Archer's Dilemma

by Angelus-2003

I suck at summeries, but basically it explores a relationship between Jonathan Archer and T'Pol

2. Chapter 2

With those three words, Jon had finally admitted something, not only to T'Pol, but to himself as well. He did indeed love her. He had from the minute she walked into his ready room with her orders. *I cherish thee* he thought to himself, well they weren't the same words, but from what he could tell, they meant the same thing.

The two of them spent the remainder of the planets day sitting and talking, Jon talked about his feelings for her as simply T'Pol, and how he was trying and not always succeeding in integrating them with his role as her captain. She listened as he told her that before they had come into the Expanse, that he had been on the verge of telling her how he felt, that she was the first thing he thought about when he awoke, and the last thing he thought of when he went to sleep. He told he had died a little inside when he had been forced to shoot her on the Seleya, so she would return to Enterprise. Granted it was only on stun, but he had shot her none the less.

He told her he was sorry for not being there for her as her friend to help her fight her illness when he had been captured by the Tellarite. He told her how much, joy he had felt when she had told him she did not wish to return to Vulcan. He then told her how saddened he was by the loss of Sim. Of how much it hurt him to order him to his death, as he had become so much like Trip. It had sobered him, thinking that he'd have to possibly do the same thing to his friends. And deep inside he knew he would be hurting forever if he did. He opened up to her, letting everything out. He had never done this before with anyone, 'cept maybe Porthos.

Perhaps it was due to his trust and respect for her. He trusted her with his very life, along with the lives of everyone on the crew. He respected her enormously. Of course it may just be because he needed this type of release. He told her that the moment he laid eyes on her, he had found her to be the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He smiled as he saw the tips of her ears begin to turn green. Who else can say they've made a Vulcan blush?

He sat and listened as she told him of their first meeting, where he had said he was restraining himself from knocking her on her posterior. He smiled at her replacment of the word he had actually used. She told him from that moment, he had intrigued her. She told him that she did and probably always will find Humans a highly illogical species. Yet she found that when it came to him, she had discoved that hidden in among his impulsivness and rashness, there was a certain type of logic behind everything he did.

She told him her reasons for asking him to join her in trying to capture Menos. He had been the only logical choice. She told him that with every decision he had ever made to put himself into harms way, hurt her. She told him that when he and Reed were about to be hung as spies, she had acted so rashly because she could not bear to lose him. She told him that she had been both honoured and pleased when, out of the other members of the crew, Trip, his friend, and Reed who would have been better suited. That he had requested her aid in returning to the past with him to stop the Xindi.

She also told him that she had been saddened by the loss of Sim as well, she even revealed to him that Sim had expressed feelings for her, and she had maybe thought they were in actuality, Trips. She calmed his jealous feelings by letting him know she had never felt anything for Commander Tucker beyond simple friendship, and never would. She had told him of her own pain she felt when he had been shot by Bennings on the world of the Skagaran's, how she had wanted to go to him and help him, but was unable.

She then let him know what had affected her the most, was when he had pushed everone including her away from himself, so he could focus more on the mission. How she had gone to his cabin numerous times to talk with him about his behaviour, only to turn away and return to her meditation instead. She also told him she had found him to be exceedingly handsome... for a Human. She even admitted to him that she too had, felt something for him since their first meeting.

Jon was surprised at what she had said, not only by her revalations, but by her blatant admissions of feelings. He knew that this was something she would never had said to anyone else, It had shown him just how she actually 'felt' about him to reveal so much to him. He smiled at her, and held up two fingers on his hand. He watched as she willingly came to him and joind her fingers to his.

He reached out and caressed her cheek very gently. With a sigh she collapsed into him, her head resting on his chest, her arms sliding around his neck. T'Pol looked up into Jon's eyes and a though came to her. If they never left this place, if they were forced to stay here for the rest of their lives, then she was quite content to remain in this spot with him until the end of his all to brief life.

T'Pol knew that Jon had at best, only another 40-50 years of life left, barring disease or un-natural interruptions. While she on the other hand had atleast three times that. While this knowledge saddened her greatly, she knew that there never would be another for her after Jonathan died. He completed her, their souls, their Katra's if you will, were joined now, perhaps they always had been. That's why he was the perfect bond mate for her. Because he always was meant to be.

She would go on after he had passed, after all their friends had passed, She would be the only one left alive to tell the universe of this special man. And she meant to spend every minute of her life with him to make sure she didn't miss any of his. No matter how illogical, emotional and un- Vulcan it sounded. It was something she was going to do.

Jon absently stroked T'Pols hair. It amazed him to know the depths of her feelings for him. He knew it was hard for her to admit them. He had laid it all on the line with her, and been pleased beyond belief when he found she not only accepted his feelings for her, but reciprocated them as well! He was happy with himself for the first time in a long time. Well, maybe not a long time, atleast since they had received the scans of the Xindi firing matrix from Shran's ship, and gotten the location of the weapon from Degra.

Jon leaned down and kissed T'Pols forehead as she looked up at him. He smiled at the slight frown that appeared on her face.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, you know among my people, we do not normally kiss."

Jon: "Yes, I believe you mentioned something about it once. I also believe you mentioned you enjoyed it."

T'Pol: "That is true, however I was not going to take you to task for doing it, I was going to ask you for more information on it."

Jon looked puzzled at that, so T'Pol continued.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, I am... not used to kissing or being kissed. I would like to learn more about it."

Jon smiled: "You seemed to do it well enough the other day."

T'Pol: "That is only because I studied the database on human relations. I have noticed that each time we kissed, it was different. I have also noted that the database mentioned many types of kisses.." She looked up at him,with a look in her eyes that it took Jon a moment to realize what it meant. She wanted to learn.

Jon: "So let me get this straight, you would like me to teach you how to kiss? And what all the different types of kisses mean?"

T'Pol nodded

Jon sighed, shook his head and said "Oh boy..."

Jon and T'Pol spent the remainder of their time together, Jon gave T'Pol many lessons in Human kissing. Everything was going great, until Jon decided to show her the one type of kiss there was left.

Jon took her face in his hands again, he leaned down and touched his lips to hers. The pressure was soft, gentle, the texture smooth and undemanding, not ruogh or urgent. "This is more intimate, an affectionate pressure reserved for very close friends, lovers and spouses."

Jon slid one hand behind her head and leaned down and kissed her again, this time there was more pressure, more urgency, more himself. His body was flush against hers, and was more demanding. However she was not frightened. When the kiss ended, she looked at him "Is this how you wanted to kiss me?"

Jon simply smiled at her: "Yes, this is the kiss between lovers."

T'Pol: "Are there more?"

Jon nodded

T'Pol: "Will you show me?"

Jon pulled back from her and stared at her. He traced his fingers gently along her jaw: "T'Pol, do you understand what you're asking me?"

He saw the breif flash of uncertainty in her eyes, she looked at him and settled herself more firmly against him. This was the man she trusted with her life. It seemed so natural to her to continue.

T'Pol said very softly: "I think so."

Jon: "Is this how it is done on Vulcan?"

T'Pol looked away. "No"

Jon reached over and turned her head so he could look her in the eyes. Jon: "I thought so. T'Pol I asked that we do this by your customs for one very important reason. I don't want to rush you. I don't want you feel you need to do anything that is uncomfortable with you. If we continue with this relationship, and I sure as hell want to, we'll have lots of time to explore all aspects of it. Both Vulcan and Human."

T'Pol nodded, understanding what he was saying. "Jonathan... "

Jon: "T'Pol do you trust me?

She nodded again

Jon: "Good, cause I'm sorry to say that even though I want it a lot as well, this is as far as we're going now. I respect you to much to ruin anything we may have by plunging into something we both may not be ready for."

T'Pol: "I understand Jonathan. Can we stay here like this though? I find it, comforting and your presence is soothing."

Jon: "Sure T'Pol, we can stay here as long as you like."

Jon leaned back against the tent, feeling it give slightly under their combined weight, he pulled her close to him and the two of them lay cuddled together and watched the stars untill very late into the night.

The morning sun was already shining brightly when Jonathan Archer opened his eyes. He lay in his sleeping bag and stretched, feeling his joints pop more than he thought possible. *I'm getting too old for this* he thought to himself. As he lay there not moving he could hear the sounds of this world. The surf hitting the bearch, the wind rustling the leaves of the grove of trees not too far away. A group of this planets bird life calling to ear other. And he could hear T'Pol moving around outside.

Sighing, he crawled out of his sleeping bag. He quickly used some water from his canteen and brushed his teeth before changing into his swim trunks. He was definitely going for a swim today, that water was just too damn inviting. He reached over and grabbed a towel before undoing the opening to the tent and stepping out.

He squinted in the bright light and looked around for T'Pol. Once his vision cleared enough, he saw her sitting on her stool by a small campfire drinking something.

Jon smiled at her, once again his heart filled with joy at the thought of her finally being his. "Good morning"

T'Pol looked up at Jonathan, she felt her pulse quicken at the site of him standing before her. It always seemed strange to her to see him unclothed. Particularly because he was more.... hairy, than a Vulcan male, who had little to no body hair. She studied him for a moment, her eyes roaming over his figure and a thought crept into the front of her mind, one which she didn't suppress *mine*. He was quite muscular and she noticed that he did indeed appear thinner that when they had begun this mission, it appeared that Doctor Phlox was correct in his assumptions. Jonathan had been missing too many meals.

T'Pol: "Good morning Jonathan, did you sleep well?"

Jon: "Yes thank you, and yourself?"

T'Pol: "I am well rested my self. What are you doing?" She said, pointing to the towel he had tossed over a shoulder.

Jon: "I thought I'd take that swim I missed yesterday" He began walking towards the water, only to stop after a few steps. He turned and gave her a look that was filled with both humour and mischief "Care to join me?"

T'Pol smiled inwardly, but did not let it show on her face. "Thank you but no, while I do know how to swim, I would like to remain here for now. Perhaps later?"

Jon: "Alright, it's a date."

T'Pol watched as he once again turned and headed for the water. Again she felt her pulse quicken as she watched how the muscles in his back and legs moved. It was quite... pleasing. Giving herself a mental shake she turned back to the PADD she had been looking at earlier before Jonathan had awoken. It was a scan on the area surrounding where there were currently camped. She noticed that the area would be well suited to doing some hiking. She enjoyed hiking among other things. She would suggest the idea to Jonathan upon his return.

Turning her head she looked out to where Jonathan was swimming, he appeared to be enjoying himself. T'Pol wanted to go out and join him but she had not brought along suitable attire for swimming. On her planet, there was only about 15% percent water, so it was too precious a resource to waste for such an indulgance. Yet when she had gone to Earth, one of the first things she had done was learn to swim.

She was brought out of her thoughts by the sound of Jonathan running back up the beach to their small camp site. Jon stopped near to her and shook his head, sending water drops flying, mostl of them seemed to land on her.

T'Pol: "Really Jonathan, you are incorrigable."

T'Pol stood as Jon stood there grinning, She wiped herself off and retreated into her tent to change her clothes. Jon stood there smiling the whole time. He dried himself off with the towel and then sat and made himself some coffee. While he did this T'Pol had returned and sat down again. He looked over at her, he could tell she wasn't pleased with what he had done.

Jon: "T'Pol, I'm sorry, I just thought it would be funny. It was stupid of me. Are you mad?"

T'Pol: "You forget, I cannot get mad Jonathan."

Jon: "Oh really? How about the time when we were imprisoned together, I offered you to come share the blanket cause you were freezing, and then you took it from me. You were mad then."

T'Pol: "Incorrect. I was.... cold"

Jon laughed. "Ok you were cold, we'll go with that...for now. What time would you say it is?"

T'Pol without looking at him said "Ship time or planet?"

Jon: "Uhm, both?"

T'Pol: "It is currently 1130 hrs aboard Enterprise. Here on the planet it is 6 hours past sunrise."

Jon looked at her, shocked. He didn't think it was already so late in the day.

Jon: "why did you let me sleep so late, why didn't you wake me?"

There was a note of anger creeping into his voice. So T'Pol decided to be truthful.

T'Pol: "Because you needed it Jonathan. And we are here to get some rest correct?"

Jon saw the look of sincerity in her eyes, and let his irritation cool.

Jon: "You're right as usual T'Pol, I'm sorry for getting angry."

T'Pol: "It is of no consequence, but at least you are finally right about one thing."

Jon, who had gotten up and was reaching into his tent for his bag called back over his shoulder "Oh? And what's that?"

T'Pol: "That I am usually right."

Jon pulled himself out from the tent and sat on his knees, he was silent for a moment before turning to her "Yeah, we're definatly gonna have to talk about that one."

Jon brought his hand up and T'Pol saw that he had grabbed a communicator, she watched as Jon flipped it open and heard the slight chirp it made as the channel opened.

Jon: "Archer to Enterprise"

After a few moments Jon heard Malcolms voice in reply.

Reed: "Reed here sir"

Jon: "How's things going up there Malcolm?"

Reed: "Well sir as of our last sensor sweep, we are still alone here, and repairs to the weapons grid should be completed tonight at the earliest, Tomorrow morning at the latest."

Jon: "That's good to hear Malcolm, I'm sure you're doing a fine job. I'll check back in with you later."

Reed: "Thank you sir, oh Captain, did the Sub-commander receive those scans we sent her?"

Jon looked over at T'Pol, who nodded, before responding "What scans Lt.?"

Reed: "Just some scans of the general area sir. I believe they were topological and geological in nature."

Jon: "Yes, she received them thanks. Arhcer out"

Jon closed the communicator and tossed it back in his bag. He got up and had a questioning look on his face.

Jon: "Scans?"

T'Pol: "I merely asked to be sent a scan of the immediate area. I had thought that we may do some hiking before the day is over"

Jon: "Good idea T'Pol, give me a few minutes to change it to something better suited, and I'll be ready."

It only took Jon about 10 minutes to change into some loose shorts and a t- shirt, he also put on more appropriate footwear. While T'Pol doused the fire, he grabbed some extra water for the both of them and stuffed it into a small back pack.

One they were ready the two of them set off into the underbrush. The going was relatively easy, there wasn't much to impede their progress but tall grass and the occasional bush. After a couple of minutes they came to the grove of trees and plunged into it. Once they crossed the boundry the air tempurature notably dropped, instead of being hot and a little muggy, Jon found it now cool and refreshing. He had slowed a bit and looked up to find T'Pol quite aways ahead of him. Boy was she ever setting a pace.

Jon finally caught up to T'Pol as she continued walking as if she had a set destination already in mind. After hiking for another 30 minutes, his theory proved to be true. The two of them emerged onto a plateau overlooking a small valley. Jon walked to the edge and sat down. Keeping up with T'Pol had been no easy task. He looked over at the other side of the small valley and saw a sparkling water fall. it dropped about 50 feet before splashing into a pool at the bottom. The water looked quite clear, and with the sun positioned where it was Jon could tell the pool was quite deep.

Jon took a sip of the water and looked around for a way to get down into the valley, which was filled with lush trees and plants. It was a stunning site. He wished he had a camera. Soon he and T'Pol located a way down and followed it to the bottom. Once there they walked to the edge of the pool and sat down.

Jon: "You know if we hadn't found this trail, I was thinking about jumping off the cliff into the pool"

T'Pol: "That would have been illogical and foolish Jonathan, You do not know how deep this pool is, You could have been seriously injured or killed."

Jon: "I know, I said I was only thinking of it"

T'Pol: "Do not think of it again."

Jon: "Yes Aisha, I am sorry"

The two of them stayed there for quite a while before heading back to their camp site. It was late in the afternoon by the tinme they returned to the tents. Once they arrived, Jon noticed the had had a visitor. Sitting by the fire pit was a small basket. Jon reached over and opened it, inside there were two glasses, and a bottle of wine. Along with some dinner, a salad for T'Pol and a chicken dish for him.

Jon pulled out the small note that was on top of the food, it read:

-Hope you're having a great time. Compliments of the crew-

Jon crumpled the note and tossed it back into the basket. T'Pol could tell he was not pleased. She went over to him and put her hands on his shoulders, slowly she bagan to stimulate the nerve areas for relaxation.

T'Pol: "What is wrong?"

Jon sighed as her motions began to take effect: "Trip, he's the only one who would have done this. I'm gonna kill him."

T'Pol: "That would be unwise and illogical. The Enterprise needs it's Chief Engineer. I believe he did it out of his concern for you as a friend. He also mentioned recently how much you've changed."

Jon: "Does everyone on the ship think I've gone nuts?"

T'Pol: "No. I believe Crewman O'Brian is unaware of your current situation."

Jon laughed: "T'Pol anyone ever tell you you have a great sense of humour?"

T'Pol had brought her hands up and was now slowly stroking the sides of his neck. *There is no need to insult me Jonathan*

Jon chuckled again and let himself relax into her hands. *My apologies Aisha*

After eating the dinner the had been 'provided', TPol watched as Jon started a new fire, then she held him in her arms, with his head placed in her lap and watched a spectacular sunset together. Jon shifted a bit and from their bond she could tell he was, unsettled about something.

T'Pol: "Is there something wrong Jonathan?"

Jon: "No.. yes, well not really. It's just something that I've been thinking about ever since I first admited to my self how I really felt about you."

T'Pol: "What is it?"

Jon: "How old are you T'Pol?"

T'Pol Looked down at him and raised her eyebrow: "In Earth or Vulcan terms?"

Jon smiled: "Earth first, then Vulcan"

T'Pol thought for a moment: "I would say that by Earth standards I am 64 years old, by Vulcan standards I am 29. Why did you wish to know?

Jon: "How long do Vulcans normally live?"

Jonathans question sent a cold shiver down T'Pols spine. Absently she continued to stroke his hair. "By human standards, about 200 years."

Jon: "I figure, baring anything out of the ordinary, I'll live another 40, maybe 50 years."

T'Pol: "Jonathan..."

Jon: "T'Pol, please let me finish. I've always known Vulcans live a lot longer than humans, I mean I've known Ambassador Soval practically since I was a kid. You will live what, two, three times longer than I will..."

T'Pol: "Jonathan, please I..." Could he not tell this was difficult for her?

Jon kept talking, he was trying to give her an out. "I just wanted you to know, that, after my death, I would want you to go on, even if you meet someone else and want to make a life with them..."

T'Pol whispered: "There will never, can never be another."

T'Pol pulled him up so he faced her: "I have told you, Vulcans mate for life. It doesn not matter how long either of them shall live. It is extremely rare for a Vulcan to take another mate. I will not take another after you Jonathan."

Jon: "I guess I just wanted to hear you say it, I guees I was trying to give you a way out. I want to stay with you until the end T'Pol"

T'Pol: "And I with you Aisha" With those words she pulled Jonathan into a crushing embrace, her lips envolping his. *I cherish thee beloved, I always will*

Jon, always a little shocked to hear her voice in his head, returned the thought. *I'll always love you T'Pol*

T'Pol: *I wish to stay with you tonight Aisha*

Jon: *T'Pol....*

T'Pol: *I only want to be by your side Jonathan. I want to awaken in your arms*

Jon: *Alright, but having you in my arms may prove a challenge to my will power, you are extremely attractive.*

T'Pol: *I have every confidence in your will power, but if anything happens there is a word in my language that may apply. Kaiidth.*

The two of them got up and walked to Jons tent, he helped her inside. As her turned to seal the opening he asked "And what does that mean?"

T'Pol: "What is... is"

Jon sighed: "T'Pol..."

T'Pol: "I am only teasing you Jonathan, Come to bed"

Jon: "Yes dear"

Morning dawned and T'Pol awoke to find herself wrapped securely in Jonathans embrace. Slowly she truned her body to face his. She gazed into his face and a small smile tugged at her lips. It always surprised her how 'rumpled' Humans got when they slept. Slowly and very lightly she traced her finger down the side of his face and along his jaw. It still amazed her just how much, feeling, she had for this man

She longed to spend the rest of the day cuddled up to him like this, but she knew they would have to get up and pack, and then rejoin the rest of the crew for the trip back to Enterprise.

T'Pol: "Jonathan..."

There was no reaction, so she decided to try a little louder.

T'Pol: "Jonathan!"

Still nothing, she had known that he needed rest but she didn't think he would sleep like the very dead themselves. She decided to try again, but using a different tactic.

T'Pol: *Jonathan!*

Jon never moved or even blinked but his thought came into her head almost immediately.

Jon: *You know Aisha, it is considered rude to shout, especially at someone who was having one of the best dreams he's had in a long while.*

T'Pol: *My apologies Jonathan, but unfortunately we must get ready to join the others, there are other crew who need shore leave as well.*

Jon sighed both outwardly and inward. He finally spoke aloud, opening his eyes to stare into hers.

Jon: "Do you think if we were to stay here and not show up at the rendezvous site, they wouldn't come looking for us?"

T'Pol: "while that is an intriguing idea Jonathan, we must return to the ship. I am sorry."

Jon: "That's ok, atleast it won't be all that bad returning to the ship this time."

T'Pol: "And why is that?"

Jon leaned forward and placed a kiss on the tip of her nose.

Jon: "Because this time instead of us returning and the Captain and his X- O, we'll be going back as, a couple."

T'Pol: "That is true. But we will still have to be Captain and First Officer, there is no escaping that part."

Jon: "Anyone ever told you you're a pessimest?"

T'Pol: "I am only being logical"

Jon traced a hand down along her shoulder, and down along her side until it came to her hip "I know, and I wouldn't have you any other way"

T'Pol raised an eyebrow: "Indeed"

Eventually the two got up and packed up their tents and cleaned up the area. Once they were finished and had their bags ready to go, Jon stood up and looked over the area again. He shook his head and genuinely regretted having to leave this place.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, it is time."

Jon: "Ok, let's go Aisha."

On the walk back to the rest of their ship mates, the two of them talked a little more about how much they needed to be discreet in this new relationship.

Jon: "I still want you to call me Jonathan."

T'Pol: "Of course, but only off duty and in private, for now"

Jon: "I call you T'Pol all the time, you should be able to call me by my name."

T'Pol: "It would be against protocol for a junior officer to call her superior by his first name, no matter how deeply she cares for him. Protocol does however allow you to call your junior officers by their first names, I have heard you do it on many occasions."

Jon: "Ok we'll come back to this one later. How about touching?"

T'Pol: "You often touch me during the day Jonathan."

Jon: "I mean more than just putting my hand on your shoulder or arm, what about holding hands?"

T'Pol: "That would be difficult on the Bridge considering the distance between your chair and my station. Vulcans do not normally touch, even their mates, in public. It is reserved for privacy."

Jon: "What about the gesture you taught me? You said that was like holding hands."

T'Pol: "That is also a very intimate touch Jonathan, as I said it is the same as a Human kiss. It is also a sign to others that you are my mate, and I am yours. Vulcans would recognize it instantly. As for the rest of the crew I do not think they would understand what it meant, aside from Ensign Sato."

Jon: "Ok, you won't call me Jonathan unless in private or off duty, same goes for touching. Anything else?"

T'Pol: "Yes, also do not call me Aisha unless in private, until we have deepened our bond and have come to the decision of informing the crew. The reason for this is once again, Ensign Sato, she does understand Vulcan."

Jon: "Yeah, she's almost as bad as Trip when it comes to keeping a secret. I'm not looking forward to the day we inform Star Fleet and the Vulcan High Command about this. I can almost hear Soval telling me I contaminated you."

T'Pol: "I too feel, uneasy about what their reaction will be."

Jon: "Well no matter what they say, I'm not willing to end this. I'm not giving you up for anyone, You've got me, and now you're stuck with me till the end."

T'Pol: "I am also unwilling to end what we have Jonathan. But what if you are ordered to? What will you do then?"

Jon: "I'll resign"

T'Pol couldn't believe what he had said. He was willing to end his career for her. It was foolish, it was highly illogical. And it was totally Jonathan

T'Pol: "I would not wish to be the cause of your ending your career in Star Fleet. Besides we have a mission to complete."

Jon smiled at her: "I'm not giving you up T'Pol and I mean it, and don't worry about the mission, we just won't inform them until it's over. But what about you? What if the High Command tells you to end your, illogical relationship with a human?"

T'Pol: "They really can't order me to do such a thing, I already resigned my commision to stay with you. I believe that shows what I would do, and have done. And I seem to keep having to tell you, Vulcans mate for life."

Jon:"Yeah, and I also seem to recall you telling me few Vulcans ever chose to mate outside their own species."

T'Pol: "If it is not too much of an insult to your character Jonathan, I find you to be the most, Vulcan-like Human I have ever known. At least in your thought patterns if not your behavior"

Jon: "I think I'll take it as a compliment, as soon as I figure out what you said"

T'Pol: "Indeed"

Jon and T'Pol finally joined their friends and other crew back at the shuttle pods. Jon looked around and saw that a surprising number of crew had 'paired off' during this shore leave, and it looked as if the pairings were going to continue. Trip had his arm casually wrapped around Amanda's shoulders, he was whispering something in her ear while glancing over at jon and T'pol. Jon knew that he'd have to take Trip aside and have a serious talk with him as soon as they got back to the ship.

Jon gestured at the crew to begin loading up and was one of the first to put his and T'pols gear into the storage area of the nearest shuttle pod. Unfortunatly, he noticed Trip had elbowed his way among the other crew and was waiting in line behind Jon and T'Pol to climb into the pod.

Trip: "So Jon, how'd your, explorin' go? Find anything interestin'?"

Jon: "Yeah Trip I did, T'Pol and I found a raeally nice little valley with a great little pool and water fall that was only a short hike from where we camped."

Trip: "Oh? You didn't find anythin' else? Somethin' perhaps of the, personal variety?"

Jon: "No I didn't Commander, And you're treading pretty close to crossing the line with where you're trying to take this conversation. The Sub- Commander and I happen to both enjoy hiking among other things."

Trip sensed that Jon was slipping back into Captain mode, especially with his use of their ranks, but as a friend he couldn't help but trying to push a little further.

Trip: "That why the two of you had to go off all alone for two days?"

Jon whirled on Trip, and Trip took a step back, bumping into amanda who was right behind him. Trip saw that last remark was definately the wrong thing to say.

Trip: "Jon I'm sorry, I don't know why I said that. I didn't mean nuthin' by it"

Jon: "What the Sub-Command and I do on shore leave is of no consequence to the Chief Engineer. We are friends Commander, who happen to enjoy some of the same activities. Do you have a problem with that?"

Trip: "No sir Captain sir!"

The whole scene had been witnessed by everyone present, Jon felt both guilty and emarassed by his display, it had been so easy to slide back into the uncaring person he had been a few days ago. He looked around at the rest of the crew, none of them would meet his eyes, except for T'Pol, who merely raised her eyebrow.

Jon sighed and ran his hand across his face, He apologise to Trip later. For now he simply gestured for the crew to board the shuttles. The ride back to Enterprise seated next to T'pol was a very quiet one.

As the shuttle pod settled to the deck,Archer could see the other members of the crew awaiting shore leave lined up un the deck of the launch bay. When he reached over to open the hatch, he could feel the eyes of the people inside the pod on him. He knew his outburst on the surface had been over the top. But right now wasn't the time or place to do anything about it. As he locked eyes with T'Pol, he could tell from the look in her eyes, that she was not upset about what had happened. But he was, and that's what mattered.

Jon sat in his seat and let the rest of the passengers file out, including T'Pol, who gave him a quick nod as she passed. Finally, taking a deep breath He also left the shuttle. He went over to the storage area and grabbed his bags, As he turned and headed for the door he could tell from the other crews looks that they had already picked up the sense that something had happened. As he passed them he smiled and nodded to them, trying to let them know everything was alright.

To his relief he noticed that T'Pol was waiting for him by the door. As he looked at her, he knew that it was going to be much harder than he thought to be just her Captain when necessary. T'Pol proceeded him through the door and matched his steps as they walked down the corridor towards the turbo lift in silence. They passed other crew in the hall, most of them either walking failry quickly or in the case of an eager crewman, outright running for the launch bay. Jon smiled at that.

Jon: "They must know I'm back on board if they can't wait to get off the ship."

T'Pol looked at him but did not say anything, atleast not until they were safely alone in the turbo lift. Once the door closed and the lift began moving, she counted to three and hit the stop button. As the lift came to a halt, Jon quickly looked at her.

Jon: "What are you doing?"

T'Pol: "Jonathan, what you did on the surface, while not the...smartest of things, was in retrospect, the wisest. Even though you may have injured Commander Tuckers pride, and hurt his, feelings, I believe you can rectify things with him if you broach the matter to him carefully. Also it did deflect anyone's thought as to our being away from the group was for anything improper."

Jon just stared at her, he doubted he blinked even once during her little speech. Then he simply chuckled and smiled.

Jon: "Well, you did say we needed to be discreet."

T'Pol: "That is true."

Jon reached over and tok T'Pol's hand in his, As he intertwined his fingers with hers, he simply stared at her with adoration. The two of them stood in the lift and let their shared thought speak to each other. After a few minutes, they were interrupted by the COMM.

Reed: "This is the bridge to Turbo lift 1. Is everything alright down there?"

Jon cleared his throat before answering. "It's me Malcolm, I'm here with T'Pol"

Reed: "Captain, welcome back, uhm, may I ask what you two were doing sir?"

Jon: "We were, testing the reaction time, to see how long it would take before anyone noticed the lift was stopped. In case of emergencies."

Reed: "I see sir, and, how'd I do sir?"

Jon smiled: "You did fine Malcolm, even the Sub-Commander was, impressed with the results."

Reed: "Understood sir, I mean sirs."

Jon: "Malocolm, are the repairs finished to the weapons?"

Reed: "Yes sir, they were finished about 2 hours ago."

Jon: "Then why are you still aboard Malcolm?"

Reed: "Sir? I don't understand" Jon: "You're relieved Lt. Go get some R & R. That's an order."

Reed: "Aye sir, and thank you sir"

Jon nodded and closed the channel and hit the button to start the lift going. He turned to T'Pol and was surprised to see a smile on her face.

Jon: "T'Pol, are you smiling?"

The smile instantly vanished

T'Pol: "Vulcans do not smile, but that was a generous thing you did fot Lt Reed."

Jon simply shrugged "He needs shore leave also, especially after that fight between him and Major Hayes. So what are your plans?"

T'Pol: "I am heading to my cabin to get ready for my shift. How about you?"

Jon, kept no actual set schedule, but preferred to work A shift, and stay awake for B shift, didn't really know what he was going to do, but had an idea of what he should do.

Jon: "I think that Trip and I need to talk. I need to apologise to him and see if I damaged our friendship even more than normal."

T'Pol: "That would be advisable. If possible, would you please also advise him that I no longer wish to continue our neuro pressure sessons. I believe he has long past the point where they have stopped being necessary."

Jom: "Ok, but why are you stopping them if you've been doing them for longer than he needed?"

T'Pol: "I am stopping them as I feel it would be improper for he and I to continue them. And I continued them as it gave us a chance to review the current events going on on the ship."

Jon: "You could have discussed that with me, we used to talk all the time."

T'Pol: "There are many things we 'used' to do Jonathan, but since we entered the Expanse, you have taken more upon yourself and the Commander and I both decided not to trouble you more."

The lift finally stopped on the deck their cabins were on and they headed to them, albeit at a rather slow pace.

Jon: "I'm sorry to have pushed you away, it was, necessary. Uhm, why would it be improper now for you to keep giving Trip these,sessions?"

T'Pol: "They are actually quite intimate. And I feel it would be better if this intimacy was better given to the one who is my mate. Also I believe Commander Tucker had developed feelings for me."

Jon stopped dead in his tracks and turned to look at her "What do you mean developed feelings for you?"

T'Pol: It as I said, I discovered this when Sim stopped by my quarters one night. He proffesed his having feelings for me, but was uncertain if they weres his own, or Commander Tuckers."

T'Pol could see a look come over Jons face, one that she recognized among her time spent with Humans, jealousy. Quickly she continued

T'Pol: "There is no need to be angry or jealous Captain. I do not return these feelings for him, I see Commander Tucker simply as a friend. I care deeply for another, and have for a very long time."

Jon smiled and put his hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, it's human nature to feel jealous of another guy when he's been trying to put the moves on my girl. It seems as if all I'm doing lately is apologizing for the way I've acted over the past eight months."

T'Pol watched with regret as Jon removed his hand as a couple of crewmen came down the corridor.

T'Pol: "Yes, that is true. Now, if you'll excuse me Captain, I must go and get ready for my shift."

Jon nodded: "Join me for lunch later?"

T'Pol: "Yes, I believe I will"

Jon watched her enter her cabin and turned and headed to his own, where he quickly dropped off his own things, he decided to go and pick up Porthos from Phlox and then go and see if Trip would accept his apology.

Jon walked over and grabbed a bottle off his shelf and headed for the door. He headed down to Sickbay, passing hardly anyone along the way. With half the crew gone to the surface, the ship seemed so quiet and empty, it was eerie.

Arriving at Sickbay, Archer pushed the control for the door and waitined for it to open, he only got two feet inside the door when a small ball of brown fur attacked his feet, he reached down and picked Porthos up, he was quickly rewarded with a furious tongue attack. Jon just laughed.

Jon: "Ok boy, settle down, I'm happy to see you to."

Phlox poked his head out from behind a screen and smiled

Phlox: "Ah, Captain. Good to see you, how are you feeling hmmm?"

Jon: "I'm...felling much better doc, thanks. And you were right."

Phlox: "Oh thank you, and what was it I was right about?"

Jon: "That I needed to take a break. It, helped, a lot."

Phlox: "Well I'm glad. All crew need to take a break or they run the risk of doing damage to themselves. As Captain you should be the first one to set an example, even in this."

Jon: "I know doc, T'Pol gave me the lecture enough times down on the planet. I just want to say, sorry for how I've been lately."

Phlox: "That is quite alright Captain."

Jon turned to leave, he still had another person to apologise to. But he stopped and turned back to Phlox.

Jon: "Doc, remember when we had that body onboard last year? You know the one who had various types of DNA in him. Do you still have the scans of him?"

Phlox: "Yes Captain, I do, why do you ask?"

Jon: "I was wondering, in your studies of those scans. Do you think Humans and Vulcans could ever...produce a child?"

Phlox smiled and sat down on a stool. "Ah, if you'll forgive me for speaking freely Captain, but yes, I believe one day, Humans And Vulcans may be able to have children. Would I be wrong in thinking that there is a certain reasoning behind this questioning Captain?"

Jon smiled: "No, you wouldn't be wrong. But I also am ordering you to keep your thoughts to yourself...for now"

Phlox: "Certainly Captain, we'll just classify this under doctor patient confidentiality."

Jon nodded his thanks to Phlox and left sickbay. Porthos running along the deck ahead of him, stopping and running back. The site made Jon happy. He headed to the turbo lift where Porthos was already waiting. He followed the dog into the lift and headed for the officers quarters.

As the lift opened, Porthos bolted for Archers cabin, but Jon called him back as he headed the other way, "C'mon boy, we're gonna go see Trip."

Porthos gave a small bark and headed for Trips quarters. Two years living in an enclosed community had given the dog the time to learn where all the important places were. Although he liked going to the T'Pols cabin better than the Trips cabin, cause of the way she made his owner feel. But they didn't go there very often, cause of the way he smelled to her.

Jon reached out and pushed the chime to Trips cabin. After a moment the door opened and Trip stood there. He just looked at Jon with a blank look on his face. After a minute he finally spoke.

Trip: "What can I do for you Captain sir?"

Jon: "Knock it off Trip, I'm not on duty and neither are you." He held up the bottle. "Besides, I brought a peace offering."

Trip was about to tell Jon to go away when Porthos strolled into his cabin and hopped up onto his bunk, Trip just sighed and let Jon come in.

Trip: "Might as well c'mon in, seein' as you brought back up an' all"

Jon walked over and pulled out the chair from Trips desk and sat down, Trip just sat on his bunk, Jon handed Trip the bottle and motioned for him to take a belt.

Trip did just that, and grimaced from the taste. "Whooeee, this more of that Andorian Ale?"

Jon: "Yeah, I still have a bottle or two left from when Shran was here. Look Trip, I just want to explain why I acted how I did on the planet."

Trip: "That's ok Jon, I crossed the line. If you an' T'Pol wanna go off and do Cap'n and XO stuff, that's fine by me."

Jon ran a hand through his hair and took the bottle back from Trip, after taking a small drink from it he handed it back. "That's just it. We weren't exactly doing, ship related stuff."

Trip smirked

Jon: "Look, what I'm about to tell you, cannot leave this room, and I'll make it an order if I have to."

Trip: "Ok scouts honour Cap, not a peep outta me, ever"

Jon took the bottle back and took a larger drink this time. He held onto the bottle as if trying to gain strenght from it.

Jon: "Trip, We knew long ago that, certain rules out here just wouldn't apply, so for the sake of the crew, I've let some of those rules, slip."

Trip: "Uh huh, and which rules would that be Jon?"

Jon knew then that Trip wasn't gonna make this easy for him

Jon: "The uhm...the rule about, you know...fraternization."

Trip: "Oh yeah, that rule."

Jon glowered at him till Trip laughed, Jon laughed as well. It felt good. They passed the bottle back and forth a few more times before Jon continued.

Jon: "Trip. T'Pol and I, well, I guess you could say, we are exploring a different type of frontier."

Trip: "Well shoot Jon, s'bout damn time."

Jon was totally shocked at that "What are you talking about?"

Trip: "Well Jon, before the attack on Earth, the crew had a bet, well more like we had a pool goin' on to see how long it would be before you two finally woke up an' smelled the coffee. Heck I think Malcolm was buggin me almost once a week for any news, seeing on account of you an' me being such good buddies an' all. And I'd just sit there an' tell him, keep yer shirt on Lieutenant."

Jon: "I simply don't believe this. Are you telling me that the whole crew thought there was something going on between T'Pol and me?"

Trip: "Naw we didn't know anythin' was goin' on we could tell you had feelin's for her, and that she had em for you too. You could tell by the way you two acted to each other, the way you'd look at her, the way you'd touch her an stuff, the way she'd always be tryin to do things with you, how she'd gone to every length to get you back when you'd be captured or sumthin'"

Jon: "Sheesh, didn't know I was such an open book to the crew."

Trip took another long pull from the bottle, and sat back against the bulkhead.

Trip: "Yeah, to bad, that was all before we came here."

Jon: "What do you mean?"

Trip: "You shut us out Jon, not just the crew, but your friends as well. Malcolm finally felt he could approach you and talk, Travis looked up to you like you were his hero, an Hoshi, well you were like her big brother. I'm your best friend Jon, all of a sudden I felt shoved to the side, and T'Pol, well she wouldn't admit it, but I knew she felt, hurt when you changed."

"I had to do it, it was for the mission, it was for Earth..." Jon whispered

Trip sighed: "Hell I know it was for the mission, but we coulda helped ya Jon. You didn't need to take it all on yourself, we're not just your crew Jon, we're your friends, this matters to us as much as it does to you. All ya had to do was ask."

Jon: "Thanks Trip, that means a lot, really, and I promise I'll try not to be, such a hard ass. T'Pol's already told me she's gonna let me know more often when I'm going back to being 'Broody Archer'."

Trip: "Ya just gotta trust us more Jon. It's our home as well"

Jon: "I trust you all Trip, really I do and thanks for understanding."

Trip: "Ah shoot, what're friends for. So how're you gonna handle having a relationship with T'Pol and still be her Captain?"

Jon: "I don't know, it's something we dicussed on the surface, among other things, but I know it's gonna be hard at times."

Trip chuckled a bit at Jons unintentional pun. The Andorian Ale was already beginning to affect them.

Jon: "Oh before I forget Trip, T'Pol wanted me to pass on a message. She wanted to let you know that she feels you no longer need your treatments and should be able to do well on your own."

Trip: "Huh? How come she doesn't want to do 'em no more?"

Jon sat back and crossed his legs. "Well, she mentioned something abut it being a very intimate act, and that she prefered to perform it on her mate than on you."

Jon smiled as a look of confusion crossed Trips face

Trip: "On her mate? But, you said you two had just started seeing each other?"

Jon: "Yeah, well it seems Vulcans don't take small steps in something like this. It's hard to explain, but they don't have casual relationships like most Humans do. When they choose a mate, it's for life, period, end of story, till death do you part, literally."

Trip: "Wow, an how do you feel about her Jon? Honestly."

Jon: "I love her Trip. I think I loved her from the moment she came into my ready room with her change of command orders back when we were taking Klaang home. I'm not gonna leave her or end this."

Trip: "I know ya won't Jon. That's what makes you a good man."

Jon: "Thanks Trip, look I gotta go and have a shower an change, I'm gonna meet T'pol for lunch in a while. You wanna join us?"

Trip: "Uh, no thanks Jon, see I was headin over to visit with Amanda before you showed up."

Jon smiled: "Ok, I just wanted to stop by and make sure we were still ok. I'll see you later, oh and you can keep the bottle."

Jon turned and headed out of Trips cabin closely follwed by Porthos. Trip chuckled and reached up to his shelf and pulled down a PADD. He'd have to check to see who won the pool.

Archer checked the time as soon as he got back to his cabin, seeing he still had a while left before he had to meet T'Pol for lunch, he decided to get a bit of work done first. He fed and watered Porthos and then headed for the shower, he really needed to clear his head, that Andorian ale was pretty good but boy did it ever have a kick.

Jon finished his shower and changed into his uniform, he decided to not go up to the bridge and check on things, rather he'd go down to his other place to work, the Command Centre. Once he arrived there he quickly pulled up the latest scans of the area. He went over them twice before he saw something, quickly he reached over and hit the COMM button.

Jon: "Archer to the bridge"

T'Pol: "T'Pol here Captain."

Jon: "T'Pol, can you focus the sensors on the co-ordinates I'm sending you? I was just reviewing the last set of scans and I thought I saw something odd."

T'Pol: "One moment Captain while I take a new set of scans of that area."

Jon sat and waited, on the main veiwer he pulled up a shot of the planet below. He stared at it for a few moments until T'Pol's voice came back on.

T'Pol: "Sir, I have the new data now, your signal shows you in the Command Centre, would you like me to route the scans to there?"

Jon: "Yes Sub-Commander, please do so, I will take a closer look at them here, and I want you to do the same there. Oh and don't forget to remind me when it's time for lunch."

T'Pol: "I will remember to remind you Captain."

T'Pol closed the COMM line and took a quick glance around the bridge, it was only herself and Crewman Jeffries manning the posts. T'Pol looking after her station as well as communications, and Jeffries manning the helm and tactical. Jeffries was in the middle of re aligning the targeting sensors at the tactical station so she doubted he had heard to much of her and the Captains conversation. She would enjoy being in his presence again, even after this short time, she missed him, it was, comforting to be near him. Giving herself a mental reprimand, she quickly turned back to her viewer and went over the scans, trying to find anything out of the ordinary.

Jon put a close up shot of the area he had been looking at on the view screen in the Command Centre, he peered at it again and again, trying to bring the image into better definition. When he finally got the image as good as it would go, he got up and walked over to the screen. He stood there and looked at it. There was definatly something there, almost at the limit of the long range sensors. It didn't appear to be a ship, it seemed to be another set of anomalies, but not quite.

He sighed and rubbed his eyes, he'd been looking to hard at the screen. He'd discuss this with T'Pol when they met for lunch. He'd also have to remember to schedule a meeting with himself and her and Trip, to discuss the possibilities of using the knowledge stored in Danials old cabin to try and upgrade Enterprise. He was getting tired of having his ass handed to him every time they took on the Xindi ships. Especially the Isectoid ships, those were the ones that kept giving his ship hell.

Jon looked around the room, this was getting him nowhere, and he could feel himself getting restless and angry at not being able to do anything. What that alien had said right before he vanished still troubled him "When the Xindi destroy Earth, my people will prevail."

His people, who the hell were his people? And the Xindi were not going to destroy Earth, that's why he was here, he was gonna make damn sure they were never going to launch their weapon, even if he had to crash the Enterprise into it to destroy it. Jon sighed and decided to go for a walk around the ship, he needed to get out of this room, it felt as if the walls were beginning to close in.

Archer walked around his ship from top to bottom, starting with a quick check of the bridge, he received a raised eyebrow for that. He then made his way to the cargo bays, Engineering, the Armoury. He even stopped by to see how Phlox was doing. He chatted with him for a bit and asked him why he had refused to go down to the planet. Phlox had explained he was working on a series of projects designed to help limit the effects of this space on people. Also his search to find a cure for T'Pols Pa'Nar syndrome had shown some positive results, and he hadn't wanted to leave them, besides he'd gotten a number of the crew to bring him back samples of the local plant life, so far things looked encouraging that he could use them.

Archer had continued his walk until it was time to go meet T'Pol for lunch, as he was heading to the Mess hall, he quickly realised that he had not gotten anything for T'Pol this Christmas, well he had but Sun Tzu's Art of War was kinda the wrong thing to give to a Vulcan, and he'd been rushed. He hadn't even wanted to follow the traditions this year, but Hoshi and Trip had pretty much begged him to do it. They had even threatened to go to Phlox.

Jon decided he'd have to take the time to get T'Pol something really special. Something that came from the heart, as well as something that symbolised their new found feelings for one another.

He'd look in the ships Vulcan data base later to try and find her something appropriately...Vulcan. Entering the mess hall he looked around at all the empty seats and again was struck at how empty the ship was with half her crew on the surface. He greeted those few of the crew who were taking a break and made his way into his private mess.

T'Pol was already seated as he walked throught the door. He grinned at her and felt his stress vanish.

Jon: "I'm sorry, I didn't know I was late."

T'Pol: "Your apology is unnecessary Jonathan, I only just sat down a minute before you came in."

Jon made his way around the table to his seat, passing behind T'Pol as he did so. As he passed her, he trailed his fingers along her neck, seeing her stiffen slightly at his touch brought another smile to his face. She was staring at him as he sat down. From the look in her eyes, she enjoyed the brief contact, but was about to take him to task for it when they were interrupted by the steward entering with their orders. Jonathan looked at T'Pol and gave a passable impression of her when he raised his own eyebrow.

T'Pol: "I took the liberty of ordering ahead of time before I left the bridge. I hope you don't mind."

Jon: "No that was very thoughtful of you Sub-Commander, thank you."

The two of them waited for the steward to leave before eating. Jon looked at T'Pols lunch, it seemed to be more of that, plomeek soup she often had, as well as a small salad. Jon's own lunch was a simple chicken salad sandwich with french fries on the side. Not quite what he would have chosen but he wasn't going to argue seeing as he hadn't eaten breakfast and was still feeling the affects of the Andorian Ale he and Trip had shared earlier.

T'Pol: "Captain..."

Jon: "Jonathan...we're alone and technically not on duty."

T'Pol: "Jonathan, I was simply going to ask how your morning has gone, were you able to speak to Commander Tucker? And do not worry, I...enjoy it, when you touch me."

Jon: "My morning has gone very well thank you. Other than finding that new anomaly I've been doing a walk around of the ship, which I plan to continue after lunch. I am planning on speaking with Major Hayes and Malcolm after they return from the surface about this training the senior officers ar doing. I was thinking maybe it should include, all senior officers."

T'Pol: "Would that mean you are interested in joining us during the sessions Jonathan?"

Jon: "Yeah, but I was also thinking that Phlox could maybe use some pointers on it as well. I'll talk to him about it later."

T'Pol: "Since you are interested in learning these techniques, and Lt Reed and Major Hayes will not be back from shore leave for another 42 hours. Would you be interested in joining me for some sparring once my shift ends?"

Jon smiled at that, Trip had told him how the MACO Corperal had knocked T'Pol down during their first lesson.

Jon: "I don't know T'Pol. I mean, I wouldn't want to hurt you."

T'Pol: "Jonathan, I have twice your reaction speed and three times your strength. It is more likely you would be the one who would be hurt by me."

Jon, never one to back down from a blatantly open challenge such as that, quickly agreed to meet T'Pol in the gym as soon as her shift was over. T'Pol nodded her acceptance as well.

T'Pol finished her lunch and looked over at Jonathan, "I must return to the bridge now. Should I inform the Doctor to be ready to treat you after we are done?"

Jon: "Ha ha, very funny. I'm in great shape and I used to box all the time when I was at the Academy."

T'Pol: "Very well Jonathan, I will see you after my shift."

T'Pol stepped closer to him and held up her fingers, Jon quickly met them with his own.

Jon: *A Vulcan kiss is still a kiss*

T'Pol: *Indeed*

Jon: *Dinner tonight, my quarters, after the match?*

T'Pol: *I would like that Aisha*

Jon: *Good, so would I, maybe you could, spend the night, just to sleep, nothing more.*

T'Pol *Perhaps, we shall see.*

They two quickly broke their link and T'Pol turned and left the mess hall to return to the Bridge. Jon Gazed longingly at her form as he watched her leave. It was becoming harder and harder to resist going further than just sleeping together, he desired her, badly. And she desired him as well, he could feel it through their link. But he was bound and determined to take advantage of her, no matter how much his body craved her. Jon sighed and ran his hand across his face, maybe when he goes to talk to Phlox about joining the training, he'd see if he could get a shot to help him tamp down his libido.

Jon finally got up and continued his tour of the ship, he visited parts of the ship that he was sure the crew had never seen him in. but it was good to get out and mingle with the crew again, even if it wasn't all of them. It felt as if he'd regained a part of him that had been lost.

Jon eventually made his way back to Sick bay, where he found Phlox treating a crewman who appeared to have a nasty burn across his leg.

Phlox: "Ah Captain, welcome back, if you'll wait one moment while I finish up on Lt Tomas here I will be right with you."

Jon leaned against the counter and watched as Phlox applied some type of brown gelatine like substance to the Lt's leg, he watched as the young man winced at the contact and then looked a little woozy. Jon looked down at the brown goo and saw that it was actually moving! The poor Lt couldn't take the site anymore than Jon could, and promptly passed out.

Phlox just smile and wealked over to where Jon was standing.

Jon: "Phlox! What the hell is that thing?"

Phlox looked nonpulsed as he glanced back over at his patient

Phlox: "Do not worry Captain, The young man has a skin irritation and my Fultarian Eel will fix it right up in no time"

Jon just shuddered at the site and looked away

Phlox: "Now what may I do for you Captain?"

Jon: "Well doc, you of ocurse know about the training drill being conducted by Lt reed and Major Hayes for the senior staff?"

Phlox: "Yes, I've had to treat all those involved numerous times. Especially Lt Reed and Major Hayes."

Jons eyes lit up with a spark of anger. He had ordered the two of them to settle their differences. Apparently they hadn't.

Phlox: "There is no need to be concerned Captain, none of the injuries are anything as severe as the first time. I would say they are training each other, sparring partners."

Jon nodded: "That's good, I didn't want to have to reprimand the two of them for disobeying an order. But that's not quite what I wanted to talk to you about. I have decided that all senior staff should be participating, including myself. I plan to discuss it with Reed and Hayes when they return."

Phlox: "Ah that is good news indeed. I have been wanting to talk to you about your decreased activities in this area. This will help you a great deal Captain."

Jon thought Phlox was a bit too pleased with himself. So now was the time to drop the other shoe, as it were.

Jon: "Thanks doc, but you see, I'm not the only other senior staff member who hasn't reported for the training, there is one other. As the top medical person aboard, you would fall under the heading of senior medical officer, even if you carry no rank."

It pleased Jon to no end to see the look that crossed Phlox's face upon realising what Jon had just said.

Phlox: "But Captain, surely you can't be serious, I uhm I am too old for such rough housing."

Jon: "Nonsense, T'Pol's over 60 and she's doing great, even showing them some Vulcan moves."

Phlox: "The Sub-Commander is quite young for a member of her species Captain. I am not."

Jon chuckled: "Don't worry Phlox, I'm just asking you to show up for a few of the classes and learn some of the basics, that's all. They may help you next time you get attacked from behind."

Phlox still looked none to happy about it but agreed to at least try.

Jon was pleased with that, he looked at the time and noticed he'd have just enough time to head down to the gym and change for his little sparring lesson with T'Pol. Time to find out if he could really knock her on her ass, or if he was gonna get his handed to him.

Jon had returned to his cabin and changed into a dark blue t-shirt and a pair of shorts. He then headed down to the gym. When he arrived there was no sign of T'Pol but there were a few others there working out on the machines. Archer nodded at them and headed over to the equipment lockers, where he grabbed a pair of fingerless padded gloves. Putting them on he walked over to the mat and did some stretching to loosen up his muscles and spent a minute or two doing some shadow boxing. Yes, it was coming back to him now, he bagan to dance a bit on the balls of his feet, all those lessons he took came flooding back.

T'Pol: "You move very well Captain. Much more gracefully than normal."

Jon stopped and looked over at her, by the way she was standing, it was apparent she had been there for a while, watching him.

Jon: "Well Sub-Commander, are you ready?"

T'Pol: "Indeed I am, how shall we begin? Shall I show you some of what Major Hayes has already instructed us?"

Jon nodded "Yes that would be probably good. But remember, take it easy on me, I'm not that young anymore" he teased.

T'Pol: "Captain, you are still 20 years younger than I am. And do not worry. I shall try not to harm you."

T'Pol stepped onto the mat and faced Jon "She began by showing him the more basic moves, such as how to block punches, and how to turn that against an opponant. She showed him different ways to throw someone, shoulder throws, hip toss and arm flips. After about 45 minutes the two of them were trading ajbs and blocks with each other, neither one really getting any serious hits or throws in. Until T'Pol neatly sidestepped a jab, grabbed his arm and tossed him effortlessly over her shoulder. Jon hit the mat hard, but T'Pol wasn't finished. As soon as he hit the mat, he felt his head being wrnched back, exposing his throat. Out of the corner of his eye he caught the site of T'Pols fist coming down.

Fortunatly for him she stopped her punch just above his adam's apple. She then released him and helped him to his feet. Jon was sweating, he looked at T'Pol and noticed she was barely even breathing hard.

T'Pol: "Very good Captain, you're doing well, for a novice."

Jon: "Hayes showed you all this already?"

T'Pol: "Some of it yes, but the rest are Vulcan moves I learned when I was part of the Ministry of Security."

Jon: "Oh so you cheated."

T'Pol raised both her eyebrows at that "Vulcans do not cheat."

Jon smiled and looked around, he noticed the crew who had been working out were now watching him and T'Pol, one was even over talking into the COMM. Great, just what he needed, the crew seeing him get beat up by his first officer....his female fist officer.

T'Pol: "Captain, when I entered the gym, what were you doing?"

Jon: "I was shadow boxing, something you do when you don't have a sparring partner."

T'Pol: "Interesting, I prefer to use the bag, but I find that it offers no real challenge. Would you be willing to practice boxing with me?"

Jon smiled. "Sure T'Pol, go grab some gloves."

Jon waited while she walked over and got her own set of gloves and a pair of head gear, he looked around the gym again and saw that more crew had shown up, there were about 20 of them now.

T'Pol walked back over to the mat, casually tossing the protective head gear to Jon, the two of them quickly donned the gear and got ready, Jon waited for T'pol to signal she was ready to begin. She simply nodded.

Jon began to move and dance around her, forcing her to turn to follow him, He threw some half hearted jabs, to test how well she blocked them. She easily blocked all of them. Jon was about to move in closer and throw some more jabs when without any type of tell, T'Pol had moved in on him and hit him three times, good hard blows, two in the body and as soon as his hands dropped slightly, one across the face.

Jon staggered back from the force of her hits. He had forgotten her strength. He shook his head to clear it and readjusted his headgear.

T'Pol: "Really Captain, you are not much better than the punching bag."

Jon narrowed his eyes. :How long you been practicing boxing Sub-Commander?"

T'Pol: "Not long, only since I was first stationed on earth, about 4 years."

Jon swore softly. Well if she wanted a boxing match then she was gonna get one. Mate or not. He had planned on going easy on her but now saw she hadn't planned on it for him.

Jon hit his hands together showing he was ready for her, she moved in on him again and began to throw punches so rapidly he was having a hard time blocking them. Although this time he faired better, only one hit to his side. As T'Pol threw a roundhouse at his head, Jon blocked it with his forearm and brought his other arm up and hit her with a uppercut that staggered her back a good five feet.

T'pol dropped her arms and stared at him, Jon could see a thin trickle of green beginning to wind it's way down her chin. Jon shrugged at her. She raised her eyebrow.

T'Pol: "That block was good, but unexpected in a boxing match."

Jon: "I improvised. Captain's perogitive."

T'Pol: "Indeed"

Jon: "Still feel like continuing?" He glanced quickly at the crowed, now it seemed as if all off duty crew were gathered around the mat, even Phlox was there, watching interestedly.

T'Pol: "I am willing to go on, if you are."

Jon: "Fine, lets see is I can make good on my threat." he bagan to dance and move around her again.

T'Pol: "Your threat?"

Jon tossed a quick jab which she easily blocked "Yeah, when I first met you, said I was restraining myself from knockin' you on your ass, I bet I can"

T'Pol brought her hands up in a guard position "You can try"

The two of them closed in on each other and began trading punches, neither one getting an opening, until Jon landed a hard hit in T'Pols side, she grunted with the pain, but brought her own fist up and landed a hit square in his face, Jon immediately felt the blood begin to flow. Still they kept at it, hit, punch, jab, block, hit, block, punch.

It ended only after Jon hit T'Pol in the side if the head with a round house, she turned right around with the force of the blow, but when she faced him again he could see a fire in her eyes he recodnised from seeing it in his own, anger. T'pol then practically exploded, Jon couldn't stop all the punches she was throwing, She hit him more times in 30 seconds than he had ever been hit in most fights, A right cross to his head left him dazed, and he felt the sharp pain of a rib break. At the sound of the muffled crack, T'Pol stopped dead in her tracks. She quickly regained her composure and stepped away from Jon, who had fallen to his knees. Quickly Dr Phlox moved in to examine him, T'Pol, not caring about protocol or propriety had removed her head gear and gloves and knelt on Jon's other side, her hand resting on his shoulder.

T'Pol: "Captain, I apologise, are you alright?" *Aisha, I am sorry,*

Jon: "I'm fine, just a little dazed" *It's alright my love, I keep forgetting about that famous Vulcan strenght. I'll be ok*

Jon looked up at her and smiled, Blood from his nose was still dripping down his chin.

Phlox: "Captain, you have broken a rib, and cracked two others, Your nose is all but broken, I can repair it so no need to worry about your looks." Phlox then aimed his scanner at T'Pol "You Sub-Commander have a cracked cheek bone, no doubt from the last punch the Captain threw. You'll both be joining me in sickbay while I attend to your injuries. It was a good match though."

Phlox watched as T'Pol helped Archer to his feet, then placed his arm around her shoulders and began to help him to the exit. He smiled. Yes this was going to be a very interesting pairing to watch.

As Jon and T'Pol passed through the crowd of onlookers, he was surprised at how pleased they seemed, some offered there sympathies on their injuries, some patted him on the back as he passed, one or two even patted T'Pol's shoulder. He caught the surprised look in her eye.

Jon shook his head and smiled at her "Humans, go figure"

T'Pol: "Indeed"

Jon *Still on for dinner later?*

T'Pol *Yes, once the doctor is finished with us, I would like to go get cleaned up first and meditate. Would you be hurt if it was a late supper?*

Jon *No of course not, I know you need to meditate, Just come by when you're done*

T'Pol *Thank you, I will*

The three of them arrived in sickbay, Jon laid back on a bio bed while Phlox worked on T'Pol's cheek, he said her's was the easier injury to handle and so did it first. He did however give Jon an injection to aleviate the pain of his own injuries.

After a while, Phlox finished with T'Pol and began getting ready to work on Jon. T'Pol walked over to Jon's side, He looked at her face, seeing its beauty was marred only by a small bandage.

Jon : "So, I'll see you later then? "

T'Pol: "Yes, You may order for me if you like"

With that she nodded once and turned and left, Jon on a whim tried sending out a thought to her, even though they were not touching, *I love you T'Pol*

T'Pol however apparently didn't catch the thought as she kept walking, stopping only once as the doors opened to allow her to pass through. But Jon thought he had seen her stepps falter, if only for a brief instant.

Phlox: "Now Captain, if you were anyone else I would be placing a call to the captain to report on the extent of injuries. However since you're the one who is the injured party, I can only say that I caution you against further activities until you are properly ready."

Jon simply nodded and went back to thinking how T'Pol seemed to take a mis- step when he had sent his thought out to her.

Jon waited patiently while Phlox cleaned the blood from his face and gave him another injection to help him breath easier, the swelling around his nose and eyes was already beginning to go down, however the bruising would remain for another day or so.

Phlox bandaged his side and with another word against 'strenuous activities' until after he was healed, Jon left the sickbay and headed for his cabin, he just wanted nothing more than a nice hot shower by now. He walked throught the corridors to the turbo lift, the few crew that he passed congratulated him on a good match. One even said thanks for the money he'd one. Archer wondered if that meant they had bet for him or against him.

Jon finally made his way to his cabin, once there he slowly stripped out of his clothes, leaving a trail from his door to the head. He climbed into the shower and turned in on nice and hot. Jon winced as the steaming water hit his bruises, but then sagged against the wall, and let the water wash over him. Jon leaned his head against the wall and began to laugh. He couldn't believe he just got beat by T'Pol, in front of the crew no less. This was a serious blow to his ego, but he felt he could live with it.

Jon stayed in the shower for almost an hour, he was starting to nod off when he decided it was time to get out and get ready for his dinner with T'Pol. Jon climbed out of the shower and toweled himself off, he wrapped the towel around himself and walked out into his cabin, stopping short when he saw Trip on the couch, with a drink in his hand.

Jon: "Hi Trip, sure c'mon in, sit down, have a drink."

Trip: "Why thank ya Jon, I believe I will."

Trip took a sip of his drink and watched as Jon grabbed some clothes and headed back into his bathroom, after a minute Jon came back out wearing a pair of black slacks and a white turtleneck shirt. Trip just smiled at his friend.

Trip: "Gee Jon, looks like you got sumthin' hot set up for tonight"

Jon: "You could say that. So any reason you're sittin on my couch drinkin my booze?"

Trip: "Naw, just wanted to see how you were doin' after getting whooped by a girl."

Jon: "I didn't get whooped, she, took me by surprise, and I'm fine."

Trip: "Yeah, sure, by surprise, So I heard that you wanna join our little drill sessions"

Jon shrugged: "Yeah well, I felt I should, especially after getting 'whooped' by T'Pol"

Trip: "Well, glad to have ya Jon. Bout time ya did more stuff with the crew."

Jon smiled "Yeah I know, now get your sorry behind off my couch and go do something else, I got plans tonight."

Trip: "Aye, aye Cap'n sir"

Trip and Jon both laughed as trip got up, finished his drink and headed out of Jons cabin. Jon placed an order with the mess and asked for it to be delivered to his cabin. In order to dispel any rumours, he ordered one meal, but made sure to order one that came with a salad, T'Pol would need something to eat. Jon busied himself by cleaning up the mess he'd left his cabin in on his hurry to got in the shower. The he made sure the bed was made, made sure the entire cabin was spotless. He then turned his attention to Porthos.

Jon: "And you, better be on your best behavior tonight, no jumping up, no licking. Just sit there and be good. And maybe you'll get a piece of cheese or two."

Porthos just sat there wagging his tail

Jon: "Well I guess that's the best I can hope for."

Jon was busy brushing off some dog hair on the couch when the door chime rang. He quickly jumped up and answered the door. He was mildly disappointed when he saw it was only the steward with his dinner order. He thanked the young man and brought the dinner in and placed it on his desk. Removing the cover he placed it on the side, Jon then took the salad for T'Pol and some sivelware and placed it on one side of the desk, He then put his dinner, a pasta dish with no meat, on the other side, he then looked for where to put the tray and cover, finally settling on stashing them in the bathroom.

As he walked back out of the bathroom, the chime went off again, this time he called out for the person to enter. As the door slid open, Jon's breath caught in his throat. T'Pol stood there, wearing a cream colored shirt and light grey pants, that hugged her perfect legs. Jon couldn't keep himself from staring, she was so beautiful. The only thing marring the perfect image was the small bandage on her cheek.

T'Pol: "May I come in Captain?"

Jon looked her in the eye and simply nodded

T'Pol stepped over the threshold and the door slid closed behind her. "I believe Crewman Willis may have seen me come in here."

Jon: "I'm sure he can be discreet. Please, have a seat."

T'Pol: "Thank you Jonathan, It was nice of you to order for me."

Jon: "Yeah well I was getting hungry as well."

T'Pol sat and Jon followed suit. T'Pol watched Jon as she saw him sit rather slowly, he still appeared to be in some pain.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, I would like to apologise again for...."

Jon: "T'Pol, don't worry about it, it was a simple sparring session between two friends, it just got a little, out of hand. I'll be fine, it wasn't the first time I've been beaten. Course, it's been along time since it's happened"

T'Pol: "Still I believe I own you an apology"

Jon sat there, waiting for more, before he realised that that was all she was going to say.

Jon: "Well, apology accpeted, so long as you accpet mine. It souldn't have gone as far as it did, I should have eneded the match."

T'Pol: "Well Jonathan, I can say that there is not much I feel you'd need to learn during the drills. It appears you are more than capable at handling yourself in an altercation."

Jon smirked: "Yeah, so long as I'm not going up against a mad Vulcan woman."

That earned him a raised eyebrow.

Jon and T'Pol eat for a while in silence, before Jon remembered something he wanted discuss with her.

Jon: "Now that we're getting closer to the world where the weapon may be, I was thinking that we need to beef up our capabilities."

T'Pol: "I do not understand"

Jon: "Well, Crewman Danials quarters are still vacant, and with half the crew down on the surface, now would probably be a good time to see if there is anything in there we could use to enhance Enterprise's offensive and defensive capabilities."

T'Pol: "I do not think that any of this so called information could be used by us to make Enterprise better."

Jon: "Well we have to do something, we're getting beat almost every time we go up against the Xindi. I want you to talk to Trip and Reed as soon as we get underway again, I will go into Danials cabin tomorrow and see if there is anything we can use."

T'Pol: "Alright. But I still do not believe anything in there will be of help to us."

Jon: "Let me guess, it's because of the time travel thing right?"

T'Pol: "Correct, as you know, the Vulcan Science Directorate has determined time travel to be impossible. However, I have come to believe that it may not be impossible, more than improbable. I am thinking however that if anything is found, we may not be able to adapt it for our use."

Jon nodded. "Like I said, there's no harm in trying."

Once they had finished eating, Jon cleared the table, and then lead T'Pol over to the couch, when he sat and pulled her down into his lap. He placed a quick kiss on her forehead, she snuggled into his cheat, and he had to suppress an cry of pain as she pressed against his injured side. She looked up at him and shifted her position so she was now leaning against his other side. He smiled at her and traced a hand along her uninjured cheek.

Jon: "Stay the night?"

T'Pol: "Are you sure I should? You need time to recover."

Jon: "Well so long as we avoid anything strenuous, we should be ok."

T'Pol: "I believe we can avaoid futher injury to you. If we are careful"

Jon: "T'Pol, we're just gonna sleep, that's it."

T'Pol looked him in the eyes, she slowly leaned foreward and brushed her lips across his. She brushed his hair back off his forehead

T'Pol: "I.....desire thee Aisha."

Jon: "I, desire you as well T'Pol, but I think it would be best if we, waited a while longer before we, take that next step, don't you? God you don't know how hard it was for me to say that."

T'Pol: "I understand your reluctance to engage in sexual activities so soon into our relationship. You are afraid that you may not be able to perform to my, expectations and I will no longer want you. I can assure you Jonathan, that is not the case. You are my mate, now and forever, you could never disappoint me."

Jon just stared at her: "T'Pol, I do not have, performance issues, I just feel that when we do finally, make love, it should be special and something we remember for a long time."

T'Pol: "I understand Jonathan. I am only letting you know how I...feel for you."

Jon: "I love you T'Pol, I will till I die." Jon leaned over and kissed her deeply. He then pulled her into himself and held on to her for the rest of the night.

Jonathan Archer opened his eyes, before him lay a vast stretch of desert, off in the distance he could just make a mountain, whose peak thrust into the sky. He turned slowly, as he figured he was totally alone. The red coloured sand shifted under him as he began to head for the mountain. Something kept tickling the back of his mind, something wasn't right about this place. The almost unbearable heat, the red colouring, the thinness of the air. He knew he wasn't on Mars, so where else could he be?

"Jonathan"

At the far off sound of his name, Jon stopped and took another look around. He was still alone, but, that voice, he could swear he knew it. Jon shrugged and began walking again, trying to remember how he had gotten here. He had been having dinner with T'Pol, then they cuddled on the couch for a while, then the two of them had moved to the bed, where after some fumbling around, they had found a comfortable position, he on his back with her head resting on his shoulder, and one of her legs positioned possessively over both of his, he had then wrapped both his arms around her and had drifted off to sleep in that position.

Jon looked at himself, he was wering his standard uniform, quickly he patted himself down, *No of course not, having a communicator would be too easy* He thought. He continued walking towards the mountain, It still seemed to be as far away as before, Jon wondered if he was actually moving. Taking a quick glance behind him he saw a long trail of foot prints dissappear back the way he had come.

"Jonathan"

Again the voice called out, this time it was louder and more distinct. Jon still couldn't place the voice but was sure it was familiar. Topping the next rise he stopped, not too far ahead of him sat a person. They were seated facing away from him. So he was unable to tell who it was. Jon wiped a hand across his face to clear the sweat from his eyes, the heat was getting to him.

Jon began his walk again, slowly he approached the seated person, from the size and shape of the person, jon quickly deduced the it, was a she. Slowly he cicled the woman, noting everything from the hair cut to the pointed ears, Vulcan. Jon was on Vulcan, but how did he get here? Why was he here? Where was the Enterprise?

As jon finally came far enough around the seated woman he could at last make out her face, it was T'Pol! Jon dropped to his knees in front of her and T'Pol opened her eyes.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, did you hear me calling you?"

Jon: "That was you?"

T'Pol: "Indeed"

Jon: "Why are we here T'Pol? How'd we get here? What is going on?"

T'Pol: "I'm sorry Jonathan, but you shouldn't be here, this should not have happened, it was, unexpected. It is time for you to go Aisha"

Jon awoke with a start, sitting up in bed, the sheets falling away from his sweat drenched upper body. He looked around the cabin and his gaze quickly registered the time, it was only 0245 hrs. Jon looked over at T'Pol, she was still asleep, she had curled into a fetal position with her back facing him.

Jon slowly climbed out of bed and tip toed into his bathroom, after shutting the door he switched on the light, blinking for a few moments to get used to the brightness he looked into the mirror. What he saw didn't really surprise him. The bruises on his nose and under his eyes stood out clearly, but had already started to slowly fade, thanks to one of the shots Phlox had given him, he stepped back a bit and raised his arm, a large purple bruise started just under his armpit and extended all the way down his side, vanishing under the wrapping that Plox had applied, and then reappearing at the bottom of his ribcage. That also would fade within a few days, but the area would be sore for a while longer that that.

Jon looked himself in the eyes and thought to himself, why would he be dreaming of Vulcan? He'd dreamt about a certain Vulcan woman many, many times, but never had he dreamt about just the planet. And what did T'Pol mean by something should not have happened? What shouldn't have happened? Jon felt a headache coming on, he was thinking too much and was too tired. He'd have to make time to talk to T'Pol about it in the morning.

Shutting off the light, Jon opened the bathroom door and made his way back to the bed. In the starlight, he could make out T'Pol's form, she hadn't moved at all. Jon slowly crawled back into the bed and curled up against T'Pol's back, as sleep once again began to claim him, T'Pol rolled over and wrapped her arms around him and buried her head in the crook of his neck. It could have been his imagination playing tricks on him as he was falling asleep, but he could have sworn he had heard a very self satisfied purr come from T'Pol.

T'Pol opened her eyes, the cabin was still dark, She gazed at Jonathans sleeping form. She took in every aspect of his nearly naked form, He had forgone the wearing of his t-shirt to bed, as her body tempurature was greater than his, he said he wouldn't need it. She felt her pulse quicken as she looked at his uncovered upper body. She had not lied to him earlier, she did feel desire for him, she had and did desire him, with an intensity that she found both frightening, and arousing.

As she snuggled closer to her mate, she resolved to pay a visit with Dr Phlox before her shift in the morning. She would need verification if what she thought was true. Of the crew, only Phlox would be able to tell her if she was about to enter Pon'farr or if it was another virus that mimicked it. She had told Phlox that the virus had brought the blood fever upon her earlier than expected, she just had not realised it would actually come upon her so soon.

T'Pol slowly traced her fingers along Jonathans chest, she smiled a bit as he shifted positions, seemingly trying to evade her touch. Yes, she would most definatly have to see Phlox, she could feel her emotions lurking just beneath the surface, and being this close to the one she had chosen to be her mate was not helping her very much.

She returned her hand to it's previous position, wrapping it again around Jons neck. She tamped down the feeling of regret at not being able to proceed further with her exploration of his body. But she knew that Jonathan would ask too many questions, and would possibly even be angry at her. He had said he wanted to leave that aspect of their relationship for a better time when they were both ready. She knew that she would have no choice but to inform Janathan about the Pon'farr and all the changes she would be undergoing while under its influence.

Perhaps she should distance herself from Jonathan and spend the time in meditation, she had not been able to do that as of late, atleast not as well as she would wish. Her thoughts always carried her back to him. She wondered at how he would react to her information that when they finally did bond as true bondmates, that they would be in each others minds, being able to constantly feel the presence of the other, sense their thoughts and feelings, not just when they touched. Then they would be Adun and Adun'a, or in his language, husband and wife.

She looked at his sleeping form again and thought *Yes, I would be most pleased to have him as my life mate, my Adun.* But I must meditate more on this, after I speak to Phlox. If I am Entering Pon'farr, then I am only in the very earliest stages of it. As it progresses I will lose more control of my emotions, then I will feel the urge to join with my mate, or die.

*Yes, that is what I must do, I must distance myself from Jonathan for now, and focus on my meditations. He will be angry with me, and hurt and confused. I will explain it to him, he is rational, if not always logical, he will understand*

T'Pol tried to rise from the bed and return to her own cabin, but Jons arms were wrapped firmly about her, and it would appear as if he wasn't about to let her go. She sighed and lay back down beside him. She would go in the morning, he would remain here for the rest of the night, besides now that she was once again curled in close to him, feeling his skin touching hers, she was reluctant to leave.

She once again raised her hand, and this time she very gently stroked the side of his face and chin.

"I have caught your scent, Jonathan Archer. You cannot get away, you are mine, now and forever." She whispered very softly.

Unfortunatly it wasn't soft enough, as Jon opened his eyes and turned his head to look at her.

"What'd you say Aisha?" Jon mumbled

T'Pol: "Nothing Jonathan, go back to sleep"

Jon: "Oh ok, you should get some rest too, you must be tired...."

T'Pol was about to say that Vulcan's didn't need as much sleep as humans when she noticed he had already fallen back to sleep. She was glad he was getting the rest he so sorely needed. He would need all his energy to face both his upcoming battles, for the Xindi, and for her. When in the grip of Pon'farr, Vulcans needed to mate for a week, often 4-5 times a day during that week. T'Pol was unsure if a Human was capable of sustaining such a frenzied pace. Perhaps she should inquire if Phlox had anything he could give the captain to increase his, stamina.

T'Pol closed her eyes and leaned her head against jon's chest, she could hear his heart beating. Yes, she would have a number of things to discuss with Phlox, but that was for tomorrow, for now, she would remain here, and be content.

'BREEP, BREEP, BREEP'

Jon reached up above his head and angrily hit the alarm. No sooner had his arm dropped back down than Porthos had jumped up onto the bed.

Jon: "Morning boy, sorry, but you can't be up here, not enough room for all of us."

Gingerly he picked Pothos up and deposited him back on the floor. As he lay back against his pillow he turned and looked at T'Pol, he saw that she was already awake and watching him. There was a glint of, something, in her eyes. He couldn't really place it. But he was sure he hadn't seen that look in her eyes, ever. He shrugged and leaned over to kiss her forehead, but was surprised when she raised her lips up to meet his.

Jon: "Mmmmm....good morning. Sleep well?"

T'Pol: "Yes, thank you Jonathan. And you?"

Jon: "Well I slept very well, except for a strange dream about Vulcan"

T'Pol: "I am sure it was nothing. Do you have plans for today?"

Jon: "No, it's my day off from regular duty, I've normally skipped it since we entered the Expanse, and stayed at my post or in the Command Centre, but today I think I'll take it off, seeing as the rest of the crew still has another day off also. So after I investigate Daniels cabin, I had no other plans."

T'Pol: "I see, then perhaps you would agree to having lunch with me later?"

Jon: "I'd enjoy that"

T'Pol: "As would I, but for now I must get ready as I have the bridge soon."

Jon: "Would you like to use my shower? You're welcome to if you'd like, it's still early enough that the way back to your cabin should be clear if you want to use your own."

Jon had to stubbornly repress an image of a naked T'pol in his shower. He didn't need to become overly excited now and ruin the moment.

T'Pol on the other hand, allowed an image of her and Jon together under the shower to flick through her mind. Yes, she would definitely need to speak with Dr Phlox, and soon.

T'Pol: "I believe it would be best if I were to utilize my own cabin, for now. It would be, more discreet."

Jon frowned a bit: "Alright."

He lay in bed and watched her as she quickly rose and got dressed. How he had ended up falling for the most exotically beautiful woman he had ever met, was beyond him. And even more amazing, she liked him as well!

T'Pol: "Jonathan, staring at me is not a productive use of your time."

Jon was sure there was a hidden meaning to that, especially by her tone of voice. But to take her up on it meant breaking his word to her. And he'd never do that.

Jon: "I'm sorry Aisha, but you're just so....hard not to look at"

T'Pol laeaned back over the bed and held up her two fingers, Jon met them with his own.

T'Pol: "You are quite, pleasing to my eyes as well Aisha."

With that, T'Pol quickly stood and exited Jons cabin with one last look at him. And Jon would have bet his captaincy that she had winked at him! This was weird. Of course they had finally expressed their feelings for one another, had declared to each other they would be together forever, no matter what. T'Pol said they were on the verge of being bond mates. Jon liked that word, mate. He had surmised it was the same as being boyfriend and girlfriend.

But still, to get a wink from a Vulcan, even one who was your girlfreind, was a little strange, perhaps he should go talk to Phlox and see what he says. Jon also knew that he should have asked T'Pol more about his dream, but for some reason as soon as he had looked at her, all thought had taken a holiday.

Jon got up and headed for his shower, today, he needed a long, cold one.

Trip was walking down the corridor heading towards the turbo lift, he was planning on getting an early start to some new engine modifications he and Reed had discussed. It involved trying to see if they could route power from the warp drive directly to the phase cannons to try and increase their potential. Trip had thought it was crazy, but Malcolm had persuaded him to run some simulations on it. And that's just what he was planning on doing.

"Good morning Commander Tucker"

Trip snapped out of his thoughts and looked up at who had called out to him. And his jaw hit the deck with a loud thud. It was T'Pol, but he'd never seen her like this before, for one she was outta uniform, she was wearing some cream colored top and form fitting pants. But what really shocked him was the way she was walking by him. Trip could swear, and would for the longest time after, that their Vulcan first officer, was strutting.

Trip watched her as she walked past, and then into her cabin. Finally he mumble "Good morning' to ya to T'Pol"

Still not believing what he had just seen, Trip decided to take this matter to the only person on board he could take it to. He took it to Jon.

"I'm tellin' ya Cap'n, she was struttin', and not just some normal satisfied strut mind you, but one that said she knew she was a woman and was showin' it off." Trip said after he convinced Archer to listen to him for a minute.

Jon just sat there with a smile on his face. "Are you sure it was T'Pol? Maybe you were thinking af a certain MACO corperal and imagined it?"

Trip let out an exasperated sigh: "Dammit Jon, Amanda don't got pointed ears, I know what I saw, an' I figured, you bein her mate an' all, that you'd like to know about it."

Jon patted his friends shoulder: "Ok Trip, calm down I was only kidding. How about this, I'll talk to her when I see her for lunch, that sound ok? I'll tell her my chief engineer was having visions in the corridor."

Trip: "Ha ha really funny Jon."

Jon watched his friend leave and gave him his word he'd talk to T'Pol. This was getting stranger and stranger by the minute. Jon put on some off duty clothes and decided he'd better go and talk to Phlox right now.

On his way to Sickbay, Jon was stopped by Travis who had asked him to review some new routines he wanted to upload and program into the Helm controls. Jon looked tham over and saw that they were actually quite good. He patted Travis on his shoulder and with a "Good work" set the young man on his way.

Jon was then stopped shortly after by a call from the surface, apparently Malcolm had discovered some of the rocks had an alloy in them that could be used to help shield Enterprise, but without the harmful effects to Vulcans as Trellium D, and was requesting some engineers to take a look at them. Jon approved it and re-routed the call to Trip.

Jon couldn't shake the feeling the someone was trying to delay his going to Sickbay.

Meanwhile, in Sickbay, T'Pol was describing to Phlox what she had been feeling lately.

Phlox: "I see, and would you say you felt this before or after you and the Captain decided to become involved with one another Sub-Commander?"

T'Pol: "Please understand Doctor, that I am not all together comfortable with discussing any of this with outsiders, it is a very private aspect of my culture. If it not for what you helped me endure last year, I would not be seeking your advice with this at all, but I have found you can, on occasion be trusted."

Phlox smiled and watched T'Pol gather her thoughts. He watched as she paced for a few minutes and then turned to face him, placing her hands behind her back.

"T'Pol: "I have known that that virus brought on the symptoms of Pon'farr earlier than expected. What I didn't know was that I was this close to coming under the influence of the actual event."

Phlox: "Perhaps the virus merely sped up your bodies natural state. If you would be willing, I could take some scans of you and.."

T'Pol: "No, I would not be willing, your scans would only show what I know to be now evident."

Phlox: "Then I fail to see why you came to me Sub-Commander?"

T'Pol: "I was, hoping, that you would be able to give me some type of treatment or injection that would counter most of the effects of my, condition."

Phlox: "Sub-Commander, you and the Captain have entered a personal relationship, do you not think you should inform him of this so the problem can be taken care of in the more, mmm, traditional sense?"

T'Pol sighed, she might as well inform the Doctor fully of what was going on, she was not sure if Jonathan had said anthing or not.

T'Pol: "The Captain and I have begun to form a bond, we are in essence, bond mates. But I am choosing not to inform him of this as of yet due to his decisions that it is too soon in our relationship to explore the more, physical side of it. Also with us being so close to finding the Xindi weapon, it would be better for him to focus on that."

Phlox: "I understand Sub-Commander, you wish to avoid adding to the Captains already overloaded sense of responsibilities. But I must warn you, knowing the Captain as I do, he will be rather upset with you if you with hold this from him, especially once he finds out the consequences of what will happen if you do not complete your Pon'farr, yes, he will be most upset indeed."

T'Pol: "I do intend to tell him Doctor, but not right now, I still feel it will be some time before the full effects of my condition become necessary for me to do something about it. At that time I will inform him and let him choose the course of action. I would also suggest that you prepare something for him in the case he chooses to aid me, He will need to be ready for the rather, strenuous aspect of it."

Phlox: "Of course Sub-Commander, now if you'll excuse me I shall endeavor to see if I can find something to help you, suppress your urges."

T'Pol was mildy shocked at that "I'm sorry Doctor, but I believed you had said you were not going to help me."

Phlox: "Tsk tsk tsk, I said no such thing Sub-Commander, I merely wished to hear your reasons behind not wanting to inform the Captain, your bond mate, of this now. I had every intention of helping you."

T'pol arched her eyebrow: "Very well Doctor, I shall leave you to your work."

With that, she spun on her heel and left him alone.

Phlox: "Hmmm, this is going to be quite interesting, I wonder if they'll let me publish a paper on this?"

Phlox busied himself with gathering together some of the chemicals he had used when T'Pol was infected, and was about to try to strengthen their effectivness when the doors to Sickbay opened. He smiled as he saw who was walking into the room.

Phlox: "Ahhh, Captain, good day to you, how can I be of service to you hmmm?"

Archer just frowns, and then smiled, Phlox's good humour was always catchy, well most of the time.

Jon: "Actually doc, I was wondering if you could tell me anything you could about, Vulcan women, and why they would be acting, out of character."

Phlox's smile slowly vanished, this was going to be a long morning.

Phlox gestured for the Captain to have a seat.

Phlox: "I'm not certain how to answer that Captain, without more information to go on, what would you mean by out of character?"

Jon rubbed his hand across his face, and looked around before answering.

Jon: "Well I'm not sure doc, it wasn't me that actually saw anything. It was Trip. No wait, I did see one thing. Do Vulcans wink at people?"

Phlox: "Wink? I'm unsure as to what you would be refering to Captain?"

Jon: "It means to blink at someone, but only using one eye, it's...well...I guess you could call it a type of flirting."

Phlox: "Ah yes, now I understand, more of your interesting courtship rituals. Uhm, to my knowledge I would have to say that Vulcans definatly do not wink. Did the Sub-Commander wink at you Captain?"

Jon: "Uhh....yeah she did, this morning, when she (clears throat) left my cabin."

Phlox: "I see. And what did Cdr. Tucker think he saw?"

Jon: "Well, he said he saw her, strutting," At Phlox's puzzled look he tried to explain better "She was walking, in Trip's words 'As if she knew she was a woman and was showing it off'. Now I'm not sure what to think her Phlox, You know T'Pol and I just began to explore this relationship, and this could have happened at a better time, but I am glad we finally did admit our feelings, but I'm not sure what to think when my crew begins to tell me stuff like this."

Phlox: "Well Captain, I am pleased that you saw fit to confide in me with this, but I doubt there is little I can do to help you."

Jon sighed and was about to get up and leave when Phlox put a hand on his arm.

Phlox: "I said there was little I could do, not nothing I could do. My advice is this. Go talk to the only person on board who knows the whole story, so to speak. Go talk to T'Pol"

Jon: "She's probably just gonna tell me it's a Vulcan thing and brush me off"

Phlox: "That may have been what she would have done before Captain, but things are now different between the two of you, perhaps being her mate is just what it takes to get her to explain things."

Jon nodded, he thanked Phlox with a pat on the shoulder and left, heading for the Bridge, this time he was going to make sure no one delayed him on his way.

Jon rode the lift up to the Bridge in silence, It was a good thing that the place would be practically empty, with Travis off doing his work on the new programming for the helm, and Malcolm and Hoshi planetside. With his normal bridge crew out of the way, this would be much easier.

As the doors slid open Jon stepped onto the Bridge. Even now, after commanding this ship for almost three years, he still felt a sense of wonder when he came onto his Bridge, cause it was his, no one elses. He looked around a bit and Saw T'Pol and A crewman he couldn't bring a name to looking at him. Then he realized why they were looking at him that way. He was out of uniform, in fact he was out of uniform while on the Bridge no less.

Jon smiled at the crewman who returned to her duties at the Tactical station. He looked over at T'Pol, she had her eyebrow raised. Jon figured her Vulcan sense of propriety was listing this as another Human fault, oh well, it was his ship and his bridge, he'd come onto it dressed however he damn well pleased.

Jon walked over to T'Pol's station and leaned down so the Crewman wouldn't hear him.

Jon: "Can I see you in my ready room for a few minutes?"

T'Pol nodded and gracefully rose from her seat, she began to follow Jon and then stopped, she looked over at Crewman Gibbens, "Crewman, you have the Bridge, I will return shortly"

T'Pol then finished her journey to Jons ready room, to find him already seated behind his desk. He motioned for her to sit as well.

T'Pol: "You wanted to see me Jonathan?"

Jon: "Yeah, I just wanted to talk to you about something, but I'm not sure how to phrase it."

T'Pol slowly crossed her legs and gazed at Jon, for some reason Jon was finding the temperature in the room growing warmer.

Jon: "T'Pol, did you wink at me this morning?"

T'pol: "Vulcans do not wink Jonathan. However, if I were to 'wink' at you, you would certainly know it."

Jon: "I...see..."

Yes, it was definitely getting warm in here Jon thought, maybe he'd heve Trip look at the environmental controls after he was done with T'Pol

T'Pol: "Was there, anything else you wanted from me, Jonathan?"

This time there was no mistaking the sexual under current to that question. Jon had to use almost all his will power to keep from jumping his desk and taking her right here in his office.

Jon: "J...just one more thing, Trip said he saw you this morning, and he said that the way you seemed to be walking was, well he said it was, sexually suggestive."

T'Pol: "I do recall seeing Commander Tucker this morning near my cabin, but I believe there was nothing suggestive to the way I was walking, I submit the Commander was using his overactive imagination again."

T'Pol put both her feet back on the floor and leaned forward, she locked eyes with Jon and held him in her gaze.

T'Pol: "Now Jonathan, if you are sure there is nothing else you would like from me at this time. I have duties to attend to."

Jon broke out in a sweat.

T'Pol slowly stood and headed for the door, as she was about to push the button to open it Jon said something so low, even her Vulcan hearing was hard pressed to pick it up. She turned her head and looked at him.

Jon: "I said, What's Pon'Farr?"

T'Pol: "That is not something we discuss with outsiders"

Jon watched her press the button almost angrily and stomp from his office As the door slip closed behind her he sank back into his chair, this was going to be harder than he thought.

Jon slowly stood and went over to the window of his ready room, unfortunately, due to it deing on the starboard side of the ship, he couldn't see anything of the planet. He'd give her as much time as she felt she needed, he was a patient man, hell it'd only taken him almost three years to tell her he loved her.

Jon turned and strode from his ready room, once he came onto the Bridge, he saw T'Pol was back at her station and had her head buried in her viewer. He decided to keep walking without saying anything. He calmly stood by the lift door waiting for it to open, He glanced over at T'Pol once or twice but she never acknowledged his presence. Finally the lift arrived and Jon stepped into it and hit the level for the crews quarters. As the door closed he sighed and leaned back against the wall.

Back on the Bridge, once the door had closed tot the Turbo Lift, T'Pol sank wearily back into her seat. It had taken considerable effort for her to now respond to Jonathan's presence. The symptom's of Pon'farr were progressing faster than she had forseen. From her realization last night until now, she had surmised that she would be forced to find a choice in how to handle it within less than 24 hours. T'Pol let out a quiet sigh, she stood and handed the Bridge over to the crewman again and walked into the ready room.

Once there she sank slowly into Jon's chair, the room was permeated with his scent. But this time instead of it arousing her, she felt comforted by it.T'Pol had already begun to feel her control of her emotions begin to slip. While she was in here with Jonathan even though she had been trying to seduce him, it had taken great will power to keep herself from forcing him to help her, to claim him finally as her own. Taking a few deep breaths she calmed her racing heart. She would need her mates help, and soon, but she was still unsure of how to explain this to him.

Yes, he was her mate, yes she would let nothing separate them again, ever, they were almost fully bond mates, and she wanted him as her life mate. But to tell an outsider of this, still went against all her teachings. This was a very difficult decision. Finally feeling her self under control again, T'pol returned to her duries on the bridge. She returned to her station in time to take a call from the Captain

Jon stepped out of the lift and made his way towards Danials old cabin. Once there he punched in his override code on the lock and the door slid open. He reached over and hit the lights switch, he then walked over to the lockers. Opening one he saw that everything inside it was still the same. Taking a deep breath, he reached up and put his hand into the locker door, he kept pushing until almost his whole arm was gone. He felt around in that otherspace for a few minutes before his fingers closed on an object.

Slowly he pulled his arm out, clutched in his hand was a small item resembling a PADD. Jon closed the locker and exited the cabin, relocking the door behind him. He walked a ways down the corridor and came to a COMM box. He reached up and hit the button with his thumb.

Jon: "Archer to Tucker"

Trip: "Tucker here, what can I do for ya Cap'n?"

Jon: "Meet me in the Command Centre right away, I have something for you to look at."

Trip: "Uh yeah ok sir, I'll be right there."

Jon hit the button twice more, once to close the channel, then again to open another one.

Jon: "Archer to T'Pol"

T'Pol: "Yes Captain?"

Jon: "Command Centre, 10 minutes Sub-Commander."

T'Pol: "Understood Captain."

Jon arrived at the Command Centre only a few moments before trip did, Trip took one look at what was in Jons hand and stopped cold.

Trip: "Uhh, Cap'n, that what I think it is?"

Jon simply nodded

Trip's shoulders slumped "An' what're ya plannin' on doin' with it?"

Jon: "Well Trip, I want you, T'Pol and Malcolm to look through it and see if there was anything in it we could use to help us."

Trip: "Gee, I dunno Cap, I'm not sure we should be pokin' our noses into that thing. Couldn't we be messin' with some sort of time dealy?"

Jons voice hardened. "The Xindi already tried to do that by going back to the 20th century and trying to create a bio weapon to use against us. I'm levelling the playing field. We need everything we can to stop them. If the answers are in here, I mean to use them."

T'Pol chose that moment to enter the room, with her mental shields already weakened by her condition she had no trouble feeling the anger eminating from Jonathan, it slammed into her like a wall. She fought the urge to collapse. Her only outward sign of discomfort was a slow closing of her eyes for a moment.

She opened her eyes again to find both Trip and Jonathan staring at her. Un daunted she continued into the room. She tamped down on the impulse to show these pathetic males what a true woman was.

T'Pol: "Captain, as I stated before. What if we cannot utilize anything that is contained in there?"

Jon slipped so easily back into his 'Airlock Archer' role: "Then we continue to do the best we can with what we have. I am trying to use all options available to complete this mission. This is an option. I want it done!"

T"Pol pressed the matter: "Captain, it is illogical to use this knowledge."

Archer: "I gave the two of you an order. I expect it to be carried out."

Trip: "Jon.."

Archer: "If you cannot follow a simple order Commander, do I need to relieve you of duty and find someone else who can?"

Trip was shocked at that. Never had Jon threatened to relieve anyone of their post. He stood ramrod straight "No sir, Captain sir!"

Archer slid the PADD over to Trip: "Good, get it done. Dismissed."

Trip angrily stalked from the room. T'Pol however, lingered.

T'Pol: "Jonathan.."

Jon whirled on her: "T'Pol..."

T'Pol strode up to him and took his face in her hands "Jonathan, listen to me. You must calm yourself. Remember on the surface, when it was quiet and peaceful, remember standing on the beach. Please. Calm yourself. Commander Tucker and I will get started on the work. Lt. Reed will assist us when he returns."

Jon: "I'm sorry T'Pol, I want this mission to end. I want a lot of things, right now I want you to help me finish this. Can you do as I've asked without any further arguments?"

T'Pol nodded then reached her head up and brushed her lips against his. She needed him so desperately, but she was unwilling to force him. It must be his decision to aid her in her time of need. Slowly she turned and headed for the door. Once there however, she stopped and gave him a long smouldering look back over her shoulder that made his heart flutter. With a smirk she left the room.

Jon sat heavily in a hastily pulled out chair. It was the better alternative to falling on the floor. This time he was positive. T'Pol was trying to seduce him!

Archer spent the rest of the morning sequestered away in his cabin, until the COMM went off.

"T'Pol to Archer"

Jon jumped a bit, he had been lost in catching up on his reports. He reached over and hit the button.

"Archer here, what is it T'Pol?"

T'Pol: "Captain, it is 1300 hrs, I was wondering if you would like to join me for lunch?"

Jon shook his head it was later than he thought, he was about to decline when his stomach made the answer for him, with a rather loud growl."

T'Pol: "Shall I take that as a yes?"

Jon: "Yeah, ok I'll meet you in my dining room in say 10 minutes?"

T'Pol: "Agreed, T'Pol out"

Jon stood and rubbed his eyes, too many hours staring at PADDS, was giving him eye strain, he should go see Phlox after lunch and get something for it. He looked over at Porthos and saw the dog was sleeping on his back, all four feet splayed out to the sides.

Jon: "Must be nice"

Jon left his cabin and headed for the mess hall, upon entering it he nodded greetings to the few crew who were also on a break at that time. He walked throught the door to his private dining room, and headed for his seat. T'Pol glanced at him as he sat down.

T'Pol: "I took the liberty of ordering for you, I hope you do not mind."

Jon: "No, I don't mind, thank you"

Jon and T'Pol sat in silence as the steward brought out their orders, T'Pol had a salad, and Jon saw to his surprise, that she had ordered him a hamburger with all the trimmings. He looked up at her and did a passable imitation of her raised eyebrow.

T'Pol: "I've noticed you still are not eating correctly, I thought it best to help you out in this area."

Jon smiled his thanks at her and dug in, after eating in silence for a few minutes, Jon decided to break the ice.

Jon: "How's the work coming on the information stored in Danials PADD?"

T'Pol: "It is quite frustrating. It appears to be either encrypted or fragmented. Commander Tucker and I are having difficulties in finding anything useful."

Jon: "Well keep at it, I know you two will get it working."

T'Pol merely nodded and went back to picking at her salad. Jon watched this for a few minutes before finally taking the bait.

Jon: "So, anything else you want to talk about?"

T'Pol: "Not to my knowledge no"

Jon: "You sure? You know you can talk to me about anything. And I'm not saying this as your Captain, but as your friend and as your mate."

T'pol narrowed her eyes at Jon, and from the tone her voice took he could tell she was angry.

T'Pol: "My mate? You claim to be my mate yet when I wish to further our relationship, you push me away. I have told you of my, desire for you. You informed me that you desired me as well. Yet you will not act on it."

T'Pol stood and stretched her arms above her head, and then brought her hands down, running them sensuously over her curves. Jon could not help but follow her movements with his eyes.

T'Pol's voice became low and seductive: "You informed me that you found me beautiful. Do you think I am beautiful Jonathan?

Jon nodded, his mouth going dry. He had begun to break out in a sweat.

T'Pol slid her hands over the swell of her breasts and down her flat stomach: "Do you find me desireable Jonathan?"

Jon: "T'Pol..."

T'Pol walked over to him and placed her fingers on his mouth, silencing him. "It is rude to interrupt me when I am talking."

T'Pol placed her foot on his chair between his legs, and bracing herself against the table, pushed him backwards away from the table. Before he could move, she had quickly stradled him. Sitting in his lap she begun to trace her fingers along the contours of his face.

T'Pol's breathing was heaving and erratic, Jon's heart was hammering in his cheast.

T'Pol: "You wished to know more about Pon'farr, I will tell you now. Every seven years, Vulcans enter a time of mating. Our bodies undergo an change that drives us to mate at any and all costs. This change causes a buildup of chemicals in our bodies that can only be purged by mating, or through the ritual of Kun'ut kali'fe, a fight to the death. But do not worry Jonathan, I will not invoke that right."

T'Pol paused long enough to capture Jon's mouth with her own. Her tongue darting inside his mouth, tasing him. Jon's mind was being assaulted by the erotic images sent to him through the link they shared by T'Pol.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, if we do not complete the Pon'farr. I will die. The chemical build up in my body will reach toxic levels, this will lead to madness, and then death. I need you to help me Aisha."

T'Pol began nuzzling Jon's neck, placing small kisses all over his exposed flesh. Jon was still reeling from the information when T'Pol bit his neck hard enough to draw blood. Jon had to use almost all his strength to push her off him, the notion caused his chair to fall backwards, dumping him onto the floor. At anyother time this would have been quite funny.

Jon quickly rolled to his feet, his hand automatically going to his neck, pulling it back, he saw it was covered in blood. She had bit him deep. He looked up at T'Pol, she was standing against the table, her hand was covering her nouth, but he could still see a thin line of red standing out against her chin.

Jon: "What the hell was that T'Pol! First you're begging me to help you, then you go and bite me? I think we had better go see Phlox."

Jon reached out for her, T'Pol drew back and hissed at him "You are mine Jonathan Archer, that mark shows it. And now you are rejecting me? If you do not wish to help me, I do not want you touching me again!" T'Pol was screaming at him. Quickly she grabbed his still outstretched hand and with her usual fluid like grace, threw him across the table with no strain at all. Jon landed in a stunned heap on the other side of the room. He raised his head in time to see a crying T'Pol run from the room.

Jon shook his head and pulled himself up the wall, His side was screaming in pain. Great, he'd re-injured his ribs. Jon grabbed a cloth off the table and held it to his neck. He strode over to the COMM unit and hit the buton. "Archer to Sickbay"

Phlox quickly answered "Yes Captain? How can I help you?"

Jon: "Meet me at T'Pol's quarters on the double, and bring something stronng enough to knock out an angry Vulcan. Oh, and some bandages as well."

Phlox, knowing what was wrong with T'Pol tried to tell the Captain, that there was nothing he could do, there was no cure for what T'Pol was going through, except one. But Jon had already closed the channel. With a sigh Phlox grabbed a medical case and headed for T'Pols cabin, perhaps when he got there, he could try to tell the Captain his only recourse if he wanted to save the Sub-Commander, was to mate with her.

Jon had arrived outside T'Pols cabin and watched as Phlox emerged from the lift and walked toward him, Phlox reached the Captain and motioned for him to remove the cloth covering T'Pols bite on his neck. Phlox inspected the injury for a few moments before speaking.

Phlox: "hmm, yes, I don't think you'll be needing anything to help you with this Captain, it will heal on its own and should leave no trace behind."

Jon: "Aren't you going to give me something for it?"

Phlox: "No, there is little to no chance of infection, and as I said it will heal. Now Captain, I wanted to discuss the Sub-Commanders condition with you before you barged into her quarters."

Jon: "I don't have time for this now Phlox, just give me the cure and I'll inject her with it. I can't let her die."

Phlox: "Captain, has the Sub-Commander informed you of how this is treated?"

Jon nodded "Yeah, she mentioned something about either mating or fighting. Why?"

Phlox: "Because Captain. Those are the only known methods of curing her. There is nothing I can do for her, no antibiotic I can inject her with. No cream I can give her. Do you understand?"

Jon: "Can you give her a sedative or something until you can find something to cure her?"

Phlox: "The sedative will not delay what is happening to her. May I ask Captain, why are you so against the use of the traditional method of helping her? The Sub-Commander informed me that the two of you had decided to begin a relationship together."

Jon sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I don't want to feel like I'm taking advantage of her. In her conditio, she wouldn't be in control. It would....well it would be like rape."

Phlox: "I understand how you feel Captain, but she had already chosen you, before the onset of this matter. It would be extremely foolish of you to not help her when she needs you the most."

Jon slowly nodded: "Alright Phlox, I can see your point. I guess I was trying to justify it to myself more."

Phlox: "Excellent Captain, now I brought this for you, it is an injection to help you, cope with her demands. I brought it just in case you came to your senses."

Phlox reached over and placed the hypo spray on the side of Jons neck, after a moment Jon began to feel more, energized.

Jon: "Thanks for, showing me the right thing to do. Inform Trip that he's in charge for the next...?"

Phlox: "36 hrs should suffice for now Captain, But I must warn you. Pon'farr has lasted up to a week in most cases. But after the initial phase, T'Pols needs should diminish, however that does not mean you should relax. I believe she will need you quite frequently until she is fully healed."

Jon: "Ok fine 36 hours, Once the rest of the crew are back on board, make something up, tell them we got sick or something. But tell Trip to set course for Azati Prime again after shore leave is finished."

Phlox: "Do not worry Captain, I will handle everything. Oh and good luck. I expect to see the both of you in sickbay in 2 days."

Phlox watched a s Jon used his override code on T'Pols door. Once it had closed, Phlox headed back to sickbay

Phlox: "Hmmm, perhaps I should have informed that Captain of the need for restraints. I hope she doesn't hurt him too badly."

Jon stood just inside the doorway, not counting the star light coming into the room from the window, there was very little light. He could not make out much of anything. He took a few tentative steps further into the room.

Jon: "T'Pol?"

He heard a noise in the corner, it seemed to be coming from just underneath the window.

T'Pol: "You should leave!"

Jon: "I'm not leaving."

T'Pol: "You do not want me, therefore there is no reason for you to be here. Now leave."

Jon could hear her moving around, but still could not see her.

Jon: "I said I'm not leaving, I'm here to help you get through this. I'm sorry T'Pol, I was a fool. I never answered your question earlier."

T'Pol's voice came from his right side, it sounded like she was standing near her bunk. "Which question?"

Jon: "You asked if I found you desireable. I do. I desire you greatly. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met. I want to stay, and help you, if you'll have me."

This time T'Pol's voice came from right in front of him. She was standing so close to him, he could feel the heat coming off her body.

T'Pol: "I want you to stay, forever."

Jon: "I have no plans on leaving anytime soon."

The lights in the room slowly came on until it was bright enough for Jon to make out T'Pol. She had moved away from him and had gone over to the controls on the wall. She stopped the lights once there was enough light to see each other. She came over to him and wrapped her hands around his neck. She pulled his head down and kissed him forcefully and deeply. She trailed her right hand down his left arm and grabbed his hand in her own, with her fingers she made his fingers form the mating gesture, she then traced an intricate design on his hand with her own fingers.

Jon: "T'Pol, what..."

T'Pol: "Shhh..this is the ritual, it must be completed."

Again she leaned into him, her lithe body pressing against him. She began to speak in Vulcan as her hands traced their way over his body. He heard her breathing quicken and she looked as if she was desperately trying to find something on him. When without warning, she curled her fingers around the top of the shirt he was wearing, and ripped it from his body. He then heard her sigh of pleasure as she pressed the side of her face against his now bare chest.

Jon was stunned at the violence of her action. But didn't move to try to stop her. T'Pol pulled the remains of his shirt from his upper body and began placeing kisses all over his chest and stomach. Jon felt his own body respond to her administrations. T'Pol pushed against Jon with more force and he stepped back to keep from falling over.

T'Pol actually growled as the contact between their skin was broken by his move. She looked him in the eyes and he saw a look of intense desire mingled with a need to make him hers. She moved back from him a few paces and begun to undo her own outfit. Jon figured it would be better if they continued this on her bunkin stead of standing in the middle of the room, As he turned his back on her in order to move to her bunk, he heard another growl come from her, and then he was driven to the floor by her.

T'Pol: "You are mine! You will not escape me!"

Jon stuggled underneath her, finally he was able to turn so he was lying on his back staring up at the half naked woman on top of him. T'Pol leaned down and kissed him, her hands grabbing his and pinning him to the floor. Jon then felt his own desires explode inside him, He swung his legs and using the motion, managed to flip her over, landing on top of her, she quickly wrapped her legs around his waist.

The rest of their clothes vanished as Jon let himself go and gave way to his own burning desire for the woman beneath him. He explored every part of her body with his hands and mouth. When they finally joined, it was with an animalistic fury.

During those 36 hours, they taught each other many things. Jon did learn one thing, the next time T'Pol went into Pon'farr...he'd definatly be using the restraints.

32 hours earlier

Jon opened his eyes and looked around the darkened cabin, it had been about,4 hours since he had came to his senses and decided to help his mate. Turning his head he looked over at her sleeping form, and smiled. Their lovemaking had been incredible, passionate, wild, and as Jon winced, rather painful. Very slowly he extracated himself from the sleeping body next to him and made his way into T'Pols bathroom.

He closed the door and turned on the light, turning to look into the mirror, Jon was slightly taken aback at what he saw. His arms, shoulders and back were covered in long scratches and bite marks. He had numerous bruises and a small cut on his forehead. Jon leaned in closer and looked at his face again, yup, he definatly had a black eye. Jon looked at his side and winced. The bruising around his ribs was more severe, yet he felt no pain from the area, *Must have been some pretty strong painkillers Phlox had in that shot he gave me*

Jon turned on the cold water and splashed it onto his face, he had forgotten how hot T'Pol kept her cabin. Cupping his hands under the flow, he took several drinks before turning the water off. Standing he turned out the light and made his way back to T'Pols bunk. As he snuggled against her body , she moved and opened her eyes.

T'Pol: "Hello"

Jon: "Hi"

With her superior night vision, T'Pol could see the marks on his body.

T'Pol: "Jonathan, I..."

Jon: "It's ok T'Pol, they'll heal, I'm just glad you're ok."

T'pol felt her need for him beginning to rise again.

T'Pol: "I am not healed yet Jonathan, in fact, I believe we will have to mate several more times yet."

Jon: "Well, I hope they're not all as, rough as the last time."

T'pol began running her hands over his body and placing kisses on his face and neck

T'pol: *I make no promises Aisha"

Jon: *I love you T'Pol*

T'pol: *I cherish thee*

Jon felt his own body responding to T'Pol's movements, he let her push him onto his back as she stradled him.

T'Pol: *I have need of thee Adun*

Jon: *I'm right here, I'll always be here.*

T'Pol: *Yes, you will be*

Jon: *What does Adun mean?*

T'Pol: *Hush, talk later, I need you now*

Jon let himself go as the breadth of T'Pols desire washed over him, echoing his own. He kissed her passionately and deeply, their bodies joined as one. Once again their universe shrunk until it encompassed only the two of them, time lost all meaning except for the here and now. No one or nothing else mattered except Jon and T'Pol. And Jon did his best to try to match Vulcan stamina.