Chapter Eleven

The balled fist of the Reptilian hit Trip in the gut for the third time in a row. From experience, he knew that at least one of his ribs on the left side was broken. On the right side, he was sure one of his ribs had been broken and punctured his lung. The next fist hit the left side of his face. He could taste the blood in his mouth.

"Stop!" ordered Dolim. "We have over three weeks until we get to Earth. He will be broken by then and tell us everything he knows about their new defenses and ship."

Dolim and the two warriors left Trip alone on the cold floor of the Reptilian ship's Brig. With effort he crawled to the wall then propped himself up in a sitting position. Every move caused pain, including breathing.

"Three weeks, sure," said Trip sardonically.

He knew he wouldn't last more than another two or three of these beatings. At least, they wouldn't get any information from him, though. From his long history of plasma burns and other injuries in Engineering, not to mention his distinguished away team record for injuries, he knew how to deal with pain. He didn't want to deal with the pain, but he knew how to deal with it.

He looked around the cell. There was one bed without a mattress or pillow or blanket for that matter. In a corner, there was a toilet-like device and nothing else. The rest of the cell was nothing but grey cold metal.

In the condition he was in there were no comm, loose panels, or conjunctions easily accessible that he could break into and cause some trouble with his skills. Instead, there was cold metal.

"I am not getting out of this one," he said to himself.

STSTST

Hoshi observed T'Pol as she sat in the command chair. Since the first days of the Enterprise launch, she had watch with great interest the exchanges between Commander Tucker and SubCommander T'Pol. In her opinion, there was always a heat beneath them, a sense of attraction and arousal. It was fun watching them grow closer and closer over a two-year period. The Vulcan XO spent her time with the Captain Archer on ship's business, with Commander Tucker arguing on any number of things, or on her own. What was interesting about this was she was at her most alive when arguing with Trip.

Now watching her seated in the command chair, she noticed little things, like T'Pol tapping a finger for a few seconds, a foot moving for no reason, adjusting her uniform, or shifting every now and again. If she wasn't Vulcan, Hoshi would say that T'Pol was nervous.

"Mister Mayweather, time to intercept," inquired T'Pol.

"29 minutes, sir," said Travis.

Hoshi saw the index finger on T'Pol tap the chair again. If she didn't know anybody, Hoshi would say that T'Pol was not only worried about Trip, but carried a torch for him.

T'Pol could feel Trip was in great pain. He was alive, but the pain was almost disconcerting. She was tempted to raise her mental barriers and block their bond, but she needed to feel him right now. Instead, she needed to rely on her Vulcan discipline to deal with Trip's pain.

"Major Hayes, you are relieved from Tactical. Prepare your boarding party and wait in the Transporter Room for my signal," said T'Pol.

Hoshi looked over at the MACO, who she was now sure she had fallen in love with. His face was a mask of professionalism, but she knew better. He was angry and anxious. Over the months, he had told her many times that he had come to admire Trip more than any other commander he worked under. If possible, he'd request duty with whatever ship, Trip was assigned to command.

"Yes, sir," said Hayes.

He allowed Ensign Barry to take his place at Tactical then strode off the Bridge. He and five of his best were going to beam onboard the Reptilian ship and retrieve Trip. Hayes feet beat the deck as if they were his enemy making his way to the Cargo Bay on C Deck where his team was practicing their tactics and teamwork.

"Make a hole," he barked as three crewmembers were in his way to get to the turbolift.

They quickly stepped aside, as his tone sent a chill down their spines. He was a man on a mission and no one was going to stand in his way because his captain needed him. Hayes entered the turbolift and hit C Deck.

When the door opened, he was out of the turbolift like a shot. He needed to get his gear on and give his team a quick pep talk then it was on to the Transporter Room where Chief Rostov waited for them.

On the Bridge T'Pol decided it was time to re-enforce their tactic with key personnel.

"Ensign Barry," she said.

"Yes, sir," he replied.

"Fire all weapons in nonstop volleys. We need to bring down their shields in order retrieve the Captain," she said calmly, even though her internal workings were far from calm.

"Aye, aye, sir," said Barry.

"Lieutenant Murphy," said T'Pol to the Science Officer she had trained and who took her place while she was gone.

"Yes, sir," he said.

"The moment the shields are down alert Chief Rostov in the Transporter Room," she said.

"Yes, sir," he said.

"Once the Captain and MACOs are off the Reptilian ship, all our effort will go into destroying it and the weapon," she said.

No one responded. They kept their heads down and did their work, except for Hoshi who kept an eye on T'Pol. She was fascinated to observe T'Pol, as she re-evaluated T'Pol's relationship with Trip. It was better to fill her mind with this mental exercise then to worry about Jeff and his MACOs.

STSTST

Trip felt the Reptilian ship rocked by weapons fire. A thin smile cracked his sore and swollen face. He tried to stand, but fell back to the ground with the slightest rocking of the ship. Again, the ship was rocked hard by weapons fire and again and again.

Without even realizing it, he could suddenly feel T'Pol's concern and affection for him. She was pouring it on trying to bring down their shields.

"Good, girl," his smile grew.

The door to his cell opened and two Reptilian entered. They looked at him as if he should stand up on his own. It made Trip laugh.

"Sorry fellows, the legs don't work," he said through a jaw that felt as if it was either broken or dislocated and swollen lips.

Before they could come fully into the cell and grab him, a final volley causes the ship to rock and groan then the lights flicker. Trip chuckled to himself. Their shields are down.

The two Reptilians entered the cell. One of them started to grab Trip when the distinctive sound of a MACO pulse rifle could be heard. The warrior fell over. The second one turned to fight, but he was taken down by multiple pulse rifle shots. Hayes and Ryan rushed to Trip's side, while the other MACOs took a defensive position.

"Captain, you've looked better," smiled Hayes.

Ryan took a medical scanner out and checked him.

"He has some serious internal injuries and bleeding, plus a shitload of broken bones," said Ryan to Hayes.

"Let's exfil from here," Hayes said.

Hayes pulled out his communicator and opened it, "Hayes to Enterprise. Need emergency beam out for seven. Have medic waiting with stretcher."

"Acknowledged," said Hoshi soothing voice.

Hayes smiled. He closed his communicator away then he looked at Ryan.

"As easy as you can let's pick him up," said Hayes.

He and Ryan gently lifted Trip, who groaned in pain. Once they had him supported in between them the transporter beam kicked in and the world sparkled and disappeared to reappear on the Enterprise.

"Bridge, we have them, Raise shields," Rostov commed the Bridge.

"Bridge acknowledges," said the calm, even voice of T'Pol.

Ryan and Hayes placed Trip on the stretcher. Immediately, Phlox started to scan him as Corpsman Cutler strapped Trip to the stretcher.

"We need to get to the Sick Bay. He needs emergency surgery," said Phlox.

Hayes noticed the preternaturally jovial doctor appeared concerned. He watched as Cutler and Phlox pushed him away then he looked at Rostov.

"How's the fight going?" he asked.

Rostov smiled, "One Reptilian ship down, one flagging, and now that the Captain is off the one with the weapon, I'd say we are close to the end."

Hayes nodded his approval.

On the Bridge T'Pol could feel the painkillers being administered to Trip, so she raised her mental barriers.

"Captain Hernandez, recommends we destroy weapon now," Hoshi informed T'Pol.

"Inform Captain Hernandez, Jannar, and Degra to prepare for emergency warp. We are about to release a full spread of photon torpedoes at the weapon, which will destroy it," T'Pol stated.

Hoshi went to work.

"Mister Barry, prepare full spread of photon torpedoes at maximum yield," she said.

Barry worked the board letting the armory to load the right torpedoes. Once he got the green light from the armory, he raised his head.

"Ready, sir," he said.

"Fire," she said then added, "Emergency warp."

Mayweather worked his console and after a minor vibration and shudder, the view screen showed the star elongate as they went to warp 6.5. Soon after they were in warp the weapon explode. An energy wave rode up the Enterprise's after and shook the ship as it made its escape. Once the wave passed, T'Pol decided it was time to drop out of warp.

"Mister Mayweather, drop to half impulse," she said.

"Aye, sir," said Travis.

Hayes entered the Bridge. He looked and his expression showed his concern for Trip.

"Ensign Sato, contact Captain Hernandez, Jannar, and Degra and give them the coordinates for a rendezvous," said T'Pol.

"Yes, sir," said Hoshi.

"Major Hayes, you have the conn," she said then stood up. "Status reports along with damage reports and causality reports will be coming in for your perusal. I'll be in the Sick Bay."

"Yes, sir," he said as he walked up to the command chair. "Please, inform me on the Captain's status when you can."

"I shall," said T'Pol then she strode off the Bridge with an iron determination to be with her mate.

It didn't take her long to get to Sick Bay. She entered to find Cutler and the MACOs best medic, Specialist Chow, working on crew with minor injuries.

"Where is the Doctor with the Captain?" T'Pol asked.

"He uses the Morgue as a surgery, sir" said Cutler.

T'Pol turned, exited the Sick Bay, walked across the corridor to the morgue then she entered. Phlox had Trip on the main table with a sterilization field around them, as he performed surgery on Trip. He looked up at T'Pol, who finally dropped her mental barriers so that she could sense Trip once again.

"How can I help you, Commander?" he asked in an annoyed tone.

"Doctor, Captain Tucker and I are bonded. I need to be here," she said.

Phlox blinked twice before speaking, "A Vulcan tel?"

"Yes," she answered with a cocked right eyebrow.

He looked at the monitoring equipment. Trip's readings were suddenly improving.

"How long?" he asked.

"Since I became the XO once again," she said.

"It is a rather strong bond for a nascent one," he said. "I'm even surprised that a Human and Vulcan could bond."

"Be that as it may, we are bonded. He is my mate and I need to be close to him in order to help with his recovery. At a later date Doctor we can explore why it is such a strong bond," she said.

"Get a mask and join me. You can assist my surgery," he said.

"Thank you, Doctor," she said.

STSTST

In the Secondary Recovery Ward so that he could have privacy, Trip opened his eyes slowly to find T'Pol staring at him. To most she appeared serene, but he could see the concern and love in her eyes.

"You are going to be fine, Ashal," she said.

"Ashal," he repeated the Vulcan word.

"It is translated beloved," she said.

He started to smile but his jaw hurt so it turned into a grimace.

"I feel like I've been through a meat grinder," said Trip.

"You had two broken ribs on your left side, three broken ribs on your right side, a collapsed lung, damaged kidney, compound broken left leg, bruised sternum, dislocated jaw…," T'Pol started to tick off his injuries.

"Okay, darlin', I got your point. I was beat up. What happened?" he asked.

"Jannar and Degra assisted up in retrieving you and destroying the weapon. They wish to see you before the Enterprise and Defiant leave for Earth," she explained.

"Where are we?" he asked.

"Orbiting Azati Prime. While our ships are being repaired, Captain Hernandez has been working out a peace agreement between the Aquatics, Arboreal, and Primates. It appears the Insectoid and Reptilian have made an exodus of the Expanse," she told him.

"Why do Jannar and Degra want to see me for?" he asked.

"They wish you to be the one to sign the peace agreement," she said.

Trip laughed then groaned in pain.

"Erika must hate that," he said. "Well, tell Phlox to give me some painkillers then bring them up."

"Are you sure, Ashal?" T'Pol asked.

"Yeah, darlin', it's the right thing to do, and I want to get these two ships back to Earth," he said. "By the way, when can I get out of bed?"

"When you have my permission," T'Pol said then she stood up to tell Phlox that Trip needed painkiller and he wanted to see Jannar and Degra.

Within the hour, Trip was in sitting up, as the painkillers had kicked in, and waiting for Jannar and Degra. Having caught a look of himself in a mirror, he knew his face was still swollen on the right side, though Phlox assured him that he'd have the swelling gone within two days. Jannar and Degra entered the Secondary Recovery Ward in official robes along with their assistants, who would witness the signing. Captain Hernandez, T'Pol, Dr. Phlox, and Corpsman Cutler stood behind Jannar and Degra.

"We apologize for what has happened to you, Captain Tucker," Jannar started. "We hope that signing this peace agreement starts your recovery and our new relationship into a new direction."

"I believe this is a very good first step," said Trip.

Degra stepped forward holding the PADD with the peace agreement. He handed it to Trip, who started to read the synopsis.

"All information and research on the super weapon will be destroyed. The Aquatics are already started the process," said Degra.

"That's good to know," said Trip, who then signed using his thumbprint then typed in his name and rank.

Trip handed the PADD to Degra.

"I'm glad it's ending this way then with any more bloodshed," said Trip.

"I agree, Captain Tucker," said Degra.

Trip looked over at Hernandez. She had a smile on her face, but that smile didn't light her eyes. He hoped he could find a way to patch over the problems between them.

"Gentlemen and ladies, I think the good Captain needs rest," Phlox said.

"I hope that someday you return to the Delphic Expanse, Captain Tucker, at peace instead at war. I would to show you my home under different circumstances," said Jannar.

"I'd like that, Jannar," said Trip.

"I would, too," Jannar smiled.

STSTST

T'Pol sat in the command chair, while Trip took a comm from Admiral Forest in his Ready Room. They were now two weeks out from Earth and the crew of the Enterprise was definitely in need of an extra-long rest period. T'Pol looked at the PADD in her hand, which had a list of incident reports. According to Dr. Phlox the Enterprise was a crew in need of a very long vacation drinking beverages that come with a little umbrella.

Closing her eyes for a moment, she tapped into her bond with Trip and felt his anxiety. They had talked and she knew that he wanted to be an engineer again, but he doubted that Starfleet would let him return to his old profession. T'Pol told him that she would support his decision whatever it may be, just as long as they remained together. She explained that a bond as strong as theirs meant they needed to serve together. The bond called for it.

Trip stared at the image of Admiral Forest on his view screen as he popped up. Forest's face was dominated by a bright smile.

"Good to see you Trip. I've been getting updates from Commander T'Pol and Erika," he said.

"I'm glad I finally can take your call, Admiral," said Trip.

"Let me start by saying I'm sorry about Jon. He was a great man," said Forest.

"I agree, sir," said Trip.

"My first order of business is to inform you some terrible news. The Xindi Insectoid and Reptilian fleet during their mass departure from the Delphic Expanse destroyed two Earth colonies, an Andorian, Tellerite, and Vulcan colony. I know all relevant information on the Insectoid and Reptilian have been sent to us, but do you have any added insight?" asked Forest.

"The Reptilian is dominate and a warrior race rivaling the Klingons. The Insectoid will follow their lead and the Reptilian will be looking for an ally," Trip said.

And they have a grudge against Earth. He knew that Forest knew that. They diffused part of the problem in the Delphic Expanse but it wasn't over yet.

"Once you are back to Earth your crew has four months of leave coming to them, but your leave will be shorter. Things are changing here quickly, Trip. Starfleet is suddenly the fair haired boy of Earth Gov and we have been tasked with a change in our mission," said Forest.

"What is the change, sir?" asked Trip.

"Tueri Et Servire. To Protect and To Serve," said Forest.

"Sounds like we are becoming more of a military organization, sir," said Trip.

Trip couldn't blame Earth for reacting in such a way. Unfortunately, the Enterprise had proven that there were a lot of aggressive belligerent species out there, and the current incursion of the Reptilian and Insectoid highlighted that fact.

"Trip, I think you can see the need for it. Seven million killed and now two colonies. President Nathan Samuel swore it will never happen again that Earth would be protected. He has put the treasury behind his words also giving us huge increases to build a fleet. Exploration will still be part of our mandate but protection and service will become our primary focus. Fleet Admiral Fedorov has already made changes. One of them is based on how you used the MACOs on your ship. We are integrating the MACOs into Starfleet and resurrecting the Marines to serve on all ships, as well as protect colonies," said Forest.

"I'm sure Major Hayes will find that interesting news. He's now a Marine," said Trip.

"Structural changes are being made, also. Admiral Jeffries is now the Chief of Fleet Development. He has always been a great admirer of your engineering skills. Jeffries is tasked with building us top of the line ships and a fleet. I have been made Chief of Operations with Vice Admiral Thaddeus Black as my Vice Chief of Operations. I know he has always been a supporter of yours," said Forest.

"Admiral Black always showed faith in me," said Trip.

"The new SOLCOM is headed by Admiral Gardner," said Forest.

"SOLCOM," smiled Trip. "What other commands are there, sir?"

"DEEPCOM which will handle Deep Space issues," said Forest, "and ALPHACOM handling Alpha Quadrant and BETACOM handling the Beta Quadrant. Gamma quadrant and Delta quadrant will fall under DEEPCOM," he explained. "There is going to be a role for you to play, Trip."

"Yes, sir," said Trip not really wanting to know what that role was.

"We'll discuss it when you get back to Earth. Expect a week of debriefing before you'll get any down time. You're in demand, Captain," said Forest.

"I understand, sir," said Trip.

"Forest, out," he said and the screen went blank.

Trip felt a sense of calm and support through his bond with T'Pol. He still was amazed by their bond. At first, he was intimidated but now he relied on it. Phlox had him then T'Pol in his imagining chamber trying to explain the strength of the bond, but couldn't do it. It was what it was, a tether that connect him with the woman he loved and him with her. He didn't need any more an explanation than that.