A Different Kind of Communication - Part II

A Different Kind of Communication

By: TLR

Rated: PG-Mild language
Disclaimer: Enterprise is the property of Paramount Pictures and UPN.
Summary: This story is a continuation of part one. When we left off, Trip was in T'Pol’s mind and was getting a glimpse of her life before Enterprise. Many of the things he saw or both heart wrenching and disturbing. He questioned what he knew of her and wondered how she could be so different from the woman he had come to know. Let's get back to the story.
April 2, 2005
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Part Two

**** Trip sat in this blank space having just seen his beloved T'Pol in the way he'd never known. Although in her youth she had many painful memories, this last scene was of a woman cold and calculating. In his mind he could not understand that this T'Pol didn't know Humans yet. He felt betrayed and wondered if she could have really harmed them. Trip looked down into her face again and saw no change. Her usual stilled features remained unyielding. He wanted answers but didn't know if you wanted to hear the truth. The surroundings flashed around him again. He could tell the scene was changing and was afraid to look up for fear he would get the answers he sought. After a moment more he heard a familiar voice, his own. And he was forced to turn back and watch the scene played out.

T'Pol stood at the door of the Captain's ready room. Lt. Reed had just escorted her onto the bridge from the airlock. She stood between the two doors overhearing the conversation inside.

”We get a few maps and they get to put a spy on our ship...?” Trip asked Archer.

"Admiral Forest says we should think of her more as a chaperon." Archer tried to make light of the situation.

"I thought the whole point of this was to get away from the Vulcans."

"Four days there and four days back and then she's gone." Archer stated firmly. "In the meantime we are to extend her every courtesy."

"I don't know.... I'd be more comfortable with Porthos on the bridge." Trip returned unenthusiastically.

Having heard the conversation, T'Pol steeled herself. She took a deep breath and straightened her stance. She reached up and pressed the door button. A two toned sound broke the silence and she could hear things begin from within.

"Here we go." T'Pol could hear Archer's distinct voice saying. "Come in."

With that the door slid open and T'Pol stepped through. She noticed a blond haired human seated across the room and gave him a surveying glance before turning to her new commanding officer.

"This confirms that I was transferred to your command at 08 hundred hours, reporting for duty." T'Pol handed Archer a palm padd with her military record and vital statistics displayed for him to review. She stood in strict military stance and awaited his confirmation. A strong odor wafted past her. She recognized this scent as similar to the wild wildebeest she encountered on her last trip to South Africa. She was on a recovery mission for ancient artifacts as a favor to the Earth security ministry. T'Pol glanced over around the room and saw a small quadruped lying on a cushion of the far side. She whiffed noticeably at the odor then straightened, looking back at the captain for his orders. Archer noticed her movement and addressed the source of her discomfort.

"Is there a problem?"

"No sir." T'Pol returned promptly. Archer looked about the room and saw Porthos in the direction she'd been eyeing.

"Oh I forgot, Vulcan females have a heightened sense of smell. I hope Porthos isn't too offensive." Archer replied with a hint of a smirk.

"I've been trained to tolerate offensive situations." T'Pol returned back with a superior inclination.

"I took a shower this morning, how bout you Cap'n?" The blond human finally spoke and displayed a similar smirk type smile.

"I'm sorry this is Commander Charles Tucker III.... Sub Commander T'Pol." Archer motioned an introduction to the strange sounding male. Trip's stood an extended a hand toward T'Pol. "Trip . . . I'm called Trip."

T'Pol stared at the young man and at the hand he put forth. She glared at him along moment and replied. "I'll try to remember that." T'Pol then turned back to the Captain dismissing the blond humanoid as of little consequence. She awaited the Captain's orders. Archer saw this interaction and dampened the smile that was fast rising on his lips. He turned a serious look back to her and began.

"While you may not share our enthusiasm about this mission, I expect you to follow our rules. What's said in this room and out on that bridge is privileged information, I don't want every word I say being picked apart the next day by the Vulcan High Command." Archer stared at her sternly.

"My reason for being here is not espionage.... my superiors simply asked me to assist you." T'Pol stated evenly.

"Your superiors don't think we can flush a toilet without one of you to assist us." Archer returned sarcastically.

" I didn't request this assignment Captain.... And you can be certain that when this mission is over I'll be as pleased to leave the ship as you will be to have me go. awhhhh"

T'Pol abruptly inhaled at the onslaught of emotions she felt coming from the small quadruped.

( you can understand me can't you . . . talk to me, talk to me, talk to me.... I want cheese..... give me cheese... scratch my ear..) T'Pol swallowed hard then straightened. The small dog was still braced against her leg begging. Its little tail wagged happily to and fro. The captain and Trip took great amusement at her discomfort, but then Archer corrected the puppy. "Porthos!"

T'Pol took an evening breath then exhaled. "If there's nothing else?"

"That'll be all." Archer evened his expression seeing the frustration on her face. T'Pol turned to leave the room exiting through the doorway. Archer shot Trip a telling look, both knowing this would be of very long four days.

**** Trip remembered that moment but it now seemed different. He was seeing it through T'Pol's eyes. He was unaware that she could hear the wishes of animals, which now explained why she refrained from touching them.

The scene once again changed, they were now in the smoke-filled Trade Center on Rigel 10. He could sense the frustration in T'Pol at having been paired with the Human let alone the one she deemed most inferior. Trip watched as he saw himself walking scared through this now strange situation. He saw the alien insect land on his shoulder and watched as the younger Trip frightfully swatted it off. He once again saw a frustrated look on T'Pol's face and the young man trying to play down his fear. The two walked through the complex, the noises were deafening at times. Trip could hear the intermittent screams of a woman coming from behind a closed wooden door. His attention was drawn to this situation and he unconsciously moved closer to get a better look.

"What in the world?" He asked absently.

T'Pol, noting him moving farther away, turned and landed a stern hand upon his shoulder to get his attention.

"It's nothing that concerns us." T'Pol looked him directly in the eye then motioned for them to go the opposite way.

They made their way through the complex to a security booth. T'Pol indicated for Trip to have a seat while she negotiated with a guard inside. He baulked at it at first, but then caught sight of the 8 foot guard she was referring to. He sat down, on a half filled bench surrounded by many different alien species. Additional aliens filled the bench while T'Pol was in the office. Trip became nervous not knowing what he was getting into and wanted suddenly to have the Vulcan back by his side.

A strange looking woman with a box sat beside him. She placed her hand atop the box as if protecting it from Trip. But after he saw the box lid jerk open several times, he realized she was protecting him from what ever it was in the box. He stood moving to a cleared center area and eyed T'Pol through the glass of the security office. To his left a young blond woman held a mask to her four year old child's face. Occasionally she would remove this mask and the child would begin to gasp quite drastically. Trip noted the sound and wondered if he could help the young woman. It was then he realized she was the cause of the child's distress.

T'Pol came out of the security office and Trip went instinctively over to her. He kept his eye on the young woman and child, but craned to hear what T'Pol was telling the captain. The child sputtered again and Trip reacted. "Hey!" He hollered

"T'Pol to Archer . . . central security claims to have no record of Klaang but they told me about an enclave on Level 19 where Klingons had been known to go, something about live food."

"Where on Level 19?" The captain asked through the communicator.

"The eastern most subsection by the geothermal shafts." T'Pol returned.
"Meet you there when I can, Archer out."

Trip's attention was taken away by the child's wheezing again. It grew worse and he watched as the mother with held the mask from her young one's face. "Hey what are you doin'?" Trip cried out in anger. "Leave the kid alone!"

"Don't get involved." T'Pol said bluntly to Trip. Trip returned quite agitated. "That little kid is gonna suffocate."

T'Pol looked at him evenly. "He's Arillian, before the age of four they can only breathe methyl oxide. The mother is simply weaning her son."

"Could have fooled me." Trip returned a bit deflated.

T'Pol's face showed determined frustration. She continued. "Humans cannot refrain from drawing conclusions. You must learn to objectify other cultures so you know when to interfere and when not too."

Trip's features eased feeling a bit foolish. He realized this woman had spent her life studying other cultures and she was more prepared for this mission than he. T'Pol motioned for them to set out for level 19 and he nodded. Something inside told Trip he would be safe as long as she was with him.

**** Trip could remember this too. He wondered even then was there some kind of understanding between them. Even though he didn't have any love for the Vulcans, this one was helping him through the most difficult situation he'd ever come across. Looking at it now, Trip knew T'Pol was changing even if she didn't realize it.

The scene then changed again. In front of him, Trip could see the blinding white particles of the blizzard that they came across on this mission. Captain, Hoshi, he and T'Pol were now thrust through the opening of the elevator onto the snow-covered transport landing bay.

"Where's the ship?" the captain asked yelling against the storm. Trip thrust his hand to their left and replied, "This way!"

T'Pol however whipped her hand to the right and shouted, "No, this way!"

The captain considered both officers, then decided to go with Vulcan senses and followed T'Pol's direction. All four ran through the snow filled night searching desperately for the shuttle pod. They finally came upon an end bunker and Trip shouted in frustration, "Like I said....back there."

At that moment, phaser fire broke through the windy darkness. Captain grabbed Hoshi and took cover, as did Trip and T'Pol separately. The Humans returned fire, while T'Pol searched behind them for the craft. She knew her direction was not in error. The Vulcan felt if she could get to it, she would be able to pull the ship between the weapon's fire and shield the Humans. Glancing once again she saw it about 15 meters behind their present position. She returned an additional shot and made her way for the ship. She pressed at the opening controls but they were frozen. Unable to open the craft, she began banging at the panel to un-stick the controls. The door swung open and upward, T'Pol dodged to her left to avoid being struck by its surface.

At that moment there was a giant whooshing sound, T'Pol realized immediately it was another ship taking off. She braced herself tightly against the skin of the shuttle pod to avoid being caught in its thruster's backwash. Her move was too late, for as it accelerated to full impulse she was thrown several feet in the air and landed on the snow-covered surface between the two opposing factions. Her weapon blown from her hand, she lay dazed and disoriented.

Seeing her movement, Captain Archer then noticed the pod and instructed Trip to get Hoshi safely back to the ship. The young engineer did as instructed spraying phaser fire to cover their movement. In the meantime, Captain Archer opened fire aggressively and ran toward the discarded weapon. He picked it up and began firing double fisted as he moved to the form of the Vulcan. When he reached her T'Pol was just recovering. She shook her head to clear her mind as he came up to her.

"Get back to the ship!" Archer ordered as he continued to fire with both barrels.

"Enterprise needs its captain. Give me your weapon." T'Pol returned ready to take over the fighting.

Archer wouldn't have it, he repeated. "I said go!" T'Pol feeling somewhat embarrassed did as she was instructed. She ran to the ship, was helped aboard by Humans and stood in the back trying to regain her composure. Meantime Archer continued firing as he made his way to the ship. When he was struck the other Humans jumped out of the transport and covered his being pulled inside. Once the door of the pod was closed, Mayweather reviewed the controls in front of him. "The starboard thruster is down." he called aloud. No one on the ship answered him. A brief silence was registered, the only person qualified to give him orders was now lying unconscious on the floor. T'Pol turned to her training, knowing she had to get these Humans back safely to Enterprise.

"Ignore it, take us up!" and with that the ship rocked heavily, everyone on board grabbing for something to steady themselves. Once they lifted off, T'Pol once again took charge. "Open a channel..... Sub Commander T'Pol to Enterprise.... We'll be docking in four minutes, have Dr. Phlox meet us in decon."

"Acknowledged . . . Is someone wounded?" the voice on the communicator sounded concerned.

"The captain..... I'm taking command of Enterprise." T'Pol steeled herself at that statement. Clearly having to protect these Humans was a much larger task than that of returning the Klingon to Kronos. Their resistance to her logic and skill made it truly hard to guarantee their safety. Being highly emotional creatures, she suspected a mutiny would probably ensue. The looks from the people in the pod only reinforced her suspicions.

***** Trip could remember this too. He saw the suspicion and dread he felt that day, but knowing T'Pol's thoughts on the matter now as he did, he could see her real intentions were to the safety of the crew. He realized at that moment, she was scared as they were but for much different reasons. She didn't fear for her own life, but for the lives of 83 crewmen. Trip suddenly felt a bit shallow in his original assessment of her. He watched with great interest as the scene changed once again.

Now he and T'Pol were standing in the decon chamber, having just removed their outer wear. He wore Federation issued blues while she was wearing very appealing Vulcan gray. Trip tried not to notice her, but realized he was having a hard time. They approached the window where Dr. Phlox was waiting to give them their instructions.

"It shouldn't take more than a few moments." the jovial doctor started. "Is this really necessary?" Trip added a bit frustrated.

"The others scanned negative, unfortunately you two were exposed to a Proto Sistine spore. I've loaded the appropriate decon gel into compartment B."

"Tell Mr. Mayweather to prepare to leave orbit." T'Pol replied all business like.

"How's the captain?" Trip asked concerned, noticing T'Pol's lack of it.

"I'm treating his wound."

"Will he be all right?" Trip again needed to know.

"Eventually." the Denobulan replied briefly then slid the metal window closed. Trip and T'Pol turned toward the inner chamber. They walked simultaneously up to brief steps and the inner door closed as well. The lights fell and a blue hue rose, washing over them. They each took separate areas and began rubbing the sticky ointment over their bodies. It gave their skin a sensual glow, and Trip couldn't help but notice T'Pol's lingering touch on her skin.

T'Pol whiffed the air, registering the difference in scent. She wondered if the commander knew of his changing feelings, but instead chose not to speak of it. Trip's eyes were noticing her body but his mind was still reeling over her commandeering an earth vessel.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you just kind of an observer on this mission? Don't remember anyone tellin' me you were a member of Starfleet."

"My Vulcan rank supersedes yours." T'Pol returned evenly, knowing this was the beginning of her battle to protect the Humans.

"Apples and oranges. This is an earth vessel. You're in no position to take command." Trip shot her a look of defiance.

"As soon as we're through here, I'll contact Ambassador Soval, he will speak to your superiors, and I am certain they'll support my authority in this situation." T'Pol faced him still lazily rubbing gel on her abdomen. Trip met her gaze with one of his own, one of steely defiance. He raised his hands indicating he wished the Sub Commander to turn around so he could do her back. She noted this and turned lifting the back of her garment to an acceptable level.

"You must really be proud of yourself. You can put an end to this mission while the captain is still unconscious in sickbay and you won't even have to look him in the eye." Trip began rubbing the ointment across her shoulders, he worked his way down to the small for back and up under her garment. His hands slid curiously around the curves of her hips and finally found themselves sliding dangerously below the line of her under garment. This movement seemed to mesmerize him. He'd never felt skin so soft nor seen a body so perfectly sculpted.

"Your precious cargo was stolen. Three Suliban perhaps more were killed, Captain Archer has been seriously wounded. It seems to me this mission has put an end to itself." T'Pol noticed the Human's scent growing stronger as he played curiously with the outline of her ear. She thought it best to quell his fascinations before they grew disruptive. T'Pol wheeled around and faced the young engineer.

"Turn around." She ordered staring him directly in the face. Trip was taken off guard, and realized his actions may have gotten a bit out of hand. He turned around as ordered and tried to get back to the conversation.

"Let's say you're right,... Let's say we screwed up just like you always knew we would. . . .. It is still up pretty good bet that whoever blew a whole in the Cap'n's leg is connected somehow to the people who took Klaang." Trip started frustrated.

"I fail to see your point." T'Pol reached over to the container of gel Trip held, then returned to slathering his back and legs.

"Cap'n Archer deserves a chance to see this through. If you knew him you'd realize that's what he's about. He needs to finish what he starts. His daddy was the same way."

"You obviously share your Captain's belief that my people were responsible for impeding Henry Archer's accomplishments." T'Pol released a slight sigh with that having heard this same complaint from every human she had ever met.

"He only wanted to see his engine fly!" Trip wheeled around in a similar fashion, and stared down at her to emphasize his point.

"They never even gave him a chance to fail. And here you are 30 years later proving just how consistent you Vulcans can be." Trip's stepped around T'Pol and made his way to the door.

She turned and eyed him as he left the room. Had his points been valid, she knew not. All she did know was that her mission to retrieve Klaang and return him to Kronos, now hinged on this earth vessel and its crew. She left the decon room and dressed hurriedly.

**** The scene then changed to that of the bridge later that day. Hoshi lay low to her com sending a private message to Commander Tucker in Engineering. T'Pol could hear the young woman sending out a distress call to the over reactive male.

"Commander Tucker, you'd better get up here fast.... I think T'Pol's trying to sabotage the ship." Hoshi then straightened feeling a bit pleased with herself for having thwarted the aggressive Vulcan's mission. Within a few moments Trip came bursting through the doors of the turbo left. He found T'Pol lying on the floor beneath the consoles at the security station. She had the panels torn away and was working on the inner mechanisms of the sensor array.

"Sub Commander . . . what the hell be think you're doing!" Trip took objection to that, seeing his precious equipment filleted out on the floor. "Back out of there and away from the station."

T'Pol continued her work unabated by his threats. She ripped a few more iso-linear disks from the consoles and began tweaking at their connections.

"Did you hear me Sub Commander? I said what the hell are you doing? . . .. Don't make me call security."

T'Pol eased her body out a bit from under the console. She looked up at the somewhat red-faced young engineer and knew she wouldn't be able to complete her work, unless she gave him an acceptable explanation.

"I am attempting to advance your sensors to a level that will allow us to track the Suliban vessel's plasma signature. I thought that is what you and your captain wanted. If you do not care to find these Suliban, I will put your sensors back as I found them."

T'Pol returned him a perturbed look. "Now if there's nothing further." T'Pol eased herself back underneath the console and continued her work. Trip looked shocked at her reaction and grew angry that she did not consult him about making repairs to the ship. He tapped on the side of the station loudly.

"Excuse me.... I'm the Engineer here. I'll make any adjustments that are necessary. Now move!"

T'Pol eased out from under the console and stood once more. "Fine... Be sure to realign the iso-linear disks to a modulation of 44.7 Kelvin, with an angular rotation of 192.6 milarams, not forgetting of course to balance the influx and out-flux capacitors to a 51-54 gradient." T'Pol stood back and crossed her arms. She raised her eyebrows in amusement at the blondish Human's puzzled expression. She remained waiting for him to begin his work. When he didn't understand what she was asking of him, he got frustrated and started jamming in disks left and right. T'Pol squatted beside him, stopping his frustrated tirade.

"Commander I have much experience in sensor repair. This task would go faster if we worked together." Trip nodded and together the two of them put the sensor array back online. The resolution was a bit higher but still not sufficient to pick up the plasma trail.

"Commander, advance the angular rotation another 32.6 milarams." Trip did as he was told then returned to see how this affected the resolution. Slowly a faint line appeared on the screen. Trip was impressed. This Vulcan really knew her stuff. The line however, was still too blurry to get out any specific decay rates. They both studied the problem.

"What if I boost angular confinement a bit...?" Trip offered an educated suggestion. T'Pol reviewed his thoughts and agreed.

"Perhaps.... proceed." T'Pol watched the screen eagerly as Trip poked at one final dial. A moment later he went back to the screen and saw a very clear and crisp picture of the Suliban's plasma signature. He
looked at T'Pol, who returned his look with equal appreciation.

"We now have the resolution to track the Suliban vessel. Ensign Mayweather, take your coordinates from the sensor array. Maintain constant surveillance, and follow at warp 2. Keep me apprised of any changes." T'Pol moved to go back to her science station. As she passed Tucker she afforded him a brief recognition in the form of a nod. "Commander"

**** An hour or so later, found the two walking into sickbay. Captain Archer sat on one of the bio beds dressed in only Federation blues. She and Trip walked up to him, noticing his improved state of health.

"How ya doing, Cap'n?" Trip asked circling around to the left of Archer.

"That depends, . . . what's been going on in the last six hours?" Jon searched their two faces for hints of the ship's status.

"As a highest ranking officer, I took command while you were incapacitated." T'Pol straightened and noticed a very uneasy look coming from the captain.

"Are we under way?" He asked glancing at Trip. Trip returned him a nod. "You didn't waste much time, did you?" He spit at her angrily.

T'Pol again steeled herself against the onslaught of human emotions. "Is he fit to return to duty?" she asked of the Denobulan.

"As long as he returns for more eel therapy tomorrow." Phlox turned and went back to tending his creatures.

"How long before we get back to earth?" Archer asked rather defeated.

"Earth, Sir?" Trip returned him a bemused smile. He did not elaborate, allowing T'Pol to be the one to break the good news to the Captain.

"We're currently tracking the Suliban vessel that left Rigel shortly after you were injured." T'Pol replied evenly her hands clasped behind her back.

"You.... got their.... plasma decay rate?" Captain Archer seemed stunned.

"With Mr. Tucker's assistance, I modified your sensors. We now have the resolution to detect their warp trail." T'Pol stood straight and even, relaying the information with great satisfaction.

"What happened to this is a foolish mission?" Jon wasn't about to let
this go.

"This is a foolish mission. The Suliban are clearly a hostile race with technology far superior to yours, but as acting captain I was obligated to anticipate your wishes." Although not a lie, for this was the practice on Vulcan starships, T'Pol was not about to disclose her true reason for improving their equipment. She was not about to fail her mission, not for these Humans.

"As acting captain you could have done whatever the hell you wanted to." Archer returned her a puzzled glance.

"I should return to the bridge." Again T'Pol kept her reasons to herself.

"Dismissed." With that T'Pol turned and left sickbay. Archer looked at Trip who gave him a sheepish look.

"Modifying the sensors,... Was her idea Sir." These were the last words T'Pol heard as she rounded the corridor and headed for the turbo lift.

***** Trip felt T'Pol stir a bit on his lap. He watched carefully for signs that she was awakening but after a moment he realized she was still sound asleep. He went over in his mind the scenes he'd seen. Knowing now of T'Pol's greater mission, he wondered why she listened to him at all. He also realized just how hard the humans had been on her, to what extent she had to maintain control in order to do her job effectively. Trip wondered to what extent the captain trusted her. If he knew now that she was on a secret mission then, would he ever be able to trust her again?

Once again the scene changed, now they're on the bridge looking at a class 7 gas giant. Following the Suliban warp trail, brought them to this point and for a moment it seemed that their efforts were all for naught. In some respects, T'Pol was feeling hesitant about taking these Humans into a clearly hostile situation. Would she be able to protect them? During her time on the bridge she contemplated a plan to steal a shuttlepod and go after the Klingon herself leaving the rest of the crew of the Enterprise out of harm's way. Now it seemed that plan would not be of use. The trail was gone.

Captain Archer looked frustrated as well. When told about the disruption of the warp signature, his disbelief was palpable. He looked disgusted at the screen then flashed a look at T'Pol.

"You, finished helping us?" His words were more a challenge than a question

T'Pol moved to her console and pressed a number of buttons. " Lt., run a spectral analysis of the fragments."

"There's too much distortion. The decay rates don't even match." Reed returned observing his sensors closely. This fact intrigued T'Pol, who then came down from her station to stand in front of the screen.

"Calculate the trajectory of each fragment." She stated her mind aware of the hidden facts.

"Sir?" The tactical officer wasn't quite sure of what she was requesting.

"You heard her.... Recalibrate the sensor array, narrow band short to mid range." Archer then realized what T'Pol had stumbled upon. He moved down to join her in front of the screen.

"Measure the particle density of the thermosphere." T'Pol gave Archer and knowing look, which he returned with equal zeal.

The screen lit up with a bright trail of dense particles. It formed a pathway of sorts into the gas giant's outer layers.

"Your instincts were right. Those fragments weren't from one Suliban ship." Archer started and T'Pol finished. "They were from 14, all within the last six hours. I believe we have found what we are looking for."

Archer gave T'Pol a telling stare, and she returned to her science station. He then looked over at Reed. "How are your targeting scanners?"

"Aligned and ready sir!" Reed returned with equal confidence.

"Polarize the hull plating, bring weapons online ... we're going in."

****And with that the scene changed again, this time a very frustrated T'Pol was arguing with Archer in his ready room.

"But captain it's not advisable for you to leave the Enterprise. This mission is dangerous and you are not expendable. I am skilled in reconnaissance and retrieval. I would be the more logical person to go after Klaang."

"This is a potentially hostile situation, I am not about to send a Vulcan into harm's way without being willing to take the risk myself. The ship can't afford losing both of us, I'm the captain. I said you stay." Archer didn't know whether to respect young woman for her courage or to be insulted by her lack of human morals.

There is no way he was going to allow a woman to go into this very dangerous situation, let alone her. However this explanation was not sitting well with the young Vulcan. He knew rationally, her strength and experience far exceeded his but he couldn't get past the fact is she was a female. He could see the anger building in her eyes even though the rest of her features were carefully steeled.

Archer leaned down and looked at her directly. "If something does go wrong down there.... I need to know that there is someone up here who can protect my crew." He managed a grateful look.

"While we are down there, have Mayweather plot a course for Kronos." Archer started to pack his equipment.

"There's a Vulcan ship less than two days away, there is no reason you have to do this alone." T'Pol tried a new strategy.

"I was beginning to think you understood why we have to do this alone." He returned stiffly.

"You'll have other opportunities to demonstrate your independence."

"Never put off till tomorrow." The captain replied whimsically

"You both could be killed!" T'Pol's voice was stern and unyielding.

"Am I sensing concern.... Last time I checked that was considered an emotion."

"Anything happens to you and the High Command will hold me responsible." T'Pol wasn't being totally dishonest. Ambassador Soval had warned her about any harm coming to the Humans.

The door chime sounded. "Come in." It was Lt. Reed and he was carrying two large silver cases. "You finished?" Archer asked the man as if perturbed with him for his lateness. The security officer opened the cases for Archer's approval.

"This should reverse the polarity of any mag-lock within a hundred meters. Once you set the sequence, you'll have five seconds. And one other thing..."

Malcolm walked over to the other case and opened it wide.

"Ahhh, Our new weapons." The captain seemed quite pleased to see them.

"They're called phase pistols. They have two settings, stun and kill. It would be best not to confuse them."

"Time to go." The captain said looking at both of them. He turned as he stepped through the inner door and looked back at T'Pol. "The ship is yours." A sinking feeling gripped T'Pol and she fought to control her inner fear.

****Trip took a moment to think back on that mission. He realized his first interactions with T'Pol were what intrigued him the most. He remembered telling her mother that he realized they had some kind of chemistry the first time they argued. He never had so much fun arguing with anyone before. But now going over the scene he realized it was because he was growing and changing himself. As if on cue the scene changed again.

They were once again on the bridge in the Enterprise. Trip had returned with Klaang and was now fighting what T'Pol about going back for the Captain. T'Pol to this point had been running rescue calculations through her mind. It wasn't logical to risk the lives of 83 crewmen all for the life of one. But given Soval's directive, she was forced to come up with a plan. It was not helpful that this emotional blond humanoid was yelling in her face.

"Turn the ship around now!" Trip spit at her standing nose to nose with the young Vulcan. The other bridge crew sat frozen in suspense awaiting the outcome of this battle.

"Our mission is to return the Klingon to his home world. Another rescue attempt could jeopardize that mission." T'Pol returned evenly rising to meet his eyes.

"The captain specifically told us to come back for him." Trip leaned in even further his face was now no more than inches from hers, demonstrating his unwillingness to back down.

"As commanding officer it is my job to interpret the Captain's orders."

"I just told you his orders, what's there to interpret." Again Trip demonstrated his defiance and T'Pol could feel the angry stares of his fellow humans upon her. In the air there was a mix of fear and loyalty. T'Pol would have to work quickly to maintain control.

"Captain Archer may very well have told you to return for him later, because he knew how stubborn you can be."

"What the hell's that supposed to mean?" Trip moved even closer and twisted his head to emphasize his point. His movements were clearly threatening and T'Pol had to continually remind herself about the protection order of the Humans. As she spoke, part of her mind continued to run scenarios as to how better to retrieve the captain. It occurred to her that once outside the gas giant's outer layers, she could then implement her plan to commandeer the shuttlecraft and go in on a solo rescue mission. This she thought would better meet the criteria of her orders. There was only one problem. These humanoids, their sentimentality to be exact was getting in her way. She continued.

"You might have risked Klaang's life in a foolish attempt to swing back and rescue the captain." T'Pol considered angering the crew, this one in particular, in hopes of dissuading their moral system. The captain wouldn't let her do her mission because of some sentimental earth custom. If angered enough, T'Pol felt, this would perpetuate her being allowed to leave the ship. She mimicked the young man's movements, not backing down and showing no fear.

"I can't believe this!" Trips swung around in a frustrated circle. His Southern upbringing didn't allow him to hit women, but right now he was trying to decide it T'Pol qualified as one.

"This situation must be analyzed logically." She followed him with her eyes.

"I don't remember the captain analyzing anything when he went back for you on that roof." Trip leaned into her again his face scrunched and cheeks reddened.

"That is a specious analogy." She evened her voice sounding more evil than logical.

"Is it?" Trip held her eyes. His were daggers shooting heatedly into hers. T'Pol waited for him to continue but he did not. (stalemate) She thought, wondering now how she would get the ship away from this situation. Clearly the bridge crew would follow Trip if push came to shove. She turned it over and over again in her mind and tried to find another solution that would not involve too much risk to the crew. Trip's face remained steady, his scent had grown more intense than she'd ever known.

Lt. Reed interrupted, "incoming!" and the ship was rocked more strongly than before. T'Pol knew her time was limited. She had to come up with a solution before the Suliban's artillery made this argument a mute point. Trip looked around the bridge as various transistors began to blow. He looked back at T'Pol. "Well?" T'Pol thought a moment then returned.

"All right, you get one attempt at the Captain. After that we get the Klingon to Kronos." T'Pol steeled her features and leaned into his face demonstrating to all around she would not be questioned on this matter.

"Fine with me! What's your plan?" Trip's straightened, taking a less defensive posture.

"Get to the transporter." Trip looked worried at that statement.

"The transporter? That's your plan?"

"That is my backup. If the Suliban have reestablished their defenses it may be our only option."

Trip consider this a moment. It did seem to be a plausible idea even though the thought of sending his Captain's molecules through that egg scrambler wouldn't have been his first choice. He left the bridge and returned to the transporter to go over it circuits. T'Pol gave Mayweather the ordered it take them in.

**** Trip remembered that interaction. Now knowing T'Pol had planned to sacrifice her own life to save the captain, he wished he hadn't disrespected her so in front of the crew. Although it had become their trademark and disagreements between the two were expected. Much of the crew felt comforted by their interactions. They knew that two of the best minds on board were hard at work protecting them.

The scene changed once more. Now T'Pol sat alone in her quarters. She reviewed the data on a palm padd and awaited an incoming message. She ran over in her mind her conversation with the captain. His admitting his faults and asking for her assistance intrigued her. Was this species truly able to adapt as he hoped he would. Only time would tell. The familiar triple beeps of the security ministries' encrypted line broke her concentration.

T'Pol tapped in several codes then the familiar face of Agent Ky'ler filled the screen.

"Sub Commander, ... ... congratulations on the successful completion of your mission. Your reinstatement to the Ministry of Security, level nine is assured."

"Most kind Agent Ky'ler, however I would speak to you about a matter that has just come up." T'Pol took a long breath and began to formulate in her mind how to address her next thought.

"It is come to my attention that these Humans are remarkably resourceful at espionage. Although crude, their methods are often effective. It would benefit the Ministry for me to remain and observe further their techniques. After a reasonable amount of time, I feel I could put together a fairly effective program of training that would enhance our already superior protocols." T'Pol held her breath hoping that the older Vulcan agent's interest would be peaked. She knew him for several years now, worked directly beneath him in many important matters. His need for superiority was his weakness. She felt she could play on this weakness to be able to remain on Enterprise and study these Humans further.

"Your suggestion intrigues me T'Pol. You are requesting to stay behind on a covert mission to study the Humans . . .. I believe that to be a logical and astute idea. We know little of how they will interact with other species. Vulcan must protect its interests in the universe. Permission granted. I will notify Soval to send out the proper orders. Good luck on your mission. Remember you are the hope of all Vulcans.... Your father would have been most pleased by your actions."

T'Pol returned him a grateful nod. With a bleep the screen went blank again. T'Pol stared sternly ahead. She knew her real feelings on the matter and wondered if these Humans were affecting her. What would her ancestor, Surak say if he knew she had just lied to a superior officer. She would have to meditate on that.

Trip watched with great interest. This, he felt must have been the moment T'Pol stopped being a spy. Now how was she going to convince them of that?

The End
Part Two

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Nine of you have made comments

Wow, that was great!!!
You should write more!!!!!

Great! please update ssssooooonnnn.

Stunning! Can't wait for the rest. Ali D :~)

Now when you say "the end" you can't mean *the end*!!

Please tell me there will be a part 3!!!! I really enjoyed this story, but it feels incomplete!

I think you've got a really interesting overall premise for this story (Trip viewing scenes from T'Pol's life thru her eyes.)...but...I confess I got a little bored reading what seemed to be a verbatim copy of Broken Bow with little new insight into the characters...I think you could have expressed the idea better as a summary of these scenes...JMO...:O)

What Valleygirl said. These stories should be about what we would like to see happen, not recounts of what has already happened, which sometimes don't mesh all that well, as the stories and characters have evolved. Having said that, the story was well written, with only two major goofs that I noticed: "peaked" as in "interest would be peaked" should have been "piqued" and "mute", as in "mute point" should have been "moot". Please use dictionaries for unfamiliar words and phrases.

Sorry Graybear and Valley Girl. But these are memories of things that did happen. I don't think T'Pol would remember them different than what they were. I will strive to do better....

Nice! Looking forward to reading more of your work.

I am not overly vexed by a few nits nor the remembering of sequences shared through the bond as ground laid for furthering their relationship and understanding. Lack of understanding and miscommunication are the prime problems for these two, no?

Great story! I'm glad Trip stuck around for more of the show. I hope you aren't really finished with this ("The End"???) Would like to see what else she shows him and what their reactions are upon waking (is T'Pol cognizant of Trip's observation of her 'dreams'?) Please continue !