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Ragnarok - part 3

Author - ginamr
Fan Fiction Main Page | Stories sorted by title, author, genre, and rating

Star Trek—The Continuing Voyages of the Enterprise

Ragnarok


By ginamr


Rating: R (For Implied Violence and Adult Language)[Also available in NC-17. Email me for a copy. If I get enough requests and reviews, I’ll put the NC-17 version up as well.]

Possible spoilers: Broken Bow through Terra Prime

Disclaimer: Only new characters and the new plots are mine. The original characters belong to Paramount. I receive no monetary reward for my work; my only reward is the joy of creating.

Author’s Note: Some names of the Briliarins taken from Norse mythology. And just so you all don’t think I’m stealing, I did read a ST: Enterprise fanfiction story about a culture similar to the Briliarins but the Briliarin queen is a bit more open than the monarch in that story. Plus, this story moves in a different direction than that one…Plus that one was an A/T’P pairing…this one is T/T’P.

I’m going to assume Vulcans can tell white lies. ;) So, when T’Pol says she and Trip “hadn’t been intimate in six years (“These Are the Voyages”), I’ll assume she fibbed and that what she meant was that they hadn’t been intimate on regular basis and that their intimacy wasn’t common knowledge. As for anyone being suspicious…they (most of them) think they’re meditating together and/or comforting one another…or better yet, that she meant other than this incident ;). Okay, so I’m not quite sticking to that canon piece…but honestly---what Trip/T'Poler wants that to be canon anyway?

Last time on Star Trek: Enterprise… “Ragnarok,,” Part 2




Part 3


Play Intro.

The next morning…

“Do you have anything yet, Doctor?”

“A little patience, hmm? I haven’t worked with this species’ DNA before. There are differences.”

“Does that mean that the blood is not human?”

Phlox nodded. “However, it is going to be difficult to identify whom the DNA belongs to without a database.”

“I shall see if Her Majesty has a database. If she does not, we will have to take a sampling of DNA from all of the Briliarin males.”

“That would be helpful.”

“And maybe then we could attempt to ascertain what really occurred in Commander Tucker’s temporary quarters.”

“Most certainly.”

T’Pol nodded. “Thank you. I will inform the Captain of your findings.”

“Commander,” Phlox called as she made toward the door. T’Pol turned back toward him. “I can’t help but notice that you seem more troubled than usual. Is there something you wish to discuss.”

T’Pol paused for a moment, the look on her face as neutral as she could make it. “It was a difficult night.”

“How so?” Phlox asked in his usual optimistic tone.

T’Pol could sense from the Doctor’s insistence on pushing the matter that he felt her difficult night was related to Trip’s incarceration when in fact this was only one of the issues causing her restless nights.

“I see. Have a seat, Commander.” T’Pol raised an eyebrow at him. “I’d simply like to do a check-up.” Reluctantly, she did as Phlox asked. “Hmm.”

“What is it?”

Phlox looked up from the scanner he was using with a worried expression. “It seems that the pheromones from the Briliarin females have triggered your Pon-Farr.”

“My Pon-Farr is not expected for another several years.”

Phlox nodded. “Of course, but the pheromones seem to have served as some kind of external signal.”

“Why were the others not affected?”

“The others, being human I suppose, were not effected in the same way. However, because of your bond, Commander Tucker will most likely suffer the same symptoms. In his case, fortunately, they will not be fatal.”

“How long?”

“The symptoms should become more prominent in a day or so.”

T’Pol nodded and slid off the biobed. “Thank you, Doctor.”

“I would speak with Commander Tucker if I were you,” Phlox shouted after her.

T’Pol paused in the door and turned to him, nodding in acknowledgement before exiting Sickbay.

Phlox sighed as the doors closed, shaking his head. I hope the situation is resolved more efficiently this time.

**********

Later in the dungeons of Briliarus IV…

Trip looked up when T’Pol entered the cell, a half-smile on his face. “So…?”

“The Doctor has discovered that the DNA is not human.”

Trip frowned. “I was hoping for a bit more than that.”

“We must give him time. He needs the DNA sequences of the Briliarin males to discover the true identity of the culprit.”

Trip nodded and sighed, running his hands through his hair. “I think I’m goin’ ta have nightmares for the rest of my life. I just can’ get the picture out of my head.” He paused, his features tightening. “I hope the bastard who did this gets what he deserves,” he mumbled angrily.

“He will be held responsible for his actions,” T’Pol assured him, laying a hand on his shoulder. “You must try to sleep. You are tired.”

“I can’. Every time I close my eyes, she’s lyin’ there covered in her own blood, her eyes glazed over…and she looks so stunned…” Trip broke off, his voice cracking with emotion.

“I will stay with you until you are asleep.”

Trip nodded and lay down on the makeshift mattress, T’Pol lying down facing him. “Phlox said you wanted to talk to me about something.”

“We will talk once you have rested.”

Trip sighed, closing his eyes. T’Pol turned over so that she was facing the other way and Trip wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tightly against him. “T’Pol,” he whispered. “Thanks.”

She nodded and closed her eyes, placing her hands on top of his. She listened as his breathing deepened and slowed. Soon, she too drifted off.

**********

Later on Enterprise

“I believe I have identified whom the DNA belongs to, Captain.”

Archer nodded. “Who then, Doctor?”

“Did you have any contact with a male named Talvic?”

Archer frowned slightly. “We saw him, but none of us were ever closer than 100 metres.”

“I believe he is our culprit.”

“You’re sure, Phlox? He didn’t seem like the type to commit a murder---“

“I believe there’s an Earth saying…’it’s always the quiet ones’.”

**********

Her Majesty’s chambers, the next morning…

“You’re certain?”

Phlox nodded. “DNA doesn’t lie, I’m afraid.”

Freyja shook her head. “It’s just so difficult to believe. Talvic is my most loyal mister.”

Archer was wondering if this Talvic wasn’t the first of many that would rebel against the queen. He had a bad feeling about that Lvor, whom T’Pol had mentioned as a suspect because of the happenings of that evening. Perhaps they had unknowingly walked right into a civil war.

“Jealousy can be a strong motive in many cases,” T’Pol added thoughtfully. As you should well know, she chided herself.

Freyja looked at the Vulcan, a shocked expression on her face. “Jealousy?”

The Vulcan nodded. “Commander Tucker suggested jealousy as a motive to kill and rape your Second House Mistress. Perhaps Talvic felt that our arrival would influence his status and therefore attempted to speed up our departure.”

Archer paused before adding a few thoughts of his own. “I mean no disrespect, but isn’t it possible that Talvic is the leader of a rebellion fighting for men’s rights?”

“Impossible. There hasn’t been an uprising for two centuries.”

“It seems logical considering the behavior of the men toward our arrival.”

Freyja sighed. “Very well. Commander Tucker will be released. There is enough evidence to at the very least prove his innocence. We will further investigate Talvic’s possible role in the crime. I ask that you not leave orbit until this matter has been cleared up.”

Archer nodded. “That sounds fair to me.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Freyja nodded and grinned. “My pleasure, Commander.”

“If I may be excused, I would like to speak with my t'h’yla.”

Without waiting for an answer, T’Pol exited the room leaving behind a confused Archer, a grinning Phlox, and a pleased Freyja.

**********

A few moments later in the dungeons…

Trip stood when T’Pol entered the cell, looking hopeful. T’Pol’s expression remained neutral, but he could feel a nagging feeling of alarm through the bond. “T’Pol…” he began.

“You are free.”

Trip frowned. “T’Pol, what’s wrong?”

“It is my Pon-Farr. My time among the Briliarin females has triggered it.”

Trip’s eyebrows shot up. “Isn’t Pon-Farr…?”

“The Vulcan mating drive, yes.” She hesitated. “Those who are not bonded die if they do not mate.”

Trip’s eyes widened. “Die?”

T’Pol moved closer to him brushing a hair from his temple in a gesture of affection she’d seen a human male or female use with their chosen one. “It is all right, Trip. We are bonded. I will not die. But because of our bond, you will share the symptoms.”

Trip ran his hands through his hair. “I knew that dream wasn’ just me.” T’Pol raised an eyebrow and Trip’s cheeks became slightly pink. “So---since we’re bonded---”

“The Pon-Farr will not be fatal. However, we must mate to break the plak tow.

“Mate? As in---”

“Have sexual intercourse.”

Trip gave her a half-grin. “Do you have ta always be so clinically dry, T’Pol?”

“I am being truthful.”

“You know it means more to us than that,” Trip said softly, his eyes meeting hers revealing burning desire. T’Pol’s features softened and Trip chuckled. “You can’t hide it now, darlin’. I can feel it. Right here.” He took her hand in his and placed it over his heart. “I love you, T’Pol---so much it hurts.”

She nodded, unable to deny it. He could see into her heart because of the bond. She knew that she couldn’t even deny to herself what she felt.

The way she desired his presence, the pleasure she received from even his simplest quirks, the way she purposely did and said illogical things to hear his laugh---and the helpless feeling she had when he was upset or in pain. Yes, she did not like to see any of her colleagues upset; but with Trip it was different. She loved him in a way that she did not love anyone else. She would give up her own contentment to see him fulfilled.

“But we cannot be together in the way that you wish to be.”

Trip’s features grew somber. “Why can’t we be together, T’Pol? Are you afraid of what being us might mean?”

T’Pol turned away from him. “I cannot give you children and I cannot love you as you love me. I am Vulcan and that cannot be changed. You deserve someone who can give you all of the things that will please you.”

Trip grasped her chin gently with his hand, forcing her to look into his eyes. “T’Pol, I can imagine the perfect woman---and she wouldn’t even come close to you,” he said softly.

He tilted his head brushing his lips against hers and his tenderness made her knees weak. She felt rushes of emotion she had not experienced since her Trellium addiction. When she felt his hands gently cup her face, all of the barriers she had put up against her emotions crumbled like a dam bursting. She felt herself responding freely to the desire his scent and his kiss ignited in her.

She didn’t struggle when Trip laid her slowly onto the mattress in the corner, raining butterfly kisses up her neck, nibbling the points of her ears. She gasped as the sensations only served to stoke the fire already burning in her abdomen that begged for completion.

“When things went wrong with Natalie, I started wonderin’ if I’d ever find the right woman. And then you came along. It took me a long time to realize that you’re exactly what I need and exactly what I want. You’re not like any other woman I’ve ever met, T’Pol. You make me want to love you.” T’Pol looked into his eyes, for a moment unsure of how to respond. “Shh. It’s all right, darlin’. I can feel it, remember?” His mouth descended upon hers, deepening the kiss when she began to respond. A soft, feminine whimper passed her lips when his fingers glided gently over her softness, avoiding her clearly hard nipples.

“Trip.”

The gentleness of her voice enticed a groan of pleasure from deep in his chest. He felt himself responding to her pleasure with intensity so great that he felt it sizzle through every nerve in his body. The look in her eyes was so fiery that it became hard to breath.

“The Pon-Farr,” she stated, sensing his thoughts through the bond. “It is upon me.”

“I can feel it, too,” Trip replied, his voice deep with need. He gasped at the intensity of his bondmate’s desire, feeling it echoed in his own body.

“T’Pol,” he groaned. “God, it’s so strong.”

T’Pol’s right hand came up to touch the contact points on his face. She clenched her teeth breathing heavily. “I claim thee…in the rite…of Pon-Farr,” T’Pol gritted out in a hurried voice. “My mind to your mind---our minds are merging---our minds are one.”

Trip heard himself repeating the last four words with her as though it were only natural to do so and he sucked in a breath as he sensed something in the back of his mind. Its presence was familiar, yet he knew it was not a part of him. The presence drew closer and soon the white room became visible around him.

*********

”T’Pol?”

She nodded. ”Yes.”

Trip’s eyes closed against the longing flooding through him. ”Jesus, darlin’---Is this---how it feels---for you---every time?”

”Yes.” He gasped when he felt her hand slide boldly to the bulge in his trousers.

”Is this what you’re looking for?” she asked huskily.

He nodded, not sure he trusted himself to speak. She responded in a way that was so unlike her that it unsettled him for a moment. The feeling quickly disappeared as he felt a nearly unbearable flash of heat in his groin. He growled and grabbed her face in his hands, kissing her savagely and pressing his body fully against her, one of his hands sliding down to rest at her waist, his fingers massaging her soft hips.

She sucked in a quiet breath and released a breathy moan, her back arching at the feel of his cold fingers against her heated skin. She wanted to feel him everywhere at once and the closeness they had now was not enough. A strong desire to crawl inside him encompassed her senses.

She closed her eyes when she felt the heat of his body cover hers, her hands sliding into his hair to bring his head down and she pressed her lips to his, her tongue sliding past his lips deepening the kiss.

He moaned into her mouth. ”Christ! Where’d you learn to do that?”

“I had a skilled teacher,” she replied huskily, sealing her lips over his once again.


**********


Sometime later…

Trip felt T’Pol stirring in his arms and he smiled when she gave a small yawn before opening her eyes. “Mornin’, darlin’.”

“Good morning,” she offered in return, yawning again. “Why did you not wake me?”

Trip smirked. “I figured you were worn out is all.” His features softened. “Besides you looked so peaceful that I didn’ want to wake you.”

T’Pol nodded and buried her face in his neck, kissing the sensitive spot just behind his ear that she had discovered the night before.

“You all right now?”

“If I am correct, the Pon-Farr will run its complete course. Although the Doctor could no doubt synthesize another serum…”

Trip frowned. “What do you mean ‘another one’?”

“It isn’t important.”

“The hell it isn’t,” Trip growled. “If it wasn’t, you wouldn’t have brought it up.”

T’Pol paused, looking away. “When the Captain was taken prisoner by the Tellerite pilot, a virus trigged my Pon-Farr. I was not expecting it for several more years. Phlox managed to synthesize a serum that eased the symptoms.”

“So you were stuck in Decon with Phlox when your last Pon-Farr hit?” Trip asked in shock.

T’Pol nodded solemnly. “Fortunately, as you are aware, the Doctor suffered no permanent harm.”

“Why didn’t you just tell me?” he asked softly, sounding hurt.

“My behavior was extremely inappropriate. I preferred that it remain between the Doctor and myself.”

“So why didn’ you ask Phlox for the serum this time?”

“There was a more practical solution at hand.”

He chuckled. “And what would that be?”

T’Pol raised an eyebrow. “The natural conclusion. We are, after all, bonded.”

“That’s as close as you’ll ever get to admitting emotion, isn’t it?”

“Perhaps---perhaps not.”

“You know, you never answered my question.”

“The mating cycle will take several days.”

“Days?!”

“We must return to Enterprise. Phlox has begun synthesis of a serum that will temporarily ease the symptoms. It should be completed upon our return.”

“I thought you said you weren’ using a serum?”

“I am only using it to ease the process. We will still need to maintain physical contact when possible. The investigation shall continue until the responsible party is found and I am needed for it to continue.”

Trip sighed. “All right. Does Phlox have any leads?”

“The Doctor has identified the DNA sample as that of Talvic, the queen’s first.”

Trip frowned. “I thought for sure Lvor was involved.”

“I don’t feel he was personally involved with Hlathguth’s murder. However, the Captain has suggested that the men of this planet could be part of a rebellion.”

“So basically these people are in the middle of a civil war and we’ve gotten ourselves tangled in their nets.”

“As I have suggested to Her Majesty and the Captain, perhaps Talvic was attempting to speed our departure by putting you at the scene of the crime.”

“You know, I’ll bet Hlathguth knew about their plans and went along with it for a chance to gain power.”

“It’s possible.”

“Well at least we’ve got a better motive than jealousy.”

T’Pol nodded. “This will certainly provide a strong case. However, we will need proof for your theory.”

“Well, we’ll just have to find them some.”

T’Pol nodded and pulled a communicator from a hidden pocket. =/\=T’Pol to Archer.=/\= Silence. =/\=Captain.=/\= Silence.

She and Trip exchanged a look. “The Queen’s chambers.”

**********

Meanwhile in the Queen’s Chambers…

The Queen looked on in horror as several males carrying weapons entered her chambers. “What is the meaning of this?”

“Do you mean that you didn’t see this coming?” Talvic taunted.

“Why?”

Talvic chuckled. “Did you really think we enjoyed our enslavement? Did you really think that we could not overthrow you if we chose?” He turned to Archer. “I must say that I’m impressed, Captain.” Archer said nothing. “You are an excellent Commanding Officer. You would make a superb addition to our forces.”

“I don’t condone slavery, but this isn’t Starfleet’s war.”

“It became your war the moment your ship entered our space. Speaking of which, your vessel’s weapons and shields will be quite helpful with the rebellion.”

“Fleet?! Where did you get the ships?!” Freyja shouted, outraged.

“A freighter crashed on the far side of the continent. From it, we drew blueprints for our own fighters.”

“You attacked my ship!” Archer said sharply.

“And an impressive ship it is Captain.”

“You’re not getting Enterprise without a hell of a fight.”

“Never fear. Our fleet is great in number. Our ships will be able to disable yours with little difficulty.”

*********

Bridge of Enterprise

“Sir, I’m picking up a fleet of ships off the starboard bow.”

Reed sat up straight. “How many ships, Ensign?”

“At least a hundred,” Tanner replied.

“Evasive maneuvers, Travis. Bring hull plating and weapons online, Ensign Tanner.”

“Hull platting and weapons online, sir.”

“Target the lead ship and disable their weapons.”

The ship shook violently as she took several hits. “It looks like they’re trying to take out our weapons,” Tanner said with a cocky grin.

“Target the cluster that’s attacking. Any luck getting through the dampening field, Ensign?”

Sato shook her head. “None, sir.”

Reed stood and turned, looking around the bridge. “Any suggestions?”

“We could modify a couple of torpedoes to disperse large amounts of cesium. Assuming they use a power source fueled by an element similar to the xenon used in Earth’s old Xenon Ion Propulsion engines, it should disable all of their main systems.” Reed gaped at her. “I took Chemistry at the Academy.”

“Do we have any sources on board?”

“I’ll bet the Doctor has a couple of cases he uses for the imaging chamber.”

Reed nodded. “Tanner, you have the bridge. Rocson, you take Tactical. Travis…keep us alive and healthy.” He then turned to Hoshi. “Get the cesium from Sickbay and I’ll meet you in the Armory.”

Hoshi nodded and the two entered the lift. “That seat getting warm yet, Travis?” Tanner asked.

“Not as warm as its going to be if those ships get one too many hits through to the warp core.”

“Well, let’s try to keep it cool downstairs then, shall we?”

**********

Meanwhile down on the planet…

“Not another step, Archer,” Lvor shouted, aiming the weapon at the monarch.

Archer halted where he was “Settle down. Maybe we can help you work out a compromise.”

“The time for compromise is over!” He fired the weapon, getting the matriarch in the shoulder. Archer began moving to her aide, but Lvor turned the weapon on Archer. Again, Archer halted.

“Violence isn’t the answer. People don’t have to die. Things could be resolved peacefully.”

“She’s wounded badly, Captain,” Phlox said. “She’s losing a great deal of blood in a short amount of time.”

Archer turned to Talvic, his gaze almost pleading. “You don’t enjoy killing anymore than my people do. You can stop it. You can’t possible want to kill.”

“What I want,” Talvic began. “Is my freedom. And if I have to kill to get it, so be it.”

“Let me tell you a story about two male chimpanzees. One of the younger males in a group challenged an older male called an alpha male. The alpha male didn’t do so well and became badly injured. But do you know what the younger male did? He offered the alpha male a piece of fruit. The older male took it, accepting it as a peace offering.”

“What is the point behind this ridiculous story?”

“The point,” Archer began. “is that the younger male could have easily killed the older male. But instead he chose compassion. The two compromised. You can do the same.” Talvic’s face softened and he appeared to be personally impacted by the story. He turned to look at his Queen lying on the floor bleeding badly and his lips quirked oddly.

“We will be killed if we surrender! We have committed the ultimate treason!” Lvor shouted.

“I will face my punishment for the Second Royal mistresses’ death,” Talvic said calmly.

Lvor turned on him, glaring at him angrily. “You!? You said it was Tucker’s crime!”

Talvic turned to the other man. “She knew too much. She was prepared to go to the matriarch with the information. It would have ruined everything.” Talvic turned to the queen, bowing before her. “Your majesty, please…I will take the punishment for the others. I beg your compassion. Please…let the killing end.”

To Archer’s shock, the queen smiled and nodded. Talvic stood smiling and pulled out a communication device. “This is Talvic to Freedom Squadron. Call off your attack. Repeat, call of your attack.” He brought the device down and raised the weapon to his head. “I die by my own hand and by the weapon with which I spilt the blood of my beloved.”

Before Archer could stop him, Talvic fired the weapon and his body crumpled to the ground, landing with a heavy ‘THUD!’ The matriarch looked on, eyes wide and mouth open in shock.

**********

Meanwhile aboard Enterprise

“Got it, sir!”

“All right, now…we need it to disperse at a rate of 125 parts per million so…”

The shuttering halted and Reed paused for a moment before sprinting toward the nearest comm. panel. =/\=Reed to Bridge. What’s going on?=/\=

=/\=The vessels are moving off, sir.=/\=

Reed frowned. =/\=Are any other ships approaching?=/\=

=/\=No, sir.=/\= Silence. =/\=Sir, there’s a message coming from the surface…they’ve been ordered to withdraw.=/\=

Reed smirked. Well played, Captain. =/\=Very good, Ensign. Power down weapons. Ensign Sato and I are on our way. Reed out.=/\= He turned to Hoshi who was grinning as well.

“It looks like the Captain managed to negotiate.”

“Yes, sir. It does.”

**********

Queen’s Chambers, Briliarus IV

Suddenly, they turned to see the doors to the chamber burst open to reveal Trip and T’Pol. Trip stopped, his face going white at the sight of Talvic’s crumpled body lying in a pool of his own blood. Even T’Pol’s normally composed face was a little paler than its usual olive green. “What in the hell happened?”

“It appears he committed suicide rather than face the consequences of his actions,” T’Pol offered.

“He gave his life for us,” Lvor said quietly, still in shock.

“And his sacrifice will not have been in vain. From today forward, I vow there shall be equality for all, male or female. It will take time, but I intend to insure that a ruling council made up of males and females will be instated in the place of the monarchy so that such events as today will be less likely to occur.”

Lvor looked at her stunned. “Your Majesty, you would divide your power in such a way?”

Freyja nodded. “If it will prevent any further killing, then so it shall be.” She turned to Archer. “What is the way the leadership on your planet is selected?”

“We choose people to represent us by way of vote. Whoever gets the greatest number of people to choose them fills the role that the vote is taken for.”

“So you were chosen as the representative of your planet in this way?”

Archer paused and nodded. “I suppose you could put it that way, yes.”

Freyja smiled. “Then that is how we shall select our council. All will be allowed to choose who they wish to represent us.”

“Your Majesty,” Lvor interjected, bowing to her. “We will still need one with to make the final decisions. I choose you for this role. You have chosen to give up your right to sole ownership of decisions. I know not of any other in our history that has done so---not even in the name of peace. You are truly a wise and dedicated leader. It would please me greatly to have a leader whom will do what is in the best interests of each and everyone of us.”

The other guards around them put down their weapons and bowed to her as well. The monarch looked overwhelmed as though she couldn’t quite believe her eyes. She smiled and nodded. “If the others agree, I would be honored, Lvor.”

“I have no doubt that once they hear of your decision, they will feel the same.”

“Captain, I need to get her to Sickbay. Her wound is most severe and I fear that if it’s not healed soon it could be fatal.”

Archer nodded and looked down at the queen. “Do you think that you can walk?”

“That wouldn’t be wise. She has lost a great deal of blood. It would be better if she didn’t.”

Archer sighed. “All right, Doctor. You get your medical equipment. I’ll help her get aboard.” To everyone’s surprise, Archer slipped a hand under the woman’s back and another under her knees, lifting her so that she was cradled in his arms much like one would a child and he exited the room. The others followed them, Trip and T’Pol exchanging a look of amusement, Phlox closely behind grinning jovially.

**********

Sickbay aboard Enterprise, 12 hours later…

“She should be just fine, Captain. A surprising number of her people volunteered to offer their blood to replenish the amount she had lost. She should be returned to the surface and given a couple of days to rest before becoming heavily active.”

“Will she be able to walk any time soon?”

“The Briliarins are a surprisingly resilient species. She should be able to walk at least to her quarters on the planet.”

Archer nodded and slipped behind the curtains to see Freyja clipping the last of her jewels to her tail. He smiled. “You should be able to return home now.”

She turned to him and offered a warm smile. “Thank you, Jonathon, for all of your help. You have helped to avert a civil war that could have ended in disaster.”

“It seems that’s our primary mission at times.”

“We owe your people a debt of gratitude. Please don’t hesitate to ask if there’s ever anything that we can do for you.” Archer followed her out from behind the curtain and saw Trip and T’Pol as well as Lieutenant Reed standing beside Phlox.

Archer grinned. “Excellent work, Mr. Reed.”

“Thank you, sir. But I can’t take all the credit. Ensign Sato came up with a brilliant idea that we were about to put into action before the fighters pulled away.”

Archer nodded. “Good work, Ensign.”

“Thank you, Captain,” Hoshi replied grinning.

Freyja stepped forward meeting Trip’s eyes. “I owe you an apology, Commander Tucker. I am sorry that we held you accountable for Talvic’s actions.”

Trip grinned. “It’s all right. No harm done.”

“Still, your people have my gratitude.” Her eyes flickered to T’Pol. “Your beloved is fortunate to have you.”

He nodded and gripped T’Pol’s hand in his. Archer looked on in surprise while Reed smirked and Phlox smiled knowingly.

Archer felt a hand on his cheek and turned to find Freyja standing in front of him smiling. “Thank you, Jonathon---for everything.” She then leaned forward brushing his lips gently with hers before pulling away and exiting Sickbay. He smiled somewhat dazedly as he watched her leave, a cough snapping his attention back to the others in the room. Trip and Reed shared an evil grin and T’Pol’s eyebrows were so high that they nearly disappeared into her hair. Phlox had a wide grin on his face, his eyes sparkling mischievously.

“Found a little romance here, huh, Captain?”

Archer chuckled at his friend. “I see you did, too, Trip,” he said motioning toward T’Pol.

Trip’s cheeks colored slightly. “Ah, shove it, will you?”

There was a moment of utter silence before everyone burst out laughing with the exception of T’Pol whose eyebrows were raised even higher.

**********

Captain’s Log Supplemental

Freyja of the Briliarins sent me a communication today to inform me of the beginning of talks among their people concerning the formation of their new government. The talks seem to be going well and it would appear that the planet is on its way to planetary peace.

**********


Archer’s quarters, a few days later…

“So…how did it go from ‘she hardly looks at me anymore’ to ‘beloved?” Archer asked, an eyebrow raised.

Trip nearly choked on the Bourbon he’d just took a drink of. “Like I told Malcolm, that’s between me and T’Pol.”

“Come on, Trip. Is there something going on that I don’t know about?”

“Don’t feel to left out. Only three people on this ship know what’s going on: T’Pol, me, and Phlox.”

“I’m going to assume that Phlox’s part in this falls under Doctor-patient confidentiality?”

Trip nodded. “Right in one. Now, Jon---I’d appreciate it if you would keep any of your theories to yourself on this. It’s a big enough deal that you, Malcolm, and Phlox know what you do. The last thing T’Pol and I need is for Starfleet or any of the crew to find out about this.”

Archer nodded. “Oh and T’Pol will be in command temporarily. I need to remember to inform the rest of the crew.”

Trip gave Archer a knowing smile. “Going to see Captain Hernandez?”

Archer nodded. “The Doctors are saying she should be waking up from the coma any day now---and I want to be there when she does.”

“I understand, Captain. I figured you would when you got the news.” Trip paused. “I want to be there, too. And it just so happens T’Pol has a little something she needs to take care of on Earth so we’ll both be there.”

Archer grinned. “Well, then I suppose Mr. Reed will be in command until we get back.”

“It’ll be good for him. Hoshi, too.”

Archer raised his glass. “To an adventurous four years. May we have a great many more.”

“Here, here,” Trip said raising his as well.

With this, each took a swallow of the Bourbon, basking in the warmth of it.

TBC…

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Sneak Peek of My Post-These Are The Voyages story(ies)…just to keep you all interested. Yes, I’ve devised a way to counter that horrid series finale!!! Ha ha ha!!! ::evil grin::

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T’Pol’s Apartment, one week after Enterprise’s decommission…

She was putting the last of the oil lamps out as the glow of the moon filtered through the blinds. The lights were low and a soft, smooth melody was streaming in the background, giving the setting an almost romantic quality.

Once the scene was complete, she sat down on the pillow she had placed on the floor. She crossed her legs getting comfortable and focused her attention on the flame before closing her eyes.

She was in the white room again with Trip sitting before here. ”I’ve been waitin’ all day for this.”

T’Pol raised an eyebrow at him. ”I can’t always keep you entertained. Your emotions are distracting and they make it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t help it. I’m bored as hell. It’d be nice if I at least had some engineering schematics to look at or a polo match to watch.”

“I apologize that I can’t provide you these things while you are in this state.”

“Have you told anyone yet?”

T’Pol looked away. ”No. I haven’t told anyone yet.”

”Why in the hell not?”

“It is not the right time.”

“When is it going to be the right time?”

“I don’t know!” T’Pol flinched slightly. ”I apologize. Your katra is beginning to intertwine with mine. As such it is becoming difficult to maintain control.”

“All the more reason to tell somebody. I mean, it should work right?”

T’Pol nodded. ”Of course assuming that my theory is correct.”

“For your sanity and mine, let’s hope it is.”



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Half a dozen of you have made comments

Oooh, be careful with the "make a new body to house his katra" scenario, Gina. I tried it once. It didn't go over too well. Nice conclusion to the cat people storyline, though!

That was nice! Although, I thought the whole isn’t it possible that Talvic is the leader of a rebellion fighting for men’s rights” thing was a bit out of nowhere. Still, can't wait for more! :)

I like the direction of your story. Any deviation from TATV is refreshing!!!

I'm interested in the NC17 version but can't figure out for the life of me what your email address is??? I tried to look up your author name in HoT memberlsit to no avail...please give me a hint! :-)

in response to ladydi...my email addy is writing_teen15@yahoo.com

for those of you who come back to this story, i've decided to switch it up a bit for the next story. I've finally discovered the secret!!! I know what makes me love a story therefore I will be using that knowledge to reel in some of you that have strayed. get ready for tears, laughter, action, and betrayal!!! The next story will be a long one. You know how they do those one-hour series premieres? Well, I've decided to do something similiar for the season five premiere...I'll give you a couple things that won't spoil things too much...Title: Conflict Eminent. Pairings: A/H, T/TP, R/S M/OFC

For those of you asking for the NC-17 version, I will be working on that during the series break, which will soon be hopefully.