Part Four

"You asked him out?" Cutler asked incredulously. "You asked Commander Tucker out on a date?… I need another glass," she poured herself out another half glass of Hoshi's wine then downed it in one. "What did he say?"

Hoshi face, pressed into Elizabeth's pillow, made a groaning noise.

"Hey, Hoshi!" Liz rapped on the lump in the pillow. "I need information here!"

Hoshi pulled herself up, reaching for own glass. Taking a large gulp, she answered, "He just mumbled some excuse. He looked so awkward. I still can't believe I actually said it… What have I done? What's he going to think of me? I'll tell you what – he's going to think I'm the biggest idiot in Star Fleet. Oh God…"

Hoshi groaned again and rolled over. Looking over at Cutler, she saw that she was doubled up and shaking.

"Hey, what's the matter?" she called out.

Cutler looked up, she was laughing stupidly and she couldn't stop. Hoshi's now angry face, staring back at her, just made her giggle even more.

"Oh, Hosh, I'm so sorry, but don't you think this is even a little bit funny?" She managed to say in-between spasms. "Look at you. You've been telling me for weeks how it's just a crush on Trip, that it's not going to affect anything you do. I didn't think there was a chance you'd say anything to him. Now you've gone and asked out Enterprise's Chief Engineer… God, his face must have been priceless…" Liz broke off for a minute to laugh even harder. "Some crush!"

Hoshi tried not to laugh too, but it was difficult. The whole situation was ridiculous.

"You know, I'm only taking this from you because I know you're as pathetic as I am," she smiled.

Cutler shook her head. "We're both pathetic," she said. "Just look at the two of us, sitting here. All you've done is ask out a colleague you feel an attraction for. All I've done is try to get to know someone better. Yet we're made to feel like schoolgirls with crushes. We're successful, independent and damn well attractive women. Why are we feeling like this?"

"I should never have asked Trip out," Hoshi said, sliding down onto the floor to sit by Elizabeth. "It's against the rules for him to go out with me – he couldn't have said yes even if he wanted to. I shouldn't have put him in that position."

"Phlox is just being a big fat Vulcan. He thinks poor little human critters can't cope with inter-species relationships. Or maybe he's just scared and can't admit it."

"I think the doctor has a point," Hoshi sighed, her speech beginning to slur a little. "Half of us can't even understand human-human relationships, let alone a human-alien one. It's got to be more complicated than just physical compatibility."

"Well I think Trip must be an alien for missing out on what's right under his nose," Liz said leaning her head on Hoshi's shoulder. "He's mad for passing on you, Hoshi. You got any more wine?"

Hoshi smiled and reached for a fresh bottle.

"And I think Phlox is a scaredy cat. Out of all the human women who could have fallen for him, he was damn lucky it was you. He must be crazy."

"Thanks, babe," Cutler grinned as she took a swig. Hoshi followed suit.

"We really are pathetic, aren't we, Liz?" she said.

-------------------------------------------------------

"May I join you, commander?"

"Sure, I'm getting a little too used to dining alone."

Phlox took the seat opposite Trip. He studied his face for a minute then casually asked, as he started on his food; "Would I be wrong in thinking you have something on your mind, Commander Tucker?"

Trip look up at the doctor. "No, you wouldn't."

Phlox chose his next words carefully, after all, he was used to the Chief Engineer being jovial, exasperated or outright angry, but rarely had the doctor seen him looking so depressed.

"If you're looking for someone to listen to you, I'd be happy to oblige. Though I must confess, we might need the use of the UT if it's an engineering problem."

Trip tried to smile a little. "If only it were. Nah, Doc, this one's much more in your line. Kind of what you'd call a heart condition. In fact I think I could do with a little of your optimism right now."

"Indeed?"

Trip took a deep breath. "Ya see, the problem's Hoshi."

"Ensign Sato?"

"She kinda…" Trip leaned in towards Phlox and lowered his voice, "well, she kinda asked me out today," he leant back. "And I turned her down."

"I see. And now you feel… that you may have upset Hoshi with your refusal?"

"I had to refuse!" Trip defended himself. "How could I say yes? There's a reason Starfleet protocol forbids" he lowered his voice again for the next word, "fraternisation. It would be unprofessional. Not to mention what the Captain might say…"

"I've always thought Captain Archer to be a liberal-minded man," Phlox said evenly.

"But that's not the real problem," Trip sighed. He threw down his fork and it made a clanging noise against his plate. "The real problem is that if I actually wanted to say yes today. And if I had I would be sitting somewhere with a beautiful, intelligent woman enjoyin' myself and instead I'm sat here with you – no offence."

"None taken," Phlox gave a smile.

"You think Hoshi was really upset?" Trip asked anxiously. "I mean, I wasn't really sure why she asked me. We've both been tired out tryin' to solve this Comm problem. I mean, maybe she doesn't like me that way. It could all be a misunderstanding."

Phlox cleared his throat. "From what I know of Ensign Sato, Commander, I don't believe her to be the type of person who 'accidently' makes advances to someone. In fact, I would suggest that if, as you say, she went so far as to ask you out, then it is highly likely that she is attracted to you."

Trip looked away and exhaled deeply. He scratched his head.

"You know, Doc, I really don't know if that makes me feel better or worse."