Consequences-Part 30

Consequences

By Samantha Quinn

All disclaimers in part 1

Part 30

Thunder and Lightening

A/N: Yes, I took Spock’s line and attributed it to Surak.
A/N, II: The term “outworlders” is not mine. It was used by T’Pau in the TOS ep, “Amok Time.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In the distant past, Vulcans were a violent race. They had since learned to use logic to control their more primal urges. T’Pol was having a great deal of difficulty remembering the latter fact as she contemplated the information she had been given by both Captain Archer and Doctor Phlox.

*I must remain in control. I shall speak to father before I come to any conclusions,* T’Pol chanted mentally. The entire situation lacked in logic, from T’Pol’s point of view. If what she believed to have occurred had actually taken place, Soval would have needed to meld to initiate the transference. *Soval is not a melder,* T’Pol reminded herself. Then again, would she ever have suspected that Skon or T’Pau were melders? And had Skon not insisted that all Vulcans were capable of melding?

“T’Pol, I realize you are ill. However, before you enter Security Head Quarters, it would be wise to control the emotion displayed upon your face,” Skon remarked to her right.

Closing her eyes, T’Pol clasped her hands tightly behind her back and repeated the most basic of meditation phrases taught to Vulcan children. *Logic is the center of our civilization from which all else is based.* It did nothing to sooth the ever present head discomfort; however, it did help to sooth the aggression she was experiencing. A glance to Skon confirmed she had been successful in masking her discontent.

The sand runner came to a stop outside security headquarters. Before exiting the craft, T’Pol turned to Skon and asked, as neutrally as possible, “Captain Skon, have you been given any evidence that my father has engaged in melding activities?”

The question was not expected. The pause Skon demonstrated before answering served as proof that her question aroused some suspicion. “No, T’Pol, I have not. However, he has indicated in his conversations with Sumarek that he is not opposed to a revision in law concerning melders.”

*It is only logical that he would not be opposed if he is guilty of what I believe him to be guilty of,* T’Pol thought inwardly. “Thank you, Captain,” she responded. “If you’ll excuse me, I must speak with Soval. I should not take long.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Trip was vaguely aware of another presence kneeling beside him. With a considerable amount of effort, he shook his mind out of the haze it had slipped back into. He was somewhat surprised to see a male Vulcan where he had been certain T’Lal would have stood.

“Hey,” Trip greeted softly. He did not feel up to a real discussion. T’Pol would understand what ‘hey’ was trying to convey. Surely this Vulcan could too.

Or not. “Hay?” the male questioned. “Dr. Phlox has gone to collect more sustenance, however, I am certain he did not mean to include feed typically reserved for Terran livestock.”

Trip groaned. “No. Hey as in hello. I’m Trip.” Short sentences were manageable.

The Vulcan decided wisely not to inquire as to why humans used a form of grass as a greeting. He took it as a sign of their ability to be illogical. “Hello, Commander Tucker. I am aware of who you are as well as your situation. My name is Doctor Ventik. I have been examining you for signs that your condition is decreasing.”

“And?”

“Your condition is not progressing as expected,” Ventik replied. “Although you are human, and the exact effects of a Vulcan disorder are difficult to determine. It would be helpful if you could tell me what symptoms you are experiencing.”

“Head hurts. . . hot. Very hot. . . hard to concentrate. . . hurts.”

“What hurts, Commander Tucker?”

“All over. Hurts.”

Phlox arrived at that moment, bearing food and Ventik rose to excuse himself. Before he exited, Trip inquired, “T’Lal?”

Phlox answered for Ventik. “She is resting, Commander. She shall return shortly.”

“Didn’t hurt her?” Trip gasped out.

Ventik answered this time. “You have grown increasingly insistent in your demands, Commander.”

“Sorry. Tell her. Sorry,” Trip whispered.

Outside the decon chamber, Phlox turned a worried gaze upon Ventik. “He does not seem to be recovering.”

“He is not,” Ventik answered. “His condition is progressing as though no mate were present. His hormone levels continue to rise, his grasp on reality is weakening, his concentration continues to decrease, and his emotions-including temperament are becoming increasingly erratic.”

“I understand the reason for all of his symptoms except the last one,” Phlox told the Vulcan physician. “I do not see a purpose for increased temper in a Vulcan mating ritual.”

Ventik furrowed his brows in the Vulcan equivalent of a frown. He still disliked discussing such a private matter with outworlders. Indeed, most Vulcans did not like to discuss Trip’s condition amongst even themselves. With a life at risk, however. . . “You must understand, Doctor, pon far is not simply a matter of intercourse amongst Vulcans. It is a time during which our logic is. . . suspended. A Vulcan with the condition experiences considerable emotional fluctuations. As Commander Tucker is human, I suspect this aspect has taken longer to affect him primarily because humans freely experience emotions that Vulcans do not. The very fact that he is experiencing it seems to suggest that the condition is continuing to progress.”

“T’Lal reported that Commander Tucker briefly seemed more coherent. Why do you believe that has decreased?” Phlox questioned.

“It is most curious. However, it is my belief that Commander Tucker experienced such relief because of the temporary effects of relieving himself,” Ventik relayed.

“In other words, his body was temporarily tricked into believing it was being purged?” Phlox asked.

“Yes,” Ventik confirmed.

“Then why did it cease?” Phlox wondered.

“I do not know,” Ventik answered.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Within the confines of Security Head Quarters was a small jail. As there were few crimes committed amongst Vulcans, those that were committed were dealt with quickly, usually within a week. If the accused required a prolonged sentence, they would be transferred to the prison in the province of S’kar. This was only a temporary holding cell.

The facility was heavily guarded. However, with familial privileges T’Pol was able to see Soval alone in the defense room. It was where Soval and his advocate would mount a defense, if any could be constructed. Given the evidence, T’Pol was certain he would simply proclaim his guilt. It was the logical thing to do.

Regardless, she was thankful for the privacy which the room would grant her and Soval. While there were still guards outside, they would not enter unless given ample provocation. In addition, the room was sound proof. Given the nature of the conversation, such privacy was essential. T’Pol sat at the small rectangular table across from Soval in the defense room, uncertain as to how to begin the conversation.

“T’Pol, your visit is unexpected,” Soval said by way of greeting. Not that her visit was unwelcome. Soval had no other company, with the exception of Sumarek, who had visited once to make certain he understood the enormity of the charges against him. Soval understood and had sent him away.

“Tell me what occurred between you and Commander Tucker,” T’Pol instructed. Her voice came out flat and monotone, but her eyes betrayed the intensity behind her words.

“Commander Tucker? Ah, yes, he’s your highly irrational and emotional engineer, isn’t he?” Soval mused.

“He is human. He is naturally irrational and highly emotional,” T’Pol responded.

“He is also the human you assured me you were not engaged in an inappropriate relationship with,” Soval reminded her.

T’Pol’s answer was quick. “We are not discussing my relationship with the Commander. We are discussing your interaction with him while you were on Enterprise.”

“I have related this story to your captain. I see no logic in repeating it,” Soval answered.

“I doubt you were entirely truthful in the matter,” T’Pol rejoined. “According to your version of events, Commander Tucker provoked you-an action which would have been highly out of character for him-and you simply used the nerve pinch as a means of self defense.”

“For what reason do you trust the character of a human over that of your own kind-your own kin, no less?”

“Humans have many flaws. They are emotional, irrational, illogical, and stubborn. Commander Tucker’s species is also capable of loyalty, companionship, and friendship. They value these emotional relationships much more strongly than our own species does.”

“I fail to see the relevance-“

“Commander Tucker is my friend. He has demonstrated this many times. He would not provoke someone if he knew-or suspected-they were important to me. This is his character. It is not under scrutiny. Yours is, father,” T’Pol said evenly.

“What alleged evidence do you have that makes you distrust me so, T’Pol?” Soval demanded.

“You are here because you left Vulcan knowing you were under the influence of pon far. Commander Tucker is currently experiencing the symptoms of pon far. According to scans, the purging of your pon far took place while you were aboard the human ship. If it had been a sexual release, surely it would have been reported by now, as it is doubtful a human female could handle a Vulcan male in the throes of pon far without sustaining substantial damage. There is only one logical conclusion.”

“What might that be?” Soval asked, pressing his fingers together in front of his chest.

“You transferred your pon far by another means,” T’Pol replied. She had meant it to be a question. Instead, it came out as a statement.

Soval raised both his eyebrows at such a statement. “Such as?”

“Mind touching,” T’Pol offered.

“You believe me to be a melder?” Soval asked incredulously.

“I would welcome a more logical explanation,” T’Pol answered.

The two Vulcans sat across from each other, waiting for the other to speak. Finally, Soval broke the silence. “The needs of the many out way the needs of the few, T’Pol.”

The small glimmer of hope T’Pol had held onto steadily disappeared in that moment. Disbelief took its place. Surely he had not committed such a crime and was now quoting Surak as justification? “You were prepared to sacrifice the life of Commander Tucker so that you could attend the peace conference between Andoria and Vulcan.” Again, it was a statement; not a question.

“The inhabitants of both our planets shall benefit,” Soval answered. “If you had not allowed your logic to be corrupted by humans, you would clearly be able to see the logic in my reasoning.”

T’Pol rose at that point. “You overestimate your importance,” she informed Soval. “Further, Surak did not value one life over the other. If your arrogance did not cloud your judgment, you would be able to see that.”

“Your anger threatens to overwhelm you, T’Pol. Further proof you have been amongst humans too long-“

“Such is the reasoning for the emotions you perceive me to have. What reasons do you offer?” Her voice was not elevated, but her hands clenched themselves into fists. Soval momentarily pondered the likelihood of those fists making contact with his face. Regardless, it was a lapse in T’Pol’s demeanor that he found more than slightly disconcerting.

“I have employed only logic in my actions,” Soval replied.

T’Pol looked at him for a moment, as if gauging the audacity he had to make such a claim. Instead of replying, she straightened and reached for the buzzer to alert the guards they were finished. Soval surprised her by grasping her hand before she could complete the action. “T’Pol,” he stated firmly, locking his eyes on hers, “regardless of your personal affiliations with Archer’s crew, you cannot share this information.”

T’Pol wrenched her hand from his and crossed her arms. She had every intention of sharing this information. Particularly with Skon. If Commander Tucker’s path continued to follow that of Sokar. . . “For what reason do you believe I would be purposely be untruthful? Need I remind you, Vulcans do not lie.” At least, they were not supposed to. Did Surak not use logic as a means of finding absolute truth?

“If you reveal the true nature of what has occurred, you will be both casting your family in an unfavorable position and reinforcing our society’s bias against melders. Judging by your testimony at your trial, you are aware of the unpleasantness that possibility carries.”

T’Pol pressed the buzzer before answering, “You alone have cast our family in an unfavorable position. This consideration I will give no heed to. The other factor I shall contemplate.”

Soval rose as the guards entered and extended his hand in the traditional greeting. “Live long and prosper, T’Pol.”

“You have done your best to ensure I do one but not the other,” T’Pol retorted, earning her a raised eyebrow from the guards standing at Soval’s side. “Prosperity and long life, Soval.”

As she left, her mind was heavily weighing what Soval had told her. There was no doubting the truthfulness of his accusations. If what had occurred between Soval and Commander Tucker were to be revealed to Vulcan society at large, then surely the melders would continue to be subject to her people’s illogical intolerance, at the very least. Even worse, they could be subject to deeper persecution due to the confirmed danger.

*I hold great affection for Commander Tucker,* T’Pol acknowledged to herself. *Yet, ultimately is his well being worth more than that of the whole of Vulcan society?*

T’Pol forced away a shiver that she would have had difficulty controlling even without the presence of her illness. She could only hope the condition would not come to that. T’Pol remembered Phlox’s comments: “He has been considerably more alert. Yet, T’Lal is concerned with the fact that his headache has not diminished.”

*Her concern is understandable,* T’Pol noted inwardly. *The headache is typically the first symptom to be alleviated.* True, he would still burn, yet the other symptoms would gradually cease.

The concern T’Pol was experiencing slowly faded as the image of T’Lal comforting Commander Tucker took its place. She had not permitted herself to dwell on the thought while discussing the Commander’s condition. Her mind had been preoccupied with how he had contracted the condition in the first place.

Now, alone in the corridor she permitted her mind to wander. Her mind focused on T’Lal soothing Commander Tucker. . T’Pol’s Commander Tucker.

The image was the last T’Pol saw before blacking out.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Three hours later, T’Pol awoke. The healer that stood beside her bed, Sakon, greeted her when she opened her eyes. “Greetings, Lady T’Pol,” he stated evenly. “Captain Skon and Lady T’Pau will wish to see you awake. I shall alert them of your status.”

*Why does he call me Lady T’Pol?* was the Sub-Commander’s first thought. A second later, realization dawned: she was betrothed to a prince. The thought brought an unwelcome sensation, but she pushed it aside. *When did I allow myself to become so blatantly emotional?* she questioned. Whether it was a side effect of her illness or her times with humans, T’Pol did not wish to contemplate further. Besides, she did not have time to ponder such inconsequential thoughts now. When Skon, T’Pau, and Sakon re-entered her room, she forced herself into a sitting position. “Skon, T’Pau, I must speak with you concerning the Enterprise.”

“Does it concern the status of Commander Tucker?” T’Pau inquired.

T’Pol blinked at T’Pau’s insight. “Yes,” she replied, glancing at Sakon as she answered. T’Pol was uncertain whether she should continue with the delicate nature of the conversation with an outsider in the room.

Sensing her dilemma, Skon informed her, “Sakon is a melder as well, T’Pol. It was necessary any healer brought in to treat your illness be skilled.”

T’Pau finished for him. “However, if you wish to discuss Commander Tucker, be aware that we have been advised of the situation.”

T’Pol rose an eyebrow in surprise. “Indeed?”

“Yes,” Skon answered. “Ambassador V’Lar has briefed us of his condition.”

Ambassador V’Lar. Of course. In her haste, T’Pol had completely forgotten about the Ambassador’s presence on the Enterprise. Another thought occurred to her almost simultaneously. “Is the Ambassador a melder as well?” she asked.

“Yes,” T’Pau responded.

*Of course she is,* T’Pol thought to herself. Recalling the conversation they had shared the last time V’Lar had been on the Enterprise, T’Pol acknowledged that V’Lar was anything but an ordinary Vulcan. But T’Pol’s focus refused to stay on V’Lar. “What do you intend to do about Commander Tucker?”

“Do?” T’Pau asked. “What is there to do?”

T’Pol closed her eyes in an effort to control her agitation. “He is in danger. As was Sokar.”

T’Pau did not seem to share her concern. “According to Ambassador V’Lar, the Commander has been making steady process. There is no reason to believe that he is in danger. The outworlder will heal.”

“The Ambassador has promised to send us a report on Commander Tucker’s progress every six hours,” Skon told T’Pol. “If the condition changes, we shall inform you immediately.”

That calmed T’Pol somewhat. *Calmed? A Vulcan should not have to be calmed,” T’Pol admonished herself.

“Regardless of Commander Tucker’s situation,” Sakon spoke up, “you have a marital ceremony to attend in two days, T’Pol. In that time period, you must try to control your thought processes as to preclude any fainting spells such as the one that occurred this morning.”

“It has become increasingly difficult to control my . . . emotions,” T’Pol admitted.

Sakon nodded his head. “That is to be expected. Your brain tissue has continued to swell, to an increasingly dangerous level. The swollen tissue is having an adverse effect on all portions of your brain-including those connecting with concentration. As you are aware, we require an immense amount of concentration for meditation and control. I trust you have not been able to meditate successfully in some time?”

T’Pol nodded.

“Do not be concerned. As soon as you have completed the marital ceremony, and the bonding, you will regain the control and be able to return to the appropriate behavior for our people,” Sakon promised. “If you have another one of the black outs between now and then, however, it will likely end in death.”

As the trio turned to take their leave , T’Pol acknowledged silently that it was not her own death that she was concerned with. *Commander Tucker is recovering,* she scolded herself lightly. *Neither V’Lar nor Skon would engage in falsehoods.* T’Pol was not inclined to believe T’Pau would either, however, she was not as certain. T’Pau had a rather disconcerting habit of referring to humans as “outworlders.” It was entirely believable that a mere human’s death would mean little to T’Pau.

Outworlders. An entirely ethnocentric term meant to enforce Vulcan isolation, emphasize Vulcan superiority, and deny Vulcan and human compatibility. Truthfully, T’Pol had to admit that only two years before, she done the same. Yielding to the swollen brain tissue, T’Pol allowed herself to indulge in the outworlders’ sensation of regret.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

To Be Continued. . . .

A/N: I did originally write an entirely different chapter 30 which wrapped everything up and was the ending I swore it would be five chapters ago. However, I did not like that chapter 30 and I also realized that someone VERY important was missing from this whole story. He still isn’t here-he’ll pop up next chapter. As for how long this story is going to be, all I can say is I will have the thing finished before September 10th. Because then we’re in the Expanse, and that changes everything.

Continue to Part 31

Return to Part 29

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!