Chapter One
On the Bridge of the Enterprise T'Pol sat in the command chair waiting for Captain Archer to return from sickbay. Although she tried to suppress the feelings of anxiety that plagued her, she had trouble succeeding completely. Breathing exercises were enough to keep this anxiety at bay but not suppress them. Dr. Phlox was headed over to Lor'Vela along with Lieutenant Commander Reed as his escort. She wanted to be the escort but Archer chose Malcolm instead. Though he was completely unaware of the nature of their relationship, the Captain was well aware of the strained relationship between T'Pol and Trip before he left to rejoin the Columbia after saving their lives from the virus the Klingons slipped into the warp engines. He thought it best that Malcolm, who was still close to Trip, to make the trip over to the Andorian starship.
The unfairness over the fact that her bondmate was so close to her after so long a separation yet she was unable to see him was not lost on T'Pol. She took responsibility for much of the tension and misunderstanding that existed between her and Trip. Once he found out that they were bonded, she did a better job of explaining that she wasn't aware that Vulcans could bond with other species and that distance and separation would weaken the bond to the point of dissolution since it was not a completed mature bond. She should have explained how she wished to keep the bond and allow it to grow, but she was unsure of herself at that time. She was still dealing with the damage done by the Trellium D to her neural pathways and feeling as if she was Vulcan enough.
The next time she saw him was when the Columbia arrived at Mars to help deal with Terra Prime terrorists. The clone culled from her and his DNA, their daughter, was all they thought about for the brief time they were together. When she died, T'Pol went into a shell to protect herself. She excluded Trip. When he visited to tell her he was leaving on the Columbia after the memorial for their daughter, her only reaction was to tell him she regretted their relationship. She was in too much pain to deal with his pain. He accepted her rejection and left. That was the last time they had spoken.
Her mourning for Elizabeth lasted longer than it would have if she had counted on her bondmate to help her with her grief. Once she was able to see through the pain and anger, she realized just how much she had lost. Not only did she lose her daughter, her child, she lost Trip. All she had left was duty, which she threw herself into with all her energy.
Now he was a starship away and she was still unable to see him. She was unable to banish the anxiety she felt. The doors to the Bridge opened. The MACO on Bridge shot to attention, as Captain Archer strode onto the Bridge. Without a word, T'Pol stood up giving up the command chair to Archer. She moved over to her science station and sat down.
"Has Malcolm reported in yet?" asked Archer.
"Yes, sir," said Lieutenant Sato. "He reported in to say all is fine and Phlox is now in with Trip treating him. Also, he says that Commander Shran sends his best."
Archer smiled. His relationship with Commander Thy'lek Shran was unique. They started as adversaries and now stood as friends. The Andorian had a grudging respect for Archer and Archer returned the feeling.
"Hoshi, when Malcolm reports in again give him a message for Shran. Tell him I'm willing to trade some good Kentucky bourbon for Andorian ale," said Archer.
"Aye, aye, sir," Lieutenant Sato replied.
Archer turned his command chair slightly in the direction of the science station. T'Pol looked over at him.
"Yes, Captain," she said.
"T'Pol, may I see you in my Ready Room?" asked Archer.
"Of course, Captain," said T'Pol.
She got up and followed him into the small Ready Room just off the Bridge. Archer quickly settled himself behind the desk.
"I read the communique from Admiral Jefferies, who has been placed in charge of fleet readiness and maintenance," started Archer.
"His engineering expertise should come in handy for the position," said T'Pol.
"When we arrive at Earth he wants us to put the Enterprise in for upgrades. It seems with the help of the Andorians we now have access to defensive shielding, which they want to install in the Enterprise right away," said Archer. "Commander Kelby is being rotated out for the prelaunch of the Indefatigable. Is Hess ready for promotion to Lieutenant Commander and Chief Engineer?"
"Commander Tucker always thought more highly of her skills then Commander Kelby's," T'Pol answered.
Archer smiled. Trip knew his people well and two of his favorites with Hess and the recently promoted Chief Petty Officer Rostov.
"How do you find her work, T'Pol?" he asked.
"Her work is of the highest quality. She would be an excellent replacement for Commander Kelby," said T'Pol.
"I'm never going to get another genius like Trip, so I might as well go with someone he recommended. I'll put Lieutenant Anna Hess in for the promotion then," he said.
"What will be happening with the crew of the Columbia?" asked T'Pol.
"I talked to Admiral Gardner about that. After some R&R, most of the crew will be assigned to the newer ships. Erika is going to have to wait a spell for a new ship, but he said they had plans for Trip. Believe me I asked if he was available as a Chief Engineer, but I was told that he is spoken for," explained Archer.
T'Pol stood with her hands behind her back keeping a calm and cool demeanor, while internally her mind wrestled with her need to see Trip.
"Besides an upgrade, we are due for a personnel rotation?" she asked.
"I'm fighting that," Archer said. "I have the best crew in Starfleet and I don't want to lose a single person, except Kelby."
"It is inevitable at some point, Captain. With new ships being launched experienced personnel becomes an important commodity," she pointed out.
"And this looks like it's going to be a long war," he sighed.
"Indeed," she replied.
"There is talk of integration of coalition members onto Starfleet vessels," Archer said. "That has my fullest support. The only way we are going to defeat the Romulans is if the coalition is united."
"Coalition integration furthers the prospect of personnel rotation," said T'Pol.
"I know," Archer said sounding slightly defeated. "I'm slated to have a meeting with Fleet Admiral Yamamoto and Head of Fleet Operations Admiral Morse once we arrive at Earth. Let's hope that the Enterprise position as the flagship of the fleet carries some weight."
T'Pol didn't respond. There was part of her that wanted to be assigned to the same ship as Trip, but she knew Captain Archer would fight to keep her.
"Maybe I'll be able to find out what they have in store for Trip," said Archer.
"It appears he was an excellent first officer," said T'Pol.
"Erika said he was the best XO, but I'm partial to my own first officer," smiled Archer.
STSTST
Phlox stood by the Andorian biobed as Trip came out of the sedative. He blinked twice then recognized Phlox and smiled. Phlox slowly helped him to sit up in bed.
"Glad to have you back, Mister Tucker," said Phlox.
"Doc, how you doing?" Trip said.
"Better than you, though you'll be fine now."
"So tell me, Doc, when can I get out of bed and on my feet?" Trip asked.
"I'd say another day. You had some minor internal damage I was able to repair. You'll be fine now," said Phlox.
"How's Captain Hernandez?" asked Trip.
"She is recovering, though it will be a much slower recovery time for her than you," Phlox said. "She'll be walking with a cane for a while."
"We lost our ship, Doc," Trip said with his voice filled with sadness.
"I'm sorry, Commander," said Phlox.
"All those lives lost," sighed Trip. "Damned Romulans. I don't want to hate them but I'm having a hard time with that. The bastards don't take prisoners."
Trip looked down at his hands for a moment. He balled his two hands up into fists and squeezed hard until his knuckles turned white. Suddenly, he felt flushed with anxiety. From his limited experience, he knew this strange feeling was coming from the bond not from him. His bond with T'Pol still existed.
Over the past year, he had learned to block T'Pol and the bond with the help of the Vulcan Dr. Yuris through correspondence. He learned how to put mental walls up to block the bond stopping those visits he used to make to her white room. Now being so close to her and just reviving from a strong sedative, his walls were down and he could feel T'Pol.
Trip closed his eyes and started to concentrate. He used the techniques Yuris had taught him to raise those mental walls, to protect himself.
"Mister Tucker, are you alright?" asked Phlox.
"Fine, Doc," replied Trip. "I just got a bit of a headache."
"I can give you an analgesic for that," said Phlox.
"Nay, it'll go away," said Trip.
"May I invite Lieutenant Commander Reed in to visit with you?" asked Phlox.
"Of course, you can," Trip smiled.
Phlox left Trip for a few moments in order to retrieve Malcolm. As he sat there waiting, Trip continued to exercise the techniques that Yuris had taught him. With his mental walls well raised, he exhaled. The prospect of sharing even a few moments of their bond with T'Pol was a temptation he couldn't risk. He'd been hurt too many times by her and refused to put his heart out there again. Yet, he missed her.
With a big smile on his face, Malcolm came striding into the infirmary, walked right up to Trip's biobed, and offered him his hand. Trip shook it.
"I've missed you, mate," said Malcolm.
"Good to see you, Mal," said Trip.
He looked at the rank insignia on Malcolm's collar and patted him on the upper arm.
"About time you made Lieutenant Commander," said Trip.
"How you been, mate?" asked Malcolm.
"War has been tough, but I know it's been tough for you, too," said Trip. "I've kept track of the Enterprise."
"T'Pol," Malcolm said letting him know he knew the reason Trip kept track.
"Yeah," he grimaced.
"Well, I've kept track of you, too. The Columbia was on the frontline for far too long, while we have been running a few too many diplomatic missions trying to get this coalition in shape," said Malcolm.
"The Captain has done a great job strengthening the coalition. Earth would fall without it, Mal. Damned Romulans have us beat in terms of fire power and shielding."
Malcolm nodded his head. He read the reports of a single Warbird taking out several frigates before any damage could be done to it. The Enterprise came up against a Warbird and barely survived. Thankfully, the Enterprise was with an Andorian ship the Hisirth and two frigates.
"I've never had the chance to ask Shran who of my crew was onboard," said Trip.
"I've been collecting a roll call of names," said Malcolm then he smirked. "I did meet a comely Lieutenant named Holland who seemed worried about you."
Trip smiled. He was glad to know that Eleanor Holland had made it.
"She thinks I'm a good command officer. Little does she know that I'd love to be back just playing with engines," said Trip.
"First officer, mate, you can't go back now," said Malcolm. "Starfleet needs experienced command officers."
Trip took a deep breath and let out a long exhale.
"I know. I'm an XO now," said Trip. "And I'm one without a ship."
"They'll find you one, mate," said Malcolm.
STSTST
A few days passed and Shran waited to invite Trip to his private mess for dinner until he was considered well. He wanted to have Archer over also, but to make a ship-to-ship transporter exchange, but they had to drop out of warp for transporter use. Starfleet wanted them to report the sooner the better so no dropping out of warp.
Trip arrived wearing a black Andorian Imperial Guard uniform. His uniform had been ruined and he was unable to get a new one from the Enterprise quartermaster.
"You look good in the uniform, Pinkskin," said Shran.
"Thanks for the loan of a uniform. Mine is a little too bloody to wear," Trip said as he sat down.
"I have a feast for you tonight. Andorian spice bread, vithi bulb, alardi partinna, Andorian tuber root, and Andorian krill-beast steak," said Shran.
"Hmm," said Trip.
"And, of course, it will all be washed down with Andorian ale," said Shran.
Trip placed some of the vithi bulb on his plate because it looked like green mashed potatoes, a krill-beast steak, some Andorian tuber root, and some of the spice bread, while Shran poured them generous amounts of ale into their glasses.
Trip lifted the ale glass for a toast, "Thanks for saving my carcass and my crew."
"A pleasure, Pinkskin," said Shran.
They both took gulps of the ale. Trip felt the blue liquid burn all the way down into his stomach. It warmed his body and began the numbing process of his brain.
"I didn't expect any Andorian ships in the area," said Trip.
"I was given temporary command of the Lor'Vela in order to get two of our scientists Lal and Shiras, as well as myself to Earth," he said.
"Where's your darling wife?" asked Trip.
Shran smiled, "Jhamel will follow me once I am settled."
"Settled?" Trip asked.
"Yes, Mister Tucker, settled. I am part of the new exchange program. I am being leant to Starfleet," Shran said.
Trip wanted to laugh at the thought of Shran in Starfleet.
"I've been demoted from general to commander," he snorted with some bitterness, "and given to Starfleet as a sacrifice. The lesson is don't lose a ship in battle."
"Well, you'll be appreciated at Starfleet," said Trip.
Shran took another drink of his ale.
"Do you have any idea what Starfleet has in store for you?" asked Trip.
"No idea," said Shran.
Trip sampled the mashed potato-like substance. It wasn't too bad, sort of a cross between sweet potato and parsnips. The krill-beast steak, though, was rare and tasty. Everything was better than he expected.
"You like our food," said Shran.
"Better than I thought it would be," said Trip.
"I knew you were a warrior underneath your veneer of being an engineer. You had the look of a warrior when you stood between us and the Vulcans preventing a war," said Shran.
"I'm not much of a warrior," said Trip.
Shran smiled, "Eat and drink, Pinkskin, and we will exchange stories about battles and women we have loved."
STSTST
Enterprise and Lor'Vela orbited Earth. Now was T'Pol's chance to see and speak to Trip, But Hoshi told her that Ambassador Soval was contacting her with an emergency communication. Reluctantly, she took it in her quarters.
Sitting at her desk in her quarters, she turned on the viewscreen and soon an image of Soval appeared. His hair seemed whiter from added grey and his demeanor graver.
"Na'shaya, Soval, it is an honor to hear from you," said T'Pol.
"T'Pol, it is satisfying to see you," said Soval.
"Lieutenant Sato told me this was an emergency communication," said T'Pol, trying to push Soval quickly to the point of his call.
"Prime Councilor T'Pau requests that you as a Vulcan citizen come to the Vulcan Embassy for an important discussion," said Soval.
"A discussion hardly sounds like an emergency, Soval," remarked T'Pol.
"It depends on what is being discussed," replied Soval.
"When is this discussion scheduled for?" she asked.
"The sooner the better, T'Pol," Soval answered.
"I must inform Captain Archer and make arrangements," said T'Pol.
"That is understandable. We will expect you within the hour," said Soval.
The screen went blank and T'Pol had to employ breathing exercises to maintain her calm. Trip would have to wait. If T'Pau made this request, it must be important to Vulcan. I will somehow find time to see and speak with Trip again. I must.
STSTSST
Jonathan Archer stood in the docking bay watching crewmembers from the Columbia loaded on the shuttlepods. As he watched, Erika was wheeled into the docking bay by Dr. Phlox. A spot on one of the shuttlepods was waiting just for her.
"Jon," she said.
He looked down at her. She looked tired, hurt, fragile. There was a purple bruise on her left cheek that was healing and her left leg was in a stabilizing cast. Jonathan wanted to spend more time with her, but there was no telling what the brass had in mind for him.
"Erika," he said softly.
"I wanted to beam down, but Dr. Phlox preferred that I take a shuttlepod down. He is a worry wart," said Erika.
"How is she, Phlox?" Archer asked the doctor.
"Healing, Captain," said Phlox.
"That's me, Jon, I'm healing," she said.
Jonathan smiled at her.
"I'm a captain without a ship, Jon," Erika said sadly.
"I know," he smiled sympathetically at her. "I'll be seeing you in a few days. The Enterprise is going to be laid up for a week getting an upgrade, so I thought I'd be giving you a visit."
"I'll appreciate the visit," she said then she looked over her shoulder at Phlox. "My chariot awaits, Doc."
"Of course, it is my pleasure," Phlox said then pushed her towards shuttlepod two.
Archer watched her go. He had been lucky so far in all his battles. There were a couple times he came close to losing his ship but had managed to avoid that loss so far. I wouldn't know what I'd do if I lost my ship.
Archer turned on his heel and walked out of the docking bay. He needed to get ready for meetings with the brass. Maybe I'll finally see Trip when I'm down at Starfleet Headquarters.