Archer's Dilemma

by Angelus-2003

I suck at summeries, but basically it explores a relationship between Jonathan Archer and T'Pol

1. Default Chapter

DISCLAIMER: Everything belongs to Paramount

RATING: PG 13

CATEGORY: A/TP

Archer's Dilemma:

Captains Personal Log:

"Enterprise. A ship whose mission is primarily one of, exploration and discovery. But in the last year, all that has changed. my crew and I now look for a race of aliens called, the Xindi. We have to find them and stop them before they can launch another attack against Earth."

"A few months ago, a Xindi probe appeared in Earth orbit and fired a beam that cut a swath of destruction from Florida, south to Venezuela. 7 million people lost their lives. The attack was caused by a belief that Humans would attack and destroy the Xindi in 400 years, so they attacked first."

"My ship and crew have had to undertake some pretty serious changes in the course of our new mission. For the ship it meant upgrades to both our Phase Cannons and Torpedo's, as well as improved hull plating for defence. As for the crew, well, most of them knew someone who was lost. I asked for and received a detachment of MACO's to join us as I feel we'll need all the help we can get. Only a few of the crew elected to stay behind on Earth during this mission, and I do not blame them at all. My deepest thanks goes out to out ships Denobulan medical officer, Doctor Phlox, who thankfully decided to remain aboard."

"I would also like to thank Sub-Commander T'Pol, who actually resigned her commission with the Vulcan High Command to stay aboard Enterprise. As I said, I'd 'like' to thank her, but she would probably say something like my gratitude was illogical and that the ship needed a science officer and logically, she, was the best one for the job."

"Honestly, I'd have to admit she would be right. I have never seen someone who would do the job as well as, or better than she has done these last few years. Truthfully, I would also admit that I need her as much as the ship does."

"Now where did that come from? Blasted Phlox, thanks to our talk in sickbay a while back and all his remarks about "sexual tension" between myself and T'Pol, now I'm even putting the stuff in my log entries."

"Still, I have noticed that I do come to rely on her a great deal more than I used to, and things would feel wrong if she wasn't here. I've also noticed that she doesn't complain when I touch her arm, or put my hands on her shoulders, Yet I know that Vulcans do not like to be touched. So why is it different when I do it? Maybe, maybe she likes it when I touch her? C'mon Jon, quit fooling yourself. A Vulcan falling for a human?"

"Course the touching thing may not be just when I do it. As Captain I try to stay out of my crews personal lives, unless it interferes with ships business. Of course that doesn't mean I don't hear things. Like the saying goes, the only thing to travel faster than warp 5 is gossip. Apparently, ever since we've been here in the Delphic Expanse, T'Pol and my Chief Engineer, Commander Tucker (Trip for short) have been spending an unusual amount of time together, on the average of three nights a week. Apparently from what I've 'innocently' overheard, T'Pol is helping Trip through his sisters death, by using a Vulcan neuro-pressure technique that is helping him sleep and get past his nightmares. "

"Ok, so I asked Phlox about it, when he tried to mention patient confidentiality, I overrode that with ships safety, and he let the cat out of the bag. Although he assures me that nothing else is going on between them, in fact it seems T'Pol was very reluctant to do this. For some reason I made the silly remark of knowing that made me feel better. Phlox just got one of those abnormally huge smiles on his face and said he suspected it would. I admit for some reason I felt jealous when I first heard of this, but I put it off to too much stress. I haven't spoken to Phlox much since then. Still, I can't help but sit here and wonder what it would feel like if T'Pol were performing that Vulcan massage on me."

"Damn, there I go again. But, would it be so wrong? I know fraternization amongst the ranks is frowned upon by Star Fleet, although my view is if it helps the crew and doesn't interfere with the running of the ship then I look the other way. But as soon as something goes wrong, it's back to the book. Technically T'Pol doesn't fall under Star Fleet's jurisdiction, she's basically a volunteer, so, would she really be off limits? There have been times when I've, felt, something between us. Something that seemed to be more than just a working relationship. As the time she asked me to help her find Menos, We actually seem to have gotten closer during those two days. And the comment made by Ambassador V'Lar, that she could feel a 'bond' between us."

"And even more recently, when we were aboard the Vulcan ship, and she was beginning to show signs of extreme paranoia from the Trellium D, there were times when I thought I was going to lose her, I actually had to physically remove her from the ship as she said she wasn't going to leave and it scared me. And I'm not sure to include this or not, I haven't told anyone about this, even Phlox, But sometimes, just sometimes when I dream, it is of a different time, it's the future and it's just me and T'Pol living together on some colony world. I don't know what causes the dream or where it comes from, but damn it, everything feels just so, right, her and I together. I would be lost without her, I need her."

"There I said it, I need T'Pol, not the ship needs her, or the mission needs her, But me, Jonathan Archer. But should I say anything? What would her response be? That it is illogical for a human and a Vulcan to enter into a relationship? Or would she just raise her eyebrow and go about her work. I wonder what she would do if I told her how much I want to kiss her each time she does that. Course that would cause quite a problem on the bridge."

"Does she know how I feel? Does she know that I think she's the most beautiful woman I have ever seen? Phlox says that Vulcans have the same emotions as humans, they've just had lots more practice at suppressing them. So, could she feel the same thing? Could there be a chance for us? I've seen the looks she gives me sometimes, when she thinks I'm not watching. I think I should end this entry here, and go take Phlox up on his offer of an ear to bend. I think right now I would probably be better off talking to a living person about it than a computer screen. Also there is Doctor patient confidentiality that makes a good bonus. I think we need someone aboard ship who can help the Captain and crew with these kinds of problems, not just dump everything on the ships doctor."

Jonathan Archer stands up from his desk in his ready room and stretches, he looks down towards his desk screen, "Computer file and encrypt log entry under 'Archer's Dilemma' "

Archer wait's the few moments it takes for the computer to finish the task. He notices the time and realizes that Beta shift should be just arriving to take over. He steps out of his ready room and up the few steps to the bridge. As he walks through the second door he automatically looks over to the science station to see if T'Pol is there, but sadly he seems to have missed her departure. From the way her replacement is working it would seem that she had just departed, possibly the same moment he came onto the bridge.

Archer watches as Ensigns Sato and Mayweather give instructions to their replacements and depart the bridge, they both greet him as they leave. Archer talks with Lt. Reed for a few moments about some abnormal power curves he's picked up in the weapons array, Archer tells him to look into it then get back to him. A call comes through from Engineering from Trip, asking Archer if he plans on eating alone again tonight. Archer quickly smiles and tells Trip he has some things to attend to but that trip could join him in the Captain's mess in a couple of hours. He then looks around the bridge and realizes he is the last member of Alpha shift to still be there, he nods to the rest of the crew and heads for the turbo lift.

Archer heads for his quarters to make sure Porthos is doing ok. After playing with his dog and making sure he is fed and watered, It is time to take him for a walk. Remembering that he told himself to go and talk to Phlox about his, situation, he decides to do both at the same time. That way none of the crew would be the least bit suspicious.

Archer quickly leashes Porthos and heads for the door. He reaches over and hit's the panel and the door opens. As he is about to step out, Porthos barks, and he looks up and sees there is someone standing there. Jonathans heart begins to beat faster as sees who it is, and gets lost in her eyes.

Quickly taking note of the situation, T'Pol breaks the silence. "Captain, I see you are about to take Porthos for his walk. If you wish I could come back later."

Jonathan quickly recovers and realises he's been staring at her. "No that's alright, I'm sure Porthos wouldn't mind waiting a few more minutes, would ya boy?"

He takes a quick look down and sees his dog wag his tail and sit down.

Archer looks back at T'Pol and notices that her eyebrow has raised in response to the dog.

Archer: "There, told you he wouldn't mind. Now what can I do for you T'Pol?"

He steps back into his quarters and motions for her to come inside. Somewhat reluctantly she does. From the way she is standing and the way she seems to be avoiding eye contact. Archer comes to the conclusion she isn't comfortable with something.

Archer: "Is there something wrong T'Pol?"

T'Pol looks at Archer than just as quickly looks away. "Captain, I…"

Archer: "Jonathan, remember, I asked you to call me Jonathan when we are not on duty. You don't hear me calling Trip, Commander all the time right?"

T'Pol got a very slight frown on her face, she definitely didn't like being interrupted. Archer smiled at that, it wasn't often he was able to catch one of her expressions showing through her 'mask' so he motioned for her to sit on the couch and continue.

T'Pol sat on the very edge of the couch, a sign she was uncomfortable. She took a few moments to gather her thoughts, Jonathan waited patiently. Finally she spoke up.

T'Pol: "Cap… Jonathan. I believe it has come time for us to talk."

Archer looked at her with a bewildered expression on his face. "Well I had guessed that, What do 'we' need to talk about T'Pol?"

Again it seemed as if T'Pol had a hard time meeting Archers gaze. But after a few minutes she finally looked him straight in the eye, raised her right eyebrow and said.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, we need to talk about us."

Archer nervously clears his throat and feels a trickle of sweat slide slowly down his back.

Archer: "A-about us? What , um, what do you mean?"

T'Pol: "Jonathan, it is quite apparent, even to a Vulcan, that you and I have formed what could be called a close friendship, correct?"

Archer nodded and seemed to have a bit of trouble swallowing. T'Pol took his silence as permission to continue.

T'Pol: "I am rather, reluctant to admit, that I have sensed a bond forming between us. Something that goes beyond simple, friendship. Tell me Jonathan, have you been having thoughts that you felt were not your own? Have you had dreams or visions of a time that was not now?"

Archer looked up sharply at T'Pol's last statement.

Archer: "How could you know that. No one knows about that."

T'Pol said something so softly that he missed it and asked her to repeat it. He watched as her eyes shifted from side to side, another sign she was nervous.

T'Pol: "I have had them as well Jonathan."

Archer who had stood up and had been pacing his quarters during this, stopped suddenly and sat down heavily on the other end if his couch.

Archer: "Then, wouldn't that mean that it really happened? That that, other time, was real?

"

T'Pol: "As you know, the Vulcan Science Directorate has determined that time travel is impossible" She caught his look of astonishment on his face "However, they have never stated anything about alternate timelines. So it is highly probable that what happened, in a way, actually did happen" She looked at him and he caught a glint of mischief in her eyes.

Archer sighed and shook his head. "So, does that mean that that for 12 years, you and I lived together alone?"

T'Pol: "No, we were not alone."

Archer looked at her and was about to say something when, this time she interrupted him.

T'Pol: "Your, dog, was with us as well, for a time."

Archer smiled and looked at Porthos. "Hear that boy, you got to play too."

Porthos simply lay on the floor and wagged his tail.

Archer looked at T'Pol again." You mentioned something about, if I had visions or thoughts that weren't my own. I have on occasion when I wasn't thinking about something else felt, for an instant, feelings and thoughts that most definitely were not my own, they were too, logical. Would you have any idea whose thoughts and feelings they could have been?" he said with a smirk on his face

.

T'Pol, as usual merely raised an eyebrow, Archer had to restrain him self.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, What I am about to tell you, no non Vulcan has ever heard, I would request your silence in this."

Archer nodded and T'Pol turned to face him. Again he was struck by her sheer beauty.

T'Pol: "What you experienced Captain, sorry, Jonathan, were my emotions and thoughts. It is not experienced by outsiders, in fact it is rarely experience among Vulcans. But there are some instances of a person, broadcasting as it were, their feelings to one they consider a potential, bond mate."

Archer looked at her: "A bond mate? I'm sorry I'm not familiar with that term, also what did you mean about broadcasting, I thought you had once mentioned that Vulcan's are only touch telepaths"

T'Pol: "That is true, but on occasion, we can, connect with someone who we feel, would make a suitable bond mate. A bond mate is what you would call, a boyfriend or girl friend, or even a husband or wife."

Archer looked at T'Pol with shock showing on his face. "So I take it, you think that you and I would make suitable bond mates?"

T'Pol shifted uncomfortably and looked at the floor.

T'Pol: " I have to admit something to you, Jonathan. I find that after spending time being with you, I find you necessary to my life." She saw his face light up at that and decided to continue "I surmise that in the other time line that is the reason I stayed with you. In the corridor that day you stayed with me cause I was necessary to you. That…you needed me. Am I correct in this assessment?"

Archer could do nothing but nod at that.

T'Pol had been speaking in a very soft voice that Archer had a hard time hearing. He reached over and simply took her hand in his. Her head snapped up at that and she looked him square in the face, he watched as her expression slowly softened.

T'Pol: "I need you as well Jonathan."

Archer help T'Pol's hand in his own, he was amazed at how warm it was, he could feel her nervousness as she was ever so slightly shaking. Archer looked deep into T'Pol's eyes and could not believe he was doing this.

Archer: "T'Pol, what do you think we should do about this?"

T'Pol studied his face intently, this was all so new to her, ever since she terminated her bond with Koss, and resigned her commission to stay with Enterprise, she had been sure she would not find someone to be her mate. On her planet she was now considered what the humans would call an outcast.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, I think we should proceed with caution. I presume that there will be some, negativity to our being, together."

She looked down at her hands, both of which were now held in his own. It was fascinating the feeling of relaxation she got just by this simple gesture.

T'Pol: "I would ask that you give me time to get used to this. I will need to meditate on this to some great lengths."

Archer nodded "T'Pol, I don't want you to feel forced into this, we will go slow and see how things develop, How about you let me know how these things are done the Vulcan way? It would probably be better for you than how we do it on Earth."

T'Pol nodded, she reluctantly disengaged her hands from his and stood up.

"Jonathan, with your permission I will return to my quarters. As I said I need to meditate on what to do next. I will contact you with instructions on what we should do to, increase our bond."

Archer smiled at her "sure T'Pol, that would be fine."

As T'Pol turned to leave. Archer quickly stood and reached out and put his hand on her shoulder. He gently turned her to face him. She looked up into his eyes with what could only be described an expectant look in her eyes. Archer pulled her close and leaned down and finally did something he had only fantasized about. He kissed her.

As their lips touched, he could feel T'Pol stiffen, he thought she was about to push him away, he knew that she could literally toss him across the room with ease. But to his surprise he felt her slowly relax.



For a few minutes there was no sound in the Captains quarters as the two of them had something else on their minds. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. The COMM panel on the wall came to life. "Trip to Archer."

Archer didn't move, didn't care, he was too lost in the moment, lost in the flood of images that surged through him as T'Pol's mental shields relaxed. The call came through again. After the second time T'Pol broke their kiss.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, I believe your wall needs attention. I will leave you to attend to it."

As she stepped out the door into the corridor. She looked back at him.

T'Pol: "I also, enjoyed the kiss Jonathan."

Archer smiled as the door closed, he turned and hit the COMM panel.

Archer: "Archer here, go ahead Trip."

Trip: "Cap'n what were you doing?"

Archer quickly searched for something to say: "I was, playing with Porthos, what did you want Trip?" Archer was rather pleased with his cover there.

Trip: "Well Jon, just thought I'd remind you we were gonna meet for dinner tonight. Did you forget or were you planning' on cancellin' out again."

Archer just shook his head, "I'm sorry Trip, just let me give Porthos his walk and I'll join you, say in about 20 minutes?"

Trip: "Fine with me Jon, see you in 20."

Archer reached out and clicked off the COMM panel and then looked over at Porthos. "Well boy, shall we go for that walk?"

Porthos jumped up and went to the door, Archer smiled and followed the dog out into the corridor.

Awhile later as Archer was heading to the mess hall, it occurred to him that Trip would probably be asking him about what he was doing. He felt that the *playing with Porthos* story wouldn't last long. He'd have to think up something else so as to not embarrass T'Pol.

T'Pol walked the short distance to her quarters, greeting a few crewmembers along the way. None of them suspected in any way that beneath the Sub-Commanders emotionless facade, her inner thoughts were in turmoil. She entered her quarters and let out a heavy sigh. The kiss with Captain Archer was wrong. But it was also very right. She shook her head. It wasn't right to keep referring to him as Captain Archer. He was now Jonathan. She felt an illogical surge of pleasure at how good it was to say his name.

Snapping herself out of her reverie, T'Pol looked around her cabin. She must meditate on this. Quickly she changed out of her uniform into the clothes she normally would wear to bed, A pair of blue green silk pajamas. They were an indulgence she was unwilling to give up, besides they felt refreshingly cool against her skin.

Once this was done, T'Pol took down her meditation candle, placing it on the floor of her cabin. She knelt beside it and lit it. Gazing into the flickering light it produced, she endeavoured to calm herself and try to sort out her conflicting thoughts. As she stared at the flame, one thought came into her mind, of how the candles flame looked so much like the fire she had seen in Jonathan's eyes on many occasions.

Jerking herself upright, T'Pol wondered why she had come out of her meditation. Then she remembered why. Taking a deep breath, she tried once again to enter a meditative state. As she breathed in, she could smell him, the cologne he was wearing, the smell of the detergent that came from the ships laundry, and underneath it all, she could smell, him. She could taste him still. The taste of his lips on her own. And her body cried out for more.

Once again T'Pol opened her eyes. It was futile to continue. But she knew she must try. She was Vulcan. One last time she tried, and finally she was successful. In her meditative state, T'Pol allowed her logical side to dominate her thoughts about all that had happened. She gave herself the questions she knew that would be asked. What was she thinking? Entering into a relationship, with a Human? An illogical, emotional, destructive species. It was beneath her, she was Vulcan, their superior, in all things. She was better than this.

There was only one answer she had for these and the other questions that flooded her mind. It was quite illogical and very emotional. And the thought of it almost overwhelmed her.

She loved him.

She, T'Pol of Vulcan. Sub-Commander T'Pol, once of the Vulcan High Command, loved a human.

She knew that they would have to work at keeping their professional lives separate from their private ones. A relationship other than a working one between Captain Archer and Sub-Commander T'Pol would never work. But one between Jonathan and T'Pol just might. And T'Pol for one, was willing to try and make it. T'Pol relaxed deeper into her meditation and let herself relive the moment when she was in Jonathans arms

After a few hours of meditation, the door panel in her quarters beeped, announcing someone was outside. Quickly coming out of her meditation, T'Pol glanced Irritable at the door and called out "Who is it?"

From the other side of the door came a voice which she had not expected nor welcomed. At least not right now. "Sub-Commander? It is only me Dr. Phlox. I have the results of your latest scan and I thought I'd drop them off for you to see."

T'Pol quickly lifted herself off the floor and walked over to the door. Hitting the button on the side panel, the door slid open to reveal the smiling face of Phlox. He quickly looked into her cabin and saw the lit candle and what she was wearing.

Phlox: "Forgive me Sub-Commander, I didn't mean to interrupt your meditation,"

He looked again at T'Pol, noticing the fine sheen of perspiration that clung to her skin. She also seemed to be breathing more, heavily, than was normal for her. "Are you alright Sub-Commander?"

T'Pol raised an eyebrow and simply stared at him. "I am fine Doctor. There is no need for concern."

Phlox smiled and nodded "Of course, Sub-Commander. As I was saying I have the latest results from your last check up. It would seem that our last batch of tests for your Pa'nar syndrome shows that it has not progressed any further."

T'Pol tilted her head to the side and stepped back from the door, an invitation for Phlox to come in. He did so and she motioned him to sit in the chair at her desk.

T'Pol: "Would this mean that the new drug you have been using is successful?"

Phlox: "I would say that this would be a bit early to tell if it has worked fully or not. We should wait a bit longer and keep monitoring your progress. Are you sure that you're feeling alright?

"I am fine!" T'Pol snapped at him

Phlox: "Are you really?"

T'Pol sat on the edge of her bed "Forgive me Doctor. That was, unkind, of me. Earlier, Jonath…Captain Archer and I had a, meeting, and it has been on my mind since then."

Phlox smiled slyly, He had caught T'Pol's use of Captain Archers first name. Something she rarely called him, unless he basically ordered her to do so. Phlox quickly deduced what their 'meeting' had been about. But instead of pressing the issue, he decided to let nature take her course.

Phlox: "That's quite alright Sub-Commander. Captain Archers meetings of late have been known to get to the best of us. No explanation is necessary. However, if you would like to come down to sickbay at anytime and, discuss this meeting, my door is always open."

T'Pol stared at the Doctor. Could he know what she had alluded to? Did the Captain confide in him?

T'Pol: "I thank you for your offer Doctor. If I feel the need to, talk, I will take you up on it. But for now I must rest."

Phlox nodded: "Of course. I will bid you good night then."

As Phlox left her cabin he called out "Good luck with your task Sub-Commander"

T'Pol stood there, staring at the door long after the Doctor had gone.

*Captain's Mess*

Trip had left a few hours ago after what was a rather quiet dinner. He had tried numerous times is making small talk but it seemed to Trip that Jon's mind was someplace else during the whole time. For a while there it seemed like the old Captain Archer was back, he had been friendly almost happy. But after Trip had asked if T'Pol was going to be joining them, Jon had suddenly turned back into broody Archer. Trip figured they'd been friends long enough that Jon would tell him what was going on when he was ready.

Trip knew what the rest of the crew called him, Airlock Archer, or in a few cases, Asshole Archer. Trip quickly set those people straight when he'd hear that. You just didn't say things like that about your captain. Especially when the captain was his best friend. So Trip had sat there in silence watching Jon push his food around his plate. It finally became too uncomfortable and he made the excuse to leave. Jon just nodded at him, Trip shook his head and left.

That had been about 2 hours ago. Now Archer sat there still, he had turned the lights down so that most of the illumination was being provided by the stars rushing by the window as the ship sped along at warp. His thoughts were tumbled and confused. After 2 and a half years he had finally told the woman he had been crazy about since he had first seen her, that he had feelings for her. And she felt the same.

Jon thought back to their first meeting. It was at Star Fleet medical. When Admiral Forrest had called him in about the Klaang situation. The Vulcans were there as well. Ambassador Soval, T'Pol and another Vulcan who Jon had never met. He recalls T'Pol saying he was as usual being an emotional human and must lean restraint. Jon then turned on her and told her he was restraining himself from knocking her on her ass. Jon smiled to himself and shook his head, it definitely wasn't the right way to get off to a proper start. He hoped that she had forgiven him by now for his outburst. Especially since now he knew the only way he could pull of such a stunt was to take her by surprise.

He looked up at the stars rushing past the window and sighed. This wasn't going to be easy. As Captain, he had the responsibility of the entire ship and his mission to consider. And that included doing some things he wasn't proud with. He knew that his hardest decision would be to send a crewmember to their death. Could he order T'Pol to her death now knowing how they felt about one another? Jon stood and began to pace. He knew that Captain Archer would do it. If it meant saving the ship and crew or the mission he would do it in a second. And he also knew that T'Pol would go. But as Jonathan, he could never do such a thing, he could never send the woman he loved to her death.

This was the hard part. Finding the balance between Captain Archer and Jonathan. He knew what his crew thought of him, 'Airlock Archer' was the most prominent name. He'd heard others, and paid them no mind. He was here to save his race, his planet, his home. And if they couldn't understand that, then to hell with them. He'll do this mission and get them all home, T'Pol included.

Jon let his thoughts drift to T'Pol as he continued to pace. What was she feeling? Was she thinking about this as much as he was? He knew they were going to create a bit of a scandal with both their races. But frankly Jon didn't care, he finally had what he wanted. And he had wanted her from the moment she first stepped into his ready room announcing her transfer to his command.

She had seemed so sure of herself, so superior to them. But now Jon had seen that as just the way she was. It wasn't meant as an insult to Humans. It was just the way Humans perceived Vulcans. Her dislike at not being touched came from her being a 'touch telepath' not cause the Humans disgusted her. Jon smiled at that. T'Pol had admitted to him that she was finally getting used to their smell.

Suddenly Jon stopped in his tracks. T'Pol hadn't Stayed onboard ship for the mission. She had stayed because of him. A huge smile appeared on his face. Now that he thought about it, he would have been devastated if she had left. He would never have had the chance to tell her how he felt.

Jon sat back down in the chair and closed his eyes. Sometimes if he concentrated hard enough, he could pull up the image of her from his dreams. The one of the future where Earth had been destroyed and she had been his caretaker. She looked so beautiful with her long hair swept back into a simple ponytail. He wished he could remember more but that was the only image that stayed with him.

Jon opened his eyes and checked the time. He saw that he had been here for quite a while. He 'd have to apologise to Trip. But for now he had work to catch up on. He stood and left his mess and made his way back to his cabin.

On his way down the corridor, Jon saw Dr. Phlox, as the two walked up to each other, Phlox was the first one to greet the other.

Phlox: "Ah Captain, how are you doing this fine evening?"

Jon looked at Phlox for a minute. He seemed unusually, chipper, well ok more than normal anyways.

Archer: "I'm feeling ok Doc. How about you?"

Phlox smiled, and to Archer it looked like it literally went from ear to ear. "I am doing quite well this evening Captain. I was just speaking with Sub-Commander T'Pol and she informs me that the two of you had a meeting earlier. She seemed, rather distracted by it. Should I guess as to what it was about"

Archer caught the glint in Phlox's eye. "No Doctor you may not. It was a, personal matter."

Jon turned away from Phlox and resumed his way to his quarters. Feeling like an idiot for what he just said he quickly stopped and turned.

Archer: "I'm sorry Doc, I just have a lot on my mind right now. All I can say is that it had something to do with our discussion in sickbay."

Archer then turned and headed for his cabin, not seeing the wide grin again spread on Phlox's face. Phlox headed back to sickbay humming merrily to himself.

Jon entered his cabin and was immediately attacked by his over eager dog.

Archer: "Hey there boy, how are ya doin, here I got something for you. This is a treat for being so nice a quiet when T'Pol was here earlier."

Jon reached down and handed Porthos a small piece of cheese. The dog greedily gobbled it up and looked for more. Jon quickly shook his finger at the dog. "Oh no, you know you're not even supposed to be having this. Special occasions only."

Jon made his way into his washroom and quickly stripped and showered, he changed into his favourite pair of sweatpants and sweatshirt. Grabbing the book he had been trying to read for a while now, he reclined on his couch and tried to get into the story. He had already decided to put his work off till later.

Jon had been reading for about an hour, Porthos was curled up beside him and he was absent mindedly stroking the dog when his door chime went off. Without looking up he called out for whoever it was to enter. He never even looked up when the door opened. It was in this position that T'Pol saw him in when she entered his cabin, for a brief instant a thought flashed through her mind. *Will he stroke my hair like that when we become mates?* Quickly pushing the thought away she made a small noise and Jonathan looked at her, She saw his face light up and felt an irrational wave of pleasure roll over her due o the simple fact he was smiling cause of her mere presence. She came farther into the room and he motioned for her to come sit on the couch.

She looked at the other being who was currently occupying the spot. "I believe that the expression would be, 'that seat is already taken'."

Jon frowned and then looked over at Porthos, who simply wagged his tail. Jon chuckled and shooed the dog off the couch. He made a show of wiping of the spot where Porthos had been and once again invited T'Pol to sit. This time she accepted. As she sat stiffly on one end of the couch, Jonathan reached over and put his book away. He turned to her and saw she was watching him intently.

Archer: "Would you like some tea?"

T'Pol: "No I am fine thank you. Jonathan, I have come to tell you more about how Vulcans deal with, relationships."

Archer nodded: "Well I figured you hadn't come to discuss the last water polo results."

T'Pol simply raised her eyebrow and stared at him. Archer shook his head and asked her to continue.

T'Pol: "As you can guess, Vulcan's do not mate as you Humans do. Vulcan's do not have 'casual' relationships, as Humans do."

Archer stopped T'Pol there and spoke up "T'Pol, are you saying that you think I only want a casual relationship? Because if you are then you would be wrong. Now that I've found you, I don't ever want to lose you."

T'Pol thought for a moment on what he said then continued. "Jonathan I simply want to make sure you understood what you were undertaking. Vulcan's mate for life. Once we have found our mate, then we form a mental bond with each other that links us together until one of us dies. This mental link cannot be simply severed if one or the other decides to find someone new."

Archer reached over and took her hand in his, once again amazed by how hot it felt in his. "T'Pol, I understand this already. I, uh, I looked it up." He said with a guilty look on his face.

T'Pol stared at him. She had not realized that he would do something like this just to understand her customs better. She looked down at her hand entwined with his. Even this small gesture filled her with joy. She reached down with her other hand and took his left hand off hers, he stared at her with confusion.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, I wish to show you a Vulcan gesture. It would be the same as our holding hands, it is also a sign to others that we are mates."

Jonathan nodded at her. And watched as she took the first two fingers of his left hand and extended them, folding the rest into each others as in a partial fist. She them took the first two fingers of her right hand and touched them to his.

T'Pol: "Vulcan's are not publicly demonstrative of their feelings with their mate. You could also call this touching of the fingertips a kiss." She said to him with a slight glint in her eye.

Jonathan smiled and suddenly felt himself beginning to blush. He could feel a tingle travelling up his arm, and he felt relaxed and calm. He watched as she guided his fingers up over his and down the back of her hand and then back up around her wrist to touch the tips together again. She then repeated the motion with her own hand across his and he felt chills race up and down his spine.

Archer: "Wow, that, was interesting. Still I think I prefer a kiss." he said with a smile in his eyes.

T'Pol: "Indeed. However this gesture may be more acceptable in certain situations. And you were the one who said we should proceed due to Vulcan customs."

Archer laughed. He then looked at their hands and slowly performed the same motion with his fingers she had shown him. He watched as her eyes closed and a look of, contentment appeared on her face. As their finger were still joined he leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. She quickly opened her eyes, she was about to admonish him when she saw the look of boyish innocence on his face.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, while it is quite, enjoyable , when you do that, I to have done some research into Human mating, and I believe that the correct way to do that is like this."

T'Pol reached over and put her hand behind his neck, she slowly drew him close to her and snuggled her body into his, she then touched her lips against his and after she felt him relax she deepened the kiss. The two of them stayed that way for quite a while, simply enjoying each others presence.

0600hrs The next day

Jonathan Archer rolled over in his bed and stretched, the memories of his most recent dream slowly fading from his mind. In this one T'Pol had come to his quarters and shown him a Vulcan gesture that was the normal way for two members of her species to show they were mated. And then he had kissed her, A kiss which she not only liked, she had initiated the second longer one. Then the two of then had simply held each other for quite a while.

*One of the nicest dreams I've had in a long time* Jon thought to himself.

As he sat up and walked into the small bathroom in his cabin he began humming to himself, he absently reached down and patted Porthos on his head, the pup wagged its tail a few times and went back to sleep. Jon grinned. He began his usual morning ritual of shaving, his affectation of using an old fashioned straight razor, had earned him more than a few jibes from his friends, least of all Trip

"Yer gonna slice yer head off with that thing one of these days Jon." Trip would usually quip.

Jon didn't care, he felt it gave him a closer shave than using anything else.

Once his face was lathered, he began a slow, even stroke down the side of his face with the razor. Unfortunately it was at that time the COMM went off.

Jon jumped a bit and felt the sharp sting of the blade cutting into his skin. He quickly pulled the razor away but it was too late, immediately blood began streaming from the cut.

"Damn!" Jon swore, he reached for a towel to help stem the flow, but to no avail, the cloth began to turn red. Holding it there for a few minutes, he went over and answered the COMM. "Archer here"

Lt. Reed's voice came from the speaker. "Captain, I thought I would let you know we traced down the fluctuations in the weapons array."

Archer interrupted him. "And this couldn't wait until I came on duty Malcolm?" he could hear other people talking in the background.

Reed: "Uh, no sir, It's actually rather hard to explain over the COMM, could you please come to the Armoury as soon as possible?"

Archer nodded to himself. "I'll be there in 20 minutes, let me get ready first."

Reed: "Aye sir. 20 minutes"

Archer clicked off the COMM and headed back to the mirror, the towel was quite red now, Jon pulled it away from his face and saw the wound was deeper than he had thought, it was still bleeding. Shaking his head and muttering to himself about getting normal shaving gear, something he did at least twice a week, he used another towel to clean the shaving cream off his face. Archer then quickly got dressed and hit the COMM "Archer to Reed"

Reed: "Reed here Sir"

Archer: "Make that 30 minutes Lt. I have to stop by sickbay."

Reed: "Sickbay? Are you alright sir?"

Archer: "I'm fine, had a small accident shaving when you called."

Reed: "I'm sorry for.."

Archer: "Never mind Lt, I'll be there in 30" He clicked off the COMM before Reed could say anything more.

Archer quickly left some food and water for Porthos and headed off to Sickbay. On his way he got quite a few odd looks from the various crew he passed. He returned their looks with one of *what you never see a guy bleed before?* Thankfully no one stopped to ask him what had caused his injury.

As the turbo Lift door opened he noticed Sub-Commander T'Pol inside it and his dream from the night before quickly flashed through his mind. Feeling his face begin to flush, he stepped inside the lift and pressed the control for E deck where Sickbay was located, he turned and faced the door. T'Pol however was not so easily swayed

T'Pol: "Captain are you alright? I was in the Armoury looking over Lt. Reeds discovery when I had heard you had injured yourself, I was coming to see if you were in need of assistance."

Jon took a quick glance at her then nodded "Yes, I'm fine thanks, just a shaving cut."

T'Pol looked at him: "I hope you were not shaving with one of Chef's knives."

Jon reached over and stopped the lift, then turned fully to look at her. "Was that actually a joke Sub-Commander? And no it wasn't a knife, it is called a straight razor." he said with amusement

T'Pol simply stood there and slowly raised and eyebrow. "There is a difference? And Vulcans do not joke Captain"

Archer simply smiled at that and then grimaced as the action hurt his face.

As he was reaching for the button to engage the lift again, T'Pol reached out and laid her hand on his arm.

T'Pol: "Jonathan. I wish to take a moment and let you know that last night was an, enjoyable experience. Perhaps tonight you can come to my quarters and I can continue to teach you the Vulcan way, as you asked."

Jon suddenly realized that his dream, had been reality. He quickly smiled to himself, but this time it was a small one. With a mischievous glint in his eye he looked into T'Pol's eyes and said "Wouldn't that interfere with yours and Trips, neuropressure treatments?"

T'Pol regarded him for a moment, she slid her hand down his arm and grasped his hand in her own. "I believe he will 'get over it', besides it is only logical that I show the one who is to be my mate these techniques."

Jon's grin reached all the way to his eyes, and he didn't care how much it hurt. "How about I get this fixed first before you start showing me what you got." he hoped she caught his intended pun.

T'Pol once again raised her eyebrow "Indeed, I would not want you to sustain further injuries. Some Vulcan techniques can be quite, rough."

With her other hand she reached over and started the lift moving again.

Once it had reached the correct deck, T'Pol released her hand from his just before the door opened. Jon looked at her and gave her a quick wink. The two of them walked the short distance to Sickbay in silence. Archer hit the button and waited for the doors to open.

Phlox looked up from where he was feeding one of his menagerie of animals.

"Ah, Captain. Sub-Commander. How good it is to see you today, now what can I do for you, hmmm?"

Archer opened his mouth to state the obvious bloody towel still clutched to the side of his face when T'Pol beat him to the punch.

T'Pol: "The Captain injured himself while trying to shave with a straight razor. Apparently he needs more practice."

Archer looked at her with amazement on his face, two jokes in a row.

Phlox simply chuckled. "Now Captain, how many times do I have to tell you, you have to be more careful when using that device."

T'Pol looked at Phlox and arched her eyebrow "Are you saying doctor that the Captain has done this before?"

Phlox: "Why yes, I think this will make this his, 12th visit here since we started this mission. Now come over here Captain and let's have a look at this one shall we?"

Archer gave T'Pol a look of resignation and let Phlox lead him to one of the bio beds. As Phlox busied himself with cleaning and preparing to fix Archers wound. Archer and T'Pol simply looked at one another. After a few moments Jon took a quick glance at the Doctor, who was on the other side of the room, preparing something for his cut. He looked back at T'Pol.

Archer whispered, knowing her increased hearing would pick it up "You look beautiful."

He watched as T'Pol's face and neck began to get a slightly more greenish hue to them, and he realised he had made her blush. T'Pol quickly looked everywhere but at him.

T'Pol : "Captain I hardly think that this is the appropriate time or place to say that." She looked his straight in the eye "But I would like to let you know that I find you, aesthetically pleasing as well."

Archer chuckled "I hope that meant what I think it did."

At that moment Phlox returned and applied a salve to Archers face, which he then covered with an adhesive bandage.

Phlox: "There you go Captain, almost good as new, the cut should be fully healed in a few days. Now once again I'm sure I don't need to remind you that in my opinion you should be using something else to shave with."

Archer smiled: "Thanks Doc, I believe someone else mentioned that to me as well." He jumped off the bed and along with T'Pol exited Sickbay, heading for the Armoury.

Phlox chuckled to himself. This was so exciting! The chance to witness an inter-species relationship. Too bad it had taken the two of them this long to finally admit their feelings for one another. Archer and T'Pol headed back to the turbo lift, once inside Archer hit the control for F deck and the lift promptly dropped one deck. As Archer headed for the normal way to the Armoury, T'Pol stopped him with a hand on his arm.

T'Pol: Captain, you do not want to go that way."

Archer looked at her: "And why not Sub-Commander?"

T'Pol: "It would be hard to explain, it would be easier for you to see for yourself. It has to do with Lt. Reeds discovery."

Archer and T'Pol took a side corridor and came into the Armoury from the secondary entrance. Immediately Archer could see why T'Pol had told him he couldn't enter the normal way. The stairs leading up to the second level were bent and folded against the wall and the main entryway was warped and twisted in its frame.

Archer walked slowly over to Reed. "What happened here Lt.?"

Reed looked up from the open panel he was working on. "Sir! We were hit by an anomaly sometime yesterday during alpha shift. Most of the controls are barely working, I would have to say that there was enough power running through the right junctions to show this as only a minor problem."

Archer: "But what about the crewmen who were stationed here at the time?"

Reed looked away and then back at Archer "They're gone sir."

Archer clenched his eyes shut. Two more crew had died on this damn mission, two more lives lost under his command. T'Pol could feel the suffering pouring off Archer even through her shields. His grief was that strong. She wished she could reach out and hold him, but knew that in this setting it wouldn't be right.

Archer composed himself and looked back at Reed. The strain in his voice was evident. "What's the weapon status?"

Reed: "Well I'm not sure, it will take a while to go over everything, she what was damaged, what is fixable, I'll need someone to come and replace both the stairs and the doorway, I'd say give me, 4 hours to make a full report."

Archer got that look on his face, the one that everyone knew meant broody Archer was back. "Fine, proceed with your diagnostic, I'll be in the Command Centre, T'Pol you have the bridge."

As he turned and headed for the exit, T'Pol's voice called out to him. "Captain may I see you in private?"

Archer kept striding away "Not now T'Pol!"

T'Pol gave a quick look to both Commander Tucker and Lt. Reed before she followed the Captain.

"Captain, wait." She called out

Archer was already quite a ways ahead of her, he had already reached the lift and was standing there waiting for it. T'Pol calmly walked up to him and stood by his side. "I thank you for waiting" she said

Archer glanced over at her, not realising she was there, "I wasn't waiting for you, the lift is slow."

She did not turn to look at him, but continued speaking. "It is considered rude to ignore someone who has asked you to wait for them."

"I was not ignoring you Sub-Commander, I wished to be alone." Archer punched the control to the lift again, anger clearly evident in both his voice and action.

T'Pol tilted her head to the side as she asked "Have I done something for you to be angry with me?"

Archer suddenly froze. He slowly turned and looked at, actually looked at her. "No, no. Please T'Pol, I hope you know that there is very little you could do to make me angry at you. I am just so… so frustrated by all of this!" To prove his point, he drove his fist into the door of the turbo lift. Which seemingly sensing his anger, obediently opened. "'Bout damn time" he grumbled as he entered, followed by T'Pol.

T'Pol, stunned by the brief flash of his anger, thought for a moment before trying again to get him to see the logical side of his actions.

T'Pol: "Captain …. Jonathan, Perhaps if you tell me what it is that is troubling you, I may be able to help."

Archer looked at her, momentarily lost in her eyes, he shook his head then looked back at the wall. "For now, help me stop the Xindi, help me stop them before I lose any more of my crew." He looks into her eyes again "Before I lose you."

T'Pol holds up the first two fingers of her right hand, Jon wait's a moment, and then touches them with the fingers of his left hand. He can suddenly feel a wave of peace and calmness flow over him, His shoulders slump a bit, and he closes his eyes.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, you need rest, you need time to think, you need to sort out your thoughts and feelings over this. I will go to the bridge and take command. You should go and get something to eat, I noticed that once again, you missed breakfast. Please, take a couple of hours and have a break. If you are needed, I will call you."

Archer slowly nodded. He knew she was right, all the late hours, all the work and stress at trying to find the Xindi were taking there toll on him. His attempt at distancing himself from the crew to help him focus more on the mission, had been a disaster. He had heard snatches of conversations here and there, and felt as if the crew no longer knew their captain.

"Ok, T'Pol. I will take a break. But only 2 hours. After that I want you to meet me in the Command Centre and give me a status report."

As T'Pol broke the contact between them, Jon caught felt a thought that was not his own flicker across his mind. *Yes Aisha*. He looked at T'Pol but she did not meet his eyes, so he decided he was imagining things.

The lift stopped and the door opened, but before he got off, Jon turned to T'Pol and said "Remember, 2 hours, no longer."

T'Pol simply nodded once and the lift door closed and Jon was alone once again. He headed for the mess hall, once there he noticed that the crew there seemed to collectively hold their breath as soon as he walked into the room.

*Have I really been that bad?* He though to himself. Putting a smile on, he greeted a few of them and went over to grab a cup of coffee from the resequencer, and a bowl of cereal from the shelf.

The crew let out an almost audible sigh as the saw Archer beginning to act more like the Captain of old. Archer shook his head and smiled to himself. Taking his small tray he made his way to his private dining room and in silence slowly began to relax.

T'Pol entered the Bridge and made her way to the Captains chair. She looked at Ensigns Hoshi and Mayweather as she sat down. They both looked a little confused. T'Pol felt it would be only logical to tell them the truth, from a certain point of view.

T'Pol: "The Captain will be delayed for approximately two hours. The doctor discovered he had been skipping meals and ordered him to take a break and to get something to eat, I will be in command until he returns."

Hoshi and Mayweather looked at each other, then returned to their work. Both accepting T'Pol's excuse for the Captain. T'Pol looked over to the Ensign manning the tactical station "Are there any vessels in the vicinity?"

Ensign Brooks looked at the sensor readings and then back at T'Pol.

"No Sub-Commander, both short and long range scans show no other ships in the area. However they have picked up a Minshara class planet about 3 light years away."

Mayweather looked back over his shoulder at T'Pol. "Should I set a course Sub-Commander?"

T'Pol thought for a moment, a course change would mean a delay in finding the Xindi weapon. However from the low performance rating she had given the crew and the increasing stress levels the Doctor had mentioned to her the other day. Perhaps they needed a break. It would help them to regain much needed energy and lost rest. Especially for Jonathan. Besides, it was only logical. The ship could not function properly without a crew fit to do their jobs.

T'Pol: "Yes Ensign, set a course, hold speed steady at warp 3."

Mayweather smoothly changed the ships heading: "We should arrive in about 12 hours Sub- Commander."

T'Pol nodded. She rose and went to her science station. Picking up a PADD, she went back to the Captains chair. Her internal clock telling her Jon still had 1 hour and 45 minutes of his break left.

Looking around she decided to take her work into the ready room. "I will be in the ready room, Ensign Mayweather, you have the bridge."

As T'Pol crossed over to the first door, she heard the Captains voice come over the COMM system "Archer to the Bridge. Why have we changed course?"

Hoshi looked over at T'Pol. T'Pol gave an small sigh and pointed to the ready room. Hoshi nodded and transferred the signal into there. T'Pol went down the few steps and as the door closed, she hit the COMM button.

"T'Pol here Captain. We changed course to investigate a Minshara class planet nearby."

Archer: "How nearby is it?"

T'Pol: "It is 12 hours away at warp 3 Captain."

She could here Jonathan sigh :"Very well T'Pol, Archer… "

She quickly cut him off before he could close the channel. "Captain I believe it would be beneficial to the crew that if this planet turns out to be hospitable, that they should be given an opportunity for shore leave."

She waited a moment, then another. She could tell Jonathan was thinking about it, as he had yet to close the channel. After exactly 56.8 seconds, he came back on.

Archer: "That's actually a good idea Sub-Commander. If you and the rest of the crew want to take some down time go ahead."

T'Pol: "Captain. I meant 'all' of the crew, yourself included."

Archer: "No T'Pol. I have too much work to do, we need to recover the lost data on the spheres. I can work on that while you're on the planet."

T'Pol; "Jonathan, I wish for you to join me on the planet. You are the one crewmember aboard who needs this the most. Your reaction times have begun to slip, your stress levels are off the board, as the Doctor says. You need this. I want you there with me."

T'Pol could hear Jonathan in the background, it sounded as if he was pacing, something he did when he was stuck on a particularly hard problem.

Archer: "Alright T'Pol, I'll go planet side with you. Heck, maybe if it's nice enough, I'll even tell you some campfire ghost stories." T'Pol could hear the amusement in his voice.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, Ghosts are not real."

Archer rose to the bait. "Sure they are. Just because you've never seen one doesn't mean they're not real."

T'Pol: "Jonathan, have you ever seen a Ghost?"

Archer: "Well, no I haven't. but that…"

T'Pol: "Then I believe our discussion has ended, Logically you should not believe something is there due to some 'stories'. And remember Jonathan, you now have 1 hour and 25 minutes till your break is over."

Just as Archer said her name she reached over and closed the channel. What was that Commander Tucker had said the last time she and Jon had sparred in the gym? Score one for the Vulcan.

Archer looked at the COMM box with a mixture of surprise and amusement. T'Pol had actually turned him off. He couldn't believe it. Damn she was sneaky. Who'd ever have guessed Vulcans could be as sneaky as Humans?

But T'Pol had been right, out of all the crew onboard, he was the most in need of a break. And sitting in the Command Centre in the middle of the night, or his cabin, or here in his dining room, wouldn't cut it anymore. He needed to get off the ship, he needed to get away.

He reached over and hit the COMM "Hoshi, give me ship wide please."

Hoshi: "Aye Captain."

Archer waited a moment, then he could hear the click as the COMM switched over to intra ship. "This is Captain Archer to all crew. We are headed for a Minshara class planet. We should be arriving in about 12 hours. When we arrive and if the scans of the planet prove successful. I am authorizing Shore leave for all crew, no exceptions. Archer out."

Archer smiled as he could hear the crew cheering in the mess hall next door

He knew this would make them happy.

"Phlox to Captain Archer."

Archer pushed the COMM button "Archer here, how can I help you doctor?"

Phlox: "Am I correct in assuming that when you said no exceptions, you included yourself in that?"

Archer shook his head. What was this? A conspiracy to get him to take some down time?

Archer: "Yes doc, that meant me as well."

Phlox: "Ahhh, that's good. Because I didn't want to have to make it a Doctor's orders kind of situation. May I suggest that if we have the time, that we allow two shifts, one on planet and one on ship, I'd say for a maximum of two days each?"

Archer frowned, four days was a lot of time. He had only thought of maybe a day.

Archer: "I don't think so doc, four days is a huge chunk of time."

Phlox: "Captain. It is my medical opinion that the crew needs that time. Please don't make me make it a medical order Captain."

Archer groaned. Phlox had him over a barrel on this one. On all else, Archer was in total command of this ship and crew. But when it came to medical matters. Phlox was the only one aboard who could order him around.

Archer: "Very well doc, four days. But no more"

Phlox: "Thank you Captain."

Archer clicked off the button, then hit another one. "Hoshi, send a message through the buoy to Star Fleet. Let them know we are diverting for shore leave. Time on planet, four days. Archer out"

Archer heard the excitement in Hoshi's voice as she acknowledge him.

He returned to his seat and relaxed again. He still had enough time left for a quick nap.

"Cap'n…"

*Jonathan, wake up*

Archer could hear the voice calling him, but he was so tired. The hunt for the Xindi weapon had taken it's toll on him. He was on the verge of total exhaustion.

"Captain, you must wake up!"

Archer awoke with a start, only then understanding it had been T'Pol's voice that he'd been hearing. He blinked, trying to bring things into focus, standing over him with her hands clasped behind her back was T'Pol and right beside her smiling that goofy smile of his was Trip.

Archer: "What's going on? What's happening?"

Trip: "Looks like you gone an overslept Cap'n"

Archer looked at his Chief engineer and then looked at T'Pol "How long?"

T'Pol: "Your break was only to be 2 hours Captain. When you did not appear at the end of that time, Commander Tucker and I went to find you. Since you had neglected to inform me of your actual location, I felt we should check the more obvious places first. This was our last destination."

Archer smiled. He hadn't told her where he was going because she had known it already, she was the one who had told him to have a break and get something to eat. He wished he could reach out and give her a hug in gratitude for allowing him the extra time to rest. But with Trip here, he knew it wouldn't be appropriate. He was sure she had lead Trip on a wild goose chase through the ship looking for him.

Archer: "My apologies Sub-Commander, Trip. Now that you've found your wayward Captain, perhaps we should head to the Command Centre. I believe you owe me a status report T'Pol."

T'Pol: "Indeed"

Trip: "If you don't mind Cap'n, I'll head on up to the Bridge an let everyone know you're safe and sound."

Archer, still tired from his nap didn't have the energy to banter with Trip. So he dismissed him. He looked at T'Pol and motioned for her to follow as he left the mess hall.

Archer: "So, anything I should know about? Anything happen while I was missing?"

T'Pol: "You were only 'missing' as you call it, for an hour longer than planned, In that time the only developments I can note would be that we are now closer to the Minshara class planet and will arrive in just over 10 hours. And Lt. Reed should have his preliminary report on the conditions of the weapons in another hour."

She watched him as a dark cloud settled over his features. The loss of the crewman was still affecting him. She almost reached out to place her hand on his shoulder, then drew it back as it was illogical for her to do such a thing in public. They continued along in silence.

Eventually they reached the Command Centre, where T'Pol sat at the main interface at the meeting table and Archer went over to the big screen dominating the far wall. He looked back at her "Do we have any scans of this new planet yet?"

He watched as T'Pol punched in something and the screen came to life with an image of a planet vaguely resembling Earth. The oceans tended to be more green look than blue to them, and it appeared there was only one mid sized continent, about the size of Australia.

Archer: "Just one continent?"

T'Pol: "This is all we've scanned so far Captain. But from studies it would appear the may be another larger landmass on the opposite side of the planet."

Archer: "Any signs of life?"

T'Pol punched in something else, and a mass of numbers appeared next to the planets image. "Indications at this range are inconclusive. However, it would appear that the planet may be devoid of higher life forms."

Archer nodded and walked around the table to her position. "Any signs of other vessels in the area?"

T'Pol gave a small shake to her head "None at this time."

Archer: "Well it seems normal and quiet. But it's so strange to be this deep into the Expanse and then to run across an uninhabited world like this. My gut is telling me we need to be careful."

T'Pol looked at him with a look of what Archer would call as close to exasperation a Vulcan could get. "Captain, I have told you before, there is no scientific or logical reasons for you to be trusting how your gut feels."

Archer smiled at that "And how many times have my 'gut feelings' been right Sub-Commander? It's never wrong"

Without missing a beat, T'Pol replied "23.8 percent."

Archer: "What?"

T'Pol's eyebrow raised as she looked at him: "Your 'gut feeling has only been correct, as you put it, 23.8 percent of the time."

Archer shook his head and a small smile appeared: "Ok, hardly ever wrong. What do you expect, I'm only Human."

T'Pol turned back to the screen: "Yes, that is quite evident."

The two of them continued working, trying to recover the rest of the lost data on the spheres from the emergency back up buffers. Archer found his attention wandering, many times he caught himself looking over at T'Pol. He stopped himself a few times already from going to her. Archer was interrupted in his musings by the opening of the door. He looked up as Malcolm walked in. Archer gestured for the man to take a seat.

Archer: "Well Lt., what do you have for us?"

Reed: "Well sir, it would appear that most of the weapons are, well, there's nothing wrong with them. However I wouldn't want to go into a fight with them."

T'Pol: "Explain Lt."

Reed shifted uncomfortably in his seat before being froze in place by Archer's glare. "Well, it would appear that when the anomaly hit, besides the structural damage, it also played havoc with the power relays. The weapons were not damaged, but the linkages were, twisted around. There seems to be a loop in the systems, they show power to the weapons and relays, but there is no power going to them."

Archer: "How long till they're repaired?"

Reed: "Well if I could get Commander Tuckers assistance. We'd need to track down where the fault is, then perform a diagnostic to check for other damages. Then re-align everything. I'd say, 2 days sir."

Archer slammed his hands down on the table and stood. He began to pace.

"Two days! And what are we supposed to do in the event someone comes across us while we are down on the planet? Throw rocks at them?"

T'Pol looked at Archer, then back at Reed "Lt., please proceed with the repairs. Inform Commander Tucker to assign someone to assist you."

Reed nodded and gratefully exited the room. T'Pol stood and made her way over to where Archer was standing. He was facing the wall, his hands were placed up against it and his head was hanging down. She hesitated only a moment before reaching out and placing her hand on his shoulder. At her touch, he quickly stood erect. She took a step back, he looked over at her. She could see the pain on his face.

T'Pol: "Jonathan…. "

Archer: "I'm sorry T'Pol, you know, normally with a problem like this I would have shrugged it off and let Malcolm and Trip handle it. But ever since we began this mission, I've been finding everything that happens, to be like it seems something is bound and determined to stop us, to stop me."

T'Pol: "Jonathan, that is an illogical assumption."

Archer: "If we don't stop the Xindi soon. I think… I think that if I don't do something soon, Enterprise may need a new Captain."

T'Pol: "Jonathan, that is why I insisted you accompany the crew and I on the shore leave. "

Archer slumped back against the wall "T'Pol. Have I ever told you that I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't stayed with the ship for this mission?"

T'Pol: "No Jonathan, and to be fair….I did not stay with the ship. I stayed with you."

Archer looked at T'Pol with affection. He reached out to take her into his arms for a hug, but she stepped back from him. He frowned

T'Pol: "Remember Captain, not while on duty."

Archer ran his hand through his hair, "This is gonna be harder than I thought, You are just too beautiful."

T'Pol: "Thank you Jonathan."

The rest of the day proceeded without incident, well almost, Trip had attempted to re route one of the plasma conduits and would have taken out three decks if he hadn't noticed the power spikes. Luckily there resulting explosion was small and only required minimal repairs. Trip however had to report to sickbay as he had injured his shoulder. After that Archer gave him a dressing down he hoped Trip wouldn't forget.

Archer spent the rest of the shift on the bridge, going over reports and requisitions. Although it would be nice to just once not see a request from Malcolm to upgrade ships security. During this time they had closed finally closed the distance to the planet. Closer scans had revealed a pastoral world with no signs of higher life forms as T'Pol had stated. They also showed a world whose climate appeared to be similar to that of Earths tropical regions, well at least they wouldn't have to worry about freezing down there. Near the end of the shift Archer was pulled out of his thoughts by Travis.

Travis: "Captain, we are coming into range now, ETA to orbit, 30 minutes."

Archer thanked Travis and turned to T'Pol: "Have you finished the crew rotations for shore leave?"

T'Pol simply glanced at him: "Yes Captain. And I have already posted in in the ships mainframe.

Archer nodded and went back to working on his PADD. He started when a message flashed on the screen.

-we are on the first trip down, you must go and get ready-

Archer looked over at T'Pol, she simply stared back at him. Chuckling to himself he got up and walked over to her station, he leaned down and whispered to her.

Archer: "As I recall, Sub-Commander, I don't take orders from you, however it is a good suggestion. I believe our shift is over, shouldn't you go pack as well?"

T'Pol simply nodded and as Archer stepped back, she handed her station over to her replacement who had just come on to the Bridge along with the rest of Beta shift. Archer stood and more loudly said to Hoshi's replacement, Ensign Turner.

"Shipwide please Ensign." he paused then continued. "All hands, this is the Captain, we have achieved orbit, please consult your department heads for crew rotations on the planet. Please remember that with only two shuttle pods it will take a while to get everyone down there, so please be patient, Archer out."

Archer turned and was please to see T'Pol had held the lift for him, the two of them were alone as the other Alpha shift crew had already departed.

Archer smiled and looked over at T'Pol, "So I guess this means we'll have to postpone our meeting in your cabin till we get back?"

T'Pol looked at him: "No Jonathan, I can continue to instruct you in the Vulcan way while we are on the planet, so long as it is kept private."

Archer smiled: "Well, we have the camping gear aboard from when you and I went on our, mission together last year. How about the three of us take a break from the rest of the crew for our stay?"

T'Pol turned her head to look at him, her eyebrow shooting up into her bangs: "I do not understand, the three of us?"

Archer resisted the urge to laugh: "Yeah, you, me and…. Porthos"

T'Pol: "Oh. That would be acceptable Jonathan"

Archer had become very good at reading T'Pol's expressions. And what he saw now was nothing but pure relief.

Archer: "Don't tell me you actually thought I was going to invite someone else along, like maybe…Trip?"

T'Pol: "Of course not."

Archer turned to fully face her "Yes you were, you thought I was going to ask someone else to join us. I could see the relief on your face."

T'Pol looked away from him: "That is illogical, relief is an emotion"

Archer cut her off: "Wait, don't try to get out of this one by saying you don't have emotions, because I know different."

T'Pol: "Be that as it may Jonathan, you are wrong. I was merely, gratified that Porthos would be joining us, I recall how fond of him you are."

Archer nodded: "Love me, love my dog"

T'Pol: "Indeed"

The lift stopped and Archer escorted T'Pol to hers. She pressed the control and the door opened, as she stepped inside she turned to face him. She held up her hand in the Vulcan gesture, Jonathan quickly joined his fingers to hers. Every time he touched her, Jon was amazed at the sensations that would flow through him. If this is what it was like just touching fingers, and the occasional kiss, he wondered what it would be like when they became ready for a more, physical relationship. Jon quickly checked the corridor and not seeing anyone in sight he bent down and kissed T'Pol very passionately.

T'Pol returned the kiss for a few moments, then pulled away "Jonathan, we are not alone."

Archer just smiled "Lady, I can't wait till we are alone, then I can have you all to myself."

Archer saw just the briefest of smiles flicker along T'Pol's mouth. And then he heard her say *I as well, Aisha*

But wait, he couldn't have heard her say that, her lips hadn't moved, he was watching them. Quickly his eyes met hers, he saw in them a look of astonishment and disbelief. T'Pol lowered her hand and stopped Jon before he could say anything.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, we will discuss this on the planet, alone. Here is not the proper time and place."

T'Pol stepped back and let the door close, cutting off anything Archer would have said. Jon nodded absently, and headed for his own cabin, deep in thought.

About twenty minutes later, Jon had finished his packing and was in the launch bay awaiting the arrival of the rest of the people who were to go down to the planet in the first two shuttle pods. He knew one of them wouldn't be Malcolm as he had requested to be moved to the second rotation, allowing him time to complete repairs on the weapons. Jon had told him it wasn't necessary, that he could assign someone else to do it and then he, Trip, and Malcolm would work on the rest when they got back.

But Malcolm got that look in his eyes that he wasn't backing down. He had been ordered to fix the problem and was going to do so. Jon had even told Major Hayes that he and his MACO's were to get some down time as well. And strangely enough, the Major had agreed. Jon looked around and still saw that no one else had arrived yet. It was only him and a couple of nervous looking crewmen. Jon thought that they probably felt he was here to evaluate them. He shrugged and went back to his musings. With the problems they were having lately with trying to fight the Xindi ships, Jonathan had been sorely tempted on going to Crewman Daniels old quarters and using the information in there to upgrade the ships offensive and defensive capabilities.

But he wasn't sure if they could pull it off. He'd have to talk to Trip and T'Pol about it when they got back. At the thought of her name, Jon let his thoughts drift over what had happened at her cabin. He had heard her, clearly, in his head. This discovery strangely, didn't frighten him. In truth, he actually found it quite refreshing to hear her thoughts in his head. However, be that as it may, he did plan on getting her away from the rest of the group so they could discuss what this new revelation meant in their blossoming relationship.

Jon was brought out of his rambling thoughts as he heard the door to the launch bay open and Trips southern drawl.

Trip: "I'm telling' ya, you wouldn' believe the size of the beach where we're gonna be landin' at. It's gotta be 10 kilometres long, and sand as white as…. As that shirt the Cap'n is wearin'."

Jon smiled at his long time friend, and stood up from the box he had been sitting on to see who he had been talking with. As he came to his feat, Jon saw that Trip had been talking with one of the MACO female soldiers. Another thing that astonished Jon was that Trip was guiding the woman by placing his hand at the small of her back, a rather intimate gesture.

Trip: "Hiya Jon, All ready to go have some fun in the sun? Oh this here's Corporal Amanda Cole."

Jon reached out and shook the Corporals hand. She looked at him and smiled.

Amanda: "Pleased to finally meet you Captain Archer. Trip has told me a lot about you."

Jon: "Oh he has, has he? Well hopefully most of it was nice. And please, we are all off duty here, I'm Jonathan, not the Captain, Well not for the next two days at least. So tell me Amanda, how long have you know Trip?"

Trip started to try to say something as Jons question had caught him off guard. "Um perhaps we should get aboard the shuttle pod and get our gear stowed?" He pulled Amanda away from Archer and practically dragged her over to pod 2. Jon couldn't help but laugh at his friends embarrassment.

"That is a sound that I believe has not been heard in quite sometime."

Jon turned around to see T'Pol standing almost directly behind him.

"And what sound is that Sub-Commander?"

"The sound of your laughter Captain." T'Pol stated, switching to his formal title as she had not missed when he used hers. "And did you not say we were not on duty and that for the next 48 hour you were not the Captain?"

Jon smiled and hung his head: "Yes I did say that T'Pol, forgive my mistake."

T'Pol turned her head and simply stared at him: "To forgive your mistake Jonathan would imply I had taken offence at it. I assure you, none was taken."

Jon reached down and grabbed his bag, and surprising T'Pol, hers as well, He gestured for her to proceed him. To trips dismay and from what Jon could tell, horror, they also headed for shuttle pod 2. "That's true, I did say that, As my last order before leaving the ship, there are to be no ranks used on the planet, unless in an emergency situation. So for the next two days, we're simply Jon and T'Pol." He leaned a little closer to her and whispered "Think you can handle that?"

T'Pol didn't stop walking but simply looked back at him briefly "I believe T'Pol can handle it accordingly. But can Jonathan?"

Trip had overheard T'Pol's reply and threw Jon a questioning glance. Jon just grinned sheepishly and went to put the bags in the storage area. When he returned he noticed Trip was busy introducing T'Pol and Amanda. Jon walked over and stood next to T'Pol as he could see the rest of the crew filing into the launch bay and heading for their respective rides down.

Jon: "So Amanda, you never did say how long you've know Trip for."

Jon smiled a bit at the look he was getting from Trip right now.

Amanda: "Well I guess it would be only a couple of weeks. I have some engineering expertise and was sent to assist Trip and we just kinda hit it off from there, also I've been helping him during the crew training sessions. He's getting pretty good."

Trip for his part just blushed a bit and got what Jon liked to call his 'aww shucks' look on his face. It was good to see his friend happy and that he was finally getting past the grief of the death of his sister. T'Pol kinda put a damper on the moment when she suggested they board the shuttle pod as they were delaying the departure.

Trip and Amanda were in and seated first, Trip had turned in his seat to say something to Amanda when he saw something he wasn't sure was real. His friend, Jonathan Archer was holding a woman's hand and helping her to a seat. Now that wouldn't be so bad as Trip knew Jon was always the helpful one. But the look that Jon had on his face was nothing but pure affection.

Now normally in a situation such as this, Trip would be down right happy for Jon, but what really knocked Trip for a loop, was that the woman Jon was lavishing all the attention on was his own first officer, was a 'don't like to be touched Vulcan, and was T'Pol! And what was even stranger was that T'Pol seemed to welcome his touch, and dang it all! He could swear he caught a glimpse of the same look in her eyes.

Trip turned back around and got a huge goofy grin on his face as the shuttle pod dropped down through the launch bay doors and headed for the planet below. *Yup, this was most definitely gonna be one hell of an interesting shore leave*

The trip down to the planet lasted maybe 30 minutes, during that time, Archer had to stop himself many times from reaching over and holding T'Pol's hand. Partly due to T'Pol's and his decision to be discreet, but also because Jon knew Trip had seen the way he acted toward her during the launch. And even though he considered Trip a good friend, almost a brother, he was also one of the biggest blabbermouths on the ship.

The shuttle pod made its landing on a beach of fine soft sand, and Jon had to admit Trip was right. The sand was as white as the loose shirt he had on. Jon glanced over at what T'Pol had chosen to wear, it seemed to be a cross between her Vulcan robes and a sundress. He had asked about it just after launch and she had said it was a very efficient design. Jon hadn't minded one bit. It still looked absolutely beautiful on her.

The people onboard the pod made a quick exit and grabbed their stuff from the storage area quicker than Jon had thought possible. No sooner had they had retrieved their things, the shuttle was already lifting off again, back to the ship for another run. As the shuttle pod arched over head, Jon caught the glimpse of shuttle pod 1 coming down for it's landing. He walked a short distance away from the landing site, trailing a bit behind the rest of the group. He turned his head and stopped. He had been caught by the indescribable beauty of the scene. Jon turned and faced the sea, his bag dropped at his side. There was a soft breeze coming in and it was neither cold or warm, but pleasantly in between. Jon closed his eyes and leaned his head back, he raised his arms out from his sides until they were level with his shoulders and simply relaxed, letting the breeze and the moment wash over him.

Up ahead the others had kept walking, but when T'Pol's hypersensitive hearing no longer caught the sound of Jon's footsteps in the sand she turned and sought him out. Trip and Amanda had also stopped and they turned to see what T'Pol was staring at. When he saw the way his friend was standing, Trip just chuckled a bit and smiled. T'Pol looked over at him.

T'Pol: "What is he doing?"

Trip: "He's… well… he's… uhm..I guess you could call it bein' lost in the moment."

T'Pol stared at the man destiny had chosen to be her potential mate.

"If he continues to stand in such a position, he will undoubtedly suffer neck injury." She said.

Trip for his part, shook his head, maybe he had been wrong about seeing something in T'Pol's eyes back on the shuttle when she had looked at Jon. His temper started to rise. *Typical Vulcan! Can't even let the man give his body the rest everyone knows he needs before she starts in on him. Well if she thinks she's gonna ruin this for Jon she's got another thing comin'*

He thought to himself. The longer he thought, the redder his face got. Luckily, Amanda noticed it and put a warning hand on his arm before Trip could say anything out loud.

Trip spun and looked at her, Amanda just slowly shook her head. She then pointed back to T'Pol. Trip turned his head, and the angry retort died on his lips at what he saw. T'Pol had cocked her head to the side and stood there, simply watching Jon. And by golly if she didn't have a smile on her face!

Ok it wasn't a smile as such, more like a very slight up turning of the corners of her mouth, and an even slighter crinkling around her eyes. But Trip had served with her for over two and a half years, and in that time he and Jon had gotten pretty good at reading T'Pol's moods. And T'Pol was happy.

Trip couldn't believe it, but before he could do anything, Amanda was pulling him away, dragging him to the area where they were gonna set up the main camp. Although Jon had given the crew permission to go off on their own and explore. He had wanted a main area for everyone to start and finish from. Trip looked back only once and T'Pol had finally moved. Although it wasn't to join them, she had slowly walked over to where Jon was standing and stood by him.

Jon, for his part, had been so caught up in his own thoughts that he hadn't noticed the others leave him behind, nor when the other crew from the shuttle walked by, giving him a few understanding looks. And he certainly hadn't heard T'Pol return to his side. After a while he finally lowered his arms and opened his eyes. He had a huge smile on his face and knew he would have to return here after all this was over. "Paradise couldn't have been this good" he whispered.

"Jonathan?"

Jon jumped a good foot in the air. Looking around he spied the one who had scared the crap out of him. T'Pol stood only a foot away from him. She was looking at him with her usual Vulcan expression on and one eyebrow raised.

T'Pol: "Forgive me Jonathan, I did not mean to startle you. But it looked as if your meditation was over and I was wondering if you had planned to join the rest of us. There is still much you and I need to, sort out and discuss."

Jon: "I wasn't meditating T'Pol, I was, relaxing. That is why we're here isn't it?"

Jon reached down and grabbed his bag. Hefting it over his shoulder he turned back to her. "I'm sorry T'Pol, You're absolutely right, We do have lots to discuss. Should we head on up to the camp with the others?"

T'Pol turned and looked in the direction of where the rest of the crew had begun to gather. She saw that while some had begun to set up tents, others had forgone that to partake of the pleasure of going for a swim and laying on the beach. Scans had shown no dangerous animals or microbes in the water.

T'Pol: "Actually Jonathan. I was hoping you and I could go, someplace else? What I have to teach you and tell you is not for outsiders to hear. It is something only those who could be potential mates to discuss amongst themselves."

Jon smirked: "Does that mean you want to be alone with me?"

T'Pol: "Yes Jonathan, but not in the way I know you are thinking, I merely wish to continue to teach you how Vulcan relationships are handled. And that is best done without so many, distractions."

Jon decided not to tell her being alone in this place with just her was his biggest distraction ever.

As the two of them walked the opposite direction down the beach from the rest of the crew, Jon smiled as he could hear Trip call out "Hey Jon! Ain't you two gonna be joinin' the rest of us?"

Turning around but still walking Jon called back "No Trip, T'Pol and I are going to go and do some, exploring, we'll meet you back here day after tomorrow."

Trip just waved and smile *Yeah, exploring, like I believe that one*

 

Jon and T'Pol walked for about half an hour, the beach just kept going on and on ahead of them, Jon suddenly stopped and dropped both his bag and himself to the ground. He sat there and then slowly fell onto his back.

Jon: "I think this should be far enough"

T'Pol looked around and walked up to where the sand met the grass, and looked intently at the area. "I believe this would be a more suitable location."

Jon smiled, even on shore leave things never changed. Wearily he got up and headed over to where T'Pol was busy un packing her tent and sleeping bag.

Jon watched her for a moment and began to set up his as well. Jon liked these new survival tents they were using. They literally only took a minute to set up. Once his tent was up and properly anchored into place, Jon unzipped the front and crawled inside. He quickly set up his sleeping bag and went back out into the bright sunlight. He found T'Pol already outside seated on a small camp stool.

She looked up at him as he walked over to her. "Jonathan, I think it would be best if we started right away."

Jon looked slightly disappointed, he had been hoping to go for a swim him self. But that was now out of the question from the intent look on T'Pol's face. He reached over and grabbed his own stool and sat down. He looked back at T'Pol, who sat there quietly, She appeared to be collecting her thoughts before speaking.

T'Pol: "Jonathan I feel I must explain something to you. When we were on the ship outside my cabin, you heard my thoughts correct?"

Jon nodded: "Yes, it was only brief, what does Aisha mean anyway?"

T'Pol looked down at the sand and then back at Jon

T'Pol: "I had no knowledge if something like this would be possible with someone who was not Vulcan, let alone a Human. So please do not be upset at me for not mentioning this sooner."

Jon nodded and waited for her to continue

T'Pol: "As you know Jonathan, Vulcans are touch telepaths, that means we have to be touching someone in order to hear the most basic thoughts. When you and I touched, it allowed us to join telepathically. You could hear me, and I could hear your thoughts. I need to know if this troubles you?"

Jon looked at T'Pol and saw a look of apprehension in her eyes. "T'Pol I will admit that for a moment, I was a little shocked by it, but, it doesn't bother me one bit. Actually I kinda like the thought of you in my head"

T'Pol simply blinked. "Thank you Jonathan. Let's continue your lesson."

By the tone in her voice, Jon knew that T'Pol was pleased with what he had said.

T'Pol: "As you know Vulcans mate for life, we do not have 'casual relationships' That is the reasoning behind the mental bond. Once we have found the one who is to be our mate, we join with them mentally. Thus we become bond mates. And then life mates."

Jon nodded at this: "I had heard something of this, and I believe you mentioned something of this before. Please continue T'Pol, I want to know everything about this, thing we have."

T'Pol gathered her thoughts again before going on. "Jonathan, this is why I asked you to accompany me to the planet. I knew you needed the time to relax, to bring you back to the man I knew you as. I would like, with your permission. To try to see if out bond could be strengthened."

Jon looked at T'Pol. He ran his hand through his hair and sighed. "Does this mean we'll be bond mates?"

T'Pol: "If successful, yes."

Jon shrugged : "Alright, what do we do?"

T'Pol: "Simply sit there, and I will do the rest"

T'Pol help up her fingers, and Jon repeated the gesture, joining his to hers.

T'Pol then kneeled close to him and placed her other hand on his cheek.

"Please relax Jonathan, I will not hurt you."

Suddenly Jon was no longer alone in his mind

T'Pol: *Jonathan, can you hear me?*

Jon nodded

T'Pol: *Do not move, respond to me, with your thoughts.*

Jon: *Yes, I hear you, can… can you hear me?*

T'Pol: *Yes. That is very good Jonathan, but you must learn to lower your voice, it is considered rude to shout.*

Jon caught the amusement in what she said. Then he realised something. He could feel T'Pol's emotions. They were not as strong as his, they were more ordered and serene. But they were still there.

T'Pol: *To answer your question, Aisha is a Vulcan word. In your language it means, Beloved*

T'Pol felt the wash of Jons emotion as they swept over her, she strengthened her mental shields against them. She probed a little deeper and saw his love for her. It was like an endless ocean. T'Pol was stunned by this. Then she knew, that she had chosen correctly. She knew that Jonathan Archer was the only one who could truly be her life mate.

Jon wasn't sure what he felt, but he knew that no matter what the outcome of this mission, He knew he would never be parted from T'Pol. She meant everything to him.

Jon opened his eyes as T'Pol broke their contact. She had returned to her seat and looked a little tired. He moved his stool closer to hers and looked into her eyes.

Jon: "Are you ok?"

T'Pol: "I am, fatigued. The bonding process is somewhat, taxing, do not worry, I will be fine."

Jon: "If you don't mind, I'll worry just a bit, I'm an emotional, illogical Human, remember?"

T'Pol raised her eyebrow. "Indeed you are Jonathan." She looked at him for a few minutes, finally noticing in detail the added lines of stress around his eyes, the few grey hairs. "Tell me Jonathan, what are you thinking?"

Jon stood up and walked a few steps away, gathering his thoughts. He turned back to her and sighed, running his hand across his face.

Jon: "I have a hard job T'Pol, Not only am I the captain of Earths first warp 5 Starship, but I also now have to try to stop an attack against Earth, keep my crew alive and my ship together in this, nightmare we've been travelling through, and …. I'm … not sure if I am up to the task. There are so many people counting on me. I have the weight of a planet on my shoulders. I don't know if I am the right person to do this."

Jon stopped and sank down to the sand, he hung his head between his knees. "The stars are all I've ever dreamed of, I've always wanted to be out here. The stars have always been my constant. Now I no longer know what to do." He looks over at T'Pol "This mission could very well be a one way ticket for all of us. And it scares me to think that if I fail, I've let down everyone back on Earth."

T'Pol went over to Jon, slowly she knelt beside him "Jonathan, I know the kind of man you are, you are strong and courageous, you are impulsive and sometimes reckless. But you are the only person who can do this. I highly doubt even a Vulcan captain could have gotten their ship this far without turning back."

T'Pol reached over and gently stroked his cheek. "You are a fine Captain. And if I may be so bold, there is no other who could have done as well for the ship and crew."

Jon: "Thank you T'Pol, I hope now you understand why I've been so, withdrawn lately. I felt it was best to help me focus more on the mission if I distanced myself from the crew."

Jon reached up and placed his hand over hers, holding it against his face. "Promise me T'Pol, promise me you'll never leave me."

T'Pol gazed at Jonathan: "I could never leave you Jonathan, not before, not now, not ever. We are bonded, we are mates, I am yours, and you are mine. You are the reason I stayed with Enterprise, the reason I always stay."

Jonathan smiled at that. He reached out and pulled her to him and simply hugged her. "How could I have ever gotten by without you?"

T'Pol: "Hopefully we'll never need to know. You are necessary to me as well, I cherish thee, Aisha"

Jon, knowing it was a big step for her to say that so soon, simply whispered in her ear: "I love you T'Pol."