A/N: I thought I was done but one last chapter. Please read the whole story if you can't remember it and Review. Thank you.

CHAPTER 14

ONE WEEK LATER CAPTAIN'S MESS, 0730

Trip walked through the doors and looked around, "Where's T'pol, she usually beats me here?" He looked at the captain for an answer.

"We have some things to discuss so I asked her to excuse us this morning."

"Sounds ominous." Trip said with a smile

Archer didn't return the smile but pointed to a chair, "It's not going to be pleasant, sit down. The sooner we start the sooner we can put this behind us." Trip lost his smile and sighed.

"Good news first, Doc says you can return to light duty tomorrow."

Trip looked at the Captain, "It's about time, but light duty? I'm fit for full duty Cap'm," he complained.

"You'll listen to the Doc, Trip, no arguments." He paused for a moment, "I have another piece of news. It's about James, or Gavin, whatever her name was. Yesterday a cargo ship pulled in the remains of a human, wearing a Starfleet uniform. They contacted earth and determined the remains were that of Gavin or James. Starfleet is still trying to learn her real identity."

"I'll be damned, I didn't think we'd ever hear from her again. I guess Space Concepts doesn't believe in failure. Has Starfleet or the Vulcans determined how the Romulans fit into the puzzle?"

"Admiral Forrest tells me an investigation is under way into the practices of Space Concepts. Starfleet believes it is a front for a global spy network. Any technology they can get their hands on is passed on to the highest bidder, which may include the Romulans. The corporate office was raided but all they got for their trouble was an empty building."

"What is Starfleet going to do with Lieutenant Hess?"

Archer's voice softened, "She'll be allowed to resign, it will save her the humiliation of a court-martial. A Vulcan cargo vessel will dock with us in two days. They'll take her back to earth. Not a very comfortable journey but a fast one."

Archer paused and contemplated his cup of coffee. Trip watched his face knowing the captain was having a hard time deciding how to continue.

Archer cleared his throat, and then looked at Trip, "Starfleet read the report the Vulcan Legal Justice Department submitted. They cleared you of sabotage," pausing he cleared his throat again.

Trip leaned forward in his chair, "But?"

Archer looked at Trip for a second then forcefully pushed back his chair and stood. Running a hand through his hair he started pacing back and forth. "They recommended you be removed as Chief Engineer and reassigned to earth! The report stated you were untrustworthy and needed supervision. They made a list of regulations you broke or they think you broke. They cited your impulsiveness and our friendship as reasons why this incident occurred. Archer stopped pacing and looked at Trip.

Trip shook his head and looked down at his hands resting on the table. If Starfleet agreed with the Vulcans his career was over. This would end any chance he had to serve on another star ship or advance in rank. Shaking his head he fixed Archer with gleaming eyes, "NO!^^^^^^ NO!^^^^^^ I'll resign before that happens. This is my life! I worked my ass off to get where I'm at." Closing his eyes he slumped back in his chair.

Depressed silence descended on the room. Trip's eyebrows furrowed as a sudden thought struck him. Opening his eyes he looked to where Archer stood staring out the window, "Cap'm?" he asked softly.

Archer turned and Trip noticed how the captain seemed to have aged in the last few minutes. "What was the Vulcans recommendation regarding you?"

Archer smiled faintly and sat in his chair. "I was wondering when you'd ask. They questioned my leadership ability and said I cannot maintain discipline, so I should be replaced with a more influential leader. According to the Vulcans, I allowed emotionalism to blind me to your obvious flaws." Trip snorted. "Their words not mine, Trip."

Trip asked forcefully, "Starfleet's not going to listen to their garbage, are they?"

"They're considering it, along with the reports we submitted. Admiral Forrest said he'd call as soon as he heard anything. Now, we wait."

Silence descended, each man thinking his own dark thoughts. Trip broke the silence first, "I think I've lost my appetite. If you'll excuse me Cap'm, I have an appointment with Doctor Phlox for one last check-up." Pushing away from the table he started to leave but was halted by Archer's voice, "I'm sorry Trip." Trip nodded.

Trip's footsteps didn't lead to sickbay but to his quarters. Sitting in front of his computer he contemplated what he was about to do. Saving the Captain's career was foremost in his mind. Smiling to himself he began typing the letter that would make the Vulcan's and Starfleet sit up and take notice.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

CAPTAIN ARCHER'S READY ROOM 24 HOURS LATER

"Come in," Archer said in answer to the door buzzer. T'pol and Trip entered the room and stood before the Captain.

"You wanted ta see us, Cap'm?" Trip said

Archer replied, "I don't, however a few minutes ago I received a rather curt invitation from Admiral Forrest, requesting the presence of my most senior officers." Looking suspiciously from one to the other he asked, "Do either of you know why the Admiral wants a meeting with the three of us?"

Trip's face turned a light pink and he spoke quickly, "I guess we'll find out when he calls." T'pol's eyebrows went up and she looked at him distrustfully.

T'pol remarked calmly, "Maybe Starfleet has rendered a decision regarding the incident."

"Maybe, but I doubt it," Archer said.

"Hoshi to Captain Archer."

"Go ahead."

"Admiral Forrest is asking to speak to you."

"Send it through."

Admiral Forrest appeared and sitting to his right was a Vulcan. "Captain, is everyone ready?"

Archer motioned for T'pol and Trip to move around the desk so they could be seen. T'pol gasped when she saw the Vulcan and lowered her head. Archer shot her a quick look before turning back to the screen, "We're all here Admiral."

"Let me introduce Lorak, he is a member of the Vulcan High Command." Lorak inclined his head in their general direction.

"That was fast," Archer said. "I thought it would take a lot longer to decide our fate. What has Starfleet decided?"

"Starfleet is still discussing our recommendations Captain Archer," Lorak replied. "This concerns another matter that came to our attention approximately 20 hours ago."

In a puzzled voice Archer asked, "What are you talking about?"

"Jon, a transmission came from your ship at that time, it bypassed all the safety protocols and tripped alarms at the Vulcan High Command and Starfleet Headquarters. You can imagine the chaos it caused." The Admiral allowed himself a small smile at the outraged expressions he'd seen on the faces of the Vulcan's.

"I didn't authorize any transmission, Admiral." Archer said mystified.

"Ask Commander Tucker," Lorak instructed.

T'pol and Archer looked at Trip, "Triiip," Archer said.

Trip shrugged his shoulders, "I sent the transmission. The only way I knew to get everyone's attention was to set off the alarms."

Archer stared hard at Trip causing him to lower his gaze, "What was in the transmission?"

"I'll answer that," Forrest stated. "Commander Tucker is attempting to blackmail the Vulcan High Command and Starfleet."

"What? How?" Archer exclaimed.

"It seems the Commander feels we are doing you an injustice, Jon. He states, he is solely responsible for what transpired on the ship. Further, he says if we don't, to put it in his words, "get off your back," certain information about P'Jem and the Andorian conflict will reach earth media stations, also the fiasco with Space Concepts will be revealed. You realize this could have serious repercussions for all of us."

"Trip," Archer said disbelievingly, "is this true?"

Looking him in the eye, Trip honestly replied, "Yes. With the exception of a few Vulcan's Cap'm, most still want you replaced. They're usin' this event as the way ta do it. I'm not going ta let that happen." Trip looked at Admiral Forrest, "Sir, has a decision been made?"

"You're getting ahead of yourself, Commander." Forrest responded. "His transmission concluded, if the Vulcan High Command and Starfleet stand behind you as Captain of Enterprise, and not take any action against you, he will return to earth and accept any punishment Starfleet feels is necessary to clear up this matter."

T'pol spoke, "Lorak, what does the High Command say?"

"We do not respond to blackmail, however it is the belief of the High Command that Commander Tucker's proposal be given serious consideration. Humans are too emotional to understand the reasoning behind what happened at P'Jem. It will be in their best interest not to learn about that particular incident."

Trip succinctly replied, "Bullshit." Archer and Forrest glared at Trip.

"Sorry," he muttered.

"Admiral, I can't accept Commander Tucker's terms," Archer said. "Everything that happens on this ship is my responsibility. If someone must be thrown to the wolves it should be me."

"Nothing has been decided yet, Jon," Forrest asserted. "We thought you should know about Commander Tucker's proposal. I have to tell you, Starfleet is seriously considering it. I'll let you know what is decided as soon as possible." The screen went dark.

Archer and T'pol studied Trip, "Commander, once again you ignored protocol," T'pol said. "Sending that transmission without consent only proves you can't follow orders. It will definitely sway the High Command in favor of your proposal."

"That was the impression I was after." Looking at Archer he continued earnestly, "Don't ya see a scapegoat is needed, and I'm the best candidate for the job."

"No, I don't see," Archer replied angrily.

Sighing deeply, Trip said, "I've been thinkin' a lot about what ya said when I was trapped, how I presume on our friendship to get away with things. You're right. I never really thought about it until ya said it, but it's true. I gave James the opportunity ta hurt this ship because I was too concerned with showing ya how clever I was instead of thinking about the safety of this ship. Ya said it yourself, it would be better if I were back on earth."

"Dammit Trip, I was upset when I said that, and Doctor Phlox told me I needed to say something to prevent you from giving up."

"Captain, Commander, if I may say something?" T'pol requested.

Startled they looked at her, having forgotten she was in the room. "Go ahead Sub-Commander," Archer said.

"This is a pointless conversation. Is it the custom for human males to debate who is more worthy of being disciplined for their errors? Both of you are required on Enterprise. You have the trust and admiration of the entire crew. Your friendship with each other is reassuring to the crew, and I must admit, creates a feeling of well being making the crew more efficient in their duties. Therefore we must devise a way to keep you both on the ship."

Trip grinned at T'pol, "Do ya have a plan?"

T'pol's eyebrow rose in his direction, "Of course Commander. It would be logical to point out that as a result of this incident a spy network has been uncovered. I'm sure this group has stolen some of our technology. The assassination attempt on you and the Captain was stopped. It also shows security on earth needs to be enhanced. In effect Commander, you and the Captain are responsible for saving Starfleet and Vulcan High Command from pirates and murderers."

Trip and Archer looked at each other and started laughing.

Staring at them indignantly she said, "I don't see what I said that was funny."

Archer wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, "Leave it to you Sub- Commander to come up with the most brilliant and logical way to save our asses. Since it was your idea, you can write it up and transmit it to Starfleet and the High Command."

T'pol nodded and giving Trip the benefit of one of her arch looks, turned and left.

"Sit down Trip," Archer told him moving to his chair. "I think this calls for a drink," he pulled a bottle of whiskey and two glasses from his drawer. Pouring them each a healthy dose, he raised his glass, "To Sub- Commander T'pol, without whom we'd both end up cooling our heels on earth."

"Here, Here," Trip replied taking a swig from his glass.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

FIVE DAYS LATER CAPTAINS READY ROOM

Forrest's smiling face stared at the captain, "It was a brilliant strategy that worked. Starfleet didn't want to accept the High Commands recommendations but they didn't have much choice until they received Sub- Commander T'pol's report. Do you know she suggested we give you and Commander Tucker a medal for what she terms, " a tremendous commitment to the safety and further advancement of Enterprise and Starfleet?"

"I suppose a medal is out of the question?" Archer asked jokingly.

"No medal Jon, however Starfleet won't be recalling you or the Commander. Commander Tucker will have a letter of reprimand placed in his file for failure to follow proper procedures."

Archer grinned, "I don't think Trip will mind. In fact, I think he has a few of those in his file already."

"I'll leave you to spread the good news. I'll talk to you in a few days." Forrest disconnected.

Archer touched the comm., "Archer to Sub-Commander T'pol and Commander Tucker, come to my ready room"

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Trip and T'pol faced Archer across the desk, "Ya wanted ta see us Cap'm?"

Archer smiled hugely at them both, "I spoke to the Admiral. Starfleet has made a decision. For the most part we dodged the bullet. We won't be receiving medals but we're not being recalled. Trip, you have another letter of reprimand to keep your others company."

Trip sagged with relief and looked at T'pol with gratitude, "I can't thank ya enough T'pol. I thought for sure I was headed back to earth and life in the civilian sector." Looking to Archer he asked, "So, I'm off the hook?"

Archer replied, "You're off the hook with Starfleet not me." Sternly looking at Trip he said, "The next three months will be spent on the ship. T'pol has agreed to help you learn how to control your impulses so we can prevent any future catastrophe." Trip started to speak but Archer held up his hand, "That's an order Trip. She will report on your progress. If they're not satisfactory, Enterprise will become your prison. Understand?"

Trip's face reflected his dissatisfaction with the arrangements, "Understood, Sir."

Archer grinned at Trip, "It's not forever, and just think, you and T'pol will probably end up best friends."

Trip glared at the captain and opened his mouth to reply but thought better of it and closed it.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you, your first session with T'pol is, right now. I know you're anxious to get started so I won't keep you. You're both dismissed." Archer leaned back in his chair and smiled at both of them enjoying Trip's discomfiture enormously.

Trip stayed where he was for a second wondering if he would survive his punishment and T'pol without going insane. Sighing resignedly, he followed T'pol from the room.

THE END ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The end of my first fanfic. It took almost a year to finish. Hopefully I'll do better with the next one.