— Chapter 50 —
"SubCommander," said Reed, while looking at the image of T'Pol projected onto his comm unit. "What can I do for you?"
It had been three weeks since he'd last seen the Vulcan, when the crippled Enterprise had been towed to the Uzh Palik and it's crew dispersed to Vulcan ships while the Enterprise underwent repairs, but Reed had a feeling he knew why T'Pol was calling, not that he had a damned clue of how he could be of service to T'Pol. His ship, the D'Lett, had departed on a patrol mission shortly after he and some of the Enterprises' crew had boarded, and they would not be given leave to depart the ship until the tomorrow morning.
"I need nothing from you, Lt-Commander Reed," said T'Pol, "I merely wished to speak with you, at the earliest opportunity. That project you have been handling for me, need no longer trouble you."
"You're certain?" said Reed, frankly relieved, but doubtful.
"I am," said T'Pol. "The clock's run out. It is over."
"Understood, SubCommander," said Reed. "I'm glad it all worked out."
T'Pol nodded, thanked Reed once more, and then ended the call. She'd had something of the same conversation with Archer the day the Enterprise had pulled up to the Uzh Palik, for she knew that she, Archer and Reed might be dispersed, but would definitely not have the same type of privacy they'd enjoyed 'till now, and so T'Pol did the logical thing…
She went to her superiors in the High Command, explained that she'd entered pon'farr while aboard the Enterprise. This being her first cycle, she was unaccustomed to its intensity, mistakenly believed that she could control it through iron discipline, and by the time she'd realized her mistake, she was too far from Vulcan help.
What did you do, was asked.
I took a Human mate for the duration of cycle. He is discreet. He has not spoken a word of it to anyone.
You have been back to Vulcan several times since your cycle started, was stated. Why not come to us with this earlier?
The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the one. The Romulans are a danger to us all, and I feared being removed from my post. My place is out there, performing my duty, not bound to Vulcan.
So why come to us now, was asked.
The crew of the Enterprise will be dispersed while the ship is undergoing repairs, and without a ship, I can not stand against the Romulans. I have handled this matter discreetly, so long as possible. I believe the end of my time has already come, but in case I am mistaken, once again, I need your assistance.
How much time since your cycle began, was asked.
It has been a year since that time, but apparently these things do not run according to a precise timetable. I will try to control myself, but I need someone assigned to me until this cycle ends, in case I am unable to do so.
Understood, was the reply, and her superiors were pleased that T'Pol had handled the matter so efficiently. You have done well to handle this matter so discreetly, T'Pol. Be at peace now, you will be supported.
Now, this call she'd placed to Reed had been the last thing to deal with, and now that whole unfortunate affair was finished so far as Humans were aware… she hadn't even had to call upon the assistant provided by the High Command, for her sexual responses truly were calming down, save where her mate were concerned, and there her desires were still strong, annoyingly insistent and forcefully demanding…
Getting Ayvok approved as the head of Security aboard the Uzh Palik turned out to be a breeze, as the Vulcan's record was spotless and his reason for seeking transfer to Vulcan was well known and a matter of record, so two days after his last meeting with Captain Tucker, Ayvok attended the morning meeting along with the other department heads. Present for Command were Captain Tucker and his second, Senva, Selles was here for Medical, Ayvok for Security, Tukel for Engineering and T'Slenne for Shipyard Operations.
"Ok," said Trip, "you're all familiar with the training program I've instituted, in which our idle engineers are arming the Uzh Palik with weapons, and fortifying the station with shielding. This was simply intended as an in-house training program, but some voices in StarFleet and the High Command have spoken favorably for the idea, proposing that this might serve as a concept for creating a chain of armed and armored deep space stations to be placed along the Federation's borders, and with that, we have our first test today.
"As you may, or may not know, we've got twenty percent of the station covered in shield emitters so far, namely the core, from Control all the way down through the decks, and accordingly, we have our first live fire exercise today, two hours from now. The combat cruiser Israk's phaser batteries will fire on the core, repeatedly, raising the power output of each successive salvo, to see how we take the hits."
That made sense to many here, for the size of the Uzh Palik's cold fusion engines dwarfed the engines of a combat cruiser's engines by a factor of 300+… the toughness and durability of the shields generated by engines of that size should be outstanding.
"I want announcements of this upcoming test made every twenty minutes," said Trip, "so that even the dimmest bulb aboard this station understands that we're not under actual attack. Is that clear?"
Everyone nodded in the affirmative, and after dealing with some other matters, the meeting broke up, and everyone went about their business, prepping for the live fire exercises.
The test, when it came, went well. The Israk quickly ramped up the power throughput of its phaser bombardment, for nothing it did could even dent the Uzh Palik's shields, but that was expected, and with that Trip was formally encouraged by an envoy of the High Command to continue fortifying the station, after which an even more demanding test would be conducted, in which the station would be fired upon by a half dozen cruisers, while the Uzh Palik must target a number of drones with its weapons arrays.
The Romulan Consul, and the members of the Senate itself, remained seated as the Klingon Ambassador entered the Senate chambers, but that was to be expected: the Consul and the Senate were the ruling body of the Romulan Star Empire, while the Ambassador was simply an envoy of the Klingons. The Klingon Ambassador, Dumat, understood that fact as well, and took no offense, and after a bit of politeness, both ways, Dumat got to the heart of the matter.
"It pleases me to announce, on behalf of Chancellor Kor, leader of the High Council and Great Houses of the Klingon Empire, that the offer of the Consul and the Senate of the Romulan Star Empire has been accepted. Accordingly, as proposed in your offer, our fleets will pull back to Khitomer until the resolution of your venture in the Alpha Quadrant, at which point our fleets will of course return to patrolling our newly agreed upon borders."
The Romulan Consul nodded, for that had been a crucial point in his offer, that the Klingons withdraw their fleets to Khitomer, thus, if the Klingons decided to renege on their agreement, and decided to invade the Romulan Empire, the Star Empire's fleets in the Alpha Quadrant would have the necessary time to disengage from that conflict and rush home in order to fight the Klingons, for the Home Fleets could be counted upon to delay the Klingons long enough for that to happen.
"That pleases us all, Ambassador," said the Consul. "When will your ships, and your ground troops, begin their withdrawal from the border?"
"As soon as I reach Qo'noS with your agreement, Consul," said Dumat.
"And how long will that process take?" said the Consul.
"Due to the distances involved, and the logistical requirements of pulling a few million troops back from the border," said Dumat, "we estimate the process will take nine weeks or so."
"Understood, Ambassador," said the Consul. "Please contact my office by sub-space transmission when the process is complete, and upon the receipt of your message, we will assume that your part of the agreement has been honorably upheld, and our contract fulfilled."
Now Dumat knew that this was not strictly true, for he was sure that cloaked Romulan ships would indeed verify that no military Klingon presence remained behind in contravention of the agreement, but Dumat understood the Consul's politeness, and there was no fear that the Romulans might be using this as a ruse… to do so would be madness, for the massed troops at Khitomer would, in that case, embark on a campaign of reconquest and after that, a campaign of invasion.
"I will do so once the process is complete, Consul," said Dumat, and with that, Dumat reboarded his ship, on his way back to Qo'noS.
"Captain Tucker," said Soval, looking at Trip through his comm unit. "Good to hear from you again."
"I hope I'm not imposing on you, Ambassador."
"Not at all, Captain," said Soval. "I hope that you are not calling to cancel tomorrow's dinner engagement."
"I am not, Ambassador," said Trip, for he was actually looking forward to dinner at Soval's: the ambassador knew food. "I actually have a question you might answer, and a favor to ask of you."
"I am listening," said Soval.
"Do you know if Humans are allowed to own property on Vulcan?"
"Yes, they can," said Soval. "Vulcans hold title to property on Earth, so Humans can do the same here, and what's more, a number of your businesses own properties and facilities here. Why do you ask?"
"I'm thinking of buying a place on Vulcan," said Trip. "You have a beautiful planet, seems a waste to spend all my time cooped up aboard the Uzh Palik. I could rent, but I plan a long term presence here. Which leads me to my favor. Can you recommend a good lawyer who specializes in property law?"
"I can," said Soval. "Give me an hour or so, to ask around."
"I appreciate it, Ambassador," said Trip.
"You are quite welcome, Captain Tucker," said Soval. "We will speak within the hour, and I will then see you tomorrow night."
Upon the conclusion of his call to Soval, Trip turned his attention back to the screen, where he was looking at the property he'd selected after weeks of prospecting through the Vulcan infonets. Just then the chime sounded, announcing a visitor.
"Enter," said Trip, and the computer opened the door in response to Trip's command.
"Captain," said T'Fel, looking quite adorable today.
"Hello, sexy," said Trip, and gestured that the Vulcan come around the desk.
"You really are serious about buying a place here, aren't you?" said T'Fel, taking note of the images displayed on Trip's video monitor. "Really? Is that Ralla province? That is a pricey area to buy in, especially on a captain's salary."
"Five years ago I wrote a book on warp field mechanics, which I update yearly," said Trip. "It was an instant classic, and it's required reading by most universities for students enrolled in certain courses… that's tens of millions of copies sold yearly. I can afford it."
"Oh, my, Captain Tucker," said T'Fel. "That is a beautiful property, and you have suddenly become more attractive than ever, knowing that you can stuff your mattress with money."
"Some things are the same, the whole universe over, aren't they?" said Trip, smiling now, as his hands wrapped around T'Fel's thighs in order to draw the Vulcan close. "Anyway, Soval is hooking me up with a good lawyer to close the deal."
"I am jealous, Trip," said T'Fel. "Ralla province is beautiful."
"Yes it is," said Trip, running his hands up the Vulcan's thighs to her buttocks. "Just beautiful."
"I meant the house," said T'Fel.
"So did I," said Trip, though his hands argued that fact as they squeezed, massaged and rubbed T'Fel's buttocks with reckless abandon.
He'd taken a shuttle to view the house personally, and the house was situated on the coastline of the Voroth Sea, with a beautiful view, a small pier and a forty foot motor cruiser which the owner was throwing in with the purchase of the house. Best of all a fair number of Vulcans around here ate seafood, always had, probably always would, which meant a fair number of seafood restaurants, and some good fishing.
"So, why did you ask to see me?" said T'Fel.
"I'm dining with Soval tomorrow night," said Trip, "but I'm free tonight. I thought I might go down to Vulcan, with a Vulcan, get a bite to eat, see one of your theater performances, then go to a hotel room and have sex with the aforementioned Vulcan. I thought I'd give you first dibs on that offer, otherwise I'll go with Sulak. He's been giving me the eye lately."
"In that case, I suppose I will accept your offer," said T'Fel. "Sulak looks quite strong and I suspect that he would kill you in bed."
Trip laughed at the thought of an untimely death through sodomy, and said, "I appreciate your concern, T'Fel. Meet me in the shuttle bay at 1900 hours. Now get back to work."
"I shall," said T'Fel, and with that she left the room, but only after collecting a few kisses as a rightful tribute.
"Ah, welcome, Captain Tucker," said Soval, approaching Trip when one of his bodyguards led the man into Soval's dining room.
"Thank you for the invitation, Ambassador," said Trip.
"Thank you for coming," said Soval, and gestured at the other guests. "My sister, Selssan, her mate Ulik, my collegue E'Fret, and of course you know T'Les and T'Pol."
Trip looked around the table in which Soval had introduced these people, murmuring a few words of greeting, his eyes coming to rest on T'Pol last of all. He'd not expected to see her here, though he was not displeased by that fact, for he really was trying to salvage a friendship with her, and so he gave his head a tilt, and then he smiled slightly, to which T'Pol raised brow, and gave a slight nod.
The dinner was quite pleasant for all, the food tasty, the conversation lively, and at the end of it all, T'Les insisted on giving Trip a ride back to the shuttle port, rather than allowing him to call a hire-car, and to T'Les' amusement, Trip jumped in the the back seat with her, rather than sitting up front with T'Pol, who was unwittingly cast in the role of a driver.
"Hey you guys want to hit a tea shop?" said Trip. "I have a late night when I get back aboard the Uzh Palik and I could use some coffee or that irrithil tea. That stuff is like rocket fuel!"
"Sure," said T'Les.
T'Pol shrugged carelessly, though in truth she was pleased by the chance to extend an already pleasant night, and within twenty minutes the trio was seated in the pleasantly cool, covered patio of Siltek's Teas.
"Yummm, yummm, yummm," said Trip, sipping his tall irrithil tea, which tasted like a blend of hibiscus flowers, coconut and some third mystery flavor profile. "We had fun tonight, eh?"
"Yes," said T'Les, and T'Pol nodded.
"So, Trip," said T'Les, "I understand you and T'Pol had something going on aboard Enterprise. Would you like to talk about that?"
T'Pol froze at that, and Trip looked at T'Pol, then said, "Polly, did you speak of things best left unsaid?"
T'Pol shook her head, and with that Trip breathed a sigh of relief, because he REALLLLYYYY didn't want to talk about any of that mess… ever again.
"Well, if you must know, T'Les, Polly made use of me one night. She shattered my innocence and then cast me aside, the way a sehlat will toss away a semlek gourd after consuming its juicy innards. That's it, that's all, and I don't want to talk about it. I don't think Polly wants to discuss it either."
"My name is T'Pol," said T'Pol, shooting Trip a dark glance, "and I agree with Trip, mother. Drop it!"
"Fine, fine," said T'Les, and with that the conversation moved on to more palatable topics.
Once they'd dropped Trip off at the small spaceport by their house, the two Vulcans faced a short drive home, and it was during that drive that T'Les took another shot.
"So, now that Trip is no longer with us, do you want to talk about what happened between you two, T'Pol?"
"No," said T'Pol.
"Something happened," said T'Les. "It is clear that you two have been intimate."
T'Pol said nothing, doing her best to ignore her mother by focusing on her driving.
"You must have been good together," said T'Les, "or else you'd feel no angst over the matter… you'd have simply moved on."
T'Pol maintained her stony silence though she spared a hard look for her mother: a look which T'Les ignored.
"So what could have been so bad, that it caused a rift between you two," said T'Les, "I'm just speculating here."
Mother glanced at daughter, and the glance was perceived, but ignored, though T'Pol said, "Keep on speculating, mother, and I might just drag you out of the car and give you a beating."
T'Les chortled at that empty threat.
"I know that the High Command did not break you two up," said T'Les, "or they'd have simply taken you off Enterprise. Same thing if StarFleet found out, and had a problem with it. So what is it?"
"Your inane chatter is about to make me plow this car off a cliff, mother," said T'Pol, "Is that what you want?"
"Funny that you should speak of going off a cliff, when we are discussing the catastrophic ending of your dalliance with Trip…"
"There is nothing funny about it, mother. Now would you please leave it alone."
"You are my daughter, T'Pol," said T'Les. "I only want to help."
"The best way to help," said T'Pol, "is to leave it alone."
"Ignoring a problem is not a fix, T'Pol," said T'Les. "Talk to me."
At that point T'Pol had enough: she looked coldly at T'Les, and said, in a vicious monotone, "If you will not leave things be, mother, I promise you, the moment we get home, I will pack my things, never to return! So, do you still want to discuss the matter?"
T'Les was taken aback at her daughter's attitude, at so abrupt a reversal from T'Pol defensive stance, but T'Les sensed her daughter's vehemence, and said, "No, T'Pol. I do not want to discuss the matter. I am sorry. I only wished to help."
"I know, mother."
**If you consider the matter of Trip's income, collecting residuals from a book published in the tens of millions, for the past 5 years, you'll realize that I made Trip a rich man - you're welcome, Captain Tucker. You're welcome…
