Evasive Maneuvers

Evasive Maneuvers

by Kevin

Rating: PG (language)

Disclaimer: The characters mentioned within this text are the sole property of Paramount Studios, UPN, and Viacom. I intend no infringement.

Genre: Romance

Summary: Scene additions to my story Princess T’Pol. She attempts to kidnap Trip but is foiled. The story roughly parallels part 2.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

She found him amusing. Yes, Subcommander T’Pril would appreciate my gift.

While waiting she decided to indulge herself with his scent. He had been working all day so his scent was stronger that normal. It was arousing. She sighed to herself as she realized hers would not be able to attend to her needs until at least tomorrow night.

A few minutes later Trip stood up to face her. “I’m finished Princess T’Pol. I’ll let know my second I’m heading out to help you.”

Princess T’Pol watched him walk toward a human woman.

“Hey, I’m going to help out Princess T’Pol to show her how to pilot her shuttle and do some basic repairs. If anyone comes looking for me, I’ll be in the launch bay.”

“Sure. Why doesn’t she already know how?”

“A waste of her time. She normally has lots of pilots under her command.”

As Lt. Hess watched him walk away she thought to herself that it looks like she has just one pilot under her command right now. What is it with him and Vulcan women? She just shook her head and returned to her recalibration.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Captain Archer wasn’t sure he could believe the sight coming toward him. Princess T’Pol was walking briskly with Trip a short distance behind. His eyes were on the floor. What the hell is going on? Why isn’t he in engineering?

His anger rose as they walked right past him. They did not even acknowledge his presence.

He stopped and turned. “Trip, where are you going? Why aren’t you in engineering?”

Both stopped and turned toward him. He received his answer, but not the one he expected.

Princess T’Pol said to him, “Commander Tucker is going to show my Charles how to pilot my shuttle and perform simple repairs. He has left his second in charge.”

Archer clenched his jaw. “Is that right Trip?”

“Yes Captain.”

“Captain, if you will excuse us, we are in a bit of a hurry. We do not have much time.” She turned to face Trip. “Come along now.”

“Yes Princess T’Pol.”

Archer was shocked as the two just walked away from him. Something is definitely wrong. Trip wouldn’t act this way. He went to the nearest comm panel.

“Archer to Lt. Reed.”

“Reed here.”

“Meet me in my ready room.”

“Aye aye sir.”

Trip’s acting just like we did around the Orion women. Now I know it wasn’t a coincidence that both he and T’Pol weren’t affected.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

“Captain, you wanted to see me?”

“Yes, Malcolm, please sit down.”

Archer sighed slightly.

“Malcolm, I want you to assign a team of MACOs to the launch bay. I also want you to put some people outside engineering. I don’t want our visitors in engineering any more.”

“Of course sir. I’ll get right on it. Are you worried about something?”

“It is probably nothing, but Trip has been acting strangely since our visitors arrived. I just want to make sure they aren’t up to anything.”

“I understand.” Malcolm remembered the havoc that the Orions caused. They had only just fully recovered in the past week. He was sure the Captain didn’t want that situation repeated. He left the Captain’s ready room. He decided to station six MACOs in the launch bay and four outside engineering.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Commander T’Pol entered engineering hoping to find Trip. She looked around but could not find him. She found Lt. Hess and asked her. “Lt. could you tell me where Commander Tucker is?”

Lt. Hess hadn’t turned to look at Commander T’Pol as she asked the question. She was still pissed Trip had just up and left her to do the recalibration herself.

She sneered, “He left with his Princess T’Pol to teach her how to pilot a shuttle.” She put special emphasis on the word Princess as if it were an insult.

She realized what she had just said and who she had just said it to. Damn him! She pounded her fist in the console.

T’Pol was grateful that Lt. Hess had not turned to look at her. For a brief moment her jealously overcame her as she ground her teeth together and clenched her fists. But she was able to control her anger and return her calm outer shell. Damn him!

“I am sorry ma’am. That was uncalled for.” She wanted to crawl under a rock and hide until Princess T’Pol and ‘her Trip’ were either returned through the anomaly or blown up by a photon torpedo. Right now she preferred the later option.

“There is no need to apologize. I believe the current situation is troubling for everyone.”

“I imagine it is. Anyway, he said he would be in the launch bay.”

“Thank you.”

T’Pol was slowly working down her anger by convincing herself that Trip was simply trying to return them to their universe as soon as possible. She had pretty much convinced herself when she heard the comm system.

“Captain Archer to Commander T’Pol. Please report to my ready room.”

“On my way Captain.”

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Princess T’Pol’s heart sank a little when she saw six heavily armed guards in the launch bay. So far she had not seen any significant security on the ship. She could not figure out why Captain Archer would station security guards here but not at the entrance to engineering.

She became more concerned after she saw Commander Tucker wonder why security guards had been stationed in the launch bay. Apparently they were not normally stationed in this part of the ship. Maybe Captain Archer is suspicious?

This could still work though. Since the guards are here, I cannot disguise the fact he has left the ship. I could disguise the fact we are returning to my universe. If I were to have Commander Tucker disable external sensors through a routine diagnostic, then we could return without Enterprise knowing.

Yes, this will indeed work. We will tell the Captain that we are preparing to return in four hours. I will have him start a diagnostic that will take sensors off line. Then in one hour we will take the shuttle out for ‘practice flights’ and return home at that time. This plan should not be hard to execute. I just need to keep him away from Commander T’Pol so that he only pays attention to me.

( It looks like I will be able to take my gift to Subcommander T’Pril after all. )

( I know. )

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

“Captain, you wished to see me?”

“T’Pol, please have a seat. I am worried about how Trip is acting lately.”

“His behavior has been erratic since our alternate universe counterparts have arrived.”

“He is acting the same way around your counterpart that the rest of us acted around the Orion women. I know neither of you will talk to me about it, but I doubt it is a coincidence. Am I right?”

“It is possible. I have not spent enough time around Commander Tucker to speculate.”

“I doubt that. I hope it’s nothing more than wanting to get them as far away as possible, but I don’t want to take any chances. In the meantime Malcolm has posted guards in the launch bay and she will no longer have access to engineering. I need you to keep a close eye on him.”

“Understood Captain. I quite agree.” However her reasons were a bit more personal.

“Can we have them ready to go in four hours? There is another pulse then and I want to make sure they’re gone as soon as possible.”

“I believe so Captain. Currently I see no reason that would prevent them from leaving at that time.”

“Good.” She turned on her heals and started to leave. “And Commander, when this is over, you and Trip are going to tell me what’s going on. Understood?”

“Aye aye sir.”

“Dismissed.”

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Commander T’Pol entered the Vulcan shuttle pod as Trip was explaining how to make basic repairs.

** “The Captain has sent me to inform you that we will attempt to return you to your universe during the pulse set for 4.12 hours from now.” **

Princess T’Pol turned toward Commander T’Pol. ** “Thank you Commander. I believe that Commander Tucker’s assistance will ensure we are ready to leave.” **

That gives me plenty of time to execute my plan.

Commander T’Pol walked toward Trip to see if she could help him. She was a bit startled when she smelled his arousal. It was not strong but she could tell he was somewhat excited. She also could detect another female’s scent on him. The scent was not human, it was Vulcan. And not hers. She clenched her jaw and moved toward the rear of the shuttle.

As the trio turned to the piloting instruction, Princess T’Pol started to lazily rub her left hand across Trip’s back. This only made T’Pol’s attempt to beat down her jealous anger that much more difficult. She focused on reminding herself that Princess T’Pol was very affectionate with her Charles and this most likely meant nothing to her. She simply glared at the back of Princess T’Pol’s head as she regained her composure.

She was able to control her desire to physically harm Princess T’Pol only by reminding herself that doing so would prolong Princess T’Pol’s time onboard Enterprise.

Even worse, Princess T’Pol would likely spend most of that time with her Trip.

Princess T’Pol noticed that Commander T’Pol was loitering at the rear of the shuttle. With her around, trying to implement her plan would be difficult at best.

** “Commander,” ** she turned to look at T’Pol, ** “I am sure there are more important things that you could be doing right now besides watching Commander Tucker teach my Charles how to fly.” **

** “No, the Captain has insisted that I remain to provide any assistance you and Commander Tucker in require.” **

** “Really Commander, we are fine.” **

** “Then you will not mind me staying.” **

Princess T’Pol realized there was no way to get rid of Commander T’Pol now without raising suspicions. Assuming she had not already done so.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Trip was startled to see four MACOs at the entrance to engineering.

He was stunned when they raised their rifles to them. “What the hell is going on here?”

“Sorry sir. We have orders to not allow our guests to enter engineering. We are to use all force necessary to prevent that.”

Trip was furious. “On whose orders Sergeant?”

“Lt. Reed’s sir.”

Trip was pissed. How could Malcolm do something so idiotic? This level of force was completely uncalled for. “I outrank him. I order you to step aside.”

The Sergeant looked to Commander T’Pol hoping she would override Commander Tuckers’ order.

She did. “Belay that order Sergeant. The Captain gave the order for Lt. Reed to bar our guests from engineering.”

Trip spun around. “What the hell is going on T’Pol? Why all of a sudden is Princess T’Pol barred from engineering? It’s my department.”

T’Pol glared at him. “The Captain still commands this ship. That includes engineering. He feels that security there has been too lax of late.”

Trip wasn’t sure what was going on, but the look on Commander T’Pol told him he was going to lose the argument. He looked at Princess T’Pol. “I am sorry Princess. It appears that you are no longer allowed in engineering. I will return shortly to help you with more training.”

“Your assistance is most appreciated Commander.”

He beamed with pride at making her happy.

After Princess T’Pol walked away, he turned to glare at Commander T’Pol. “Are you happy now? She’s gone.” He turned away from her and entered engineering.

T’Pol followed right behind.

“I don’t understand what the big deal is. It’s not like she’s doing any harm.”

“That remains to be seen.”

He turned and looked at her. “What the hell does that mean?”

“You have been behaving erratically since they came aboard. The Captain does not want to repeat our recent experience with the Orions.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, she is hardly seducing me. I haven’t lost my concentration at all.”

“No, but you appear eager to do whatever she asks of you.”

His anger was starting to rise. He did not like her implication. “I’m just trying to help her get back to her universe. I’m not under her spell or anything.”

“There is nothing to get jealous about,” he added detecting the jealousy she tried to keep hidden.

T’Pol had seen enough to not believe him. On either count.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

As Princess T’Pol walked to the mess hall, she realized her plan could no longer work. She had no weapon. Her shuttle was no match for this ship. Captain Archer could easily disable it and take Commander Tucker back even if somehow she was able to take him off the ship. Unfortunately with Commander T’Pol hovering around, she had no idea how to even accomplish that task.

After taking a seat, she reached down to stroke her servant’s hair. ( I guess it will just be you and me. I do not see any way to take him for Subcommander T’Pril. Captain Archer or Commander T’Pol must have become suspicious. )

He could not hide the fact he was happy her plan had failed.

She should have been upset with him that, but she forgave him. His reason was simple jealousy over the possibility of sharing her affection. He did not want any other pleasing her.

( I should not have to convince you that I would never replace you. Ever. He was for Subcommander T’Pril. Not me. )

She could tell he was still jealous.

( I wanted to reward her faithful service. I had hoped she would be as happy with him as I am with you. )

She stroked his hair. ( When we are home, I will allow you to demonstrate your affection even though you do not deserve it. )

( I know. I am sorry. I should be unhappy you are unable to present your gift to Subcommander T’Pril. )

( Yes, you should be. )

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Commander T’Pol found Princess T’Pol dining in the mess hall. She wanted to talk to her before she left. She found the two in a back corner eating by themselves. The crew kept as far away from the pair as possible.

T’Pol walked over and stood in front of her counter part. ** “I would speak with you.” **

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Trip sat down with their breakfast. He was pretty happy things had quieted down the past couple of weeks. He and T’Pol were able to spend time together without worrying about any life or death situations. He was certain that stupid grin never left his face.

T’Pol leaned into him and whispered, “What does it mean to keep someone on a ‘short leash’?”

Trip almost choked on his eggs at her question. “Now why would you ask something like that?” He felt a flush come over his face.

“Lt. Hess said that my keeping you on a short leash seems to suit you. I do not understand her reference.”

Trip knew by now he had to be red with embarrassment. “What she means is that we are spending a lot of time together. Basically she is saying you are making sure to keep a close eye on me so I don’t get into any trouble.”

“And does this suit you?”

“As long as you’re the one holding it, darling, I enjoy being on a short leash.”

“Good.”

Trip smirked slightly and returned to his eggs. He hoped that in the future Lt. Hess would be a bit more discrete. He needed to remind her of T’Pol’s hearing. I can’t wait to see her face when I tell her that being on T’Pol’s short leash suits me just fine. He chuckled to himself.

He decided he would finally say something though. There was no way she could deny it at this stage. “I’m glad you are growing your hair out. I think you’ll look good with it.”

She had hoped to have a little more time, especially given Lt. Sato’s comment this morning. “I have decided to further explore human culture. I have noticed that human females prefer to keep their hair longer than Vulcan females. I am interested to understand the hygiene requirements.” It was the most logical sounding reason she could come up with on a moment’s notice.

He finished chewing his bacon and swallowed. “In two weeks that’s the best you could come up with? Why won’t you just admit you did it because I asked you? Would that be so horrible?”

“Fine,” she snorted and returned to her vegetable broth.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

She looked at him as he struggled to remain awake. She could tell he was tired. She purred to herself. He had attended to her needs until he passed out in exhaustion. He had demonstrated both his skill and stamina to her satisfaction.

She was startled out of her thoughts by the sound of a large fist hitting the table.

“Damn it you two! Do I need to remind you that fraternization rules are at the Captain’s discretion?” Captain Archer glared at the both of them.

Trip turned red from embarrassment. “Sorry about that Captain. It was a late night.”

“Actually early morning,” Archer corrected him. “Look what you two do in the privacy of your own quarters off duty, is your business. Just don’t let it affect ship’s business any more. Okay?”

T’Pol answered for the both of them. “Yes Captain.”

“Well since the two of you appear pretty useless, take the day off to rest...or whatever. Dismissed.”

Just before the pair left the Captain’s mess, Archer spoke up again. “Oh and one more thing.”

“Yes, Captain?” They both looked at him.

“Use Trip’s quarters from now on.”

Trip looked puzzled. T’Pol saw the dark circles under the Captain’s tired eyes.

“T’Pol’s are next to mine.” He just grinned at them.

Trip turned red again. T’Pol simply looked at the floor.

“Sure thing.” And they left.

The End

Back to Fan Fiction Main Menu

Have a comment to make about this story? Do so in the Trip Fan Fiction forum at the HoTBBS!

A handful of people have made comments

Oh, that Princess T'Pol...she knows how to manage her Charleses, no matter which reality they belong to! Loved the last two scenes - great interaction - especially, "She looked at him as he struggled to remain awake. She could tell he was tired. She purred to herself. He had attended to her needs until he passed out in exhaustion. He had demonstrated both his skill and stamina to her satisfaction." Of course, I assumed this referred to Charles and his Princess...nice twist!!

Great story. Nice twist ending. (I'm #2!)

Great story,very love it ! thank you

nice to see you`ve continued your stories. i really enjoyed this one, good sense of humour. will there be a sequel?

That was funny! Oh, I laughed at that last bit! Nicely done! :)