A Woman in His Life

Chapter Nine - Scientific Methods

By Penmom

Author's Notes -- (1) Since this takes place beyond the present cannon - this is AU. (2) Hey, better late than never! You wouldn't believe the week I've had - sickness, work overload, house guests, tantrums, Halloween. but two goals in soccer for my 8-year-old! (3) I have rewritten this chapter about twenty times, hope it is up to your standards! (4) As always comments are very appreciated, and may do wonders for getting the next chapter out quickly.

Doctor Phlox and T'Pol turn at the sound of Trip's voice.

T'Pol greets him with a cool nod. "I wished to consult with the Doctor prior to speaking but since you are here, it is only logical that I relay my concerns to you at this time. Your presence in sickbay may expedite whatever scientific methods may be at our disposal to test my hypothesis."

Incredulously, Trip responds to T'Pol speech. "Wooa now, come again? What are you talkin' about --- this time in plain English if you please."

T'Pol shifts from one foot to the other, the strain actually showing on her face. Her patience is wearing thin. "Given our increasing telepathic link, I have hypothesized that you may be experiencing some physical effects from --- from practicing Vulcan Neuropressure with me. I wish to explore this possibility."

Working on a lack of sleep, Trip considers T'Pol's words. While he would like nothing more than to dismiss her suspicions, he knows that she is right. Hell, how did he know that meld-thing? It just came out of no where. Much less pulling her out with the L'Teal. He guesses that she's not gonna let this rest. If she's anything, she's thorough.

Before he can voice his consent, T'Pol speaks again, "Please, --- Charles. Do this --- I request this of you."

Her plea stops him dead in his tracks - 'Please, --- Charles.' What the heck is goin' on? If it means that much to her ---

"Alright Doc, do your worst." Trip declares, holding out his arms in mock defeat.

Permission granted, Phlox quickly starts to work. "If I may suggest, Sub Commander, why don't you take advantage of this opportunity to take in some nourishment or better yet some sleep. We'll be done in an hour or so."

With a reluctant glance toward the Commander, T'Pol exits.

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"I say, Mr. Tucker, do you know much about Vulcan physiology?" Phlox asks as he moves from one task to the next.

"I know about the green blood if that's what ya' mean."

"Well, yes. I was actually referring to the monogamous marriage practices of the species. Do you know that there is a significant physiological basis to the monogamy, almost an imprinting if you will."

Getting no more response from the Commander than a yawn, the Doctor continues.

"It is actually a fascinating biological process. The imprinting begins when a Vulcan male enters particularly high endocrine cycle. I would go so far as to theorize that this increased hormonal activity also stimulates certain parts of the neural cortex."

Phlox tries to dampen his own excitement. The ramifications of this - if he is correct - are quite thrilling. While he has observed many instances of cross species mating - a Vulcan and a Human - well, who would have guessed?

The doctor forges ahead. "You may be curious to know that the practice of the Neuorpressure also stimulates areas of the neural cortex."

Phlox's voice rouses Trip from his thoughts. He is both distracted and restless. "What'd ya say, Doc? I'm 'fraid my mind was somewhere else."

Phlox responses with a familiar cryptic half-smile and speaks again, "I was saying that the practice of the Neuorpressure releases certain endorphins into one's system."

"Yeah, I mean --- some of the exercises --- well, they relax you but they have a kick to em'. I do feel better - a little too much energy maybe - but better."

"I would imagine so if these results are any indication."

"Huh, Doc?"

"No cause for alarm Commander Tucker, but with your permission, I would like to call the Sub Commander to take part in our discussion regarding your test results. It would seem that the Neuropressure has affected your health."

"My health? I feel fine. Honestly, actually I feel better than I have in a while---I mean, I'm not sick, I am? "

"On the contrary, Commander Tucker, your health is truly beyond compare."

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Without comment, T'Pol takes the seat next to Trip at the Doctor's conference table. Addressing Trip, the doctor begins as soon as she is seated. "When T'Pol came to me earlier today, she expressed some concern over the possibility that through the reciprocal practice of Vulcan Neuropressure --- that you might have experienced some unanticipated physical effects."

"I ran a standard battery of tests - vitals, endocrine levels and based on the results I found, I followed up with several tests regarding the neurological functioning of the brain."

Phlox muses that this is the moment of truth for every doctor, delivering the news to the patient. In this case, patients ---

"For God's sake, Doc - just go ahead, will ya!" Trip admonishes him.

T'Pol follows with an uncharacteristically impatient response for a Vulcan, "I concur, Doctor."

"Very well, I will give you a broad summary of my findings now. Naturally, you will want to ---"

"Now, Doc!"

Phlox takes a breath before continuing, "It seems for the large part that the Sub Commander's suspicions are well founded. Although the thoroughness of this effect seems to be more profound than one might initially assume."

Flipping on a switch, the Doctor, lights the board behind him. "Commander Tucker, this is a brain scan taken during your annual physical almost nine months ago. It was perfectly normal, just as I would expect."

As Phlox clinks again, another brightly colored scan is shown. "Now this is the scan taken today. Let me place the two side by side. As you can see there is a significant increase in activity throughout the brain. The Pituitary and Hypothalamus are both functioning at approximately 37% beyond expected levels and yet they are showing no strain at all. The electrical impulses in the areas of the brain associated with thought and memory have approximately doubled."

"Doc, can ya' cut to the chase? Seems like I'm missin' somethin' in the translation."

"In summary, it would seem that the Neuropressure has rendered alterations throughout your bodily systems. After cross referencing with the Vulcan database, I would venture that your connection with T'Pol substantially altered your neural cortex and thereby your metabolic functioning. While the literature is not completely clear, I would guess that this 'psychic rewiring' so to speak, is a genetic ability of the Vulcan female brain in order to ensure the continuation of the line."

"So, my brain is runnin' a little different, how big a deal is that?"

Tiring of vague discussion T'Pol joins the conversation, voicing her understanding of the Doctor's findings. "It means that physiologically you are more Vulcan than human. Your chemistry now matches my own thus ensuring me a suitable male counterpart. That is what this means."

TBC