Title: It's The Little Things

Author: Josephine

Email: Lovellama@aol.com

Pairing: T/H

Rating: PG-13

Summary: Just a little Hoshi/Trip interaction

Category: Romance

Begun: May 11. 2002

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Chapter Two

Ensign Miller opened his cabin door to see Commander Tucker on the other side. Oh God, what did I do now? As the lowliest ensign in Engineering Miller was in a constant state of fear and awe of his commanding officer.

"Miller."

"C … Commander."

"I wanted t' borrow your cabin for a moment. I need t' take some readings."

Readings? "Um, of course sir. Come in." Miller glanced around, trying surreptitiously to push his laundry under the desk. He stood in a corner while Trip muttered at a scanner in his hand. As the minutes dragged on, the nervous ensign shifted from foot to foot.

"Done!" Miller's head snapped up at the sound of Trip's voice. "I have to come back throughout the day and tonight to take some more though."

"Uhh, alright, sir. Do you need me here for that?"

"Nope. Just wanted to warn ya."

"What are the readings for, sir?"

"Well, Miller," Trip clapped him on the shoulder as he left. "I could tell ya, but then I'd have to kill ya."

Miller just gaped after his commander as he strolled out the door.

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"Trip."

Archer stood behind his Chief Engineer, staring at his back as he waited for him to turn around.

"Trip."

And waited.

"Commander Tucker!" Archer's 'Captain Voice' rang out over the noise of the warp engine.

"Christ Almighty, Cap'n!" Trip turned around, looking at Archer in amazement. "Way to sneak up on a guy!"

Behind Trip Archer could see a workbench strewn with parts. "What are you working on?"

"Ahh …" Trip frowned as he took a quick glance over his shoulder. "It's not anythin'. Just a little somethin' I'm working on in my spare time."

"Mmm hmm." Archer folded his arms over his chest. "The spare time that you were supposed to spending with me going over the warp engine upgrades?"

"Aww hell. I'm sorry Cap'n. This way."

Following Trip, Archer gave one last curious look at the tangle of circuitry on the table.

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"And so the upgrades have th' engines performing at 98% efficiency now." Trip looked at the bridge crew seated around the ready room table. Everyone had polite expressions of interest on their faces. Everyone but Hoshi. She was staring at the wall with a blank, vacant look in her eyes.

"Ok people, that's all. See you tomorrow." Archer stood, dismissing the group. Trip almost said something to him about Hoshi, but stopped, deciding to keep it to himself for now. He followed the flagging Communications officer to the lift.

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She's not here … Trip scanned the mess hall searching for Hoshi. This was the usual time she came in to eat, but she wasn't sitting with Cutler and Thomas. Trip really didn't want to talk to the gossipy ensign, but if something was wrong with Hoshi … steeling his nerve he walked over to their table.

"Commander. Fancy meeting you here."

"Cutler, Thomas. Have you seen Hoshi this evening?"

"No we haven't. She stand you up?" Cutler smirked at Trip.

"Don't be an ass, Ensign."

Trip strode out of the mess hall, his concern growing.