More to Tell, Ch. 7
Sequel to: Confessions
By: Angel
Summary: A Vulcan diplomat onboard Enterprise. What could possibly go wrong?
Archive: Let me know where.
Rating: I guess PG, for now.
Disclaimers: Star Trek and its many incarnations are the property of others and therefore I do not financially benefit from this in any way.
Notes: Wow! This story has really taken on a life of its own. Originally, I envisioned it as having 4, maybe 5 chapters, but here we are on seven and still going strong! I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see how it ends!
777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777
Trip entered Sickbay early the following morning, as promised, and headed straight for the curtain-wrapped enclosure he knew held T'Pol's sleeping form. As he approached however, he heard voices from within. He paused, not wanting to interrupt if the doctor was examining her, but as he listened it became clear that that was not the case.
"Daughter," Lady T'Shar's voice started. "It was truly illogical of you to become injured simply in the hopes of delaying our conversation."
T'Pol's more familiar tones drifted out to the Commander's ears. "Really, Mother? I should think any means necessary to put off this particular talk would be welcome."
"Why did you not allow us to contact you, T'Pol? Your father and I have been most distressed by your absence."
"Don't you mean by my choice of career?" There was a subtle anger rising in her voice.
Lady T'Shar sighed. "Please do not presume to tell me what I mean. You are perfectly well aware of the fact that we strongly support the humans and their mission of exploration. We were not opposed to you becoming a member of Starfleet."
The pause T'Pol gave offered Trip a moment to reflect. 'They weren't opposed? So, why did she separate from them?'
"Mother, my decisions over the past few years have been...questionable, by Vulcan traditional standards. I did not wish to burden the family with the consequences of those choices." Her voice dropped even lower and Trip had to strain to hear the next comment. "Or, over any I may make in the future."
"Ah, yes, your broken betrothal. Well, you know, we did not really approve of that situation entirely. It was your father's mother who desired to see you betrothed as a child. We preferred to allow you to choose your own mate. Then, there was the issue of joining Starfleet. I believe I have already stated that we supported that venture. What issues of the future should we prepare for, daughter?"
Trip's hands began to sweat. 'Okay, so her family's not pissed about the past, but what about the human boyfriend?' he wondered.
"There is something," T'Pol faltered.
"You speak of your relationship with the human, Commander Tucker?" T'Pol must have nodded because Lady T'Shar continued. "Well, I can not say that it is entirely unexpected. You have always been unique, T'Pol. As a child, you sought ways to make the most illogical actions seem to have a basis in Surak." She paused for a moment. "Our family is proud to be Vulcan, daughter, and we are proud to carry on the belief in a logical society. However, your father and I raised you to be an independent woman. We wished our children to accept all of the parts of their being, even their emotions, within reason. It is only logical, therefore, that you would develop feelings for someone you have worked with for such a long period of time."
"Then, you are not disappointed?"
"Oh, child, how could you disappoint me by being who you are? Tell me, this Commander Tucker, how does he feel about you?"
"He loves me," she stated as Trip's breath caught in his throat.
"Good. And how do you feel about him?"
"I...love him very much." Tears of joy rolled down Trip's face.
"Then that is what is important, daughter. It will not be easy for either of you, but I am certain that you will do the logical thing and support each other. Now, no more talk of disappointment or disowning. You are my child and I'll not have someone else, even you, tell me I can't speak with you."
Doctor Phlox came around the corner at just that moment and saw Trip wiping the last tears from his face. "Commander? Is there something wrong?" His normally cheerful smile pulled down slightly as he approached the engineer.
"What? Oh no, doc. I'm fine." He walked to the partition and began to go around its edge. "Better than fine."
"I don't understand, Captain Archer," the small alien remarked. "You refuse to send down the mediator?" The Morian was short, with translucent skin, bright red eyes, and a shock of white hair. His voice was squeaky but firm.
Archer stood tall in front of his command chair and addressed the image on the viewscreen. "That's right, Mr. Roki. One of my shuttles was already fired upon, I don't intend to lose another; not to mention any more lives." He paused and let the situation sink in. "Now, if you and the representative from Keda would like to join us on Enterprise, we would be happy to host peace talks." The Captain resumed his seat while the little man considered the offer.
"Very well, Captain. We will arrive shortly." The signal faded and was replaced by starscape.
"Nicely done, sir," Reed commented from his post. "One down, one to go."
The Captain swiveled to grin at the tactical officer. "So it seems, Mr. Reed." He turned back toward Hoshi. "Ensign Sato, open a channel to Keda."
Lady T'Shar emerged onto the bridge a short time later after being summoned by the Captain. "Ah, Lady T'Shar. Welcome to the bridge. We are about to receive our guests, and then you can finally begin your work." His expression was gratious and she inclined her head at him in reply. Together, they waited several long moments. Archer resumed his seat, and let his mind wander.
The entire bridge crew looked expectantly at the screen as two small ships came into view. They approached Enterprise side by side after leaving orbit. When they got within twenty thousand kilometers, Archer suddenly turned to Reed. His face a mask of rage, he barked commands. "Lieutenant! What are you waiting for? Lock weapons on those ships! Fire at will." His hands gripped his armrests with white knuckles, but his eyes blazed at Reed.
Utter confusion reigned supreme throughout the bridge. Reed looked back at the Captain with undisguised doubt. "But, sir," he managed.
"But, what? This is the enemy. This is the chance we've been waiting for! If we don't attack those ships, the Xindi will be able to launch the weapon! Now stop questioning my orders and fire!" He was standing now, barely inches from the tactical station. Reed could see the veins in his commander's neck pulsating as the older man's face flushed red with fury.
For possibly the first time in any Reed's life, he disobeyed. Malcolm placed his hands behind his back and stepped away from his console. He stood at parade rest half a meter from the Captain and looked him in the eye. "No, sir. I'm afraid I can not follow that command."
Archer stormed around the panel, shoving Malcolm out of the way. "Fine! I'll do it myself." His fingers danced over the buttons, entering the proper codes to enable weapons and setting the firing sequences. "I can't believe this. Weapons weren't even on line! What the hell is wrong with you people?"
Finally, the rest of the crew snapped back to reality. Sato tried to engage the Captain. "Sir, we were expecting these ships. Remember? They are coming here for peace talks." She hoped that by not mentioning races, she could play along with his charade enough to make him trust her.
"Peace? The Xindi don't want peace. All they know is destruction and hate! I'll kill them with my bare hands if they board my ship!" He abandoned the weapons console to run for the turbolift, presumably to head to the airlocks. Before he could get there however, Lady T'Shar stepped forward from the shadows and stopped him with a well-placed pinch to base of his neck. The Captain crumbled to the floor in an artificially induced sleep even as Reed reached over and disabled the weapons.
The two vessels continued their short voyage unaware of their near destruction. They docked a few minutes later.
When the Captain awoke in Sickbay a short while later, he was surprised to say the least. He clutched his head as he sat up on the biobed. "Oh...What the hell happened?"
The doctor rushed over to attend to his patient's needs. "Ah, Captain. Feeling better?"
"Than what, doctor? I can't imagine feeling much worse." He still sat on the biobed, his head hung down as he massaged his temples with his hands. Then, he dug the heels of his hands into his eyes, hard. He rubbed them fiercely to try and clear his vision. "What the hell happened? The last thing I remember is welcoming Lady T'Shar to the bridge, then waking up here. Was there an explosion or something?"
"Not exactly, Captain," Phlox shook his head, his usual broad grin replaced by a look of concern. His lips pursed tightly together as checked the readouts on his bio-scanner. "How have you been sleeping, sir?"
"Not great," Archer answered with exasperation. "Look, what's this about, Phlox? You know I've had nightmares for awhile now. What's that got to do with..."
Phlox held up a hand to stop the Captain's questions and nodded at him. "Yes, I am aware of the nightmares. What I was unaware of though was that they were affecting you during the day. Apparently, you had a waking nightmare while on the bridge. Even though you remained conscious, your sub-conscious took over." The doctor shook his head at him as he continued. "You attempted to destroy two innocent vessels, thinking them to be Xindi." His tone was hushed, but the words were powerful.
"What! Was anyone hurt? How could this have happened?" He tried to jump off the bed, but was detained by the physician, who shook his head again.
"No, no one was hurt, this time. Captain, I'm afraid I must insist that you seek help regarding these dreams. You may not be so fortunate next time. If Lady T'Shar hadn't rendered you unconscious, who knows what damage you might have done."
Again, Archer held his head, but this time he nodded in reply. "Okay, doc. Tell me what to do."
"I'm afraid, Captain, that I really don't know. I'm not a psychiatrist. Perhaps speaking to a friend would help, but regardless, I refuse to certify you fit for command until you have at least three consecutive nights of eight straight hours of sleep and pass a mental evaluation."
Archer's head jerked up at the list of requirements, but he said nothing. He knew the doctor wouldn't budge this time. "All right, doc. Can I go now? I need to let T'Pol, wait she's not cleared for duty yet, is she?" Phlox shook his head. "Okay, then, I need to let Trip know that he's in charge for a few days."
The grin returned to the doctor's features as he nodded and waved a hand at the Captain. "Yes, yes. Get out of here. Go, find someone to talk to." The man paused a moment, then seemed to remember something. "In fact, I believe that Lady T'Shar has extensive training in the field of psychotherapy. Maybe she could be of assistance?"
End Chapter 7
By: Angel
Summary: A Vulcan diplomat onboard Enterprise. What could possibly go wrong?
Archive: Let me know where.
Rating: I guess PG, for now.
Disclaimers: Star Trek and its many incarnations are the property of others and therefore I do not financially benefit from this in any way.
Notes: Wow! This story has really taken on a life of its own. Originally, I envisioned it as having 4, maybe 5 chapters, but here we are on seven and still going strong! I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see how it ends!
777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777
Trip entered Sickbay early the following morning, as promised, and headed straight for the curtain-wrapped enclosure he knew held T'Pol's sleeping form. As he approached however, he heard voices from within. He paused, not wanting to interrupt if the doctor was examining her, but as he listened it became clear that that was not the case.
"Daughter," Lady T'Shar's voice started. "It was truly illogical of you to become injured simply in the hopes of delaying our conversation."
T'Pol's more familiar tones drifted out to the Commander's ears. "Really, Mother? I should think any means necessary to put off this particular talk would be welcome."
"Why did you not allow us to contact you, T'Pol? Your father and I have been most distressed by your absence."
"Don't you mean by my choice of career?" There was a subtle anger rising in her voice.
Lady T'Shar sighed. "Please do not presume to tell me what I mean. You are perfectly well aware of the fact that we strongly support the humans and their mission of exploration. We were not opposed to you becoming a member of Starfleet."
The pause T'Pol gave offered Trip a moment to reflect. 'They weren't opposed? So, why did she separate from them?'
"Mother, my decisions over the past few years have been...questionable, by Vulcan traditional standards. I did not wish to burden the family with the consequences of those choices." Her voice dropped even lower and Trip had to strain to hear the next comment. "Or, over any I may make in the future."
"Ah, yes, your broken betrothal. Well, you know, we did not really approve of that situation entirely. It was your father's mother who desired to see you betrothed as a child. We preferred to allow you to choose your own mate. Then, there was the issue of joining Starfleet. I believe I have already stated that we supported that venture. What issues of the future should we prepare for, daughter?"
Trip's hands began to sweat. 'Okay, so her family's not pissed about the past, but what about the human boyfriend?' he wondered.
"There is something," T'Pol faltered.
"You speak of your relationship with the human, Commander Tucker?" T'Pol must have nodded because Lady T'Shar continued. "Well, I can not say that it is entirely unexpected. You have always been unique, T'Pol. As a child, you sought ways to make the most illogical actions seem to have a basis in Surak." She paused for a moment. "Our family is proud to be Vulcan, daughter, and we are proud to carry on the belief in a logical society. However, your father and I raised you to be an independent woman. We wished our children to accept all of the parts of their being, even their emotions, within reason. It is only logical, therefore, that you would develop feelings for someone you have worked with for such a long period of time."
"Then, you are not disappointed?"
"Oh, child, how could you disappoint me by being who you are? Tell me, this Commander Tucker, how does he feel about you?"
"He loves me," she stated as Trip's breath caught in his throat.
"Good. And how do you feel about him?"
"I...love him very much." Tears of joy rolled down Trip's face.
"Then that is what is important, daughter. It will not be easy for either of you, but I am certain that you will do the logical thing and support each other. Now, no more talk of disappointment or disowning. You are my child and I'll not have someone else, even you, tell me I can't speak with you."
Doctor Phlox came around the corner at just that moment and saw Trip wiping the last tears from his face. "Commander? Is there something wrong?" His normally cheerful smile pulled down slightly as he approached the engineer.
"What? Oh no, doc. I'm fine." He walked to the partition and began to go around its edge. "Better than fine."
"I don't understand, Captain Archer," the small alien remarked. "You refuse to send down the mediator?" The Morian was short, with translucent skin, bright red eyes, and a shock of white hair. His voice was squeaky but firm.
Archer stood tall in front of his command chair and addressed the image on the viewscreen. "That's right, Mr. Roki. One of my shuttles was already fired upon, I don't intend to lose another; not to mention any more lives." He paused and let the situation sink in. "Now, if you and the representative from Keda would like to join us on Enterprise, we would be happy to host peace talks." The Captain resumed his seat while the little man considered the offer.
"Very well, Captain. We will arrive shortly." The signal faded and was replaced by starscape.
"Nicely done, sir," Reed commented from his post. "One down, one to go."
The Captain swiveled to grin at the tactical officer. "So it seems, Mr. Reed." He turned back toward Hoshi. "Ensign Sato, open a channel to Keda."
Lady T'Shar emerged onto the bridge a short time later after being summoned by the Captain. "Ah, Lady T'Shar. Welcome to the bridge. We are about to receive our guests, and then you can finally begin your work." His expression was gratious and she inclined her head at him in reply. Together, they waited several long moments. Archer resumed his seat, and let his mind wander.
The entire bridge crew looked expectantly at the screen as two small ships came into view. They approached Enterprise side by side after leaving orbit. When they got within twenty thousand kilometers, Archer suddenly turned to Reed. His face a mask of rage, he barked commands. "Lieutenant! What are you waiting for? Lock weapons on those ships! Fire at will." His hands gripped his armrests with white knuckles, but his eyes blazed at Reed.
Utter confusion reigned supreme throughout the bridge. Reed looked back at the Captain with undisguised doubt. "But, sir," he managed.
"But, what? This is the enemy. This is the chance we've been waiting for! If we don't attack those ships, the Xindi will be able to launch the weapon! Now stop questioning my orders and fire!" He was standing now, barely inches from the tactical station. Reed could see the veins in his commander's neck pulsating as the older man's face flushed red with fury.
For possibly the first time in any Reed's life, he disobeyed. Malcolm placed his hands behind his back and stepped away from his console. He stood at parade rest half a meter from the Captain and looked him in the eye. "No, sir. I'm afraid I can not follow that command."
Archer stormed around the panel, shoving Malcolm out of the way. "Fine! I'll do it myself." His fingers danced over the buttons, entering the proper codes to enable weapons and setting the firing sequences. "I can't believe this. Weapons weren't even on line! What the hell is wrong with you people?"
Finally, the rest of the crew snapped back to reality. Sato tried to engage the Captain. "Sir, we were expecting these ships. Remember? They are coming here for peace talks." She hoped that by not mentioning races, she could play along with his charade enough to make him trust her.
"Peace? The Xindi don't want peace. All they know is destruction and hate! I'll kill them with my bare hands if they board my ship!" He abandoned the weapons console to run for the turbolift, presumably to head to the airlocks. Before he could get there however, Lady T'Shar stepped forward from the shadows and stopped him with a well-placed pinch to base of his neck. The Captain crumbled to the floor in an artificially induced sleep even as Reed reached over and disabled the weapons.
The two vessels continued their short voyage unaware of their near destruction. They docked a few minutes later.
When the Captain awoke in Sickbay a short while later, he was surprised to say the least. He clutched his head as he sat up on the biobed. "Oh...What the hell happened?"
The doctor rushed over to attend to his patient's needs. "Ah, Captain. Feeling better?"
"Than what, doctor? I can't imagine feeling much worse." He still sat on the biobed, his head hung down as he massaged his temples with his hands. Then, he dug the heels of his hands into his eyes, hard. He rubbed them fiercely to try and clear his vision. "What the hell happened? The last thing I remember is welcoming Lady T'Shar to the bridge, then waking up here. Was there an explosion or something?"
"Not exactly, Captain," Phlox shook his head, his usual broad grin replaced by a look of concern. His lips pursed tightly together as checked the readouts on his bio-scanner. "How have you been sleeping, sir?"
"Not great," Archer answered with exasperation. "Look, what's this about, Phlox? You know I've had nightmares for awhile now. What's that got to do with..."
Phlox held up a hand to stop the Captain's questions and nodded at him. "Yes, I am aware of the nightmares. What I was unaware of though was that they were affecting you during the day. Apparently, you had a waking nightmare while on the bridge. Even though you remained conscious, your sub-conscious took over." The doctor shook his head at him as he continued. "You attempted to destroy two innocent vessels, thinking them to be Xindi." His tone was hushed, but the words were powerful.
"What! Was anyone hurt? How could this have happened?" He tried to jump off the bed, but was detained by the physician, who shook his head again.
"No, no one was hurt, this time. Captain, I'm afraid I must insist that you seek help regarding these dreams. You may not be so fortunate next time. If Lady T'Shar hadn't rendered you unconscious, who knows what damage you might have done."
Again, Archer held his head, but this time he nodded in reply. "Okay, doc. Tell me what to do."
"I'm afraid, Captain, that I really don't know. I'm not a psychiatrist. Perhaps speaking to a friend would help, but regardless, I refuse to certify you fit for command until you have at least three consecutive nights of eight straight hours of sleep and pass a mental evaluation."
Archer's head jerked up at the list of requirements, but he said nothing. He knew the doctor wouldn't budge this time. "All right, doc. Can I go now? I need to let T'Pol, wait she's not cleared for duty yet, is she?" Phlox shook his head. "Okay, then, I need to let Trip know that he's in charge for a few days."
The grin returned to the doctor's features as he nodded and waved a hand at the Captain. "Yes, yes. Get out of here. Go, find someone to talk to." The man paused a moment, then seemed to remember something. "In fact, I believe that Lady T'Shar has extensive training in the field of psychotherapy. Maybe she could be of assistance?"
End Chapter 7
