"You know, if we have time when we get back to Earth, I'd like to show you some sights, return the favor. Everything okay?" inquired Trip, wondering why she looked as if there was a million thoughts going through she head.
"There's something I need to tell you," said T'Pol, not wanting to hurt him but knowing she had to. "I've decided to marry Koss."
"Marry him?" asked Trip, completely flabbergasted.
"If I join his family, my mother will regain her position at the Academy. His father is a senior Minister with a great deal of influence."
"I don't get it. Are they forcing you to do this?" Not wanting to believe she would do this if she had the choice.
"The decision was mine. My mother resigned because of my actions."
"You told me three years ago you didn't even love this guy. So you're just going to leave Starfleet, move back to Vulcan?" asked Trip. Anger, confusion, and bewilderment flooding with him.
"I've been negotiating with Koss's family."
"Negotiating?"
"They've agreed we won't have to reside together, not right away. I'll remain on Enterprise for the time being," said T'Pol, pushing back so many emotions, trying hard not to let them show.
"That's real generous of them," replied Trip, with such anger.
"Trip, I have to do this for many reasons," not daring to look at him.
"And how am I supposed to take this?" said Trip, crushed by the thought that T'Pol will be with someone who's not him.
"I'm sorry," said T'Pol sincerely.
"You're sorry?" asked Trip. "You brought me sixteen light years just to watch you get married to someone you barely know?" Not knowing what else could be said, he just walked away.