The Torture, II-Pt 4

The Torture Ship II

By JD1

Part Four (Continuing the story, Chapters 15- 17)

Rating: PG, romance, and some action/adventure
Disclaimers in Part One

Author’s Note: Sorry about taking so long. But guess what? I finally thought of the whole point/plot line of the story! No, I'm just kidding, but I did finally think of the way I want the story to kind of lean back toward the Taso. But there's also the fact it hasn't really leaned away yet. Hmm, now I know you're curious as to what I have up my sleeve. I guess you'll have to wait and find out!

Summary: What happens when T’Pol’s parents come to visit?

Chapter 15

In-Laws

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**Mess Hall, Later that night**

The two Ambassadors had gone back to their ship and left an hour ago. Almost the entire crew, that wasn’t on duty, had assembled in the Mess Hall to celebrate the fact that a Human and Vulcan had permission to get married.

Their party had all the nature noises; shouting, screaming, people talking over each other, music blaring, and all that other stuff. They could be heard all the way up to the bridge and the nightshift up there would have sworn Earth could as well.

The party had started at around 1800 hours and was still in full swing by 0100 hours. Although by then, the majority of the people were drunk and/or unconscious. Trip, Archer, Malcolm (after some persuasion), Hoshi, and Travis were among those drunk. T’Pol, who would not consume any of the alcohol, remained amused at how they were acting and what they were talking about it their drunken state.

T’Pol wished everyone goodnight and went back to her quarters, finally feeling uncomfortable around the drunk crew and horrible stench of the alcohol. When she entered her room, she almost smiled at the prospect of the entire morning crew with hangovers. This was going to be fun to she.

**The Next Morning, Bridge**

She was right; everyone except herself had a horrible headache. Dr. Phlox refused to treat them even if they did actually find the time to do so. Captain Archer sat soundly in his chair as he massaged his temple and tried to ignore and sound that existed.

“Sir, there’s a ship. It just dropped… of warp. It’s… Vulcan, I think,” Mayweather forced himself to say, although he did it as quietly as possible.

“The Ambassador’s ship?”

“No, sir.”

“Hail them.”

“Aye, sir,” Hoshi hit a few buttons and winced at the sound her delicate ears picked up.

The screen turned from a starry background to a Vulcan’s face. His insignia showed that he was a Captain; something Captain Archer had become familiar in detecting from the frequent visits from them. “Captain Archer, I am Captain Seval of the transport ship T’Pic.”

“Captain, what can I do for you?”

“We are transporting two passengers who wished to be allowed to visit one of your crew members,” Seval answered.

“Really? Who… uh, what member?” Archer asked, unaware that they may be transporting humans or that anyone would want to see the Sub-Commander.
“Sub-Commander T’Pol’s parents are on board. They wished to see her and advise her of their… opinions towards her current predicament.” At T’Pol’s name, she immediately gave the Vulcan Captain her full attention. At the thought of her parents, she instantly started to freak out, in a way that only one other member of the crew could pick up on.

“You… know about…” Archer attempted to explain.

“Hers and the Commander’s betrothal? Of course, all of Vulcan practically does.”

The bluntness of his statement would have made Archer laugh if his head didn’t hurt so much.

“That would figure,” he mumbled before turning to T’Pol to see the look of absolute horror written on her face; ok, it wasn’t written, but it was there for a friend to be able to see. Even though he didn’t know the depth of all this, he did know that her parents weren’t likely to appreciate this.

“Please inform them that we meet them at the docking bay in thirty standard minutes.” With that, the screen went blank and T’Pol turned on her heels, presumably to go get Trip and prepare him for the shock that awaits them.

**Docking Bay**

Trip stood on the right of the docking bay door, T’Pol next to him and Archer across. Trip’s hands were nervously massaging his temple for his hangover was still in full force. ‘Why did they have to pick today of all days to come and say hi,’ Trip thought in annoyance as he starred, almost frightened, at the door. He found that he was actually afraid that they would go against their word to T’Pol and not allow her to marry him. Though it was not their choice, sometimes parents had that effect over their children.

T’Pol, on the other hand, felt the same way as Trip; she was afraid that they’d reject both of them, ban her from the family, and leave her with only shame. She knew that she would be at least scowled by them for choosing a Human over Kos, but that was the last of her worries. T’Pol, in her fear of them, stood as straight as her spine would allow. Her face was calm, centered, and utterly emotionless.

Archer, who had no real part in this at all, tried to keep his exterior calm and make sure he had on his best diplomatic face. But the interior was in just as much chaos as his friends. Though he knew nothing of T’Pol’s previous wedding arrangements nor her parents, he still knew that must human parent remained the deciding factor. And for some, that scared him. It didn’t affect him in the slightest, but it did affect his best friend and chief Engineer along with his First Officer, Science Officer, and someone he had learned to call a friend.

A hiss came from the chamber that was in-between the two door. The sound, that seemed to echo in both Archer and Trip’s ears, was a sign that the ship had docked and the chamber had begun to decompress.

Amazingly, at this sound T’Pol straightened even farther than before. Trip’s jaw hardened into place as his lips formed a thin line. His eyes changed from being terrified to a determined and even curious gaze at the door.

The door slid opened as it faded away into the wall. Two figures walked out; one Vulcan male, the other a female Vulcan. The male appeared quite old from the white that tinted his black hair. The skin that covered his face had clearly started to wrinkle with the time. He robes were those of a Vulcan diplomat. The royal blue material moved easily with him as he approached T’Pol. His belt that he wore to keep his robes fastened, had Vulcan writing, printed in gold, that ran down it.

The female also had whitening hair. Wrinkles had begun to appear on her face as she grew older. Her robes were also those of a diplomat but her were pure gold. The belt that tied around her waist was made in the same color as her robes but the Vulcan printing was written in silver. The tail of her robes followed her as she, too, walked gracefully to T’Pol.

“Greetings, T’Pol,” the elder man said as he raised his hand up in the traditional Vulcan greeting. His voice was deep and, if the average Human, strained their ears they would have her the joy in his voice. But Trip, used to picking up the slight emotions T’Pol let escape into her voice, could hear it and immediately like the guy.

T’Pol, who first responded with the inclination of her head, also raised her hand in the same ‘V’ shaped greeting and said, “Father, Mother, this is quite… unexpected.”

“Indeed,” her mother answered. Her voice was similar to T’Pol’s and, like all Vulcans, it held no emotion.

“And which of these two is Commander Tucker,” her mother asked, not as a question but more of an order.

Trip almost sheepishly raised his hand slightly. “I am, I guess.”

“You guess? Do you not know your own title?” Her mother was in his face. She could be quite intimidating and Trip guessed this was the least of what she was capable of.

“It was merely human humor,” T’Pol stated to her mother, sensing Trip’s uncomfort and trying to back her off.

As her mother took the que and back off only to walked over to Archer and ask him, “And you are?”

“Captain Jonathan Archer,” he responded.

T’Pol’s mother nodded politely, then she turned back to her daughter and eyed her suspiciously. After saying something in Vulcan, T’Pol became quiet embarrassed. Trip, having read her thoughts and knew what her mother said, tried very hard to keep from laughing while Archer remained in his own private and ignorant world. T’Pol’s mother, seeing him smiling, looked at him and asked, “You know Vulcan?”

“Just a little, ma’am,” Trip said as calmly and politely as he possibly could with her scrutinizing gaze on him.

“Kon’se’fi’ta?”

Trip saw T’Pol out of the corner of his eye as she thought telepathically repeated, ‘She asked, ‘why don’t I believe you?’. Tell her, ‘To’se’fe ti’pe’ta.’

“To’se’fe ti’pe’ta,” Trip said as instructed before asking T’Pol, ‘What did I just say?’

‘I know more than you think.’

“Interesting,” T’Pol’s mother muttered in a response to Trip’s comment; neither of them heard it due to their own conversation.

“Uh, if you’d like, T’Pol can escort you to your quarters,” Archer said as all four sets of eyes turned to him. In his attempt to take the heat off Trip and T’Pol he inadvertently put it completely on himself, something he didn’t mean to do.

“Yes, of course,” T’Pol’s father said. T’Pol looked at Archer and he knew it said ‘thank-you’, before she lead them off to the quarters picked out only seconds before their arrival.

Once they were out of earshot, Trip let go of the breath he had been holding ever since he got the news. “Mother-in-laws, I guess it’s true that they can’t stand their daughter’s husband no matter the race,” Archer commented in a sarcastic manner.

“I’m sure she would’ve adored Kos,” Trip mutter and, after he saw Archer’s confused look, he realized that it wasn’t muttered enough. So he just shook his head and replied, “Never mind, it’s a long story. Anyway, how ‘bout her dad. He seemed ok.” Archer shrugged his shoulders as they walked toward the turbolift.

**Meanwhile at T’Pol’s Parent’s Quarters**

They didn’t speak while they walked down the corridors but the second they entered the door, “You rejected Kos and took this… human to be your mate! I knew we should have never allowed you to come and stay this long with the humans,” T’Pol’s mother exploded, but it was a controlled explosion (of course).
T’Pol looked away; not ashamed of her choice but of how her answer would seem to her people and even, a little, to herself.

“T’Pela, please control yourself,” T’Pol’s father addressed his wife before facing T’Pol. “T’Pol, before I will pass judgment on your Commander Ticker, I wish to be allowed to better acquaint myself with him.”

T’Pol’s head snapped up to met his brown eyes. The slight shimmer of emotion that had always been there, show brighter than before and T’Pol knew that he was truly prod and happy for her.

She nodded her head and answered his request with, “If the Captain has no objections, perhaps you will join myself, the Captain, and Trip for dinner this evening.” Her father nodded, though clearly baffled by the names she said. He had checked the background of Commander Tucker before they had left and his first name was not ‘Trip’. “Trip is the Commander’s nickname, I address him by that name while off duty.”

Her father’s confusion cleared and he looked over at his wife. She, too, nodded her head in acceptance of her daughter’s proposal. “Then I will met you at the Captain’s Private Dinning Room at 1900 hours.” With that, she turned on her heals and left.

When the doors closed T’Pela asked her husband, “How will you get to know Commander Tucker over dinner, Sevel?”

Sevel, who dealt with the Humans as part of his job and also found them very interesting beings, knew much more about them than his wife. He turned to face her and replied, “In their society they often talk while eating. I believe they call it… ‘little-talk’.”

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A.N. T’Pol’s parents, hum this’ll be fun. Please R/R and tell me any ideas you might have on how to make them act later on.

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Chapter 16

Nightmares

Author’s Note: I had been told how my stories a little confusing, and yes that’s good because it’s supposed to be that way. Once the story is over, I think and hope that it will make a lot more sense. Hope ya like the story!
Summary: Do T’Pol’s parents know more than it seems?

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Archer and Trip asked polite questions about T’Pol’s parents, their jobs, what they were doing, and just whatever to pass time. T’Pol sat quietly as her parents, mostly her father, answered the questions.

When dinner was finally served, two crewmen walked out carting trays of food. One handed a type of Vulcan salad to the Vulcans; T’Pol sitting on her usual side of the table and her parents were sitting across from her. The other crewman handed Trip and Archer, who sat at the ends of the table, steak and potatoes.

Trip looked down at his food and scowled slightly. Then he looked up at the crewman and said, "Uh, actually I think I’ll have a salad. I’m not really in the mood for meat." The confused crewman took the plate and handed him a bowl of salad.

‘Trying to suck up to my parents?’

Trip looked over at T’Pol and gave her a sly grin before thinking, ‘Naturally.’

He took a bit of his salad as T’Pela gave him a suspicious look. "Interesting."

"That I like salad?" Trip asked, not understanding what she meant by that. She raised an eyebrow but otherwise ignored him. He took it as a sign to stop there and he respected that. Instead he asked Sevel, "So, Sevel, what do ya do as a diplomat. I mean, what do ya specialize in? Anythin’ in particular?"

Sevel, almost eager to speck with his future son-in-law, stopped eating, looked at him, and answered, "I specialize in Vulcan/Human issues. T’Pela works mostly with internal matters."

"Cool. So, what was one of your latest…cases?"

Sevel looked far away as he seemed to remember something:

"How could this help your…employers?"

"We will…consult your people, of course. But it is purely the choice of fate, not us or you."

He blinked once or twice before saying, huskily, "Something very… different and…quite unbelievable." Sevel and Trip’s eyes locked as Trip searched to see exactly what he had just said. He found that he spoke the truth. The only other thing, was that it seemed Sevel allowed his emotions to be far closer to the surface.

T’Pela, not really liking where this conversation could head, inquired, "How are the wedding preparations coming along?"

T’Pol, who had remained silent, said, "Well."

"Human or Vulcan?"

"Human ceremony, then," Trip paused, sensing T’Pol’s panic. "Uh, yea…yea, human."

Though the behavior was peculiar, neither directly questioned Trip about it.

Instead T’Pela asked T’Pol, "Vor’ti’pe Human ta’ho’ta’la."

Trip could perceive that T"Pol was very upset at her mother’s, what seemed like a, accusation. He dug into her mind slightly so he could understand what was just said. ‘You’ve allowed the human to have his own traditions forced upon you.’ Once he knew this, he could feel his own anger rising, though he only allowed it to be seen in his eyes.

"Te’pel’te’so cun’tal’fa, Trip." Trip, having not left her mind, knew that she said that both of them had made the decision of how they would get married.

Archer, having no knowledge of the Vulcan language, sat oblivious to what was being said. The looks on the other four occupants in the room told him that it was not pleasant. "Sub-Commander, how is your analyzis of the scans we took coming along?" It was a simple, innocent question designed to change the topic to something a little less…hostile.

"I am close to completing it, Captain."

The next half hour passed quietly as they ate in silence Sevel was quickly growing to like, respect, and admire Trip, while his wife was finding more reason to hate him.

**Trip’s Quarters**

"So, what’s the deal with you and your mother? You two don’t seem to be on the friendliest of terms," Trip asked after waiting patiently for her to finish meditating.

T’Pol stood up and walked over to his bed, in which he was sitting up in to read his PADD. She sat down and allowed herself to be enveloped in his strong arms. Her back was on his chest and her cheek was rested on his.

She sighed, then answered his question, "My mother and I have never been very…close with my mother. My father was the one I was…I believe Humans say ‘was close to’."

Trip nodded. "Yea, it was opposite for me. My father was the one who always pushed me real hard. He always said that I could be better at everything and he tried to force me to see that. My mom, though, was a very kind, gentle person. She was the one I ‘was close to’ ‘cause she was the one who got my dad off my back long enough fer me to get outta the house."

T’Pol looked at him and saw that he, too, had done the same. He smiled at her and she returned the gesture. "I suppose that all families are quite different."
"Yet so alike," Trip added and she bowed her head slightly, not taking her eyes off his. He then kissed her forehead and rested his own on hers.

**T’Pol’s Parent’s Quarters**

"And why should we believe you? Or help you for that matter?"

"The process has been completed. Send someone to check on them soon. But remember, you must appear angry and or they will become suspicious."

Sevel’s eyes sprung opened as the memories he fought to burry resurfaced. His meditation had gone nowhere and sleep would not take him. He was lying in the bed the humans had provided for himself and his wife.

He could feel the slight sweat that had gathered on his forehead. His heart rate had returned to its natural speed after it had been racing. His silk robes that he wore to bed, were clutching to his bed because of all the sweat.

He looked over at his wife, sleeping peacefully. Carefully, he stood up and walked out the door. He headed to the Mess Hall in hopes that some hot tea would help him sleep.

When he walked in, he saw that he was not the only one with insomnia that night. Commander Charles ‘Trip’ Tucker was standing, starring out into the stars. Sevel walked quietly up behind him and, he too, looked out the window as well. The stars flow by so fast it only allowed the naked eye the ability to see white lines.

"When I was a boy, I would stare at the night sky for hours on end. My dream was to enter the Vulcan Science Academy but my parents would not let me. They told me to become a diplomat and I did."

"If my parents told me that I couldn’t be in Starfleet, I woulda freaked." Trip had not turned around but he knew who it was because of the voice. After a pause, he turned around and looked Sevel in the eye. "Sir, if you don’t mind my askin’, but why are your people so… content on controllin’ their children’s lives. Arranged marriages, tellin’ them what job t’ get, how t’ live their lives."

Sevel almost smiled at him; it was a good question. His people had that tendency to do that; it was just their culture. He sighed and looked back out the window. "I have no idea. Perhaps to make it seem we have some control over something besides our emotions."

"Yea," Trip turned back to the window and watched the stars pass them. After a minute or two of silence, Trip asked, "Couldn’t sleep?"

"No," was the flat statement that Sevel hoped wouldn’t cause any more attention.

"Me neither. Bad dream?" Trip asked with a small smirk. It was meant as a joke but the annoyed raised eyebrow told Trip he didn’t appreciate it. So he shut up and looked out the window.

"And you, why could you not sleep?"

"Uh, I was just thinking about something that happened awhile ago. T’Pol and I were captured for three weeks. They blocked our memories and neither of us has ever been able to remember much. I’ve tried, but I’ve… can’t recall anything."

Sevel looked guilty and was glad Trip couldn’t see him. "That would give anyone insomnia."

To Be Continued

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A.N. Hmm, what were all of Sevel’s dreams about. Hmm, I wonder. R/R if you know.
Oh, yea, I know taking the extra ten seconds to click on the button to review is so hard, but I need reviews. Else wise I wont write any more. Well, actually I will because even I’m a little curious as to where I’m taking this story, but you know what I mean.

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Chapter 17

Fears

Author’s Note: Hey, look, people reviewed. *gasps* Thanks for those of you that did. Anyway, I don’t have anything to say. So, just enjoy the Chapter.

Summary: When T’Pol’s parents are recalled on assignment, what does it entail?

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**Bridge**

It was a quiet afternoon and not much was going on. Though no one would say that for fear of jinxing it. Everyone worked in silent peace, as they were all grateful for the time to relax.

“Captain, there’s a communiqué from the Vulcan High Command for T’Pol’s parents. It top priority.”

“Contact them.”

“Sevel, T’Pela, I have an incoming communiqué from the High Command. Would you like me to patch it through to your quarters?”

“Yes, thank-you,” came Sevel’s voice. Hoshi pressed a few buttons, which were followed by an annoying beep.

**T’Pol’s Parent’s Quarters**

“Is there something I can help you with, Vorek?”

“You must come back to Vulcan at once,” Vorek said in a fretful voice.

“They’re back?” T’Pela asked from behind her husband.

“They will be in three days and they will want you there.” Vorek seemed very afraid of these people.

“We will come immediately,” Sevel said, and then turned off the monitor. Sevel closed his eyes and sighed, “I did not think they would come back so soon.”

“They will want a report, no doubt.”

Sevel nodded, “We should inform the T’Pic.” After a short pause, as Sevel was reflecting, he said, “I did not wish my career to come to this; fearing the people who need us not the other way around.”

“Neither did I, but we must do this. For the sake of all our people.”

“And what of our daughter? Do we sacrifice her for our people?” Sevel asked in complete sincerity.

T’Pela looked away, “If it comes to that, we must… and we will.”

Just then, the chime sounded, startling both of them. When T’Pela opened the door, said gasped T’Pol stood just outside. “T’Pol.”

“Mother, may I enter?” T’Pela stepped aside and allowed her daughter to come in. “I was informed that you received a communiqué. Anything important?”
“I’m afraid we had to leave.”

“Is there something you need?” Her father asked.

“I want to know why you’re here,” she responded after a pause.

“Can we not visit our daughter and her sa’i’fe?”

T’Pol closed her eyes and sighed inwardly. She would not get an answer and she should have never tried. “Than I will leave you to pack.” She walked out the door and left her parents to just that.

**Three Days Later On Vulcan**

T’Rith, Vorek, T’Pela, and Sevel waited patiently but with theirs fear rising inside. On the other side of the triangular table, sat the human delegates who were equally as scared. White was one of those four. The straight edge of the table was reserved for the four delegates the so openly feared.

The door swooshed opened and four men walked in. The first two, the other eight recognized as Tecion and Tion. Tecion was an Ambassador for his masters and Tion was his assistant.

Tecion was very well built and towered over the young Tion. Tion had dark hair and eyes just like Tecion. Both had brown spots running along the bottom of their faces and across their foreheads.

The two men behind them had the same dark hair and eyes along with the fair complexion that seemed to be apart of their race. The spots, that were quite prominent on the first two, were clearly marked on their faces as well.

The older one, who seemed to be in his late forties in human years, had a very dominant stance. He was strong and muscular and well built for his age. Even though Tecion’s height, he only stood taller than the older man by a few inches.
The second one was much shorter and appeared to be only thirty years old. He had muscles but not nearly as many as Tecion or Terion. His eyes were eerily malevolent. They belonged to the kind of man that laughed at death.

Both wore a leathery, restricting uniform. The navy blue material covered every inch of skin from their neck down; they even had gloves that covered their hands. The older had seven silver pips on his shoulder while the other only had five on his.

“Gentlemen, Ladies, I’d like you to met the Captain and Doctor in charge of the… mission.” Tecion started, a grin spreading over his face. He pointed to the oldest first when he began to introduce them. “This is Captain Terion and his Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Uion.”

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A.N. *eerie music* Hmm, what are the Taso doing meeting with Starfleet and the Vulcans? He, he, he, I know something you don’t know. And I’m not goanna tell you. *sticks out tongue*
Anyway, please R/R and give me any ideas, connections to things that seem trivial or stupid or things that made no sense at the time.
Oh yea, for anyone who didn’t get it, sa’i’fe means husband, fiancé. That kind of thing.

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Author’s Note: Guess what! They’re getting married (finally). So, what’s the catch, you say? I guess you’re going have to read and find out. What a horrible thought. Hope ya like! (I’m hyper at the moment, leave me alone)

Summary: So what’s a wedding like on Enterprise?

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Chapter 18

Holy Matrimony

**Four Months Later on Enterprise**

It was finally that day. Only a few hours ago they had just finished the rehersal ceremony and were done with dinner. As they ate, dinner was filled with jokes and plenty of laughter over what happened, the two's previous relationship and how far they've gone, and other things like that.

After dinner, they spent ten minutes trying to explain the custom that the groom and bride are not allowed to see each other on their wedding day. Slowly, Archer, Phlox, and Travis left, leaving Trip, T'Pol, Malcolm, and Hoshi there.

"Trip, you can stay at my quarters for the night considering that yours are barely even down the corridor and mine our two decks away from T'Pol's."

"Thanks, Mal. Well, we should be going then." Trip kissed T'Pol and unwrapped him self from her. She stood so she was off his lap and he and Malcolm walked out.

Hoshi smile covered her face as soon as the door closed. "What?"

"I would love to see what they're about to do."

"What do you mean?"

Hoshi smile and shook her head, "Come on, I'll explain it on the way."

"What is the point of a… bachelor party?" Hoshi had been describing a bachelor party to T'Pol as they walked to her quarters.

Once they were almost to the door, she said, "Just to have some fun for the last day that you're single." T'Pol pressed the release to her door and was shocked to find that half the female crew was inside. "This is called a bachelorette party. Same thing, but for the women," she clarified as she almost dragged her into her own room.

**Meanwhile, at Malcolm's Quarters**

Trip and Malcolm walked in and found Archer, Travis, and the entire male engineering and security staff in Malcolm's quarters. Trip's grin spread all over his face as he looked at Malcolm. "We couldn't resist. We just had to give you a bachelor party."

"Come on in," was what ushered Trip in.

Archer pulled out a bottle of burmun and started pouring it to everyone to make his toast. "To my best friend, Trip, the one who had the courage to be different. The strength to keep going when your own people rejected the idea. And the love to not give up."

"To Trip," was the echo from everyone.

**Back at T'Pol's Quarters**

"Another strange tradition we humans have, is that the bride has 'something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue'. So here's your 'something new'." Hoshi picked up a black velvet box, much like the box her engagement ring had been in.

"That's from the entire crew," Ensign Cutler stated.

Inside were two gold rings. She picked one up and noticed the Vulcan writing inscribed around it. It said, 'un fat'i, un trat, un katra,' which means, 'one body, one heart, one soul'.

"They're your wedding rings. I'll give them to Malcolm, if you want tomorrow. He'll know what to do with them," Hoshi offered and was handed the box.

"Thank-you," T'Pol said in a polite tone before being handed another box.

"Here's your 'something borrowed'," Lieutenant Hess said.

She opened it and found that it held a book. "'Human Marriage Rituals'. This will be very useful." Her comment was met by a wave of laughter and she found that she even smiled.

"Your 'something blue', from me. T'Pol was handed a thin, rectangular box as soon as the laughing died down. Inside was a heart necklace. In the heart, there was a blue crystal. "It's a locket. Go ahead, open it," Hoshi urged. T'Pol did as she was told and discovered that there was a small picture of the crew. Her eyes watered; touched by the gesture.

"We couldn't find anything for 'something old', sorry," Cutluer admitted.

T'Pol smiled and looked down at her left hand. "That's ok, I think I already have it." She raised her hand and showed the engagement ring to them. "Trip said that it had been in his family for generations."

**Back at Malcolm's Quarters**

It was midnight and everyone was gone. The two created a makeshift bed on Malcolm's couch. "I can't wait to see T'Pol in a white dress." Malcolm and Trip laughed at his comment.

"Sorry t' burst yer bubble, but T'Pol ain't wearing a dress. She wearin' some kinda Vulcan robes."

"She takes all the fun out of life. It's getting late; you don't want to fall asleep during you own wedding." Trip laughed and walked to the bed they just finished making. "Hey, why don't you take the bed and I'll take the couch."

"Ya sure?"

"Yea, you need the sleep."

Malcolm started to get into the bed when Trip said, "Thanks fer everythin', Mal. This, the party, yer support, and friendship."

"No problem."

**The Next Morning, Mess Hall**

The Mess Hall had been transformed into a small church in which Trip and T'Pol could be married. Archer, Trip, and Malcolm waited at the end of the room. Trip was a complete nervous wreck. "Calm down, Trip."

"Right, Jon." He took a deep breath and looked around the room. The entire crew was there; all crammed in. They were talking quietly as they waiting patiently for the ceremony to begin.

The music began and Hoshi started to walk down taking slow and graceful steps. She wore lose fitting robes that were pale blue and had a gold poncho over it. Her hair was up in a loosely done bun and a few strands had fallen in her face.

The next people to come, was Travis escorting T'Pol. They walked in an even pass in complete symmetry together. Her own robes were pure white and freely wrapped on her body. While Travis had his dress uniform on and was grinning madly. Even T’Pol’s mouth was curved up in a slight smile.

To both Trip and T'Pol, the ceremony was a blur. The voices slowed and muffled as they focused purely on each other. But what did registered, was when Malcolm handed each of them a ring. Trip took T’Pol’s left hand and slid it on gently. “With this ring, I thee wed.” Then T’Pol repeated the process by taking Tip’s left hand and sliding the ring on it. Then she finished the act by saying, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

Then, Archer completed his speech by saying, “For as long as ships have sailed the sea, those Captains have had the great honor to join to people in holy matrimony. And now it is my turn. By the powers invested in me…I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Trip turned towards T’Pol and looked intensely into her eyes. He brought a hand up to cup the side of her check before he gave her a passionate kiss. Once the hissing and cheering had subsided, Archer announced, “For the first time, I present to you Mr. And Mrs. Charles Tucker III.”

Trip and T’Pol had already turned when they had been introduced. They ran down the aisle, trying to avoid the large clumps of rice that was being chucked at them.

Once outside the room, Trip was laughing madly while T’Pol just smiled at him. Even though she was smiling, she still was obviously confused by something. “What was the purpose of thro wing uncooked food at us?”

“Who knows? It’s just a tradition. Come on,” Trip took her hand and they walked to her quarters. She still hadn’t explained what they would be doing for the rituals, but Trip’s imagination was taking care of that.

********************

Chapter 19

Waiting

Author’s Note: *Sigh* I know this chapter’s short, but it’s also the last one. Well, the last one of this part. If I get enough reviews saying they want more, I’m going to continue with my half planned out story called ‘The Messiah’. I’m not entirely sure when I’m going to post it; most likely a week or so.

Summary: A nameless man, ponders his thoughts as his ships leaves the planet.

**T'Pol's Quarters**

After four hours of meditation and weird rituals that Trip didn't dare ask what they were about or for. Now, Trip and T'Pol lay down in her bed. Trip held T'Pol contently in his arms as her head was rested in its usual spot on his chest.

Trip looked down at he sleeping form; completely peaceful and innocent. Then he looked over at the chronometer and saw that the time was 23:17. He let his eyes drop and his mind drift off. The events of the day finally hit him and the void of unconscious bliss over came him.

He stood, starring out into space. Four planets were outside the window. One was almost completely green and had small areas where it was a purplish blue. The planet next, to that one, was brown and turquoise.

The third planet was red. A hot molten red and appeared to have hundreds of craters on it. The planet, which was next to the third one, was golden brown and crystal blue with huge patches of green. That planet was the only one with rings. They were multicolored and added an extra shin to the colors of the planet.

He took a step closer and they all started to move around; reorder themselves. First, the red planet disappeared. Slowly, the green one and then the brown and turquoise followed suit and vanished, leaving only the brown and blue one remaining. He stared at the planet and absorbed every detail. His eyes missed nothing, not even the different hues.

His eyes snapped opened. He looked around and remembered that he was in T’Pol’s room. He looked down at her in his arms. She was still asleep, as he was thankful for. He looked back at the chronometer; at least it felt like it was only moments ago. In reality, it read 04:23 and proved that he had been asleep for a little over five hours.

He thought back to the planet in his dream. He remembered the planet and all the details he had captured. It had seemed like only seconds that he had been looking at it, but it had been hours that he had.

It seemed as though it was something important and that he shouldn’t forget. He shook his head and thought, ‘no, no it wasn’t anything. Just a dream.’ He kissed T’Pol’s hair and let his eyes close.

**Vulcan’s Orbit**

He looked out the window, starring down at the green planet. He had just come aboard his ship from Vulcan moments ago. They were to leave and report back to their masters.

His eyes gazed blankly looking at the view in front of him. His eyes were hollow and unseeing as the conversation continued to play in his head.

"And what if they don’t want one? I don’t know how your people do things, but, in our society, it’s a choice if we want one or not!"

He looked at him as an evil smile covered his face and easily seeped into his eyes. "Don’t worry about those kind of details. We’ve already taken care of it."

"And what’s that supposed to mean!?"

"Now, now. Don’t concern yourself with those insignificant things. It’s been taken care of, don’t you worry."

The plan had been set in motion long ago, but it would still take years before they could act. Their masters were a patient race, very patient; they would wait as long as necessary but they did not have much time. There was definably no time for delays or accidents. If something, like what was discussed before, happened, then it would have been for nothing. And that meant certain death for their masters, them, the Humans, and the Vulcans.

It would work; he knew it would. It had to work. The time would soon come that the prophecy said would be the new age. Their masters would rise and the illness would leave them.

As the planet steadily grew smaller, his thoughts became even more clouded. His eyes had not seen a thing and his ears heard nothing. This reality was a void to him as he became even more lost in his thoughts.

~The End of The Torture Ship~

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Remember to keep a look out for ‘The Messiah’.

R/R and tell me I should keep writing it too, of course.

One other thing, you might want to remember the dream thing. (hint, hint, it will become important.

I want to try something new. I have quite a bit of the story written and thought that having previews using parts of the story (like on TV where you take parts of the show to explain) and have given you an idea of where this is going to go (I hope).

So, let’s see if it’s any good and wither or not this works. Feel free to tell me because I might use this for some of my other stories in the future if you like it.

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"Fifteen years ago, your parents were captured."-Deacon

"You are a messiah."-Deacon

"How can I be a messenger to my own races when they already know me and have seen the message I represent?"-Shiloh

"Don’t ask questions that have answers you don’t want to hear."-Admiral Forrest

"Then don’t just make them listen, make them see."-Deacon

"Sir, they are powering for-" He was interrupted when the ship rocked as a single torpedo hit it. A blue light shoot out from the ship and hit the shielding.

"Shields are down."-Tactical Officer

"Do not worry, we will not harm you."-A Taso

"I know."-Shiloh

The boy looked up at the face, towering far above him. Suddenly, the man grabbed his arm and spun him around. The alien pointed a weapon at the surrounding people. "I do not wish to harm anyone. I only want the child."

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one."-Forrest

"Your life is merely a planed timer. Your existence is only a perfectly executed plan, flawless in its creation. You are here today simply because this is the time you were wished to."-Deacon

"Orders? Orders from who?"-Archer

"Merely a closure on an… old trade agreement."-Soval

"You went against our agreement!"-Admiral Forrest

"We had to be sure, this was the only way."-Uion

"I don’t think Starfleet’s the only one workin’ with the Taso."-Trip

"Your parents are two of the delegates."-Trip

"They told us that a Vulcan and Human would have a child that would save their masters. If we did not allow that to happen, they would kill all of us."-T’Rith

"And you just sat by and watched all this happen?"-Malcolm

"We didn’t have a choice."-T’Pela

************8

Hey! They finally got married. Oh joy! Oh rapture!
Please, R/R. And does anyone know what the whole point of throwing rice is? I never got that.

Return to pt. 3 of The Torture Ship II Chapters 12-14)

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Two folks have made comments

I absolutely adored this. My favourite part though was T'Pol telling Trip what to say in Vulcan to her mother while allowing her mother to think Trip could speak Vulcan. Lovely little conspiracy. I like the way her father is shaping up and can't wait for the next part. Thank you for a great story, Ali D :~)

Great Story looking forward to the next one!
BTW The throwing of rice is a ancient custom. It's a symbol of fertility. :)