Chapter 2

****

That afternoon, Jon Archer faced his senior staff in the situation room. He was bored again, and he listened to their reports hopefully, for anything that might provide a little adventure.

Reed was making his usual plea for increased weapons and target practice—nothing new there. Trip had squeezed three percent more efficiency out of the engines. Impressive, but again, nothing that was going to make the Captain's day any more interesting. By the time T'Pol spoke, he almost groaned. He rarely could count on her for anything more exciting than a gas giant.

Today, she surprised him. Instead of spouting data about stars or comets, she said, "Captain, I have uncovered a planet that might hold some interest for you."

He perked up a little.

"It is Menshara-class. The Vulcans have not yet made contact with the species that populates it, but they are humanoid and they do appear to have warp technology." The humans exchanged animated glances. First contact.

"How far away?" he asked her excitedly.

"At our current rate of speed, it will take approximately two days to reach."

Jon grinned at Trip, but the Commander's eyes were on Hoshi. He had a distant look on his face.

"Set a course," Jon told T'Pol. "In the meantime, I would like to review what data you have."

"Of course, Captain." She handed him a PADD. As he took it, their hands brushed. Her fingers were very warm and the contact left him with a tingling sensation. For a moment, her eyes flicked up and met his. Jon was startled by the expression in them—more by the fact that there was any expression than anything else. She quickly looked away. When she turned back to him, it was gone. He suspected he had imagined it.

"Ok," he said, addressing the rest of the group. "Sounds like we have a plan. I'll see you all later." They nodded and dispersed, each heading back to their stations.

Jon hurried to his ready room, eager to go over the information on a new species.

Behind him, T'Pol stood still. As she watched him go, her fingers brushed absently at the heavy ring on her finger.

****

At dinner that evening, Tucker and Archer talked cheerfully of their latest destination. Archer was telling the officer what little T'Pol had found. The Vulcan sat quietly across from him, sipping her soup and listening.

"Well, I for one can't wait," Tucker announced. "It'll feel good to stretch the ol' legs." He glanced at T'Pol and decided to draw her into the conversation. "Right, T'Pol?"

She stopped eating and looked at him. "Yes." With that brief answer, she reached for her water glass.

Tucker's eyes followed her hand. "Say," he said abruptly, "That's a pretty ring."

"Thank you." He waited for her to comment further, but wasn't surprised when she didn't.

"I didn't think Vulcans went in much for jewelry. Figured you'd think it was unpractical or somethin'." She merely raised a brow. He continued, "You know, Hoshi bought something similar to that on Sauri Mal. 'Cept hers was blue, not red."

Archer was now watching them curiously. "Trip, I've never known you to take such an interest in jewelry."

Tucker looked embarrassed. "Right. Just thought it was a funny coincidence."

Archer turned to T'Pol, pointing his fork at her. "You know, he is right about one thing. I didn't think Vulcans wore much jewelry. Did you buy that on Sauri Mal?"

"Yes. I was in the company of some of the female crew. They were each buying a ring. I believed it would be a good opportunity to establish camaraderie with them—thereby making our working relationships more efficient."

"Really? I didn't realize you had such an interest in socializing with the crew. Are you sure you didn't just think it was pretty?" Archer teased her.

She flushed. Looking at him very directly, she said, "I am certain. Now, if you will excuse me, I have meditations to do." She stood. "Good night, Commander. Jonathon."

They stared after her. As soon as the door closed behind her, their gazes swung back together.

"Did she just blush?"

"Did she just call you Jonathon?"

They looked at each other incredulously, with no idea how to react. Finally, Trip laughed. "Maybe we're rubbin' off on her more than we thought." He took a bite of his fried chicken.

"Yeah, maybe so," Jon said, smiling a little and digging in.

They both looked back at the door, chewing their food. Their smiles faded into identical looks of puzzlement.

****

Please R&R!