Chapter Six

Trip sat in the Ready Room with Captain Hernandez. He had finished telling her of Archer's death as well as the progress of their mission so far, including the destruction of the sphere. She sat then with a mask of professionalism on, but Trip knew she was in pain. He knew that Archer and Captain Hernandez had a relationship because of his friendship with Archer. She needed time to mourn; unfortunately, they had no time.

"As senior officer on this mission I'd like to review you Captain's Logs and personal logs," she stated.

Trip felt a burn on the back of his neck. Here she was new to the situation and she was looking to take over because Archer was dead and it saddened her. Since he replaced the man that she loved, Trip needed to be put in his place. It was an emotional reaction that he should have expected.

"No, Captain, you can't have my logs," he said then he stood up and stared down at her with an expression he'd come to learn as captain, his I'm in charge expression. "You are senior as a captain, but you are not senior on this mission. I am not going to be taking orders from you. If you have a problem with that then fly back through the thermobaric clouds and contact Starfleet. I'm finishing my mission."

"Acting Captain Tucker," she said emphasizing the acting, "I'd recommend a different tactic on your part. You could destroy your career."

Trip took a deep breath and exhaled. He didn't have time for this, especially since he wanted to get back Enterprise to interrogate whoever was left alive on that Xindi ship. The only reason he didn't destroy it was because he wanted intel and restock on photon torpedoes. He'd left an order to Hayes to take the Xindi go over to the Xindi ship and take prisoners and the torpedoes.

"Before Jonathan died, as he lay on the deck in pain I couldn't even begin to understand because an anomaly had twisted up his body and internal organs, he said to me – you are in charge. Succeed," Trip paused so she understood the implications of what he was saying. "Fleet Admiral Fedorov I might listen to in order to countermand Captain Archer's last order to me, but I'm not too sure I'd even listen to him. I am in charge of the Enterprise and I am going to succeed in stopping the Xindi from attacking Earth ever again. Now I need to get back to my ship."

He exited leaving Captain Hernandez to think about Jonathan Archer's painful death. Trip's feet assaulted the death as he made his way to the umbilical. When he reached it, he found T'Pol there waiting for him. Suddenly, the dark clouds of his mood were lifted. He couldn't explain it to himself, but seeing her there gave him hope again.

"T'Pol," he smiled.

"Captain Tucker," she said softly.

"You joined Starfleet," he said.

"I remedied a mistake. I should never have deserted the Enterprise," she replied. I should have never left you.

They stood in silence for a moment. His blue eyes were mesmerized for by her light brown eyes. He had forgotten just how beautiful she was.

"We need to talk, but I have to get back to my ship and your captain will probably want to speak to you. I don't think she's too happy with me right now," he said

"I believe she just needs time to adjust to Captain Archer's death. It is a great surprise to all of us," said T'Pol.

Trip thought about the comment. Was she attracted to Jon? He did depend on her a great deal and she always was loyal to Jon. Maybe I am a fool to think she is attracted to me.

"I know you were close to Cap'n Archer, T'Pol. Trust me when I say that I wish I was the one who died and had lived," said Trip.

The thought of exchanging Trip's life for Archer's didn't appeal to her.

"I am glad you are alive, Ch… Captain Tucker," she said.

Again, they stood their staring at each other until Trip broke the trance. He exhaled slowly then spoke, "Tell Captain Hernandez that I sent men over to retrieve prisoners from the Xindi ship. If she wishes to be part of the interrogation, she should let me know. I really have to go, Commander."

He offered her a wan smile then he crossed from the Defiant to the Enterprise. T'Pol watched him go. She could see from his body language and eyes that he was in pain and tired. Maybe he has even become worn out close to his breaking point. T'Pol needed to keep an eye on this and help him if she could.

STSTST

The Reptilians wouldn't be taken alive, but Rajiin had greater survival instincts than that. She sat in the Enterprise holding cell waiting to be interrogated by the captain. Her hope was that she'd be able to manipulate him with her telepathic and sexual skills. So far, the guards stayed outside of the brig, so she couldn't work on them. Rajiin sat and hoped for someone to manipulate to come to her soon.

Trip viewed her from the security feed that he had piped to his Ready Room computer. Captain Hernandez, T'Pol, and Malcolm sat and waited for him to give them his attention. From reviewing the security feed from Hernandez's Ready Room and her medical exam, they knew that Rajiin was a powerful telepath and also a seductress. Now they just needed to ascertain why she had been sent by the Xindi.

"I am a touch telepath. I believe I should interrogate her," said T'Pol.

"No, I will," said Trip.

"Why?" asked Hernandez.

"Because we need to know why the Xindi sent her after us. They want something about us that she can supply," he said then turned off his computer. "I want the information and I want it sooner better than later."

"You are going to let her manipulate you," said Malcolm.

"No, but I'm not going to stop her," said Trip. "I want you watching on the feed, Mal. If it appears that she has me under her influence, you know what to do."

Trip stood up. Captain Hernandez exhaled loudly out of frustration. She stood up and confronted Trip.

"Captain Tucker, am I and my XO merely here as props because you don't seem to want our opinions," she said.

"Clear out for a moment," Trip said looking at T'Pol then Mal.

"Yes, sir," said Mal.

T'Pol up and looked at Trip. She lifted her right eyebrow, which drew a smile from him. Mal and T'Pol left the Ready Room. Trip turned on Hernandez.

"I get it you need to mourn Cap'n Archer," Trip said. "I didn't kill Jon. As I matter of fact, Erika, I mourned Jon. I still mourn him. He was like a brother to me. But Jon gave me an order and that was to succeed. Succeed at this mission. I intend on succeeding."

"I do not blame you for Jon's death," she said.

"But you resent me," said Trip. "You resent me for being the captain, for keeping the Enterprise going, for pushing a mission that only Jonathan Archer could succeed at, and for being alive. Oh, hell, Erika, I resent me for that. I'm not asking to stop resenting me, but I am asking to cut me some slack. My crew and I have done a good so far. We know what we are doing."

Captain Hernandez stepped back as if she was slapped across the face. Trip had made her confront the truth of how she was feeling. She did resent him, but it wasn't his fault that he was the captain of the Enterprise. It was the Xindi's fault.

"Let's finish Jonathan's final mission together then," Hernandez paused for a moment, "Trip."

Trip smiled, "Let's go what we can learn from this Rajiin."

When they arrived at the brig, Dr. Phlox was waiting outside of it with a medical scanner. He smiled and nodded at T'Pol.

"Hey, doc, I want you to scan me while I'm in there with her. If anything changes about me, let Malcolm know. He'll know what to do," said Trip.

Trip entered the brig and made his way over to Rajiin's holding cell. T'Pol, Malcolm, and Captain Hernandez watched Trip on the monitor, as Phlox started to scan him. They watched as Rajiin sensuously got up from her cot and walked over to the door where Trip stood. She accentuated her hip movement slightly and seemed suddenly to exude sex.

"My God, that woman is… hot," said Malcolm.

T'Pol felt unusually predatory. This Rajiin was sniffing around her male, her Charles, and it was causing for a flood of unexpected emotions. She attempted some calming breathing exercises to assist her in suppressing her emotions.

"Captain," Rajiin purred, "have you come to finally let me out of my cage?"

"I've come to find out what game you are playing," said Trip.

"Do you like playing games?" she asked him.

"It depends," Trip answered softly.

Hernandez looked at Phlox, "Any changes in him?"

"His left temporal lobe has heated up. I believe she is trying to manipulate him telepathically," said Phlox.

"Why the temporal lobe?" asked Hernandez.

"It processes sensory stimuli," answered T'Pol.

"I believe she is attempting to get Captain Tucker what you Humans call hot and bothered," said Phlox.

"Is it working?" asked Malcolm.

"From his breathing and blood pressure, I'd say she is making headway," said Phlox.

"Would you like to join me in my cage, Captain?" she said.

Trip closed his eyes and trued to steady himself. All he had to do is turn around and signal Malcolm and he would end this interview, but he also needed information from her.

"Why?" he said.

"Why what?" she asked.

"Why are you working for the Xindi? They want to kill us," he said. "Do you want kill us? Do you want to kill me?"

Rajiin stepped away from the door. It was as if she was surprised by what Trip said. Phlox scanned Rajiin. He smiled.

"She has scanning devices implanted in her hands," he said. "This is fascinating."

"Why would she have them there?" asked Hernandez.

"In order to gather biometric information on Humans through running her has over the body," said Phlox.

"The information could be used to make a biological weapon," added T'Pol.

While they spoke, she moved back to the door making eye contact with Trip. Trip moved close to the door.

"You want to release me," said Rajiin. "It pains you to keep me in this cage."

"It hurts," Trip mumbled then grimaced as if he was in pain.

"Damn it," Malcolm growled.

He pulled his phase pistol then walked over to the brig door and opened it. Striding into the brig, he walked up to the holding cell door aimed his, opened the door, aimed his phase pistol, and fired. Rajiin fell to the ground unconscious, as did Trip.

"Phlox get in here," ordered Malcolm, as he knelt down beside Trip.

T'Pol stepped into the brig and looked at Trip with concern. She couldn't mask her concern. Hernandez noticed the Vulcan's reaction. She had never seen her show emotions before.

"He'll be fine," said Phlox. "We just need to get him to Sick Bay."

STSTST

Trip woke up in Sick Bay on a biobed and with Phlox staring at him. The good doctor gave him a sincere grin.

"How are you feeling, Captain?" he asked.

"I have a headache," he said.

Phlox reached for a hypospray, adjusted it, and then administered a shot to Trip's neck. Trip grinned as his headache was immediately relieved.

"Understandable. Rajiin was telepathically connected to you when Lieutenant Commander Reed rendered her unconscious," said Phlox.

"Where is Rajiin?" he asked.

"I have her secured on a biobed with neural inhibitors on her forehead," smiled Phlox.

"You wouldn't know by any chance the ship's status?" asked Trip.

"We are headed back to the Skaragan Colony with the Defiant following us," said Phlox.

"Doc," Trip said sitting up and bringing his legs over the edge of the biobed, "I want you to remove the scanners implanted in her hands. If they stored information on Humans, please, destroy it."

"I shall, Captain," said Phlox.

"Is my uniform anywhere near here?" Trip asked noticing here was in his Starfleet issued blue underpants and tee shirt.

"I'll get you a fresh uniform, Captain, but I need you do go to quarters and get some more sleep," said Phlox.

"Phlox, I already have gotten more sleep then I've had in a month. I'm going back to work," said Trip.

"I would argue with you, but you are not only intractable, but you are incorrigible," said Phlox.

"But am I cute?" smiled Trip.

Phlox's chuckled, "I'll get you your uniform."

Trip strode onto the Bridge. Malcolm got off the command chair and announced, "Captain on the Bridge."

Trip sat down in his command chair.

"Okay, Mal, why are we headed to Skaragan Colony," said Trip.

"I thought it would be a good place to maroon Rajiin. The Xindi seem to ignore the place and it doesn't have any vessels capable of space travel," explained Malcolm.

"I want you to warn Sheriff MacRready," said Trip.

"Well, I've developed a relationship with the sheriff. I'll let him know and give him some hints how to deal with her," said Malcolm.

"Good," said Trip. "Hoshi, hail the Defiant. I'd like to speak to Captain Hernandez."

"Yes, sir," said Hoshi.

"Why do you need to speak to her?" asked Malcolm.

"To invite her and T'Pol to dinner tomorrow evening," smiled Trip.

STSTST

"I still don't you believe that you refit and upgraded this starship with foreign technology in less than three weeks," said Hernandez, as she sampled some Skaragan beer.

The taste of the beer was bitter, yet the aftertaste was peaty with a hint of sunflower.

"The engineer crew performed above and beyond," said Trip.

"That and Captain Tucker worked twenty hours a day, some times more, until everything was complete," added Malcolm.

"Have you had problems with the melding of technologies, Captain Tucker?" asked T'Pol.

Trip looked at her with a sad smile. He'd noticed that T'Pol appeared uncomfortable in his presence. Did she come to resent the kiss? Maybe I insulted her Vulcan ways one-time too many.

"Occasionally, some of our EPS conduits tend to blow. The plasma flow is heavier and the conduits' compensation is off. But usually this is way we are straining systems only," said Trip.

"Yeah, like when we take on more than three Xindi warships at a time," snorted Malcolm.

"Three or more Xindi warships," repeated Hernandez. "How in the hell are you able to do that?"

"I found a way to increase the effectiveness of the shields by twenty-five percent and the efficacy of the particle cannons," said Trip. "It gives us an advantage in a firefight."

Before the conversation could continue, the steward brought in dinner. In front of Captain Hernandez, Malcolm and Trip he placed a cheeseburger and French fries. For T'Pol, he served her a risotto.

"Sorry that it isn't a fancy meal, but we are getting down to basics in our galley," said Trip.

"I should have had you over for dinner," said Hernandez. "Our stores are full."

Trip glanced over to T'Pol and noticed that she had been staring at him. He grinned at her and T'Pol looked down at her food.

"I couldn't mind a nice yellow fin tuna or sea bass," said Malcolm.

"I'll send something special over for you, Malcolm," said Hernandez.

"Thank you, Captain," said Malcolm.

"Would you like something, Trip?" she asked.

"Maybe the Captain would like some pecan pie?" added T'Pol.

Trip's face broke into a sincere smile, "I haven't had pecan pie in months. You remembered I liked that."

"You introduced me to pecan pie," T'Pol.

"I remember," smiled Trip. "I'd really like to have a piece of pecan pie."

T'Pol took a sip of her water, as she suddenly felt warm thinking about the time Trip introduced her to pecan pie. Trip kept thinking that she was upset with him, though, since she looked away from him. He wanted to contrive a reason where he could spend some time alone with her in order to apologize, yet he couldn't think of one.

"So what is our plan of action, Trip?" asked Hernandez.

"It appears that we stopped a bioweapon, but we've still heard about a larger version of the weapon they used on us before," said Trip. "We are going after that weapon next."

"How?" she asked.

Trip looked at Malcolm. He wanted him to answer.

"An aggressive collection of intelligence followed by a raid on the lab where they are building it," said Malcolm.

"Have you attempted to open a dialogue?" asked T'Pol.

"Dialogue? Every time they see a Starfleet Starship, they attack. We have gone through hell since we've been here," said Malcolm. "It's tough to have dialogue with a race which won't talk and wants to kill you."

"In World War II Japan attacked the US. Even after the US and allies defeated Germany, the Japanese continued to fight. It took the United States dropping an atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki before the Japanese finally was open to peace talks. After we destroy their damned weapon then we'll talk to them," explained Trip in a cold voice that barely contained his anger.

T'Pol stared at him for a moment. What she saw was a man in pain, a man, Human male, who she longed to help.

"Where are we going after this colony?" asked Hernandez.

"A planet called Norellus. They have a deuterium station there and are willing to barter for information," said Trip.

"Norellus it is then," said Hernandez.

"When we retrieved Rajiin and then took their load of photon torpedoes, Major Hayes and his MACOs also stripped the ship of its defensive shield technology. We don't have time to refit you for photon torpedoes or particle cannons, but I figure four days with me and some of my engineering crew we can upgrade the Defiant from polarized hull to defensive shields," said Trip. "You won't last long in a firefight against the Xindi without them."

"I'll assign T'Pol to assist you, Captain, so we have someone who understands them," said Hernandez.

"Sounds good," said Trip, who then looked at T'Pol. "Do you mind working with me, Commander?"

"I have also found working with you extremely satisfactory, Captain," said T'Pol.

"I'm glad to hear that. We'll set up a schedule for installation. I want to get to Norellus as soon as possible," said Trip.

He was finally going to get his chance to spend some time alone with her. Trip's stomach suddenly knotted. Spending time alone with T'Pol made his stomach knot. He was enamored by her more than he even thought.