Chapter Two

Corpsman Tam had Trip lying on his back in the gym, as she stretched out his leg. Trip was in gym pants and a muscle tee shirt. Stretching and stretching out his leg, she then began to work it by making perform a range of motion.

"Oh, dear God, I am going to have you thrown in the brig when you're done," snarled Trip.

"Now, Captain, Dr. Elan said I need to do this every day until you are using the treadmill," said Tam.

"How much longer, Corpsman?" asked Trip.

"A few more minutes," said Tam.

Cutter came up behind Tam and watched for a moment. A big smile creased his face.

"Captain, Commander T'Pol wanted me to tell you that Tos and Thurston are meeting in Conference Room One," said Trip.

Tam stopped his stretching and allowed Trip to sit up. For T'Pol not to contact me herself mind to mind means she is pissed with me. Trip looked at Cutter's smiling face. He reached up with his right hand and waited.

"Come on, Commander, help me up," he said.

Cutter helped him to his feet, while Tam got him his cane. She handed him the cane.

"Here, sir," she said.

"Thanks, Tam. Tonight is movie night. Tell Quartermaster Keck that you get to pick the movie," Trip said.

"I hear you like horror films, sir."

"Universal Horror Films from the 1930's and 1940's, and you?" Trip asked.

"Romantic comedies," she smiled.

Trip sighed, "Oh, well. I need to shower and change."

"I'm not sure you should take your time. Commander T'Pol didn't seem too happy mediating for Tos and Thurston," said Cutter.

"Oh, I know that she is not happy," smiled Trip.

Trip and Cutter began to walk towards the door. The two men had developed an easy working relationship between each other that now appeared to become friendship. Cutter had meant it when he told Admiral Black that he didn't want another command and that all he wanted was to be Trip's XO. He knew that he could protect Captain Tucker's six and make sure that what happened to him never happened to Tucker.

"Are you actually going to relieve Commander T'Pol in her mediating duties?" asked Cutter.

"Hell, no," smiled Trip.

"You sure that's a good idea," queried Cutter.

"Hell, no," said Trip.

Cutter chucked to himself.

"I should get back to the Bridge. I left Hoshi in charge," said Cutter.

"I'll see you at in my Mess, Commander at 1800 hours," said Trip.

"Oh, I wouldn't miss it. It should be a lot of fun," said Cutter.

Trip continued through the corridors until he reached the turbolift then he headed to the deck where his quarter was located. Once he reached his quarters, he entered then stripped and showered.

Ambassador Thurston and Ambassador Tos are unable to agree on the simple issue of sharing intelligence on the Romulans. I believe the worst qualities of your species are represented in these two individuals and I am the wrong individual to be mediating between them, as I find them both tiresome. Please, Charles, assist me.

Trip stepped out of his shower and began to dry himself.

Darlin', offer Tos a chance to meditate for a while and Thurston to use the gym or the observation deck. They need time away from each other.

I shall suggest this to them.

I'll see you at dinner, darlin'.

I am still sleeping in my quarters.

STSTST

The guests were seated in the Captain's Mess, as Ambassador Tos sat across from T'Pol and Ambassador Thurston sat across from Commander Cutter. At the head of the table Trip was seated. The steward brought out a basket of freshly baked rolls and salad, as well as water for T'Pol and Tos, an ice tea for Thurston, and Pilsner glasses full of beer for Cutter and Trip. He served them.

"I hope your afternoon negotiations went better than your morning one," said Trip, as he reached for a roll.

Tos raised an eyebrow as Trip took the roll and started to eat it.

"Humans do not mind touching certain of their foods. As a matter of fact, they are quite tactile with some foods. Hot dogs and hamburgers are examples," T'Pol told him.

"I see," said Tos. "I have avoided most official state dinners. Soval usually handled them, as he has more of an empathy with humans."

Trip rolled his eyes at this comment. He finished his roll and then grabbed another one. Do not overeat, Adun. It is not good for you.

Trip looked at T'Pol then he smirked and took a bit from the piping hot fresh roll.

"Our negotiations were more fruitful in the afternoon session. We have an outline on several issues now," said Thurston.

"We hope to have a draft of treaty allowing for some sharing of intelligence and other items by the time we reach Vulcan," said Tos.

"This joint war game is a big step in the right direction between Vulcan and Starfleet working together," said Trip.

"It shows there is trust between us. The question is how much trust," said Tos.

"I hope that Commander T'Pol is a benefit during these negotiations," said Trip.

"She is satisfactory," said Tos.

"I find her a valuable addition," said Thurston.

"Well, I'm glad to hear it. Commander T'Pol will be at your disposal for the duration of this trip," said Trip trying to hide a smirk.

"Thank you, Captain," said Thurston.

I believe that neuropressure and our sharing a bed are becoming a thing of the past, Charles.

You know you can't stay away from me for too long, darlin'.

I am Vulcan, Charles. I do not desire sexual relationship as much as a human does.

Trip laughed drawing attention from everyone at the table.

"Is something humorous, Captain?" asked Tos.

"Yes, Captain, please share," said T'Pol.

"I was just thinking that it was a good thing you had Commander T'Pol mediating for you instead of me," said Trip.

"Really, Captain. I thought Starfleet captains were noted for the diplomatic skills," said Thurston.

"That was Captain Archer. He was a natural diplomat. I'm not as good at diplomacy as Jonathan Archer was and never will be," said Trip with great respect for his fallen friend and commander.

"I know that Captain Archer was considered a great diplomat. It's a shame he died," said Thurston.

"Captain Archer was a unique human being," said Tos.

Trip smiled at this. He knew that Tos didn't like Archer. Most of the Vulcans at the Vulcan Embassy didn't like Archer. Trip waved over to the steward, who walked up beside Trip.

"I'm done with my salad," said Trip. "What is dinner?"

"Pasta Primavera for those who don't meat and lasagna for those who do eat it," said the steward.

"I'll the lasagna and you can serve the meal once everyone is done with their salads," said Trip.

You should eat your salad, Adun. It is much better for you than the lasagna.

I like lasagna. I don't like salad. It's for rabbits and Vulcans.

Vulcans and rabbits do not have the same eating habits. You should eat your salad more often.

You could try bribing me with neuropressure and your presence in my quarters to get me to eat salad, darlin'.

Are you teasing me, Charles?

Just trying to get you to change your mind about certain things, darlin'. I miss you and neuropressure.

As I miss you, Adun.

"Captain Tucker, do you believe in Captain Archer's vision of a Coalition of Planets?" asked Tos.

Trip picked up his glass of beer and took a sip allowing himself to compose his thoughts then put it down.

"I completely support Archer's vision and hope to see it become more than just a coalition but like minded planets working together under some form of structure," said Trip.

Tos nodded his head slightly.

"I believe, Captain, that we should speak in private at some point," said Tos. "I have a message from Minister T'Pau for you. She wishes to speak to you once we reach Vulcan."

"Tomorrow morning in my Ready Room after breakfast, Ambassador," said Trip.

"That would suffice."

"I'm not sure that I feel comfortable with you meeting with Captain Tucker instead of a representative of EarthGov like myself. Minister T'Pau should be speaking to the appropriate individuals," said Ambassador Thurston.

"Madam Ambassador, the message I carry from Minister T'Pau is for Captain Tucker and Captain Tucker only," said Tos. "If the Captain wishes to share the message with you, it will be up to him. I am merely a messenger when it comes to the bidding of T'Pau."

"Captain, as an EarthGov representative and the highest authority here, I suggest have me there for this conversation," said Thurston.

Trip stuck his tongue in the side of his cheek and started to roll to around. He knew that his next move would be important not only for him but for Starfleet. A Starfleet captain has to be the master of his ship and not deferring authority to an EarthGov representative.

K'diwa, be careful. Politics are a minefield. You are making a decision here with consequences beyond this situation.

I know, darlin', and I think I'm about to step on a mine because I'm going to place Starfleet above EarthGov.

"Madam Ambassador, as a Starfleet captain on his own starship, I believe I am the highest authority here. You may register a complaint with both EarthGov and Starfleet, but I shall show T'Pau and Vulcan some respect here and receive this message on my own," said Trip.

"I would like a subspace communication made available to me," she said.

"After dinner I'll have Lieutenant Commander Sato take care of the matter herself. Is that satisfactory?" Trip asked in his command voice.

"Yes, Captain."

Cutter looked at Trip and nodded his support, while T'Pol and Tos remained still and silent. Thurston's face had a red shade of anger to it. Trip absentmindedly grabbed another roll and started nibbling on it. I hope Starfleet Command appreciates that I just placed Starfleet on the same level as EarthGov for a Starfleet captain.

STSTST

Section 31 working in secret with V'Shar had identified four Vulcan captains who were actually Romulan. They would be command four of the ships in the war game. If they decided to go hot with their weapons during the war game, they would be able to cause a great deal of death and damage unless some of the ships were prepared to counteract them. Malcolm sat in his Ready Room wondering how to handle the situation.

It was a potentially volatile situation. V'Shar had given the information to certain minister in the new government. T'Pau had decided to take a wait and see position. Her logic was that they had already removed the two Romulans that Malcolm had exposed in what could be called death by accident. One minister was in a hovercar crash and the other one disappeared in the Vulcan Forge while on retreat. The Vulcans were lucky that Romulus had low expectations when it came to Vulcan duplicity and deviousness. If they were to expose the four Vulcan captains then Romulus would know that their infiltration was exposed. T'Pau didn't want that yet. Instead she was counting on Malcolm to be prepared to deal with the Vulcan starships if they went rogue.

"I need Trip and the Archer to be ready to act. The Enterprise and the Archer could handle four ships," he said to himself.

Now he ended to meet with Trip, or Trip and T'Pol, in secret and fill them in on the situation. Once Trip, though, knew the truth about the Romulans being an offshoot of the Vulcans, he needed to keep this information to himself. The relationship between Vulcan and Romulus was one that Section 31 had decided to keep along with the Vulcans. Earth had too much alien hatred brewing with Terra Prime to deal rationally with this relationship. Malcolm would need Trip to keep this secret also and T'Pol would help there.

Now he just needed to get them alone, which wasn't going to be easy considering the number of eyes that were going to be on them. His best bet would be to get Trip and T'Pol on the Enterprise and then cut off any security protocols so that their conversation would be private. It was at times like this that Malcolm was glad he understood all the security measures and systems of a starship and how to circumvent them. Some became captains of starships by being a pilot and some by being a tactical officer, and even one by being the best damned engineer in Starfleet.

STSTST

Trip sat at his des waiting for Tos. Thurston was waiting to hear back from EarthGov. He contacted Admiral Black to let him know about the situation with Tos and Thurston. If he was mistaken EarthGov and Starfleet were arguing at the moment. The final arbiter of this would be President Samuels, who Trip hoped saw the larger picture. Starfleet represented Earth more than diplomats in deep space.

His buzzer rang.

"Enter," he called out.

Tos entered his Ready Room. Without being told he walked over to a chair and sat down then stared solemnly at Trip. Trip allowed silence to cocoon them for a few minutes then he finally spoke up.

"You have a message for me," said Trip.

"Minister T'Pau instructed me that if you appeared open to Captain Archer's vision that I should start a dialogue with you that she will finish. Vulcan is aware that for security reasons and more a relationship being forged with many worlds is necessary. As the newest world to deep space travel, she believes that humanity is the best instrument to forge this relationship. Do you agree?" asked Tos.

"I think we are suited for not because we are the new kids on the block but because we are willing to listen to many different cultures. Yes, we make mistakes. But that doesn't stop us from sticking out neck out there and taking chances," said Trip.

"An interesting analysis, but moot for my purposes. I am here to judge your enthusiasm, which I take is strong," said Tos.

"Yes, Ambassador Tos, my enthusiasm for Captain Archer's vision is strong," said Trip.

"Minister T'Pau wants to meet with you and your mate for reasons she didn't inform me. Now that I can tell her of you enthusiasm for Archer's vision I believe she will be making it an important discussion point," said Tos.

"May I ask you a question, Ambassador?"

"You may."

"Is it generally known that I am mated to T'Pol?" asked Trip.

"No, it is known by few Vulcans. I was informed for a strategic reason. If Ambassador Thurston wishes to insert herself into the discussion with T'Pol, your Vulcan citizenship will be invoked," said Tos.

"T'Pau finds the coalition important enough that she is willing to expose my relationship with T'Pol," seethed Trip.

"Yes."

"I see," Trip said.

He didn't like the idea that his and T'Pol's relationship would have been used as a tool by T'Pau, but he was committed to Jonathan Archer's vision.

"Minister T'Pau wishes you to know that she believes that you are important to making Archer's vision become stronger and even greater than he intended. She hopes you are ready for this," said Tos.

"I'm willing to talk to her," said Trip.

"That is a start," said Tos.

He stood up, gave a nod of his head to trip then exited the Ready Room. Trip took a deep breath then exhaled slowly. This mission to Vulcan was getting more and more interesting.

"Captain, I have a subspace communication from Admiral Black for you," Hoshi's voice interrupted his thought.

Trip pressed the comm button on his desk.

"Route him into my Ready Room, Hoshi."

"Aye, aye, sir."

Trip turned on the viewscreen, which was located on his desk and waited for the image of Black to appear. Seconds later a stern faced Admiral Black appeared.

"Tucker, you are a pain in my ass," Black started.

"Good to see you, sir," said Trip with a straight face.

"You have lucked out again. President Samuels agrees that you should be allowed to deal with T'Pau without interference. He also is depending upon you and Starfleet to strengthen the coalition. Samuels, as does Fleet Admiral Federov, believes the coalition is necessary for us to deal with the Romulans and their current aggressions," said Black. "Someone will be contacting Ambassador Thurston about the situation. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir."

"Vulcan is important. It has high technology and we have a past with them. We want them to be active members of the coalition but we aren't willing to bend over for them. Get them in line, Tucker," said Black.

"I am supposed to speak with Minister T'Pau when I arrive at Vulcan," said Trip. "I believe it is going to be a private meeting."

"Excellent. You're already accomplished more with this meeting than any of our diplomats. I know this T'Pau is supposed to be difficult. So far the only human being she has time for is Captain Reed because he carried the whatever of Surak," said Black.

"Katra. He carried the katra of Surak," said Trip.

"Good for you, Tucker, that you know that. As I said she isn't high on humanity. Don't piss her off. We need her on our side," said Black.

"Yes, sir. I will try not to piss her off," said Trip.

Black sighed and shook his head.

"I know that you and I have had our problems lately, but I trust you, Tucker. I know you can handle this. As a matter of fact I think you are the best candidate to handle it. Talk to T'Pau and do what you have to do with her then have a good war games. Impress the Vulcan with the Archer. Black out."

The screen went black and Trip continued to stare at it for a moment.

"I really wish you were here, Jon," he said to himself.