Deceptions- Ch. 4

DECEPTIONS AND TRUTHS

By plumtuckered

Rating: PG-13, Darma, Romance
Disclaimer: It all belongs to Paramount. No money was made.

Chapter IV

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Trip awoke with a start. He immediately felt a gentle hand on his arm. Hoshi sat next to his cot smiling down at him.

"How do you feel, Commander?" she asked quietly.

He squeezed his eyes shut, fighting the sudden urge to lash out in anger at the young ensign's concern.

"Better, Hoshi. Thanks," he lied. Trip's head was hurting even worse than before his little nap. He felt cold and empty but most of all, he felt angry.

"Good," Hoshi replied a bit tentatively. "High Premier Colthera will be here in a matter of minutes. We were all afraid you'd sleep right through the celebration." She leaned forward in her chair and Trip turned his head to look at her.

"Celebration?"

"You don't remember? They're having a welcome home celebration for her. You should see the main hall, Commander. All the colorful decorations."

"I remember now," Trip replied harshly. He sat up on the cot and swung his legs over the side, putting his feet on the floor. The room began to darken and he shook his head.

"You don't look like you're feeling better, sir. Perhaps I should go get Dr. Kronell." Hoshi rose from her chair and Trip reached out, grabbing her arm forcefully.

"No!"

"Commander, you're hurting me!"

Trip released her arm and looked at the young ensign's face. He could see fear in her dark eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Hoshi," he whispered helplessly. "I don't know what's happening to me."

"Trip!" greeted Captain Archer from the doorway. "Good to see you decided to join us."

Malcolm stood by the captain, his eyes focused on Hoshi. He turned his gaze to Trip.

"Is something going on here, Ensign?" he asked suspiciously.

Hoshi paused, looking at Trip closely. "No, Lieutenant," she said shaking her head. "I just don't think the commander is feeling like himself yet."

Captain Archer sat down on the cot next to Trip. From the corner of his eye, Trip could see him watching him with concern. The anger started to rise again and Trip cursed under his breath. A sharp pain through his skull caused him to flinch.

"I just have a headache, sir," he mumbled. "It's not near as bad as it was. I guess you were right. I just needed to sleep it off."

"I think we should get back to the ship, Captain. Have Dr. Phlox give the commander a proper examination," said Malcolm. He had moved to Trip's other side.

"There's nothing I'd like better than to get Trip home, Malcolm. But unfortunately we can't offend the Talazorians. To be invited to meet their high premier is quite an honor. We can't just walk away."

"Perhaps I can take the commander and the doctor back to the ship, sir. You, Travis, Hoshi, and the sub-commander could attend the festivities and I'll return for you later."

Archer nodded. He reached in his arm pocket and pulled out his communicator. Trip listened as he tried to raise Travis and T'Pol with no success. The captain took Trip's arm and helped him to his feet.

"Oh, the commander's awake," came a cheerful voice from the doorway. Trip looked up into the face of Prime Minister Yar. "We are forming the greeting line, Captain. High Premier Colthera is on her way. If you'll follow me." The Talazorian stepped aside and motioned out the door with his arm.

"My science officer and helmsman haven't returned yet, Prime Minister. I can't reach them on my communicator. I think something may be wrong," said Archer. He still had a firm hold on Trip's arm for which Trip was thankful. His knees were feeling weak and his head was spinning.

"One of my lab assistants saw them at the medical research complex looking for Dr. Phlox, Captain. She didn't say anything was amiss," said Dr. Kronell, appearing next to the prime minister. "I am guessing they'll be here any minute."

Trip physically cringed at the sight of the Talazorian doctor and the captain turned to him.

"Commander Tucker still isn't feeling well. Lieutenant Reed will be taking him back to Enterprise with Dr. Phlox. That is, as soon as Phlox arrives."

Prime Minister Yar glanced at the Talazorian woman beside him then turned back to the captain.

"Very well, Captain. At least take the time to meet our high premier. Being a former warp physicist, I know she'd enjoy meeting Commander Tucker as well."

Trip sighed in frustration. "We have to wait for the others anyway, Cap'n. I think I feel well enough to meet High Premier Colthera," he said, unable to hide the agitation in his voice.

Archer looked at him for a long moment then nodded his head reluctantly.

>>>>>>>>>>

The main hall was abuzz with anticipation. Trip had never seen so many light haired people in one spot before. The thought brought a smile to his face but it quickly vanished as another sharp pain lanced through his head.

"You doing okay?" whispered Captain Archer who stood beside him in the greeting line.

Trip nodded. He knew he was anything but okay. All he wanted to do was get back to Enterprise but there was still no sign of T'Pol, Travis, or Dr. Phlox. He hoped the sub-commander was indeed all right. He sighed then reached a hand back to the table behind him to steady himself.

"I'll have you back to the ship in no time, Commander," said Malcolm quietly from Trip's other side. Trip attempted a smile but failed miserably.

The opening of the main doors caused them both to look up. Several Talazorians dressed in deep purple military uniforms and carrying weapons entered, their movements perfectly synchronized with each other. Behind them, entered an older woman in flowing robes of the same deep purple. She walked with such authority and grace that Trip was certain that even someone who didn't know her position would know she held power. He watched her approach the line that had formed across from the main entrance. Prime Minister Yar greeted her at the head of the line. His hands remained at his sides but he bowed his head in respect. He followed behind her as she continued down the line, taking the time to say a few words to each of her people. Just as she reached Captain Archer, Trip felt a sudden excruciating pain roar through his head. He instinctively grabbed the captain for support. Then an all-consuming blinding rage took control of him and he lunged at the woman who stood before him.

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Continued in Chapter 5

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