CHAPTER TWO
SIX HOURS LATER .....
A small away team gathered in shuttlebay one, all unusually quiet. Jon walked in stopping at the silence before raising his eyebrows," Okay then, Trip, T'Pol scans have located large deposites of Dilithium to the south." Handing them a padd he smiled before turning to Malcolm and Hoshi," As for you two, another deposit to the west, killing two birds with one stone, alright team you are good to go."
With that he left the shuttlebay, Trip muttered something before he slipped on his helmet, shortly followed by the others. Bending down he grabbed the equipment before walking over to the shuttlepod, as he got in he watched as Malcolm took the controls and as if he was reading his mind, Malcolm commented," I promise you a smooth ride, Commander."
Trip couldn't help but smile before catching the eye of T'Pol, looking away he tried to forget the things she had said, crossing his arms he looked up once more only this time to find Hoshi watching him. As Trip smiled at her Hoshi moved over and began to talk to him quietly, aware of Malcolm watching them out of the corner of his eye.
T'Pol attempted to ignore the obvious flirtations by looking out of the window at the slow descent towards the planet, spirals of purple and blue danced across the surface before long strands of dust flew through the space creating the effect of movement. Malcolm manuevered through the debris of the atmosphere, and slowly set the shuttlepod down," Well there you go Commander, a nice smooth ride."
Trip chuckled before opening the shuttlepod hatch, stepping out onto the planet's surface, flakes of bright red spiralled around his foot." Alright Hoshi, Malcolm. T'Pol and I will see you back here in a couple of hours." With that he headed off in the direction of their deposit, T'Pol following shortly behind, Trip could tell this was just gonna be like old times. A comment here and a glare there.
***********
Malcolm set down the equipment, before kneeling down constructing hydrollic drill and began to dig into the surface of the planet. Hoshi opened up a metallic container and began to place long blue crystals into it.
" Malcolm? Do you ever think about other people on the ship?"
Malcolm looked up briefly before concentrating again," Yes."
" In what way?"
Malcolm placed another crystal in the container and replied," That's an awfully personal question Hoshi." Hoshi smiled softly, trying to distract her mind from wondering what Trip and T'Pol were doing, she knew not much considering they were in EV suits and on a foreign planet. Shaking the thoughts,
" I was just wondering as well you seemed to know I like Trip, I was just wondering if you liked anyone."
Malcolm took a while to reply," Yes actually, Lieutenant Rachel Vaughan in Engineering...she is quite an example and well one can't help but be attracted..." Hoshi simply raised her eyebrows and muttered,
" Well I guess whatever takes your fancy." Malcolm stopped drilling, looking at Hoshi's face and from one look at that expression, he knew she didn't believe him. Shrugging he got back to retrieving the crystals not noticing as Hoshi watched him.
ELSEWHERE ON THE PLANET .....
Trip hummed a tune softly before T'Pol commented," Please refrain from humming Commander, it is most distracting." Trip sighed, he just couldn't do anything right with this woman. Even after the nights he held her in his arms and made her smile. Walking away starting on a new part of the surface he just hoped the hours went by quickly.
************
" Trip? How's it going down there?"
" All going well Cap'n, heading back up now, eta twenty minutes."
Jon smiled settling back into his chair, hoping his crew was in a better mood than they were when they left, then again he knew how stubborn the four of them were and all he could do was sigh.
***********
Entering the decon chamber, the four individuals began to strip down to their underwear, T'Pol glanced up briefly attempting to ignore the golden bare chest of Trip. Malcolm watched T'Pol closely and smiled gently to himself as he knew there were still feelings there. Hoshi squeezed some of the decon gel into her hand and began to rub it over her skin on her arms,
" So which one of you fine men is going to rub this on my back for me?"
Malcolm could see Trip was about to volunteer so he got up and took the first step by placing his hands on Hoshi's back, Hoshi felt a little disappointed but Malcolm wasn't the worse guy to have rubbing your back." Commander I require your assistance with the similar problem." remarked T'Pol.
Trip sighed, squeezing a large amount of the gel into his hands he slowly started at the bottom of her back and worked slowly up. T'Pol felt herself shiver at his touch but attempted to control it, Trip quirked an eyebrow smirking slightly. He still had an effect on her, but thinking again he wondered if he would ever be more than a physical thing to her? God he loved this woman, more than he would ever think possible but that night still echoed in his head and hurt him everytime he allowed himself to think about it.
Hoshi's eyes drifted to the muscles in Trip's back, almost transfixed before she glanced back at Malcolm, he was actually quite good looking. Dark hair and eyes seemed to move as one as she felt his hands rub her back softly, he was damn good at that. She wondered if he was even aware of that? Looking away as his eyes glanced up, she smiled and simply enjoyed decon as much as she could.
THREE HOURS LATER .....
Trip pressed the comm button," Hey Doc can we come out yet? A fella could get cabin fever in here."
Dr Phlox smiled before replying as he checked his various equipment," Lieutenant Reed and Ensign Sato are free to go but I am afraid Commander that both you and the Sub-Commander will need to remain for a further three hours as it would seem that you have picked up an alien virus strand."
Trip replied," Well gee thanks Doc!"
Turning around he eyed Malcom as he was smirking, taking a seat he sighed before watching as Hoshi and Malcolm left the decon chamber. T'pol crossed her legs and sat away from Trip, closing her eyes before she heard,
" T'Pol I need to know why did you say all those things?"
T'Pol opened her eyes and met Trip's eyes, uncurling her legs she replied calmly," I believe I explained my motives well enough Commander."
Trip shook his head sitting up, hair falling over his eyes and T'Pol had to supress the urge to move it away and stroke his face," I'm sorry T'Pol that just ain't good enough for me, call me a fool all you want but I need to know the truth."
T'Pol frowned, this human was far more persistant than she had given him credit for. Raising her eyebrow she replied," I have already told you the truth Commander, I was using you for my own personal relief."
" I'm not buying that!" He moved closer and T'Pol pulled away slightly as his hand traced her ear softly," Please T'Pol just tell me why.." He watched as the fierceness in her eyes seemed to dim as she said softly,
" I said those things because I have never felt this way, never stepped over the lines set to me by my parents and my commanding officers. I never thought that love or the idea of being in a relationship was possible, always dismissed it as poor logic." Looking up at him she continued," Then I met you, and after watching you and knowing you I became attracted and when you confessed your feelings, any restraints holding me back were gone and I found myself in this whole new world, a place I had no training for."
Trip tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, beginning to understand but said nothing allowing T'Pol to talk," I am somewhat inexperienced when it comes to emotions and I thought that by allowing myself to feel I would become less than I was and lose the respect of the crew. I pushed you away for what I have known my whole life.." Breaking off she stopped to find his blue eyes watching her with nothing but concern for her,
" Don't give up something you've never had before T'Pol."
T'Pol closed her eyes leaning forward resting her head on his shoulder, breathing in his smell..unconsciously she kissed his shoulder feeling him shake under her touch, moving her lips up she kissed just under his ear. She had missed him more than she ever thought possible, having to push him away had hurt her deeply and now she just wanted to be in his arms again.
" T'Pol what do you want? Forget your teachings, forget what I want and what is expected of you, what do you want?"
" I do not know Co..I mean Trip."
Trip kissed the top of her head," Aw Darlin, how about this? I let you be till you work out whats best for you, I care too much about you to force you into something that won't make you happy." With that he just wrapped her up in his arms and stroked her hair reassuringly.
A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER .....
" Trip how are the Dilithium crystals holding up?"
" Just fine Cap'n!"
Jon smiled, nothing better than a fully working ship, looking across at T'Pol he couldn't help but notice the change in her attitude. She seemed a lot less troubled and more at peace, he hoped it was because Trip and her had managed to work their problems out. Glancing around the bridge he noted a smile on Hoshi's face and began to wonder if she had someone special as well.
************
Malcolm sat watching as the stars passed him by, jumping slightly at the sound of Hoshi's voice," Hey Malcolm."
Turning around he smiled and replied," Good evening Ensign."
" Ensign? A little formal don't you think Malcolm?"
She sat down across from him," I suppose you're right.." Watching as her eyes canvassed the mess hall," If you're looking for Commander Tucker I'm afraid you just missed him."
Hoshi looked genuinely surprised before she smirked as she stated," I was just looking to see if chef had cooked up some cake and custard actually."
Malcolm attempted to hide the blush overcoming his face, Hoshi noticed this before she smiled propping her head in her hands and just sat trying to talk to the extremely embarassed Malcolm.
TRIP'S QUARTERS .....
T'Pol stood outside his door, she remembered his soft touch and gentle embrace in the decon chamber. She had never met so much understanding before but she just didn't know if this was the right course of action. Her head was saying no but her heart was saying yes, it would seem it was doing that a lot more these days. Never in her life had she been so nervous, reaching up she pressed the door chime but frowned as no-one answered.
She began to walk away but stopped, moving back over to the control panel and tapped in an override code. As the door opened she was hit by the warmth and smell she had long for so much, walking in cautiously she noted the discarded clothes on the floor and she had to smile. typical unorganised human, stepping over them she gazed down at a sleeping Trip. He was curled on his side, blonde hair dishevelled and arms curled around his pillow.
It would seem it had been a tiring day for him, sitting down beside him she reached up and gently stroked his hair. Trip rolled over face nuzzling her palm, muttering in his sleep. Leaning close she smiled as she heard her name, it was a strange world. She never thought she would ever fall in love, especially not with a human being. She had always viewed them as primitive impulsive creatures not worth the time but here she was thinking how gorgeous this one is and how he was so much more than she ever thought.
Sliding under the covers she curled her arms around his waist, head snuggling perfectly into the crook of his neck. Feeling his chest move she smiled and was gently soothed into sleep by his light caresses of her hair.
***********
Trip blinked opened his eyes as his alarm went off, reaching over to slam it off he muttered something most unbecoming of a senior officer before he realised he was not alone. Turning his head his eyes widened as there cuddling up to him, was the Sub-Commander herself. I guess she had made her choice and he was damn glad it was him, leaning down he kissed her lightly and as her eyes opened he caressed her forehead with his lips,
" Shhh Darlin."
T'Pol smiled, closing her eyes again she nuzzled his neck softly so Trip decided he could be late for one shift, engineering could live without him but for now he was going to enjoy the company of the one he loved.
THE END!
SIX HOURS LATER .....
A small away team gathered in shuttlebay one, all unusually quiet. Jon walked in stopping at the silence before raising his eyebrows," Okay then, Trip, T'Pol scans have located large deposites of Dilithium to the south." Handing them a padd he smiled before turning to Malcolm and Hoshi," As for you two, another deposit to the west, killing two birds with one stone, alright team you are good to go."
With that he left the shuttlebay, Trip muttered something before he slipped on his helmet, shortly followed by the others. Bending down he grabbed the equipment before walking over to the shuttlepod, as he got in he watched as Malcolm took the controls and as if he was reading his mind, Malcolm commented," I promise you a smooth ride, Commander."
Trip couldn't help but smile before catching the eye of T'Pol, looking away he tried to forget the things she had said, crossing his arms he looked up once more only this time to find Hoshi watching him. As Trip smiled at her Hoshi moved over and began to talk to him quietly, aware of Malcolm watching them out of the corner of his eye.
T'Pol attempted to ignore the obvious flirtations by looking out of the window at the slow descent towards the planet, spirals of purple and blue danced across the surface before long strands of dust flew through the space creating the effect of movement. Malcolm manuevered through the debris of the atmosphere, and slowly set the shuttlepod down," Well there you go Commander, a nice smooth ride."
Trip chuckled before opening the shuttlepod hatch, stepping out onto the planet's surface, flakes of bright red spiralled around his foot." Alright Hoshi, Malcolm. T'Pol and I will see you back here in a couple of hours." With that he headed off in the direction of their deposit, T'Pol following shortly behind, Trip could tell this was just gonna be like old times. A comment here and a glare there.
***********
Malcolm set down the equipment, before kneeling down constructing hydrollic drill and began to dig into the surface of the planet. Hoshi opened up a metallic container and began to place long blue crystals into it.
" Malcolm? Do you ever think about other people on the ship?"
Malcolm looked up briefly before concentrating again," Yes."
" In what way?"
Malcolm placed another crystal in the container and replied," That's an awfully personal question Hoshi." Hoshi smiled softly, trying to distract her mind from wondering what Trip and T'Pol were doing, she knew not much considering they were in EV suits and on a foreign planet. Shaking the thoughts,
" I was just wondering as well you seemed to know I like Trip, I was just wondering if you liked anyone."
Malcolm took a while to reply," Yes actually, Lieutenant Rachel Vaughan in Engineering...she is quite an example and well one can't help but be attracted..." Hoshi simply raised her eyebrows and muttered,
" Well I guess whatever takes your fancy." Malcolm stopped drilling, looking at Hoshi's face and from one look at that expression, he knew she didn't believe him. Shrugging he got back to retrieving the crystals not noticing as Hoshi watched him.
ELSEWHERE ON THE PLANET .....
Trip hummed a tune softly before T'Pol commented," Please refrain from humming Commander, it is most distracting." Trip sighed, he just couldn't do anything right with this woman. Even after the nights he held her in his arms and made her smile. Walking away starting on a new part of the surface he just hoped the hours went by quickly.
************
" Trip? How's it going down there?"
" All going well Cap'n, heading back up now, eta twenty minutes."
Jon smiled settling back into his chair, hoping his crew was in a better mood than they were when they left, then again he knew how stubborn the four of them were and all he could do was sigh.
***********
Entering the decon chamber, the four individuals began to strip down to their underwear, T'Pol glanced up briefly attempting to ignore the golden bare chest of Trip. Malcolm watched T'Pol closely and smiled gently to himself as he knew there were still feelings there. Hoshi squeezed some of the decon gel into her hand and began to rub it over her skin on her arms,
" So which one of you fine men is going to rub this on my back for me?"
Malcolm could see Trip was about to volunteer so he got up and took the first step by placing his hands on Hoshi's back, Hoshi felt a little disappointed but Malcolm wasn't the worse guy to have rubbing your back." Commander I require your assistance with the similar problem." remarked T'Pol.
Trip sighed, squeezing a large amount of the gel into his hands he slowly started at the bottom of her back and worked slowly up. T'Pol felt herself shiver at his touch but attempted to control it, Trip quirked an eyebrow smirking slightly. He still had an effect on her, but thinking again he wondered if he would ever be more than a physical thing to her? God he loved this woman, more than he would ever think possible but that night still echoed in his head and hurt him everytime he allowed himself to think about it.
Hoshi's eyes drifted to the muscles in Trip's back, almost transfixed before she glanced back at Malcolm, he was actually quite good looking. Dark hair and eyes seemed to move as one as she felt his hands rub her back softly, he was damn good at that. She wondered if he was even aware of that? Looking away as his eyes glanced up, she smiled and simply enjoyed decon as much as she could.
THREE HOURS LATER .....
Trip pressed the comm button," Hey Doc can we come out yet? A fella could get cabin fever in here."
Dr Phlox smiled before replying as he checked his various equipment," Lieutenant Reed and Ensign Sato are free to go but I am afraid Commander that both you and the Sub-Commander will need to remain for a further three hours as it would seem that you have picked up an alien virus strand."
Trip replied," Well gee thanks Doc!"
Turning around he eyed Malcom as he was smirking, taking a seat he sighed before watching as Hoshi and Malcolm left the decon chamber. T'pol crossed her legs and sat away from Trip, closing her eyes before she heard,
" T'Pol I need to know why did you say all those things?"
T'Pol opened her eyes and met Trip's eyes, uncurling her legs she replied calmly," I believe I explained my motives well enough Commander."
Trip shook his head sitting up, hair falling over his eyes and T'Pol had to supress the urge to move it away and stroke his face," I'm sorry T'Pol that just ain't good enough for me, call me a fool all you want but I need to know the truth."
T'Pol frowned, this human was far more persistant than she had given him credit for. Raising her eyebrow she replied," I have already told you the truth Commander, I was using you for my own personal relief."
" I'm not buying that!" He moved closer and T'Pol pulled away slightly as his hand traced her ear softly," Please T'Pol just tell me why.." He watched as the fierceness in her eyes seemed to dim as she said softly,
" I said those things because I have never felt this way, never stepped over the lines set to me by my parents and my commanding officers. I never thought that love or the idea of being in a relationship was possible, always dismissed it as poor logic." Looking up at him she continued," Then I met you, and after watching you and knowing you I became attracted and when you confessed your feelings, any restraints holding me back were gone and I found myself in this whole new world, a place I had no training for."
Trip tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, beginning to understand but said nothing allowing T'Pol to talk," I am somewhat inexperienced when it comes to emotions and I thought that by allowing myself to feel I would become less than I was and lose the respect of the crew. I pushed you away for what I have known my whole life.." Breaking off she stopped to find his blue eyes watching her with nothing but concern for her,
" Don't give up something you've never had before T'Pol."
T'Pol closed her eyes leaning forward resting her head on his shoulder, breathing in his smell..unconsciously she kissed his shoulder feeling him shake under her touch, moving her lips up she kissed just under his ear. She had missed him more than she ever thought possible, having to push him away had hurt her deeply and now she just wanted to be in his arms again.
" T'Pol what do you want? Forget your teachings, forget what I want and what is expected of you, what do you want?"
" I do not know Co..I mean Trip."
Trip kissed the top of her head," Aw Darlin, how about this? I let you be till you work out whats best for you, I care too much about you to force you into something that won't make you happy." With that he just wrapped her up in his arms and stroked her hair reassuringly.
A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER .....
" Trip how are the Dilithium crystals holding up?"
" Just fine Cap'n!"
Jon smiled, nothing better than a fully working ship, looking across at T'Pol he couldn't help but notice the change in her attitude. She seemed a lot less troubled and more at peace, he hoped it was because Trip and her had managed to work their problems out. Glancing around the bridge he noted a smile on Hoshi's face and began to wonder if she had someone special as well.
************
Malcolm sat watching as the stars passed him by, jumping slightly at the sound of Hoshi's voice," Hey Malcolm."
Turning around he smiled and replied," Good evening Ensign."
" Ensign? A little formal don't you think Malcolm?"
She sat down across from him," I suppose you're right.." Watching as her eyes canvassed the mess hall," If you're looking for Commander Tucker I'm afraid you just missed him."
Hoshi looked genuinely surprised before she smirked as she stated," I was just looking to see if chef had cooked up some cake and custard actually."
Malcolm attempted to hide the blush overcoming his face, Hoshi noticed this before she smiled propping her head in her hands and just sat trying to talk to the extremely embarassed Malcolm.
TRIP'S QUARTERS .....
T'Pol stood outside his door, she remembered his soft touch and gentle embrace in the decon chamber. She had never met so much understanding before but she just didn't know if this was the right course of action. Her head was saying no but her heart was saying yes, it would seem it was doing that a lot more these days. Never in her life had she been so nervous, reaching up she pressed the door chime but frowned as no-one answered.
She began to walk away but stopped, moving back over to the control panel and tapped in an override code. As the door opened she was hit by the warmth and smell she had long for so much, walking in cautiously she noted the discarded clothes on the floor and she had to smile. typical unorganised human, stepping over them she gazed down at a sleeping Trip. He was curled on his side, blonde hair dishevelled and arms curled around his pillow.
It would seem it had been a tiring day for him, sitting down beside him she reached up and gently stroked his hair. Trip rolled over face nuzzling her palm, muttering in his sleep. Leaning close she smiled as she heard her name, it was a strange world. She never thought she would ever fall in love, especially not with a human being. She had always viewed them as primitive impulsive creatures not worth the time but here she was thinking how gorgeous this one is and how he was so much more than she ever thought.
Sliding under the covers she curled her arms around his waist, head snuggling perfectly into the crook of his neck. Feeling his chest move she smiled and was gently soothed into sleep by his light caresses of her hair.
***********
Trip blinked opened his eyes as his alarm went off, reaching over to slam it off he muttered something most unbecoming of a senior officer before he realised he was not alone. Turning his head his eyes widened as there cuddling up to him, was the Sub-Commander herself. I guess she had made her choice and he was damn glad it was him, leaning down he kissed her lightly and as her eyes opened he caressed her forehead with his lips,
" Shhh Darlin."
T'Pol smiled, closing her eyes again she nuzzled his neck softly so Trip decided he could be late for one shift, engineering could live without him but for now he was going to enjoy the company of the one he loved.
THE END!