?” T’Pol had turned her attention to Trip, the question directed at him, her eyes wide and full of hope.

She’s asking you on another date?

“Of course Commander. I’ll meet you in the mess hall at 1200?” At T’Pol’s nod, Trip started to take off for Engineering.

Archer called after Trip, “I was going to ask if you two wanted to join me for breakfast. Aren’t you hungry Trip?”

“Already ate, got work to do.” Trip didn’t want to spend time with the captain right now. He was still pissed about last night. It wasn’t really his fault, he didn’t know, but Trip knew he’d say something he’d regret if he spent time with the Captain right now.

I really need to talk to him, tell what’s goin’ on. What do I say. ‘Hey, Cap’n, nice night. By the way, I’m in love with T’Pol.’ Probably knows already anyway. I think everyone on this ship knows.

That’s odd, Trip turning down food. I must have interrupted something again.

Archer watched as Trip walked quickly away. He turned his attention to T’Pol and was going to ask what had happened but he observed her scowling at him and her arms crossed over her chest. He knew that stance well enough to know not to say anything.

***
Phlox looked up from his scans to see the Captain approach him.

“Captain, what can I do for you?” Doctor Phlox asked as the captain strode over to him.

“What do you know about what’s going on between Trip and T’Pol?” Archer asked him frankly.

“Captain, you know I can’t reveal that information. They have both spoken to me in confidence. It would be a violation of the doctor/patient …”

Archer held up his hand to forestall the remainder of the lecture.

“Well, at least they’re speaking to someone.”

Phlox noticed the bitterness in Archer’s tone.

“Captain, Commander Tucker is your friend, never forget that. Mr. Tucker may have come to me simply because he was embarrassed.”

“Why would he be embarrassed?” Archer asked, perplexed.

“Let’s just say he’s cried on my shoulder more than a few times. But, to assuage your concern, I do think things are on the right track.”

“Thanks Phlox.”

***
“Doctor?” T’Pol peered around Sickbay looking for Phlox.

“Yes, T’Pol? What can I do for you?”

“I am feeling…out of sorts.” She appeared to be uncomfortable and tense.

“Up here please.” Phlox indicated for her to sit on a biobed. “Did your date go well last night?”

T’Pol’s expression changed to exasperation and frustration.

I may as well just tell him. He was there at the movie, I’m sure he watched us. Perhaps he can offer some advice.

“Yes and no. I still didn’t get a chance to speak with Trip. We held hands at the movie. He was going to kiss me. Then the Captain called and wanted me to run some analysis. He got angry and left my quarters. I did give him the letter though. I believe he has read it. He was at my door this morning. He did not look angry anymore, he looked…hopeful. But then the Captain came by.”

“It seems you two are destined to be interrupted lately. Hmmm….”

“What is it?”

“I can’t be sure until I run some analysis. Let me give you something to help with your discomfort.” Doctor Phlox pressed a hypospray to T’Pol’s neck. He continued on “Don’t worry, T’Pol, you’ll get your chance to talk to him. Mr. Tucker is extremely persistent. If you don’t corner him first, he’ll corner you. But it does appear you have your Commander back. ”

“Yes, he is my Commander.” She said distractedly as she hopped from the biobed.

Phlox looked down at his readings, the signs were unmistakable. Pon farr. T’Pol was in the very early stages of Pon Far.

Possessiveness over a mate, I rue the Captain interrupting them again before they can speak. I’d hate to have him here in sickbay because T’Pol attacked him. I must speak to the Captain. That is not a conversation I’m looking forward too.

“Sickbay to Commander Tucker.”

“Tucker, here. What’s up Doc?”

Phlox could hear him chuckle. He knew it was a line from one of Commander Tucker’s favorite cartoon characters.

He must have read the letter; he’s in an exceedingly good mood.

“I was wondering if you could come to Sickbay when you have time, perhaps over your lunch hour? I need to speak to you.”

“Sorry Phlox, but I have a date with T’Pol. No offense, as much fun as you can be, well, she’s, well, it’s T’Pol. What’d ya wanna talk about anyway?”

“Well, it’s rater private.”

“Okay. How about after lunch?”

“That would be just fine.”

***

Enterprise slowly approached the nebula shortly after 1100 hours. T’Pol provided general information regarding its size and density, but was unable to provide any details on the interior composition of the nebula.

“T’Pol, anything on sensors?” the Captain asked.

“No, sir. The sensors are having difficulty penetrating the nebula.”

“Travis, take us in, one-quarter impulse.”

“Aye, sir.”

The bridge crew watched as they slowly penetrated the nebula. Starfleet wanted to have detailed readings of the usual nebula. Once they penetrated the nebula, T’Pol was busy at her station. She began to receive detailed data on the nebula.

“Captain, I am detecting the probe we sent in earlier. I am uploading the information collected.” T’Pol informed the captain.

“It’s beautiful.” Remarked Hoshi.

“Quite. So many colors.” Malcolm agreed.

They cruised through the nebula slowly, taking readings, and gathering gaseous samples. Occasionally they ran across solid material, which they also brought on board.

“Captain, I am detecting iridium and a warp signature.” T’Pol said, sounding surprised.

“Iridium, isn’t that unusual in a nebula? Can you discern whose warp signature?” Archer asked, perplexed.

“Iridium would be highly unusual for a nebula of this type. I am not familiar with this warp signature.”

“Captain, I am detecting a faint signal. Sounds like a distress call.” Hoshi alerted the captain.

“Let’s hear it.”

“Need help, attacked, no warp drive.” The distress call was automated, no live answer. The message began to repeat when Hoshi ended the communications.

“I am receiving a data stream of coordinates, Captain.” T’Pol informed the Captain. “Those coordinates are about 2 million kilometers off our port bow Captain.”

“Well, folks let see if we can help them. Travis lay in a course.”

Enterprise approached a debris field, scanning for life signs as Hoshi continued to hail.

“No one’s answering, sir.”

“I am detecting no life signs aboard the vessel, or what’s left of it.” T’Pol told Archer.

“Let’s check it out anyway. Take a shuttlepod and…”

Archer’s words were cut off as energy beams attacked Enterprise.

“All hands, battle stations! Polarize the hull!”

More energy beams lashed out to drain Enterprise’s power. Weapons faltered, causing the normally cool Brit to curse beneath his breath.

“Captain, we just lost weapons!” Malcolm called out.

“Cap’n! We just lost the engines! What the hell’s goin’ on up there?” Trip yelled over the noise in engineering. “We’re getting’ pounded down here!”

“We’re being attacked, Trip. Get the weapons online!”

“Aye, aye.”

“Travis, get us out range!”

“Captain, systems are going down all over the ship, communications, navigation, life support.” T’Pol coolly informed the captain. The ship was bucking and while panels sparked around them.

Archer looked over to the calm Vulcan. Sometimes he envied her control, when everyone else was panicking, he could rely on T’Pol. He was surprised to see her look much tenser than she sounded. Panels sparked around them before the bridge went dark. The captain felt a moment of trepidation before the red glow of the emergency lights came back on.

Stumbling to her station, Archer ordered T’Pol to show him a complete list of the damaged sustained. “Get down to Engineering, get Trip this list. We need life support back ASAP. I’m sure he’s already working on that. Priority to the critical systems, stay down there if he needs your help.”

“Yes captain.” T’Pol downloaded the information to a PADD and left the bridge.

***

T’Pol made her way over to where Trip was evaluating the damage to Enterprise’s critical systems. He had already re-routed to the backup power supply.

“The Captain is looking for a damage report.”

“I’m sure he is.” Trip looked over at T’Pol’s smudged face. She had a small cut on her forehead.

She stills looks beautiful.

Using his sleeve, Trip dabbed at the blood, while bringing her up-to-date. “I’ve got life-support back online. Well, we’ve lost warp drive. We’ll need a new source of dilithium, I can’t do anythin’ about that. We don’t have enough surpluses on hand to do the job. First priority is to get the power relays fixed or replaced so we can the main systems back online.”

I need to let her know I read her letter.

Trip gripped T’Pol by the upper arm and half-pulled her to a more isolated alcove. “I’m real sorry I missed our lunch date.” He said in a low whisper, leaning in close to her ear.

“I understand.” She answered him quietly. Shivers tingled T’Pol’s spine at his breath on her ear.

“And I’m real sorry I acted like such an ass last night too.” He said, treating her other ear to his breath.

“You were just being yourself.” T’Pol responded softly as she placed a hand on his chest.

“Hey! Was that a joke?” Trip smiled and chuckled down at the petite First Officer.

I can’t really be angry with her, I’m too damn happy. She wants a relationship with me! God, I love this woman.

She looked at him with her large dark eyes, humor dancing in their depths. The slightest of smiles touched her full lips.

He is going to tell me, I know it!

“I read your letter this morning, made my day.” The look of love filled his eyes and filled T’Pol’s heart with hope. Trip continued on “You’re my soul-mate too. I don’t want to start a journey with you; I want to end my journey with you.” Trip leaned back, and looked around to see that they were alone. Trip looked into the face of the woman he loved and smiled briefly before leaning down to claim her lips in his. T’Pol could see the love shining in his eyes and wrapped her arms around Trip. One hand behind his head the other around his waist. Just as the kiss started to deepen, Lt. Hess interrupted them, clearing her throat.

“Sir?”

“All I want to do is kiss my girlfriend, why’s that so hard?” Trip sighed heavily and asked quietly of T’Pol before turning around to acknowledge Lt. Hess. “Yes Anna?”

Girlfriend? That must have some sort of connotation to it. I must ask Ensign Sato, she will know.

“We’ve have 42 burned out power relays on three decks.” Lt. Hess handed Trip a PADD indicating the damage.

“Make three teams. You, Rostov, and Massaro take D Deck. Almack, Cook, and Kelly take E Deck, and Simpson and Chen take A Deck.”

“Yes, Chief.”

“Well, I wonder how long that will take to get around the ship.” Trip muttered. “Oh, well.”

“Do you need my assistance?” T’Pol asked him.

“No, I don’t think so. If I do, I’ll just holler.”

“You could just use the comm system. Once it’s back online that is.” T’Pol started to leave Engineering, to make her way back to the Bridge.

Trip smiled and laughed, so few people noticed her sense of humor. “T’Pol?”

“Yes?”

“Soon as I can get away, can we spend some time alone? No answering comms, either of us?”

“It is a promise.” T’Pol started to leave, but then stopped and called over her shoulder. “Trip?”

“Yeah, darlin’?” Trip stopped and turned to look at her. He didn’t particularly care if anyone overheard him or not.

“Are you…content? Here on Enterprise?” T’Pol asked, here eyes wide and full of concern.

Instinctively Trip knew she meant leaving her, leaving for the Columbia, although how he knew he wasn’t sure. Trip walked over to her, stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers, and said, “I’m not going anywhere. Got too much reason to stay.”

End Chapter 4

Chapter 5

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A whole mess of folks have made comments

Nice romantic touch. Looking foward to the next chapter.

Please update soon.

Aaaargh!! I hate this...this....this Archer !!!!!
Why can't he just leave Trip und T'Pol alone ?
Can anyone please kill this bastard !!!

I love this story ! Please write more soon !!!!!!

Really like your story, laughed all the way through it. Poor Trip and T'pol! Poor clueless Archer, whom everyone now wishes had laryngitis! Get those fingers typing for the next chapter!

LMAO!! LOVE the 'interruptions' plot! That was great! Nice touch.

Someone should give Archer a girl - then he'll leave T & T alone. Great story. Absolutely loving it!

Excellent, this is the best part so far! I was LMAO at the seemingly constant interruptions from the clueless Captain Archer only to sigh with content when our favourite couple finally got a moment together - even if it was in the midst of being smashed into itty bitty pieces by some sneaky *we need help but are really just tricking you so we can destroy you and steal your ship* aliens. Can't wait for the next part, Ali D :~)

Dang I think T'pol would get off on the charges if she killed Archer cause it sure the heck would be a justifable homicide. Loved Trip calling T'pol his girlfreind and just wanting to kiss her poor guy. Great chapter please update soon.

Soooo glad they finally got together! Nicely done, still keeping both in character, but so romantic! Well done!

Oh I'd pay good money to see T'Pol attack Archer for interrupting them again! LOL Great story! Keep up the great work! ;)

My God you do sexual tension so well. I haven't reacted like that to a story in a long time. I was literally leaning forward on the edge of my seat. Damn, that's is so sizzly hot without ever doing anything!

Whew.

seriously grat story, keep it going.

GREAT! Hurry with more before my head blows up, I am dangerously under medicated

That was awesome! Keep 'em coming, I love this story! (stupid Archer) :)

Beautiful chapter!