Chapter Four



Trip took his companion's arm. "Come on. We need to keep going," he said. "What's not possible?"

"You are a human."

"Yeah, so---."

"Vulcans are not a tactile people, Commander," T'Pol began hesitantly. "We do not openly touch one another like humans do."

"I've noticed. Why is that?"

T'Pol paused. "Touching is a very intimate act for Vulcans."

Trip was confused. "But you let the cap'n touch you and you're giving me neuro-pressure treatments."

"I am not comfortable with the captain's incessant need to touch but I know it is simply his way of conveying his feelings for his crew. I have therefore schooled myself to accept it."

Trip nodded. "Then you must be absolutely miserable giving me neuro- pressure."

"I am not---miserable, Commander," replied T'Pol.

"But it must make you uncomfortable. Why did you agree to do it?"

"You were in need of my assistance."

"Listen, T'Pol," said Trip. "You don't know how grateful I am that you've helped me especially now that I know how unpleasant it's been for you but we can stop. The doc has these----." He screwed up his face. "These mud leeches that'll help me sleep."

"There is no need to stop your treatments, Commander."

"But I don't want you to be miserable."

"As I stated before, I am not miserable. You will come to my quarters this evening at 2100 as we agreed."

"But T'Pol---."

"Mr. Tucker, would you prefer mud leeches or neuro-pressure?"

Trip couldn't help but smile. "Alright, alright, 2100 it is."

T'Pol looked at her scanner. "We have approximately two kilometers to go," she said.

Trip nodded absently. "Wait a minute. You didn't explain why I'm feeling what I'm feeling when I'm with you."

T'Pol seemed suddenly uncomfortable. She looked up at him for a fleeting moment then returned her eyes to her scanner.

"T'Pol?" urged Trip.

"As I said earlier, touching is a very intimate act for Vulcans. When we touch, there is a connection made, a mild bonding of sorts between the two individuals. We therefore only touch those with whom we share a certain level of trust and affection. Since you are not Vulcan, I made the erroneous assumption that you would not be able to feel this connection. I apologize for my error."

Trip felt his face flush suddenly. "I don't mind," he replied. "Its kind of nice actually."

"I find it---pleasant as well," replied T'Pol. Then she looked up at him quickly. "As long as it continues to help you sleep, we will continue with your treatments," she added.

Trip watched his companion wondering briefly if it was possible for a Vulcan to get embarrassed. He thought about dropping the subject but his curiosity got the best of him. "You had to know when you offered to help me that you would feel this---this bond with me but you did it anyway. Why?"

"You are a vital member of this crew, Mr. Tucker. It was clear your exhaustion would soon interfere with your ability to perform your duties. I was merely doing what any first officer would do for a member of his or her crew."

"Ahhh, so you would also do this for Lieutenant Reed or even the cap'n then?"

T'Pol looked up at him sharply. "Dealing with your emotions is quite enough, Mr. Tucker."

Trip gave her a sideways smile. "I take it you don't feel comforted in my presence?"

His Vulcan companion simply arched an elegant brow at him in response. "Although I trust both the lieutenant and the captain, I do not desire a connection with them," she continued. She looked away quickly. "I do not believe it's appropriate---." She stopped suddenly and put her arm out to stay the commander. "There are voices," she whispered. She looked at her scanner.

"The cap'n?"

T'Pol shook her head. "Xindi."

"Ah, hell," hissed Trip. "Now what do we do?"

"Captain Archer and the others are in the tunnel as well however they are behind the Xindi."

"Your phase pistol?"

"It was damaged when I jumped," replied T'Pol. "We have no other choice then to proceed."

Trip pulled out his communicator. "Tucker to Archer."

"We see them, Trip. And I have a feeling they've seen us, too. We've got Major Hayes and five other MACOs with us so we outnumber them. Malcolm's guessing they'll try to reach you to use you as hostages." Archer paused. "We'll get you out of there, don't worry."

"Easy for you to say," Trip muttered under his breath. "Aye sir." He closed his communicator and shoved it back in his pocket. He could see beams of light in the tunnel ahead of them. "There they are," he whispered. T'Pol stood close to him, her arm touching his. An odd sense of calm washed over him and he took a deep breath.

"Don't move!" Teegra ordered. Gone was the Xindi who had let them go just an hour before.

While Teegra held his rifle and light directed at Trip and T'Pol, his three companions circled behind them. Using their weapons, they shoved the two officers forward as Teegra fell in beside his comrades.



Malcolm nudged his commanding officer with his shoulder. "Captain, they're just around the corner. They've got Trip and the sub-commander with them. I suggest we hold up here."

Archer looked around. "Not much cover."

"No, sir," replied the lieutenant. He turned to Major Hayes. "You're sure your weapon is set for stun?"

"Yes, Lieutenant," Hayes replied tightly. "I don't want Commander Tucker or Sub-commander T'Pol harmed either."

"I know, Major, I just don't like the idea of shooting our own people."

"Neither do I, Malcolm," said Archer. "But there isn't any other way. Now lets spread out."

Malcolm moved his body flush against the wall and he crouched down. He could feel the now familiar rush of adrenaline as he prepared for the battle ahead. His heart was hammering as he watched the streams of light turn the corner followed by four Xindi. Trip and T'Pol were held in front of the four as shields.

The darkness exploded with the flashes of phaser fire then all was suddenly quiet. Quick and efficient, thought Malcolm proudly. He looked around at his companions and saw no casualties. Quick and efficient, he thought again.

Archer was already moving forward to his two fallen officers.

"Are they alright, sir?" asked Malcolm as he knelt beside the captain.

Archer nodded. "Yeah," he replied. "Lets get them out of here."

The captain pulled Trip up and hefted him over his shoulder while Malcolm did the same with the sub-commander. They headed quickly back to the shuddlepod which rested just outside the entrance to the tunnel.

Once on board, Archer piloted the 'pod back to the landing platform. He set it down then turned to look back at Trip and T'Pol. "Get them back to Dr. Phlox, Malcolm. I'll take the other 'pod back."

"Aye, Captain," replied Malcolm. "What about the chemist, sir?"

Archer looked up at the ceiling momentarily. "I completely forgot about him." He swiveled back around and looked out the front view port. "The second auction should be going on now. I'll go back inside and find B'Rat Ud. You get back."

"Captain," said Hayes. "My team and I will stay here as well. Just in case."

"Good idea, Major."

Archer, Hayes and the other MACOs climbed out of the 'pod and Malcolm slid over into the pilot's seat. He watched Archer go back into the complex with the major while the other MACOs remained hovering around the other 'pod. The lieutenant glanced back quickly at Trip and T'Pol who were lying quietly side by side on the floor then he ignited the thrusters and lifted off.



To Be Continued.