Title: Cause and Effect
Author: Josephine
Rating: R
Genre: Romance/General
Pairing: T'Pol/Archer, Hoshi/Trip, Reed/Cutler
Summary: Archer helps T'Pol with a problem; her situation has a domino effect.
Disclaimer: Paramount owns the Trek dance hall; I like to call the steps once in awhile.
Chapter Three
"What is it, Doctor?" Archer sat down in Phlox's office.
"Ah, Captain, I've found something rather interesting. Fascinating, really; I didn't know that one species could -"
"Phlox, please! From the beginning."
"Sorry, I have a tendency to get carried away. Do you recall this morning, Commander Tucker was in here -"
"Yes -"
"He had been telling me of feelings of extreme attraction toward Ensign Sato, feelings of possessiveness, even a need to sexually dominate her. I've noticed that the Ensign is behaving differently, and most of the male crew have been tagging along after her."
"That would explain the bridge this morning. Reed, Mayweather, and Trip were acting like Sato was a bone and they were hungry dogs."
"An apt description, Captain. I called Ensign Sato in to take a few readings, and I found something very interesting. She had higher than normal levels of all the female sex hormones: gonadotropins, estrogen, progesterone; and especially high levels of pheromones."
"Pheromones? What's causing this?"
"Sub-Commander T'Pol."
"What?! How is T'Pol causing Sato's rise in hormones?"
"Studies have shown that when human females - indeed, many other species also - live together in close contact, such as a sorority or in college dormitories, their cycles synchronize. Normally this would not happen with females of different species; however, because of her pon farr Sub- Commander T'Pol's hormones are running rampant. Since she and Ensign Sato work in such close proximity, these hormones have triggered a sympathetic surge in the Ensign's hormones. Much more, I might add, than would be normal. This is what has caused most of the men on board Enterprise to be drawn to Ensign Sato, like a moth to a flame. Fascinating, really."
Archer sat thinking for a moment. "Then why is Trip the only on that seems to be doing anything about it?"
"Well, you've got your hands full with the Sub-Commander. In the primitive structure of things -- and believe me, that's exactly what these hormones are inciting -- after you Commander Tucker is the next dominant male on the Enterprise. The other men subconsciously are waiting to see what he does." Phlox smiled. "Although I don't think there is really any question if he will follow through, since he has already shown his willingness to fight for her. And last but not least, Ensign Sato has indicated that he is the one that she has chosen. That still counts for something in your culture."
"What can we do about it?" Archer sighed.
Phlox shrugged. "Not much, and even if there was something I could do, I don't think I would. Neither Commander Tucker nor Ensign Sato seems to be concerned about the situation, and the Ensign has protection in case the inevitable does happen. Unless another male happens to challenge Commander Tucker, I would let it take its course."
"Challenge Trip for Hoshi? Do you think that would happen?"
"Not really. I don't think you have anything to worry about; I just wanted you to be aware of the off chance in case it does happen. If there is anyway you can let the two of them have the next few days off, it would help morale and get the rest of the crew back to normal."
"That would leave T'Pol, Trip, and Hoshi gone. And I would be gone for about half that time." Archer sighed again.
"I don't think Commander Tucker and Ensign Sato will need the entire week Sub-Commander T'Pol will; as soon as the edge has been taken off the fever, her hormone levels will lessen and that should allow Ensign Sato's to go back to normal."
"Thank goodness for small favors. Thanks, doc, I better get back to the bridge." Archer got up to go, but Phlox's voice stopped him.
"I'll continue to keep an eye on the Sub-Commander and talk to the Ensign to let her know what's happening. This will all pass by next week, Captain. Buck up, as they say. It's not that bad." Phlox escorted him out.
"God, I hope so." Archer shook his head as he headed back upstairs.
-----------
Tucker had just spent a stressful half hour with Hoshi in the mess hall. He could keep most of the men away by staring them down, but a couple of them, like Reed, needed a little more convincing. Tucker groaned. ::: She had to have pudding for dessert. Gawd, what I wouldn't give to be that spoon:::
As soon as she was finished he pulled her up. "I'm takin' you back to the bridge." Tucker's scowl cleared their way out of the room, Reed's eyes following them.
Once in the turbo lift they rode in silence. Tucker was acutely aware of Hoshi. Every nerve in his body could feel her presence. He closed his eyes and tried to breath normally.
"Trip? Are you alright?"
Tucker looked down at Hoshi. "Am I alright? No, I am not. Don't you see what is happenin'? Don't you know what's goin' on?" With each question he advanced further until she was up against the lift wall.
"Yes, of course I see it. But why? I don't understand why." Hoshi wrapped her arms around herself, confusion lacing her voice.
Tucker put his hands against the wall on either side of Hoshi, leaning into her. "They want you, darlin'," he whispered in her ear. "You could have 'most any man on this ship, if you just said the word." Tucker's mouth moved down Hoshi's jaw, his breath sending shivers through her.
"-- only want one -" she whispered back.
Doubt stilled Tucker's hand as it was moving up Hoshi's neck into her hair. His thumb stroked her lower lip as he asked "Who?".
----------
The turbo lift doors opened on two figures caught in an extremely intimate embrace in the lift. Archer cleared his throat. "Trip."
"Trip."
"Commander Tucker!"
Tucker barely lifted his head from Hoshi's. "What is it, Cap'n?" he ground out.
"I realize the - influences you are under, but please conduct yourselves with a little more decorum. Dr. Phlox would like to see you both in sickbay. After you're finished, you're relieved of duty for the next few days."
"Cap'n?"
"Just go see him." Archer stepped back as Tucker led Hoshi from the lift, keeping himself between her and the Captain. Archer watched as they walked down the corridor, Tucker's arm gently holding Hoshi close. Their Captain sighed. He hoped the two of them could work through the inevitable fall out of this situation.
----------
"My hormones are going crazy because of T'Pol's?" Hoshi tried to grasp what Phlox was telling her. "How long is this going to last?"
"Just a few days." Phlox was concerned about the stricken look on Hoshi's face.
:::Hormones. It's only because of the hormones.::: She concentrated on the floor, not willing to look at Tucker. "All right, fine." Hoshi interrupted Phlox's rambling explanation. "Thank you, Doctor. I'd like to go to my cabin now." She got up and walked to the door.
"Ensign, do you understand what is going on?" Phlox called out to her.
"Perfectly." Hoshi finally met Tucker's eyes. "It's all hormonal." She barely kept to a walk as she rushed out of sickbay.
"What was that all about?" Tucker looked at Phlox.
"If I am correct, Ensign Sato believes your attraction to her is only because of the hormones." Phlox looked back at Tucker. "Is it?"
"Are you asking me what my intentions toward Hoshi are?"
"Yes. I guess I am. Have you thought about what will happen after the hormone levels normalize? Ensign Sato seems to have a prior emotional attachment to you, which is why she chose you from the rest. She now thinks that the hormones are causing you to find her attractive, and after this is through, you won't want her any more."
"I'm not goin' to leave her at the end. I've never said anythin' to her about the way I feel before 'cause I didn't think she was interested in me. That's why this has hit me so hard. I never thought she'd like me back." Tucker paced the room. "What am I goin' to do?"
"What anyone in your position should do. Be honest with her."
Tucker looked at Phlox for a long while. "You're right," he sighed. "Wish me luck."
Leaving sickbay, Tucker headed for Hoshi's cabin. He drove off several crewmen hanging around her door before coming face to face with Reed.
"Get out of here, Lieutenant."
"Not until I hear it from Hoshi. You're not her keeper."
"She chose me, Reed."
"She came back alone and upset, Tucker. I think she changed her mind."
"Hoshi's upset 'cause she found out what's causin' this. I'm not gonna let you force yourself on her. You don't care about her!"
"And you do?"
"Stop it, both of you."
It took a moment for Hoshi's voice to cut through Tucker and Reed's anger. They turned to look at her.
"In a few days this will be over and you'll be wondering what happened, thanking God that nothing took place. I never meant anything to either of you before this, and I don't mean anything now. So stop fighting over me like I was some prize heifer. If there is any choosing to be done, I'll do it." Hoshi turned back toward her cabin.
"Hoshi, wait." Tucker stopped her. "I know you think that I didn't feel anythin' for you before this. That's not true. If you don't want me, fine. If you want Reed or somebody else - fine. I'll leave you alone."
"Oh, that's good. Do the noble 'giving up the girl' reverse psychology trick. Like that will work, you total git."
"Good bye, Reed."
Reed looked at Hoshi. "What?"
"Good bye, Reed."
Reed gave Hoshi a furious stare. He glared at Tucker, then walked off. Tucker waited until he had turned the corner, before looking at Hoshi.
"It's your call, darlin'."
"Come in."
----------
Author: Josephine
Rating: R
Genre: Romance/General
Pairing: T'Pol/Archer, Hoshi/Trip, Reed/Cutler
Summary: Archer helps T'Pol with a problem; her situation has a domino effect.
Disclaimer: Paramount owns the Trek dance hall; I like to call the steps once in awhile.
Chapter Three
"What is it, Doctor?" Archer sat down in Phlox's office.
"Ah, Captain, I've found something rather interesting. Fascinating, really; I didn't know that one species could -"
"Phlox, please! From the beginning."
"Sorry, I have a tendency to get carried away. Do you recall this morning, Commander Tucker was in here -"
"Yes -"
"He had been telling me of feelings of extreme attraction toward Ensign Sato, feelings of possessiveness, even a need to sexually dominate her. I've noticed that the Ensign is behaving differently, and most of the male crew have been tagging along after her."
"That would explain the bridge this morning. Reed, Mayweather, and Trip were acting like Sato was a bone and they were hungry dogs."
"An apt description, Captain. I called Ensign Sato in to take a few readings, and I found something very interesting. She had higher than normal levels of all the female sex hormones: gonadotropins, estrogen, progesterone; and especially high levels of pheromones."
"Pheromones? What's causing this?"
"Sub-Commander T'Pol."
"What?! How is T'Pol causing Sato's rise in hormones?"
"Studies have shown that when human females - indeed, many other species also - live together in close contact, such as a sorority or in college dormitories, their cycles synchronize. Normally this would not happen with females of different species; however, because of her pon farr Sub- Commander T'Pol's hormones are running rampant. Since she and Ensign Sato work in such close proximity, these hormones have triggered a sympathetic surge in the Ensign's hormones. Much more, I might add, than would be normal. This is what has caused most of the men on board Enterprise to be drawn to Ensign Sato, like a moth to a flame. Fascinating, really."
Archer sat thinking for a moment. "Then why is Trip the only on that seems to be doing anything about it?"
"Well, you've got your hands full with the Sub-Commander. In the primitive structure of things -- and believe me, that's exactly what these hormones are inciting -- after you Commander Tucker is the next dominant male on the Enterprise. The other men subconsciously are waiting to see what he does." Phlox smiled. "Although I don't think there is really any question if he will follow through, since he has already shown his willingness to fight for her. And last but not least, Ensign Sato has indicated that he is the one that she has chosen. That still counts for something in your culture."
"What can we do about it?" Archer sighed.
Phlox shrugged. "Not much, and even if there was something I could do, I don't think I would. Neither Commander Tucker nor Ensign Sato seems to be concerned about the situation, and the Ensign has protection in case the inevitable does happen. Unless another male happens to challenge Commander Tucker, I would let it take its course."
"Challenge Trip for Hoshi? Do you think that would happen?"
"Not really. I don't think you have anything to worry about; I just wanted you to be aware of the off chance in case it does happen. If there is anyway you can let the two of them have the next few days off, it would help morale and get the rest of the crew back to normal."
"That would leave T'Pol, Trip, and Hoshi gone. And I would be gone for about half that time." Archer sighed again.
"I don't think Commander Tucker and Ensign Sato will need the entire week Sub-Commander T'Pol will; as soon as the edge has been taken off the fever, her hormone levels will lessen and that should allow Ensign Sato's to go back to normal."
"Thank goodness for small favors. Thanks, doc, I better get back to the bridge." Archer got up to go, but Phlox's voice stopped him.
"I'll continue to keep an eye on the Sub-Commander and talk to the Ensign to let her know what's happening. This will all pass by next week, Captain. Buck up, as they say. It's not that bad." Phlox escorted him out.
"God, I hope so." Archer shook his head as he headed back upstairs.
-----------
Tucker had just spent a stressful half hour with Hoshi in the mess hall. He could keep most of the men away by staring them down, but a couple of them, like Reed, needed a little more convincing. Tucker groaned. ::: She had to have pudding for dessert. Gawd, what I wouldn't give to be that spoon:::
As soon as she was finished he pulled her up. "I'm takin' you back to the bridge." Tucker's scowl cleared their way out of the room, Reed's eyes following them.
Once in the turbo lift they rode in silence. Tucker was acutely aware of Hoshi. Every nerve in his body could feel her presence. He closed his eyes and tried to breath normally.
"Trip? Are you alright?"
Tucker looked down at Hoshi. "Am I alright? No, I am not. Don't you see what is happenin'? Don't you know what's goin' on?" With each question he advanced further until she was up against the lift wall.
"Yes, of course I see it. But why? I don't understand why." Hoshi wrapped her arms around herself, confusion lacing her voice.
Tucker put his hands against the wall on either side of Hoshi, leaning into her. "They want you, darlin'," he whispered in her ear. "You could have 'most any man on this ship, if you just said the word." Tucker's mouth moved down Hoshi's jaw, his breath sending shivers through her.
"-- only want one -" she whispered back.
Doubt stilled Tucker's hand as it was moving up Hoshi's neck into her hair. His thumb stroked her lower lip as he asked "Who?".
----------
The turbo lift doors opened on two figures caught in an extremely intimate embrace in the lift. Archer cleared his throat. "Trip."
"Trip."
"Commander Tucker!"
Tucker barely lifted his head from Hoshi's. "What is it, Cap'n?" he ground out.
"I realize the - influences you are under, but please conduct yourselves with a little more decorum. Dr. Phlox would like to see you both in sickbay. After you're finished, you're relieved of duty for the next few days."
"Cap'n?"
"Just go see him." Archer stepped back as Tucker led Hoshi from the lift, keeping himself between her and the Captain. Archer watched as they walked down the corridor, Tucker's arm gently holding Hoshi close. Their Captain sighed. He hoped the two of them could work through the inevitable fall out of this situation.
----------
"My hormones are going crazy because of T'Pol's?" Hoshi tried to grasp what Phlox was telling her. "How long is this going to last?"
"Just a few days." Phlox was concerned about the stricken look on Hoshi's face.
:::Hormones. It's only because of the hormones.::: She concentrated on the floor, not willing to look at Tucker. "All right, fine." Hoshi interrupted Phlox's rambling explanation. "Thank you, Doctor. I'd like to go to my cabin now." She got up and walked to the door.
"Ensign, do you understand what is going on?" Phlox called out to her.
"Perfectly." Hoshi finally met Tucker's eyes. "It's all hormonal." She barely kept to a walk as she rushed out of sickbay.
"What was that all about?" Tucker looked at Phlox.
"If I am correct, Ensign Sato believes your attraction to her is only because of the hormones." Phlox looked back at Tucker. "Is it?"
"Are you asking me what my intentions toward Hoshi are?"
"Yes. I guess I am. Have you thought about what will happen after the hormone levels normalize? Ensign Sato seems to have a prior emotional attachment to you, which is why she chose you from the rest. She now thinks that the hormones are causing you to find her attractive, and after this is through, you won't want her any more."
"I'm not goin' to leave her at the end. I've never said anythin' to her about the way I feel before 'cause I didn't think she was interested in me. That's why this has hit me so hard. I never thought she'd like me back." Tucker paced the room. "What am I goin' to do?"
"What anyone in your position should do. Be honest with her."
Tucker looked at Phlox for a long while. "You're right," he sighed. "Wish me luck."
Leaving sickbay, Tucker headed for Hoshi's cabin. He drove off several crewmen hanging around her door before coming face to face with Reed.
"Get out of here, Lieutenant."
"Not until I hear it from Hoshi. You're not her keeper."
"She chose me, Reed."
"She came back alone and upset, Tucker. I think she changed her mind."
"Hoshi's upset 'cause she found out what's causin' this. I'm not gonna let you force yourself on her. You don't care about her!"
"And you do?"
"Stop it, both of you."
It took a moment for Hoshi's voice to cut through Tucker and Reed's anger. They turned to look at her.
"In a few days this will be over and you'll be wondering what happened, thanking God that nothing took place. I never meant anything to either of you before this, and I don't mean anything now. So stop fighting over me like I was some prize heifer. If there is any choosing to be done, I'll do it." Hoshi turned back toward her cabin.
"Hoshi, wait." Tucker stopped her. "I know you think that I didn't feel anythin' for you before this. That's not true. If you don't want me, fine. If you want Reed or somebody else - fine. I'll leave you alone."
"Oh, that's good. Do the noble 'giving up the girl' reverse psychology trick. Like that will work, you total git."
"Good bye, Reed."
Reed looked at Hoshi. "What?"
"Good bye, Reed."
Reed gave Hoshi a furious stare. He glared at Tucker, then walked off. Tucker waited until he had turned the corner, before looking at Hoshi.
"It's your call, darlin'."
"Come in."
----------