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Round Robin #2

Genre - Round Robin | Main Story | R | Rating - PG-13
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Round Robin #2

Part One

Hi again, it’s zealousgirl!
Just wanted to let you all know that we are starting our 2nd round robin. Here is the order of authors who will be posting:

The Cursor
Lady Conqueror
Nefertari, zealousgirl
Zane Gray
stubadingdong
myst123
pookha hare
Maddie
vandiver49

I hope you enjoy reading it, and we’d love to hear how you think we’re doing.

And another Note from Bucky: Notices for new sections of the Round Robin will be posted under ANNOUNCEMENTS. You can also find new chapters under the GENRE listing "Round Robin."

And so, we begin.....


Round Robin #2 – Untitled


{THECURSOR}



Captain Jonathon Archer breath caught in his throat when he saw the image of the ship, now gracing his view screen. Never in his wildest dreams had he ever seen a starship that was so beautiful. It was long and sleek, with a hull that seemed to be made out of pure, shining silver and golden trim. The bow proudly bore the symbols of what must have been the ship’s name in the language of the people that built it. The stern was equally decorated with ornate patterns that seemed to have been carved into the hull like wood, but seemed so strong and powerful against the monumental pressures of deep space.

Despite nearly year and a half of living and working in space on a vessel he was truly proud of, Archer wished for just a moment he could change places with the captain of another ship, so he could feel what it was like to command something that beautiful. Suddenly, the Enterprise seemed so bland and frumpy.

His awe and admiration did not, however, keep him from remembering the duty he was out here to fulfill. “Hoshi, open a channel…” Still enraptured by the beauty of the alien ship, he distantly heard Ensign Santo’s fingers dancing across her communications panel. The sound stopped abruptly. “Sir,” Hoshi said slightly taken aback, “THEY are hailing US!”

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

Two and a half hours later in the Captain’s Mess, T’Pol could not quite place the feeling within her as she listened to Trip’s rambling voice jokingly going on and on about the ship’s newest visitors. Anger, perhaps? Possibly repulsion at the idea that Tucker had once again stumbled his way into a difficult situation because of his libido? Whatever it was, it did not wish to go away for some reason, and forced her to increase the monumental concentration she always focused on to control her emotions. She would not allow this human to be her undoing, and began trying to refocus her mind, in spite of Tucker’s constant attempts to unravel her.

Less than two feet from her, Trip was leaning back in the same chair the Captain ate his dinners in, with his feet propped up on the table. He was oblivious to her inner turmoil and frankly wouldn’t have had all that much sympathy if he had know about it. “Imagine that, an ambassador, here ta’ see just ME! Can you believe it? And you claimed I wasn’t acting ‘appropriately’ with Kaitaama.” He smirked, knowing it was a facial expression she loathed, “I swear T’Pol, you just keep underestimatin’ me more and more every-“

“We still have not yet determined the Kriosion Ambassador’s reason for traveling to meet you.” She didn’t snap the words, per se, merely forcefully interrupted his sentence with a statement of fact. Snapping at him would be an admission of emotion, which T’Pol would never do.

But all her response did was turn the engineer’s smirk into a full blown smile, and T’Pol found herself forcing her hand from performing an act of violence upon the face that created the expression.

“What’s the matter T’Pol? Jealous?”

“May I inquire in what way I am supposed to be jealous?”

“Jealous of ma’ amazing diplomatic skills.”

Sometimes, Charles Tucker was so illogical it bordered on unbearable. “May I ask how seducing the crown princess of an alien monarchy constitutes diplomacy?”

“Number one, she seduced me.” Trip said with a chuckle, “and number two, I enjoy-“

A sickly green flush washed across T’Pol’s face that Tucker figured had to be the Vulcan version of a blush. But before he had a chance to consider how much fun it was to make her blush, the green disappeared and she returned to the impassive stone he’d become so used seeing her wear. “I think I’ve heard more then enough on this topic, Commander.”

“Oh, but I got so much more to tell you.”

“I’m afraid it’ll have to wait, Trip,” Archer said, as the pair turned to watch the Captain stepping through the doors accompanied by a doddering, little old man wearing ornate silken robes that draped down around his shoulders like a cape. T’Pol noted how foolish Tucker looked as he scrambled from the chair in Jon’s presence.

Archer just smiled at his friend’s embarrassment as he motioned to the man beside him. “Trip, T’Pol, I’d like to introduce you to Ambassador Mati, Grand Liaison for the Kriosion Monarchy and he says he’s got something kind of important he’d like to Trip about.”

“Alone.” The old man added in a slightly timid voice, “I need to talk to Commander Tucker about Princess Kaitaama alone.”

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

{Lady Conqueror}

“Would you like something to drink?” Trip asked, since it seemed to be left to him to play the host now that Archer and T’Pol had left the room. The Kriosan Ambassador shook his head, gesturing to one of the empty chairs instead.

“Would you mind if I sat down.” As Trip helped him over to a seat, the Ambassador chuckled softly to himself, “Truth be told, I’m much too old to be traipsing around the galaxy. But Her Highness asked me to personally deliver this message and I’ve never been able to refuse her wishes”

“You’ve known Ka..uh, I mean...Princess Kaitaama a long time?” Trip asked.

“Since she was birthed. Still, I wasn’t asked to come here to bore you with an old man’s stories.” Ambassador Mati reached into his voluminous robes and pulled out a piece of folded up parchment. He held it out to Trip, “The Princess sends you this missive.”

Trip took the parchment carefully and studied it. Holding the parchment shut was a blob of wax with an impression on it - the ‘Royal Seal’. The picture was of an animal which reminded Trip of a deer, although it had six legs and a much longer neck. Just above its head were 4 stars giving the impression of a heavenly crown. Trip broke the seal and opened the letter - for a letter it clearly was, even though he couldn’t read the flowing spidery script that was inside. He glanced up at Ambassador Mati, who was watching him intently.

“I can’t read this.” Trip confessed.

“Of course not,” the Ambassador agreed, “that’s why I was asked to deliver it. The Princess trusts me enough to carry her words to you.”

“Great.” Trip replied, feeling oddly nervous about what news the letter contained all of a sudden. He held out the paper for Ambassador Mati to take, but the old man waved him away. “I already know what the letter contains. The Princess sends her best wishes and hopes you are well. Furthermore she wishes to invite you to sit at the royal table at her upcoming wedding. Of course, I also have a formal invitation to invite your entire crew to the festivities, but the Princess wished to invite you personally herself.”

Trip was stunned to say the least, “She’s gettin’ married?”

“Of course. The Princess –” But the Ambassador’s next words were cut off by a large hacking cough. When the fit had passed, the “Perhaps I could get that drink after all. Water please.”

“Sure.” Trip nodded and went to the wall panel to comm. a steward. As he turned back towards the Ambassador, he noticed the old man pulling out a small metal box with a toggle switch on it. Just as Trip was about to ask what it was, the Ambassador put his finger to his lips, motioning him to silence. Trip sat back down in his seat, curiosity about what was going on filling his mind. A few moments later the steward arrived carrying a jug of water and two cups. The Ambassador waited until the steward left before taking a sip.

“Ahh, that’s better. Now as I was saying. The Princess is required to take a husband at some point, so as to be able to continue the royal line.” As the Ambassador talked, his hand reached out and flicked the toggle switch on the device.

Trip’s curiosity finally won out of the Ambassador’s ‘keep quiet’ directive,

“What the hell’s goin’ on? What is that device?”

“It’s a communication’s blocker to disrupt any attempts at listening to our conversation. The device is quite ingenious; it actually makes the interference seem naturally occurring.” Ambassador Mati explained matter-of-factly.

“And why do you even need that device?” Trip asked suspiciously.

“Because the Princess has another request for you - one that cannot go beyond this room.” Trip watched in amazement as a transformation came over Ambassador Mati. Gone was the slouched posture and speech of a timid and frail old man; in its place was the firm confidence and tone of an elderly statesman.

“What request?”

“Tell me, Commander, what do you know of the political situation on Krios Prime?”

“Nothing.”

“The princess’ groom-to-be, Haikaam, is a member of one of the most powerful and influential families on Krios Prime. He’s also the man we believe to have been behind the kidnap attempt on the Princess that you foiled Commander.”

“Then why is she marryin’ him.”

“We have no proof, Commander. You can’t just go accusing members of such high-standing in the community of that sort of thing, without proof. It would likely be my head on the block rather than Haikaam’s if that were to happen.”

“So, what’s this got to do with me?”

“We currently have a man searching for the evidence to prove Haikaam’s guilt, but we need a way to delay the wedding until we can find and present it. That’s where you come in Commander.” Ambassador Mati paused. Most likely for dramatic effect, Trip thought. “Princess Kaitaama asks that you challenge the wedding, with your own claim.”

And an effective pause it was. Trip was stunned by the revelation, “What? Why me?” was all he could muster.

“You’re the perfect candidate, Commander Tucker. You have past history with the Princess to back up your claim, and being an off-worlder will guarantee that the council will listen to your claim - to preserve ties between our peoples.”

Trip couldn’t believe his ears. “I can’t marry the Princess. I mean, don’t get me wrong, she’s a nice girl but...”

“No-one’s asking you too actually marry her, Commander. Just to put a case forward to delay the wedding. Once we’ve proven Haikaam’s guilt, we can use one of the many loopholes in Kriosan wedding laws to put down your own claim. You protected the Princess before. She begs you...I beg you ...to help her again. Don’t let her marry this evil man. Krios Prime will be ruined if this man gains more power. You’ll not only be doing the Princess a great service, but the people of Krios as well.”

Confusion was awash in Trip’s mind, “I gotta talk to the Cap’n about this.” He pushed out of his seat and headed for the door. But the Ambassador was quick; he grabbed Trip’s arm, showing surprising strength for such an old man,

“No! You mustn’t. The more people who know, the more likely we’ll be discovered. It will put all our lives in even greater danger. Besides, the shocked response of your companions when you make the challenge will enhance the believability that you came to this decision on your own - that you’re doing this out of love.”

Trip shook off Ambassador Mati’s grip. He hated the thought of lying to his friends, but could he really stand by and do nothing while Kaitaama was married to the man who’d arranged to have her kidnapped. The man who’d nearly gotten her, and him, killed. Trip knew what he had to do.

“Will you help us?”

Trip looked up; his eye’s locking with the Ambassadors, he nodded reluctantly in agreement.


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

{zealousgirl}

It had been nearly an hour since she and Captain Archer had left Commander Tucker and Ambassador Mati in the Captain’s mess. T’Pol was now walking back towards that room, as she had been advised that their private meeting had ended. Despite her assertion that speculation without facts was not warranted, she was unable to shake the feeling that this had not merely been a ‘social call’ (to use a human colloquialism). The same question kept resurfacing in her mind: “What has he done now?”

Outside the Captain’s mess door, Archer waited patiently for her arrival. Upon seeing her, he chuckled nervously and said, “Didn’t know what to expect, so I thought I’d wait for back-up.” He had obviously formed a similar assumption as she.

The door opened to reveal the Commander sitting in his usual seat at the Captain’s table, and the Ambassador in T’Pol’s seat. Trip stood up to greet them. “Hey Cap’n! T’Pol!”

T’Pol noted that although the Commander now smiled in their presence, initially he had worn a rather impassive expression. And although the Captain seemed relieved by the cheerful greeting, she knew that something was amiss. On further reflection, she realized that only his mouth was smiling, not his eyes. She knew from the lessons on reading human body language taught to all Vulcans stationed on Earth the discrepancy signaled insincerity.

Ambassador Mati now advanced to again greet them. “Thank you for your hospitality Captain. I do apologize for the apparent secrecy, but I must follow our customs in situations, such as this.”

Archer gave T’Pol a puzzled look, and then decided to venture with a question. “What exactly is the current situation?” He now looked at Trip, who continued to smile ‘insincerely’ at his captain. “Is there something that I should be worried about?”

“Oh, no, Captain. I am here to invite you and your crew to join us in the joyous celebration of Princess Kaitaama’s wedding. As Commander Tucker is her dearest friend on this vessel, I must first discuss this with him. And, of course, he felt that it would be worthwhile to attend – especially since it will give this crew the chance for leisure time.” Ambassador Mati was much more animated, than he had been when he first arrived.

Archer now wore a wide grin. “We would be honored to attend. As I know that you must leave immediately, why don’t I accompany you to the docking bay, and we can discuss this further on the way.”

Ambassador Mati nodded, and followed Archer towards the exit. He turned just before leaving, and addressed Trip one more time. “Again, Commander Tucker, I thank you for your help.”

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

Trip and T’pol stood in silence for close to a minute after Archer and Mati had left. T’Pol scrutinized Trip’s expression and behavior, as he shuffled his feet slightly and looked around the room with disinterest. She expected him to resume his boasting about his ‘amazing diplomatic skills’ or to make some other comment about the conversation that had preceded the arrival of the Ambassador. Instead, without saying a word, Trip walked towards the door, and left without ceremony. Of note, he was no longer smiling, and was now wearing an expression that T’Pol would best describe as bewildered.

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

The week leading up to the arrival on Krios Prime was uneventful. Everyone resumed their usual routine.

Trip seemed to be busier than usual, asserting that he would have to keep the engines in perfect running order so that they could arrive on Krios Prime with enough time to allow for some shore leave before the ceremony. He was able to avoid most of the senior staff, who were all aware of his private meeting with Mati, thus not having to lie to those that he considered his friends. Luckily, Captain Archer did not question Trip any further on the discussion that he had had with the Kriosan diplomat. But, Trip had more difficulty with a certain Vulcan, who seemed to show up in engineering more frequently than was the norm. Apparently, she had decided to instruct the crew on proper etiquette for Kriosan ceremonies, and on the laws that govern the planet. On several occasions, T’Pol had tried to discuss such matters with Trip, but he had been able to divert her every time.

Now, one week later, the senior staff, save Trip, were on the bridge awaiting a hail from the planet now displayed on the viewscreen. Hoshi finally was able to cut through the interference of the thousands of other vessels orbiting the planet (presumably all guests for the upcoming nuptials). “Captain, King Basrun is hailing us.”

Archer stood in the middle of the bridge, patting down his uniform, and getting ready to put on his ‘diplomatic hat’. “Your Majesty. This is Captain Jonathon Archer of the Earth vessel Enterprise.”

The viewscreen now revealed a distinguished grey-haired man standing in the middle of an ornate room. “Thank you for accepting our invitation. Princess Kaitaama has nothing but praise for you and your crew.” Basrun turned to look at the Princess who was standing a few feet behind him. She smiled in return. “I know that – ”

A shout from the back of the bridge interrupted the conversation. “Kaitaama!” All eyes turned to look at the Chief Engineer as he bounded down from the upper level to the center of the bridge.

Captain Archer was somewhat shocked by his lack of decorum. He was about to apologize to Basrun but was pushed aside rather forcibly by the Commander. “Oh Beautiful, I didn’t know how much I missed you until now. You can’t marry that guy – I love you!”

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

{Zane Gray}

ONE HOUR LATER…

"Would you mind telling me exactly what the hell you're playing at here, Commander?"

Archer's anger had been building almost exponentially since Trip's little show on the Bridge. Now, alone in the privacy of the Ready Room, and with T'Pol present to witness the scene in disapproval, the Captain could contain his emotions no longer. Standing at attention, Trip nearly flinched at his friend's tone of voice.

"Sir, with all due respect, I'm not playing at anything. I've… fallen in love with Princess Kaitaama." T'Pol noted the engineer's momentary hesitation before he continued. "Seeing her again's made me realize just how important she is to me."

Archer fumed. "Do you have any idea what kind of diplomatic problem you've caused? The Kriosion Ambassador has filed a formal protest with Starfleet Command. I've just gotten off the com with Admiral Forrest. He's ready to wring your neck for getting involved in this. And frankly, he'll have to get in line behind me to do it!"

Behind his carefully constructed façade, Trip grimaced. Of course, the Ambassador would file a protest. He'd need to in order to keep appearances up.

Archer continued. "What's gotten into you, Trip? You should have known better than to involve yourself with the Princess in the first place!"

"Captain, what was I supposed to do? Leave her in that stasis pod? Just let those Retellian mercenaries have her?"

"Of course, not. But Trip, we found you both in your underwear! How do you think that looked? I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt then. Whatever happened between the two of you was obviously consensual and as long as it didn't affect the ship, it could be overlooked. But now you're about to interfere with the political stability of her entire planet! Don't you have anything to say for yourself?"

Trip sighed, his eyes downcast. "I'm sorry, sir. I never meant for it to happen this way. I just… I couldn't let Kaitaama get married without lettin' her know how I felt. And I know she feels the same about me. She's only getting' married to that Haikaam guy out of obligation. It's me she loves!"

Archer got in his face. "And that love is worth sacrificing your career for?"

Trip looked him in the eye, praying that his performance was convincing. "I can't help how I feel, sir."

The Captain sighed, then turned to his First Officer, hoping she would somehow be able to talk some sense into Tucker. "Don't you have anything you'd like to add, Sub-Commander?"

T'Pol arched an eyebrow at her Captain. "No, sir. Not at this time."

Archer turned back to his friend, resigned. "Very well. Commander Tucker, I hereby order you to confine yourself to your quarters until 0800 hours tomorrow, at which time you will accompany the Sub-Commander and myself to the surface. King Basrun would very much like to discuss your little outburst before the wedding ceremony can proceed. Dismissed."

"Sir!" With that, Trip turned and left the Ready Room, the Sub-Commander following in his wake.


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


Out on the Bridge, Trip ignored the stares of his fellow crewmen as he crossed to the turbolift. Hoshi, in particular, seemed shocked by the recent turn of events.

Ah well… nothing I can do about that now. Not if I'm gonna give Kaitaama and Ambassador Mati the time they need to straighten this mess out.

As he stepped into the lift and hit the control that would take him down to E Deck, Trip fervently hoped they'd also be able to sort out his own mess before all was said and done. Things were rapidly going from bad to worse.

And still they worsened. Just as the doors were about to close, T'Pol slipped into the lift between them and turned to face him expectantly. Trip sighed wearily.

"Is there somethin' I can do for you, Sub-Commander? 'Cause now's not exactly the best time ta--"

"I wish to know why you lied to the Captain."

Trip did a double take. "Excuse me?"

T'Pol closed the distance between them carefully, deliberately invading his personal space. "I believe we have come to know one another fairly well in the time we have served together, Commander. I have grown familiar with your particular mannerisms… have learned to read your emotional state based on your facial expressions and body language. And I believe you were lying to the Captain when you said that you had fallen in love with the Princess. I wish to know why."

Trip's discomfort grew dramatically. Geez, does she really know me that well?

"You damn Vulcans are all alike, aren't you? Always putting your turned up noses in places they don't belong! How I feel about the Princess is none of your damn business!"

"Your interactions with the Princess are very much my business, Commander Tucker. I remind you that I am still your superior officer and the First Officer of this ship. In that capacity, anything that affects the Enterprise is within my prevue."

"You outrank me by the skin of yer teeth and that's about all. I think you're just jealous."

Now it was T'Pol's turn to be taken aback. "You flatter yourself, Commander."

"Do I?"

"Indeed. I have no interest in your salacious romantic adventures."

"Well, good. Then you won't mind butting the hell out of my affairs!"

With that, the doors hissed open and the Commander flew out in a huff, leaving a very unsettled Vulcan behind him.


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


Alone in her quarters that night, T'Pol sat before her meditation candle and struggled to compose her thoughts. But try though she might, the serenity of mental focus eluded her.

Commander Tucker's behavior was… unsettling in the extreme. The only thing she knew for sure, was that Tucker had lied to the Captain. He did not love Kaitaama. Of this she was certain. But if that was true, then why was he participating in a sham? Had the Kriosion Ambassador said something to force him into this course of action? Was he somehow coercing her Commander into this false act of romantic posturing?

Suddenly, T'Pol's eyes opened with a start. Her commander. The thought had appeared, unbidden, in her mind. What did it mean? Could Tucker have been right after all? Was she indeed jealous of his relationship with the Princess? Had she, T'Pol, developed feelings for Tucker that she'd suppressed and thus failed to notice? The very idea was preposterous. Unthinkable.

More disturbed than before, T'Pol leaned forward and blew out her candle. Unthinkable or not, the fact remained that in just a few hours down on Krios Prime, Commander Tucker was going to stand before the assembled royalty of half the sector and falsely proclaim his undying love for a women who was undeserving of it. The act would end his career in Starfleet, if it hadn't already. And it would destroy the trust of his friendship with Captain Archer as well.

That is… unless T'Pol did something to stop it…


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


{stubadingdong}

Early the next morning, T'Pol found herself standing outside Commander Tucker's quarters. She'd reasoned with herself all night that it was a necessity to find out the truth before allowing him down to the planet. It was her job as First Officer to make sure the crew were functioning in their full capacities. She had devised a simple way of extracting the truth from Commander Tucker.

It all seemed quite logical last night. T'Pol felt a slight, nervous fluttering in her stomach as she pushed the buzzer to the Commander's door. Her keen Vulcan hearing picked up muffled permission to enter. She did so, leaving the 'butterflies' in the corridor.

T'Pol stepped into his quarters and peered around the room. She saw Commander Tucker's head poke around the monitor from his computer station. His eyes narrowed suspiciously at the sight of her.

"Why can't you just let it go, T'Pol?" he asked with a sigh.

She raised an eyebrow at his words. "I think there is more going on here than you are leading us to believe," she replied, sliding gracefully to his side.

Commander Tucker looked up at her from his seat and rolled his eyes. "Are you always so suspicious of my personal activities, Sub-Commander?"

"Only when you directly involve this ship, Commander."

He stood up suddenly, his chair toppling over. He leaned in close. "What do you want, T'Pol?" Trip growled angrily.

"I only wish to know the truth," she returned calmly. She got right to the point. "Do you love Princess Kaitaama?"

The engineer's face softened at the mention of the princess. He looked down and mumbled, "Wouldn't have told her so if I didn't."

T'Pol raised her chin. "I do not believe you."

His eyes flashed back at hers in an angry glare. "So what else is new?" Trip snapped.

"Commander Tucker, look me in the eyes and tell me you are in love with her."

He stared at T'Pol for a moment, his face falling briefly into an expression of horror. He recovered quickly and asked sarcastically, "Is that an order, Sub-Commander?"

"Do I need to make it one?" she asked.

He glared at her, then shook his head almost imperceptibly. T'Pol could see him working at forming the words. If he loved that woman, would it not be an easy task to say so?

"Mister Tucker?" T'Pol cocked her head and tried to look him in the eye. His gaze darted about the room.

She took advantage of his silence and put her plan into action. T'Pol closed the already narrow gap between them. A hand reached up behind the Commander's head and she pulled him down to her. His arms flailed momentarily as her mouth sealed itself to his. T'Pol's other hand cupped his cheek, making him relax. His mouth started to work against hers.

It was as T'Pol had figured. She had expected him to return her kiss, proving that Commander Tucker did not love the Princess. What T'Pol had not expected was her own reaction to kissing him. She did not expect her composure to leave her. She did not expect her knees to go weak. She certainly did not expect to be so willing when the Commander's tongue sought entrance to her mouth. His hands had finally settled, one wrapped tightly around her waist while the other held her head in place.

As the kiss intensified, logic warred with instinct. T'Pol felt her grip on the Commander tighten, their tongues sliding greedily together. The noises he made as he kissed her, the grunts and the moans, caused a surge of pleasure to ripple up her spine. She had proven her point, and from what she could tell, a while ago.

Reluctantly, T'Pol pulled back. Trip leaned with her, not yet willing to break the kiss. His lips chased hers.

"Commander…" she whispered. T'Pol pulled back again, this time successfully breaking contact. She looked up into his blue eyes and waited.

Trip sighed and nodded. He closed his eyes and said, "You win, T'Pol."

Her arms were still wrapped around his neck. Her hands slid down to his chest. "Why did you say you loved her? What is going on?"

Trip looked down at T'Pol and shook his head. "I can't tell you, darlin'. You'll just have to trust me."

"If you tell me the circumstances which have brought us here, perhaps I can help," persisted T'Pol.

Trip leaned forward and kissed her deeply again. When they broke, he rested his forehead against hers. "Please just trust me, T'Pol," he repeated.

"I do trust you, Commander," T'Pol replied, stroking his face lightly. "But I do not trust the Kriosans."

Trip grimaced and said, "I don't either." He sighed again. "What the hell have I gotten myself into this time?"


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

{Myst123}

Taking Trip by the hand, T’Pol led him to the bed and gently pushed him down until he was seated. Snuggling up to him, she rubbed his thigh with one hand while with the other she cupped the back of his neck, massaging slowly. She leaned in close to him, following the curve of his ear with her lips.

“What are you not revealing, Commander?” she asked.

“T’Pol, are you trying to seduce the information out of me?” Trip queried a little breathlessly, feeling he was revealing entirely too much physically.

“That is not my intention, but if my current behavior induces you to tell me what occurred between you and Ambassador Mati, then I will find that an acceptable outcome.”

“Well, I can’t think when you are rubbing me like that.”

“You do not need to think, just tell me what I want to know and we will solve this together. You would like that, would you not?”

“OK, I’ll tell you, not because of the way you are nuzzling my ear – hey, don’t stop! that’s better – but because this working together sounds kinda nice. And frankly I don’t know what to do for the best. I’m totally confused.”

As T’Pol suspected, motives other than love had driven Commander Tucker to make his bizarre declaration. As he completed his tale, she sat thoughtfully at his side for a few minutes, reflecting. Trip looked at her hopefully, waiting to see what she would say.

“The Captain will be here in two hours to take us down to the planet,” T’Pol stated. “We must find out as much about Haikaam, his family, your beloved Kaitaama, and the political situation. It appears we have a mystery to solve, and very little time or information to meet the challenge.”

“She isn’t my beloved anything, T’Pol. Is this another thing you are goin’ to dwell on forever?”

“Do not exaggerate, Commander. I do not dwell, I state facts. Should you appear to be making another such mistake in the future, naturally I will draw your attention to this incident in hopes that you will learn from past errors. My willingness to help you in such circumstances denotes nothing more than a need to assist you.”

“Yeah, well on earth we call that kind of assistance jealousy.”

T’Pol sniffed, but didn’t deign to respond to this ridiculous idea. Instead, she crossed the room to the computer terminal and began scanning the Vulcan database and the material she had pulled together about the planet and its laws and customs. Accessing the local database from the planet, T’Pol was also able to retrieve news accounts of the marriage plans and wedding, as well as pictures of both Haikaam and Kaitaama.

“Are you certain the Princess is unwilling to participate in this ceremony, or that she suspects Haikaam of kidnapping her, Commander? This man is most pleasing to the eye. It is possible she accepts this marriage.”

“He looks like a thug,” Trip responded with a scowl. “What do you mean, ‘pleasing to the eye’? His ears stick out, for one thing.”

“He has a strong jaw, satisfactory wavy black hair, a straight nose, and his ears are very accessible to the touch. He appears to be a fine representative of a Kriosan male.”

Trip grabbed the keyboard from T’Pol and abruptly deleted Haikaam’s image from the screen. “That kind of analysis isn’t helpful, T’Pol.”

“Certainly it is. If these two are attracted to each other – and you must have found the Princess attractive to have mated with her just as I find Haikaam warrants my attention – then the Ambassador lied to you. If he lied, why? What outcome is he hoping to attain by causing this rift in the proceedings?”

“What the hell do you mean, ‘warrants my attention’?”

“Please focus, Commander. We cannot proceed smoothly with our process if you continually get sidetracked. Now, the laws governing the marriage of royalty on Krios are as follows: the mate must be born into one of the fifty ruling families with a certain level of wealth. Outwardly, Haikaam meets those basic standards – he does not appear to have required the ransom money he would have gained from kidnapping Kaitaama. What would have motivated him? He would not have become ruler, nor anyone in his family, had Kaitaama disappeared forever. Was he intended to rescue Kaitaama, ensuring he would be selected as her mate? There is no evidence in anything we have seen to indicate he is, in the words of the Ambassador, an ‘evil man’. Shall we treat all players as suspect?”

“I’m not getting sidetracked, sweetheart. ‘A straight nose’, ‘accessible ears’! You were trying to make me jealous, so don’t deny it. And there is nothing wrong with my nose. Hmm, if Haikaam was not behind the kidnapping, then who was? We must find out as much about the Ambassador was we can. He may be the key to this plot.”

“You are mistaken, Commander, I was not trying to make you jealous. And your nose is most unusual and unique. The Ambassador was truthful when he told you a challenge from you would halt the proceedings. Kriosans consider marriage itself inviolable, and the ceremonial rituals include a thorough examination of all claims to the hand of the ruler. Once you declared yourself, you set in motion a course of action which not even Kaitaama could stop, had she wished.”

“So, for all we know, the Ambassador may be telling the truth, or he may not. We are no better off now than we were when we started,” Trip said with frustration.

“No, Commander, we do know more than we did a short while ago. And I have a plan.”

Fifteen minutes later, the buzzer to Trip’s quarters sounded. Trip and T’Pol exchanged looks. Captain Archer had arrived to take them to meet King Basrun.

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

{pookha-hare}

Several hours earlier…

The sound of ball bouncing off the bulkhead rang through the room. The ball was being thrown with such force one could hear the anger behind it as it slammed and bounced off the wall. Jonathan Archer sat in his bed catching and then throwing the ball in an almost rhythmic pattern. It was habit he acquired after the death of his mother when he was a very young child. A way to deal with excess sorrow and anger. To work through the strong emotions that threatened to engulf him plus give him a chance to focus his thoughts.
And right now he needed to expend a lot of pent up energy just to come close to being more in control. His mood had been so foul that he had allowed Ensign Tanner to take Porthos for the evening.

The focus of his thoughts centered on the person he thought of as family. Really the only family he had left. Just several hours earlier he had watched his best friend stand on the bridge and potentially throw away his career. Oh and also harm not just the reputation of the ship but mar all future relations between the Kriosanians and Earth.

Jon thought he had just about seen every type of behavior from Trip but this one was something else. Jon had been racking his brain for any hints of this thing Trip had for the princess. He thought back to right after Trip and the princesses little misadventure on the swamp planet. Jon had wondered just what had taken place between the two of them but Trip had been pretty quiet about the whole thing except things on the start had been pretty bad what with getting knocked out. That the princess had been how had Trip put it.. Difficult at first but after they had crash landed they had learned to get along.
Well get along may have been an understatement considering how they were dressed and the guilty, embarrassed way Trip looked when he, Malcolm and T’Pol had found Trip with the Princess. But, after the princess had left Trip seemed to put the whole thing quickly behind him. If anything he seemed to be a little relieved that she was gone.
Since then there had been nothing. And not one of the usual signs that Trip had become smitten with someone. Heck Trip seemed to be harboring some thoughts more toward T’Pol then the Kriosanians princess. Jon swore that Trip had been flirting with T’Pol during the dinner celebrating T’Pol’s first year anniversary on Enterprise. Trip of course had denied it with comments such as,”She’s a Vulcan” but still Jon wondered some time.

But there had been no sign that Trip had been carrying a torch for the princess. And Jon had seen Trip fall in love and later on go through a lot of heart break when the relationships failed for different reasons.

But now in front of not just the princess but her ambassador and the entire bridge crew Trip had professed his love for the princess. Not just that but told her she couldn’t marry her intended.

Brilliant that had just been brilliant. Jon knew Trip could be impulsive and even reckless at times but this one beat all the rest of them. Still there was something Jon felt that he was missing. Why this felt so wrong. And then it hit him and when it did he caught the ball and placed it next to him on the bed. He knew that there was something else going on besides Trip being in love with the princess. Not only that but this probably wasn’t even Trip’s idea. Yes Trip had done and said some pretty reckless things on impulse before but always as he thought back he had done it either because he saw some wrong being done or to help someone. Never had he done it for purely selfish reasons. Especially since it would harm the mission itself. Trip had fought too hard along with Jon to keep the human deep space program going and to see Enterprise launched to throw it away because of some tryst with this woman. Nope some how so some one.. The ambassador. He was the only one who had contact with Trip had persuaded him that if Trip went through with this little piece of insanity he was doing some type of greater good.

Jon sighed but why. What was it and why Trip. If they wanted to challenge the wedding of the princess to this Haikaam why did they want Trip to do it? Why not another Kriosian. Did it have to do with how close Krios was to the Klingon empire and they were afraid if the challenge had came from within the inner higher circles of power it would have made the government of the planet look weak and unstable. A tempting target for the Klingons.

But still why Trip. Yes he had rescued the princess but couldn’t there had been some one else besides an officer of a starship of a potential ally. Surely the Kriosians must have known there would be some very serious repercussions to Trip’s actions. Most of them to him. Just then a chilling thought occurred to Jon. Maybe that was their intent.
Just them something nearly forgotten rose to the surface of Jon’s conscious, Something Phlox had said while prattling about the princesses species as Trip went through decon. Phlox had wondered if the princess had been one of the rare empaths that were born among the Krisosians. Jon wondered if empath could also imply some type of telepath.
What might the princess had learned about Trip. Where the Kriosians in need of engineer/ warp drive theorist who helped mankind get past the warp two barrier faster then even the Vulcans had been able too. Jon considered the sleek beautiful ship that had ferried the Ambassador to them but as Trip pointed out one time just because a space ship looks like a falcon doesn’t mean its engine doesn’t drive it like a turtle.

And there was the proximity to Klingon space …maybe the Kriosians thought they needed a little extra tactical advantage.

So what .. convince Trip that he could help them by doing his little stunt. This had the ramifications of destroying his career. What were they going to do then? So sorry you lost your position within your Starfleet. Out of gratitude for what you did for us we will offer you a nice position within our star service.

Jon shook his head. Could that be it or was he just being paranoid. Maybe for some reason they just needed to delay the ceremony and Trip because he had shown he would be willing to help the princess was chosen.

Jon knew he needed some answers and quickly too. They had the audience with the King in the morning. One thing he could contact Phlox and ask him more about this empath business. But he needed help in finding out more about the situation on the planet.
He knew who he needed to talk to..

Later on just as the buzzer sounded at Trip’s door.

Trip looked questioningly towards T’Pol. He hoped this plan of hers had a chance of working. If it didn’t he might be kissing his career in Starfleet goodbye. At least T’Pol had cared enough to trick him into divulging the truth that he wasn’t in love with the Princess. A small smile appeared on his face as he considered that T’Pol’s plan with him caused all kinds of unexpected results.

T’Pol saw the smile and enquired. “Mister Tucker you seem to be more at ease then you were earlier. Do you feel optimistic about the plan”?

Trip found himself smiling at T’Pol. “No, I don’t know if the plan will work. But I was thinking about how nice another kiss like the one that put your plan for me in motion would be nice. A good luck kiss”.

T’Pol frowned slightly at the commander. And she reminded him that the captain was at the door and they really shouldn’t keep him waiting considering the circumstances.

But as Trip crossed in front of her to reach the controls for the door T’Pol gently reached toward him and for a moment caressed his cheek.

Trip was surprised at her action and it felt as if the heat lingered from the touch of her warm hand.

He was further startled as he buzzed the door open because standing behind the Captain was Malcolm. Trip wondered what in the hell Mal was doing here.

Jon looked slightly puzzled at Trip as the door slid open. He could swear that it appeared that Trip was blushing. He glanced over at Malcolm to see if he had noticed. But then with his best stern captain face he let both Trip and T’Pol who had been standing quietly in the background that it was time to head down to the planet.

As the group made their way to the lift Archer slowed down and called to T’Pol. T’Pol turned and hesitated but went back to the Captain to see what he needed.
Just then Malcolm and Trip reached the lift which opened for them.
Before Trip could do anything Malcolm gently pushed Trip into the lift while saying ..
“After you commander”.

The last thing Trip saw as the doors closed was the captain talking to T’Pol.

As T’Pol walked back to the captain and stopped in front of him she hoped that Trip would be fine with Malcolm. Because it was obvious that the Captain had detained her just so the lieutenant could be alone to question Trip.

But the captain wanted some thing else too. Jon looked over at T’Pol and wondered if she had found out anything. “T’Pol were you able to get anything out of Trip about why he is doing this” T’Pol looked at Archer and considered what to tell him without betraying the no .. Her commanders’ confidence.

T’Pol answered. “I am uncertain of all the facts at the moment captain but I have my doubts about how sincere the commander is with declaration toward the princess”.

T’Pol saw that what she said had the desired effect on the captain. He noticeably relaxed and she had not betrayed what the commander had told her. After all she had her doubts before she ever went to see Mr. Tucker and test her plan.

Jon felt relieved but he had something else to ask of T’Pol.
“T’Pol I would never betray your confidence by letting out what happened when I and Travis helped you to capture Menos. But I do need the wisdom and the knowledge of the former intelligence officer. Will you please try and keep an eye out for Trip while we are down on Krios. I think there is more at stake then at first meets the eye. As they waited for the lift to return Jon started to fill T’Pol in a little about his suspicions.

On the lift...

Malcolm turned around and glared at his best friend as the lift descended.
Before Trip could say anything Malcolm demanded. “Just what in the bloody hell is going on here commander”? Not for one instant do I believe that you are really in love with that woman. Now if you had declared your love for the sub commander then I could believe that. It might take some kind of fever to get past your self inflicted denial but you certainly care far more for T’Pol then that so called princess. Malcolm looked suspiciously at Trip. “Hmm, why were you blushing when you came to the door? And by the way why did you lose your mind on the bridge?”


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

{Maddie}

Trip didn't hesitate, even though inside he was busy thinking, Oh shit, Mal knows! But he and T'Pol had gone over her plan several times and he knew what he had to do to make it work. No matter how well-meaning Malcolm was, and how much he was kicking himself for lying to his friend, it was essential that no one act as though anything were out of the ordinary when they went to speak to the Kriosians.

So with a silent promise to make it up to Malcolm later, he began speaking quietly. "You're wrong, Mal. I really am in love with Princess Kaitaama - have been for a long time now. T'Pol was worried too. She confronted me about it just now. But I told her the same thing I'm gonna tell you - I'm not being coerced - that's what you and the Cap'n are thinking isn't it? -- and I haven't gone out of my mind. It might be illogical, but when the Ambassador told me that Kaitaama was going to marry some other guy that she doesn't even love - I realized how much I really care about her! So I kind of lost it on the bridge. Hell, if a guy can't do his damnedest to try and win back the woman he loves when he's about to lose her, he doesn't deserve her in the first place!"

Malcolm Reed was taken aback. He had never heard his friend speak about anything with so much passion unless it was some brilliant new engineering marvel. His confidence in his own position began to crumble. "Okay, why were you blushing just now, then?! Don't tell me you don't have feelings for the Sub-Commander!"

"Sure I have feeling's for her," Trip replied. "She's a really good friend and I respect the hell outta her. As for why I was blushing - well, let's just say talking about Kaitaama an' I sometimes has that affect on me."

Mal noticed with growing horror that Trip was in fact blushing at that very moment. What the stalwart Lieutenant was unaware of, however, was that Trip was thinking very hard about certain endeavour T'Pol had promised him a far more in-depth experience in the near future once this whole mess was behind them. Her allusions had been most . . . Well, that was enough thinking about that.

"If you don't mind, Mal, I'd rather you didn't try to question my motives anymore." He turned to look his friend straight in the eye. "Do you trust me?"

Mal slowly found the words, and replied, "You know I do."

"Then trust I know what I'm doing."

"All right, Commander."

They went the rest of the way down the lift in silence. When the Captain and T'Pol went up with them outside the shuttlepod minutes later, Archer took Malcolm aside as Trip and T'Pol exchanged a subtle glance as they boarded the shuttle. So, Trip thought wryly, the Cap'n was still suspicious. As was to be expected. T'Pol was playing along just like she should so as not to further his suspicions more by a complete denial of the questionability of Trip's actions.

Archer boarded the shuttle an instant later, his face unreadable. Malcolm looked rather downcast from what Trip could see of him through the open doorway. Jon glanced over at Trip for a moment as though measuring what he had learned from Malcolm, then shook his head and told Travis to prepare to take off. It had been decided that Malcolm would remain on board and on standby in case something were to happen. Jon was worried about them being so close to Klingon space.

The flight down was a silent one.

As they disembarked, Archer turned to Trip, putting his hands on his shoulder and looked searchingly into his eyes. “Trip, are you sure this is what you want to do?”

“I am.”

“All right,” he said, all Captain now as his hands dropped from his Chief Engineer’s shoulders, “let’s get this over with.”

They entered the palace, escorted by guards, but right before they reached the Royal Chamber where the King was waiting for them, Trip saw his chance, and exchanging a quick glance with T’Pol, broke away from the group and dashed down a side corridor. The guards were slow in responding - apparently guests rarely tried to run amuck through the palace, but after a stunned moment they gave chase, T’Pol seemingly inadvertently in their way and giving him a lead of a few more precious seconds.

Trip, feeling ridiculous as he pounded down the hallway, redoubled his speed, knowing that the very success of the plan T’Pol had cooked up depended on finding and having the situation explained by the one person he could trust to tell him the truth about the whole affair – Kaitaama.

‘It is only logical,’ T’Pol had said, ‘to avoid all unnecessary entanglements and potential falsehoods by going straight to the source. And since Kriosian etiquette decrees that you may not see the Princess until the King sees fit to validate your claim, you must bypass that particular form of redtape.’

So I’m bypassing, I’m bypassing! he thought grimly to himself. Seeing a partially open doorway as he rounded a corner, he yanked the door open, dove inside, and shut the door behind him, hearing soon afterwards the sound of the guards rushing by outside. Glancing over at the room itself, he noticed a very familiar woman standing at the other side of the room.

Bingo! he thought, uncertain whether to be suspicious or relieved that he had found her so easily.

"Trip!" the woman cried, running into his arms.

"Your Highness," Trip said awkwardly. But as the woman looked up at him and he got a good look at her face, whatever he might have said afterwards was forgotten.

This was not Princess Kaitaama.

"Commander Tucker," she whispered urgently, "I am so glad that you came to me! There are events that you are not aware of."

"So it seems," he said, feeling a headache coming on. "Care to enlighten me?"

"Please! Keep your voice down! There are spies everywhere." She pulled him closer against her, her words so low he could barely hear them against his ear. "As you know, I am not the real Princess Kaitaama. I am Haikaam's sister, Kaamati. I was sent here to take the Princess’s place because she is in great danger!"

"What? From who? Where is she?" he asked, careful to modulate his voice so that it carried no further than her own ears.

"She is somewhere safe. What I tell you, you must not divulge to anyone. The very lives of yourself and your crew are at stake. There is a conspiracy afoot, Commander, and-"

But before she could say any more, he felt her body jerk and she fell back, his arms barely catching her, her eyes widening in horror. His did the same as she began to convulse, struggling through painful gasps to tell him her dying message.

". . . Princess is . . . y brother . . . fifty stars . . . bassador . . . maryr devic . . . gon . . ."

He had laid her on the ground and was wondering desperately what to do, only half his mind on the words, when with a final convulsion of her body she sat up at pulled his face against hers, her tongue sliding into his mouth to press something small, metallic, and capsular against his inner cheek to which it stuck.

She fell back, her eyes closing as she wheezed out one last word with as much emphasis as she could muster. ". . . secret . . ."

Then her body went still, her head falling to one side. With trembling fingers he felt for her pulse - none - and plucked out the tiny dart that stuck out from the base of her neck. He took a deep breath, acutely aware of whatever it was that she had given him inside his own mouth, his eyes searching the room for any sign of the hidden assailant. Finding none, his mind raced through the options available to him and, making up his mind, he hit his commbadge. "T'Pol, the plan’s off."


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

{Nefertari}

T’Pol looked around almost guiltily as she heard Tucker’s panicked cry. Her mind tried to process the announcement the commander had made, she felt Archer’s eyes on her and she wondered if her expression had betrayed her thoughts. The captain had been in talks with the kings delegates in the royal chamber, the king had been whisked away as soon as Trip had run off. Apparently they didn’t want the king to be in any danger.

“The Kriosians are not happy.” Archer told her. “They want to know what is going on with Trip.”

“What did you tell them?” T’Pol asked, quietly glad he hadn’t picked up on her distraction.

“I told them that he was acting on his emotions.” Archer shrugged. “What could I say? I don’t know what’s going on with him.”

“I am certain that Commander Tucker has his reasons.” T’Pol looked into her captain’s eyes - she wasn’t lying, exactly.

“What did he think he was playing at?” Archer muttered. “Running off like that.”

“Maybe his love for the princess was greater than we had anticipated,” T’Pol offered.

“We both know he does not love that princess.” Archer frowned.

“Maybe we were mistaken.” T’Pol cringed inwardly. She didn’t like the way she was lying to her commanding officer, but she also had her reasons.

“Where the hell is he?” Archer hissed. He looked around and saw Tucker being dragged into the chamber by the guards - he was unconscious.

~~~*~~~

(minutes earlier)

Trip cradled the now dead Kriosian in his arms. His mind struggled to make sense of what had just happened to him. Where was Kaitaama? Why had Haikaam’s sister taken her place? (if she was indeed his sibling) He shook his head and let his tongue touch the inside of his mouth, running over the capsule on his cheek. It was certainly well stuck; he would have to pull it out, as his tongue couldn’t pry it off. He made a mental note to inspect it when he had some time to himself.

He looked around the room again, hoping to determine how the dart had gotten into the female’s neck. There was still nothing to be seen. He cursed to himself and looked down at the stranger. This day was going downhill very fast.
Trip placed the princess’ impersonator on the floor. He jumped to his feet when the door crashed open. Three guards stared at him, then noticed the body on the floor. They began talking rapidly and suddenly aimed weapons at Trip. He froze and wished he had remained on Enterprise. He was about to explain himself when a sharp pain rippled through his abdomen. All he saw was the carpet for a few seconds, before everything went black.

~~~*~~~

Archer stepped forward and glared at the guards. He let his gaze land on his inert chief engineer, dread filling his heart.

“What the hell happened?” he demanded.

“He killed the princess,” one of the guards announced, holding up the poisoned dart.

“Impossible.” Jon defended his friend without thinking.

“Take him into custody,” a regal sounding voice commanded.

Archer spun round to see one of the dignitaries staring at the guards. “What?”

Jon balled his hands into fists as anger overcame him. “What proof do you have of this?”

“He must remain in our custody, until we can determine what happened.” The dignitary looked mildly sorry for his actions. “It is our way.”

“Would you mind if we carried out our own investigation.” The calm form of T’Pol stepped in front of the captain.

“Feel free.” The dignitary nodded at her. “This is not how we thought events would turn out.”

“We sure as hell hadn’t planned this either,” Archer hissed.

~~~*~~~

Trip came to in a small room. His head throbbed and he felt a sharp pain in his ribs, as he sat up. His eyes scanned the room and the only conclusion his foggy mind could come up with was that he was in a cell of some sort - no windows, dim light, hard bed. He rolled his eyes at himself. How had he managed to get in trouble, yet again?

He was about to get up and try the door when it opened, flooding the room with light. He shielded his eyes as he heard two sets of footsteps entering. The door shut again, and he looked to see who his visitors were. He sighed with relief when he saw Jon and T’Pol standing before him.

“Cap’n.” Trip stood up.

Archer pushed him down onto the bed again and sat next to him. “Trip.” Archer looked at T’Pol uneasily for a second, her expression remained impassive. “T’Pol told me what you two had planned.”

“Oh.” Trip looked at the Vulcan, wondering if things had become that serious.
“The Kriosians believe that you killed the princess,” T’Pol told him, slight worry played at her eyes but was quickly masked.

“It wasn’t the princess,” Trip remembered. Archer cut him a confused look but let him continue. “She claimed to be the sister of the groom.” A slight chuckle escaped his lips.

“I don’t understand,” Archer said quietly. His eyes took in Trip’s dishevelled appearance, and his concern for his friend doubled.

“She said her name was Kaamati, that she was Haikaam’s sister, and that she was impersonating Kaitaama because she was in danger.” Trip sighed and gripped his ribs.

T’Pol took a step closer. “You are injured.”

“It’s nothing,” Trip protested, but felt T’Pol’s hands on him anyway.

She probed his chest and abdomen with her hands. Her eyes met his for a second and he wondered if she was doing this for more than just medical reasons. “You have a broken rib,” she revealed. “You need medical attention.”

“It’s fine,” Trip insisted.

“You sound like Malcolm,” Archer admonished. “We’ll see if they will let someone see to you.”

“Can I finish telling the story?” Trip asked.

“Go on.” Archer relented knowing that he wanted to know exactly what happened.

“She told me that I couldn’t tell anyone what she was telling me.” Trip ran a hand through his already mussed hair. “I guess that doesn’t matter anymore.”

“What did she tell you?” T’Pol asked.

“She said something about a conspiracy. Then she started convulsing,” he told them. Then he remembered the capsule.

“They found a dart,” Archer remembered.

“Yeah, she was assassinated,” Trip said absently, as he shoved two fingers in his mouth. Ignoring Archer’s confused stare, he produced the capsule. “She gave me this.”

“What is it?” Archer peered at the tiny piece of metal.

“Dunno.” Trip handed it to T’Pol. “You think you can find out?”

“I will do my best,” T’Pol stated blandly. She looked at the item in her hand.

“We have to go, Trip.” Jon looked at his friend. “They want to pin this murder on you, but we are running our own investigation. We will clear your name.”

“I know you will.” Trip tried to mask his anxiety with a smile.

“We have two days to find out what happened,” Jon informed him. He rested his hand on Trip’s shoulder. “That is the standard time apparently, then it will go to trial.”

“I’m glad I get a trial,” Trip muttered.

“I’ll see you soon,” Archer promised. He got up to leave and looked pointedly at T’Pol.

“Good luck Commander,” T’Pol said to Trip, as she followed the captain out the small room, leaving Trip alone.

“Thanks,” he said to the empty room.

~~~*~~~

Malcolm stared at his captain in complete disbelief. Trip had been lying to him. Betrayal flittered through him, as he stood in the alien room trying to process all the new information. He understood why Trip had lied, but he couldn’t see all the reasons behind it. Now that he had as much information as Archer, Tucker and T’Pol, he could see the situation with some clarity.

“What do you think Malcolm?” Archer asked, after a pause.

“It could be one of two things.” Reed looked at the carpeted floor for a moment.

“There is a conspiracy. The ambassador is a part of it and the wedding is being sabotaged. Or, Haikaam is in the wrong and the impersonator was not his true sister.”

“What do you suggest?” Archer looked at his tactical officer, trying to work out what was going on inside the younger man’s head.

“We could use the transporter to get Commander Tucker out of there,” Malcolm offered, with a wry smile.

“That would not be diplomatic,” T’Pol announced from behind Archer - she had been so quiet that the two humans had almost forgotten she had been there.

“Weren’t you going back to the ship?” Reed asked brusquely. “To examine that capsule?”

“I was.” T’Pol looked at Archer.

“Time is of the essence.” He shrugged.

“I will return as soon as I have the information.” T’Pol stepped out of the room.
“I want you to lead the investigation, Malcolm.” Archer started pacing round the room. “I have to meet with the king. He wants to know what we feel is going on.”

“Are you going to tell him what we know?” Reed asked.

“No.” Jon frowned. “I am more interested in what he knows. . .”


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


{vandiver49}

Trip stared vacantly up at the ceiling of his dimly lit cell, feigning an attempt to recall the myriad of events that would eventually result in his present confinement. His efforts to comprehend those circumstances were in vain, as he simply could not take his mind off the indelible pain associated with his every breath. Though he had been contrary to Sub-Commander T’Pol, she was indeed correct; his broken rib was in dire need of attention. Blood had begun to pool around the fracture, turning the normally fair skin around his injury a morbid shade of black and blue. His mental efforts a failure, Trip resolved to do the one thing that might afford him a modicum of peace; sleep. However, as soothing darkness began to envelop him as he closed his eyes, the door to his cell suddenly parted. In the threshold stood an all too familiar figure to the Chief Engineer, “Good evening Commander Tucker.” The figured announced as he entered the cell.

Trip sat upright on the makeshift rack, the only courteous gesture he planned on making to the individual. The two sat in painful silence as Trip simply stared back at his guest, his azure eyes ablaze with the contempt and anger that had been welling up inside of him during his confinement. After what seemed like an eternity, Trip finally proffered a sardonic reply. “Well Ambassador Mati, how *else* can I help you this evening?”

* * *

Just as Trip was preparing for his verbal altercation with the Kriosian ambassador, Captain Archer was in the Krios Prime royal chambers, actively engaged in a war of words with the planet’s king.

“Captain, there is absolutely no basis to your accusations. What possible sense would it make for Haikaam to kidnap his future bride?” His Highness questioned; formal titles the only reason the conversation had not degenerated into an outright shouting match.

“I was informed that there was a steep reward for her safe return.” Archer proposed.

“Haikaam is from a very affluent family Captain. What would he gain from such a reward?” The king rebuffed.

“Honestly your Highness, I was hoping you could answer that. I have been told that a coup is afoot by your future son-in-law to overthrow you?” The Captain replied.

Unfortunately, his accusation only served to offend the Kriosian king. “You dare lay blame for this catastrophe upon one of the most esteemed members of the Kriosian Royal court? Need I remind you that it is your ship’s presence in orbit, coupled with the inability to control the members of your crew, that you are here before me.”

While the king’s comments were painfully close to the truth, Jonathan chose to ensure the conversation remained on the confinement of one of his crewmembers and not the deception contrived by his Chief Engineer and Science Officer. “No your highness, I’m here vying for the release of an innocent man.”

“How so Captain? It was your Chief Engineer who was found with the body of Haikaam’s sister draped in his arms, after he had bolted towards her chamber, contrary to explicit directions to remain with our royal guards. Who, might I add, could have possibly prevented her death had the Vulcan who accompanied the Commander not placed herself in their way. Rightfully, she should be in confinement as well as changed as an accessory to this atrocity…”

Captain Archer simply had simply heard enough, as it was apparent the king was stalwart in his position. As the king continued on his running diatribe, Jonathan slowly closed his eyes in frustration; silently hoping T’Pol was having far better luck.

* * *

T’Pol sat a her science station back aboard Enterprise waiting patiently as Ensign Sato decoded the encrypted data capsule she had received from Commander Tucker. As the ship’s computer slowly translated the RNA stored data into its binary equivalent, T’Pol’s mind began to wander. It was but another of a string of disturbing habits that she had acquired during her duration aboard the Earth vessel. She was attempting to piece together seemingly incongruent parts of the dilemma that Enterprise faced, the confidence in her earlier assessment waning in light of recent events. But as she recounted the visit she and the Captain had with Commander Tucker, her mind drifted from the words the Chief Engineer communicated verbally to the language that emanated from his body. Though it was indiscernible from his facial expression, it was obvious the level of discomfort he was experiencing. She recalled with great clarity how he recoiled from her touch as she attempted to ascertain the extent of his injury. His reaction was quite puzzling in her estimation, considering that not twelve hours before a simple touch was the modest thing they shared. T’Pol continued her critical analysis of the Commander’s behavior, to the exclusion of everything else. So oblivious that she failed to hear her attention being requested by the Communications Officer. It was a gentle hand on her shoulder that would eventually break her reverie.

“Sub-Commander, are you OK?” The linguist asked cautiously.

“I am quite fine Ensign. Have you finished decoding the capsule?” T’Pol answered.

“Yeah, it’s done.” Hoshi replied, turning back to her station to transfer the recording to the monitor that sat between the two women.

The display quickly transitioned from black to an image of the individual that was the crux of Enterprise’s current misfortunes; Princess Kaitaama. Even before she uttered a singled word, both women were immediately drawn to the outfit that the Princess wore. It was a familiar hue of Navy Blue, its shoulders lined with crimson piping with three rectangular insignia resting just above the trim; indicative of the uniform of a Starfleet Commander. Their attention gradually shifted though as the audio portion of the message began.

“Greetings Commander Tucker, I hope this correspondence finds you well. First, I must apologize for the contrived plot that brought your ship to Krios Prime, it was a plan conceived in great haste. Secondly, I’m sure you are developing substantial level of distrust for my people since your arrival. It is for that reason that I chose to don your uniform, as a means of validating whom I claim to be. Now on to your more pertinent questions; where am I and why are you here. I shall answer the latter first. What Ambassador Mati disclosed to you when he visited your ship is absolutely correct, though the situation has become far more tedious. While you have successfully provided a means of delaying my impending nuptials, my associates and I have unfortunately not found the sufficient evidence needed to implement Haikaam. As it stands right now, it may very well be necessary for you to indeed take me as your wife.” Though the Princess continued to speak, both women turned towards one another in stunned disbelief.

“Do not worry, you will not actually be marrying me in the truest sense of the word, just a reasonable facsimile. Haikaam sister, Kaamati, will stand in my place if the wedding must occur. Once veiled, no one will know the difference until it is too late. I hope that we do not find ourselves in such extremis though. Finally, I request your presence at my current location, time permitting. Coordinates are included at the conclusion of the message. Once again Commander, I thank you for all the assistance you have provided in this matter, it greatly appreciated.”

It appeared as though the Princess was finished as she slowly moved from the field of view, but quickly returned to add one final remark. “Sorry Commander, I do have one last request. Please ensure Kaamati’s safety, she is like a sister to me. Until we meet again Commander, farewell.”

Both women turned and faced one another once more as the screen winked to black. Hoshi was the first to break the ineffable silence. “So, Sub-Commander, what do you think?

Uncharacteristically, the Vulcan was at a loss for words. Watching the recording and listening the Kaitaama’s assessment of the situation made one thing abundantly clear; that she was the one solely responsible for the Chief Engineer’s imprisonment and injuries. Perhaps that was the reason he shied away from her touch, because he realized it too. However, a plan of action, not self-reflection, was necessary if she hoped to rectify Trip’s current predicament. Finally, she turned to answer the Communications Officer’s query. “I think that it is time for us to pay Princess Kaitaama a visit.”


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


Continue to Part Two

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A whole mess of folks have made comments

Uh oh, why do I keep hearing the preparatory clicks of shotguns being cocked? Methinks our favourite Chief Engineer has got himself in quite a bit of trouble. This is shaping up to be a really good story. Can't wait to see what happens next! Ali D :~)

Great start, Cursor. I love seeing T'pol jealous, and Trip loving every minute of it. Good luck Lady C!

An intriguing beginning! Always good when we get to the T/T stuff right away! Woo! Good luck, Lady C!!

Uh Oh!!! can we say and baby makes 4?!? Princess, Trip, T'Pol, and baby!?!?!?!

Oh goody, another round robin involving our favourite couple.

I loved the jealous T'Pol and the annoyingly teasing Trip. They just know how to rub each other up the wrong way. (Steady)

This ceratinly seems to spell trouble for OMT, so on with the show.

Good luck to everyone taking part.

Great starting off point Cursor.

Thank you for not making her pregnant!! But a fantastic twist already!

Oh no. . . it's my turn now! (Nefertari has to defer because of a home improvement project) Well, Lady C, I agree with stub when I say thanks for not making her pregnant - I've read so many stories that use that ploy. I can't wait to see more jealous T'pol.

Oooh this is fun!

Whoa!

I was just expecting short quick and funny, LC just turned it into a Tom Clancy book! I'm impressed! See LC, I told you you'd make mince meat out of me. :)

Good twist. I was expecting the 'pregnant' story line, but this is shaping up very nicely. I can almost see the look T'Pol's going to give our boy...
Good luck zealousgirl, go for it.

Tom Clancy?? Nah. Just didn't want to make her pregnant either and that's all I could come up with. Can't wait to see where it goes next - good luck zealousgirl :)

Yeah, the whole she's pregnant or he's pregnant thing *snickers* has been done to death. Liked this take on it, Good one Lady C. Hoping for some more intriguing stuff and can't wait to see T'Pol's reaction.

Good luck Nefertari and Zealousgirl

I am impressed and grateful for the the way you took it lady c ...

ARGH!

I can't wait!

no!!! must you cut me off like this??!!

:)

even better than the first one, if i do say so myself!!!

keep up the great work folks!!!!!!!!

and great twist Lady C!!

I'm so sorry guys about my addition - that was awful! I hope that you can fix the mess that I left you with, Zane.

This is brilliant! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how T'Pol reacts. There's nothing like a jealous Vulcan.

You kidding me? That followed the plotline wonderfully and fit in seamlessly. *sniff* I'm just so proud to be a fic writer right now!

that was NOT bad!! don't say it was aweful!! great ending!!

First part... uhoh shotgun wedding... then oh my... boy is the Pointy eared one gonna be pissed soon. And Jon is gonna read Trip the kind-hearted a big ole riot act.

Is it my turn next or Nefertari?

Zane, it's your turn, as Nefertari can't get to it until after the weekend.

Thanks, by the way for the encouragement guys - I tend to be hard on myself.

This is getting very interesting. Can't wait to see where you take it Zane.

Don't apologize zealousgirl, that was fantastic. I like how T'Pol realised something was wrong with Trip and tried to engage him. And that ending :)

Can't wait to see what's next - Good luck Zane.

can't wait to see how you make this T/T.. good luck!

Goodness, the plot's heating up! Everyone's parts have been brilliant so far . . . Can't wait to see what Zane comes up with! :)

Don't be so hard on yourself, zealousgirl, I thought that was very good. I loved the way T'Pol sensed something was wrong with Trip, even when his 'best friend' didn't pick up on it.

And the ending was SO funny; I can just picture the faces of the bridge crew, not to mention the King's, at Trip's declaration of love!!! And that's not saying anything about T'Pol...

Good luck, Zane, this is going very well.

Okay... Bucky has my contribution to the story. I think I've written a definite turning point in the plot. Can't wait to see what you think.

Take it away, stub! And good luck!

oh fer cryin out load! get on with it already, leavin me hangin by a string here! well of to write another term test then i'm watchin minefield!

Well, depending all on what Zane does, I think I know where to take this.

Zealousgirl, you did a fantastic job with your part!

LOL! Great stuff, Cursor, Lady C and zealousgirl. I'm loving this so far.

Can't wait for the next installment!!! I loved what Zealousgirl did with her part, shows how Trip is getting into character and the fact that he yells out he loves her is Fabulous!!! Can't wait for the reactions the crew has.

Zane, that was brilliant!!! You did a fabulous job expanding on the signals that T'pol had picked up from the beginning of this charade. And of course, I love how T'pol used 'my' to describe him.

Well, stub, can't wait to see where you go with this.

T'Pol to the rescue! Get going, girl!

>stares at the screen< ohh shiny... sorry, brief loss of control, love the story so far, but just how far isour dear t'pol really willng to go? keep up the great work all!
artemis moonshine

Great job, Zane!!

My part's all done now and off to Bucky. And naturally, I'm second-guessing myself. Gah. I hope I don't disappoint anyone.

myst, I'll just apologize now. I think you're next.

Can't wait to see what you've got stub. And good luck myst!

Zane - brilliant stuff. I loved how T'Pol figured out he was lying. Now I'm wondering what T'Pol's gonna do.

stub, can't wait to read your part, I'm sure it will be fantastic.

'My Commander'...woo-hoo!

Great work, Zane. Loved the way T'Pol's so tuned in to OMT that she picked up his lie, and knows she has to step in to prevent him from ruining his career over another woman. I wonder if she would let him ruin his career for her...

Good luck to Stub and Myst. This is going very well.

Our little T'Pol is becoming a bit possessive, ain't she? But don't worry, I secretly love it!!!!! I will be unable to sit still unitl Stub comes along and adds his little piece to the puzzle. I know it's going to be great and I loved that Zane was able to put in T'Pol's observant tendencies, especiall in regard to "her commander."

Whoa! Stub, that totally caught me by surprise. Of course, I loved it. I can see T'pol rationalizing that the kiss would be a fail safe method of finding out the truth - but we all know that she's been itchin' to do that for some time. And, can we blame her? :)

I am so happy, now we have some true shippage going on.

Can't wait to see what you do with it, myst.

>picks chin up off the floor...< wel that just says it all doesn't it! go t'pol! might there be a real wedding in our midst? (hint hint...) love the story
artemis moonshine

DAMN!

I mean DAMN!

See folks, this is what happens when you get the best T/T authors on the net together for one project.

GOOD STUFF!

Oooh, Stubadingdong, this is wonderful! I absolutely loved the way T'Pol put her plan into action and Trip's response to her kiss made my little toes curl in joy. Oh yeah. At least now someone else knows things are not as they seem. And we all know that the path of true love rarely runs smooth. Thanks for a great piece of writing, eagerly waiting for more. Ali D :~)

i am loving the direction this story is going! This is fantastic, can't wait for more.

Whew! You guys are certainly hotting things up, now. I'm so glad T'Pol has won Trip's confidence, because he's heading for a whole 'can of worms' worth of trouble.

Great work, Stub, and good luck Myst. BRING IT ON!!!

OMG!!! That was amazing!! LOVED IT!! LOVED IT!! Can't wait for the next installment!!

stub that was fantastic. What a kiss :) Can't wait to see what happens next.

Good luck myst.

Hi myst! I like how you introduced the idea that maybe the Ambassador was not telling the truth - I just took it as fact, given that Kaitaama had sent a letter - but of course Trip could not read it and had to rely on the translation by Mati. It will be interesting how the princess responds to Trip once they get on the surface.

I loved the interplay between Trip and T'pol - banter and desire!!! Thanks for this.

Good luck to ya, pookha!

Loved your story Myst. The bantering and the underlying jealousy is intermingled with their everyday conversation, which I find completely lovely. And that T'Pol has a plan to save her "beloved's" life is most intriguing. Can't wait to find out what it is.

GOOD LUCK POOKHA!

Well done, Myst. Good follow-through from Stub.

Loved the way T'Pol was massaging his neck, and Trip moaning that he couldn't even think straight with her 'rubbin' me like that'!

So, now that they've arrived at Krios Prime, let's see what T'Pol's plan is going to be.

Good luck, Pookha.

A very good entry, Myst! But I sure am glad I'm not writing the next bit. Sorry, Pookha!

Fantastic addition, myst! Loved their banter! They adapted quickly...LOL! Can't wait to see what T'Pol's plan is!!

Another great addition. Good work myst. I too enjoyed the banter between Trip and T'Pol.

Good luck Pookha.

some really good stuff her..
myst dont ever say again you cant write fan fiction...it was great..
hmm
yep i have already started to plot out mine..

I have a question...
right now I am wanting to make this just pre judgement..

as far as I can tell precious cargo is the only show of the second season referenced so far..

Excellent addition, pookha! I love it. So the whole cavalry has arrived to save Trip. Archer had some good insights into the motivations of the Ambassador for roping Trip into this situation. Or is the situation really as straightfoward as the Ambassador presented it? So fun! Good luck, Maddie!

Great job Pookha! I like how now we have so many possible explanations for the motivation of the Ambassador's request to Trip. Could it really be to give time to expose Haikaam? Or, does the Ambassador not want the marriage for personal reasons? Or, do the Klingons fit in some how? Or, is there another explanation that has yet to be forwarded?

Well, Maddie, it's up to you where you want to go with this. Will Trip tell Malcolm the truth? Will Archer go along with the vague answer that T'pol gave him? Will T'pol be able to 'keep an eye' on her man? I really am looking forward to their first meeting on Krios, and if Trip will continue to play out his 'affection' for the princess.

Good luck Maddie. Looks like you have tons of options.

I just realized that my above comment sounds almost like the voice-over at the end of those cliffhanger movies that used to be shown (well before my time) in movie houses on Saturday afternoons.

This story just goes from strength to strength. Everyone should take a bow, I love the way this is developing and Malcolm's comments to Trip in the lift were spot-on. I can imagine him seeing at a glance how utterly uncharacteristic this is of his impulsive friend. Great that Jon has a heap of reservations too but T'Pol's reactions are the best thing since sliced bread. Love Trip and T'Pol working together though I have a feeling that this whole shotgun wedding may not be a feint. Perhaps Kaitaama is the one scheming to find a way to trap Trip? Can't wait for the next part! Thanks for a brilliant story, Ali D :~)

Mwahahaha! Okay, let's see how this goes . . . I'm gonna have a lot of fun writing this one!

Great addition, pookha! I wish Archer was really that insightful on the show. I like your version of him much, much better. LOL

OMG!!! We are creating quite a 'beast' here with our story. That was an amazing addition Maddie. And, again, another unexpected twist. Very well written and loved Trip's response to Malcolm's questions in the lift.

There are so many more questions than answers as this story progresses, which lends itself so well to letting each author have fun with his/her imagination.

3 cheers for all those who have added to the story so far. This is turning out so much better than I had ever expected.

Well, it's NEFERTARI's turn now (she's jumping in now) Good luck. I can't wait to see how you interpret this and continue this wonderful piece of intrigue.

oh cool! mystery

I love it! Great addition, Maddie. Oh dear, will Trip now be accused of murder?

Thanks everyone - can't wait to see how Nefertari continues it! :)

Great addition to the story. Intriguing, or what?

And what's with the metal object in Trip's mouth? Hope he doesn't get into trouble being found with a dead woman. (He's always being found with women, isn't he?)

Good luck, Nefertari. This is one tough cookie to follow through on.

pookha - great addition to the story. I like how you brought up all the different possibilities.

Maddie - I'm on the edge of my seat. That was good. I liked T'Pol's logical reasoning to go to the source of all the trouble - and a double who get's murdered. Eeek!!!

Good luck Nefertari.

Wow! The thot plickens! Great addition, Nefertari! LOL, I'm *so* glad my part is done.

Excellent, Nefertari!!! Great job maintaining the mystery of the situation. I look forward to the meeting with Basrun.

By the way stub, you're not *done* - 'cause it looks like we are all going to get a second crack at this story. I told vandiver NOT to wrap things up.

Well good luck to vandiver!

nice touchy feely part, hurryit up with the story, i've been waitin and this is one of the few stories that can actually keep me entertained!

Love it, Nefertari! This is developing nicely. Heh, heh, heh. I'm looking forward to your section, vandiver.

Another fantastic addition. Great job Nefertari. At least Archer & Mal know what's going on now too and can help.

Good luck vandiver.

This is really good! I'm amazed at how smoothly it flows from one writer to the next and it really shows how talented all of you are! Thanks to everyone involved!

Ya gotta hurry gang! we need more of this mystery to be revealed!

oh boy! as Sam would say ;-)

Great job vandiver. I agree with plumtuckered's comment about the transition between additions - almost flawless. Can't wait to see where you take us now Cursor.

Yes! T'Pol made everything more complicated by not believing the Ambassador. But did she? Maybe there are more mysteries to be unravelled.

Love this! Thanks, vandiver! Well worth the wait.

Good luck, Cursor!

OH nice! I want more...