THE XINDI TRAP
Chapter Three
T'Pol braced herself and took Tucker's full weight against her body as he passed out. His head lolled onto her shoulder and she could feel the heat radiating off of him. Her heart rate increased with her level of concern and she fought to keep her breathing controlled as she pulled her companion toward a row of dense foliage.
Gently, T'Pol lowered Tucker to the ground then hurried to cover their tracks. When she felt sure the Xindi couldn't track them, she moved back to the commander and sat beside him, both of them hidden by the shrubbery.
Tucker was beginning to stir. "Lizzie," he murmured as his head rolled from side to side. "Elizabeth!" Then he awakened with a jolt looking around in confusion. "Where is she? My sister, where is she?"
"Your sister is dead, Commander," said T'Pol gently.
"No she's not. I can save her. There's still time."
T'Pol placed her hand on the engineer's forehead and cringed inwardly at the warmth of his damp skin. "Your sister is gone, Charles."
Tucker squeezed his eyes shut then he coughed violently, one hand grabbing at his chest.
"You must rest," urged T'Pol. She slid her hand down to hold the side of her companion's face for a moment then she pulled it back into her lap.
The commander nodded then he opened fever bright eyes to look at her. "Did you just call me Charles?" he asked incredulously.
"I did. If you feel it is inappropriate---."
"No, no," gasped Tucker. "I kinda like it actually." He managed a sideways smile at her. "Never really liked my name but it sounds nice when you say it. Real nice in fact." Then the smile faded. "I couldn't think of a better going away present."
T'Pol started slightly. She wondered briefly if Tucker knew of the gift she had given to Sim but his expression was one of only innocent gratitude just as Sim's had been.
Then she realized the meaning behind his words. "You are not going to die," she stated evenly.
Tucker coughed. "We both know what was in that canister, T'Pol. They were testing the bio-weapon."
"Dr. Phlox has had time to study the canister the captain and I retrieved. Perhaps he has found a treatment."
"Yeah, maybe," Tucker replied. He closed his eyes and his hand clutched at his chest again. "Damn, its hard to breath," he gasped.
T'Pol rested her hand on the engineer's forehead again. "You must relax, Charles. And be still."
"Its hard to relax when each breath I take---may be my last," Tucker replied tersely. He opened his eyes again and looked at T'Pol. "I'm sorry. Didn't mean to---snap at you."
"It is a very human reaction."
Tucker smiled weakly. "Thank you---for not leaving me behind. I know I told you to but the truth is, I don't want to die alone."
"As I said before, you are not dying."
Tucker reached up and took T'Pol's hand from his forehead. "You are stubborn," he said then he brought her hand down and held it against his chest. "Thank you," he whispered then his eyes slid shut.
T'Pol didn't pull her hand away. Illogically, she took comfort in his touch. Then his warm grip loosened and the hand that held T'Pol's so tightly fell away. She flattened her hand against his chest, willing him to continue breathing then looked at the sky, hoping the captain would arrive in time.
"I've got them," reported Jon. He shifted uneasily in the shuttlepod's pilot seat. Keeping one eye on the thick canopy of treetops in front of him, he checked his scans again. He swallowed hard. Trip's bio-sign was weak.
"Any sign of the Xindi?" asked Major Hayes.
Jon refocused. "Yes. I'm picking up at least a dozen bio-signs in the area." He turned his head just enough to catch a glimpse of the major. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, sir," replied Hayes from the rear of the 'pod.
Jon heard the six MACOs preparing their weapons behind him. He reached a hand down to his hip and felt the oddly comforting shape of his phase pistol against his palm.
They'd managed to take out the Xindi's launch bays ensuring the Insectoids could not send down more forces but they had still been faced with the weapons fire when Shuttlepod One had launched. On Enterprise, Reed and Mayweather had skillfully managed to keep the aliens in a defensive stance as Jon and the MACOs made their way safely to the planet's surface in the 'pod.
Now the away mission was faced with a ground assault and Jon could feel his adrenaline rushing through his system at the thought. His best friend and his first officer were out there and he was not about to lose them.
Jon set the 'pod down in a small clearing among a stand of old trees. Stealthily, the MACOs exited and immediately faded into the landscape. Jon powered down the engines then turned to Hayes.
"Stay close to me, Captain," said the major and Jon didn't question him. The man was much more versed in the ways of ground warfare and Jon knew it. The captain followed Hayes out then shut the shuttlepod hatch. Quietly and quickly, the two men moved into the trees.
They'd only gone a half-kilometer when Jon heard weapons fire. Hayes signaled to his men and everyone moved into action. The captain followed close behind the major but fought the urge to bolt ahead when he saw T'Pol standing behind a tree returning fire at an unseen foe. Jon couldn't see Trip at all and he felt his stomach drop.
Then the countryside erupted around him. Hayes pushed him behind the cover of a dead tree then followed his men into action. From the captain's viewpoint, he could now see Insectoids hidden in the underbrush, their attention turned on the new enemy. Jon could see T'Pol kneel and knew instantly Trip was down. Again, he fought the urge to bolt forward.
The fight was over in mere minutes, the MACOs easily taking out the Xindi resistance even though they were outnumbered two to one. When the last Insectoid fell, Jon broke cover and ran toward T'Pol.
"Captain, stop!" the Vulcan shouted.
Jon slowed his pace.
"Commander Tucker is ill! If you come any closer, you'll risk infection!"
The captain stopped then he shifted sideways until he could see Trip. Even from a distance, Jon could see the unsteady rise and fall of his friend's chest.
"He's still alive, Captain, but he requires Dr. Phlox immediately!"
With cold fear gripping his gut, Jon pulled out his communicator. "Archer to Enterprise."
"Go ahead," Reed replied.
"We have them, Malcolm, but Trip's sick. He's more than likely contagious. I need you to get the other shuttlepod down here immediately to take the others back to the ship. T'Pol and I will get Trip back in Shuttlepod One. Have Phlox waiting in decon."
"Understood."
Jon pocketed his communicator, his eyes still focused on Trip's motionless body. "Hang on, Trip. Please just hang on," he whispered.
"I'll have one of my people retrieve an EV suit from the 'pod, sir," said Hayes quietly from Jon's side.
"Thank you, Major."
Phlox stepped out of the decontamination chamber to see the captain and Lieutenant Reed waiting for him.
"How is he?" asked Archer with trepidation.
"I'm giving him courses of antibiotics, Captain. I should know something within the hour," reported Phlox.
"That's it?" snapped Archer. "You've had the contents of that canister for three days, Phlox. Don't you have something more to give Trip than courses of antibiotics?"
"I'm doing all that I can, Captain."
Archer turned and began pacing, a practice Phlox was used to observing when the captain was upset.
"Can we see him?" asked Reed.
"I'm afraid not, Lieutenant."
Archer stopped. "Then it is contagious."
"I haven't been able to determine that yet with any amount of certainty," Phlox sighed. "But if this disease was developed specifically to attack human physiology, Captain, then I can only assume that it is in fact highly contagious."
"How is T'Pol?" asked Archer.
"She sustained a phaser burn to her upper arm but otherwise, she's unharmed."
"So she's had no symptoms at all?" questioned Reed.
Phlox shook his head. "Which only supports my theory that the Xindi developed this disease with only humans in mind."
"And Trip was the guinea pig," muttered Reed bitterly.
"It appears so, Lieutenant," replied Phlox. "Now if you gentlemen will excuse me, I need to get back to my patient."
"Doc, wait," said Archer. He moved to Phlox's side. "If this---disease was created to kill humans then what are Trip's chances?"
Phlox frowned. "I'll know more within the hour, Captain," he replied gently.
For a brief moment, Archer looked like a man who knew suddenly that someone he loved could be lost to him. Phlox had seen that same look when he had been forced to tell the captain that his chief engineer had extensive neural damage and that he would more than likely not survive.
But as before, the Starfleet captain quickly replaced the shattered friend and Archer stood straight, pulled back his shoulders, and lifted his chin. "Keep me posted," he barked and walked away. Lieutenant Reed lingered a moment then followed his commanding officer down the corridor.
Phlox sighed and shook his head. He turned and stepped back into the outer room of the decon chamber then, after pulling on his protective clothing, slid the door open to the inner room. T'Pol was still standing at the side of the bio bed he'd set up, one hand resting on the engineer's arm the other on his forehead.
She looked up at Phlox. "There is no change, Doctor."
Phlox moved to Trip's other side and ran a quick scan then adjusted the engineer's oxygen mask. "I've only just begun the treatment, Sub- commander. Give it time," he replied as he ran his tri-corder down Trip's body. "Hmmm."
"What is it?"
"I'm picking up numerous microscopic spores on the commander's uniform." He turned and set his scanner down on a small table. "I'll need to remove his clothing then treat his skin with antibacterial gel." He looked across Trip's still form at T'Pol. He knew she would give the commander his privacy but he was surprised when she hesitated. "I'll take care of him, T'Pol," he said gently.
T'Pol looked at Phlox then back down at Trip. "I will need to apply the gel as well, Doctor, since I entered the room and was in close contact with him."
Phlox nodded and handed her a small container.
A few minutes later, Phlox pulled a sheet up over Trip then ran another scan. He frowned and tucked his chin.
"Are you finished, Doctor?"
"Ah eh, yes," Phlox replied distractedly.
T'Pol appeared quickly at the side of the bio bed dressed in a fresh pair of Starfleet issued pajamas. "How is he?"
"His breathing is still labored and his temperature still elevated," Phlox replied. "But his condition has not degenerated any further." He looked at T'Pol. "All we can do is wait, Sub-commander."
T'Pol nodded and rested a hand on Trip's forearm. To Phlox, the action seemed quite natural for her.
"Tell me, T'Pol, how have the neuro-pressure treatments been going?"
"They have been helpful in allowing Commander Tucker to sleep," replied T'Pol. "Although I don't believe his sleep is entirely restful."
"Oh?"
"Last night he fell asleep on the floor of my quarters. He---tossed and turned for only a few hours then he awoke and left."
"Has he talked about his sister at all?"
T'Pol shook her head. "No." Her expression softened as she looked down at Trip. "He is most adept at suppressing his emotions in that matter."
"Yes, I have discovered that as well. For all his emotional outbursts, the commander is actually very guarded about what he's feeling. I doubt even Captain Archer knows all that goes on in that active mind of his."
"Indeed."
Phlox glanced down at where T'Pol's hand rested gently on Trip's arm. "You and the commander have gotten quite close over these last several months," he observed.
T'Pol looked directly at him and arched one brow. "Doctor, I would appreciate it if you would cease in your attempt to analyze my relationship with Charles."
Phlox tucked his chin in surprise. "Charles?"
T'Pol's eyes widened momentarily but she quickly recovered her composure. "Is it not true of human friendships that each participant refer to the other by his or her given name?"
"Yes," began Phlox. "But you're not human, T'Pol. And from what I know of Vulcan culture, calling the commander Charles could be construed as something much more than friendship."
She cast him a look that told him quite clearly he was trying her carefully controlled patience then something in her broke and she looked back down at Trip.
"There is nothing wrong with what you're feeling," Phlox prodded gently.
"I did not expect this."
"I don't think anyone ever does, T'Pol," replied Phlox. "Have you discussed these feelings with Commander Tucker?"
"No."
"Don't you think you should?"
"I am quite comfortable with our evenings together, Doctor. It would be a significant loss in my life if those moments with Charles were to end."
"But you could have so much more, T'Pol."
"I am not willing to risk what I have now for something that may never be."
"Did you ever consider that maybe the commander feels the same about you?"
T'Pol nodded. "I believe he does but I still find the probability of loss far too great."
A quiet sigh from the bio bed drew Phlox's attention and he quickly switched on his tri-corder.
"Doctor?" prompted T'Pol.
Phlox smiled. "His fever has broken," he announced then looked down at his patient with affection. "I do believe our good commander here has managed to dodge another bullet."
"Bullet?"
Phlox chortled. "Something I've heard Ensign Cutler say on occasion. Now if you'll excuse me, I should inform the captain of Commander Tucker's condition."
"Of course."
The doctor turned to go then stopped. "T'Pol, if you'd like to continue our conversation, I will be glad to make myself available."
"Thank you, Doctor, however I don't believe there is anything more to discuss."
Phlox pursed his lips. "Very well then but you know where I am if you change your mind."
Continued.
Chapter Three
T'Pol braced herself and took Tucker's full weight against her body as he passed out. His head lolled onto her shoulder and she could feel the heat radiating off of him. Her heart rate increased with her level of concern and she fought to keep her breathing controlled as she pulled her companion toward a row of dense foliage.
Gently, T'Pol lowered Tucker to the ground then hurried to cover their tracks. When she felt sure the Xindi couldn't track them, she moved back to the commander and sat beside him, both of them hidden by the shrubbery.
Tucker was beginning to stir. "Lizzie," he murmured as his head rolled from side to side. "Elizabeth!" Then he awakened with a jolt looking around in confusion. "Where is she? My sister, where is she?"
"Your sister is dead, Commander," said T'Pol gently.
"No she's not. I can save her. There's still time."
T'Pol placed her hand on the engineer's forehead and cringed inwardly at the warmth of his damp skin. "Your sister is gone, Charles."
Tucker squeezed his eyes shut then he coughed violently, one hand grabbing at his chest.
"You must rest," urged T'Pol. She slid her hand down to hold the side of her companion's face for a moment then she pulled it back into her lap.
The commander nodded then he opened fever bright eyes to look at her. "Did you just call me Charles?" he asked incredulously.
"I did. If you feel it is inappropriate---."
"No, no," gasped Tucker. "I kinda like it actually." He managed a sideways smile at her. "Never really liked my name but it sounds nice when you say it. Real nice in fact." Then the smile faded. "I couldn't think of a better going away present."
T'Pol started slightly. She wondered briefly if Tucker knew of the gift she had given to Sim but his expression was one of only innocent gratitude just as Sim's had been.
Then she realized the meaning behind his words. "You are not going to die," she stated evenly.
Tucker coughed. "We both know what was in that canister, T'Pol. They were testing the bio-weapon."
"Dr. Phlox has had time to study the canister the captain and I retrieved. Perhaps he has found a treatment."
"Yeah, maybe," Tucker replied. He closed his eyes and his hand clutched at his chest again. "Damn, its hard to breath," he gasped.
T'Pol rested her hand on the engineer's forehead again. "You must relax, Charles. And be still."
"Its hard to relax when each breath I take---may be my last," Tucker replied tersely. He opened his eyes again and looked at T'Pol. "I'm sorry. Didn't mean to---snap at you."
"It is a very human reaction."
Tucker smiled weakly. "Thank you---for not leaving me behind. I know I told you to but the truth is, I don't want to die alone."
"As I said before, you are not dying."
Tucker reached up and took T'Pol's hand from his forehead. "You are stubborn," he said then he brought her hand down and held it against his chest. "Thank you," he whispered then his eyes slid shut.
T'Pol didn't pull her hand away. Illogically, she took comfort in his touch. Then his warm grip loosened and the hand that held T'Pol's so tightly fell away. She flattened her hand against his chest, willing him to continue breathing then looked at the sky, hoping the captain would arrive in time.
"I've got them," reported Jon. He shifted uneasily in the shuttlepod's pilot seat. Keeping one eye on the thick canopy of treetops in front of him, he checked his scans again. He swallowed hard. Trip's bio-sign was weak.
"Any sign of the Xindi?" asked Major Hayes.
Jon refocused. "Yes. I'm picking up at least a dozen bio-signs in the area." He turned his head just enough to catch a glimpse of the major. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, sir," replied Hayes from the rear of the 'pod.
Jon heard the six MACOs preparing their weapons behind him. He reached a hand down to his hip and felt the oddly comforting shape of his phase pistol against his palm.
They'd managed to take out the Xindi's launch bays ensuring the Insectoids could not send down more forces but they had still been faced with the weapons fire when Shuttlepod One had launched. On Enterprise, Reed and Mayweather had skillfully managed to keep the aliens in a defensive stance as Jon and the MACOs made their way safely to the planet's surface in the 'pod.
Now the away mission was faced with a ground assault and Jon could feel his adrenaline rushing through his system at the thought. His best friend and his first officer were out there and he was not about to lose them.
Jon set the 'pod down in a small clearing among a stand of old trees. Stealthily, the MACOs exited and immediately faded into the landscape. Jon powered down the engines then turned to Hayes.
"Stay close to me, Captain," said the major and Jon didn't question him. The man was much more versed in the ways of ground warfare and Jon knew it. The captain followed Hayes out then shut the shuttlepod hatch. Quietly and quickly, the two men moved into the trees.
They'd only gone a half-kilometer when Jon heard weapons fire. Hayes signaled to his men and everyone moved into action. The captain followed close behind the major but fought the urge to bolt ahead when he saw T'Pol standing behind a tree returning fire at an unseen foe. Jon couldn't see Trip at all and he felt his stomach drop.
Then the countryside erupted around him. Hayes pushed him behind the cover of a dead tree then followed his men into action. From the captain's viewpoint, he could now see Insectoids hidden in the underbrush, their attention turned on the new enemy. Jon could see T'Pol kneel and knew instantly Trip was down. Again, he fought the urge to bolt forward.
The fight was over in mere minutes, the MACOs easily taking out the Xindi resistance even though they were outnumbered two to one. When the last Insectoid fell, Jon broke cover and ran toward T'Pol.
"Captain, stop!" the Vulcan shouted.
Jon slowed his pace.
"Commander Tucker is ill! If you come any closer, you'll risk infection!"
The captain stopped then he shifted sideways until he could see Trip. Even from a distance, Jon could see the unsteady rise and fall of his friend's chest.
"He's still alive, Captain, but he requires Dr. Phlox immediately!"
With cold fear gripping his gut, Jon pulled out his communicator. "Archer to Enterprise."
"Go ahead," Reed replied.
"We have them, Malcolm, but Trip's sick. He's more than likely contagious. I need you to get the other shuttlepod down here immediately to take the others back to the ship. T'Pol and I will get Trip back in Shuttlepod One. Have Phlox waiting in decon."
"Understood."
Jon pocketed his communicator, his eyes still focused on Trip's motionless body. "Hang on, Trip. Please just hang on," he whispered.
"I'll have one of my people retrieve an EV suit from the 'pod, sir," said Hayes quietly from Jon's side.
"Thank you, Major."
Phlox stepped out of the decontamination chamber to see the captain and Lieutenant Reed waiting for him.
"How is he?" asked Archer with trepidation.
"I'm giving him courses of antibiotics, Captain. I should know something within the hour," reported Phlox.
"That's it?" snapped Archer. "You've had the contents of that canister for three days, Phlox. Don't you have something more to give Trip than courses of antibiotics?"
"I'm doing all that I can, Captain."
Archer turned and began pacing, a practice Phlox was used to observing when the captain was upset.
"Can we see him?" asked Reed.
"I'm afraid not, Lieutenant."
Archer stopped. "Then it is contagious."
"I haven't been able to determine that yet with any amount of certainty," Phlox sighed. "But if this disease was developed specifically to attack human physiology, Captain, then I can only assume that it is in fact highly contagious."
"How is T'Pol?" asked Archer.
"She sustained a phaser burn to her upper arm but otherwise, she's unharmed."
"So she's had no symptoms at all?" questioned Reed.
Phlox shook his head. "Which only supports my theory that the Xindi developed this disease with only humans in mind."
"And Trip was the guinea pig," muttered Reed bitterly.
"It appears so, Lieutenant," replied Phlox. "Now if you gentlemen will excuse me, I need to get back to my patient."
"Doc, wait," said Archer. He moved to Phlox's side. "If this---disease was created to kill humans then what are Trip's chances?"
Phlox frowned. "I'll know more within the hour, Captain," he replied gently.
For a brief moment, Archer looked like a man who knew suddenly that someone he loved could be lost to him. Phlox had seen that same look when he had been forced to tell the captain that his chief engineer had extensive neural damage and that he would more than likely not survive.
But as before, the Starfleet captain quickly replaced the shattered friend and Archer stood straight, pulled back his shoulders, and lifted his chin. "Keep me posted," he barked and walked away. Lieutenant Reed lingered a moment then followed his commanding officer down the corridor.
Phlox sighed and shook his head. He turned and stepped back into the outer room of the decon chamber then, after pulling on his protective clothing, slid the door open to the inner room. T'Pol was still standing at the side of the bio bed he'd set up, one hand resting on the engineer's arm the other on his forehead.
She looked up at Phlox. "There is no change, Doctor."
Phlox moved to Trip's other side and ran a quick scan then adjusted the engineer's oxygen mask. "I've only just begun the treatment, Sub- commander. Give it time," he replied as he ran his tri-corder down Trip's body. "Hmmm."
"What is it?"
"I'm picking up numerous microscopic spores on the commander's uniform." He turned and set his scanner down on a small table. "I'll need to remove his clothing then treat his skin with antibacterial gel." He looked across Trip's still form at T'Pol. He knew she would give the commander his privacy but he was surprised when she hesitated. "I'll take care of him, T'Pol," he said gently.
T'Pol looked at Phlox then back down at Trip. "I will need to apply the gel as well, Doctor, since I entered the room and was in close contact with him."
Phlox nodded and handed her a small container.
A few minutes later, Phlox pulled a sheet up over Trip then ran another scan. He frowned and tucked his chin.
"Are you finished, Doctor?"
"Ah eh, yes," Phlox replied distractedly.
T'Pol appeared quickly at the side of the bio bed dressed in a fresh pair of Starfleet issued pajamas. "How is he?"
"His breathing is still labored and his temperature still elevated," Phlox replied. "But his condition has not degenerated any further." He looked at T'Pol. "All we can do is wait, Sub-commander."
T'Pol nodded and rested a hand on Trip's forearm. To Phlox, the action seemed quite natural for her.
"Tell me, T'Pol, how have the neuro-pressure treatments been going?"
"They have been helpful in allowing Commander Tucker to sleep," replied T'Pol. "Although I don't believe his sleep is entirely restful."
"Oh?"
"Last night he fell asleep on the floor of my quarters. He---tossed and turned for only a few hours then he awoke and left."
"Has he talked about his sister at all?"
T'Pol shook her head. "No." Her expression softened as she looked down at Trip. "He is most adept at suppressing his emotions in that matter."
"Yes, I have discovered that as well. For all his emotional outbursts, the commander is actually very guarded about what he's feeling. I doubt even Captain Archer knows all that goes on in that active mind of his."
"Indeed."
Phlox glanced down at where T'Pol's hand rested gently on Trip's arm. "You and the commander have gotten quite close over these last several months," he observed.
T'Pol looked directly at him and arched one brow. "Doctor, I would appreciate it if you would cease in your attempt to analyze my relationship with Charles."
Phlox tucked his chin in surprise. "Charles?"
T'Pol's eyes widened momentarily but she quickly recovered her composure. "Is it not true of human friendships that each participant refer to the other by his or her given name?"
"Yes," began Phlox. "But you're not human, T'Pol. And from what I know of Vulcan culture, calling the commander Charles could be construed as something much more than friendship."
She cast him a look that told him quite clearly he was trying her carefully controlled patience then something in her broke and she looked back down at Trip.
"There is nothing wrong with what you're feeling," Phlox prodded gently.
"I did not expect this."
"I don't think anyone ever does, T'Pol," replied Phlox. "Have you discussed these feelings with Commander Tucker?"
"No."
"Don't you think you should?"
"I am quite comfortable with our evenings together, Doctor. It would be a significant loss in my life if those moments with Charles were to end."
"But you could have so much more, T'Pol."
"I am not willing to risk what I have now for something that may never be."
"Did you ever consider that maybe the commander feels the same about you?"
T'Pol nodded. "I believe he does but I still find the probability of loss far too great."
A quiet sigh from the bio bed drew Phlox's attention and he quickly switched on his tri-corder.
"Doctor?" prompted T'Pol.
Phlox smiled. "His fever has broken," he announced then looked down at his patient with affection. "I do believe our good commander here has managed to dodge another bullet."
"Bullet?"
Phlox chortled. "Something I've heard Ensign Cutler say on occasion. Now if you'll excuse me, I should inform the captain of Commander Tucker's condition."
"Of course."
The doctor turned to go then stopped. "T'Pol, if you'd like to continue our conversation, I will be glad to make myself available."
"Thank you, Doctor, however I don't believe there is anything more to discuss."
Phlox pursed his lips. "Very well then but you know where I am if you change your mind."
Continued.
