There Are No Shadows in the Dark
Genre: Trip/T'Pol Romance, Action (a little bit)
Disclaimer: Star Trek Enterprise and associated characters are the property of Paramount Pictures. I mean no copyright infringement. This story is for entertainment purposes only.
I.-
The shuttlepod landed about 50 meters away from Orpheus – Paxton's mining colony. Travis kept looking at the facility even after they touched down on the dusty surface. Its design had something different about it that he couldn't pinpoint. iPaxton's father must have had an amazing engineering background to build a warp capable mining facility all those years ago/i he thought. He wondered how long it would take to gather enough evidence to put Paxton and the other Terra Primers in jail for good.
He got distracted when Commander Rossi asked him if he had seen something like this before. "No, not really," Travis answered, while still looking at the embedded nacelles of Paxton's creation. "Have you, Commander?" he returned, looking at Rossi, who was sitting next to Lieutenant Reed.
Rossi studied Travis as the helmsman admired the mining facility, and thought to himself that the ensign was intuitively identifying the alien design that was incorporated in it. He looked out through the shuttlepod viewport and said, "No…the closest thing I've seen was an old oil rigging platform that houses a museum now."
iHis o's sound strange. Where's his accent from? I must ask Hoshi, Malcolm thought.He was staring at them while they chatted and admired the building. He wasn't comfortable with Rossi. The guy was always observing everything and everyone, asking questions, making notes on his pad. Quite thorough actually he thought to himself. Well, the chap is a Starfleet Intelligence officer, was his next thought.
The beeping that signaled that the door could be opened, took everybody out of their musings and they prepared to leave the shuttle.
"I'll be back with the shuttle at the end of the day, Commander... Lieutenant," Travis nodded at each of them in turn as they stood up. Malcolm nodded acknowledging Travis' statement.
Commander Rossi smiled at the helmsman politely, "There is no need to return for me, Ensign. I'm staying for the night."
"Sir?" asked Malcolm in puzzlement.
"I want to see how it was for these people to sleep, cook, eat…everyday tasks while staying here, Lieutenant," Rossi told Reed. Malcolm nodded, still looking at the intelligence officer with a perplexed expression. "We'll meet up with you later, Ensign," he told Travis with his eyes still fixed on the commander.
While walking towards Terra Prime's facility, Malcolm wondered if there was something there that had been missed. Perhaps Rossi thought there was.
"What do you intend to find, Commander?" he asked, his voice distorted by the breathing mask he wore.
Rossi turned to look at him and tripped over some rocks. "Mierda," he said while getting his footing again. He looked thoughtfully at his feet for a moment before speaking. "Do you have books at your quarters, pictures, personal items, Lieutenant?" the Intelligence officer asked him. He didn't wait for Malcolm's answer. "What do you think these things would say about you?" was his next question.
"I believe the crew quarters were searched and everything found was tagged and recorded," Malcolm told him, a little bit confused.
"That's right…" Rossi told him. "But I still want to check it out myself." The Commander smiled and entered the code to open the mining's colony outer door.
II.-
Trip studied himself in his bathroom mirror. No dark circles today, he thought. He scratched his chin. The stubble there was itching. I should have shaved.
He felt better, still sad but better. The sensation of having been living in a movie was gone, mostly, but everything else was much the same.
He stared at his reflection. It was his face in the mirror, but the person looking back at him was not the same person as the one who'd stared back at him from the mirror last week, or even twenty four hours ago. The events that had happened since had changed his life. Were they for good or for ill? He had no way of knowing.
What am I gonna do? he asked himself. He knew what his choices were. He could refuse to change. He could try to put everything back the way he thought it was supposed to be... the status quo... the comfortable sameness of the way things had always been. Or he could mourn his losses and move on, only he wasn't even certain at this point exactly what he'd lost... or perhaps gained. He could go with the flow and accept what life offered, despite the fact that the prospect terrified him more than anything. Maybe it's for the best he mused. He was deep in thought when he heard the captain's voice calling for him.
"Trip here, Cap'n," he answered.
Archer's voice was curt. "I know you're off duty, but I need you in my ready room ASAP."
"I'll be there in 10 minutes, Cap'n."
"Good, Archer out."
On his way to the bridge, Trip thought about changes, and how he had always adapted to them. Not much of a life time planner, but a year to year basic kinda guy, I guess, he told himself ruefully. You do what you think is best, and sometimes when that's not enough, you do what you have to he thought. When he got to the bridge, Malcolm, Travis and Hoshi weren't there. He was saluted by one of the new ensigns who was acting as Communications Officer. "They're waiting for you, sir," Trip heard him say.
"Who?" asked Trip, a little confused.
"The Captain, Dr. Phlox and Commander T'Pol, sir," he answered. Trip nodded at him, his eyebrows still raised, and walked towards the ready room.
"Sorry I'm late, Cap'n," he said apologetically as soon as he entered.
"Don't worry Trip, T'Pol just got here too," Archer said.
"Take a seat, Commander," Phlox invited. Trip took the seat next to T'Pol. She looked drawn and tired. He turned and smiled hesitantly at her. "Mornin'," he told her. She just nodded back at him with a stoic expression.
"Last night, Starfleet Intelligence accessed part of the records from the Terra Prime genetics lab…" Archer said. Phlox's expression was somber, not a sight that Trip enjoyed. "The investigation indicates that genetic material from every member of the senior staff was stolen before we left on our way to the Expanse," he said.
"Do we know how this was possible?" asked T'Pol.
"Unfortunately not. The investigation is still in progress regarding this issue. Hoshi is working with the investigating team to decrypt the data. There're some advances but it's going to take some time," said Archer. He doesn't sound optimistic, she thought.
"Has the remaining genetic material been located?" was her next question.
"Not yet. The records that were accessed didn't contain that information, but we do know that it was cryogenically stored after finishing the last cloning process. It seems that Susan Khouri may have destroyed it just before getting to us," answered Archer.
"How do we know for certain that all the senior staff was involved, then?" she inquired again.
"They tested all of us for compatibility," said Phlox.
"All of us?" asked Trip.
"Let me explain, Commanders, and then I'll answer your questions," Phlox told them grimly.
"Sorry, Doc…I...never mind. Go ahead," Trip blurted out. T'Pol just nodded, her expression unchanged.
They looked as opposite as two people could be. She was composed and unmoved. He was confused and agitated. But inside they weren't all that different. Both of them were worried about the effect this news would have on the other, and on them together.
"The compatibility tests were designed to simplify the biochemistry issues involved in the cloning process. I'm not going into details here, but you can access these records in our database if you're interested," Phlox said, looking at T'Pol. She nodded in agreement. Then he addressed Trip. "The results indicated that you, Commander, were the human male with better biochemical compatibility with T'Pol's. Even better than my biochemical compatibility level with Hoshi," Phlox added.
"You mean… it was luck that we ended being Elizabeth's parents?" asked Trip.
"I wouldn't call it luck, Commander," Phlox answered grimly.
Trip looked back at him, and then his eyes went to the floor. He shook his head. "Go on, Doctor," he said wryly.
"The captain mentioned a last cloning process," said T'Pol, a question implied by her tone. Phlox had seen her expression before, one night while having tea at her quarters surrounded by debris from Azati Prime. She'd looked younger, vulnerable, just like she looked right now.
"That is correct, Commander. It took them time to obtain the results they expected. They recorded the results of 5 attempts of binary cloning processes during a 6 month period. The first four attempts failed, but the last one produced 3 cloned embryos." Phlox stopped and waited for the information to sink in.
Archer's expression was dark and pained. Trip closed his eyes and covered them with his right hand before turning and looking at T'Pol. Her eyes betrayed her, and he knew she was as affected as he was. Still looking at her, with a slow and steady voice Trip asked, "What happened to…the others?"
"None of them survived, Commander. One of them was not viable so it wasn't carried to term and the other one died during the first trimester of the gestational period." Trip was stunned, and turned to look at Phlox. He was speechless. T'Pol couldn't talk either; she knew her voice would crack.
"Only Elizabeth survived, Trip," Archer said.
Survived? She didn't survive, Trip's mind returned. He looked back at Archer as his face turned red in rage. "I don't…how could…I should have beaten the crap out of Paxton!" The anger in Trip's voice was evident to everybody in the room.
"Maybe you should have, Commander," said Phlox.
Trip and T'Pol were both looking at the stars through the viewport. They stood unmoving and in silence for a whole minute before T'Pol's voice brought both of them back to the Captain's ready room.
"Have the facilities where these procedures were carried out been located?" she asked.
"We believe so. The team found a medical facility, fully equipped for genetic manipulation procedures, located in the second subterranean level of the mining complex. There's a team of Starfleet Intelligence officers and scientists searching the place as we speak," said Archer.
"There's no certainty that the genetic material and the non viable embryo were destroyed, then?" T'Pol added.
"No, but the investigation indicates that the genetic experimentation wasn't approved by Terra Prime's operatives on Earth. It was Paxton's personal endeavor. So we believe there was only one laboratory," Archer explained.
"Captain, I would like to join the investigation party at the laboratory," T'Pol said.
"That won't be possible…" Archer was saying while Trip interrupted him.
"Captain, come on…"
Archer stopped him with a raised hand. "I'm sorry Trip. I know…" He paused at Trip's outraged expression, and then sighed. "No, I don't know how you feel. But Phlox is going to join the team shortly. He and Malcolm will keep us updated on an hourly basis – if necessary – while the investigation takes place," Archer's words were final.
Trip's eyes were fixed on Archer – his anger clear in them. He knew the captain well enough to realize that his mind was set in this issue. Arguing would be useless. The last four years had given him enough experience to learn when to shut up and how to pick which battles to fight. This one undoubtly would be a lost cause. Trip nodded and lowered his eyes.
"There's something else," said Phlox. All of them turned to look at him. "I told you, Commander, that there was a flaw in the cloning process, but I was incorrect," Phlox told Trip.
"What do you mean?" Trip asked, sadness evident on his face.
"The information I have reviewed indicates that the binary cloning process was designed to produce embryos with a defect in their immunological system that would cause death of the child during the first year. This indicates deep knowledge of both Vulcan and Human immunological systems, and extremely advanced genetic manipulation techniques," Phlox clarified.
"She never had a chance, did she?" Trip said more to himself than to the doctor.
"I'm afraid not," said Phlox.
T'Pol looked at Trip, and then she turned to Phlox. "Do we know how Paxton's scientists learned these extremely advanced genetic techniques you mentioned?" she asked.
Archer shook his head. "We have no idea, and Paxton isn't telling us anything," he was saying when the communications system sounded.
"Reed to Dr. Phlox." There was some static around Malcolm's voice but nobody doubted it was the lieutenant.
"Malcolm, how's everything going down there? Any news?" Archer interrupted Phlox before he could answer.
"No sir. But I haven't spoken to Hoshi yet." There was a pause until Malcolm continued. "Captain? I was looking for Dr. Phlox."
"Lieutenant, I'm right here. What can I do for you?" Phlox said through the intercom.
"Commander Rossi asked if you could review some medical … you earlier," Malcolm's voice wasn't clear enough because of the static.
"Sorry, Malcolm. We didn't hear the last part clearly. Can you repeat?" Archer said.
"Medical records, sir. The Commander sent some medical records the team found and wants Phlox to review them ASAP. Actually, Doctor, the team here already gave their interpretation but…well, sir; I recommended a second opinion." This time his voice sounded as clearly as if he were at his station on the bridge.
"Please tell the Commander that I'm on my way to Sickbay and I'll send my report as soon as I finish it," Phlox said while standing up.
"I'm sorry, Commanders, Captain, but I have to leave. Lieutenant Reed and Commander Rossi are waiting for me," Phlox said while moving towards the door. Archer gave him a brief nod of dismissal as he left.
"Commander Rossi?" Trip asked.
Archer took a pad from the table in front of him and gave it to T'Pol. "It contains the last reports from the teams that have been searching the mining colony," he said. "Starfleet Intelligence assigned one of their officers as a liaison between us and their teams. His file is on the pad, too," Archer continued. T'Pol switched the pad on and started screening its content.
"Why is Starfleet Intelligence leading this Investigation and not Starfleet Security?" asked Trip.
"I'll get to that, Trip…Malcolm is there anything else we can do for you?" Archer asked.
"No sir. Reed out."
Archer noted that the noise over the comm disappeared just as, at the corner of his eye, the comm system's light went off. He was looking at Trip and T'Pol. They were both seated in front of him next to each other. He had been studying them most of the time since they arrived. Trip looked exhausted. Probably hadn't slept much lately, he thought. And T'Pol, she was paler than usual and there was something about her that wasn't quite right…and then he noticed it. Her shoulders were sagging a little; her posture mimicked Trip's.
"Commander Rossi is an expert in xenophobia and sects. That's why he was assigned to this investigation….," Archer continued. Trip's eyes narrowed. "Since when does Starfleet have behavioral scientists as officers?" he asked.
At that moment, T'Pol looked at him and said, "Since the Xindi attack, apparently."
"You know him?" Archer asked him. Trip shook his head and then looked at T'Pol. She had been reading Rossi's file. That's why Trip knew about his background.
Archer, confused, looked at both of them and kept going. "Starfleet believes that Paxton had access to alien medical and technical aid…Let me finish, Trip," he told him while Tucker was about to speak again. "The mining colony has embedded circular nacelles that were updated 2 years ago. We didn't develop those upgrades…" At this point Archer massaged his eyebrows and forehead. He hadn't slept more than 2 hours the night before, and he needed more coffee, but he had to tell them everything. "Earth geneticists never had access to decoded Vulcan DNA. We don't know how Paxton got it." Tiredness showed on Archer's face more than ever. He was looking at T'Pol, who was still reading the pad, her face hidden from both Archer and Trip. She gave the pad to Trip and looked at the captain.
"That is correct. The Vulcan Science Directorate decided not to share that knowledge with Earth scientists after first contact was made. Your regulations against genetic manipulation prevented it."
Trip was looking at her while he said, "You mean that some aliens helped them?...It doesn't make any sense. Why would someone willingly aid people that would most certainly turn against them? " At this point he stopped and looked at Archer. "We don't have a clue who these aliens are, do we?"
Archer shook his head. "The investigation team believes that Paxton didn't know it was alien technology. He got it through a third party who hasn't been identified yet."
The monitor beeped and the captain turned to look at it. While entering a couple of commands he continued. "Admiral Gardner informed me that Starfleet Intelligence would be leading the investigation when I got back from the memorial."
Trip was looking at him while he spoke, but not really seeing him. He sensed T'Pol's concern and how much effort it was taking her to keep her Vulcan composure. He turned to look at her while the captain kept talking.
"Ambassador Soval offered assistance to Starfleet Command, so one of your surveillance and intelligence vessels left from Vulcan last night," Archer said to T'Pol. "They will be helping us identify the alien technology from Paxton's facility, and as soon as we decode all their genetic research logs will try to help us identify the DNA decoding process and its origin."
Her expression changed subtly, but both men recognized what it was: surprise. Vulcans rarely offered free assistance, and rarely intervened in a situation like this one.
"Is this assistance common knowledge at Starfleet?" she asked the captain. Archer smiled at her before answering. "Actually, it isn't," he told them. "You do know your people, T'Pol…Why would they want to help us on the condition that their help be unacknowledged for what it really is?"
T'Pol looked at the captain and then at Trip with both of her eyebrows raised. She wasn't certain of the reasons behind the Vulcan government's offer of assistance.
"Come on. Just tell us what you think…an educated guess, as the captain likes to say," Trip reassuringly told her.
T'Pol turned to Archer. "With what official mission will the Vulcan ship be assigned while orbiting Mars?" she asked.
"Upgrading and re-configuring the security protocols of the Verteron array," Archer told her.
Her eyes turned to the viewport while she analyzed the information she had. While she did this, both Archer and Trip looked at her, waiting patiently. "Decoded Vulcan DNA is classified information…," she told them. "Who ever had access to it must either be a high ranking officer of our government or must have been someone able to break the Vulcan Science Directorate security protocols," she said. "I believe that the Vulcan Government doesn't know which option is correct."
"They want to keep it quiet until they know what's going on for real…" Trip said, interrupting her. She nodded. Captain Archer wasn't convinced. "Could be…but…" He shook his head. "We'll have to speak with Soval," he said. Both Trip and T'Pol nodded in agreement.
T'Pol felt some dizziness and she unfocused her eyes, trying to achieve a meditative state so she could calm herself. The white space wasn't surrounding her, she was looking at the stars that looked like big snow flakes in her sight. The dizziness disappeared and she noticed some hunger. Her need to meditate took precedence, though. She decided not to have breakfast today so she could go back to meditate as soon as the meeting ended. Trips voice brought her back to the ready room.
"So, how long are we gonna stay here, Cap'n?" asked Trip curiously. Archer shrugged.
"I've got no idea, Trip. It's up to the bigwigs at Starfleet at this point," he said helplessly. He grinned wryly. "Wanna go get coffee? I need an energy boost."
"You comin', T'Pol?" asked Trip. She blinked, and then turned her attention to the commander.
"I must meditate," she told him under her breath. Their eyes met in silent understanding. She then turned her attention to Archer, and said in a louder tone, "If you will excuse me, Captain. I will retire to my quarters if there's nothing else."
"Go ahead, I'll let you know as soon as I receive the next update on the investigation," Archer told her.
"I would rather it be sent to my quarters, I wish to meditate as long as possible," T'Pol said while standing up. Archer nodded. His eyes followed her thoughtfully as she left.
Trip kept staring at the door after T'Pol's departure. He knew she wasn't fine, but he wasn't certain how to help her, or even if she'd let him. Would some company be helpful? Or maybe letting her meditate on her own would be best for her. They had never discussed how Vulcans mourned, not even when T'Les died. Maybe if I'm the one needing help…she's always tried to help me before, he thought. When he turned to look at Archer, he noticed that the Captain had stood up and was looking at him.
"Coffee, remember?" Archer said.
"Yeah, I really need it... and I'm starving," Trip said, smiling. "Captain, I'd like to take a look at the circular nacelles you mentioned before," he said while moving towards the door.
Archer keyed the door open before answering. "Travis is reviewing the data that's been collected. He's at the Command Centre. I'm sure he'll be glad to have your help." Trip nodded gratefully, and they left the ready room on their way to the Mess Hall.