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Deceptions

Author - Kevin | D | Genre - Drama | Genre - Episode Addition | Main Story | Rating - PG-13
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Deceptions

By Kevin

Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: The characters mentioned within this text are the sole property of Paramount Studios, UPN, and Viacom. I intend no infringement.
Genre: Drama
Summary: Scene additions to “The Xindi”. T’Pol has to convince Commander Tucker to accept neuropressure treatments and resorts to an old trick. In the process she finds she’s not the only one practicing deception.

Author’s Note: This story builds upon my two earlier stories T’Pol’s Choice and Loss of 80 IQ Points. You may wish to briefly review those stories prior to reading this one.


Subcomm… no, just T’Pol sat in command of Enterprise waiting for the team of MACOs to rescue Captain Archer and Commander Tucker. While monitoring the status of the away team and the approaching ships, she used the idle remnant of her brain to consider her current situation. She paused only briefly to consider the fact she was no longer a member of the Vulcan High Command–nothing more than to remind herself once again she was no longer Subcommander T’Pol. She had given up that once central part of her identity so as to remain a part of this vital mission.

The principle issue with her current situation was her promise to Doctor Phlox to attempt to convince Commander Tucker to accept neuropressure treatments from her. If she were honest with herself, she would have to admit she had no idea how to go about convincing him. The fact that Phlox had tried and failed meant that not just a logical, medical argument had failed, but given the doctor’s normal persistence, an emotional argument too. Short of overpowering him, she could come up with no other approach likely to work. Even overpowering him would result in failure. Commander Tucker squirming underneath her as she held him down would only result in an increased adrenaline level and further difficulty in sleeping.

She briefly focused her full attention on the away team’s status report that they retrieved the Captain and Commander before returning to her deliberation. For just an instant she concentrated on the image of a shirtless Commander Tucker squirming beneath her as she sat on his posterior and pinned his arms in order to immobilize him. As a warm flush passed over her upper body she realized the error in this line of reasoning. That primal, base part of her that always struggled to break free of her control asserted itself once again. Now that her body was undergoing the hormonal changes required to bring her into full maturity, the struggle became more difficult. Once again she debated the wisdom of refusing her betrothal and remaining aboard a ship full of Human males, although she knew only one Human male caused these problems. He had been the primary nemesis to her logical, Vulcan control for over two years.

To be fair to the Commander, she did remind herself that he seemed to have nothing but good intentions and had spent most of those past two years attempting to making her feel an integral part of the Enterprise crew. He had no idea the effect his unique scent had upon her. He could not even know the vital role scent played many, many centuries ago when Vulcan females chose their own mates. Although her people had long since moved past those barbaric times, the fundamental biology was still present. She was forced to nearly eliminate a critical sense, her sense of smell, simply to function on this ship.

And then a nugget of an idea formed in her head. She knew an approach the doctor could not have tried which might work. Commander Tucker often attempted to engage her in Human activities such as movie night and dining with the crew. She would attempt to engage Commander Tucker in joining her for a Vulcan activity–neuropressure. She would convince him she too had trouble sleeping and Vulcans relied on neuropressure to aid in sleep. It would be logical that, given his attempt to engage her, he would respond positively to her attempt to engage him. Obviously that was not the primary purpose of neuropressure between a male and female and if any other Vulcan found out the result would be scandal. Of course, no Human aboard this ship knew the details of neuropressure and she doubted Doctor Phlox fully understood what he asked of her.

“The shuttle’s on approach,” Ensign Sato interrupted.

T’Pol just nodded. “Mr. Mayweather, go to maximum as soon as the shuttle has docked.”

“Aye, aye, ma’am.”

She would soon find out if this approach was successful.

Then another problem cropped up. Neuropressure was to be performed in the nude. Besides her own apprehension, she was certain Commander Tucker would refuse. She considered this new complication. Of course the nodes that would aid him were located along the spinal column. That meant they could perform the procedure shirtless. That should not pose a problem for Commander Tucker as Human attire normally consisted of a shirt that could be removed. However that would cause a problem for her. Vulcan attire was normally one piece other than their undergarments. Removing either her uniform or robes and halter would mean teaching him neuropressure while she was clad only in her briefs. That situation was likely to send the wrong message to an individual who had shown a tendency toward engaging in sexual relations with other alien females.

She would have to visit the quartermaster’s supply to see if he had any attire more appropriate. Nothing she had would be suitable.


As Commander Tucker released another low moan beneath her ministrations, T’Pol reproached herself for the methods she used to successfully convince him to accept treatment. She resorted to challenge and physical enticement in order to achieve her purpose–two base methods that, while certain to work with him, should have been beneath her.

She moved her fingers down to the next series of nodes and applied pressure.

She had challenged him to accept neuropressure knowing that he rarely backed away from one of her provocations. Of course at the same time she also removed the robe leaving her clad only in the lounging pajamas she knew were likely to wash away any remaining resistance on his part. Earlier she recalled his pronounced reaction the first day she wore the civilian jumpsuits from the quartermaster instead of her normal Vulcan uniform. She manipulated him just as he always accused her people of doing–only her method was different than her peers.

She also questioned other behavior this evening. She had brazenly allowed him to view her topless for an instant as she removed her pajama top and then again as she put it back on. In each case, the instant had been longer than necessary to manipulate her clothing. Of course he assumed she was making a sexual overture when she asked him to disrobe so she could return the favor. Most of her indignation at his polite refusal was directed inward as she recalled her vague command. His reaction was not completely unexpected based upon her own behavior.

She lifted her fingers from his back. She had stimulated all neural nodes responsible for relaxation and aiding sleep. “I am finished. You may put your shirt back on.”

He did but then turned slightly and remained on her bed. He looked more relaxed than before and his eyelids appeared heavy.

He sighed. “Thanks T’Pol… That felt great… I’m actually tired.”

T’Pol nodded. “We should go through these postures at least every other night until you no longer feel the need.”

He gave what appeared to be an uncomfortable grin. “Okay… But if you’re having problems too, then we should perform them together.” He tilted his head toward her.

She paused to consider. And so as not to appear too eager. “Agreed.”

He smiled, slapped his thighs and then got up to leave. “Good night.”

Just before leaving, he returned to her field of vision. “You know, I’m sorry about how I reacted before… But honest T’Pol, Doctor Phlox never talked to me about neuropressure.”

T’Pol was a bit stunned and confused. The doctor insisted Commander Tucker refused.

He smiled at her. “I probably would have refused, so I’m glad he didn’t… Thanks for convincing me…”

She did not know what to say. So she gave a simple, “You are welcome,” in response.

He smiled again and left her quarters to consider this latest detail.

She would have to approach the doctor to discuss his subterfuge. But after she meditated. Her session with Commander Tucker had weakened her emotional control. To make matters even worse, her nasal inhibitor had nearly worn off and his scent filled her quarters. She went to her desk for another dose. The air circulation system would take some time to remove it and she would have difficulty meditating until that time without another dose.


Doctor Phlox had expected this, only not so quickly. T’Pol arrived in sickbay shortly after midnight. She probably came here as soon as the session was finished. He assumed that meant they only performed a few postures. Hopefully that would be enough to help him sleep.

T’Pol stopped abruptly in front of the doctor in a formal stance. “Why did you say that Commander Tucker had already refused neuropressure treatments? He told me you never approached him about the treatment.”

Although he could tell she was trying to appear annoyed with him, her physical stance appeared relaxed and her face and ears had a faint bronze flush. The session must have been… successful.

Phlox smiled and tried to appear as contrite as possible. “I apologize for misleading you. I knew Commander Tucker’s response if I were to approach him. He would have refused to even discuss it any further. I suspected that you would be more successful at convincing him to accept treatment than I would be.”

He paused for a bit to judge her reaction. The flush seems to increase.

“I assume that you were successful in your attempt.”

She simply nodded her head.

Phlox decided it was time to share with her the other reason he suggested this treatment. “I would like to speak with you in my office. Please follow me.”

“Of course Doctor.”

Once they reached the confines of his office, he motioned for her to take a seat. He did the same. “There is another reason why I suggested neuropressure. Studies have shown it slows the progression of Pa’nar Syndrome. Regular practice, combined with your other treatments, have been shown to virtually stop the progression in over half the patients tested.”

Her face reflected no emotion but remained focused intently on Phlox.

“According to the preliminary data, performing the practice and having a partner stimulate the nodes on your feet appear to be the most effective at slowing the spread. I believe three or four nights a week would be appropriate to help both of you. With your permission, I could encourage Commander Tucker to schedule a session every other night.”

“That will not be necessary Doctor. Commander Tucker and I have already agreed to that schedule.”

“Ahh…” Phlox realized it must have gone better than he expected. “Very good then… Of course, based upon my reading, there is no need to perform all of the postures.”

The bronze flush in her ears was now clearly evident to the doctor.

“Yes, I agree completely with your assessment, Doctor.”

Phlox could not help himself but to gently tease her by indicating he fully understood the nature of neuropressure. “Although there appears to be no negative side effects to performing the complete set of postures. Each of you may experience additional benefits of… being thorough… You should consider performing the complete set of postures.”

He smiled at her even though he could tell she was not amused in the least by his gentle teasing. By her reaction, he judged she recognized he understood the level of… intimacy… involved in properly performed neuropressure better than he had let on earlier.

Suddenly T’Pol rose from her seat and glared at the doctor. “That is not an option, Doctor.” She gave a mild snort and turned to leave as Phlox clucked repeatedly to himself.

Give it time. Give it time…

Based on T’Pol’s reaction, he decided it best to keep to himself the fact that Vulcan neuropressure was really nothing more than a placebo for Commander Tucker. The Human neural system did not work like a Vulcan’s and so applying pressure at various points along the spine would not cause his brain to release any natural sedatives. His primary hope was to make Commander Tucker believe he was receiving treatment until he was comfortable talking about his sister’s loss with someone. Although as a trained psychologist he was the person best suited to help Commander Tucker, the Commander had refused all attempts at proper treatment. Given the fact that he also refused to speak with either Captain Archer or Lieutenant Reed, Doctor Phlox was left with little recourse.

Putting Commander Tucker and T’Pol together in an environment where he would feel comfortable talking to another person was Doctor Phlox’s best option at this time. He did not have a lot of tools available where the Commander was concerned.

Given T’Pol’s particular disease and some of the literature about slowing its spread, he also needed to find some way for her to perform neuropressure on another to stimulate those areas negatively affected by Pa’nar. Commander Tucker, being essentially equal in rank, would pose the least problems to questions surrounding the chain of command.


Trip lay on his back staring upward in the dark. Every time he closed his eyes, the vision of T’Pol sitting topless next to him appeared. He felt like such an ass for misinterpreting her attempt to help him for something crass. Like a horny teenager he mistook her offer to help him sleep for something sexual. He felt like such a jerk to think that. Sitting topless next to him meant nothing to her and was logically necessary to give him access to the… neural nodes she called them… along her spine. Probably the only reason she even covered her breasts during the procedure was to make him, with his Human sensibilities, comfortable.

Eventually though he could resist no longer and felt his eyelids grow too heavy and he drifted off to sleep. Her treatment had been as effective as any of the sedatives Doctor Phlox had given him.

Sometime later his unconscious mind started to dream, as it did every night. This time, unlike every night for the previous several weeks, his dream did not start off with him watching his sister seated some distance away. Instead he sat on the bunk in T’Pol’s quarters. She sat topless next to him as she had briefly done just after showing him how to stimulate the points along her back.

Unlike this evening though, she did not immediately cover herself with her pajama top.

In his dream, she leaned back to lie on her bunk behind him. He turned his head to look at her as she lie on her back looking up at him. He was confused as she reached up and gently pulled his head down toward her and nestled it between her breasts. He felt the warmth of her skin against the left side of his face as she held him to her chest. The act was tender and compassionate and Trip felt nothing even remotely sexual. As he lay there in his dream world, T’Pol whispered to him, “Everything will be okay.” He felt himself grow tired and slowly drift off to sleep. In his dream, Trip slept peacefully as T’Pol cradled his head. No horrible nightmares of his sister being murdered would come while she held him.

For the first time in several weeks, Trip slept uninterrupted through the night.

The End

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A whole mess of folks have made comments

Nice addition to the set. Are you going to continue?

Ahh, Phlox is a sly dog! Verra nice. I liked the characterization and the motivations behind all the action. I enjoyed this outing very much. I hope you continue this.

oh very nice... Phlox really is subtle... sneaky smiling sweetie!

I'd love to see you continue this story line. While it stands well on its own it would be nice (and a great read) to see you continue to follow them as they help each other.

Nice twist on things.

Cute. I always wondered what happened after that big inhale. I still say they cut that scene too abruptly. Nice job. T

Nice one, Kevin. Glad you're continuing this series.

Ah, sweet comfort. I'm sure most guys would agree he had a pretty nice pillow, too, LOL! I wish I were similarly upholstered.

Thanks for the comments.

Right now I'm planning a story with two or three scene additions to Similitude and another with scene additions for the episodes from E2 to Home. I've mostly got the stuff written for Similitude, but I'm still working through what happened between E2 and Home.

I've also got some ideas for a story that sits between Extinction and Rajiin told from Archer's perspective. That's probably going to be a short one, so I'll probably work on it when I feel like taking a break from New World Man and the story between E2 and Home.

Sneaky, sneaky, eh Phlox? Nice stuff, I hope there's more coming! :)

I like this one. Good job. Looking forward to more scene additions. :)

Phlox the match maker ... interesting! I love the cat n mouse part of a romance...