New World Man: Reunited

New World Man: Reunited

by Kevin

Rating: PG
Disclaimer: The characters mentioned within this text are the sole property of Paramount Studios, UPN, and Viacom. I intend no infringement.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Summary: Commander Tucker rejoins the crew of the Enterprise after being away over four years. The ship has a new mission and both he and Commander T’Pol have been reassigned to take part in it.

Author’s Note: Text in “” is English. Text in ** “” ** is Vulcan. Text in () is TnT bondspeak. Text in italics is inner dialog or the name of a ship (depending on context).

Doctor John Munch sat at his desk finishing up his morning’s paperwork before he began his rounds. He spoke with Captain Eames who’d seen Commander T’Pol last night and suggested he go ahead and relieve her of duty. Neither he nor the Captain were comfortable taking this drastic step, but neither Captain Archer nor Doctor Phlox had made the decision that clearly needed to be made. Commander T’Pol was no longer fit for duty.

“Doctor, I have a message from Enterprise,” came the ICU comm. officer’s voice over his system.

John sighed. He hadn’t even finished the paperwork and Captain Archer was already calling him. “Put them through.”

Instead Doctor Phlox’s face appeared on his screen. This was even worse! “What can I do for you Doctor?” He tried to be as pleasant as possible.

He caught the Denobulan’s fake smile and figured where this conversation was heading.

“It is my understanding you are about to relieve Commander T’Pol of duty.”

News sure travels fast! John simply nodded. “Yes, I’m just finishing up the paperwork right now.”

“Commander T’Pol is assigned to Enterprise.”

“I am aware of that fact.” Great, a turf war! “However Enterprise is stationed at the Jupiter Station complex for refit. Therefore she falls under my responsibility.”

At first Phlox did not answer and simply stared at him. John fought back the urge to remind Doctor Phlox that he himself should have relieved Commander T’Pol of duty days ago. Phlox’s unwillingness to act forced John to take drastic measures.

“I would appreciate being kept informed of Commander T’Pol’s treatment.” At least the fake smile was gone.

John smiled and fought to keep from chuckling. “I’ll do what I can doctor. I’ve asked the Vulcans to bring in a specialist and I’m not sure how much they’re going to tell me. You know how they are on stuff like this.”

Phlox scowled.

“I wasn’t sure what else to do,” John shrugged. “She wasn’t listening to any of us. They’re sending over someone later this morning.”

“When will you deliver the paperwork Doctor Munch?”

“I’m just going through it now… Give me, say, fifteen minutes more and I’ll send it right over… I’ll copy you on the form I send to Captain Archer.”

Phlox nodded.

“Good day.”

The screen went blank. He rubbed his temples to stave off the building headache.

Later that morning John was whistling softly to himself as he surveyed his patients’ medical charts in an unoccupied area of the ICU when he heard footsteps approaching. He turned to see Alex escorting a rather regal looking Vulcan female toward him. That must be Doctor T’Mel.

He broke a casual smile when the two women approached. “You must be Doctor T’Mel? My name is Doctor John Munch,” he tilted his head in a nod remembering not to put out his hand.

“I am not a physician and do not use the title doctor,” she replied blankly.

John twisted his mouth to the side. He had specifically asked for someone who could help Commander T’Pol. He didn’t think he had to insist that person be a doctor once he described her symptoms. “My mistake… Anyway, I really appreciate you coming out here for me. Commander T’Pol’s symptoms are getting worse and nothing I try helps…”

“There is no need to express gratitude Doctor. It is logical that I be brought in to help the Commander. Her condition is not caused by any physical ailment; therefore treatment by a Human physician is highly unlikely to have any positive effect… I wish to see Commander T’Pol at once.”

John nodded. “Of course.” He turned his attention to Alex. “T’Pol’s with Commander Tucker. Could you get her and take T’Mel to my office for me?”

“Yes doctor.”

“Thanks Alex.”

John turned his attention back to T’Mel. “Nurse Cabot will escort you to my office and retrieve Commander T’Pol… The satchel sent over earlier is in the corner behind my desk…” He sighed and smiled at her. “Please feel free to use my office as long as you need. The door locks from the inside and only myself and station security can override it. No one will bother you.”

John paused as he reached up to rub the stubble on his chin.

Although Alex turned and started to leave, T’Mel did not.

“Doctor, before I begin, I need to know Commander Tucker’s mental condition…”

“Ohh… Of course… I guess…” John shrugged. “The drugs we’ve got him on are pretty powerful and he’s on pain killers… He’s either asleep or incoherent nearly all of the time. I’m not sure he’s even aware of what’s going on around him.”

“That explains her reaction,” T’Mel said and turned to leave with Alex.

What the hell does that mean?

Trip felt himself slowly wake up. He moved his face so his left cheek rested against the pillow instead of his right. He reached out with his mind to see if T’Pol was awake but didn’t really feel anything beyond a slight throbbing ache. He grunted to himself in response. His shoulders hurt too.

After he became a bit more aware of what’s going on, he realized T’Pol wasn’t in bed with him. He figured that meant she was meditating. He gave a disappointed snort. He was still a bit tired but he knew he couldn’t fall back asleep without her there. Although he felt kind of hazy and confused so maybe he could after all. He took a deep breath and flipped his face back the other way.

A noise came from behind him and he turned to find her seated in the white room with him. That confirmed she was meditating. ( Hey there… )

She just looked at him. She seemed to be having some problems but it was hard for him to tell since things were pretty hazy.

( Why don’t you come back to bed? I’m cold… )

( I cannot. You are injured… )

Trip cocked his head to the side. ( What? )

( Turn over and open your eyes… )

He turned over and tried but it was too bright. All he could make out was his view was obscured by something before he had to shut his eyes again.

( I can’t. You’ve got the lights too bright… Turn them down. )

T’Pol’s sighed and looked at her lap. ( I cannot. I told you that you were injured. You are in the Jupiter Station’s ICU. )

Trip realized that must be why his body ached. He searched through his memories trying to figure out how he got injured. The problem though is he couldn’t tell what was real and what was his imagination. He reached up to run his hands through his hair as he tried to remember.

What the hell!?! Where’s my hair!?!

( Your hair fell out due to the radiation poisoning. )

His memories started to return through the haze. They were under attack from the Romulans. He had tied the Warp engine into the shields and weapons to buy them some time. A ship was on the way… Atlantis… They were focusing their attack on the remaining warbird and it was only a matter of time before they crippled it. He couldn’t remember much after that and he shook his head to try to clear it.

( The Romulans detonated a fission mine outside of main engineering. You were injured. )

Trip struggled to suppress the question that threatened its way out. He didn’t want to know how many people were dead. He wasn’t ready…

( Did Starfleet get the information? ) He hoped at least they didn’t die in vain.

T’Pol nodded. ( The computer core was retrieved and our sensor data sent to Starfleet command. They have been studying it for some time. )

Trip just lie on the bed for some time struggling with how he felt. His heart ached at his guess of just how many people actually did die in the battle. It had to be high–the spherical section suffered a direct hit from a Romulan nacelle. But at least if Starfleet got the sensor data, that meant they should be able to prevent many, many more deaths in the future.

He attempted to open his eyes again. While it was still too bright, he could at least squint until his eyes adjusted. He seemed to be in some kind of clear plastic tent.

( Your immune system has failed and you need to be isolated. )

( How long have I been here? )

( Thirty days. It’s August twelfth. )

He gave T’Pol a confused look.

( We were brought back on Enterprise. You regained consciousness four days ago. )

Trip sighed and turned on his side. He was tired of looking up at the ceiling. He caught some movement as someone moved swiftly to his bedside.

“You up Trip?”

Trip shifted his focus but he knew immediately the voice was Jonathan Archer’s. “Hey Captain,” he said but his voice came out as a gravely squeak. He wasn’t sure if Jon even understood it.

“Don’t try to talk Trip… You’ve been out for a long time… I’ll go get the doc.”

Trip was glad he recognized the voice because he sure couldn’t recognize the man. Jon was covered head to toe in what looked like blue surgical scrubs and had a mask on over his mouth. All he could recognize were his eyes and even those were somewhat obscured by the clear plastic between them.

Trip just nodded instead of trying to speak again.

As Trip lie there two men returned to the bedside and he assumed Jon had retrieved the doctor.

“This is good news…” came a voice Trip didn’t recognized.

“I’ll go get T’Pol,” Jon said.

“There’s no need Captain,” came the other voice. “I’m sure she already knows by now.”

Trip just nodded.

“Wow,” came Jon’s voice in almost a whisper.

“Captain, I understand you’re excited that Commander Tucker is conscious again, but I need to examine him now. I’ll need you to leave for the time being…”

“Okay.”

“I’ll be sure to page you though when I’m done so you can return.”

“Thanks doc. Don’t bother… I’m sure T’Pol’s going to want to spend time alone with him. I’ll talk to her instead about when it’s okay to come back… Everyone will be glad to hear he’s awake.”

“Okay, Captain, but remember… No more than one visitor at a time.”

“But I thought you said two?”

“That was before I found out T’Pol’s always with him… Until I get a better handle on how much, if any, strain their connection is putting on his system, he can only have one other visitor… But your officers are welcome to stay together outside in the waiting lounge and take turns.”

“Thanks doc. That’ll be better than nothing, I guess. I’ll see you later…”

Trip saw a face come close to the plastic. “Take care, Trip…” Then it pulled away and left his field of view.

Shortly Trip felt the bed bump slightly up and it started to roll away.

“Just sit tight Commander… I’m going to take you to the imaging center so we can take a look-see. Then we’ll see how you’re feeling. Okay?”

Trip just nodded as the bed made its way down some corridor. Every little bump jarred his sore body. It also made him aware of the pain in his stomach.

( I will be waiting for you when the doctor has finished with you in the imaging chamber. )

Trip pushed through the door into the training facility. He looked around for the man he was supposed to meet. He saw a lone man seated at the back corner reading a newspaper. That has to be Ron Carver. “Mr. Carver?” Trip called to him.

The man stood up, smiled and headed over to him. “My dad’s Mr. Carver… You can call me Ron… I assume you’re Commander Tucker?”

Trip nodded and grinned back. “Yeah but you can call me Trip.”

“Sure thing… Trip.” The two men shook hands.

“Why don’t you come over here and have a seat Comm… Trip.”

Trip followed Ron over to a short bench and sat across from him. “Ron, I really appreciate you coming all this way for me. Doctor Munch said you’re the trainer for OU’s football program… I can’t believe you took time out of your busy schedule to help me.”

Ron held up his hand. “Think nothing of it Trip… John and I went to school together. When John called me up and asked me to help you, I got right on the next shuttle Starfleet would let me board… You saved Earth… Anything you want, I’ll do what I can to help…”

Ron appeared to be sizing him up. “Hmm… You’re pretty good sized. Ever play football?”

Trip shook his head. “Nope. I just started lifting weights over three years ago just to have something to do… I’ve never really had a trainer before.”

“It’s no big deal,” Ron laughed. “John asked me to come up with a recovery program for you… What we’ll do today is go through some tests and come up with a baseline of where you’re at. I’ll work up a program with John this afternoon and then I’ll help you start tomorrow morning. How’s that sound?”

“Sound good, Ron.”

“Good. John also asked me to work on a maintenance program for you… Something that will be good for your general overall health. You don’t mind do you?”

Trip smiled. “Of course not. I’d really like that. When I started lifting weights I didn’t have any kind of plan.”

Ron stood up and clapped his hands. “Okay, let’s get to it. We’ll find out where you are.”

Forty minutes later Trip sat down exhausted, sore and sweating. Ron took notes on a clipboard.

“Okay, Trip. Your strength is pretty good but your endurance is… lacking,” he said with a little chuckle. “That makes sense I guess based on how long you’ve been stuck in bed and your injury… What I’ll do for your program is focus on getting the endurance back and build strength slowly… John said it’d probably be about three weeks before you can report for duty, right?”

Trip nodded. “Yep. That’s what he’s told me. It’ll be toward the middle of September.”

“I think he said you’ll start on light duty so I’ll shoot for… let’s say a five week recovery program.” Ron flipped through some papers and his clipboard and scratched his chin a bit. “It’ll take me a bit to put something together for you… Normally I’m working with twenty year olds. You’re almost twice that so I’ve got to look some stuff up.”

Ron stood up. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow morning, Trip.”

Trip nodded and began to leave.

“Oh, by the way, if your wife would like to join us, she’s welcome to come along…”

Trip tilted his head.

“Your recovery probably’s going to be frustrating since you’re no where near as strong as you used to be. I’ve found a lot of times it helps to train with someone else. I’m sure I could come up with something for Commander T’Pol also.” Ron shrugged. “You know, something you two could do together.”

Trip was kind of surprised at his suggestion. “But she’s a Vulcan.”

Ron frowned. “Well yeah, I know that. So?”

“I mean, I doubt you’ve developed too many conditioning programs for Vulcans.”

Ron smiled and laughed at that. “Trip, I create conditioning programs for 70kg place kickers who get on the field three or four times a day only to kick a ball as well 160kg lineman who slam into each other for two hours every Saturday… I’m pretty sure I can create one for your wife. I’ll just need to adjust some of the parameters a bit to account for the increased muscle and bone density.”

Trip wasn’t sure.

“I’ll tell you what. Make her the offer. If the two of you decide not to, that’s fine. I’m sure John can find someone else for you to train with… But take my advice Trip… This will go a lot better and be less frustrating for you if you have her with you–someone to encourage you and keep your confidence up. Friends and family members are always better than people you’ve just met… If not her, is there someone on Enterprise who’d want to train with you?”

Trip thought a bit. He figured either Malcolm or Travis would. But deep down, he knew he’d rather start off with T’Pol by his side. “Okay, Ron… Thanks for everything. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Commander Tucker, as of 0900 hours 21 September 2159, you are now officially out of my care and assigned to Enterprise,” Doctor Munch said as he signed the transfer order. He lifted his face to Trip’s. “I’ve given Doctor Phlox everything, so you’re his problem now,” Doctor Munch said with a chuckle.

Trip returned the chuckle. “Thanks Doc… For everything.” Trip picked up his satchel and started to leave.

“I figured Commander T’Pol would be here…” Trip turned back to face the Doctor. “I kind of wanted to say goodbye to her.”

Trip shrugged. “She’s working… Besides it’s not like we’re going anywhere. We’re just on the other side of the station. Last I heard it’s going to be three months before we cut loose. I’m sure she’ll stop by.”

Doctor Munch nodded. “Okay, take care, Trip.”

“You too doc…”

As Trip made the long walk out of the hospital where he’d spent the last two months, he thought about what waited for him on the other side of the station. Although he was happy to be returning to Enterprise and serving with Jon and Malcolm and Hoshi and Travis and a dozen other people he’d missed over the past four years, part of him was saddened that he didn’t get the chance to get back on an NC class starship. Daedalus wasn’t being replaced any time soon and Admiral Cragen made it clear he wasn’t putting Trip on a front line warship.

So he was returning to the ship he’d loved and nurtured before Daedalus came into his life. The ship at one time he’d called home. Somehow though as he thought about Enterprise while walking through the corridor, he didn’t believe he’d think of Enterprise as home this time around. The deaths of so many people he cared about and the destruction of Daedalus changed his attitude. He started running through the list of names and faces in his head. He knew every person by their first name, every one of the 121 people, who lost their lives.

Trip had only reached the eighty-second name when he came to the airlock that separated him from the start of his second tour on Enterprise. He took a deep breath, stepped through the airlock and onto Enterprise to see five faces staring back at him–three of them with stupid grins. Although T’Pol’s face displayed no reaction, he could sense her apprehension at his reporting for duty so soon after his injury. He knew they each waged a tug of war with his doctor to clear him for at least light duty.

He first turned his attention to Captain Archer. “Commander Tucker reporting for duty sir.”

Archer took two steps to him, put his arm around Trip and pulled him into a bear hug. “Welcome aboard Trip. It’s great to see you up and about again!”

Trip gave a quick grunt before Archer released him. “Thanks.” Trip reached up to remove his cap.

“You can leave the cap on if you like…” Archer interjected. “At least until your hair grows back…”

Trip nodded and kept his cap on. He still hated looking at his baldhead. It was silly, but at least with the cap on he didn’t have to look at it.

Archer motioned him toward the black haired woman. “Trip, this is Commander Claire Kincaid, my XO and WSO… Claire, this is Commander Charles Tucker, better known as Trip…”

Trip reached out his hand to her and she shook it. “Pleased to meet you.”

“Likewise, Trip…” came her simple reply.

Archer let go of Trip. “Of course you know everyone else here. Travis is on the bridge–I couldn’t have everyone come down to meet you. We’ll have a little get together this evening in the mess hall.”

Trip turned to Archer. “Captain, you don’t have to make a fuss over me…”

“It’s not for you Trip…” Archer snickered. “It’s to welcome back T’Pol… She made us wait until now so you wouldn’t feel left out…” Archer laughed as he slapped Trip on the back.

Trip winced at the sting by the slap. His back was still sore from the physical therapy needed to get over being bed-ridden for seven weeks. He turned to T’Pol. ( You didn’t have to come greet me. )

( Lieutenant Sato wished to be here and I had no other tasks to perform. )

( Lieutenant? )

( Yes, she was promoted five weeks ago. )

Trip turned to Hoshi and smiled, “a little birdie told me you just got promoted…”

Hoshi blushed slightly, “yes, sir.” Instead of shaking Trip’s outstretched hand she pulled him into a hug. “I’m glad to see you sir. When we found you, I was sure you’d… well…”

Trip could tell she was choking up. He was pretty sure he was going to die too. He wasn’t even conscious when Enterprise rescued him. “But I didn’t and now I’m back…” She held on for a little longer than necessary. He leaned into her ear, “you’re going to have to let me go, Malcolm looks like he wants to give me a sloppy kiss…”

That caused the stiff Brit to relax slightly and come over to Trip as Hoshi released him. “You really are incorrigible…” Malcolm smiled as he put his hand on Trip’s shoulder. “I’m glad to have you back Commander…”

“Thanks Malcolm…”

Archer stiffened up. “Okay, enough of the mushy stuff… Trip has to report to Phlox… Everyone else return to your stations…”

Trip heard a round of “aye, aye, Captain’s and started to head toward sickbay. Archer came along with him.

After they had traveled a short ways down the hall, Trip saw that no one was around. He reach out to Archer and stopped him. “Jon, I’m sorry about Erika… She was a good woman…”

Archer closed his eyes and nodded briefly. “It was tough hearing Columbia was destroyed…”

Trip softened as he looked at Archer’s sad face. “How you holding up?”

Archer shrugged. “I’m a lot better. It’s been tough… Fin and Claire pretty much ran the ship there for a few weeks but I’ve basically dealt with it. It’s a risk we always lived with.”

“If there’s anything T’Pol or I can do, just ask…”

Archer nodded briefly, “thanks. Maybe I’ll take you up on that. But for now you need to focus on yourself. Doctor Munch says it may be another two weeks before you’re a hundred percent.”

Trip sat on the bio-bed just in his underwear. The temperature in sickbay was warmer than normal so he didn’t shiver–too much. Phlox continued Trip’s physical while he and Archer occasionally joked about old times and Trip’s past visits to sickbay.

Phlox backed off Trip and cleared him for light duty. Before Trip got off the bed though, he gave Trip one last admonishment. “Commander Tucker, I expect you to adhere fully to the regimen… Light duty only, no more than six hours a day… Two hours in the gym… And… I want to be very clear on this… no more than thirty minutes in the meld… If you get tired, I want the two of you to stop immediately…”

Trip started to blush. “What about…”

Phlox shook his head. “Not yet.”

Trip slumped. “Aww, come on Doc.”

Archer seemed to find the exchange pretty amusing. Trip knew it didn’t take a telepath to figure out what he and Phlox were arguing about.

“No Commander… You are not yet strong enough for you and Commander T’Pol wish to engage in any… strenuous activities… beyond your recovery regimen.”

Trip scowled at the doctor.

“Think of it as a motivator, Commander,” Phlox said with a grin.

Trip nodded and held up his hands in resignation. “Okay, okay. You win…” Trip was certain he was blushing bright red once he realized Jon was still in the room.

Archer turned to Phlox, “so is Trip good to go?”

“Yes Captain. He’ll need to see me every day to check his status but for now he’s cleared for light duty.”

Trip hopped off the bed. “Thanks Doc!”

“Trip, get dressed and head to your quarters. Take it easy for the rest of the day. I’ll be by around 1830 hours to pick you up. We’ve got a celebration in the mess hall.”

Trip frowned. “I want to stop by engineering…”

Archer shook his head. “Nope.”

“Come on Captain…”

“Not until this evening… I want you to get some rest first.”

Trip nodded. “Okay…” He headed to his quarters.

Trip lay back in his bunk with the lights off. The bunk was a bit wider than normal and he was sure it had been widened to make it more comfortable for he and T’Pol. He thought they probably could lay on their backs side by side. That certainly was not possible with a normal one.

He was bored so he decided to see what T’Pol was doing. ( So how’re things going? )

( We are progressing only slightly behind schedule. The crewmen have created enough space to hold the new communications equipment. )

( When will they start installing it? )

( Lieutenant Sato started testing the first pieces today. I estimate the installation will begin two days from now. )

Trip stared at the ceiling for a while trying to think of something to say.

( Sickbay is huge! I didn’t realize just how much larger they’re going to make it. )

( It is quite large. Doctor Phlox estimates the new facilities can accommodate up to thirty critical patients. )

Trip knew what she meant–thirty patients with severe radiation poisoning caused by Romulan fission mines. Dealing with the survivors from Daedalus had overwhelmed Enterprise’s sickbay. Starfleet decided to expand both the facilities and Doctor Phlox’s staff to deal with a similar future scenario.

( I’m bored. When you going to come home? )

( I am on duty… I believe I will be working until the gathering starts… )

( That’s too bad… I was thinking Phlox only restricted me from stuff that takes a lot of effort. ) Trip smiled to himself and he was sure T’Pol could sense his amusement. ( You know, we really haven’t been alone together the past two months. We could do neuropressure… ) However the images he showed of her sitting in his lap squirming as he ran his fingers over her ears, the back of her neck and breasts really had nothing to do with neuropressure. Although he did guess they could probably start out with neuropressure as a prelude.

( I believe if I stop working at 1730 hours we will have time for… neuropressure. ) T’Pol teased him back.

Trip chuckled to himself. ( Yeah, and I’m sure we’ll both need to take a shower before the party. ) He sent her images of him pressing her up against the wall and kissing her senseless as the hot water rained down over them.

( Trip, we have to stop this now. I need to get back to work and Lieutenant Sato is giving me strange looks. I think she suspects something is going on. )

Trip realized he pushed a bit too hard. They hadn’t been… alone… in two months. While his body was only now just getting to the point where he could even consider having sex, he just grasped how much T’Pol had suppressed her need. Fortunately he learned long ago just how to caress her neck and ears for maximum pleasure. ( Okay… Talk to you later… )

( You should try to take a nap. )

( Sure thing mom… ) Like that was going to happen. His body had reacted to their growing arousal when he shared images with her earlier.

Eventually each of them got their reaction under control and Trip decided to take her advice and fell asleep.

Trip sat on the floor holding T’Pol in his lap just after they exited the meld. It was the first one since his injury over two months ago and it had been exhilarating. His fingertips still tingled as he sat there resting his chin on her shoulder. They had wanted to perform one before this but each was uncomfortable engaging in something so intimate in Trip’s hospital room where visitors might stop by. Although the bathroom could be locked, they didn’t feel right about performing a mind meld in a locked bathroom. So they waited.

Their previous teasing aside, they performed the mind meld fully clothed and took separate showers. Each of them knew the urge to violate Doctor Phlox’s recovery program would be too hard to resist if they showered together. They did compromise a bit with T’Pol waiting to get in the shower as Trip got out. He took advantage of the situation and T’Pol allowed him a brief grope before stepping into the shower and out of his reach.

T’Pol had just turned off the water and Trip was straightening up their quarters when he heard their door chime go off.

“Come in,” Trip replied. He assumed it was Captain Archer.

Archer made a face as he came in before saying, “you two ready to go? Everyone’s probably waiting for you…”

“Sure thing Captain… As soon as T’Pol combs her hair,” Trip replied. He cocked his head to the side. “Is something wrong?”

“It’s just hot in here. What’d you have the controls set at? Thirty degrees?”

Trip shrugged his shoulders. “T’Pol usually sets it at twenty eight degrees.”

Just then T’Pol walked out of the bathroom ready to go. “No, the Captain is correct. I have it set at thirty degrees.”

Archer scrunched his face. “Why so hot?”

“We are more comfortable at a higher temperature. I increased it somewhat since Doctor Phlox said Trip would have a harder time regulating his body temperature.”

Trip smiled at Archer. “Don’t believe her Captain. She’s always wanted it at thirty. Twenty eight was a compromise…”

As the three walked down the hall Archer turned slightly to Trip. “If you keep your quarters so hot, don’t you get cold in the rest of the ship? It’s only twenty degrees out here.”

Trip shook his head. “No, I’ve got a Thermal-Tex liner in my uniform. It keeps me warm.”

“Does that mean you’ve spent most of your time on Vulcan these past four years?”

Trip shook his head. “Not really. We spent more than a year…” Trip did a quick calculation in his head. “Probably more than fifteen months on Daedalus. We both got used to the higher temperatures on Vulcan, so we kept our quarters warm. It’s probably been six months since the last time we’ve been home.” He looked at T’Pol.

“It is closer to seven.”

Trip tilted his head. “Yeah, you’re right. It’ll be seven next week… I keep forgetting I lost about three weeks there.” Trip paused for a while and then asked, “You know, maybe the next chance we get you could come by and stay with us. We’ve got a guest room.”

Archer looked at T’Pol and seeing no negative reaction replied, “sure Trip… I’d like that.” Archer shrugged his shoulders. “But I have no idea when that’d be. We’re on target for a December 20 launch date. We’ve pretty much got our hands full until then. Starfleet’s putting all of its resources into finishing up the Archon and Hood so it’s just us and a few loaners. The brass is hoping to get them ready to join the others as soon as possible–hopefully both ships will be ready by February.”

Trip quickly glanced at T’Pol to gauge her reaction. The rumor mill had something big coming down the line. Since they were two of fewer than twenty-five people who knew the details of Daedalus’ mission, they could make a pretty good guess as to what that was. However, their orders required them to keep their thoughts to themselves so they never voiced their hunches to anyone.

Archer reached to the entrance and said, “Here we are.” He opened the door to a room full of standing people who started clapping and whistling.

Trip read the huge banner across the back wall that said ‘Welcome Home!’. He felt T’Pol stiffen and hesitate. He put his hand on her back. ( It’ll be okay. )

( I am uncomfortable with this amount of attention. )

( Don’t worry about it. I’ll deflect as much as I can… Why don’t you head over to Hoshi? Jon and I’ll run interference. )

( Agreed. )

As T’Pol headed over to Hoshi, Trip grabbed Archer’s arm and leaned in close. “T’Pol’s not exactly comfortable with parties. Help me keep them off her.”

Archer nodded his head. “Sure thing Trip… Let’s head over to your engineering staff… They’re on the other side of the room from Hoshi. Hopefully that’ll draw people away.”

“Thanks Jon.”

Trip sighed as he sat in the corner of the mess hall. The party was winding down and he was trying to hide the fact he was tired. Fortunately T’Pol was distracted talking with Hoshi about the communications equipment so hiding his state from her took little effort. He figured he had about another half hour before even that would be too much for him. When that happened, T’Pol would march him out of there and put him to bed as soon as possible. She had practically taken on the role of mother hen during his recovery. In fact, he was certain she must have lost track of time because she had not let him stay up this late before.

He wasn’t paying attention to the party when suddenly he realized he had company. “You look pretty tired Commander Tucker…”

He chuckled. “Hi Commander Kincaid. I didn’t hear you sit down.”

She smiled at him. “Call me Claire, Trip. I’ve never been comfortable with military formality.”

Again he chuckled. “I thought you were our weapons systems officer?”

She nodded. “Yeah. But just because I’ve always liked blowing shit up doesn’t mean I have to be a tight ass.”

Trip started laughing. He wondered if she intentionally took a little swipe at Malcolm. He caught T’Pol’s sudden glance and then saw her soften. It had been a long time since either of them had any problems with jealousy so he figured T’Pol caught a glimpse of how tired he was when he dropped his guard as he laughed. Since she didn’t immediately come over that meant she didn’t fully recognize his weakening condition.

“I’m surprised they put you and T’Pol back on Enterprise. I figured they’d put you on the Archon with Captain Eames or maybe on the Hood.”

Trip shook his head. “Nah. Starfleet doesn’t trust me in a command role on the front lines… They still don’t quite know what to make of our bond.”

Trip took a deep breath and released it as he looked at T’Pol. “With everything going on in the war, not many are hot on a Vulcan in a command role either. It doesn’t matter how many years she’s been with Starfleet. She’s still an outsider to them…” Trip shook his head as he looked away and shrugged. “Enterprise was probably the only ship that would take us without causing problems.”

Commander Kincaid nodded. “Well, their loss is our gain. I for one am glad to have both of you back. Your idea of making Enterprise a mobile communication platform is perfect. The Romulans keep destroying our probes and sentries… Having us behind the lines for long-range communication is ideal. Expanding sickbay to deal with more casualties should help save more lives too.”

“I can’t take credit for those ideas. They’re T’Pol’s and Captain Archer’s,” Trip laughed. “My contribution was making them both sit around a hospital and talk while I slept… About all I did was go through where we could install the equipment and the changes needed to ensure structural integrity. Anna and I went over those before she left for the Archon. She gave me something to do while I was stuck in that hospital bed.”

“Speaking of that, how’re things coming? Is your hair going to grow back?”

Trip shrugged. “I’m getting a lot better. It’ll probably be another couple of weeks before I’m a hundred percent… Some of my hair’s coming back already. It’s just fine stubble right now. It’s lighter than before. Doctor Munch thinks it might initially come in white before turning blonde again. You probably won’t notice it for a couple days yet.”

Commander Kincaid took a deep breath and shook her head. “You know, I thought sure when we’d show up, all we’d find was debris…” She shook her head again. “I can’t believe nineteen people survived that fight.”

Trip nodded his head. “Yeah, the NC class is a leap forward.” Then he shook his head. “There’s no way Atlantis or Endeavor could’ve survived even half as long as we did. Both Essex and Carolina have even better shielding and a battle bridge. Either of those probably could’ve survived the attack. Although there’s not really much…” Trip trailed off and clenched his fists under the table. He wanted to say there really isn’t much you can do when a Romulan warbird makes a kamikaze run at your bridge, but he couldn’t find his voice.

Trip thought back to the battle. They were more than holding their own against the three warbirds prior to that time. A mine exploded and ripped a hole in the spherical section, but its damage was contained. The shields were holding and two of the three warbirds were heavily damaged. Apparently the Romulans were so desperate to prevent Daedalus returning with its newfound information, one of the warbirds made a run at the front of the ship to ram it. Although a torpedo spread destroyed the ship before it could reach Daedalus, one of its nacelles remained in tact and slammed into the front of the ship. Trip couldn’t be completely sure, but he assumed most, if not all, of the spherical section had been destroyed as a result. As far as he knew, their shields never completely failed so he couldn’t find any other explain for the loss of everyone but those on duty in main engineering and the armory.

He looked across the room to T’Pol. He had been so lucky she just happened to be in the armory for the battle. Her normal station was on the bridge and she would have been killed with the rest. Occasionally he still had nightmares in which she had been. He would wake up in the hospital screaming her name only to find her sitting at his bedside. Trip was still struggling with his emotions when he felt T’Pol’s presence more distinctly as she pushed her way past his meek shields and saw her turn to him and scowl. Thinking back on Daedalus and how many people were killed distracted him and must have weakened his block enough for her to detect his situation. His shoulders slumped as he saw her stand and walk quickly toward him. She had found him out.

T’Pol arrived at the table and said, “Excuse us Commander Kincaid. Commander Tucker is on a strict recovery program and needs his rest.”

Trip smiled at her formality as he stood up. “Good night ma’am,” Trip said to Commander Kincaid.

“Good night Commanders…” Commander Kincaid turned to T’Pol. “T’Pol, if you and Hoshi need any help, please let me know. The weapons systems are fully operational and I can spare a couple crewman per shift to help out.”

T’Pol nodded. “Thank you Commander.”

( It is not acceptable for you to attempt to disguise your physical state from me. ) T’Pol did not appear happy as they walked to their quarters.

( You were talking with Hoshi. I didn’t want to bother you. )

( Lieutenant Sato and I could have continued our conversation tomorrow. I promised Doctor Phlox you would adhere to your recovery regimen. )

( I’ll be fine. It’s not even 2200 hours yet. I’ll fall asleep as soon as I hit the bed. I can get ten hours of sleep and still not be late for my shift. )

( But I thought you wanted to work out together tomorrow morning. My shift starts at 0800 hours. You would have to get up at 0500 and get only seven hours of sleep. Doctor Phlox is insisting on ten. )

Trip smiled. ( Don’t worry about it. We’ll work out together the next day. ) He rubbed his hand along her back. ( How about we do some neuropressure after supper? )

Trip heard her sigh slightly in agreement as they reached their quarters.

Trip was right. He was fast asleep within minutes of hitting the bed. The first day of his second tour on Enterprise was over.

Just after Claire set the treadmill to a steady pace she watched Captain Archer enter the workout room and walk toward the two weight machines. Commander Tucker sat in the middle of his military press routine when Archer bent over to whisper something to him. Whatever the Captain whispered to him must have been of interest to Commander T’Pol because she stopped doing squats at the other and turned to flash a quick glance at the two of them.

Captain Archer put his hand on Commander Tucker’s back and said something else to the two of them but Claire couldn’t make out the words. Archer turned and walked toward the treadmills with a grin on his face. Claire watched Commander Tucker hesitate for a moment, then do a set of five military presses. He reached down for his towel and wiped his face. As soon as he was done, Commander T’Pol came to, no… shot to, his side and the couple left the room in a very brisk walk.

Once Claire could tell Archer settled into a comfortable rhythm, she looked around to make sure they were still alone to broach the subject. “What was that all about Captain?”

She heard Archer chuckle over their steady footfalls on the treadmills. “Nothing much. I just gave them the day off.”

Claire cocked her head to the side. They were already behind schedule and couldn’t see how giving Commander T’Pol the day off would help that.

Archer must have recognized her confusion. “I had breakfast with Phlox and he told me he was removing all restrictions from Commander Tucker’s recovery program.”

Claire thought that was a very odd way of saying Phlox had cleared Commander Tucker for normal duty.

And then his meaning hit her.

She smiled to herself then choked back a laugh when she realized all of Commander Tucker’s ‘duty’ restrictions were being lifted. No wonder they practically shot out of there! She chuckled to herself. Archer was right to give them the day off, they probably wouldn’t have been much use anyway. She decided she’d stop by the communications center this morning and volunteer her services to help Hoshi while T’Pol was otherwise occupied.

The End

Continue to New World Man: Aftermath

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