THE THORN AND THE ROSE

By DinahD

Disclaimer: I do not own the Enterprise characters. I do, however, claim ownership of the characters that are the products of my imagination. I have not benefited monetarily from writing this.

Author's note: I want to extend my sincere thanks to my beta, the one and only Distracted.

I would also like to thank everyone who has read the chapters I've posted. And a special thanks to those of you who have taken the time to review them.

CHAPTER 8: ARCHER

The captain had barely arrived back on Enterprise following his appearance at Paxton's trial when Hoshi alerted him that Admiral Gardner wanted to talk to him.

"Thank you, Ensign," Archer said wearily. "I'll take it in my ready room." He left the bridge, walked over and plopped down in his desk chair. He paused then reached over and activated his monitor. Gardner's image immediately appeared.

"Sorry to bother you, Jon," the admiral said sincerely. "I know you must be tired. This trial has been an ugly affair. I hope it won't drag on too much longer. How are your people?"

"As well as can be expected," Archer said. "It's been especially difficult for Commanders Tucker and T'Pol. I'm giving them both some time off to recuperate."

"They made the best of a bad situation." The admiral paused and looked intently at the captain. "Did you know about their relationship?"

"No," Archer shifted restlessly in his chair. "Not really. I knew they'd become close friends, but beyond that…"

"If they want to continue their relationship, Jon, we may have to talk about it. It might not be wise to keep them on the same ship. I know that Captain Hernandez would love to have Commander Tucker back on Columbia."

"I bet she would," Archer said under his breath. The idea of losing one of his two best friends did not appeal to Archer. Besides, there was no way that he could let Trip go in his present condition. He needed to change the subject. "Do we have any idea how many more Terra Prime operatives are still out there?"

"I doubt we'll ever know for sure; some of them are dug in pretty deep. We know now that we have all the leaders. The organization may continue to pose a small threat, but nothing that we can't handle."

"That's good to know."

"If it's any consolation," the admiral continued, "it appears as though Paxton seriously miscalculated. It's been hard for the vast majority of people to see that angelic little baby as the devil incarnate. If anything, people's eyes have been opened to the possibilities of improved interspecies relations." The admiral's mouth opened then snapped shut again. His face quickly took on a rosy hue. "Er, that's relations of a non-intimate nature, of course."

Archer had to struggle manfully to hide his smile.

Gardner quickly recovered his poise. "Ambassador Soval has informed me that public opinion seems to be shifting away from the xenophobic demonstrations we've seen since the Xindi attack. I think if the commanders were able to get out and talk to the average people, they'd find that they have a lot of sympathy and support."

The admiral shifted in his chair. "Oh, and Jon, I assume that Commander Tucker knows about his parents involvement with Terra Prime."

Archer gritted his teeth. He didn't think he'd ever forget the betrayal and rage on Trip's face when he'd made that discovery. "Yes, sir. I'm afraid that he didn't take it very well."

"I guess that's not really too surprising. Well, tell him that from the evidence we've been able to compile, his parents were Terra Prime members in name only. I intend to have words with Starfleet Intelligence. That report should never have been forwarded to you before it was confirmed. Their actions were completely irresponsible."

"Thank you, Admiral. I'll pass the word along. I'm sure that it will make things easier for Commander Tucker." When Gardner paused, Archer said, "Is there something else, sir?"

"Even though the xenophobic feelings are not as strong as they were a few months ago, there are still some fanatics out there. I'd feel better if Enterprise stayed away from Earth for awhile longer. Ambassador Gral and the Tellarite delegation are ready to return to their home world. I want you to give them a ride. They know you, and they're comfortable on Enterprise…at least as comfortable as it's possible for them to be."

Archer's groan was audible.

"I know Gral's antics could make the Pope swear, but it's a job that has to be done. The Tellarites have to ratify the coalition agreement as soon as possible. Gral can get that done for us. Unfortunately, the participation of the Tellarites is vital for the long-term stability of the coalition."

"Yes, sir." Archer knew that his response lacked enthusiasm.

"Do this, Jon, and we'll talk about sending Enterprise out to do a little exploring."

"When does the ambassador want to leave?"

"Send a shuttlepod down to Starfleet Command at 0900 tomorrow morning. Ambassador Gral is very eager to leave. He thinks the coalition is just what he needs to make him a very important man back home. He's likely to be a bit of a handful."

"He's always been a handful," Archer said resignedly, "but we'll manage. If that's all, sir, I need to get my people started on making preparations for the ambassador and his party."

"Tell your officers that Starfleet appreciates their professionalism during the trial. As far as the Tellarites are concerned, they're your problem. Good luck, Captain." The admiral flashed a smug grin before his image faded from the screen.

Why is it always the Tellarites? Archer thought as he slumped back into his chair. Oh well, moaning and groaning isn't going to make the problem go away. He reached for the comm button then paused. T'Pol was off duty as per Doctor Phlox's edict. He needed a combination baby sitter and social director. After giving the matter some thought, he pressed the button.

"Ensign Sato here, sir."

"Hoshi, send in Lieutenant Reed."

- - - - - - - - - -

"It's a pretty sorry day when a captain has to hide out on his own ship," Archer mumbled grumpily. He opened the gymnasium door and peeked out into the corridor. This is absolutely ridiculous, he thought angrily. Enterprise was his ship. He ought to be able to come and go as he pleased. But just to be on the safe side… Jon quickly took a look both ways before striding out into the corridor.

For weeks, he'd managed to make the best of a bad situation, conscientiously performing his duties as a host, but dining with the Tellarite ambassador night after night had finally driven Archer underground. He didn't think it was possible, but he was running out of ways to verbally abuse the ambassador. Thank goodness Lieutenant Reed had stepped in to take up the slack. When this was over, he would have to find some way to repay Malcolm.

In the mean time, though, he had to find a way to stay out of sight without alienating the Tellarite delegation. Maybe he could get Phlox to write a note for him. Something simple and straight forward like, "Please excuse Captain Jonathan Archer from any further meals with Ambassador Gral. He's suffering from a chronic pain in the neck."

By now, it was almost midnight. Time had certainly gotten away from him. He'd asked T'Pol if he could stop by to check on her, but the hour agreed upon for that visit had long since past. He paused outside her door. He knew that he should probably return to his quarters, but perhaps she was still awake. Throwing caution to the wind, he pressed the door chime.

He was only left standing for a moment when the door slid open. Commander T'Pol stood there, swathed in her light blue pajamas and robe. The room behind her was illuminated by her mediation candles. She did not look happy.

"I was under the impression that the time agreed upon for your visit was 2200 hours," she said with steely calm.

"I apologize, T'Pol," Archer said sincerely. "I was…well…I was working out and I guess I just lost track of the time."

T'Pol sniffed delicately and her brow wrinkled.

Suddenly aware of his sweat stained shorts and t-shirt, Archer mentally chided himself. He should have showered before he stopped by. "It's late. Why don't I come back tomorrow," he said, taking a step backwards.

"Why did you wish to see me? Is there a problem?"

"Not a problem exactly…" Archer nervously looked up and down the corridor. "Do you think we could go inside? I promise to make this short."

T'Pol nodded and stepped back allowing the captain to enter. She motioned to the bench then walked over to her bed and sat down.

Archer took a moment to study her face. "How are you feeling?"

"I am well," T'Pol said calmly. Apparently she had no interest in polite conversation because she proceeded to get right to the point. "Does your visit have something to do with our distinguished guests?"

Archer smiled ruefully. "Malcolm's been spending a lot of time with the Tellarites. I'd like to give him a bit of a breather. Could you give him a hand?"

"Consider it done, Captain. I will meet with Lieutenant Reed tomorrow, and we can set up a schedule." T'Pol rose and took a few steps toward the door, but the captain remained seated, his head down, deep in thought.

"Is there something else?" she asked softly.

Archer stood and looked her in the eye. "I have something I'd like you to work on, but this would just be between you and me."

She raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"During one of my interminable meals with Ambassador Gral, he spoke of a small uninhabited planet located about three days journey from Tellar."

"Uninhabited?"

"Yes. Evidently the weather can be vicious and unpredictable, it isn't arable, and it appears to have no valuable natural resources."

"And you wish to go there?"

Archer nodded.

"May I ask why?"

"I need to get Trip off the ship."

T'Pol's eyes widened, but she didn't interrupt.

"He refused to take shore leave when we were in Brazil. And the trial…well, you saw him after the adjournment. He's hurt and he's angry. I want to take him somewhere where he can relax and get away from engineering, even if it's only for a few days."

"And you believe that a planet deemed to be worthless is the proper place to do that," she said skeptically.

Archer turned away from her and began to pace. "I know it sounds crazy, but I don't have a lot of options right now. Phlox is worried about Trip and so am I." He swung around to face her. "Right now this is the best option available to me. I need an excuse to go down there. I don't care if it's some kind of a survey, a mapping expedition, or a search for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Trip's so close to the edge. I have to get him through this. Will you help me?"

T'Pol pressed her lips together and turned away from him. Archer hated to be the bearer of bad tidings, but he knew that T'Pol was fond of Trip and would want to help him.

After a moment she said, "I will find something. I will start on it first thing tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, T'Pol." Relieved, Archer headed for the door. "I'll have one of the Tellarites pass along any information they have. As soon as you have something worked up, let me know."

Forgetting his earlier attempts at caution, Archer slapped the panel and the door swished open. He stepped out into the corridor and ran smack into Commander Tucker.

As the captain extended his hand to steady the younger man, he noticed Trip's eyes dart to the open door to T'Pol's quarters. The Vulcan was only visible for a second before the door slid shut again. The two men stood side by side in utter silence, the commander's gaze riveted on the door.

Realizing that the circumstances were a bit unusual, Archer felt the need to explain. "I stopped by to ask T'Pol to help me with a project I'm working on."

"Good…that's good…I guess," Tucker muttered. "Are you sure she's not tryin' to do too much?"

"She's fine, Trip," Archer said good-naturedly. "Quit worrying. As a matter of fact, I think she's been meditating. Her room's lit up like a cathedral on Easter Sunday."

"That's good," Trip said wistfully. "I've been kinda worried."

Archer was struggling to keep Trip in the conversation. "Are you headed back to your quarters?"

Trip nodded absent-mindedly.

"Mind if I walk along?" When he didn't get a response Archer waved his hand in front of his friend's face. "Trip?"

"Sorry." Tucker cleared his throat and finally focused his attention on the captain. "What did you say?"

"I asked if you'd mind if I walked you back to your quarters. How about it?"

Trip bristled slightly. "I don't need a keeper, ya know."

"I know that." Archer was trying desperately to say the right words. "I just haven't seen much of you lately. I've missed you, Trip."

Tucker looked at Archer and forced a smile. "Sure, why not. Just don't get any ideas about tuckin' me in. I don't even let my mama do that anymore."

"No problem." Archer smiled. He threw he arm around Trip's shoulders and headed him toward his quarters. "You wouldn't be interested in a little football and a couple of beers tomorrow night, would you?"

Trip threw a puzzled look his way. "It isn't football season."

"I know that. I picked up some archival footage of some of the early Super Bowls. I thought you might enjoy it."

"No kidding?"

"Yep. And as long as we're relaxing, there's this water polo match I've been meaning to watch."

For the first time in months Archer heard Trip laugh. It was a very good sound.

TBC