Chapter 2

"Trip, right on time, I asked the chef to make eggs benedict this morning. His hollandaise sauce is out of this world, so to speak." Trips features broke into a grin, "Ha, Ha very funny." Taking a seat he asked, "Where's T'pol she's usually on time?"

"She called and said she had some work this morning and couldn't meet for breakfast." "Oh," Trip replied uncomfortably. Archers' eyebrows went up, "Do you know anything about this work she feels is so important she must miss breakfast?" Trip's face and ears turned a light pink color, he stammered "Uh, no, no Sir. Boy am I hungry I wonder where our food is?" As if on cue the doors slid open revealing a steward with two plates.

"Saved by the bell?" Archer enquired.

Shifting uncomfortably in his seat, "Whaaat?" Trip uttered innocently.

Exasperated Archer shook his head, "Never mind Commander just eat your breakfast."

The meal progressed in silence except for the mannered asking for this or that. At the earliest possible moment Trip excused himself, "Sir, I really have a lot of work to get through today, I probably won't make it for dinner so if you'll excuse me I'll see ya later."

Looking forbidding Archer said, "Fine Commander run away but remember this, I will find out what is happening on my ship and if you're behind it you'll pay the consequences, understood?"

"Cap'm there is nothing going on of any importance, if there was I sure wouldn't be able to stop T'pol from coming to you and telling you what it is. Relax I think you're getting paranoid," Trip countered with a grin. Moving rapidly out the door he heaved a big sigh when the doors closed behind him. I better get this thing done soon or he's going to drive me nuts, Trip thought. Moving away from the doors he headed to engineering. There was still a lot of prep work he needed to complete so the test could move forward.

TBC....Sorry it's so short. Next chapter will be longer..Thanks for your feedback..feedback welcomed.