Gateway- Part 9

Gateway

By Quills

Contact:the_quill_pen@yahoo.com
Rating: PG-13, angst, drama, romance, humor, action/adventure
Disclaimer in Part One

PART NINE (Chapters 25-27)

Chapter 25

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

All heads immediately turned as Captain Soma entered the ship's 'mess'; all eyes were on him. The Captain glanced around the room catching the stairs from his new crew. He felt like he was a first year cadet up for review. He knew the crew was still getting used to having a new Captain; A new Vulcan Captain. Still, it didn't make his job any easier. After a few awkward moments crewmembers went back to what they had been doing and Soma continued walking towards the Captain's dining room. On the way, he caught site of Ensign Sato. She was standing alone serving herself at the buffet table. Soma made a quick detour and made his way over to her.

Sato looked up and saw Captain Soma approaching her. She immediately tensed, going into full nervous mode. Had she done something wrong she thought to herself? She still hadn't been able to raise Starfleet for the Captain, but that wasn't her fault. Enterprise was still out of range. Maybe she shouldn't have complained about the job Commander Tucker's staff did reassembling the comm station. She had to have done something wrong. Why else would he be coming over here?

Soma stopped at the buffet table across from Sato and smiled at the nervous Ensign "Good evening Hoshi."

"Captain!" the Ensign replied in an elevated voice. Several crewmembers turned, but when they saw the Ensign they turned back to their conversations, smiling or chuckling as they did so. Everyone knew Ensign Hoshi Sato all to well.

Soma looked at Hoshi sympathetically and smiled, "At ease Ensign." he said gently.

"Yes sir." said Hoshi relaxing a little, "Is something wrong."

"Not at all." he replied shaking his head. "I was just heading to the Captain's dining room. I saw you and I thought I would say hello."

"Oh." said Hoshi audibly relieved. "I was just getting a quick dinner so I could get back to work on the sub space comm system."

"No rush Hoshi." said Soma. "Enjoy your meal. I don't want you in sickbay for an upset stomach."

"No sir," smiled Hoshi. "Um...w..would you like to join me?"

Soma cocked his head and gave her a smile. "Maybe another time. The Chief and Sub Commander T'Pol are going to meet me for dinner. We need to discuss several matters before we reach Pentax."

"Oh, of course, sir." responded Sato with a hint of dejection in her voice." Some other time."

"But thank you for the invitation, Hoshi." said Soma. "Enjoy your dinner."

"Thank you sir." she said as he headed for the dining room. "You too sir."

'Great move Hoshi' she thought to herself. 'He probably thinks you were hitting on him.' She leaned over the table as she watched the Captain disappear into the dining room and let out an audible sigh.

Soma entered the dining room and found both Commander Tucker and Sub Commander T'Pol had already arrived. Both officers began to rise from their seats, but Soma held up his hand as he made his way to his own seat.

"Don't trouble yourselves," he smiled as he sat down. "We're informal here at the Savoy Grille."

This elicited a laugh from Tucker, but T'Pol remained stoic as she sat back down.

Soma turned towards Tucker as he opened his napkin, "So how are things shaping up in Engineering?"

Tucker gave his Captain a frown and then a smile. "I gotta admit," said Tucker, "Those Andorians can build a hell of a warp core. I didn't think it would be this easy Cap'n, but she's holdin at warp 4.5."

Soma smiled, "You're being modest Chief. You and your crew did an exemplary job installing an alien warp core. Don't you agree Number one."

T'Pol avoided looking at the Captain as she poured a glass of tea. "Commander Tucker is an excellent engineer. He and his staff keep Enterprise in excellent working order."

Tucker looked at T'Pol; He wasn't offended. He knew the Vulcan science officer all too well. She didn't give compliments easily and from her that was a compliment. He had even come to find that the Vulcan had a grudging respect and even appreciation for him. He sometimes wondered if it was as close as Vulcan's came to acknowledging friendship. However, he could tell there was more to what she said. He sensed an underlying tension in her voice and so did the Captain.

Soma looked at his first officer with a raised brow. "I sense a 'but' in there."

"Not all Captain." replied T'Pol.

Soma pressed the buzzer signaling the yeomen, "Come now, Number One."

"Captain..." T'Pol began but paused, "I would appreciate you not calling me that."

Soma bristled but tried not to show it. He didn't do a good job.

Two yeomen entered with serving plates they lay on the dining table. The officers suspended their conversation until the yeomen had finished serving dinner and exited the room.

Soma pursed his lips "My apologies Sub Commander. I didn't mean to offend you."

T'Pol raised her brow and shook her head. "You have not given offense. I am a Vulcan. You should be aware that we do not take offense. I merely find the reference inappropriate."

Soma poured himself a glass of tea, "May I ask you why?"

Trip Tucker glanced from Soma to T'Pol as he served himself some of the Cajun vegetable melee that was the main course of their meal.

T'Pol countered with her own question. "Why did you ask me whether or not I agreed with your assessment of Commander Tucker and his staff's performance?"

"I merely wanted to hear your opinion." Soma replied as he took the serving dish Tucker passed him.

"My opinion is of no consequence Captain." replied T'Pol.

Soma looked at Tucker incredulously, "Of course it is. I value your opinion very much...both yours and Chief Tucker’s."

"Why?" said T'Pol. It was more a statement than a query. "You know neither Commander Tucker nor myself and yet you assume a casual familiarity that does not exist. Your reference to me as...'Number one' is just another example of that casual familiarity. A familiarity you have no right to."

Soma straightened at that last comment.

"T'Pol!" said Tucker in shock.

Soma raised his hand, "Easy Chief, let the Sub Commander say her piece. It's apparent she has something on her mind."

T'Pol looked at Tucker who was giving her a penetrating stare. It was apparent he did not approve of what she was saying.

"I am merely stating that your casual attitude is inappropriate." said T'Pol. "This is not your crew and your assignment here is temporary."

Tucker stopped just as he was about to take a bite from his fork. He looked up at T'Pol and then at Soma.

"You are correct." agreed Soma "I do assume a familiar approach with the crew. It's my hope that it will alleviate some of the tension they are experiencing. Being half human I can appreciate the conflicted feelings they may be having. However, you are mistaken on your second assessment. This IS my crew."

Soma gave T'Pol a hard stare daring her to dispute it. She returned his gaze, but said nothing.

Trip could see the two Vulcan's were heading for a blow up. He wasn't sure what was going on. He hadn't noticed any earlier tension, but he had been in engineering for the past day and a half.He hadn't seen either T'Pol or the Captain much during that time. Whatever the problem was he was pretty sure it lay with T'Pol. He needed to do some quick damage control.

Clearing his voice he asked Soma to pass him one of the side dishes, "Cap'n, do you mind."

"Oh, of course Chief." replied Soma snapping out of his stare as he picked up the serving dish.

"This is pretty good." said Tucker trying to stear the conversation. "What is it?"

"Oh, it's a spicy chicken jabbalaya with rice." replied Soma as he looked back at T'Pol.

"My apologies Captain." replied T'Pol. "I did not wish to challenge your right to command. I merely meant that I do not believe it is how a Starfleet Captain should act."

Tucker looked at T'Pol 'What the hell are ya tryin to do, T"pol?' he thought to himself.

"You mean how a Vulcan would act." said Soma with forced smile.

"I would not expect you to behave as a Vulcan, Captain." replied T'Pol "It is plainly obvious...you are not one."

Trip looked at T'Pol in shock. He could not believe what he was hearing. T'Pol was actually insulting the Captain. It wasn't a direct insult to be sure. He found that Vulcans, even T'Pol, didn't insult directly. No, they insinuated their insults into a conversation...which is exactly what T'Pol was doing to Captain Soma.

"I'd have to disagree with you Sub Commander." replied Soma politely. "Granted, I'm unorthodox...However, I embrace my Vulcan heritage as fully as I embrace my human heritage."

"I cannot see how that is possible." replied T'Pol raising her brow. "You quite clearly have embraced the human side of your dual heritage. Your mannerisms are..."

"Distateful?" said Soma.

"Human." countered T'Pol.

Soma shook his head. "I'll grant you that as well Sub Commander." he conceded. "I have embraced my human heritage as a fundamental aspect of my life, but does that make me less a Vulcan?"

T'Pol pondered the question a moment before replying. This conversation had moved in a direction she had hoped to avoid. She did not wish to create an air of dissention between herself and Captain Soma, but the distaste Soma left her with was one she could physically feel. She had felt the discomfort the moment he had greeted her on the bridge. She fought to suppress her response to the Captain's question. She wanted to lie..anything to avoid saying what she felt; she couldn't. "Yes, "she replied.

Soma frowned, "And nothing could persuade you that I have the right to call myself both Terran...and Vulcan?"

T'Pol raised a brow, "I do not see…"

"The fact that I spent half my childhood growing up on Vulcan?" said Soma angrily. "That I attended Vulcan schools? Studied Vulcan disciplines. Graduated from the Vulcan Science Academy?"

Tucker turned to Soma. "You graduated from the Vulcan Science Academy...and Starfleet?"

Soma nodded his head as his smile returned. "My parents insisted I explore both my heritages." explained Soma. "I attended the Science Academy and took a leave of absence to attend Starfleet. After graduating Starfleet I knew I had to make a choice for the direction my life would go in. I chose Starfleet."

"You chose your human heritage." said T'Pol making her point.

"Yes Sub Commander." said Soma raising his voice a little higher than he had meant to, "I chose my human heritage over my Vulcan heritage. Does that make me incapable of acknowledging the part of me that is Vulcan? I don't think it does. There have been individuals, like yourself, who viewed my choice as betraying my Vulcan heritage. Nothing can be further from the truth. I AM a Vulcan. I am also a human. I am sorry YOU find difficulty in accepting that. I do not."

Soma stared at the Vulcan. She met his gaze but once again said nothing. Trip Tucker just looked at the two Vulcans. He wasn't sure what to expect. He had never seen two Vulcan's come to blows but he was pretty sure T'Pol and Soma were pretty close. Finally, Soma pushed his chair back and stood.

"Well, it’s been...interesting." he said with a diplomatic smile. " We really need to do this again sometime."

Trip was about to stand, but Soma motioned him to remain. "No, no Chief." said Soma. "Don't get up on my account. I'm going to turn in. You finish your meal without me."

"But ya haven't eaten Cap'n." said Tucker.

"I find I'm not as hungry as I thought Chief." replied Soma.

Tucker realized any argument was pointless and he merely nodded to his Captain. "G'night Cap'n."

"Good night Chief." replied Soma with a nod. He turned to T'Pol who was still staring at him "Sub Commander." he said stressing the title.

"Captain" replied T'Pol unwilling or unable to hold her stare.

Soma made his way out of the dining room and through the doors. Once they closed behind him Tucker looked at T'Pol. An uneasy silence hung in the room as the two officers sat at the table. She knew he was staring at her intently and she was doing her best to ignore him. It wasn't working. T'Pol lifted her glass of tea in an attempt to focus on something other than the Commander's stare. She put the glass down suddenly and looked up at Tucker.

"You have something you wish to say Commander?" she asked.

"Something I WISH to say." said Tucker venomously "Yeah..I got something I WISH to say, but I'm to much of ah gentleman ta say it."

"Indeed" said T'pol tilting her head.

"We got a word on Earth to describe what you were tonight SUB COMMANDER." he replied. as he pushed his chair back.

T'Pol looked up at Tucker as he stood, "What might that word be Commander?"

Tucker walked around the table to T'Pol and bent down so his head was next to hers. She had always found his habit of assuming close contact with her to be most uncomfortable, but as of late it did not seem to bother her quite as much. She was uncertain why. Unfortunately that was not the case this time. His hot breath elicited a pained shiver up her spine

"If yer interested, ya can look it up in the ship's database. Its a colorful metaphor that rhymes with 'witch'." he said stressing the final word.

Trip Tucker stood up and walked out the door leaving T'Pol to herself. The Vulcan remained motionless for what seemed an eternity before she raised a brow and bristled to the shudder that went through her body.

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

Chapter 26

Captain Archer exited the turbolift stepping onto the bridge. The Enterprise-C had finally arrived at destination and just as Travis had suspected the Mak'tek was orbiting the second moon. Commander Garrett had to run a low level sensor scan so as not to alarm the facilities patrons who might be inclined to make a run for it if they were aware that a Starfleet vessel was actively scanning the facility. So far their efforts had not attracted any attention.

Archer rounded the railing and approached the Captain's chair. Garrett looked over at him and had to do a double take. Archer was now wearing a Starfleet marroon jacket and dark blue trousers.

She smiled at him. "I see you’re easing into this assignment pretty well."

Archer returned the smile. "I move pretty fast."

"I'll bet you do." she replied with a grin.

Archer's face flushed. He cleared his throat, "Ahem..What have you found?"

Garrett smiled and turned back to the screen, "The Mak'tek "

"Already?" said Archer in surprise.

"I move fast too Captain." she said not taking her eyes of the main viewer.

Archer smiled and just shook his head. 'Damn.' he thought. 'I've met someone who flirts better than I do." "Do they know we're here?" he asked.

"If they do, they haven't shown any sign of it." she replied.

"All right." said Archer. "Let's make our presence known."

Nodding to Garrett, Archer took his place in the command chair as she headed to the Science Station.

"Helm bring us into a tangent orbit to the Mak'tek." instructed the Captain. "I want to come up on her aft section. Mr Vendi, stand by on the tractor beam. If he tries to make a run for it I want to grab him before he makes the jump."

"Aye Captain." replied the tactical officer.

"Commander Garrett, keep sensors trained on the Mak'tek " said Archer. "We have him outmatched, but he might try something desperate. I want to go to red alert and raise shields at a moments notice."

"Captain, wouldn't it be prudent to raise shields before we engage the Mak'tek?" asked the exec.

"I'd like to avoid an argument if we can." said Archer. "Coming in with shields up and weapons powered will give Ork even more reason to run or fight."

"Aye, sir" she responded.

The Enterprise-C maneuvered her way across the expanse, coming in at an angle that brought the ship into a tight orbit directly on top of and aft of the Mak'tek . The Klingon ship had still not made any movement to suggest that they were aware of the Enterprise.

"Captain, her warp engines are coming online." said Garrett "He's gonna make run for it!"

"Tractor, Mr. Vendi!" ordered Archer. "Red Alert, shields up!"

"Aye, sir." responded Vendi as his hands danced across his board.

A blue coherent shaft of light shot out of the Enterprise's undersection, enveloping the Mak'tek in it's glow. The Klingon ship's forward momentum slowed as its frame visibly shook as the engines fought against the overwhelming force of the Enterprise's tractor beam.

"Got him sir." said the tactical officer.

Archer turned to the comm station, "Lieutenant Lake, open a hailing frequency."

The young blonde woman activated several controls at her station and gave Archer a nod.

"This Captain Jonathen Archer of the starship Enterprise. Power down your engines."

Archer waited for a response. When none came, he tried again "We're not here for trouble. We only want to speak to you..."

Archer was cut off as the ship shifted suddenly. "What the hell?" Report."

"She's firing disruptors Captain." said Garrett. "They're a higher power setting than we thought she was capable of but the shields took the impact."

"So much for the friendly approach John." said Travis.

"Captain!" Vendi called out. "He's targeting the shields right over the tractor emitter. If he hits us there he could knock out the tractor and cause an overload."

"That tears it." said Archer "Target his weapons Mr. Vendi. Just enough to put him out commission."

"Aye sir." responded the tactical officer "Phasers ready."

"Fire" said Archer.

Red phaser fire lanced out from the Enterprises circular phaser ring. The beams struck the Klingon ship repeatedly on its aft and mid section until its weapons were disabled.

"His weapon systems are out of commision Captain." reported Garrett. "He's powering down his engines."

Archer turned to the comm station. "Let's try that hail again Lieutenant."

"This Captain Archer of the Federation starship Enterprise."

The screen flashed momentarily and the image of a one eyed grisely looking Klingon
appeared on the screen. "I am Captain Ork of the privateer Mak'tek." spat the Kilingon.
"Why have you attacked my ship!"

"I think you have that backwards Captain." said Archer "You fired on us."

"You tractored my ship!" said Klingon. "I was only defending myself."

"My apologies, Captain." replied Archer. "But you didn't give us a chance to explain and we didn't want to have to chase you down."

Ork eyed Archer warily, "What do you want human?"

"Information," responded Archer.

"Try the Federation database at Memory Alpha." chortled the Klingon Captain. "I hear they have an excellent reference section."

This elicited laughs from the Klingon bridge. Archer was not amused. He could see this Klingon was going to make things difficult and waste time. Something he had very little of.

"Captain, I want to know where you dropped of a recent passenger." said Archer forcefully "A Suliban."

The smile vanished from the Klingon's face. "I don't know anything about any Suliban and you have no authority here Federation dog."

"I have intelligence reports that say otherwise." retorted Archer.

"Maybe your intelligence is not so intelligent." scoffed the Klingon.

"You know where he is Ork." said Archer.

"Are you insinuating that a Klingon warrior is a liar!" shouted Ork.

"No, I'm outright saying that the pitiful excuse of a targ that I'm talking to is lying through his crooked teeth!"

Ork flew into a tirade "How dare you insult..."

Archer cut him off with an order to Vendi "Mr. Vendi lock on phasers and torpedoes."
he ordered. "Get this Patak out of my sight!"

Vendi glanced over at Garrett who gave the tactical officer a short nod. She wasn't sure what Archer was doing, but she didn't think he intended to blow the Klingon ship up.

"Aye sir." responded Vendi as he locked the Enterprise's weapon systems onto the Mak'tek.

"You don't fool me Archer." said the Klingon. "You peace loving Federations don't kill innocent civilians...or me for that matter. You’re bluffing."

"Am I Ork?" said Archer. "You said it yourself, Starfleet and the Federation have no authority here. You don't have to cooperate, but at the same time your not protected. Whats to stop me from using that rust bucket ship of yours as a pinata for phaser practice? My crew? The extremely civic minded clientele of this facility?"

The Klingon bristled, but remained silent.

"You and I both know my crew will follow my orders." said Archer. "As for the your fellow traders. Well, let’s just say I don't think they'll be mourning the loss in competition."

"You can't." said the Klingon.

Archer smiled, "Have a pleasent trip to Stovokor." replied Archer as he turned from the viewscreen. "Close Channel"

The Klingon rushed the viewer so his face filled the screen. He screamed out pitifully "NOOOOO!"

Archer raised his hand signaling Lieutenant Lake to disregard his last order. He slowly turned and looked at the Klingon who now had a look of panic on his face.

"I'll tell you what you want to know." said the Klingon weakly, "and damn that Suliban
dog to Gre'thor. He and his fool ravings of reclaiming his position."

"I'm listening." said Archer.

"We never took him to the fiery system." the Klingon said.

Archer didn't conceal his surprise, "What!?"

"He paid us to travel to the Fiery system and then to disappear." the Klingon explained.

"You’re lying." said Archer.

"I swear it." said the Klingon. "He gave us the route he wanted us to take. We were to pass on the outskirts of Federation space until we reached the Fiery system and then disappear."

Archer stared at the Klingon. Could he be telling the truth? he thought. Was this all some elaborate plan to send Starfleet on some red herring?

Archer stood silently for long moment before he spoke. When he did, he surprised his own bridge crew as well as the Klingon captain. "Mr. Vendi, release the Mak'tek."

"Captain?" Vendi asked not hiding his confusion.

"You heard me Mister." replied Archer.

"Captain Ork, you’re free to go." said Archer turning to the comm station. "Close channel."

Rachel Garrett stood up. "Captain?"

Archer took a deep breath. "My ready room."

Garrett nodded as Archer headed for the door. Travis started, but Rachel warned him off. He nodded and remained on the bridge as the two officers entered the ready room.

Rachel stopped in the middle of the room as Archer stared out the windows. "Ok, Jon, what's going on?"

"It's over." he said.

"It's over?" she repeated. "Just like that? I didn't think you gave up so easily."

"Another error on history’s part." he said.

Archer stood quietly for a moment and spoke. "It was a mistake." he said. "I should have never been picked for this mission."

"Jon..." she started, but he cut her off.

"No Rachel, it's my own fault." he said turning from the viewport. "I was flattered that I was chosen. I knew I didn't have the experience. I let my arrogance waltz me right where they wanted me."

"John, it could have happened to anyone." said Rachel as she closed the distance between them.

"Yes, but I let it happen to me." he said. "Now Silik is out there and God knows how many people are going to suffer for my mistake."

She reached up and brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. "So you really are human." she chided him softly.

Archer smiled weakly. "I know what you’re trying to tell me."

"I'm your first officer." she said. "It comes with the job."

Archer looked at his first officer. She was staring at him. Her soft eyes seem to have a calming effect on him and he could feel something stir from within. As their gaze lingered they each leaned in closer until they could feel each other's warm breath. Their lips touched gently in an exploratory kiss which grew into a deep and passionate embrace as they held each other. After what seemed an eternity they parted; stepping back from one another.

Archer pursed his lips, "That come with the job, too?"

She smiled, "No, it's extra."

He smiled at her. "You’re pretty remarkable."

"I know." she said. "So are you. You might try and remember that."

She turned and headed for the doors, stopping briefly. "Don't give up on yourself so
fast Jon.... I haven't"

With that she left the ready room leaving Archer to consider what she had said and what he was going to do next.

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

Chapter 27

Jonathan Soma walked down the quiet hallway. It was the ship's late shift and only on duty personel were walking the halls. It was just as well; Soma needed some time to himself. Dinner with Chief Tucker and Sub Commander T'Pol didn't exactly go off without a hitch. In fact, it was a complete disaster. The Sub Commander had expressed her disapproval of not only his heritage, but of his right to command this crew. Her words had hurt him deeply. The pain he felt turned into an argument which had almost become a fight. Soma had left before the situation reached that point. He was afraid he might let his anger get the better of him and he might say something to T'Pol that he would regret.

Soma had continued walking for a few more minutes, not paying much attention as to where he was headed. When he looked up he found himself outside the ship's engine room. The irony did not escape him. He wandered and saw only a handful of crewmembers on duty. Chief Tucker's crew had been working for nearly forty eight hours straight. They were enjoying a well deserved break. As Soma walked around the main reactor a voice called out.

"Cap'n?" the Chief engineer said. "What are you doin’ down here sir?"

"Chief?" he said looking up to the upper level. "I might ask you the same thing."

"Oh, I was just workin’ on a few projects." he said as he leaned on the railing. "I come down here when I can't sleep. You?"

"Same, I thought I'd take a walk." he replied.

"Hold on." he said disappearing for a minute. Soma tried to see what his Chief Engineer was up to, but couldn't see past the railing. He could Tucker moving something around and he called out to him "Chief?"

"Just a sec, Cap'n" was his reply.

Soma saw the engineer climbing down the ladder with something in his hand. When Tucker cleared the ladder he held out the object.

Soma raised a brow, "Alcohol, Mr Tucker?"

"I'm off duty Cap'n," he said defensively, "and so are you."

"Well, when you put it that way." Soma replied.

The two men walked over to Tucker's office and sat down. The Chief pulled out two glasses from his desk and poured the liquid. He handed one glass to Soma and held the other up in a mach toast. Soma put the glass to his lips and drained it in one swallow. Tucker shot his Captain a look.

"Damn, Cap’n!" cried Tucker. "This is sippin whiskey."

"Don't live dangerously, you don't live it all." he smiled

Tucker frowned for a second and then drained his own glass in one swallow. Then began to sputter, cough and wheeze as the strong liquid slid down his throat.

Soma smiled as he patted Tucker on the back. "Easy Chief."

"I...I think I'll go back to livin’ safe." sputtered the engineer.

"Good idea." added the Captain

Tucker looked up at the smiling Vulcan. He really liked the man. He was prob’bly the first Vulcan he had ever really taken an immediate liking to. Even T'Pol had to grow on you. T'Pol, he thought and then his mind turned to earlier that evening. It didn't take a genius to figure out what had Captain Soma roaming the halls of the ship.

"Cap’n,...I'm...I'm sorry about what happened tonight." said Tucker.

Soma shook his head, "Not your fault, Chief.'

"I know, but still..." he said. "She didn't have any right talkin’ to ya the way she did."

Soma shrugged and poured himself another drink. "She's entitled to her opinion."

"With all due respect, sir" said Tucker, "No, she's not, and pardon me for sayin’ so’
but yer a damn fool for lettin’ her."

Soma's eyes widened in surprise. He was being attacked on two fronts in one evening. "Seems she isn't the only one with an opinion to voice."

"I got an excuse." said Tucker pointing to the bottle.

Soma frowned at him. "You've only had one drink, Chief."

"I never could handle my liquor." he said as he played with his glass.

"I see," replied the Captain.

"Excuse or not, T'Pol has a lot on her mind Chief." added Soma. "My being here probably isn’t helping."

Tucker gave him a puzzled look. He obviously didn't know what the Captain was talking about.

"She's looking for answers Chief." explained Soma.

The quizzical look on Tucker's face deepened. "Answers for what?"

"For who she is," explained Soma. "Why she's here. She's alone Chief. You know the High Command doesn't look favorably on her extended stay."

"Yeah," agreed Tucker shaking his head. The Captain had a point. The High Command had tried their damnedest to pull T'Pol off the Enterprise on more than one occasion.

Soma looked down at his glass. "Every day she remains aboard Enterprise brings her that much closer to being ostracized."

"Ostracized?" said Tucker not willing to believe it would come to that.

"Yes, Chief," said Soma. "Vulcan's may be very logical, but they are also very proud. T'Pol's choice to stay aboard a human ship rather than return to Vulcan and fullfill her obligations to her own people and culture is seen as a betrayal."

"The High Command thinks T'Pol has betrayed ‘em?" said Tucker. "That's a lot of bunk!"

"No Chief, T'Pol believes SHE as betrayed them." corrected the Captain

"What?" said the Chief even more confused.

"She was supposed to be married about this time last year, wasn't she?" asked the Captain.

"How did you..." Tucker started and then stopped when he realized who he was talking to.

"Ancient history Chief." said Soma with a wink. "She gave up her marriage to remain here."

"Yeah, I remember." said Tucker. "I'm the one who stuck my nose into her personal life."

"Yes, well that was not the first time T'Pol has seen fit to stray from the path others have made for her." said Soma. "But it was a choice that was heard in the halls of the High Command...as well as her own family."

"So, your sayin’ that she sacrificed her future on Vulcan to stay on Enterprise?" said Tucker. "Doesn't sound very logical."

"I don't think logic holds all the answers for her Chief." he said. "I think she realizes that, and it frightens her."

"And she sees you as a reminder of the choices she's made." added Tucker.

"Exactly," answered Soma.

"I never realized..." said Tucker.

Soma nodded his head, "She does hide it well."

Tucker looked at Soma for a moment before speaking "Why did you just tell me all this?"

Soma shrugged, "Maybe I think she could use a friend Chief."

"Why me?" asked Tucker as he pressed the question.

"I think you know why." answered Soma. "Sometimes we build up walls to separate ourselves from those we care about."

"Next thing you'll be tellin’ me I'm attracted to her." scoffed Tucker.

"Are you?" asked Soma.

"T'Pol?" said Tucker. "Are ya kiddin. She's a Vulcan."

"I'm a Vulcan." said Soma smiling.

"Yeah, but your not a Vulcan Vulcan." added Tucker

"Oh, so T'Pol is a Vulcan Vulcan." said Soma as he shook his head.

"You know what I mean, Cap'n." said Tucker defensively. "Besides, humans and Vulcans? Never work."

Soma raised a brow and gave the engineer a credulous look. "Where do you think I came from, mail order catalog? My father was human and my mother is Vulcan..."

Soma leaned in close "...and she's a Vulcan Vulcan."

"Well your father must have been insane." responded Tucker.

Soma shook his head. "I'll go in on you with that one Chief." replied Soma. "He definitely had his moments, but he loved my mother very dearly and they were married until the day he died."

"I'm sorry Jon." said Tucker felling as if he'd put his foot in his mouth.

"It's Jonathan Chief." corrected Soma. "You already have one Jon captaining this ship. I'd just as soon you kept it that way. But it's all right....my father lived a long life, but he was human, and humans have a much shorter life span than Vulcans. My mother always said that humans didn't have the good sense to live longer."

"Sounds like she took your Dad's death really hard." said Tucker.

"She did." he nodded. "She loved him very much. She regretted not always being able to show it the way he showed his love for her, but he always knew and he always told her so. See Chief, love does conquer all."

The two men sat quietly for a few moments, neither knowing quite what to say. They had shared a moment together and learned a little about one another. There really wasn't much one could say.

Soma put his glass down. "Well, Chief I think I'll turn in." said Soma. "Thanks for the drink."

"Anytime Captain." replied Tucker.

Soma stood up and headed for the office door. Tucker called back to him.

"Jonathan, I'll think about what you said." he told him.

Soma smiled and nodded as he exited Tucker's office.

Trip Tucker sat at his desk for sometime after the Captain had left. He had a lot to consider he told himself.

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

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