Chapter Two



"Well I can't find anything physically wrong, Commander," said Dr. Phlox as he read the results of his scan.

Trip looked at him. "Then what the hell happened to me?" he asked more sharply then he intended.

"Has this sort of thing ever occurred before?" asked the doctor. He moved to stand directly in front of Trip who sat uneasily on a bio bed, his legs dangling over the edge.

The commander hesitated and shifted uneasily.

"Trip?" prompted Archer who stood at the engineer's side.

"Yeah, this morning," Trip admitted grudgingly. "I was having breakfast with Malcolm and then---it was strange. I saw myself reach for my knife and then I stabbed him. I even felt his blood hit my face." His eyes moved to the pod where it lay hidden behind drawn curtains. "Its her, Doc. I know it."

Phlox's eyes followed Trip's. "Meesa? She's in a deep sleep, Commander. Why do you believe she has anything to do with these---these visions of yours?"

"Because she's been there in my dreams and then---," Trip paused, struggling to explain. He turned to the captain. "She was the one telling me to kill you and Malcolm, Cap'n."

Archer shared a concerned look with the Denobulan doctor.

Trip shook his head. "You think I'm losing it, don't you?" he said in defeat.

"Of course not, Trip," replied Archer gently. "I think you're overworked and exhausted but not crazy."

"When pushed to exhaustion, the human mind will sometimes----," began Phlox.

"No," interrupted Trip. "I'm not imagining this, Doc. When she looked at me, something happened. She's doing this to me." He slipped off the bed and walked over to where the pod lay. He pulled back the curtains and peered inside the tomb-like case. The old woman was sleeping quietly on her back, her motionless hands resting on her abdomen. She was small and shriveled looking, the tattoo across the bridge of her nose almost invisible from age.

Phlox appeared at Trip's side. "I'd like you to stay here tonight, Commander. If you have another episode I'd like to witness it myself as well as observe any possible changes in Meesa's condition."

Trip nodded. "Thanks, Doc." He turned at the opening of the sickbay doors.

Zeekiel stepped into the room and instantly moved to the pod. "Is something wrong with the mistress?" he asked in concern.

"No, Zeekiel. She's still sleeping peacefully," replied Phlox. He pulled the curtains closed.

"I came to check on the commander," said the Datorian. "Are you alright, Trip?"

"Yeah---for now," replied Trip. He looked at the young man. "Zeekiel, is there anyway that Meesa could be---communicating with me somehow?"

Zeekiel smiled and tipped his head to one side. "Communicating? She is in the Timbarra, the sleeping state, Trip."

"I know but you mentioned mental abilities earlier. Does she have some sort of---telepathic powers?"

"What are these questions about? Do you think she was the cause of whatever happened to you at lunch?"

Trip nodded. "Yeah, I do."

"I'm sorry, Trip, but in the Timbarra, Mistress Meesa has no such powers."

"Are you sure, Zeekiel?" asked Archer as he stepped to Trip's side.

"Yes, Captain. My mistress has no such abilities."

"Great," muttered Trip. "Just great." He rubbed at the back of his neck then looked at the doctor. "If it's alright, Doc, I'd like to get back to work."

"I'm not sure that's a wise idea, Commander."

"I'll be fine. Maybe if I can keep my mind occupied I won't have anymore of these---well whatever the hell these things are---visions." He threw up his hands in exasperation.

"I'd like you to stay in sickbay, Trip," said Archer quietly. "Let Phlox keep an eye on you."

"Come on, sir. I'm fine---really. If it happens again, I'll come right back to see the doc."

The captain looked at the engineer sternly. "Trip."

Trip sighed. "Alright, Captain but let me at least finish up what I was working on and update my crew."

Archer looked skeptical.

"Five minutes," said Trip with a hopeful smile. "Ten max."

"Trip."

"I'll accompany the commander, Captain," volunteered Zeekiel suddenly. "I'd like to see engineering anyway."

Trip looked down at the young Datorian then back up at Archer. "Sir?"

Archer nodded. "If you're not back here in ten minutes, I'm sending security, you got that, Commander?"

"Got it," Trip replied. He moved passed his commanding officer and with Zeekiel at his side, left sickbay.

"He's very worried about you," said Zeekiel as the two walked.

"I know."

"He loves you, you know."

Trip raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I guess he probably does. Never thought about it really."

"And do you love him?"

"Yeah I do. He's like family to me."

"I'm not sure I fully understand the meaning of this---love."

"Datorians don't love?"

"We have loyalty and trust for one another, is that love?"

Trip smiled kindly. "Part of it. Isn't there someone you feel close to? You want to be with all the time?"

Zeekiel shook his head. "No one," he replied. He looked up at Trip. "Is that how you feel about Captain Archer?"

"We're friends, Zeekiel. That's a different kind of love."

"This is all so confusing."

The commander chuckled. "Tell me about it," he said. "When two people are IN love, they have a more intimate connection with each other. They become lovers."

"And you and the captain are not---lovers?"

"That's right. We're friends, close friends."

"Do you have a lover, Trip?" asked Zeekiel.

"Now you're getting a little too personal."

"I'm sorry if I've offended you."

"You didn't offend me. I'm just not real comfortable talking about my relationships."

Zeekiel grew quiet. "Does the thought of being intimate with a male repulse you?" he asked suddenly.

Trip stopped walking and looked down at Zeekiel. "Why all the questions?" he asked unable to hide the hint of anger from his voice.

"I HAVE offended you," replied Zeekiel. His face flushed and he dropped his eyes to the floor. "I apologize."

The engineer sighed. "No, I'm sorry. You're on a strange ship with a strange species. I'd be curious, too." He began walking again. "I've always believed that love is love regardless of the two genders involved but I've never been attracted to---." His train of thought was quickly derailed as the Vulcan sub-commander exited the turbolift.

"Commander," greeted T'Pol. "When you have some time, I'd like to go over Lieutenant Reed's proposed upgrades with you."

"After dinner work? Ah, wait. The captain wants me to stay in sickbay for a while."

"Are you not feeling well?" asked T'Pol.

Trip couldn't help but smile at the concern in her voice. "I've had a couple---episodes today. Doc wants to keep an eye on me."

"Episodes?"

"Weird visions," explained Trip the he shrugged. "Probably nothing but over work."

"We should be going, Trip," said Zeekiel. "Captain Archer is expecting you back in sickbay."

Trip nodded. "Oh, right."

"If it's acceptable, I could come to sickbay later. We can review the proposals there," offered T'Pol.

"Sounds good. I'll see you later then, T'Pol," replied the engineer. He moved passed her and entered the 'lift. He turned and met her eyes before the door slid shut.

"She is quite beautiful," said Zeekiel quietly.

Trip nodded. "Yeah, she sure is," he replied then he cleared his throat. "Now what were we talking about?"

"Nothing, Commander."



T'Pol turned and met the chief engineer's eyes before the door closed in between them. She paused. He was ill and the thought did something unexpected to her stomach. Turning, T'Pol decided against her previous destination and opted for sickbay instead.

Upon entering the ship's medical facility, T'Pol's gaze immediately fell on the captain and Dr. Phlox conversing next to the Datorian's sleeping pod.

Dr. Phlox looked up. "Ah, Sub-commander. Is there something I can do for you?" he asked.

"Doctor, Captain. I just spoke briefly with Commander Tucker in the corridor. He said he was having some sort of visions but he didn't elaborate. I'd like to offer my assistance in determining their cause if you should need it." T'Pol walked over to where the two men stood then gazed down at the sleeping Datorian.

"So far, Dr. Phlox hasn't been able to figure out what's going on but Trip seems to think it has something to do with Meesa," replied Archer.

"What exactly is he seeing in these visions?"

"He sees himself killing," explained Phlox with a frown. "First Lieutenant Reed this morning then Captain Archer at lunch. He says Meesa is telling him to commit these acts."

T'Pol arched an eyebrow. "Indeed," she replied. "And have you ruled out stress as a cause?"

"I haven't ruled out anything, Sub-commander."

The sound of the doors sliding open drew T'Pol's attention and she turned. Crewman Rostov and Lieutenant Reed entered carrying Commander Tucker between them. Zeekiel followed closely behind.

"Doctor!" cried Reed. The two men laid the engineer on the nearest bio-bed then backed away to make room for Dr. Phlox.

"What happened?" asked Archer as he moved to the side of the bed.

"I'm not sure, sir," replied Rostov. "He was talking with the lieutenant and I when he just zoned out on us. We started walking him back here but then he collapsed."

"He kept mumbling 'get her out of my head', Captain," interjected Reed.

T'Pol looked down at the commander. His eyes were open but seemed focused elsewhere. His head jerked from side to side and his hands were flexing. Then he turned his head and looked directly at her. T'Pol could tell instantly that she was not looking into the eyes of the engineer. He reached out and took her arm.

"Commander!" cried Phlox.

T'Pol pulled away from Tucker's grip but he kept struggling to reach her. Archer and Reed held down the thrashing commander until Phlox could close the restraints around his wrists and ankles.

"No!" Tucker growled.

Phlox grabbed a hypospray and injected its contents into Tucker's neck.

The engineer fell still, his eyes returning to a distant stare. "Get her out of my head," he mumbled. "Please, get her out." Then he was silent.

"Are you alright?" asked a breathless Archer.

"Yes," T'Pol said with a nod.

"Zeekiel," said Phlox turning to look at the Datorian who still hovered near the doors. "Are you certain Meesa can't be doing this?"

Zeekiel hesitated then shook his head.

"You said earlier that while in the sleeping state, she didn't have telepathic abilities. What about when she's awake?" asked Archer.

"Captain, I swore---."

"I don't give a damn about your oath! Look at him!" yelled the captain. "If there's a chance Meesa is doing this to him, tell me!"

Zeekiel froze.

"Tell me!" repeated Archer.

"Yes. When she is awake, Mistress Meesa has the gift," Zeekiel confessed in a hushed voice. "But she can't be doing this to Trip. In order for her to form a connection, she must look at him first."

"Trip claims she did look at him, sir," said Reed. "When he was setting up the sleeping pod."

Archer nodded then walked over to stand next to the pod. "How can we stop her, Zeekiel?" he asked.

"If my mistress is responsible, Captain, you can't stop her."

T'Pol looked at Dr. Phlox. "We won't reach Datoria IV for another two days, Doctor. Can Mr. Tucker survive a continuous assault?"

Phlox shook his head. "He'll survive physically, T'Pol, but mentally? He's being bombarded with violent images in which he's killing people he cares about. There's no telling what toll this constant bombardment will take on his psyche."

"Then we have to wake her up," said Archer.

"You can't do that!" cried Zeekiel suddenly. "The journey to Datoria IV is a spiritual one for an elder. You mustn't disturb that!"

"I'm sorry, Zeekiel, but I don't have a choice," replied the captain. "Doc, can you wake her?"

T'Pol watched as Phlox, Reed and Rostov moved to the sleeping pod. Her gaze shifted to the commander. His head was twitching back and forth again as if he were fighting against the images he was being forced to see. His hands flexed then relaxed repeatedly in their restraints.

Tentatively, T'Pol reached out and took one of Tucker's hands in her own. She knew he had become familiar with her touch and she hoped he would find comfort in it now. She was rewarded with a slight squeeze.

Then T'Pol's vision blurred. She put pressure on the hand in hers until she could hear the bones breaking. Then she watched in stunned silence as her hands moved to Tucker's throat. He was looking at her, his eyes full of pain and fear. T'Pol knew he was afraid of her and she hesitated. She held his eyes as her hands closed around his neck.

She stopped and forced her head up. Her heart was pounding relentlessly in her ears as her eyes fell on Meesa. The old woman was standing only meters away watching her. T'Pol took a deep breath and met the Datorian's eyes directly.

Meesa started slightly in surprise. "You have a very strong mind, Vulcan," she said as she approached. The old woman looked at Tucker. "He fought me for a time but the human mind is no match for a Datorian's."

"Why are you doing this to him?" asked T'Pol.

"I wanted him and he rejected me."

Tucker sat up slowly then gently held Meesa's face in his hands. T'Pol could see the odd angles of his broken fingers but Tucker didn't seem to notice. He leaned in and briefly touched his lips to the old woman's.

"Do Vulcans feel jealousy?" asked Meesa as she tenderly stroked Tucker's cheek.

T'Pol didn't respond. She watched as the old woman continued to touch the commander. She closed her eyes and focused on her breathing. The sound of her own breath roared in her ears but it became slow and steady.

She opened her eyes and looked at Meesa. "You are in my mind," she said evenly. Then Tucker disappeared.

Meesa stepped back. "You've lost him, Vulcan," she hissed then she too disappeared.

"T'Pol?"

The sub-commander blinked then looked up into the face of Dr. Phlox. She sat up instantly and looked around. Both the doctor and Archer were kneeling beside her on the floor. T'Pol reached a shaky hand up to grab the side of Tucker's bio-bed then stood.

"What happened?" asked Archer.

"Captain, it isn't Meesa that's doing this to Commander Tucker."



Continued