Chapter 2

"You sure 'bout this?" Trip asked for the millionth time that day. T'Pol looked up from her packing to glare at him.

"You believe there will be a different answer every time you ask?" She replied before returning to her packing. She did not have many personal effects in her quarters as it was, and she had been attempting to pack for a few days. Trip ran a hand through his hair.

"Just makin' sure." He sighed, sitting down next to her duffle bag. Enterprise was headed to Vulcan, to drop off their former science officer, and a human refugee they had taken in. Trip flipped open his new ID. "Michael Kenmore, that's my new name." He glanced at T'Pol who was still packing. "At least it's a name I'll know how to spell." T'Pol turned to go to her desk to grab something.

"I suspect it will take some time for you to become accustomed to that name. It may make it easier for you if those closer to you call you by that name." Trip got off her bed to join her at her desk, he looked over her shoulder to see what she was packing. It was a few candles for her meditation.

"Are you saying you're gonna call me Mike?" he asked, turning just his face to look at her. She turned her head slightly as well.

"If that is what is required in order for you to learn your new name." Her tone was underplayed with concern. If his new name and identity were not believable then he would be in great danger. Trip placed his hand on her arm, in an attempt to assuage her concerns.

"How 'bout when we're in private, you call me Trip, and in public you call me Mr. Kenmore or Michael?" T'Pol cocked her head to the side, considering this option. After a moment, she nodded, which caused Trip to grin.

"That seems agreeable." Oh, agreeable, huh? He thought, focusing on her lips which were oh so close to his. Just as he was leaning in, T'Pol's comm went off. *Archer to T'Pol*. Trip and T'Pol stared at each other for a few moments more, then *T'Pol, come in*. She made her way over her comm and pressed it.

*Go ahead*.

*I need to see you in my ready room. Bring Trip with you*.

*Acknowledged*. Trip smirked at the look on T'Pol's face. It wasn't exactly a secret that he was staying in her quarters. While the general crew were not privy to Trip's identity, or that he was staying in her quarters, the Captain, as well as Phlox and Reed were well aware of where he was staying. They had offered him quarters of his own, which he accepted to keep up appearances, and to keep suspicion off of T'Pol. However; he didn't spend any time in those quarters. He would head to those quarters at night and then would head to T'Pol's when it was late enough no crew would see.

"We should get going, Cap'n's waiting." T'Pol inclined her head in acknowledgment. He followed her slowly out of her door not attempting at all to hide his grin.

When they arrived at the captain's ready room, he was waiting for them. "Come in." his voice rang through the door. He was standing over his chair, holding onto the back of it. He looked up as they entered and then stood next to each other. "We're about twelve hours from Vulcan." He looked between them. "Still enough time to change your minds. I wouldn't mind keeping you as a science officer T'Pol, and having you be my chief engineer, Trip."
"I think you mean Michael, don't cha Cap'n?" Trip said, grinning at his old friend. Archer waved aside his comment.

"To me, you'll always be Trip. Are you sure this is what you want to do?" He questioned. Trip and T'Pol exchanged a glance.

"At the moment, it appears to be the only option." T'Pol supplied. Archer shook his head, and sat down.

"I've told you two, Trip can become a member of Starfleet again, or maybe he could just be a crewmember. You could stay on as my science officer T'Pol. And no one would have to know about…" he paused, then waggled his head back and forth, "well, know about you two." They glanced away from each other.

"The risk is too great. He could be discovered, which would not only pose a risk to him, but also to the entire crew." T'Pol supplied, before looking back at Archer.

"And anyway, I don't wanna go through all the training again anyway… by the time I reached Commander again, this ship will be long decommissioned." Archer had to concede this point, not that he wanted to, but Trip had a point. He couldn't imagine going through all the training again, just to regain the same position, and to not be able to serve with the same people.

"Why can't you just stay aboard T'Pol, and Trip can live on Earth for a few years." Trip shook his head.

"Sorry Cap'n. We've already discussed that option and ruled it out." Archer lifted his hands in frustration.

"Why?" T'Pol lifted her chin.

"It is personal." Trip gave Archer a look that clearly said don't push it. He sighed.

"I knew that was going to be the answer, but I had to check." He said. He looked at the two officers in front of them. He remembered the first time they met. T'Pol wouldn't even shake Trip's hand, and here they were heading to Vulcan together. And Trip, he had grown so much since the first mission. He understood respecting other cultures and practices, and put himself in harm's way to protect others. It had taken Archer longer than others to realize that they were together, but he saw clearly why they were. The pair in front of him now were communicating without speaking, thinking that he didn't see that. Over the years they had brought the best out of each other. He didn't doubt they would continue to do so for years to come. "I will let you know when we are closer to Vulcan. As of now, you're dismissed."

"See you in a bit Cap'n." Trip said, before leaving. T'Pol waited for him outside of the ready room. "You think this cover story T'Pau came up with will work on Vulcan? Won't be a little strange to have a human living alone with a Vulcan woman?" T'Pol had an answer at the ready.

"Minister T'Pau thought of an adequate reason for us to be alone in my home. You will pose as my gardener, now that my old gardener has left that business." She began walking, at a slow pace, headed towards the mess hall. Trip scratched his chin.

"That still won't explain why we're gonna be alone at your home."

"There's a guest home for the gardener to stay at. That is where they presume you will be staying." Trip grinned.

"Is that where I will be staying?" He asked, catching up to T'Pol.

"That remains to be seen." She replied, not looking at him. This caused him to grin even more, and he leaned down close to whisper in her ear.

"I thought Vulcans didn't joke." He didn't get a reply, but he could see that her eyes had gained a little bit of sparkle. "Some of my humor had definitely rubbed off on you." He muttered. She cast him a quick look of caution, as they were surrounded by a mass of people who were not privy to this information. He said no more, but did think that he would have to bring it up at another point.

The few hours between their lunch and arriving at Vulcan went by quickly. T'Pol had advised Trip on how to act when they first arrived. And although she strongly suggested she should do all the talking, he refused, saying that would look suspicious. They met the captain in the launch bay, where a transport sent by T'Pau docked. Archer was alone when they met up with him. He stood professionally when they came in. Each only carried a single duffle bag. "Traveling light?" He asked.

"We've learned to travel light Cap'n." Trip answered for the both of them. Archer stared at the pair of them. This could very well be the last time he saw either of them for a long time, if ever. Sensing this, Trip added, "we'll see you soon, promise." Abandoning all sense of formality he pulled Trip into a hug. Then clapped each other on the back. Then releasing him, he turned to T'Pol and pulled her in for a similar hug. He didn't care that she didn't like that kind of display of affection, or being touched. He pulled away and saw that she didn't look completely comfortable, but not uncomfortable either. He looked at her and then at Trip.

"Stay safe." Trip stepped closer to T'Pol.

"That's the plan." He said. The air lock between the two ships was sealed, so Archer stepped away from T'Pol and retook his professional posture. Trip stepped away from T'Pol, though not too far. The airlock door opened and a Vulcan man stepped through. He made the live long and prosper hand symbol to Archer who returned it.

"These are the passengers?" He asked, briefly glancing at Trip and T'Pol. Archer nodded, and motioned for them to move forward. They did so.

"Thanks for taking them. I know it was out of the blue."

"Showing appreciation is an Earth custom." Archer nodded absentmindedly. "Have you already exchanged pleasantries?" The Vulcan asked. All three nodded. "Then we must make for Vulcan now." He turned around and made his way through the air lock, not looking backwards to check if the pair were following. Trip stopped in front of Archer.

"Keep my engine in good shape Cap'n." Archer smiled.

"You bet'cha." Trip jogged slightly to catch up and then the air lock closed behind him. Archer watched until the Vulcan ship began to depart. "I hope they're going to be alright." He thought to himself. He walked away to the turbolift. His duties didn't end with saying goodbye to his close friends. He just wished that he would know if they would be okay.

A/N: I see people having been seeing this story, but haven't reviewed. Please do, because I have lots of plots running through my head! Let me know what you think!