CHAPTER 2 End Of Discussion

She had never realized how much she had come to count on Captain Archer until she was faced with his possible death.

The plan that was decided on to destroy the Xindi weapon was a suicide mission. The chances for survival were almost non-existent but no one could think of a safer one. Enterprise was going to distract the surrounding Xindi ships by attaching them. While a pilot tried to sneak a shuttle directly into the middle of the weapon using a rustic clocking device Commander Tucker had been working on in between repairs. Once the shuttle was inside the pilot was to plant a time delayed explosive. Right before the bomb was to be set Enterprise was to go into warp. Leaving the pilot behind to finish the installation. Then try to get out of the weapon and enter warp before the bomb's detonation. An hour after the detonation the shuttle was to hale Enterprise so they could meet. If the shuttle didn't return within two hours they were to leave and return home.

Half the crew had volunteered to fly the shuttle. The other half didn't have the flight experience that was necessary, so didn't disturb their superiors by offering. Lieutenant Reed was determined to fly the mission. He said, "It's my job. That's what I'm here for. No one else is as qualified as I am".

She agreed with him then and still does. But Captain Archer wouldn't allow it. He had already decided he was going to pilot the shuttle and nothing that was said or done could make him see reason. He said, "I refuse to let any member of this crew go on a mission that I know a head of time will cost them their lives. I know Starfleet installs the need to protect your captain at all cost but this time what I need most from you is your obeisance, I'm flying this mission …END OF DISCUSSION…T'Pol, your acting captain, if I don't return, finish the mission and take my people home. Trip, you're acting first officer and are to remain first officer until I'm back on board". After a pause he continued with the human custom of a …pep talk…She didn't understand why but it always helped, so she listened, "All of you have worked so hard and we deserve this chance! No matter what sacrifices are made today, All of us…all of mankind… finally have hope! Let's make them safe! Let's make them proud! Good Luck people!

After the… PEP… talk and final details of the mission were completed Captain Archer. Commander Tucker and T'Pol walked to the shuttle bay. She had difficulty listening to what was being said. She was thinking over all the ways Captain Archer had helped her since she came aboard. He was the first person who had ever helped her without judgment. Had taught her a lot about… friendship… and acceptance of difference. Had …backed …her in her decision to stay aboard Enterprise risking the disapproval of Starfleet and the Vulcan High Command. She wanted to thank him but knew it wasn't the appropriate time. Knew it wasn't a Vulcan custom but a human one. She had changed sense coming aboard Enterprise. She now tolerated many of their customs as easily as her own peoples. She was even considering taking a human mate. She knew she would never return to Vulcan. She could not trust her own people. Humans still had along ways to go but she had come to realize that Vulcans did too. Losing the Captain was unacceptable. Losing Commander Tucker was unthinkable.

She watched them saying… good-bye…making plans for breakfast tomorrow morning. Acting like…it was just another day…their behavior was illogical. A small part of her thought it would have preferred to… pretend…like them. To embarrass more then a few sayings, a few customs…she let the thought pass, it was something else for to meditate about later.

They finished with their goodbyes with a pat on the back. She bowed her head in respect and said "I believe it is customary to…wish you good luck…so good luck Captain Archer… 'We'll see you soon'…

When the doors closed behind him, Commander Tucker gave T'Pol a smile. It was highly illogical. It was an inappropriate time to smile. His expression didn't seem to express happiness but sadness. She lifted a brow and waited for what he had to say. "Are you ready for this Sub-Commander". She wasn't, she was becoming emotional but before she had a chance to answer he started down the hall.

"I don't want you to die," she yelled after him. She spoke again when he stopped to look at her…" I don't want you die; I don't want Captain Archer to die. … …I'm becoming emotional … …I need to meditate.

The acting First Officer of the Starship Enterprise rapped the acting Captain in an inappropriate embrace and kissed her forehead like she was a child while telling her. "I know you like to be touched Darlin' no matter what you say and you looked like you could use that. I'm sorry your feelin' emotional, I can't promise were all goin' to be fine but it is for the best. Don't worry will have you meditatin' in no time. Okay".

He started leading her to the bridge with his arm still around her waist. So she pulled away. T'Pol shouldn't have felt better but she did. Instead of telling him so she said…" I'm considering reporting you for sexual harassment when Captain Archer returns".

He laughed, said…"You do that Darlin' tell him all the ways you moaned for me to harass you the other evenin".

She didn't respond. She shouldn't have to point out how inappropriate it is for him to speak about such things. The fact that She didn't say anything made him smile again, one that expressed happiness as he said… "I don't want to get your hopes but I think things are goin' to work out fine".

T'Pol thought he could be correct.