The Man in Her Life

Chapter 11

Sufficient

By Penmom

(1) Author's Notes -- Sequel to A Woman in His Life

(2)This is a fairly brief chapter that wrote itself. I want to thank Twin-Lance for his words of encouragement! Thanks to Narrxun & Trex Kitten - for reviewing so faithfully. Goshabyn, Nikitee and JennaTripped - hope you are still hanging in!

While their situation seems more precarious, T'Pol feels more relaxed as he reaches out for her. Yes, they are a team - a pair - none of this intrigue truly matters. Even without emotional attachment, logic binds them. They are stronger together, meeting on so many levels.

He kicks off his shoes and pushes off his cloak as he settles himself on the bed indian-style as he calls it. The familiar gestures warm her further and she mimics him, coming to sit in front of him.

Eyes close again as hands clasp. Heart rates synchronize. The connection - it is like the movie they saw the other week on Enterprise. The movie was in black and white. With his emotions bound as they are - that's how it seems.

"Release me."

The plainspoken words jar her and her eyes open abruptly. Serious blue eyes are open to meet her surprised gaze, and he releases one of her hands to cover her lips.

"Don't speak."

"It isn't logical or prudent. The risks of discovery are great."

"Your distress is not logical, it beats at me."

"My distress, as you put it, is not our primary concern."

He meets her gaze and she sees him. She SEES HIM. She sees Trip - just Trip - her lover, her partner, her husband. And suddenly, everything is well. Some exchange beyond mere words passes between them, some sort of shift.

"You are well." It was a simple statement not a question.

"I am."

"Good. I would have it so always."

Using his earlier words, she replies to him, "I find you sufficient for my needs."

Her words, her dry humor reaches him - dampening field and all. A smile graces his face.

"Merely sufficient?"

"We shall see."

After a companionable moment they close their eyes once again.

"The bugging device? Can you tell - is it auditory or is there a camera as well?"

"If the readings are correct, it's a simple microphone - probably designed to come on when there is sound. From the directional sensor, it looks as if it's planted over in the air-filtering device. "

"Are there others?"

"I'll have to check but no, I don't think so. It doesn't seem to be a real sophisticated set up."

"Assuming there is only the one, the question is what do we do? To remove the device would be to alert whoever placed it here that we are aware of the surveillance."

"We may be able to use it to our advantage in time. I say we leave it. If we need to plant some information to our suspect this may give us a direct line."

"You are correct. Though, we will need to be careful with our spoken words." She admonishes.

"I have been so far."

"Yes. Yes, you have. You have proved quite adept at removing the many colloquial idioms from your speech."

"I have you to thank for my success, it seems my speech patterns are closely linked to my emotions. I feel less apt to break into song than usual."

"Another unforeseen benefit of the procedure."

"I love you - logically, objectively, emotionally, stoically - whatever theoretical construct we are operating under - I love you."

His hands release hers and slide up underneath the open arms of her blouse, to caress her skin.

"I don't think there is a bug in the bathroom. Could I interest you in some private time before dinner?"

In response she opens her eyes and quickly opens her mouth, turning her head in the direction of the bugging device.

"Sandor, I wish to cleanse myself prior to our evening meal. Please excuse me."

And with that she heads towards what must be the bathroom, closing the door somewhat loudly. Seconds later the door opens silently to allow him entry.

TBC