Chapter 7 Trippin' Out
summary: T'Pol's having some doubts. There's a little something for all you Malcolm and Hoshi fans as well.
disclaimer: don't own 'em
authors' note: I know people always say stay in character, but in this ch. there were some words that we could not use (curse words) because of our own beliefs. We put in softer words like, heck, ect. If you want just imagine they are the words commonly used by the characters. Thanks for your consideration.
Sorry this is late. Enjoy! ;)
T'Pol woke up not aware of where she was. When she opened her eyes, she noticed that she wasn't in her quarters. Then it all came back to her. The night before spent with Jonathan. The dancing, the kiss, what he had said to her. What she had said to him. It all came back. She realized that she was still in his quarters. "I must have fallen asleep after that dancing." she thought and sighed heavily. She looked around the room and felt behind her on the cot. Jon wasn't there. She sprang into a sitting position throwing her legs off the side of the bed.
A moment later, he walked out of the bathroom, wearing the same clothes he wore last night. "Good morning, beautiful. How did you sleep?" She was relived when she seen him and realized she was in the same clothes, too.
"Fine, and you?" she asked as he leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.
"Excellent! Not meaning to be crude, but if you don't get back to your quarters, someone will see you walk out of here in the same clothes you were wearing yesterday. It's already 5:30."
"You're right. I'll see you on the bridge." she said walking towards the door.
"Wait a minute," he called after her, "we'll need to talk soon about whether or not we should let this get out and how we should keep Trip quiet."
"The dead don't talk." T'Pol said trying to make a joke, then walked out. Jonathan started laughing, not at what she said, but how much she had mellowed out since she had come a board Enterprise.
By the time Jonathan had gotten to the bridge, T'Pol was already there. He nodded and she returned the nod. About the time, Trip walked in. "Howdy, Cap'n. How was your evening last night?" he asked with a quirky grin.
"Just fine, and yours?" he answered sharply.
"Never better."
"Dear God, I got a feeling this is going to be a long day. There has got to be a good way to get back at him. I'll talk with T'Pol later, while everyone's eating in the mess hall. Perhaps she'll know some good ideas, do Vulcans even know what practical jokes are?" Jon thought to himself.
"Sir, we're being hailed." Hoshi said.
"By whom?" Jon asked.
"I'm not sure, but it's an emergency signal." she replied.
"Malcolm, do you have the coordinates?" he asked.
"Yes, starboard. Two light years. Near a gas nebula."
"Here we go again." Jon mumbled under his breath.
It didn't take long to help the distressed ship out. All they needed was for Trip to do a bit o' tweakin' with their engines, and they were on their way. The lunch break was almost to begin, and then everyone would be going to the mess hall. Jonathan and T'Pol slipped into his ready room for dinner and to discuss the plan.
"So, we don't care if people find out?" T'Pol asked in a very Vulcan voice.
"I think we should only care about what we thinks. If people catch us together. Then they do. We can deal with it. What do you think?"
"I.....agree. Now how are you planning to get back at Commander Tucker?" she asked.
"Well...I was thinking about messing his head a little. Maybe at breakfast we can tell him his in some kind of trouble...." Jonathan went on to describe some other paybacks. T'Pol tried to listen to him, but her head wasn't in it. She was concerned with some of her own problems, problems with her feelings about revealing their relationship. She was having second thoughts about the whole thing. "I know what I told Jon was the truth, but that was before I had thought the entire situation through. The High Command would be furious with my actions, and might resign me to another location. I don't know if I can take that risk." she thought to herself.
"Well, which do you think is the best?" he asked snapping her bake into reality.
"Which ever you deem the most likely to work." she said somewhat sharply.
"You okay? You seem a little off in space."
"I'm fine. Please excuse me." she said standing, "I have a lot to do."
Jonathan sat there in disbelief. "I wonder what that was all about? I hope she's not angry with me. What would have made her attitude change so fast? Last might she was fine. Times like these I wish I could talk to Trip about this. Maybe Malcolm would have some insight. I'll catch him after shifts are over." He got up and left.
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"Sub-commander, report." Jonathan said stepping unto the bridge.
"Our friends have returned." she said solemnly.
"What do they want?"
"Apparently, their engines failed again. They're demanding the Trip come back and fix them." Hoshi said.
"Trip," he said through the intercom. "You need to go back over there and fix the engines before they start getting really mad." Jon scowled. "This is great! I can get Trip back by using this situation as a way he gets in trouble." he thought.
Trip and one other engineer went over in a shuttle pod. Jonathan told Malcolm to keep a close eye on their visitors and told Hoshi to keep a com link open just in case anything happened. Then he ducked into his ready room. T'Pol came in a few hours later with a report. "Commander Tucker is almost finished with repairs. I have not been able to identify the aliens race or origin. The only thing we know about them is what they have told us."
"Thank you." he said not looking at her, but at the scene outside his window. He watched the stars flow by, then turned to face her as she went to leave the room. "Hey, what's wrong, you've been acting very strange since this morning. You're not having second thoughts are you?" he asked with a worried tone in his voice.
"No, of course not. I'm just...tired." she said quickly. She knew she was lying, but how could she hurt his feelings? Actually, when she had first met him she had no problem with being realistic, but now she was lying to make him feel better. It had no logical reasoning. She blinked her eyes repeatedly to bring her back to realty.
"Good." was his response. She walked out of the room relieved to not need to face him alone any longer.
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The rest of the day went rather slowly. Trip finished the repairs and headed back to Enterprise. There hadn't been too much activity on the bridge. Travis and Malcolm talked a while on what movie was showing tonight. Occasionally Hoshi would catch Malcolm's stare and they both would blush a little. T'Pol, Jonathan noticed, avoided looking at him for some reason. It made him a little unnerved. T'Pol, knowing that she was intentionally not looking at him, was worried that he would say something to her. She couldn't worry about it right now. She was too busy sending a letter to V'Lar. "She might be able to help. She seems to be able to deal with human emotions better than any Vulcan I have met." She wondered to herself. "V'Lar said that we had a very strong connection, I wonder what she meant by that?" A lot of questions were rolling through her mind, ones she hoped her ambassador could give a logical answers to.
Finally the shift was over and Jonathan went to Malcolm's quarters to talk. He rang the buzzer and waited with clammy hands and shallow breathing. He wasn't exactly thrilled to tell anyone, but he felt he could trust Malcolm.
"Sir, what are you doing here?" Malcolm asked surprised.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to speak to you about something." he said cautiously.
"Of course, please come in," Malcolm stepped aside to let Jon inside. "So what is this all about, Sir?"
"It's kind of complicated, I could use your advice. If that's okay with you?"
"Advice? Advice on what?" he asked puzzled.
"Well, it's really hard to day this but..."
"OH MY GOD, Trip was right! The bloody fool was right! You do have feelings for T'Pol!" Malcolm nearly screamed in his British accent.
"Now I didn't say... ah, heck with it. You're right, Trip right." he said taking a deep breath then sitting down with his face buried in his hands. "There is something going on between me and T'Pol, at least a think there is." he mumbled, "It all started the morning after the flood. I'm not even sure who instigated it but, one thing led to another...."
"You and T'Pol..." Malcolm hesitated.
"What?! No! I didn't mean that we... I meant that last night I told her that," he paused and looked at Malcolm, "that I would like to give it a go and she wanted to also. But then today she seemed angry with me. I'm wondering if she's having doubts." his face expressing pain and confusions.
"I don't know what to say. I'm flattered that you want my advice, but why me, Sir?" he said sitting across from him.
Because, I've suspected you've has feelings for Hoshi." Malcolm looked surprised and started to object, "I'm not saying it's true, I just thought if it was you might tell me what'd you do in my situation. I couldn't tell Trip, he teased me enough about it even when it wasn't true. You just seemed like the right person to ask." he continued explained.
"Okay. Well do you love her?" Malcolm began.
"Of course I do." Jon stated.
"Well, if she loves you back the same way then you have nothing to worry about. Whatever she is worried about now, shouldn't last long."
"Haven't you ever heard nighttime confessions and doubts are usually regretted in the morning." Jon butted in.
Malcolm gave him a stern look, "Although I think that you should speak to her about it. Even though she's Vulcan, I'm sure there's some emotions in there somewhere."
"I've tried to speak to her, she doesn't want to listen." he concurred.
"Well, make her listen. Look," he said more sympathetically, "I can tell you love her, a lot, and since she loves you, a love like that is very hard to come by, especially with a Vulcan. You know I'm not good with these things, but my advice to you is don't give up. Surely she'll realize that being careful is safe, but also she'll never be loved." he said then stuttered for a minute, "and your right. I do harbor feelings for Hoshi."
Jonathan smiled at Malcolm, "I figured as much. Hey how 'bout we double date sometime." he said teasing him, "I'm kidding but you ought to tell her, you make a wonderful couple."
"I don't know sir, she's so smart and funny, and gorgeous. Why would she want to have anything to do with me?"
"Like you said, it's nice to be safe, but huff puff you'll never be loved." Jon told him, "I've kept you too long, go watch the show. Oh, try and get a seat by Hoshi, and if you see Trip tell him to come see me in my ready room." he said leaving the quarters with Malcolm.
"Yes Sir."
"Thanks for the advice. Good luck with Hoshi, killer."
"Any time, sir, my pleasure." he said blushing.
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Jonathan waited in his ready room for Trip to come. When he finally did, the plan was all laid out. "You wanted to see me Cap'n?"
"How did the repairs go?" he asked.
"Just fine. I just over looked a bad wire in one of the main circuits."
"Good, good. Listen, Trip, I just got off the com with Admiral Forrest about yesterday and today. I had to send in a report on the alien's situation and why they had to come back. Forrest didn't seem too pleases that "the most qualified engineer" couldn't fix a warp two engine. He told me he was going to have'ta tell his colleagues and he's not sure if they would want to send you back for more lessons." Jon broke the news trying to be as serious as he could.
"What?! Just because I made one dawg gone mistake they want to send me back to school?" Trip yelled, his blood beginning to boil.
"I told him that you were the best engineer, ever, and he said he'd fight to keep you on board, but you just caught them on a really bad day. Trust me, you'll be the first to hear anything."
"Well, thank you cap'n. I can't believe those sons of...." Trip mumbled walking out of the room.
"I can't believe how easy that was." Jonathan thought to himself and laughed.
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After awhile of sitting in his ready room, Jon decided to see what movie was playing. On the way over he hoped to run into T'Pol so he could invite her to see the movie. There was no such luck of course. He walked into the theater room and saw that "The Matrix" was starting. "Never seen this one before, hope it's good." he thought to himself. He looked around for a seat. He saw in the back row, near a corner, that Malcolm and Hoshi were sitting together talking about something. Malcolm, noticing the captain, looked over and grinned. Someone else caught his eyes as he viewed the packed room. It was T'Pol. "What is she doing here?" he wondered going over towards her noticing an empty seat.
"Captain, what are you doing here?" she asked surprised.
"I could ask you the same thing, Sub-commander. I thought you didn't really care for movies?"
"I don't but this one intrigued me." she said softly.
"We need to talk after the movie." he told her.
She looked over at him knowing what he wanted to talk about. "He doesn't need to know what I'm thinking. It would only hurt him." she thought hearing her heart pounding. The look on his face was serious and expressed concern, but was still as soft and kind as ever. She said nothing in reply, but went back to watching the movie.
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It seemed like the movie would never end. It wasn't that it was a boring movie. Just it seemed so long. Finally the credits came on as well as the lights. Everyone looked like moles walking around with their eyes squinted shut. Jon, T'Pol, Malcolm, and Hoshi were some of the last to leave. Jon over heard Malcolm asking Hoshi to dinner and her accepting his proposal. "Good for them." he thought. When they had gotten into the hallway, he grabbed T'Pol's arm so she couldn't run off.
"Let's go to my quarters." he said practically dragging her in that direction. They slipped out of the crowd without anyone seeing them. "Okay, now I want to know what's going on." he said when they were in hid quarters.
"Why would you assume there is anything going on?" she asked.
"Oh, I don't know, just the way you've been acting lately." she just stared at him blankly, "T'Pol, you can trust me. Whatever you are concerned about you can tell me."
She stared a little longer thinking what she could say. "There is something, but I am not ready to discuss it. You have my word that when I figure it out, you'll know."
He sighed then walked over and laid his hands on her shoulders, "I understand. When ever you're ready. I'm here for you." Then he leaned over and gently kissed her.
"Thank you for understanding, Jon." she said breaking the kiss, "Sleep well." The she walked out of the room. It was 2100, but Jon couldn't even think about sleep, he was too worried. So he decided to go down to the mess hall for as snack.
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The mess hall was fairly empty, except for Malcolm who was sitting in the corner. "May I join you?" Jon asked walking over with a New York style cheesecake in hand.
"No sir, please sit. I was just thinking." he said in a daze.
"Good evening with Hoshi?" he inquired.
"The best! She is the most interesting person I've met, no offense. We have so much in common. Thank you, Sir, for giving me a push in the right direction. If it wasn't for you I'd probably still be fawning over her like a puppy dog."
"No problem glad I could help." Jon said then there was silence.
"Sir, is something wrong?" he asked.
"I just got finished talking with T'Pol. She said there is something going on, but she says she's not ready to talk about it. I don't know what to think." he paused for a moment, "she said I'd know when she had worked it out."
"I'm sure if she said she'd figure it out, she'll figure it out. Don't worry about it." Malcolm replied trying to sound reassuring. Then Trip walked in and came over to the captain and Malcolm.
"Cap'n we need to talk." he said urgently.
"All right Trip. Would you excuse us Malcolm?" he got up and walked out with Trip. "What's up?"
"Sir, have you heard anything more on this sending me back thing?" He looked at Trip blankly for a second and then realized what he was talking about.
"Ah, no. I haven't heard anything."
"Sir..."
"What?"
"Have you been shunning me or trying to find a replacement because of this whole escapade?" he asked worriedly.
"Shunning you? Replacement? Where did you get that notion?" Jon asked bumfuzzled.
"Well, you've been talking with Malcolm and others who know a little about engineer'in. I just feel a little left out." he confessed, sounding like a little child.
Jon laughed a little then got serious. "Trip, do you want to know what is going on?"
"Yes I would." he stated.
"Come with me, I'll explain everything." Jon and Trip left for Trip's quarters.
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"Now, what's this all about?" Trip asked suspiciously.
"I'm going to be truthful with you, Trip. The admiral didn't say anything about sending you back. I made it up." Trip looked hurt and shocked. "I did it to get back at you for saying that me and T'Pol had something going on."
"You scared the heck out of me all because of some rumors I started? You've never cared before."
"You've done it before?!" he asked angrily.
"Now I didn't say that." Trip said catching himself.
"The reason I freaked and concocted this story was because this time," he paused a minute, "they're true."
The color in Trip's face was gone and he had a blank look on it. "Uh..well uh...Well dangit Jon you could have told me. I'm your best friend. Last time I checked best friends do that sort of thing." Jon smiled at him, relieved that he had finally told him. "Although I always figur'd it t' be true. So, tell me, is she as good a kisser as she looks?"
"Trip you couldn't imagine a better kisser than her, and what a dancer! So light on her feet, and that body. So warm and..."
"Okay." Trip said breaking into Jon's description of the sub-commander, " if she's that good a kisser and a dancer, then why do you seem so depressed?"
Jon's smile faded, "I think she is having second thoughts about us. She's been acting rather odd today. She said she would figure it out, but it still worries me. I don't want to lose her and I don't want to start forgetting my duties to the crew because of this."
"Does she know you feel this way?" He asked.
"Yeah, I told her how a felt and she seemed to feel the same. I need to find out what's bugging her. Think she would consult her feelings with someone else?"
"I know she wouldn't with anyone here, but what about that one ambassador, V'Lar! She might have sent her a transmission, if she needed some guidance." Trip said brainstorming.
"Trip, you're a genius! If you'll excuse me I'm going to speak to her personally." he got up and headed out of the room.
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As he arrived at his quarters, Jon settled into speak with the wise Vulcan ambassador. "This is Ambassador V'Lar."
"Good evening Ambassador, I'm sorry to disturb you." he said kindly.
"Captain Archer is good to see you again. What is it that you wanted so urgently?" she asked.
"This might come as a strange question, but has T'Pol contacted you in the last few days?" he asked politely.
"Why yes she did. I received it today. Is there something wrong?"
"It's hard to explain. Could you tell me what it said?" Jon asked.
"No, that's something between T'Pol and myself. If it was all that hard to explain then you wouldn't have gone through all the red tape just to talk to me." she scolded him, waiting for the reason.
"It's a very long and confusing story." he explained.
"Don't worry about it. I'll give her some good advice, though I don't know why you would trust me since I'm a Vulcan and we usually are out to get you." she joked.
Jon chuckled a little, "Yeah, I guess I'll just have to trust you. Thank you Ambassador."
"My pleasure indeed."
With that, Jon turned off the com and changed into his sweats and a T- shirt. "Come here Porthos." he said. The little beagle came bounding and laid down next to him, waiting to be stroked. "I guess we'll just have to sleep on it tonight, buddy. Although I don't feel like sleep. Maybe a good book would help." he reached over and grabbed a book of the shelf and started reading where he had left off.
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In T'Pol's quarters, the restless Vulcan sat in front of the flame pot. She needed to meditate. It had been a long time since she had meditated fully, but again she found herself not wanting to. Thoughts of Jonathan filled her head. This time she welcomed them. Blowing out the flame, she stretched and began pacing the room. She couldn't stop the thoughts from coming, though she wasn't sure she wanted them to stop. Realizing that sleep would never come until her brain quieted down, she slipped on a pair of slippers and left for the mess hall.
After reaching the mess hall, and getting her a cold glass of ice water, T'Pol settled into one of the tables staring out at the stars. Not knowing anyone else was up, Hoshi walked into the mess hall, hoping to answer some of her own questions. Questions of how to deal with her hidden feeling for Malcolm, and his surprising new interest in her. Also about the transmission sent to V'Lar from T'Pol that she now held in her hands. Why had T'Pol sent something to the ambassador? What could she have said? Though knowing Vulcan she could have easily read it, she struggled with herself whether to read it or not. She walked over got herself a glass of milk.
Hearing other footsteps in the room T'Pol called out to the unknown being, "Who's there?"
Recognizing the voice, Hoshi answered surprised, "T'Pol, is that you? What are you doing in here so late?"
"I could ask you the same thing."
"I asked first."
"Very well. I needed to clear my thoughts. Meditating wasn't working, I thought coming here might." she said.
"Some m.o. I couldn't get to sleep either. Want to talk about it" Hoshi asked sheepishly.
"Not particularly." she snapped.
"Well do you mind listening? And actually, I have a question for you as well."
"What is it about?" T'Pol asked raising.
"I found this message sent in Vulcan to Ambassador V'Lar, from you. I didn't want the captain to think you were spying."
"Why didn't you read it?"
"It's not mine to read. I didn't think it would be right. Is it something about what's happening between you two?" Hoshi asked.
"Us two?" T'Pol asked, eyebrow in the same position.
"You and the captain. There are rumors going around about the two of you."
"What kind of rumors?" she asked.
Some good, some bad. Depends on who you hear it from?" Hoshi explained quickly.
"And what do you believe, Ensign?"
"I don't know what to believe. But I have noticed a change in the way you and Captain Archer act together. Especially right after you got back from the planet. It was sweet to see some form of romance forming out in the middle of space." she said.
"And now?" T'Pol asked as Hoshi joined her at the table.
"Now, you guys seem distant. Maybe mad at each other. Can you give me any clues on what to believe? So I can at least know the truth." T'Pol just sat there, staring out in space. "T'Pol, are you alright?"
"After the flood we were both very badly beaten, Jonathan already had a hurt leg and then I got puncture wounds here and there from being tossed in the water. If it wasn't for Jon I probably would have died." Hoshi jumped at the use of the captain's name so easily and yet she still had the non- emotional tone. "We took shelter in a cavern where we hoped the Klingons would not find us. The next morning Jon went out to find breakfast. When he returned we ate in silence for the most part. I had got a bit of honey on my cheek, when he leaned over to wipe it off, we...kissed."
"Oh, my goss. That's so sweet." Hoshi commented.
"After the kiss feelings were expressed and that's when it started. We were both under a lot stress if it had been any other situation it would not have happened." T'Pol told her.
"Oh, I don't believe that. Is that why you've been avoiding him lately, cause your doubting the reason it happen. Didn't he tell you he likes you?" she inquired.
"Yes, that next night he invited me to diner and he told me that he had fallen for me."
"T'Pol, what did you say?"
"I told him I also had feelings that I could no longer ignore. Then we danced and that is it." she snapped.
"Wow, that's one heck of a story. I think you need to do what your heart tells ya. Though you probably won't listen to me. To say the least try and be a little kinder towards him." Hoshi said.
T'Pol put that advice on the back burner right away, "Please do not say anything about this to anyone." she said.
"No problem. If you don't want me to I won't."
"Thank you. And why is it that you are still up?" T'Pol asked.
"My feelings for Malcolm and how to deal with it. I don't know if you would want to hear about it."
"Try me."
"Okay.." Hoshi said starting to feel her side of the night.
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The next morning, when T'Pol had awoke, there was a transmission sent to her from V'Lar. It wasn't a long transmission, just long enough to answer all, well most, of T'Pol's questions. It said something like this:
Dear T'Pol, I know what you are experiencing is confusing and difficult, but remember nothing is easy. Nothing like this has ever happened before, in either Human or Vulcan history. If you contacted me for a logical answer, I'm sorry there are none. If you are concerned about what others will think then don't be. The only logical thing you can do is tell the truth and stick with it. In the end, only is the truth logical. V'Lar
T'Pol had to take some time into understanding what V'Lar had told her. She did know what she had to do now, but rather how to say it. For all the logical or awe-inspiring speeches she could give, she couldn't think of one now. She would talk to Jonathan, eventually. Only when she knew she could keep her head through the whole thing. Until then she'd try to be more civil towards him. She got dressed and headed for the bridge.
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"Morning Sub-commander." Jon's voice roared.
"Morning Captain." she replied. "Hoshi." she noticed her looking at them.
"Good morning Sub-commander how did you sleep?" Hoshi asked.
"Just fine, and you?"
"Like a baby." she replied laughing a little.
Jon looked over at Malcolm hoping he knew what was going on but he just shrugged, as confusing as Jon was himself. Hoshi and T'Pol was still talking. "I wish I could hear what they are saying." he thought.
"T'Pol, how about you and the captain join me and Malcolm for dinner tonight?"
"I'm not sure if that would be...."
"What? Appropriate? Don't worry I'll ask Trip to come also. It'll be fun. you need to make it up to Captain Archer anyway." she pleaded with puppy dog eyes.
"I guess that will be fine. I'll have to ask the captain first." T'Pol finally gave in.
"Okay, tell him to ask Trip. 7:00 ought to do." she smiled and went back to work. T'Pol looked at Jon and nodded over to his ready room. Luckily he picked up the signal and asked her to join him.
"What do you want?" he asked shocked and unaware of what was going on.
"Hoshi invited us, Trip, and Malcolm to dinner tonight she wants to know if you will be able to make it." she informed him.
"Sure sounds like fun. Does Trip know yet?" he asked.
"No, Hoshi said you could invite him." then she left the room. Jon stood there a second then went over to the intercom to asked Trip.
"Sure cap'n I'll be there. Sounds like a helluva thing to me." she answered.
"Good Trip. I think there's something else going on here, like an ambush or something. Could just be my nerves."
"Well just remember, if everything gets real quiet we'll make a run for it." he joked.
"Okay, see ya tonight."
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When Trip had finally got there everyone was waiting for him. He could see they all had gotten their food so he got his own and went over and sat down next to Jon.
"Sorry I'm late, my replacement didn't check in till 'bout 5 minutes ago." he explained a little winded.
"Don't worry about it Trip. Now shall we eat?" Jon asked. Trip noticed that Malcolm and Hoshi were sitting very close together even though the table was pretty big.
"Hoshi, Malcolm is there something you're haven't told me?" he asked.
"Nothing that isn't already obvious, Sir." Malcolm replied.
"Please, Trip. I should have known." Trip laughed in approval. Hoshi was blushing of course, "So when did this happen?"
"Couple days ago, more or less." Malcolm answered.
"Well now that's real sweat. T'Pol what do you think about it?" Trip asked trying to rouse something up.
"I think that the Lt. and the Ensign make a...lovely couple." she nearly knocked him out of his seat.
"T'Pol I believe some of our irrational emotions has rubbed off on ya." Trip said. She gave him a look that could have killed him.
"Boy this dinner is good. I'll have to thank Chef." Jon changed the subject quickly. "So tell me again how did the repairs go?"
"Just fine. Let's hope we don't have another disaster like that again." he grinned at Jon. There was a long moment of silence.
"That's it, if no one will then I will," Hoshi said, "What is going on between you two? You seem so distant."
Archer nearly choked and T'Pol became restless. "Hoshi, I don't think this is the best time to....." Jon protested.
"It's as good a time as any." Malcolm broke in.
"The truth is we are as confused as you are right now." T'Pol said, "If we knew we wouldn't keep it hidden." She looked over at Jon, "Right now I'd like to talk to the captain alone."
They got up and walked out of the mess hall. Of course Trip and Malcolm went after them to see where they going. They were headed towards the captain's quarters.
"Malcolm, I'll bet we can hear what they're saying." Trip told him.
"How?"
"I'm an engineer, I know these things. Hoshi you want to come?"
"We really shouldn't but okay." They all headed towards Trips quarters to reroute some systems so they could hear Jon and T'Pol's conversation.
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"There, all done." Trip said putting the faceplate back in place. "That didn't take long."
"Can you hear anything?" Malcolm asked.
"Shh. Listen, they are just now coming in." Hoshi said.
They could hear over the intercom Jon asking T'Pol to take a seat.
"Now what is this all about?" Jon demanded.
"I sent a transmission to Ambassador V'Lar asking her for some advice." she began.
"Go on." he said not revealing that he already knew this.
"She gave some valuable advice, and I have decided to take it."
"Okay, what advice did she give you?" he asked.
"She said that the truth would come out, so the only logical thing to do is tell the truth." she paused a moment. "I will admit that I was having seconds thoughts about our....relationship. Now I realize that was only because my judgement was clouding my logic," he looked at her funny, "My judgement was that of what others might think, how it would affect me. When the logical choice was to... not care about others, just you."
He smiled happily and walked over to hers. "Are you saying we are still a couple?"
"Yes, I believe so." He grabbed her in his arms and kissed her neck.
"T'Pol you have made my day, no my life. Thank you for not giving up on us. I love you."
"I love you too, Jon." Jon could've sworn there was a smile on her face. He kissed her very deeply.
Trip, Malcolm, and Hoshi were just as thrilled. "Well now isn't that a pretty picture. Cap'n's got his gal and is very happy." Trip drolled.
"It is marvelous, isn't it? Maybe we'll wittnes the first interspecies marriage." Hoshi joked. "Maybe the first on Enterprise."
"Well maybe not the first." Malcolm hinted. Hoshi's eyes sparkled with joy. "Commander Tucker, you okay?"
"Yeah, just something in my eyes." he said wiping his eyes. "What a great ending, naw," he pause, " what a beautiful beginning."
The End
summary: T'Pol's having some doubts. There's a little something for all you Malcolm and Hoshi fans as well.
disclaimer: don't own 'em
authors' note: I know people always say stay in character, but in this ch. there were some words that we could not use (curse words) because of our own beliefs. We put in softer words like, heck, ect. If you want just imagine they are the words commonly used by the characters. Thanks for your consideration.
Sorry this is late. Enjoy! ;)
T'Pol woke up not aware of where she was. When she opened her eyes, she noticed that she wasn't in her quarters. Then it all came back to her. The night before spent with Jonathan. The dancing, the kiss, what he had said to her. What she had said to him. It all came back. She realized that she was still in his quarters. "I must have fallen asleep after that dancing." she thought and sighed heavily. She looked around the room and felt behind her on the cot. Jon wasn't there. She sprang into a sitting position throwing her legs off the side of the bed.
A moment later, he walked out of the bathroom, wearing the same clothes he wore last night. "Good morning, beautiful. How did you sleep?" She was relived when she seen him and realized she was in the same clothes, too.
"Fine, and you?" she asked as he leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.
"Excellent! Not meaning to be crude, but if you don't get back to your quarters, someone will see you walk out of here in the same clothes you were wearing yesterday. It's already 5:30."
"You're right. I'll see you on the bridge." she said walking towards the door.
"Wait a minute," he called after her, "we'll need to talk soon about whether or not we should let this get out and how we should keep Trip quiet."
"The dead don't talk." T'Pol said trying to make a joke, then walked out. Jonathan started laughing, not at what she said, but how much she had mellowed out since she had come a board Enterprise.
By the time Jonathan had gotten to the bridge, T'Pol was already there. He nodded and she returned the nod. About the time, Trip walked in. "Howdy, Cap'n. How was your evening last night?" he asked with a quirky grin.
"Just fine, and yours?" he answered sharply.
"Never better."
"Dear God, I got a feeling this is going to be a long day. There has got to be a good way to get back at him. I'll talk with T'Pol later, while everyone's eating in the mess hall. Perhaps she'll know some good ideas, do Vulcans even know what practical jokes are?" Jon thought to himself.
"Sir, we're being hailed." Hoshi said.
"By whom?" Jon asked.
"I'm not sure, but it's an emergency signal." she replied.
"Malcolm, do you have the coordinates?" he asked.
"Yes, starboard. Two light years. Near a gas nebula."
"Here we go again." Jon mumbled under his breath.
It didn't take long to help the distressed ship out. All they needed was for Trip to do a bit o' tweakin' with their engines, and they were on their way. The lunch break was almost to begin, and then everyone would be going to the mess hall. Jonathan and T'Pol slipped into his ready room for dinner and to discuss the plan.
"So, we don't care if people find out?" T'Pol asked in a very Vulcan voice.
"I think we should only care about what we thinks. If people catch us together. Then they do. We can deal with it. What do you think?"
"I.....agree. Now how are you planning to get back at Commander Tucker?" she asked.
"Well...I was thinking about messing his head a little. Maybe at breakfast we can tell him his in some kind of trouble...." Jonathan went on to describe some other paybacks. T'Pol tried to listen to him, but her head wasn't in it. She was concerned with some of her own problems, problems with her feelings about revealing their relationship. She was having second thoughts about the whole thing. "I know what I told Jon was the truth, but that was before I had thought the entire situation through. The High Command would be furious with my actions, and might resign me to another location. I don't know if I can take that risk." she thought to herself.
"Well, which do you think is the best?" he asked snapping her bake into reality.
"Which ever you deem the most likely to work." she said somewhat sharply.
"You okay? You seem a little off in space."
"I'm fine. Please excuse me." she said standing, "I have a lot to do."
Jonathan sat there in disbelief. "I wonder what that was all about? I hope she's not angry with me. What would have made her attitude change so fast? Last might she was fine. Times like these I wish I could talk to Trip about this. Maybe Malcolm would have some insight. I'll catch him after shifts are over." He got up and left.
**************************************************************************** *********
"Sub-commander, report." Jonathan said stepping unto the bridge.
"Our friends have returned." she said solemnly.
"What do they want?"
"Apparently, their engines failed again. They're demanding the Trip come back and fix them." Hoshi said.
"Trip," he said through the intercom. "You need to go back over there and fix the engines before they start getting really mad." Jon scowled. "This is great! I can get Trip back by using this situation as a way he gets in trouble." he thought.
Trip and one other engineer went over in a shuttle pod. Jonathan told Malcolm to keep a close eye on their visitors and told Hoshi to keep a com link open just in case anything happened. Then he ducked into his ready room. T'Pol came in a few hours later with a report. "Commander Tucker is almost finished with repairs. I have not been able to identify the aliens race or origin. The only thing we know about them is what they have told us."
"Thank you." he said not looking at her, but at the scene outside his window. He watched the stars flow by, then turned to face her as she went to leave the room. "Hey, what's wrong, you've been acting very strange since this morning. You're not having second thoughts are you?" he asked with a worried tone in his voice.
"No, of course not. I'm just...tired." she said quickly. She knew she was lying, but how could she hurt his feelings? Actually, when she had first met him she had no problem with being realistic, but now she was lying to make him feel better. It had no logical reasoning. She blinked her eyes repeatedly to bring her back to realty.
"Good." was his response. She walked out of the room relieved to not need to face him alone any longer.
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The rest of the day went rather slowly. Trip finished the repairs and headed back to Enterprise. There hadn't been too much activity on the bridge. Travis and Malcolm talked a while on what movie was showing tonight. Occasionally Hoshi would catch Malcolm's stare and they both would blush a little. T'Pol, Jonathan noticed, avoided looking at him for some reason. It made him a little unnerved. T'Pol, knowing that she was intentionally not looking at him, was worried that he would say something to her. She couldn't worry about it right now. She was too busy sending a letter to V'Lar. "She might be able to help. She seems to be able to deal with human emotions better than any Vulcan I have met." She wondered to herself. "V'Lar said that we had a very strong connection, I wonder what she meant by that?" A lot of questions were rolling through her mind, ones she hoped her ambassador could give a logical answers to.
Finally the shift was over and Jonathan went to Malcolm's quarters to talk. He rang the buzzer and waited with clammy hands and shallow breathing. He wasn't exactly thrilled to tell anyone, but he felt he could trust Malcolm.
"Sir, what are you doing here?" Malcolm asked surprised.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to speak to you about something." he said cautiously.
"Of course, please come in," Malcolm stepped aside to let Jon inside. "So what is this all about, Sir?"
"It's kind of complicated, I could use your advice. If that's okay with you?"
"Advice? Advice on what?" he asked puzzled.
"Well, it's really hard to day this but..."
"OH MY GOD, Trip was right! The bloody fool was right! You do have feelings for T'Pol!" Malcolm nearly screamed in his British accent.
"Now I didn't say... ah, heck with it. You're right, Trip right." he said taking a deep breath then sitting down with his face buried in his hands. "There is something going on between me and T'Pol, at least a think there is." he mumbled, "It all started the morning after the flood. I'm not even sure who instigated it but, one thing led to another...."
"You and T'Pol..." Malcolm hesitated.
"What?! No! I didn't mean that we... I meant that last night I told her that," he paused and looked at Malcolm, "that I would like to give it a go and she wanted to also. But then today she seemed angry with me. I'm wondering if she's having doubts." his face expressing pain and confusions.
"I don't know what to say. I'm flattered that you want my advice, but why me, Sir?" he said sitting across from him.
Because, I've suspected you've has feelings for Hoshi." Malcolm looked surprised and started to object, "I'm not saying it's true, I just thought if it was you might tell me what'd you do in my situation. I couldn't tell Trip, he teased me enough about it even when it wasn't true. You just seemed like the right person to ask." he continued explained.
"Okay. Well do you love her?" Malcolm began.
"Of course I do." Jon stated.
"Well, if she loves you back the same way then you have nothing to worry about. Whatever she is worried about now, shouldn't last long."
"Haven't you ever heard nighttime confessions and doubts are usually regretted in the morning." Jon butted in.
Malcolm gave him a stern look, "Although I think that you should speak to her about it. Even though she's Vulcan, I'm sure there's some emotions in there somewhere."
"I've tried to speak to her, she doesn't want to listen." he concurred.
"Well, make her listen. Look," he said more sympathetically, "I can tell you love her, a lot, and since she loves you, a love like that is very hard to come by, especially with a Vulcan. You know I'm not good with these things, but my advice to you is don't give up. Surely she'll realize that being careful is safe, but also she'll never be loved." he said then stuttered for a minute, "and your right. I do harbor feelings for Hoshi."
Jonathan smiled at Malcolm, "I figured as much. Hey how 'bout we double date sometime." he said teasing him, "I'm kidding but you ought to tell her, you make a wonderful couple."
"I don't know sir, she's so smart and funny, and gorgeous. Why would she want to have anything to do with me?"
"Like you said, it's nice to be safe, but huff puff you'll never be loved." Jon told him, "I've kept you too long, go watch the show. Oh, try and get a seat by Hoshi, and if you see Trip tell him to come see me in my ready room." he said leaving the quarters with Malcolm.
"Yes Sir."
"Thanks for the advice. Good luck with Hoshi, killer."
"Any time, sir, my pleasure." he said blushing.
***************************************************************
Jonathan waited in his ready room for Trip to come. When he finally did, the plan was all laid out. "You wanted to see me Cap'n?"
"How did the repairs go?" he asked.
"Just fine. I just over looked a bad wire in one of the main circuits."
"Good, good. Listen, Trip, I just got off the com with Admiral Forrest about yesterday and today. I had to send in a report on the alien's situation and why they had to come back. Forrest didn't seem too pleases that "the most qualified engineer" couldn't fix a warp two engine. He told me he was going to have'ta tell his colleagues and he's not sure if they would want to send you back for more lessons." Jon broke the news trying to be as serious as he could.
"What?! Just because I made one dawg gone mistake they want to send me back to school?" Trip yelled, his blood beginning to boil.
"I told him that you were the best engineer, ever, and he said he'd fight to keep you on board, but you just caught them on a really bad day. Trust me, you'll be the first to hear anything."
"Well, thank you cap'n. I can't believe those sons of...." Trip mumbled walking out of the room.
"I can't believe how easy that was." Jonathan thought to himself and laughed.
**************************************************************************
After awhile of sitting in his ready room, Jon decided to see what movie was playing. On the way over he hoped to run into T'Pol so he could invite her to see the movie. There was no such luck of course. He walked into the theater room and saw that "The Matrix" was starting. "Never seen this one before, hope it's good." he thought to himself. He looked around for a seat. He saw in the back row, near a corner, that Malcolm and Hoshi were sitting together talking about something. Malcolm, noticing the captain, looked over and grinned. Someone else caught his eyes as he viewed the packed room. It was T'Pol. "What is she doing here?" he wondered going over towards her noticing an empty seat.
"Captain, what are you doing here?" she asked surprised.
"I could ask you the same thing, Sub-commander. I thought you didn't really care for movies?"
"I don't but this one intrigued me." she said softly.
"We need to talk after the movie." he told her.
She looked over at him knowing what he wanted to talk about. "He doesn't need to know what I'm thinking. It would only hurt him." she thought hearing her heart pounding. The look on his face was serious and expressed concern, but was still as soft and kind as ever. She said nothing in reply, but went back to watching the movie.
*******************************************************************8
It seemed like the movie would never end. It wasn't that it was a boring movie. Just it seemed so long. Finally the credits came on as well as the lights. Everyone looked like moles walking around with their eyes squinted shut. Jon, T'Pol, Malcolm, and Hoshi were some of the last to leave. Jon over heard Malcolm asking Hoshi to dinner and her accepting his proposal. "Good for them." he thought. When they had gotten into the hallway, he grabbed T'Pol's arm so she couldn't run off.
"Let's go to my quarters." he said practically dragging her in that direction. They slipped out of the crowd without anyone seeing them. "Okay, now I want to know what's going on." he said when they were in hid quarters.
"Why would you assume there is anything going on?" she asked.
"Oh, I don't know, just the way you've been acting lately." she just stared at him blankly, "T'Pol, you can trust me. Whatever you are concerned about you can tell me."
She stared a little longer thinking what she could say. "There is something, but I am not ready to discuss it. You have my word that when I figure it out, you'll know."
He sighed then walked over and laid his hands on her shoulders, "I understand. When ever you're ready. I'm here for you." Then he leaned over and gently kissed her.
"Thank you for understanding, Jon." she said breaking the kiss, "Sleep well." The she walked out of the room. It was 2100, but Jon couldn't even think about sleep, he was too worried. So he decided to go down to the mess hall for as snack.
**************************************************************************** ****
The mess hall was fairly empty, except for Malcolm who was sitting in the corner. "May I join you?" Jon asked walking over with a New York style cheesecake in hand.
"No sir, please sit. I was just thinking." he said in a daze.
"Good evening with Hoshi?" he inquired.
"The best! She is the most interesting person I've met, no offense. We have so much in common. Thank you, Sir, for giving me a push in the right direction. If it wasn't for you I'd probably still be fawning over her like a puppy dog."
"No problem glad I could help." Jon said then there was silence.
"Sir, is something wrong?" he asked.
"I just got finished talking with T'Pol. She said there is something going on, but she says she's not ready to talk about it. I don't know what to think." he paused for a moment, "she said I'd know when she had worked it out."
"I'm sure if she said she'd figure it out, she'll figure it out. Don't worry about it." Malcolm replied trying to sound reassuring. Then Trip walked in and came over to the captain and Malcolm.
"Cap'n we need to talk." he said urgently.
"All right Trip. Would you excuse us Malcolm?" he got up and walked out with Trip. "What's up?"
"Sir, have you heard anything more on this sending me back thing?" He looked at Trip blankly for a second and then realized what he was talking about.
"Ah, no. I haven't heard anything."
"Sir..."
"What?"
"Have you been shunning me or trying to find a replacement because of this whole escapade?" he asked worriedly.
"Shunning you? Replacement? Where did you get that notion?" Jon asked bumfuzzled.
"Well, you've been talking with Malcolm and others who know a little about engineer'in. I just feel a little left out." he confessed, sounding like a little child.
Jon laughed a little then got serious. "Trip, do you want to know what is going on?"
"Yes I would." he stated.
"Come with me, I'll explain everything." Jon and Trip left for Trip's quarters.
***************************************************************************
"Now, what's this all about?" Trip asked suspiciously.
"I'm going to be truthful with you, Trip. The admiral didn't say anything about sending you back. I made it up." Trip looked hurt and shocked. "I did it to get back at you for saying that me and T'Pol had something going on."
"You scared the heck out of me all because of some rumors I started? You've never cared before."
"You've done it before?!" he asked angrily.
"Now I didn't say that." Trip said catching himself.
"The reason I freaked and concocted this story was because this time," he paused a minute, "they're true."
The color in Trip's face was gone and he had a blank look on it. "Uh..well uh...Well dangit Jon you could have told me. I'm your best friend. Last time I checked best friends do that sort of thing." Jon smiled at him, relieved that he had finally told him. "Although I always figur'd it t' be true. So, tell me, is she as good a kisser as she looks?"
"Trip you couldn't imagine a better kisser than her, and what a dancer! So light on her feet, and that body. So warm and..."
"Okay." Trip said breaking into Jon's description of the sub-commander, " if she's that good a kisser and a dancer, then why do you seem so depressed?"
Jon's smile faded, "I think she is having second thoughts about us. She's been acting rather odd today. She said she would figure it out, but it still worries me. I don't want to lose her and I don't want to start forgetting my duties to the crew because of this."
"Does she know you feel this way?" He asked.
"Yeah, I told her how a felt and she seemed to feel the same. I need to find out what's bugging her. Think she would consult her feelings with someone else?"
"I know she wouldn't with anyone here, but what about that one ambassador, V'Lar! She might have sent her a transmission, if she needed some guidance." Trip said brainstorming.
"Trip, you're a genius! If you'll excuse me I'm going to speak to her personally." he got up and headed out of the room.
***********************************************************************
As he arrived at his quarters, Jon settled into speak with the wise Vulcan ambassador. "This is Ambassador V'Lar."
"Good evening Ambassador, I'm sorry to disturb you." he said kindly.
"Captain Archer is good to see you again. What is it that you wanted so urgently?" she asked.
"This might come as a strange question, but has T'Pol contacted you in the last few days?" he asked politely.
"Why yes she did. I received it today. Is there something wrong?"
"It's hard to explain. Could you tell me what it said?" Jon asked.
"No, that's something between T'Pol and myself. If it was all that hard to explain then you wouldn't have gone through all the red tape just to talk to me." she scolded him, waiting for the reason.
"It's a very long and confusing story." he explained.
"Don't worry about it. I'll give her some good advice, though I don't know why you would trust me since I'm a Vulcan and we usually are out to get you." she joked.
Jon chuckled a little, "Yeah, I guess I'll just have to trust you. Thank you Ambassador."
"My pleasure indeed."
With that, Jon turned off the com and changed into his sweats and a T- shirt. "Come here Porthos." he said. The little beagle came bounding and laid down next to him, waiting to be stroked. "I guess we'll just have to sleep on it tonight, buddy. Although I don't feel like sleep. Maybe a good book would help." he reached over and grabbed a book of the shelf and started reading where he had left off.
**************************************************************************** ****
In T'Pol's quarters, the restless Vulcan sat in front of the flame pot. She needed to meditate. It had been a long time since she had meditated fully, but again she found herself not wanting to. Thoughts of Jonathan filled her head. This time she welcomed them. Blowing out the flame, she stretched and began pacing the room. She couldn't stop the thoughts from coming, though she wasn't sure she wanted them to stop. Realizing that sleep would never come until her brain quieted down, she slipped on a pair of slippers and left for the mess hall.
After reaching the mess hall, and getting her a cold glass of ice water, T'Pol settled into one of the tables staring out at the stars. Not knowing anyone else was up, Hoshi walked into the mess hall, hoping to answer some of her own questions. Questions of how to deal with her hidden feeling for Malcolm, and his surprising new interest in her. Also about the transmission sent to V'Lar from T'Pol that she now held in her hands. Why had T'Pol sent something to the ambassador? What could she have said? Though knowing Vulcan she could have easily read it, she struggled with herself whether to read it or not. She walked over got herself a glass of milk.
Hearing other footsteps in the room T'Pol called out to the unknown being, "Who's there?"
Recognizing the voice, Hoshi answered surprised, "T'Pol, is that you? What are you doing in here so late?"
"I could ask you the same thing."
"I asked first."
"Very well. I needed to clear my thoughts. Meditating wasn't working, I thought coming here might." she said.
"Some m.o. I couldn't get to sleep either. Want to talk about it" Hoshi asked sheepishly.
"Not particularly." she snapped.
"Well do you mind listening? And actually, I have a question for you as well."
"What is it about?" T'Pol asked raising.
"I found this message sent in Vulcan to Ambassador V'Lar, from you. I didn't want the captain to think you were spying."
"Why didn't you read it?"
"It's not mine to read. I didn't think it would be right. Is it something about what's happening between you two?" Hoshi asked.
"Us two?" T'Pol asked, eyebrow in the same position.
"You and the captain. There are rumors going around about the two of you."
"What kind of rumors?" she asked.
Some good, some bad. Depends on who you hear it from?" Hoshi explained quickly.
"And what do you believe, Ensign?"
"I don't know what to believe. But I have noticed a change in the way you and Captain Archer act together. Especially right after you got back from the planet. It was sweet to see some form of romance forming out in the middle of space." she said.
"And now?" T'Pol asked as Hoshi joined her at the table.
"Now, you guys seem distant. Maybe mad at each other. Can you give me any clues on what to believe? So I can at least know the truth." T'Pol just sat there, staring out in space. "T'Pol, are you alright?"
"After the flood we were both very badly beaten, Jonathan already had a hurt leg and then I got puncture wounds here and there from being tossed in the water. If it wasn't for Jon I probably would have died." Hoshi jumped at the use of the captain's name so easily and yet she still had the non- emotional tone. "We took shelter in a cavern where we hoped the Klingons would not find us. The next morning Jon went out to find breakfast. When he returned we ate in silence for the most part. I had got a bit of honey on my cheek, when he leaned over to wipe it off, we...kissed."
"Oh, my goss. That's so sweet." Hoshi commented.
"After the kiss feelings were expressed and that's when it started. We were both under a lot stress if it had been any other situation it would not have happened." T'Pol told her.
"Oh, I don't believe that. Is that why you've been avoiding him lately, cause your doubting the reason it happen. Didn't he tell you he likes you?" she inquired.
"Yes, that next night he invited me to diner and he told me that he had fallen for me."
"T'Pol, what did you say?"
"I told him I also had feelings that I could no longer ignore. Then we danced and that is it." she snapped.
"Wow, that's one heck of a story. I think you need to do what your heart tells ya. Though you probably won't listen to me. To say the least try and be a little kinder towards him." Hoshi said.
T'Pol put that advice on the back burner right away, "Please do not say anything about this to anyone." she said.
"No problem. If you don't want me to I won't."
"Thank you. And why is it that you are still up?" T'Pol asked.
"My feelings for Malcolm and how to deal with it. I don't know if you would want to hear about it."
"Try me."
"Okay.." Hoshi said starting to feel her side of the night.
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The next morning, when T'Pol had awoke, there was a transmission sent to her from V'Lar. It wasn't a long transmission, just long enough to answer all, well most, of T'Pol's questions. It said something like this:
Dear T'Pol, I know what you are experiencing is confusing and difficult, but remember nothing is easy. Nothing like this has ever happened before, in either Human or Vulcan history. If you contacted me for a logical answer, I'm sorry there are none. If you are concerned about what others will think then don't be. The only logical thing you can do is tell the truth and stick with it. In the end, only is the truth logical. V'Lar
T'Pol had to take some time into understanding what V'Lar had told her. She did know what she had to do now, but rather how to say it. For all the logical or awe-inspiring speeches she could give, she couldn't think of one now. She would talk to Jonathan, eventually. Only when she knew she could keep her head through the whole thing. Until then she'd try to be more civil towards him. She got dressed and headed for the bridge.
**************************************************************************** *****
"Morning Sub-commander." Jon's voice roared.
"Morning Captain." she replied. "Hoshi." she noticed her looking at them.
"Good morning Sub-commander how did you sleep?" Hoshi asked.
"Just fine, and you?"
"Like a baby." she replied laughing a little.
Jon looked over at Malcolm hoping he knew what was going on but he just shrugged, as confusing as Jon was himself. Hoshi and T'Pol was still talking. "I wish I could hear what they are saying." he thought.
"T'Pol, how about you and the captain join me and Malcolm for dinner tonight?"
"I'm not sure if that would be...."
"What? Appropriate? Don't worry I'll ask Trip to come also. It'll be fun. you need to make it up to Captain Archer anyway." she pleaded with puppy dog eyes.
"I guess that will be fine. I'll have to ask the captain first." T'Pol finally gave in.
"Okay, tell him to ask Trip. 7:00 ought to do." she smiled and went back to work. T'Pol looked at Jon and nodded over to his ready room. Luckily he picked up the signal and asked her to join him.
"What do you want?" he asked shocked and unaware of what was going on.
"Hoshi invited us, Trip, and Malcolm to dinner tonight she wants to know if you will be able to make it." she informed him.
"Sure sounds like fun. Does Trip know yet?" he asked.
"No, Hoshi said you could invite him." then she left the room. Jon stood there a second then went over to the intercom to asked Trip.
"Sure cap'n I'll be there. Sounds like a helluva thing to me." she answered.
"Good Trip. I think there's something else going on here, like an ambush or something. Could just be my nerves."
"Well just remember, if everything gets real quiet we'll make a run for it." he joked.
"Okay, see ya tonight."
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When Trip had finally got there everyone was waiting for him. He could see they all had gotten their food so he got his own and went over and sat down next to Jon.
"Sorry I'm late, my replacement didn't check in till 'bout 5 minutes ago." he explained a little winded.
"Don't worry about it Trip. Now shall we eat?" Jon asked. Trip noticed that Malcolm and Hoshi were sitting very close together even though the table was pretty big.
"Hoshi, Malcolm is there something you're haven't told me?" he asked.
"Nothing that isn't already obvious, Sir." Malcolm replied.
"Please, Trip. I should have known." Trip laughed in approval. Hoshi was blushing of course, "So when did this happen?"
"Couple days ago, more or less." Malcolm answered.
"Well now that's real sweat. T'Pol what do you think about it?" Trip asked trying to rouse something up.
"I think that the Lt. and the Ensign make a...lovely couple." she nearly knocked him out of his seat.
"T'Pol I believe some of our irrational emotions has rubbed off on ya." Trip said. She gave him a look that could have killed him.
"Boy this dinner is good. I'll have to thank Chef." Jon changed the subject quickly. "So tell me again how did the repairs go?"
"Just fine. Let's hope we don't have another disaster like that again." he grinned at Jon. There was a long moment of silence.
"That's it, if no one will then I will," Hoshi said, "What is going on between you two? You seem so distant."
Archer nearly choked and T'Pol became restless. "Hoshi, I don't think this is the best time to....." Jon protested.
"It's as good a time as any." Malcolm broke in.
"The truth is we are as confused as you are right now." T'Pol said, "If we knew we wouldn't keep it hidden." She looked over at Jon, "Right now I'd like to talk to the captain alone."
They got up and walked out of the mess hall. Of course Trip and Malcolm went after them to see where they going. They were headed towards the captain's quarters.
"Malcolm, I'll bet we can hear what they're saying." Trip told him.
"How?"
"I'm an engineer, I know these things. Hoshi you want to come?"
"We really shouldn't but okay." They all headed towards Trips quarters to reroute some systems so they could hear Jon and T'Pol's conversation.
**************************************************************************
"There, all done." Trip said putting the faceplate back in place. "That didn't take long."
"Can you hear anything?" Malcolm asked.
"Shh. Listen, they are just now coming in." Hoshi said.
They could hear over the intercom Jon asking T'Pol to take a seat.
"Now what is this all about?" Jon demanded.
"I sent a transmission to Ambassador V'Lar asking her for some advice." she began.
"Go on." he said not revealing that he already knew this.
"She gave some valuable advice, and I have decided to take it."
"Okay, what advice did she give you?" he asked.
"She said that the truth would come out, so the only logical thing to do is tell the truth." she paused a moment. "I will admit that I was having seconds thoughts about our....relationship. Now I realize that was only because my judgement was clouding my logic," he looked at her funny, "My judgement was that of what others might think, how it would affect me. When the logical choice was to... not care about others, just you."
He smiled happily and walked over to hers. "Are you saying we are still a couple?"
"Yes, I believe so." He grabbed her in his arms and kissed her neck.
"T'Pol you have made my day, no my life. Thank you for not giving up on us. I love you."
"I love you too, Jon." Jon could've sworn there was a smile on her face. He kissed her very deeply.
Trip, Malcolm, and Hoshi were just as thrilled. "Well now isn't that a pretty picture. Cap'n's got his gal and is very happy." Trip drolled.
"It is marvelous, isn't it? Maybe we'll wittnes the first interspecies marriage." Hoshi joked. "Maybe the first on Enterprise."
"Well maybe not the first." Malcolm hinted. Hoshi's eyes sparkled with joy. "Commander Tucker, you okay?"
"Yeah, just something in my eyes." he said wiping his eyes. "What a great ending, naw," he pause, " what a beautiful beginning."
The End