Cold Cell Room
"Malcolm?"
Hoshi looked over to where Lt. Reed was hanging. He had been very silent over the past few hours since his last beating. The Suliban would purposely beat on him then would have their medic treat his injuries so they could beat on him again. This was very unsettling for her as they had tried a number of times to inflict harm to her but Malcolm would always redirect the Sulibans beatings to himself with foul language. She never thought that the soft-spoken English speaking armory officer was capable of such harsh and vulgar words. She was in debt to him, as many of the beatings that he received that were meant for her would most have most definitely killed her. His threshold of pain was simply amazing. She wished that she was able to withstand some of the beatings that she had received as much of her beatings were after they had finished with Lt. Reed.
"Malcolm, can you here me?"
His head began to rise and turn towards Hoshi.
"Are you alright Hoshi?"
"I was more worried about you then me. How are you felling?"
"Like my insides are on fire and I'm having problems breathing. Do I look as bad as I feel?"
This brought a slight smile to her face.
"I have seen you look worse."
"Pardon me!?"
She began to laugh slightly as did he. They were trying to make the best out of a very bad situation. If they were to dwell on their situation then they might as well already be dead.
"I wonder when they will be serving lunch cause I'm famished." Reed jokingly echoed.
Both officers began to laugh and giggle, their conversation was somewhat warped to a degree as they were almost conceding to the Suliban. They had pretty much given up hope as they presumed that the Sub Commander was already dead as was the Captain and most of the crew.
"I wonder if she suffered before she." Hoshi muttered.
"I'm sure T'Pol met death with logic." Reed replied.
"Your probably right. I'm really gonna miss her."
"T'Pol?" Reed shot out.
"Yes T'Pol, we have been socializing over the last couple of months and she is really an amazing woman. Stubborn, secretive, sure she is but she has begun to open up and she really isn't that different from us.
"Hoshi, she is a Vulcan, they are nothing like us."
"That where your wrong. She has very strong emotions just like us; she wants a piece between our two cultures just like us. She also cares about the entire crew just like we were apart of her family and would protect anyone of us if it meant her own life. Now does that sound like a Vulcan to you?"
Malcolm blinked then responded.
"I see your point but how do you know these things. I really don't think that she told you."
"Actually she did."
"Hoshi please."
"I have been helping her with her own personal dilemma with the Captain. She truly loves the Captain and wants to be with him but she had no idea how to proceed so she came and asked me for help."
"And what did you tell her." Reed asked.
"Sorry, I can't tell you that, it's between us girls."
They both began once again to laugh, as the mood in their cell was surprisingly upbeat.
"Well then I propose a toast to Sub Commander T'Pol."
"A toast?"
"Yes a toast, to our attractive Vulcan first officer, hopefully her time amongst us humans was enlightening and gave her piece of mind. We will miss you T'Pol."
Hoshi looked over at his bruised and blood covered body, Malcolm had his head bowed slightly as he paid respect to her. A moment of silence ensued that was followed by one word.
"Cheers." Hoshi spoke softly.
The doors to the cell room opened and in walked the Suliban Captain. He was very bulky for a Suliban but none the less he was Suliban. This was only the second time he had graced them with his presence since their abduction.
"How are you both feeling?"
They did not answer his question.
"Very well, you will be begging us to talk very soon. I thought that you might like to know that the Enterprise is on it's way to the penal colony. Our plan was a success as we have received confirmation that your crew is dead. I thought you might want to know."
He turned and exited the cell room; they could hear his laughter dissipate as he distanced himself from the door.
"They're dead?" Hoshi cried out.
Malcolm lowered his head in disbelief as grief and remorse began to take over his lifeless body.
"Captain? Trip? Dead?"
She began to cry as the terror overwhelmed her, she was unable to stand any longer as her knees buckled but her shackles were still supporting her as she hung. Blood began to run down her arms as the restraints cut her wrists. She was unable to feel the cuts as her arms had gone numb from being chained up. Malcolm was unable to feel his arms as well as they were numb from being chained as well. He just stood there; listening to the sorrow that escaped from Hoshi, the sobs and sniffles from her confirmed to him that their time would soon be coming to an end. "Good bye Captain."
A masculine voice trembled with those three words as a single tear tickled down his face.
Sickbay
T'Pol had finally eaten, it wasn't much, the broth of a Vulcan soup that the Doctor had personally chosen. She was unable to feed herself so the Captain had fed her, as he hadn't left her side since she had been brought back on board. Doctor Phlox watched as the Captain fed her, he continued to be astonished by what he was witnessing. The care that he showed towards her was simply amazing and the fact that she was accepting his love and affection was as just as amazing. She was not as visible as he was in showing affection but she still had her moments. A touch of the hand here, a hug there was great leaps for her. She wouldn't admit to it but she needed him as much as he needed her.
"Thank you Jonathan."
"It was my pleasure. As a matter of fact, I could get used to feeding you supper."
"I do not believe that would be appropriate."
"And why not?"
"If I was uninjured, I would be able to feed myself."
"T'Pol, you still have a lot to learn about intimacy." He chuckled.
"Intimacy?" She replied.
"Yikes! Ok, let's see how I could explain this so you will understand. It's when a couple shares an act or expression serving as a sign of affection. For example, when we danced alone in the mess hall last Christmas, that was very intimate or when I would sneak into your quarters and we would talk and hold each other. That is another act of intimacy."
"Would I be correct in saying that it's something that is very personal and private?"
"You could say that."
"Would I be mistaken in stating that that be the reason why you asked me to recognize you be your first name when we are off duty?"
Archer scratched his head.
"I never thought about it that way." After a brief pause. "You're statement is correct."
She reached over and grabbed his hand. Her skin was soft and warm and most of the bruises that were visible had almost vanished. This was a welcomed feeling as when they first brought her to sickbay from the planet surface, her skin was coarse and very cold. Her body was also covered with a substantial amount of bruises but Vulcan women are known to bruise quit easily without feeling physical harm. He wasn't sure if it was the medical treatment or her being with him that was the cause of her slight improvement but at this point in time he really didn't care.
"Captain, Sub Commander. I have made all of the preparations that I have been able to and I believe that we should start the hakausu as soon as possible."
She looked at Jonathan, her eyes full of emotion and fear as this might be the last time she would ever be able to fall and loose herself in his eyes. Archer looked very tired and worn down. He hadn't shaved in a few days and had a dark shade beginning to form. She slid her hand around his face, as she had never felt a beard before. It stimulated her sense of touch as the small hair particles tickled the end of her figures making her grin slightly.
"What's wrong Aisha?"
"Does your face hurt Jonathan?"
"No, why?"
"You do not feel the substance that has grown on your face."
He chuckled once again.
"It's called a beard T'Pol. All human males are able to grow a beard. It's what makes us unique."
"Are females able to grow beards?"
"For most women it's not a problem."
"So women can have them?"
Archer swallowed softly and then pulled at the collar of his uniform.
"Could we change the subject."
"Of course, I did not know that women's beards made you uncomfortable."
He shook his head as he continued to chuckle. He knew that she was not attempting to practice her humor but her questions were very funny.
"I will shave it off first chance I get, OK?"
She nodded softly as her eyes flickered open and shut. She was beginning to show signs of extreme fatigue. Her health was deteriorating quickly and something had to be done soon in order to save her life. It was now time for her to put her life in his hands.
"Doctor, I believe it's time."
He entered the curtained of area and began placing round sensors on T'Pol's chest, temples and back.
"These sensors will allow to monitor your vitals. At the first sign of trouble, I'm terminating the."
He was cut off.
"You will do no such thing Doctor, that is an order."
"But Captain, I."
Archer head swiveled slightly to where Phlox was standing; his eyes focused directly on his. Archer's look could have burnt through the ships hull it was so intense.
"As you wish Captain but I will have to monitor your vital signs as well. Please remove your uniform."
Archer rose and began to undo his uniform. He tied the sleeves of his uniform together at his waist and then removed his navy blue Starfleet T- shirt that was also part of his uniform. T'Pol looked him over as it had been quit some time know that she had seen any part of him. The site of his bare chest provoked T'Pol to gasp slightly and make the sensor monitor that she was now connected to beep as her heart rate had increased slightly. As Phlox was placing the sensors on Archer's chest and back, they both turned their heads. Looking at the monitor then at her in perfect synchronized fashion, their heads slowly swiveled as one, both looking over at her is disbelief. The look on her face was one that Archer had never seen. Her look was one of pleasure and longing.
"Shall I leave you two alone?"
Snapping T'Pol out of her trance, she looked at the Doctor. Archer felt somewhat embarrassed but also felt flattered, since they had become bonded, she never looked at him the way she was. This brought a warm and loving feeling to his heart.
"There is no need Doctor. We should begin."
"Very well Sub Commander."
He looked at the Captain and then placed his right hand on his left shoulder.
"Good luck Captain."
"Thanks for your help Doc, with the whole situation with me and T'Pol. You have been our biggest supporter from the beginning and what ever happens, I just want to say thank you."
Phlox smiled briefly then exited their area, pulling the curtain around them. His eyes began to become a little misty, as the thought of loosing them was not very appealing to him.
"Are you Jonathan?"
He sat down next to her on the biobed as she was now lying down. They gazed into each other's eyes as she ran her figures through his chest hair. The sensation was different from his chest compared to his face; she much more liked his chest hair compared to his facial hair. He was running his hand across her forehead and face, pushing aside the unplaced strands of hair that had grown quit long since her abduction. This possibly could be their last moment together, no more midnight rendezvous, no more late night tea or discussion about what he had done wrong again. No more shared feelings and no more loving each other.
"I will now initiate the hakausu."
She raised her right hand and placed her thumb, index and middle finger in position on his face. Before she began, whispered one final sentence.
"I love you T'Pol."
She looked at him with tears in her eyes.
"And I love you Jonathan."
And within seconds both of their eyes were closed and they were now engulfed together in this dangerous practice that was definitely not going to work, according to the Doctor but he was hoping that they would prove him wrong. Phlox was now monitoring their vital signs and watching his monitors with anticipation that the Captain would be able to save her and that he would be able to watch the monitors light up with good news, hoping to see her week and dissipating vitals improve.
Twenty-minute had passed since they started the hakausu. There had been no improvement in T'Pol's condition but there had been a couple of fluctuations in the Captain's vital signs but they quickly leveled out. It looked like all hope was beginning to disappear as T'Pol's vitals were beginning to lower and become weaker. Doctor Phlox rose to get a glass of water from the waterspout when her vitals shot up like a rocket, he turned quickly and to his surprise, something or someone had happened.
Inside the mind of a Vulcan
The mind of a Vulcan, so strong yet weak, so controlled yet wild, so mysterious yet open, so complicated yet simple. These were the first thoughts and feelings that came to him as he finally began to understand the hakausu. Jonathan was looking for something that he did not know how to find, as he had no idea what he was looking for. Was it her presence, a voice, feeling, smell or was it just a thought. He opened his eyes and he found himself in a long corridor with doors on each side as far as the eye could see. What was she trying to tell him, he knew that she was trying to help him but she was too weak but he could still feel her. He tried the first door on his left.
"Locked." He mumbled.
Then he tried the one to his right.
"What do you know. Locked."
After several tries and doors, he began to become agitated and began to loose patience.
"T'Pol!"
He yelled out, the echo of his scream seem to flow down the corridor but did not return. He was lost and needed help but who would help him. T'Pol was too week to help him and he had no idea where she was. He began to run down the corridor hoping that there would be an end to the corridor. As he ran down the corridor, he was yelling her name. Hoping that she would be able to signal him some how, some way to guide him to her. It felt like he was running forever and wanted to know how far he had ran. He decided that he needed to mark the wall with something so he could see just how far he had gone. He did not have anything to mark the wall with so he bit into his arm causing it to bleed. Wiping his arm against the wall, he left a bloodstain that would be very noticeable. He began once again to run down the corridor to try and find the end. He had run passed at least seventy to eighty doors and there was still no end in sight.
"What the hell is going on here. Why can't I find her?" He spoke to himself.
As he stopped to catch his breath he turned around and looked behind him and what he saw was discouraging. The bloodstain that he had put as a marker was there. He touched it to see if it was a dream but it was still fresh.
"This can't be, I counted at least sixty doors."
He dropped down to his knees, breathing heavy from the running and the disbelief at what he was seeing was not possible. As he was now on all fours trying to gather himself, he felt a slight gust of air, like someone had blown into his ear. He lifted himself off the floor and turned, the corridor had now changed colors. It was now a dark green with an end in sight. A scent that was to familiar to him then gave him hope.
"Lemon and spices. She's close." He spoke to himself once again.
"Aisha."
A ghost like voice echoed throughout the corridor that sent shivers down his spine, he didn't know if it was his imagination playing tricks on him or if it was really her calling to him.
"Jonathan."
The voice seemed to be closer and sounded a little more like T'Pol's. Suddenly the door at the end of the corridor began to glow. It was a bright pulsing yellow glow that made him cover his eyes, as he was unable to look at it directly. Her scent grew, as did the brightness of the door. He began to run towards the door before the scent and brightness disappeared. He entered the door but the following room was empty. He looked around then he turned towards the door but the door was gone and in its place was a scene that was too familiar to him.
"What the hell." He whispered.
His dream had now become a verifiable nightmare. There she was, chained up like an animal, surrounded by Suliban. He looked around and saw himself chained across from her against the wall. He closed his eyes and shook his head. "This can't be happening?" He whispered to himself, as his worst fear was now about to take place. It became clear to him that her health was failing and she was now near her death. He began to walk towards her as Silik was talking to the Archer that was chained up.
"T'Pol, can you here me?"
He was now standing directly in front of her as he tried to touch her but his hand went right through her.
"T'Pol, please answer me. What do I do?" He said with desperation.
He tried once again to touch her but this time something happened. He felt small jolt of static, as did she by the expression on her face.
"T'Pol? Can you here me?"
He touched her face this time and once again he felt the static on contact with her skin. She looked directly at him but could not see him but she could now feel his presence. She could not understand or explain what she was feeling but she knew it was him. She began to speak but her tone was very week a low in volume.
"Jonathan, I know you are here to save me but there is nothing you can do. Once Silik fires his weapon, we will be both deceased."
He began to answer her but she could not here him.
"Not if I can help it."
She could feel his presence shift slightly from her side too directly in front of her. Silik turned and pointed the weapon towards T'Pol. Archer's chained body yelled out as the phaser beam erupted and made it's way towards her. It seemed like an eternity before the beam reached them. Jonathan looked back and could see the beam streaking towards them. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion as he positioned himself so the beam would strike him directly in the back. Not knowing if the beam would strike him or her, he decided to take a chance and place himself in harms way, even if it meant his own death in order to save her life. The beam finally arrived and something very unexpected happened. The beam hit Archer directly in the back but did not reach T'Pol as the beam seemed make his aura luminescent. T'Pol was now able to see him in front of her. It was like looking at a ghost.
"Jonathan?"
He smiled.
"Can you here me?" He spoke softly.
"Yes, yes I can but how?"
"I have no idea."
They both looked into each other's eyes, as this was truly an amazing turn of events. The pain in Archer's back had all but disappeared as their surroundings had once again changed. They were still standing in front of each other but they were now standing on a beach with a small pond at their side. A waterfall fed the small pond with crystal clear spring water. There were trees surrounding the pond that made it quit secluded and private.
"Where are we?" T'Pol asked.
"I couldn't tell you but wherever it is, it beautiful."
A warn breeze then floated across the beach, passing through them like they were invisible. The warm air seemed to release and relieve the tension that they were both feeling.
"Did we do it?" He shouted with anticipation.
"I do not understand what you mean."
"How do you feel T'Pol?"
"I feel as I always feel."
"So that means that you're not going to die?"
"I do not know, I have never experienced this sensation before. I'm .how you say, lost for words."
He smiled at her, he knew that he had saved her life as well as his but why were they at this location. Was this place something that he had imagined or could it have been something from her imagination? Could it be a place that she had visited or dreamt of or perhaps it was just a place that was just supposed to be.
"It is very beautiful here." T'Pol's head swiveled around, looking at her surrounding.
"Yes it is. Do you know where this is?"
"I once visited a tropical planet that had these surroundings but it never seemed as real as this does."
He could feel that she was holding something back but couldn't put his finger on it.
"Are you alright T'Pol?"
"I told you, I'm fine Jonathan."
They were still standing in front of each other with their eyes locked on to each other's. Archer made the first move as he walked towards the small pond. She quickly followed behind.
"The water is so clear, you can see the bottom."
T'Pol kept her distance as Vulcans and water did not go hand in hand. He bent down and placed his hand in the water.
"It's warm." He mumbled.
"What is warm." She replied.
"The water. How about a swim?"
"Vulcan's do not swim." He frowned as the look on her face made him even more curious.
"You can swim, can't you?" He smiled softly towards her.
"Jonathan, I." He cut her off.
"You can't swim!" He said with amazement.
He was surprised as part of Starfleet training was learning how to swim in the event that a ship had to make an emergency landing in an ocean or large body of water. He knew that T'Pol had attended and passed the Starfleet training regiment but he wondered how she passed the Starfleet water hazard test.
"How did you pass hazard test?"
"I did not."
"What?"
"I was recalled to Vulcan on the day of the water hazard training and when I returned to Earth, Starfleet perceived that I was already to swim. Therefore, I passed the hazard training."
"Why didn't you go back and complete the training?"
"Vulcan is a very hot and dry planet Jonathan and we do not have large bodies of water like Earth. "
She paused briefly, trying to figure out what she was going to say.
"I'm afraid of the water."
He looked at her and could tell by her reaction and body movements that she was truly afraid and uncomfortable around the water.
"Well since I passed the hazard training, I believe it's my duty to teach you to swim."
"That is not necessary Jonathan."
"Yes it is T'Pol, I'll be here to help you the entire time."
He began to undress much to her delight but she maintained her composure. She watched him strip down to his blue standard Starfleet underwear. He entered the small pond and walked in as the water rose to his knees. He turned around and looked at her with a subdued look. She was still dressed in her uniform, watching him like a hawk.
"T'Pol, do I have to undress you myself?"
He could have sworn that she rolled her eyes at him. Another human trait that she had picked up. She began to undress, this time to his delight as he tried to control his emotions but was having a difficult time doing so. She was now standing on the beach only with her Grey T-shirt and Grey underwear. Her T-shirt did not cover much as her entire mid section was exposed, as was the small of her back. The site of her standing there confirmed to him just how much he loved her and how perfect she was. He extended his right arm and opened his hand.
"Come on T'Pol, don't be scared, I won't let nothing happen to you. I promise."
"I have become quit familiar of the risks that you are willing to take to protect me and for that, I trust you Jonathan."
She began to walk towards him but froze right before her left foot entered the shallow water. He walked up to her and grabbed her left hand. Helping her cross that mental barrier was very difficult. Fear was a very strong and powerful advisory for a Vulcan.
"It's ok T'Pol, I got ya." He spoke with a gentle and caring tone.
He helped her enter the water as her grip tightened around his arm.
"See, it's not that bad."
She could feel the soft and wet sand against the bottom of her feet and the sensation of the sand between her toes was relaxing.
"I believe that I have overcome my fear of water Jonathan."
"T'Pol, the water is at your ankles. I think we should go a little deeper." His eyebrows rose slightly.
She nodded in acknowledgement. She still had a firm grip on his arm and was very tense and stiff as the water level was now at her waist.
"Are you ok?" He asked.
She was enjoying the sensation of the water around the lower portion of her body. The feeling was very relaxing and appealing, it seemed to ease her tension.
"Are you ready?"
"For what?" She replied.
"To learn how to swim."
He began to walk into deeper water. As the distance between them grew, she began to loose her grip of his arm. She did not move from her spot as the water was now up to his neck. He looked at her stiff and beautiful body and to his amazement watched her walk slowly towards him. She was shorter than he was so the water had reached her neck faster than she had expected. Her weightless body began to give way and she lost her footing and went under. Archer raced over quickly and grabbed her and pulled her up out of the water.
"T'Pol, are you okay?"
She was coughing and gasping for air as she had swallowed a mouth full of water. She had wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist and this time she wasn't letting go.
"That was most unpleasant." She coughed again as water was running out of her nose.
"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea." He spoke softly.
"Why do you say that Jonathan."
He was having a very difficult time controlling his emotions, as the feel of her body against his was very stimulating.
"I'm not sure your ready."
He could also feel against his chest her now erect nipples.
"Ready for what?" She replied.
She released her arms that were around his neck and she removed her Grey T- shirt. She locked her arms around his neck once again. He watched her T- shirt float away as he was trying not to give in to his powerful urges, he decided to try and change the subject.
"T'Pol, I."
He did not have time to finish his sentence as she kissed him with a passionate kiss that took his breath away. It had been a long time since they had any physical contact and at this point he didn't care if it was a dream or reality.
"T'Pol, what are we doing? Is this real?"
She was breathing heavily.
"I need this Jonathan, I need you."
Her eyes were filled with passion and desire. He could see the passion and desire in her eyes; it was like a roaring fire that was out of control.
"This is interesting!" Phlox commented.
The monitors began to show signs of activity. He walked over to where the Sub Commander and Captain were. He grabbed his scanner and ran it over the Captain then the Sub Commander. They hadn't moved an inch since they began the dangerous hakausu. As his scanner made different sounds, a moan escaped from T'Pol's lips. Her heartbeat had increased as did his and their body temperatures had also risen. As he continued to scan them, he finally realized what was going on, he couldn't explain it but he knew. He quietly turned and pulled shut the curtain and decided to let fate run its course.
"Malcolm?"
Hoshi looked over to where Lt. Reed was hanging. He had been very silent over the past few hours since his last beating. The Suliban would purposely beat on him then would have their medic treat his injuries so they could beat on him again. This was very unsettling for her as they had tried a number of times to inflict harm to her but Malcolm would always redirect the Sulibans beatings to himself with foul language. She never thought that the soft-spoken English speaking armory officer was capable of such harsh and vulgar words. She was in debt to him, as many of the beatings that he received that were meant for her would most have most definitely killed her. His threshold of pain was simply amazing. She wished that she was able to withstand some of the beatings that she had received as much of her beatings were after they had finished with Lt. Reed.
"Malcolm, can you here me?"
His head began to rise and turn towards Hoshi.
"Are you alright Hoshi?"
"I was more worried about you then me. How are you felling?"
"Like my insides are on fire and I'm having problems breathing. Do I look as bad as I feel?"
This brought a slight smile to her face.
"I have seen you look worse."
"Pardon me!?"
She began to laugh slightly as did he. They were trying to make the best out of a very bad situation. If they were to dwell on their situation then they might as well already be dead.
"I wonder when they will be serving lunch cause I'm famished." Reed jokingly echoed.
Both officers began to laugh and giggle, their conversation was somewhat warped to a degree as they were almost conceding to the Suliban. They had pretty much given up hope as they presumed that the Sub Commander was already dead as was the Captain and most of the crew.
"I wonder if she suffered before she." Hoshi muttered.
"I'm sure T'Pol met death with logic." Reed replied.
"Your probably right. I'm really gonna miss her."
"T'Pol?" Reed shot out.
"Yes T'Pol, we have been socializing over the last couple of months and she is really an amazing woman. Stubborn, secretive, sure she is but she has begun to open up and she really isn't that different from us.
"Hoshi, she is a Vulcan, they are nothing like us."
"That where your wrong. She has very strong emotions just like us; she wants a piece between our two cultures just like us. She also cares about the entire crew just like we were apart of her family and would protect anyone of us if it meant her own life. Now does that sound like a Vulcan to you?"
Malcolm blinked then responded.
"I see your point but how do you know these things. I really don't think that she told you."
"Actually she did."
"Hoshi please."
"I have been helping her with her own personal dilemma with the Captain. She truly loves the Captain and wants to be with him but she had no idea how to proceed so she came and asked me for help."
"And what did you tell her." Reed asked.
"Sorry, I can't tell you that, it's between us girls."
They both began once again to laugh, as the mood in their cell was surprisingly upbeat.
"Well then I propose a toast to Sub Commander T'Pol."
"A toast?"
"Yes a toast, to our attractive Vulcan first officer, hopefully her time amongst us humans was enlightening and gave her piece of mind. We will miss you T'Pol."
Hoshi looked over at his bruised and blood covered body, Malcolm had his head bowed slightly as he paid respect to her. A moment of silence ensued that was followed by one word.
"Cheers." Hoshi spoke softly.
The doors to the cell room opened and in walked the Suliban Captain. He was very bulky for a Suliban but none the less he was Suliban. This was only the second time he had graced them with his presence since their abduction.
"How are you both feeling?"
They did not answer his question.
"Very well, you will be begging us to talk very soon. I thought that you might like to know that the Enterprise is on it's way to the penal colony. Our plan was a success as we have received confirmation that your crew is dead. I thought you might want to know."
He turned and exited the cell room; they could hear his laughter dissipate as he distanced himself from the door.
"They're dead?" Hoshi cried out.
Malcolm lowered his head in disbelief as grief and remorse began to take over his lifeless body.
"Captain? Trip? Dead?"
She began to cry as the terror overwhelmed her, she was unable to stand any longer as her knees buckled but her shackles were still supporting her as she hung. Blood began to run down her arms as the restraints cut her wrists. She was unable to feel the cuts as her arms had gone numb from being chained up. Malcolm was unable to feel his arms as well as they were numb from being chained as well. He just stood there; listening to the sorrow that escaped from Hoshi, the sobs and sniffles from her confirmed to him that their time would soon be coming to an end. "Good bye Captain."
A masculine voice trembled with those three words as a single tear tickled down his face.
Sickbay
T'Pol had finally eaten, it wasn't much, the broth of a Vulcan soup that the Doctor had personally chosen. She was unable to feed herself so the Captain had fed her, as he hadn't left her side since she had been brought back on board. Doctor Phlox watched as the Captain fed her, he continued to be astonished by what he was witnessing. The care that he showed towards her was simply amazing and the fact that she was accepting his love and affection was as just as amazing. She was not as visible as he was in showing affection but she still had her moments. A touch of the hand here, a hug there was great leaps for her. She wouldn't admit to it but she needed him as much as he needed her.
"Thank you Jonathan."
"It was my pleasure. As a matter of fact, I could get used to feeding you supper."
"I do not believe that would be appropriate."
"And why not?"
"If I was uninjured, I would be able to feed myself."
"T'Pol, you still have a lot to learn about intimacy." He chuckled.
"Intimacy?" She replied.
"Yikes! Ok, let's see how I could explain this so you will understand. It's when a couple shares an act or expression serving as a sign of affection. For example, when we danced alone in the mess hall last Christmas, that was very intimate or when I would sneak into your quarters and we would talk and hold each other. That is another act of intimacy."
"Would I be correct in saying that it's something that is very personal and private?"
"You could say that."
"Would I be mistaken in stating that that be the reason why you asked me to recognize you be your first name when we are off duty?"
Archer scratched his head.
"I never thought about it that way." After a brief pause. "You're statement is correct."
She reached over and grabbed his hand. Her skin was soft and warm and most of the bruises that were visible had almost vanished. This was a welcomed feeling as when they first brought her to sickbay from the planet surface, her skin was coarse and very cold. Her body was also covered with a substantial amount of bruises but Vulcan women are known to bruise quit easily without feeling physical harm. He wasn't sure if it was the medical treatment or her being with him that was the cause of her slight improvement but at this point in time he really didn't care.
"Captain, Sub Commander. I have made all of the preparations that I have been able to and I believe that we should start the hakausu as soon as possible."
She looked at Jonathan, her eyes full of emotion and fear as this might be the last time she would ever be able to fall and loose herself in his eyes. Archer looked very tired and worn down. He hadn't shaved in a few days and had a dark shade beginning to form. She slid her hand around his face, as she had never felt a beard before. It stimulated her sense of touch as the small hair particles tickled the end of her figures making her grin slightly.
"What's wrong Aisha?"
"Does your face hurt Jonathan?"
"No, why?"
"You do not feel the substance that has grown on your face."
He chuckled once again.
"It's called a beard T'Pol. All human males are able to grow a beard. It's what makes us unique."
"Are females able to grow beards?"
"For most women it's not a problem."
"So women can have them?"
Archer swallowed softly and then pulled at the collar of his uniform.
"Could we change the subject."
"Of course, I did not know that women's beards made you uncomfortable."
He shook his head as he continued to chuckle. He knew that she was not attempting to practice her humor but her questions were very funny.
"I will shave it off first chance I get, OK?"
She nodded softly as her eyes flickered open and shut. She was beginning to show signs of extreme fatigue. Her health was deteriorating quickly and something had to be done soon in order to save her life. It was now time for her to put her life in his hands.
"Doctor, I believe it's time."
He entered the curtained of area and began placing round sensors on T'Pol's chest, temples and back.
"These sensors will allow to monitor your vitals. At the first sign of trouble, I'm terminating the."
He was cut off.
"You will do no such thing Doctor, that is an order."
"But Captain, I."
Archer head swiveled slightly to where Phlox was standing; his eyes focused directly on his. Archer's look could have burnt through the ships hull it was so intense.
"As you wish Captain but I will have to monitor your vital signs as well. Please remove your uniform."
Archer rose and began to undo his uniform. He tied the sleeves of his uniform together at his waist and then removed his navy blue Starfleet T- shirt that was also part of his uniform. T'Pol looked him over as it had been quit some time know that she had seen any part of him. The site of his bare chest provoked T'Pol to gasp slightly and make the sensor monitor that she was now connected to beep as her heart rate had increased slightly. As Phlox was placing the sensors on Archer's chest and back, they both turned their heads. Looking at the monitor then at her in perfect synchronized fashion, their heads slowly swiveled as one, both looking over at her is disbelief. The look on her face was one that Archer had never seen. Her look was one of pleasure and longing.
"Shall I leave you two alone?"
Snapping T'Pol out of her trance, she looked at the Doctor. Archer felt somewhat embarrassed but also felt flattered, since they had become bonded, she never looked at him the way she was. This brought a warm and loving feeling to his heart.
"There is no need Doctor. We should begin."
"Very well Sub Commander."
He looked at the Captain and then placed his right hand on his left shoulder.
"Good luck Captain."
"Thanks for your help Doc, with the whole situation with me and T'Pol. You have been our biggest supporter from the beginning and what ever happens, I just want to say thank you."
Phlox smiled briefly then exited their area, pulling the curtain around them. His eyes began to become a little misty, as the thought of loosing them was not very appealing to him.
"Are you Jonathan?"
He sat down next to her on the biobed as she was now lying down. They gazed into each other's eyes as she ran her figures through his chest hair. The sensation was different from his chest compared to his face; she much more liked his chest hair compared to his facial hair. He was running his hand across her forehead and face, pushing aside the unplaced strands of hair that had grown quit long since her abduction. This possibly could be their last moment together, no more midnight rendezvous, no more late night tea or discussion about what he had done wrong again. No more shared feelings and no more loving each other.
"I will now initiate the hakausu."
She raised her right hand and placed her thumb, index and middle finger in position on his face. Before she began, whispered one final sentence.
"I love you T'Pol."
She looked at him with tears in her eyes.
"And I love you Jonathan."
And within seconds both of their eyes were closed and they were now engulfed together in this dangerous practice that was definitely not going to work, according to the Doctor but he was hoping that they would prove him wrong. Phlox was now monitoring their vital signs and watching his monitors with anticipation that the Captain would be able to save her and that he would be able to watch the monitors light up with good news, hoping to see her week and dissipating vitals improve.
Twenty-minute had passed since they started the hakausu. There had been no improvement in T'Pol's condition but there had been a couple of fluctuations in the Captain's vital signs but they quickly leveled out. It looked like all hope was beginning to disappear as T'Pol's vitals were beginning to lower and become weaker. Doctor Phlox rose to get a glass of water from the waterspout when her vitals shot up like a rocket, he turned quickly and to his surprise, something or someone had happened.
Inside the mind of a Vulcan
The mind of a Vulcan, so strong yet weak, so controlled yet wild, so mysterious yet open, so complicated yet simple. These were the first thoughts and feelings that came to him as he finally began to understand the hakausu. Jonathan was looking for something that he did not know how to find, as he had no idea what he was looking for. Was it her presence, a voice, feeling, smell or was it just a thought. He opened his eyes and he found himself in a long corridor with doors on each side as far as the eye could see. What was she trying to tell him, he knew that she was trying to help him but she was too weak but he could still feel her. He tried the first door on his left.
"Locked." He mumbled.
Then he tried the one to his right.
"What do you know. Locked."
After several tries and doors, he began to become agitated and began to loose patience.
"T'Pol!"
He yelled out, the echo of his scream seem to flow down the corridor but did not return. He was lost and needed help but who would help him. T'Pol was too week to help him and he had no idea where she was. He began to run down the corridor hoping that there would be an end to the corridor. As he ran down the corridor, he was yelling her name. Hoping that she would be able to signal him some how, some way to guide him to her. It felt like he was running forever and wanted to know how far he had ran. He decided that he needed to mark the wall with something so he could see just how far he had gone. He did not have anything to mark the wall with so he bit into his arm causing it to bleed. Wiping his arm against the wall, he left a bloodstain that would be very noticeable. He began once again to run down the corridor to try and find the end. He had run passed at least seventy to eighty doors and there was still no end in sight.
"What the hell is going on here. Why can't I find her?" He spoke to himself.
As he stopped to catch his breath he turned around and looked behind him and what he saw was discouraging. The bloodstain that he had put as a marker was there. He touched it to see if it was a dream but it was still fresh.
"This can't be, I counted at least sixty doors."
He dropped down to his knees, breathing heavy from the running and the disbelief at what he was seeing was not possible. As he was now on all fours trying to gather himself, he felt a slight gust of air, like someone had blown into his ear. He lifted himself off the floor and turned, the corridor had now changed colors. It was now a dark green with an end in sight. A scent that was to familiar to him then gave him hope.
"Lemon and spices. She's close." He spoke to himself once again.
"Aisha."
A ghost like voice echoed throughout the corridor that sent shivers down his spine, he didn't know if it was his imagination playing tricks on him or if it was really her calling to him.
"Jonathan."
The voice seemed to be closer and sounded a little more like T'Pol's. Suddenly the door at the end of the corridor began to glow. It was a bright pulsing yellow glow that made him cover his eyes, as he was unable to look at it directly. Her scent grew, as did the brightness of the door. He began to run towards the door before the scent and brightness disappeared. He entered the door but the following room was empty. He looked around then he turned towards the door but the door was gone and in its place was a scene that was too familiar to him.
"What the hell." He whispered.
His dream had now become a verifiable nightmare. There she was, chained up like an animal, surrounded by Suliban. He looked around and saw himself chained across from her against the wall. He closed his eyes and shook his head. "This can't be happening?" He whispered to himself, as his worst fear was now about to take place. It became clear to him that her health was failing and she was now near her death. He began to walk towards her as Silik was talking to the Archer that was chained up.
"T'Pol, can you here me?"
He was now standing directly in front of her as he tried to touch her but his hand went right through her.
"T'Pol, please answer me. What do I do?" He said with desperation.
He tried once again to touch her but this time something happened. He felt small jolt of static, as did she by the expression on her face.
"T'Pol? Can you here me?"
He touched her face this time and once again he felt the static on contact with her skin. She looked directly at him but could not see him but she could now feel his presence. She could not understand or explain what she was feeling but she knew it was him. She began to speak but her tone was very week a low in volume.
"Jonathan, I know you are here to save me but there is nothing you can do. Once Silik fires his weapon, we will be both deceased."
He began to answer her but she could not here him.
"Not if I can help it."
She could feel his presence shift slightly from her side too directly in front of her. Silik turned and pointed the weapon towards T'Pol. Archer's chained body yelled out as the phaser beam erupted and made it's way towards her. It seemed like an eternity before the beam reached them. Jonathan looked back and could see the beam streaking towards them. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion as he positioned himself so the beam would strike him directly in the back. Not knowing if the beam would strike him or her, he decided to take a chance and place himself in harms way, even if it meant his own death in order to save her life. The beam finally arrived and something very unexpected happened. The beam hit Archer directly in the back but did not reach T'Pol as the beam seemed make his aura luminescent. T'Pol was now able to see him in front of her. It was like looking at a ghost.
"Jonathan?"
He smiled.
"Can you here me?" He spoke softly.
"Yes, yes I can but how?"
"I have no idea."
They both looked into each other's eyes, as this was truly an amazing turn of events. The pain in Archer's back had all but disappeared as their surroundings had once again changed. They were still standing in front of each other but they were now standing on a beach with a small pond at their side. A waterfall fed the small pond with crystal clear spring water. There were trees surrounding the pond that made it quit secluded and private.
"Where are we?" T'Pol asked.
"I couldn't tell you but wherever it is, it beautiful."
A warn breeze then floated across the beach, passing through them like they were invisible. The warm air seemed to release and relieve the tension that they were both feeling.
"Did we do it?" He shouted with anticipation.
"I do not understand what you mean."
"How do you feel T'Pol?"
"I feel as I always feel."
"So that means that you're not going to die?"
"I do not know, I have never experienced this sensation before. I'm .how you say, lost for words."
He smiled at her, he knew that he had saved her life as well as his but why were they at this location. Was this place something that he had imagined or could it have been something from her imagination? Could it be a place that she had visited or dreamt of or perhaps it was just a place that was just supposed to be.
"It is very beautiful here." T'Pol's head swiveled around, looking at her surrounding.
"Yes it is. Do you know where this is?"
"I once visited a tropical planet that had these surroundings but it never seemed as real as this does."
He could feel that she was holding something back but couldn't put his finger on it.
"Are you alright T'Pol?"
"I told you, I'm fine Jonathan."
They were still standing in front of each other with their eyes locked on to each other's. Archer made the first move as he walked towards the small pond. She quickly followed behind.
"The water is so clear, you can see the bottom."
T'Pol kept her distance as Vulcans and water did not go hand in hand. He bent down and placed his hand in the water.
"It's warm." He mumbled.
"What is warm." She replied.
"The water. How about a swim?"
"Vulcan's do not swim." He frowned as the look on her face made him even more curious.
"You can swim, can't you?" He smiled softly towards her.
"Jonathan, I." He cut her off.
"You can't swim!" He said with amazement.
He was surprised as part of Starfleet training was learning how to swim in the event that a ship had to make an emergency landing in an ocean or large body of water. He knew that T'Pol had attended and passed the Starfleet training regiment but he wondered how she passed the Starfleet water hazard test.
"How did you pass hazard test?"
"I did not."
"What?"
"I was recalled to Vulcan on the day of the water hazard training and when I returned to Earth, Starfleet perceived that I was already to swim. Therefore, I passed the hazard training."
"Why didn't you go back and complete the training?"
"Vulcan is a very hot and dry planet Jonathan and we do not have large bodies of water like Earth. "
She paused briefly, trying to figure out what she was going to say.
"I'm afraid of the water."
He looked at her and could tell by her reaction and body movements that she was truly afraid and uncomfortable around the water.
"Well since I passed the hazard training, I believe it's my duty to teach you to swim."
"That is not necessary Jonathan."
"Yes it is T'Pol, I'll be here to help you the entire time."
He began to undress much to her delight but she maintained her composure. She watched him strip down to his blue standard Starfleet underwear. He entered the small pond and walked in as the water rose to his knees. He turned around and looked at her with a subdued look. She was still dressed in her uniform, watching him like a hawk.
"T'Pol, do I have to undress you myself?"
He could have sworn that she rolled her eyes at him. Another human trait that she had picked up. She began to undress, this time to his delight as he tried to control his emotions but was having a difficult time doing so. She was now standing on the beach only with her Grey T-shirt and Grey underwear. Her T-shirt did not cover much as her entire mid section was exposed, as was the small of her back. The site of her standing there confirmed to him just how much he loved her and how perfect she was. He extended his right arm and opened his hand.
"Come on T'Pol, don't be scared, I won't let nothing happen to you. I promise."
"I have become quit familiar of the risks that you are willing to take to protect me and for that, I trust you Jonathan."
She began to walk towards him but froze right before her left foot entered the shallow water. He walked up to her and grabbed her left hand. Helping her cross that mental barrier was very difficult. Fear was a very strong and powerful advisory for a Vulcan.
"It's ok T'Pol, I got ya." He spoke with a gentle and caring tone.
He helped her enter the water as her grip tightened around his arm.
"See, it's not that bad."
She could feel the soft and wet sand against the bottom of her feet and the sensation of the sand between her toes was relaxing.
"I believe that I have overcome my fear of water Jonathan."
"T'Pol, the water is at your ankles. I think we should go a little deeper." His eyebrows rose slightly.
She nodded in acknowledgement. She still had a firm grip on his arm and was very tense and stiff as the water level was now at her waist.
"Are you ok?" He asked.
She was enjoying the sensation of the water around the lower portion of her body. The feeling was very relaxing and appealing, it seemed to ease her tension.
"Are you ready?"
"For what?" She replied.
"To learn how to swim."
He began to walk into deeper water. As the distance between them grew, she began to loose her grip of his arm. She did not move from her spot as the water was now up to his neck. He looked at her stiff and beautiful body and to his amazement watched her walk slowly towards him. She was shorter than he was so the water had reached her neck faster than she had expected. Her weightless body began to give way and she lost her footing and went under. Archer raced over quickly and grabbed her and pulled her up out of the water.
"T'Pol, are you okay?"
She was coughing and gasping for air as she had swallowed a mouth full of water. She had wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist and this time she wasn't letting go.
"That was most unpleasant." She coughed again as water was running out of her nose.
"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea." He spoke softly.
"Why do you say that Jonathan."
He was having a very difficult time controlling his emotions, as the feel of her body against his was very stimulating.
"I'm not sure your ready."
He could also feel against his chest her now erect nipples.
"Ready for what?" She replied.
She released her arms that were around his neck and she removed her Grey T- shirt. She locked her arms around his neck once again. He watched her T- shirt float away as he was trying not to give in to his powerful urges, he decided to try and change the subject.
"T'Pol, I."
He did not have time to finish his sentence as she kissed him with a passionate kiss that took his breath away. It had been a long time since they had any physical contact and at this point he didn't care if it was a dream or reality.
"T'Pol, what are we doing? Is this real?"
She was breathing heavily.
"I need this Jonathan, I need you."
Her eyes were filled with passion and desire. He could see the passion and desire in her eyes; it was like a roaring fire that was out of control.
"This is interesting!" Phlox commented.
The monitors began to show signs of activity. He walked over to where the Sub Commander and Captain were. He grabbed his scanner and ran it over the Captain then the Sub Commander. They hadn't moved an inch since they began the dangerous hakausu. As his scanner made different sounds, a moan escaped from T'Pol's lips. Her heartbeat had increased as did his and their body temperatures had also risen. As he continued to scan them, he finally realized what was going on, he couldn't explain it but he knew. He quietly turned and pulled shut the curtain and decided to let fate run its course.
