Resolution

By Starwind

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: I don't own them. The characters , situations, and settings belong to Paramount. And I could never make money off this.

Genre: Angst, Friendship

Spoilers: Season 4. Home, The Forge

Summary: Archer tries to discover what is bothering his friends.

A/N: I know it's short, but it would not leave me alone until I got it down This is my first fanfic. Thanks, Ulva for the beta.


Captain Johnathan Archer was happy. Enterprise was fully repaired, underway once more. His people were back. He felt like he had lost touch with them sometime during the mission in the Expanse. It was time he reconnected.

Like now. Ever since Trip and T'pol had got back from Vulcan, something had changed. They worked together when ordered to, but something was missing. They never sat together in the mess anymore. They seemed to be avoiding one another. And neither seemed to want to talk about it.

Archer sighed. "Archer to Tucker"

"Tucker here"

"Care to join me to watch a game of water polo tonight? My quarters, 2100 hrs. Florida's playing."

"I'll be there."


The Vulcan didn't like Humans.

After being closeted with one for several hours, he really didn't like Humans. But the Earth Ambassador had wanted the best architect for his renovations of the embassy.

He thought with distaste back to the first Human he had ever met, the one present at his wedding. The man had looked so... emotional.

Heartbroken his bride's mind supplied.

Innocently, he had asked, Why?

A truly revolting memory surfaced in her mind. He had hastily withdrawn, not daring to enter her mind again. He had been relieved when they left for their ship that same day.

That will never happen again, he assured himselfas he headed for the exit. It was his last thought before the front of the building exploded and the wall fell on him.


Trip Tucker was enjoying himself. Florida's new water polo team was winning 5-3. He had almost forgotten how much he liked watching water polo with the Captain.

Suddenly he was on his feet. "Didja hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"Ya can't tell me ya didn' hear that scream!"

He was out the door before the Captain could question him further.

But I didn't hear anything. Archer followed, baffled. He saw the Commander just down the corridor, keying the chime to the first officer's quarters. "T'Pol?"

As he caught up, Archer heard it: a faint moan. Slapping the override, Trip rushed in. T'pol lay sprawled on the floor in front of her meditation candle. Her eyes were closed. As Trip leaned over her, she opened them, but didn't seem to see him.

"T''Pol, it's me." His voice apparently reached her. "T-Trip?" She didn't resist as he drew her into his arms.

"Koss is dead."

Archer frowned. "Koss?"

"Her husband."

Husband?

"I felt him die." She drew back a little, looking into Trip's face. "Will you stay? I don't want to be alone."

"As long as you need, darlin'."

Forgotten, Archer left, closing the door. Explanations could wait.

fin