ADDICTION
Chapter Five
When T'Pol arrived at the commander's quarters, the door stood wide open. She peered inside and immediately saw the captain lying on the floor unconscious. She saw no one else. Dr. Phlox brushed by her and dropped at Archer's side.
T'Pol knelt beside the Denobulan. "Is he alive?" she asked.
"Yes," Phlox replied. He looked up at T'Pol. "I'll see to the captain, Sub-commander. You need to find Commander Tucker."
T'Pol nodded. She stood up then caught sight of the control panel by the door. Tucker had pulled the faceplate off and had managed to override the lock out. She moved quickly to the engineer's computer terminal. The commander had called sickbay only moments before so she knew he couldn't have gotten too far away. She keyed in the search criteria then stood straight. His bio-signs appeared in launch bay one.
The sub-commander fingered the comm. button. "T'Pol to Ensign Sato."
"Yes Sub-commander?"
"Lock out launch bay one immediately, Ensign," T'Pol directed. "As well as launch bay two."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Have Lieutenant Reed meet me outside bay one. T'Pol out."
As the Vulcan moved quickly through the corridors of Enterprise, she focused her thoughts on finding her center. There was no time to dwell on her concern for Tucker's well being.
When she rounded the corner to the launch bays, she saw the lieutenant arriving from the other direction.
"Commander Tucker is inside," T'Pol said briefly then keyed the door open. She stepped into the large cavernous room and looked around. "Commander?" she called.
There was no reply. Reed called out for Tucker as he headed to the right. T'Pol veered to the left and the two met at the rear of the bay.
"He must be in one of the shuttle pods," said Reed.
T'Pol nodded. "I'll check Pod One," she said. She watched as Reed headed to the second pod.
As the Vulcan lifted the hatch, her dark eyes settled on the figure of Commander Tucker. He was seated on the floor of the pod, a phase pistol held tightly in his hand. He was staring down the barrel.
"Commander?" T'Pol said quietly. She stepped into the pod then knelt in front of the engineer. He was shaking and perspiration rolled down his face to soak the neck of his T-shirt. She reached a tentative hand toward the phase pistol.
"No!" Tucker cried and T'Pol instantly pulled her hand back. He lifted his eyes to look at her but said nothing more.
T'Pol heard Reed behind her and she stuck out her hand to stay him. "Get Dr. Phlox," she whispered over her shoulder. Then she turned her full attention to the young engineer. "Give me the pistol, Commander."
Tucker shook his head then looked back down at the weapon. He grimaced in pain and inhaled sharply. T'Pol held her breath as she watched his index finger twitch on the trigger.
"Commander, please," she whispered softly. "Let me help you."
"I killed him, T'Pol," Tucker said weakly. "I killed the cap'n."
"No you didn't Commander. He's with Dr. Phlox."
Tucker shook his head again. "No, I did kill him. I saw him fall," he insisted. He looked up at her again, his eyes filled with tears. "I killed the cap'n, my closest friend. He came back for me and I killed him." He placed the barrel of the pistol flush against his forehead and squeezed his eyes shut. The tears spilled down his cheeks.
T'Pol inhaled a short breath. "Please, Mr. Tucker," she said, unable to control the desperation in her voice. Then in a split second, she lunged for his wrist. Just as his finger compressed the trigger, she pulled his arm back. The shot hit the wall of the shuttle above the commander's head, singeing the plating.
"No!" Tucker cried out.
T'Pol removed the pistol from his grip and threw it out the hatch. She could see and feel his body shaking violently. Uncertain how to proceed, T'Pol settled herself by the commander's side, her hand still holding his wrist.
"You shouldn't have stopped me," Tucker murmured. "I'm not worth it." He dropped his head on her shoulder and quietly wept.
Jon leaned back in the chair and watched Trip sleep. The worst was over, he thought tiredly. The engineer had finally stopped vomiting and the painful stomach cramps and tremors had subsided. The Silotans, all locked in the decon chamber for safety reasons, were now all recovering in sickbay. Dr. Phlox and A'Tal had worked hard to find something to ease their pain but they hadn't been successful.
Jon shook his head. He had never seen Trip in such distress before. He wondered how the engineer had survived. Tough as nails, he thought affectionately.
Trip awoke with a start. "Cap'n!"
"I'm right here, Trip."
The engineer turned to his voice.
"You're all right?" asked Trip.
Jon nodded then stood and moved to sit on the side of the bunk. "No thanks to you," he joked.
"I'm sorry."
"Wasn't your fault, Trip. It was that damned drug."
Trip closed his eyes. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
"I know," replied Jon. He pulled the blankets up and tucked them under Trip's chin. "How're you feeling? T'Pol said you had a pretty rough time in the pod."
Trip grimaced. "Damn," he cursed. "I think I threw up on her."
Jon chuckled. "That you did."
"Great. Just great," Trip groaned then he opened his eyes and looked at Jon. "You, too?"
The captain nodded. "Right down the front of my shirt."
Trip just groaned again.
Jon patted his shoulder. "You're forgiven, Trip."
"Maybe by you but I doubt T'Pol will ever forgive me."
"Oh, I don't know about that. She insisted on staying with you until you fell asleep."
"Probably just wanted to be sure I lived so that she could release her Vulcan anger and kill me with her bare hands," Trip said. "Oh, I can't believe I threw up on her."
Jon chuckled again. "Feel like eating anything?"
Trip shook his head adamantly. "Not yet," he replied. "I could use a shower, though. I smell pretty ripe."
"That my friend is an understatement." Jon shifted so that Trip could sit up. The engineer swayed slightly. "You okay?"
"I'm just so damned weak."
"Okay. Lets try to get some soup into you then maybe you'll feel stronger. I can put up with the smell a while longer."
Trip gave him a dirty look.
"And this is engineering."
Kamella looked up at Hoshi with a huge smile. "This is where Trip works?" she asked.
Hoshi nodded. "Yep."
The girl looked around, a look of wonder on her face. "This is lots bigger than Father's engine room."
"I imagine it is," replied Hoshi. "Now. Lets say you and I go to the mess hall and have us some ice cream."
Kamella nodded her head happily. "Trip told me all about ice cream when he was on our ship. He said Rocky Road was his favorite. Can I have Rocky Road?"
"Of course."
The two left engineering and made their way to the mess hall. When they arrived, they got their bowls of dessert then sat at a table with Travis Mayweather.
The young boomer smiled at both ladies as they sat down. "Did you get the grand tour, Kamella?" he asked.
The girl nodded. "Hoshi showed me everything. No wonder Trip loves this ship so much. She's beautiful!"
"That she is," grinned Travis. "How are your parents doing?"
Kamella swallowed a bite of her ice cream then licked her lips. "Mother is fine now. Father said she was really, really sick for a while. I finally saw her this morning. She looks tired but still as pretty as she was six months ago!"
Hoshi exchanged a smile with Travis then took a bite of her own ice cream.
"How is Trip?" asked Kamella around another mouthful of Rocky Road. "Father said he was really, really sick, too."
Travis nodded. "He was but he's getting better. I'm sure you'll get to see him before you leave in the morning."
"I hope so," sighed Kamella. "He's so nice."
Hoshi smiled at the girl. "Where are you going when you leave?"
"A'Tal is letting us live on his world. Xyrillia. He says we're all welcome there. I wish we could go back home but Mother would be arrested again. I guess Father would be, too. Maybe someday when that Commander Omara isn't in charge anymore."
"I'm sure you'll get to go back one day, Kamella," said Travis.
"Are you sure you should be doing this, Commander?" asked Malcolm as he walked beside Trip toward the launch bay. The engineer swayed so Malcolm took his elbow to steady him.
"I'm fine, Malcolm," insisted Trip. "I just want to say good-bye to everyone."
Malcolm remained silent but kept his hand on Trip's elbow until they arrived at the launch bay. He saw all the Silotans as well as A'Tal gathered near Finn's transport. They all looked at Trip with big smiles as he approached. Captain Archer, Malcolm noted, was not too pleased to see his friend out of bed.
"Trip!" cried Kamella. She ran across the bay and hugged the commander affectionately. "I was afraid I wouldn't get to see you before we left."
Trip hugged the girl back then knelt before her. "I couldn't miss saying goodbye to the young lady who saved my life, could I?"
Kamella blushed furiously then brushed at her short-cropped hair. Malcolm put his hand up to cover his grin. He reached down to help Trip stand again then guided him with Kamella's help to the others.
"Commander," greeted the Silotan boy.
"Hey Jett," smiled Trip. He reached out his hand and the boy took it with enthusiasm. "I understand you're off to Xyrillia?"
Jett nodded. "Yep. Kaea still has some contacts in the Silotan underground. She's certain she'll be able to get my family off planet in just a short while. From what A'Tal says I'm sure my mom will love his world."
"Good to hear!" replied the engineer. "You take good care of your family, you understand?"
"Yes, Commander."
Trip patted the boy's arm affectionately then Malcolm watched as Kamella's mother embraced his friend.
"Goodbye, Trip," Kaea smiled. "Thank you for all that you did."
The commander looked puzzled. "I didn't do anything."
"Ah but you did. You made me laugh and you brought me hope again."
Malcolm thought he actually saw Trip's face redden.
"Goodbye, Trip," said Finn as he took the engineer's hand. "Thank you."
The final two Silotans, Nate and Berryl, stepped up and shook Trip's hand as well. They apologized for being rude to him but Trip just waved them off with a friendly smile. Malcolm shook his head in wonderment. The engineer was only gone just over three weeks but he'd managed to affect these people's lives significantly. Even though, Malcolm thought, a good portion of that time was spent in a drug-induced haze.
"My friend," said A'Tal as Trip moved in front of him. The old Xyrillian engulfed the commander in his arms.
"Goodbye, A'Tal," said the engineer as he hugged the older man back. "Thank you for being there for me. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have made it."
"You would have, Trip," replied the Xyrillian. He pulled out of the hug but kept his hands on Trip's arms.
"What are you going to do now?"
A'Tal shrugged. "Take these people to their new home then look up some of my old friends. I'd like to start my practice back up, too. Your Dr. Phlox gave me some updated medical journals. I plan on studying them on the trip home."
"Well good luck. I'd like to visit Xyrillia someday so maybe I'll look you up."
"You do that," A'Tal replied. He pulled Trip into a hug again then patted the engineer's back affectionately.
As Trip stepped away from the group, the captain came up beside him and placed a hand on the commander's shoulder. They watched as everyone loaded into the transport.
"Trip!" cried Kamella. She leaped out of the transport and bounded up to Trip. "I forgot to give this back to you."
Malcolm saw the Starfleet patch she held tightly in her fist and smiled.
Trip knelt and wrapped his hand around Kamella's. "You keep it. Something to remember me by," he said.
Kamella blushed again then leaned forward and kissed Trip on the cheek. She then took off at a run and disappeared inside the transport.
Malcolm and the captain walked their friend out of the launch bay. Trip turned to look once more at the transport before the door slid shut. He let out a long sigh.
"You okay?" asked Archer.
Trip nodded. "Yeah. I just hope they're going to be safe from Omara."
"They will be, Commander," replied Malcolm. "Xyrillia is far away from Silotan space. And I'm sure Omara will be busy for quite a while cleaning up the mess we made at Tria Colony."
"Mess?"
Malcolm smiled. "We left a few carefully placed detonators around the complex when we left. There should be nothing but rubble."
Trip sighed again. "Once he rebuilds, though, he'll start arresting innocents and start harvesting all over again."
"Maybe Kaea will be able to continue her work through the underground. Maybe there will be changes, Trip," said Archer.
Trip swayed slightly and both Malcolm and the captain grabbed him. Together they walked the commander back to his quarters.
T'Pol glanced across the table as Commander Tucker sat down for dinner. She thought he still looked exhausted and pale but it was, she conceded, pleasant to have him back at the captain's table.
The steward entered and placed a bowl of broth in front of the engineer. He groaned. Somewhat dramatically, T'Pol thought.
"Not soup again."
Archer laughed. "Sorry, Trip. Doctor's orders."
"I'm sure my stomach can handle a nice big steak, Cap'n."
"In a few days maybe, but right now Phlox wants you eating only broth."
The commander conceded his loss then picked up his spoon to take a bite of soup. He blew on it first then slurped it into his mouth.
T'Pol looked up to find him eyeing her with a grin. After nearly two years she had finally come to realize that the engineer did things solely with the intent of breaking her control. She merely arched an eyebrow at him then sipped her own soup.
When they were finished, T'Pol dabbed the corners of her mouth with her napkin. "I trust that the contents of your stomach will remain in place, Commander," she said evenly. She was slightly amused to see Tucker's face redden.
"Uh, yeah, about that, T'Pol," he stammered uneasily. "Sorry for throwing up all over you."
"It was a bit----disconcerting and the odor was-----."
Tucker put up his hand to stop her. "You go into a lengthy description and I won't be responsible for my actions, Sub-commander."
T'Pol nodded her head at him in understanding. "I would appreciate it if you did not allow it to happen again."
"You got it."
Archer leaned back in his chair and looked at his engineer. "Good to have you back, Trip," he said with a smile.
"Thanks, Cap'n," replied Tucker. He looked across the table at T'Pol. "I was glad that you weren't taken as my accomplice."
"I was transported back to the ship immediately after your arrest."
Tucker nodded. "Omara told me." He shifted uneasily in his chair. "I'm sorry I caused so much trouble again, Cap'n."
Archer looked at the commander with a puzzled expression.
"Interfering again and all," Tucker shrugged. He looked down at his empty bowl.
"Trip," said the captain. "I should have insisted on doing more research before I let you and T'Pol go down to Silota. I'm the one who should be apologizing to you. Besides, I would have done the same thing."
The commander remained silent for a long moment picking idly at the tablecloth. T'Pol watched him, wondering what thoughts were going through his mind.
Finally he looked up then pushed away from the table. "I'm kind of tired so I think I'll turn in early." He stood up.
"You need some help?" asked Archer.
Tucker shook his head. "Nah. I'm fine."
T'Pol watched the commander as he moved to the door.
"Trip?"
Tucker turned to look at the captain. The two men shared a silent exchange that melted into warm, knowing smiles.
"Good night," said Archer.
"Night, Cap'n."
As T'Pol watched the exchange, she felt a brief pang of what she could only determine to be envy. These two men shared a friendship the likes of which she had never before witnessed or experienced.
"Night, T'Pol."
The Vulcan looked at the engineer. "Good night, Commander. May you have--- pleasant dreams."
Tucker tilted his head at her in surprise then he smiled warmly. "You, too." Then he slipped out the door.
Archer watched the door long after it had closed. "Good to have him back," he said finally.
T'Pol nodded and lifted a brow. "Yes, Captain. It is."
THE END
Chapter Five
When T'Pol arrived at the commander's quarters, the door stood wide open. She peered inside and immediately saw the captain lying on the floor unconscious. She saw no one else. Dr. Phlox brushed by her and dropped at Archer's side.
T'Pol knelt beside the Denobulan. "Is he alive?" she asked.
"Yes," Phlox replied. He looked up at T'Pol. "I'll see to the captain, Sub-commander. You need to find Commander Tucker."
T'Pol nodded. She stood up then caught sight of the control panel by the door. Tucker had pulled the faceplate off and had managed to override the lock out. She moved quickly to the engineer's computer terminal. The commander had called sickbay only moments before so she knew he couldn't have gotten too far away. She keyed in the search criteria then stood straight. His bio-signs appeared in launch bay one.
The sub-commander fingered the comm. button. "T'Pol to Ensign Sato."
"Yes Sub-commander?"
"Lock out launch bay one immediately, Ensign," T'Pol directed. "As well as launch bay two."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Have Lieutenant Reed meet me outside bay one. T'Pol out."
As the Vulcan moved quickly through the corridors of Enterprise, she focused her thoughts on finding her center. There was no time to dwell on her concern for Tucker's well being.
When she rounded the corner to the launch bays, she saw the lieutenant arriving from the other direction.
"Commander Tucker is inside," T'Pol said briefly then keyed the door open. She stepped into the large cavernous room and looked around. "Commander?" she called.
There was no reply. Reed called out for Tucker as he headed to the right. T'Pol veered to the left and the two met at the rear of the bay.
"He must be in one of the shuttle pods," said Reed.
T'Pol nodded. "I'll check Pod One," she said. She watched as Reed headed to the second pod.
As the Vulcan lifted the hatch, her dark eyes settled on the figure of Commander Tucker. He was seated on the floor of the pod, a phase pistol held tightly in his hand. He was staring down the barrel.
"Commander?" T'Pol said quietly. She stepped into the pod then knelt in front of the engineer. He was shaking and perspiration rolled down his face to soak the neck of his T-shirt. She reached a tentative hand toward the phase pistol.
"No!" Tucker cried and T'Pol instantly pulled her hand back. He lifted his eyes to look at her but said nothing more.
T'Pol heard Reed behind her and she stuck out her hand to stay him. "Get Dr. Phlox," she whispered over her shoulder. Then she turned her full attention to the young engineer. "Give me the pistol, Commander."
Tucker shook his head then looked back down at the weapon. He grimaced in pain and inhaled sharply. T'Pol held her breath as she watched his index finger twitch on the trigger.
"Commander, please," she whispered softly. "Let me help you."
"I killed him, T'Pol," Tucker said weakly. "I killed the cap'n."
"No you didn't Commander. He's with Dr. Phlox."
Tucker shook his head again. "No, I did kill him. I saw him fall," he insisted. He looked up at her again, his eyes filled with tears. "I killed the cap'n, my closest friend. He came back for me and I killed him." He placed the barrel of the pistol flush against his forehead and squeezed his eyes shut. The tears spilled down his cheeks.
T'Pol inhaled a short breath. "Please, Mr. Tucker," she said, unable to control the desperation in her voice. Then in a split second, she lunged for his wrist. Just as his finger compressed the trigger, she pulled his arm back. The shot hit the wall of the shuttle above the commander's head, singeing the plating.
"No!" Tucker cried out.
T'Pol removed the pistol from his grip and threw it out the hatch. She could see and feel his body shaking violently. Uncertain how to proceed, T'Pol settled herself by the commander's side, her hand still holding his wrist.
"You shouldn't have stopped me," Tucker murmured. "I'm not worth it." He dropped his head on her shoulder and quietly wept.
Jon leaned back in the chair and watched Trip sleep. The worst was over, he thought tiredly. The engineer had finally stopped vomiting and the painful stomach cramps and tremors had subsided. The Silotans, all locked in the decon chamber for safety reasons, were now all recovering in sickbay. Dr. Phlox and A'Tal had worked hard to find something to ease their pain but they hadn't been successful.
Jon shook his head. He had never seen Trip in such distress before. He wondered how the engineer had survived. Tough as nails, he thought affectionately.
Trip awoke with a start. "Cap'n!"
"I'm right here, Trip."
The engineer turned to his voice.
"You're all right?" asked Trip.
Jon nodded then stood and moved to sit on the side of the bunk. "No thanks to you," he joked.
"I'm sorry."
"Wasn't your fault, Trip. It was that damned drug."
Trip closed his eyes. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
"I know," replied Jon. He pulled the blankets up and tucked them under Trip's chin. "How're you feeling? T'Pol said you had a pretty rough time in the pod."
Trip grimaced. "Damn," he cursed. "I think I threw up on her."
Jon chuckled. "That you did."
"Great. Just great," Trip groaned then he opened his eyes and looked at Jon. "You, too?"
The captain nodded. "Right down the front of my shirt."
Trip just groaned again.
Jon patted his shoulder. "You're forgiven, Trip."
"Maybe by you but I doubt T'Pol will ever forgive me."
"Oh, I don't know about that. She insisted on staying with you until you fell asleep."
"Probably just wanted to be sure I lived so that she could release her Vulcan anger and kill me with her bare hands," Trip said. "Oh, I can't believe I threw up on her."
Jon chuckled again. "Feel like eating anything?"
Trip shook his head adamantly. "Not yet," he replied. "I could use a shower, though. I smell pretty ripe."
"That my friend is an understatement." Jon shifted so that Trip could sit up. The engineer swayed slightly. "You okay?"
"I'm just so damned weak."
"Okay. Lets try to get some soup into you then maybe you'll feel stronger. I can put up with the smell a while longer."
Trip gave him a dirty look.
"And this is engineering."
Kamella looked up at Hoshi with a huge smile. "This is where Trip works?" she asked.
Hoshi nodded. "Yep."
The girl looked around, a look of wonder on her face. "This is lots bigger than Father's engine room."
"I imagine it is," replied Hoshi. "Now. Lets say you and I go to the mess hall and have us some ice cream."
Kamella nodded her head happily. "Trip told me all about ice cream when he was on our ship. He said Rocky Road was his favorite. Can I have Rocky Road?"
"Of course."
The two left engineering and made their way to the mess hall. When they arrived, they got their bowls of dessert then sat at a table with Travis Mayweather.
The young boomer smiled at both ladies as they sat down. "Did you get the grand tour, Kamella?" he asked.
The girl nodded. "Hoshi showed me everything. No wonder Trip loves this ship so much. She's beautiful!"
"That she is," grinned Travis. "How are your parents doing?"
Kamella swallowed a bite of her ice cream then licked her lips. "Mother is fine now. Father said she was really, really sick for a while. I finally saw her this morning. She looks tired but still as pretty as she was six months ago!"
Hoshi exchanged a smile with Travis then took a bite of her own ice cream.
"How is Trip?" asked Kamella around another mouthful of Rocky Road. "Father said he was really, really sick, too."
Travis nodded. "He was but he's getting better. I'm sure you'll get to see him before you leave in the morning."
"I hope so," sighed Kamella. "He's so nice."
Hoshi smiled at the girl. "Where are you going when you leave?"
"A'Tal is letting us live on his world. Xyrillia. He says we're all welcome there. I wish we could go back home but Mother would be arrested again. I guess Father would be, too. Maybe someday when that Commander Omara isn't in charge anymore."
"I'm sure you'll get to go back one day, Kamella," said Travis.
"Are you sure you should be doing this, Commander?" asked Malcolm as he walked beside Trip toward the launch bay. The engineer swayed so Malcolm took his elbow to steady him.
"I'm fine, Malcolm," insisted Trip. "I just want to say good-bye to everyone."
Malcolm remained silent but kept his hand on Trip's elbow until they arrived at the launch bay. He saw all the Silotans as well as A'Tal gathered near Finn's transport. They all looked at Trip with big smiles as he approached. Captain Archer, Malcolm noted, was not too pleased to see his friend out of bed.
"Trip!" cried Kamella. She ran across the bay and hugged the commander affectionately. "I was afraid I wouldn't get to see you before we left."
Trip hugged the girl back then knelt before her. "I couldn't miss saying goodbye to the young lady who saved my life, could I?"
Kamella blushed furiously then brushed at her short-cropped hair. Malcolm put his hand up to cover his grin. He reached down to help Trip stand again then guided him with Kamella's help to the others.
"Commander," greeted the Silotan boy.
"Hey Jett," smiled Trip. He reached out his hand and the boy took it with enthusiasm. "I understand you're off to Xyrillia?"
Jett nodded. "Yep. Kaea still has some contacts in the Silotan underground. She's certain she'll be able to get my family off planet in just a short while. From what A'Tal says I'm sure my mom will love his world."
"Good to hear!" replied the engineer. "You take good care of your family, you understand?"
"Yes, Commander."
Trip patted the boy's arm affectionately then Malcolm watched as Kamella's mother embraced his friend.
"Goodbye, Trip," Kaea smiled. "Thank you for all that you did."
The commander looked puzzled. "I didn't do anything."
"Ah but you did. You made me laugh and you brought me hope again."
Malcolm thought he actually saw Trip's face redden.
"Goodbye, Trip," said Finn as he took the engineer's hand. "Thank you."
The final two Silotans, Nate and Berryl, stepped up and shook Trip's hand as well. They apologized for being rude to him but Trip just waved them off with a friendly smile. Malcolm shook his head in wonderment. The engineer was only gone just over three weeks but he'd managed to affect these people's lives significantly. Even though, Malcolm thought, a good portion of that time was spent in a drug-induced haze.
"My friend," said A'Tal as Trip moved in front of him. The old Xyrillian engulfed the commander in his arms.
"Goodbye, A'Tal," said the engineer as he hugged the older man back. "Thank you for being there for me. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have made it."
"You would have, Trip," replied the Xyrillian. He pulled out of the hug but kept his hands on Trip's arms.
"What are you going to do now?"
A'Tal shrugged. "Take these people to their new home then look up some of my old friends. I'd like to start my practice back up, too. Your Dr. Phlox gave me some updated medical journals. I plan on studying them on the trip home."
"Well good luck. I'd like to visit Xyrillia someday so maybe I'll look you up."
"You do that," A'Tal replied. He pulled Trip into a hug again then patted the engineer's back affectionately.
As Trip stepped away from the group, the captain came up beside him and placed a hand on the commander's shoulder. They watched as everyone loaded into the transport.
"Trip!" cried Kamella. She leaped out of the transport and bounded up to Trip. "I forgot to give this back to you."
Malcolm saw the Starfleet patch she held tightly in her fist and smiled.
Trip knelt and wrapped his hand around Kamella's. "You keep it. Something to remember me by," he said.
Kamella blushed again then leaned forward and kissed Trip on the cheek. She then took off at a run and disappeared inside the transport.
Malcolm and the captain walked their friend out of the launch bay. Trip turned to look once more at the transport before the door slid shut. He let out a long sigh.
"You okay?" asked Archer.
Trip nodded. "Yeah. I just hope they're going to be safe from Omara."
"They will be, Commander," replied Malcolm. "Xyrillia is far away from Silotan space. And I'm sure Omara will be busy for quite a while cleaning up the mess we made at Tria Colony."
"Mess?"
Malcolm smiled. "We left a few carefully placed detonators around the complex when we left. There should be nothing but rubble."
Trip sighed again. "Once he rebuilds, though, he'll start arresting innocents and start harvesting all over again."
"Maybe Kaea will be able to continue her work through the underground. Maybe there will be changes, Trip," said Archer.
Trip swayed slightly and both Malcolm and the captain grabbed him. Together they walked the commander back to his quarters.
T'Pol glanced across the table as Commander Tucker sat down for dinner. She thought he still looked exhausted and pale but it was, she conceded, pleasant to have him back at the captain's table.
The steward entered and placed a bowl of broth in front of the engineer. He groaned. Somewhat dramatically, T'Pol thought.
"Not soup again."
Archer laughed. "Sorry, Trip. Doctor's orders."
"I'm sure my stomach can handle a nice big steak, Cap'n."
"In a few days maybe, but right now Phlox wants you eating only broth."
The commander conceded his loss then picked up his spoon to take a bite of soup. He blew on it first then slurped it into his mouth.
T'Pol looked up to find him eyeing her with a grin. After nearly two years she had finally come to realize that the engineer did things solely with the intent of breaking her control. She merely arched an eyebrow at him then sipped her own soup.
When they were finished, T'Pol dabbed the corners of her mouth with her napkin. "I trust that the contents of your stomach will remain in place, Commander," she said evenly. She was slightly amused to see Tucker's face redden.
"Uh, yeah, about that, T'Pol," he stammered uneasily. "Sorry for throwing up all over you."
"It was a bit----disconcerting and the odor was-----."
Tucker put up his hand to stop her. "You go into a lengthy description and I won't be responsible for my actions, Sub-commander."
T'Pol nodded her head at him in understanding. "I would appreciate it if you did not allow it to happen again."
"You got it."
Archer leaned back in his chair and looked at his engineer. "Good to have you back, Trip," he said with a smile.
"Thanks, Cap'n," replied Tucker. He looked across the table at T'Pol. "I was glad that you weren't taken as my accomplice."
"I was transported back to the ship immediately after your arrest."
Tucker nodded. "Omara told me." He shifted uneasily in his chair. "I'm sorry I caused so much trouble again, Cap'n."
Archer looked at the commander with a puzzled expression.
"Interfering again and all," Tucker shrugged. He looked down at his empty bowl.
"Trip," said the captain. "I should have insisted on doing more research before I let you and T'Pol go down to Silota. I'm the one who should be apologizing to you. Besides, I would have done the same thing."
The commander remained silent for a long moment picking idly at the tablecloth. T'Pol watched him, wondering what thoughts were going through his mind.
Finally he looked up then pushed away from the table. "I'm kind of tired so I think I'll turn in early." He stood up.
"You need some help?" asked Archer.
Tucker shook his head. "Nah. I'm fine."
T'Pol watched the commander as he moved to the door.
"Trip?"
Tucker turned to look at the captain. The two men shared a silent exchange that melted into warm, knowing smiles.
"Good night," said Archer.
"Night, Cap'n."
As T'Pol watched the exchange, she felt a brief pang of what she could only determine to be envy. These two men shared a friendship the likes of which she had never before witnessed or experienced.
"Night, T'Pol."
The Vulcan looked at the engineer. "Good night, Commander. May you have--- pleasant dreams."
Tucker tilted his head at her in surprise then he smiled warmly. "You, too." Then he slipped out the door.
Archer watched the door long after it had closed. "Good to have him back," he said finally.
T'Pol nodded and lifted a brow. "Yes, Captain. It is."
THE END