Traditions

by Witezon

The developing relationship between Archer and T'Pol

2. Traditions parts 11 thru 20

Traditions, part 11 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN. Theme: Time period after the Christmas party and before mid-year

BRIDGE - THE RETURN FROM HARKARIN

It had been a long day. Travis reported what had occurred since they had left the ship yesterday. The away team definitely had a more interesting time. After a couple of hours, Archer released the bridge to the 3d shift bridge crew. T'Pol and Sato had already turned their stations over to their reliefs. Only Archer and Reed had remained on the bridge, and they left together, but going their different ways. Reed went to the Mess Hall to get some food, Archer went to his quarters to take care of Porthos.

He walked into his quarters and looked around. It was empty. He almost hoped that T'Pol would be there. But he knew she really needed to meditate. Sleeping wasn't the same as meditation, but still...well. He fed Porthos and got ready to take him for a walk. He opened the door and there stood T'Pol.

He smiled and gestured her in. "I know that you normally walk Porthos at this time. I thought I would accompany you."

Both his eyebrows rose, normally T'Pol tolerated Porthos, though occasionally she took care of him - when absolutely no one else was available.

They went out the door, "Did you meditate? I thought you would be doing that."

Nodding, "I did. However, I wanted to do something with you that is part of your normal routine. I normally do not spend time with Porthos, who is important to you."

He grinned.

Over the next few weeks, the crew became used to seeing them together more often. But always acting as they had before. He might put a hand on her elbow or shoulder or barely touching the small of her back. She would not touch him. There was something going on, they all knew it, but it wasn't obvious.

April passed into May and there were firsts. Such as the first time Trip couldn't find the Captain in his quarters. He stopped by a couple of times, finally he called him over the communications system.

"Tucker to Archer."

A moment, "Archer here, Trip. What can I do for you?"

"Cap'n, I've got those engine analyses you wanted to see. I'm standing outside your quarters."

Another moment of silence, "Trip, I'm not there."

"What? Yeah, I know that." Then realizing where he was, "OH. Cap'n, I can show you these in the morning."

"No, that's alright. You can come to T'Pol's quarters and show me."

He did, and it was a little uncomfortable at first, but both Archer and T'Pol asked questions and it was alright.

Another week after that, Hoshi had the other first. She had stopped by the Captain's quarters to give him a report he had asked for. She rang the chime, the door opened, and in she walked.

"Captain, OH. Sub-Commander." She looked around, "I thought the Captain was here."

T'Pol replied calmly, "He is here, but in the shower. May I help you?"

Sato nodded, "Yes, this is just the communications report he was asking for. You know, the one that goes with the science report on the 4th planet. Can you give it to him?"

At T'Pol's nod, Sato smiled, really smiled, and bid her good night. Archer walked back into the room.

"Who was that?" He was rubbing a towel on his head and she tilted her head up, watching him. He saw her watching him and pulled her up, Porthos whined. He had been laying against her leg.

"Sorry, boy, but I want her." She went unresistingly into his arms and he kissed her. They had been 'sneaking' around the ship, since they had returned from Harkarin in March. So far, no one had noticed that they sometimes didn't leave each other's quarters until the next morning.

That had started one week after they had returned to the Enterprise, when Jonathon showed up, very late at night, at T'Pol's cabin.

"Jonathon, what are you doing here?"

He looked at her. Almost not saying why, but then he noticed that her bed was rumpled, with some pads on it.

He took a chance, "I wanted to sleep with you." He put up his hand at her questioningly look, "Just sleep." He grinned like a little boy, "I really liked it when we slept together on Harkarin. One of the few things I did like on Harkarin."

She studied him, "I liked it also, and I would also like to sleep with you." She looked at his other hand.

He grinned, and showed her his overnight bag. "I thought it would be easier to bring some stuff with me."

She nodded, "Logical." He laughed at that and put his bag down on the desk. They met in the middle of the cabin. Holding each other in a tight hug. He breathed in her scent, "I've missed doing this." She tightened her hold on him. "I, too."

After a few minutes, she pulled away, and took his hand. She sat down on the bed, moving the pads to the floor. She pointed to the bathroom, "You can change in there."

Grinning, he grabbed his bag and went and did what he was told. They slept peacefully, the night passing quickly. In the morning, T'Pol was already awake and sitting on the floor meditating when Jonathon woke up. He quietly went into the bathroom and got ready for the day. When he was done, T'Pol was finished. She put out a hand and he pulled her up into his arms. They kissed. Jonathon was still astonished that Vulcans had emotions and T'Pol was so demonstrative. But only in private.

"Good morning. Do you meditate every morning?" "Good morning. Sometimes. It helps to clear my thoughts and put them into order."

Cautiously, "You felt the need to clear your thoughts this morning? Why?"

"This is a curious relationship. One that I thought I would not have, therefore, I meditate to ensure that I am following what I truly want to do."

That was almost a declaration of her feelings and he was stunned into silence. He did the only thing he could. He kissed her, deeply, both enjoying it thoroughly.

He released her slowly, "I guess this means you still want to continue."

"Yes. And you?"

"Yes. I wouldn't have come last night if I didn't want to."

He looked at her and asked, "T'Pol, I'm curious, too. You're very demonstrative. Is it you or are you mimicking Humans?" She arched any eyebrow at him.

Smiling, "Humor me. I'm still trying to get over the shock that Vulcans have emotions." It arched higher, "I know, I know. Even Phlox said that Vulcans have emotions, you just controlled them. Now I know what that means. But the kissing, hugging -- I wasn't sure what to expect."

Shaking his head, "Not that I'm complaining, but I was just wondering."

"I do not have personal experience with other Vulcans. But while we are not demonstrative when others are present, we are demonstrative in private with our mates. The Vulcan gesture is for public."

Smiling, "Good. I just wondered." They continued to enjoy looking at each other, "You know, we've got to go to the bridge shortly."

She nodded. He brushed her check, "Will I see you at breakfast?"

Again she nodded. He quickly kissed her and left. She came into breakfast a short time later, Trip and Archer was already there. She nodded her 'good mornings' and ate her breakfast. She and Jonathon exchanged a look, that Trip almost caught - and he was looking.

After that night, they usually spent one night a week together. They thought it was best to go slowly, even though everything seemed so natural. They needed to make sure this was exactly what they wanted, as the risks were so high.

Also in May, they decided that they needed space in each other's cabins. So they did, making space in a drawer and in the closet. T'Pol had one uniform in Jon's closet and he had one in hers.

One night they were laying in bed and Jonathon asked, "We seem to be able to feel each other's emotions when we touch and sometimes when we don't."

She turned over to look at him, "Yes, it was a surprise for me. I was not sure that as a Vulcan and as a Human we would be able to touch in our minds."

"Remember that one day on Harkarin, I was eating breakfast and you were in the bedroom, I could still feel your emotions."

She leaned against him, "Yes, I deliberately sent those to you. Again, I was not sure I could, but I felt your concern I would not be pleased with your conversation." "Is this the bond you were talking about? Will it get stronger?"

"Yes, it is. I do think it will get stronger as we spend more time together and then if we decide to become mates it will get stronger when we make love."

"How strong?"

"I do not know, we will just have to see." He nodded and kissed her good night. Stopping at kissing was getting difficult for both of them.

Next week when Jonathon arrived for the night, T'Pol asked him, "What do you do with Porthos when you are here?"

Looking at her with curiosity, "What I generally do when I'm on an away team. I set him up with food and water. If I was going to be gone longer than one night, I would ask someone to walk him. Why?"

She pointed to a dog bed she had made up, along with food and water bowls. It was set-up in the well of her desk as she didn't quite have as much room as he did.

Jonathon's face lit up with a smile. He knew she really didn't understand why he had a dog on the ship and the smell did bother her occasionally. He pulled her into a grateful hug, "Love me, love my dog."

She leaned back and looked at him with an arched eyebrow, "Indeed?"

"You know, when you do that all I want to do is kiss you."

"That could be a problem on the bridge."

That was the beginning of Porthos becoming a regular in their relationship and both their cabins.

CONTINUED IN PART 12 Traditions, part 12 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN.

MAY - ENTERPRISE BRIDGE

They finally completed the ship's repairs, after numerous refabrications to meld the Harkarin materials into the ship. Then there was the testing, and then the integration of a few new upgrades into the security and communications systems. But everything was back up to 100%, and now they were ready to begin exploring again. They went into standard orbit around a planet in the second system past Harkarin. The Vulcans hadn't been there and there wasn't any data in the computer libraries on it. So they were to be the first to see and document it. According to the science scans, it had an oxy-nitro atmosphere, and the geology was within Earth-type parameters. Some animal and plant life, but nothing else.

Archer got up from his chair after Travis announced the orbit had been achieved. "Good. T'Pol, Travis, and let's get Ensigns Cutler and Womack, and get down to the planet."

Hoshi knew she wasn't going - there weren't any humanoid life forms. But Trip was disappointed he wouldn't be going down.

Suddenly, "Captain, " rang out across the bridge in familiar Vulcan tones.

'Oh-oh,' thought everyone on the bridge. 'Here we go again.'

Archer turned around, frowning, "Yes, Sub-Commander?"

She looked as she always did, calm and serious, "Captain, I recommend that the away team and I go to the planet first. The planet appears to be unpopulated, but has animal and plant life. After we have completed the initial science surveys, then the other teams could go down to do other surveys."

The crew waited for the Captain to either yell at her or take her into the Ready Room and yell at her. T'Pol, emotionless, was also waiting. While she knew that he would continue to go down to visit planets and that she would continue to go with him, she believed that the Captain and the First Officer should not be together on an initial visit to an unknown planet. And as she was the Science Officer, her skills would be the ones initially needed.

'Damn, I really hate this.' He stared at her, in the past he considered this behavior to be typical Vulcan arrogance, but now he knew better. He looked at her, really looked at her, and then tried to 'feel her' and he realized that she was both very steadfast in her belief and that she was also prepared to be yelled at. He frowned, how many times had he rebuked her in front of the crew, because he didn't understand what she was really saying.

"Tell me, Sub-Commander, what do Vulcan Captains do?" He still sounded angry, but she knew he wasn't.

"It depends, Captain. On planets such as the one below, science teams, with security, go down first. If anything of note is found, the Captain may or may not go down. It would not be logical to send the Captain into danger, if it can be helped."

Everyone's eyes kept moving between the Captain and the Sub-Commander. Waiting. This was the first time she had seriously disagreed with him, in public, since they began their 'exploration,' as the bridge crew was calling it. It was tense. He took a minute to think about it and decided. Staring, hard, at Reed, "Lt, take security and go down to the planet with T'Pol and her science team. Travis, you'll be pilot." He looked over at T'Pol.

The bridge was quiet, then 'Yes, Sirs, rang out and the team members left the bridge. T'Pol nodded to Archer and he felt a smile in her mind. She stopped by his chair, "I will contact you from the surface."

He nodded back once and put a fake smile on his face. He realized that he was worrying, not only about an away team going to the planet, but personally.

The back-up for pilot, security, and science appeared on the bridge. Archer sat in his chair, waiting for the shuttle pod to depart.

Travis' voice came across the intercom, "Enterprise, this is Shuttle Pod 1, requesting permission to depart."

He thumbed the switch, "Granted. Have a good trip. Enterprise out."

As they watched the shuttle depart, Trip came to stand by Archer. When they couldn't see the shuttle any longer, Archer said, "Trip, with me. Hoshi, we'll be in my Ready Room."

Silently they went there and Trip sat down quietly as he watched Archer stalk around the small room.

Finally, "Cap'n, what's the matter? Are you mad at T'Pol? You know, this isn't the first time you've stayed here while she's gone down to a planet."

Glaring at him, "I know that. I'm mad because everyone, including T'Pol, expected me to yell at her."

Trip just nodded. 'Not goin' there.' "Jon, could this also have something to do with you and T'Pol being together?"

That earned him another glare, then Archer looked down, "Maybe."

Trip snorted to himself, 'Yeah, right,' "Well, you know that T'Pol can take care of herself and Malcolm's down there, too. He takes his job very seriously and he'll watch out for her and the others."

Taking a chance, "Jon, I'm gonna say something else, you're probably not going to like."

Archer sighed and sat down in his chair, "What?"

"It really wasn't a bad decision to let the science away team go first."

Exasperated, "I know that, Trip. But I guess I'm worried and I may have over-reacted." Taking a breath, "I guess, I'll just have to get used to it."

Trip nodded, 'Not goin' there either,' "Yeah, and so will T'Pol, when you go down first." Looking around, "Let's go down to the Mess and get some coffee. They won't be landing for another 15 minutes."

"Bridge to Captain Archer."

"Archer here. Go ahead Hoshi." "Sir, the shuttle just called in. They're experiencing some high atmospheric turbulence and are adjusting their course to go around it. They won't be landing for another 20 minutes."

'Great.' "Alright, keep me informed. Archer out."

Looking at Trip, "Let's go get that coffee."

They walked down to the Mess. Some of the crew knew what happened on the bridge, after all it was a small ship. They just watched him, seeing how he acted. It was important for everyone to know that everything was normal. So that's what he gave them.

Twenty minutes later, "Bridge to Captain Archer."

They were just leaving the Mess, "Archer here."

"Sir, the Sub-Commander just called in. They've landed safely and are beginning the surveys. She said she'll contact us later with an update."

Archer internally sighed, "Thank you, Hoshi. Archer out."

"The first update won't be for an hour or so. Trip, you don't have to keep babysitting me. I'll be fine."

Trip looked at him and nodded. He went to Engineering and Archer to the Bridge.

Archer was reading fuel and supply consumption reports when the Away Team called in.

They could barely understand, "T'Pol to Enterprise." There were loud shrieks of static and the message broke up.

Stiffening, Archer answered, "Enterprise here. T'Pol, what's going on down there? Are you in trouble?"

He looked over at Hoshi who was trying to clean-up the signal. "Cap..in, .. atmo..her....no..er ...dow."

'Now what?' "Hoshi, what's wrong with that signal?"

"I don't know, sir. It wasn't like that when she called in the first time."

He looked over at T'Pol's back-up, "Ensign, what can you tell me?"

Ensign Bagera said, "Sir, it came up out of nowhere. A high intensity electro-magnetic disturbance swept over them. I've been monitoring the landing site and the planet since the Sub-Commander's been gone and this is the first time I saw it." He shook his head as he continued to push levers and switches while looking in the viewer.

"T'Pol to Enterprise." That came in very clearly.

"Archer here. T'Pol, what's going on down there?"

"Captain, we are all fine. We were able to find shelter in a cave during the disturbance. It came out of nowhere and then it disappeared the same way. We have started our surveys and we continue to watch for these storms."

In the background they heard Womack shout, "Sub-Commander! Look at these readings!" "Captain, I will contact you again in an hour. T'Pol out."

He shifted in his seat. He hated to be out of touch with what was happening on the planet.

Sixty eternally long minutes passed. Trip had returned to the bridge to hear the next report.

"T'Pol to Enterprise." Jon knew he could count on her 60-minutes.

"Enterprise here. Go ahead, Sub-Commander."

"Captain, the Away Team will be returning to ship. This planet has no other life forms that we can detect. Our surveys have determined that this is planet is a graveyard."

"What? Explain, T'Pol."

"We have determined that there are remains from at least six different species buried on this planet. It seems that while it may be dangerous to live on a planet where high intensity electro-magnetic storms appear that quickly, it would not be dangerous to bury the dead there."

"Alright. C'mon on home, Sub-Commander. Archer out."

Hoshi and Trip exchanged 'yuck' glances. Archer caught it. "Well, Trip, I guess you're glad you didn't go to the planet."

"Yeah, I am. A whole planet of graves. T'Pol probably found it 'interesting'." Everyone froze at his off-hand comment.

Trip looked at Archer with a 'don't kill me' expression. Archer just smirked. He knew that T'Pol didn't care about Trip's comments and if she did, she could take him down a peg or two.

He went back to reading the ever-so-boring consumption reports. Thirty minutes later, "Captain, the Shuttle is requesting permission to board."

He smiled, "Good. I'll go down and meet them."

Archer suddenly realized that something wasn't quite right. He looked around, but didn't see anything. He left the bridge and met up with Trip in the 'lift.

"Where are you going?"

"I want to see if they did any damage to the shuttle." He noticed the expression on Archer's face. "What's wrong?"

Shaking his head in confusion, "I don't know."

They entered the shuttle area as everyone was disembarking. Finally T'Pol and Reed came out. She looked up and met his eyes. He felt pleasure and relief go through him. It wasn't just him, it was also her. It was hard not to smile, except when...

As T'Pol and Reed walked up to them, Archer frowned when he saw the bandage on her arm. "What is that?"

Reed started, he wasn't expecting that. T'Pol was, "Captain, this happened when the E-M storm first occurred. Lt Reed and I were getting everyone into the cave when a tree limb crashed nearby and one of its branches hit me. It is merely a scratch and is no longer bleeding." She looked over at Reed, "The LT pulled me into the cave and then applied a bandage." Reed looked uncomfortable, then Archer nodded at him, "Very good, LT." Reed sighed silently and excused himself.

"Lt."

He turned back to T'Pol, "Thank you for your assistance this afternoon."

He nodded, "You're welcome, Sub-Commander."

Trip was already going over the shuttle pod searching for damage.

Archer and T'Pol were still staring at each other. She extended her hand in the Vulcan gesture, after a moment he placed his fingers on hers.

He was angry she was hurt and that she hadn't told him. She was apologetic, but the cut wasn't serious enough to warrant his worrying over something he couldn't control.

They exchanged emotions, finding understanding. Trip watched them surreptitiously, wondering what they were doing.

Archer finally relaxed a little, "Alright, lets get you to Phlox." He took her by the uninjured arm and they left the shuttle bay. When they were in the 'lift, he pulled her to him.

She leaned back from him after a moment, "Jonathon, what is the matter? I am alright."

He searched her face, and pulled her to him once more, before releasing her, "I felt something was wrong just as the shuttle was coming aboard. Was that our bond?"

Surprised caused both eyebrows to arch, "Yes, it was. I did not think that it was strong enough, yet, for us to be that far away from each other and still be aware."

The walked into Sickbay together. Phlox came out when he heard someone arrive. "Captain, Sub-Commander, how can I... Oh, I see. Sub-Commander, would you please sit on the diagnostic bed?"

Archer helped her up and watched as Phlox unwound the bandage and ran the scanner over it. "Its not very deep. I'll disinfect it, give you a shot of antibiotics, and rewrap it. It should be fine in a day or so." He not only watched T'Pol, but Archer as well. 'Very interesting.'

After they left Sickbay, they went to get something to eat from the Mess. He was still working through his emotions and she felt him doing it. She decided to distract him, "Jonathon, it was very interesting this afternoon."

He looked up in surprise, "You mean about the graves?"

She shook her head, "No, how Lt Reed followed me wherever I went. He had not done that so thoroughly before. I wonder why he did it this time?"

Looking a little chagrined, "Well, he may have gotten that impression this afternoon."

"Really? How would he have gotten that?" She took another bite of her vegetarian dinner.

"Oh, well, I guess, I just sorta asked him." He looked embarrassed.

She touched his hand, sending emotions that let him realize that she wasn't displeased. She understood his concerns, she had them too, and he felt it. He relaxed, smiling at her. She looked at him, "I would like to spend the night with you."

"I was hoping you would."

CONTINUED IN PART 13

Traditions, part 13 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN.

END OF JUNE - ENTERPRISE BRIDGE

There were two other away missions since the one on the planet everyone nicknamed Cemetery. Everyone except T'Pol, she called it SC-592. One was another mission to a planet without any inhabitants. Archer was going, regardless. He was itching to get off the ship for awhile.

T'Pol raised her head from the viewer, where she had been reviewing the sensor reports on the planet. "Captain, I would suggest that you take Ensigns Bagera and Womack with you. They could use more planet-side experience."

He grinned, "Alright, have them meet us in the shuttle bay. Travis, Trip, let's go. T'Pol, you have the bridge."

They heard in the background, "Lt Reed, please assign a security team to the away mission."

Trip looked over at Archer and smirked, "I guess that's payback for havin' Reed follow her around on the cemetery planet."

Archer grimaced, "Where'd you hear that?"

Travis suddenly found the floor of the turbolift very interesting. Archer looked over at him. "Travis?"

"Well, Captain, it was a...sorta funny watching Reed and the Sub-Commander. You know how she looks at people when they do something she doesn't understand."

Tucker snorted, "Poor Malcolm."

Archer asked curiously, "What did she do?"

"She just looked at him for a minute, then she raised an eyebrow. She asked him if he was going to go everywhere with her. He kinda stuttered, then said yes."

They both looked at him waiting for end of the story. "Well?"

Travis shrugged, "I didn't know what she was going to do, but what she did wasn't what I thought all.

They stared at him to finish his story, "She just nodded. She told him to stay back when she was running her scans. That's it."

"That's it?! She nodded?" Trip wanted a better story. Archer grinned.

Trip looked slyly at him, "I guess that maybe you heard more."

Archer looked secretive, "Maybe yes, maybe no." He felt a laugh go through him and smiled.

Trip groused, pointing at him, "And that, what's with these smiles? You smile when there isn't anything to smile about."

Archer spread his hands, "What, I can't smile now?" He halted the 'lift on their quarters deck.

"I've got to stop by and set-up Porthos. Don't forget to get your cold weather gear. T'Pol said the temperature was like Earth autumn, around 50- 55 degrees Fahrenheit."

They nodded and went to their quarters to get their gear. Trip stopped by Archer's quarters after he grabbed his gear.

He popped his head in when the cabin door opened. "Cap'n?"

"C'mon in. I'm just getting Porthos some food."

Trip noticed that Archer had not gotten his coat out yet, so he thought he save him some time. He opened the closet door and reached for the coat. As he was getting the coat, he noticed something strange in Archer's closet. He pulled on the material, bringing it out to look at it. 'Holy...' He knew that they were closer than ever, but hadn't realized they were so close that he kept her clothes in his closet. He grabbed Jon's coat and quickly shut the door.

Archer came out just as Trip turned around. He frowned, "What are you doing?"

Trip's shoulders slumped, then he straightened, "Jon, I'm sorry. I was just getting your coat. I didn't know..." He trailed off.

Archer stared at him, then after a few moments. "Okay. Just don't do it again. My things, all of my things, are private."

Trip nodded, "Yes, sir."

They left Archer's quarters, unnaturally quiet.

Archer glanced over at him, "Okay, Trip, what is it?"

He looked at him, "Jon, you and T'Pol have gotten a lot closer in the last 3-4 months than anyone realized. If you've got her clothes in your quarters, I guess she has yours in hers."

He nodded, "Yeah, she's also got a bed for Porthos and I've got an area where she can meditate. So?"

Trip stopped and just looked at him, kinda like he was some backward cousin. "So Jon, when's the weddin'?"

Jon was so shocked that he froze where he was. He suddenly felt T'Pol - her concern over his well-being, she was sending comfort for whatever the problem was. He smiled. He sent back that he was okay.

Trip pointed at him, "Jon, that smile. What does it mean? You give me the creeps when you do it."

Archer smiled at him, "No, definitely not that."

Trip looked confused, "But why do you do it?"

Still smiling and looking inward, "Because its T'Pol."

Archer walked away leaving Trip with his mouth hanging open. Archer looked back, "C'mon Trip, we've got an away mission." "What the heck does that mean?" Trip jogged to catch up. Archer just smiled at him.

They met the rest of the away team in the shuttle bay. Travis called the bridge requesting permission to depart.

T'Pol answered, "Granted. Contact us when you arrive on the surface. Enterprise out."

While the Enterprise cut communications with the shuttle, Archer and T'Pol remained connected through their bond until it faded away, which was almost to the planet. They both felt bereft by its absence. The mission proceeded without any problems.

The next away mission occurred when they came upon a space station. It was known by Vulcan so they had some information about the station, and they traded with some of its vendors. Jonathon led the first away team and T'Pol went aboard on the second trip, to inspect some of the equipment they had gotten and to investigate some of the databases they offered. She found one that was provided by Rustican traders, that usually provided data that was about 50% factual. The only problem was that you had to figure out which 50% was factual. She was also waiting for a library update from Vulcan and Earth.

She received both as they reached the next planet.

CONTINUED IN PART 14 Traditions, part 14 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN.

AUGUST - BRIDGE

They approached a new solar system, populated with 11 planets. T'Pol reported that the 8th planet had a civilization with a similar technological level to Earth. This was based on population, sensory data of the planetary environment, communications traffic, and the vehicular traffic on and around the planet.

T'Pol had been reviewing the Rustican database and the information it provided had several contradictory statements that she could not validate.

"Captain, according to the Rustican database this planet is called Trentheyia and its part of the Strethan system. In accordance with the scans and the database, all the continents are inhabited and the capital is on the largest one. It is called Trenth. Also, according to this database, they have just recently ceased warfare."

"Warfare? Do any of your scans indicate any continuation of the fighting? Malcolm, what do you see?"

"I concur with the Sub-Commander, there currently isn't active warfare or any in the recent past that I can detect."

Hoshi suddenly broke in, "Excuse me, Sub-Commander, but I am receiving the science database updates from Earth and Vulcan. They've finally reached us through the EARS."

"Please download it into the computer as soon as you are able, but send me the update message."

Hoshi nodded and did as she was asked.

Archer watched the interaction and T'Pol as she quickly scanned the message. He tried not to interfere with her work, but it was difficult. She looked up at him with an eyebrow raised externally, internally with affection in her thoughts.

He smiled back at her. The bridge was getting used to these silent exchanges. She would look at him, he would smile, and they would get back to whatever they were doing.

T'Pol spoke up, "Captain, there are references in the Vulcan database about this planet. I would like to correlate the data from the Rustican and Vulcan databases before -"

She broke off as Hoshi called, "Captain, we're being hailed by the planet."

With a quick look at T'Pol, "Let's hear it."

The UT kicked in quickly, "Welcome. This is the planet Trentheyia and I am Consul Arkot. How may we assist you?

Thank you for your welcome. I am Captain Jonathon Archer of the Starship Enterprise. We are explorers from the planet Earth. Would you allow us to come down and meet with you?"

"Yes, of course. We also like to meet new people. We usually have dinner 1 hour after sundown, which is in one hour. You are welcome to join us. How many of you are coming down? We will make additional seating arrangements."

"Thank you, Consul for your invitation, and we accept. There will be" he did a quick count, "7 of us. If you give us your coordinates, our shuttle will be there in an hour."

"Excellent." He provided them the coordinates, T'Pol automatically sent the medical background for humans and one Vulcan.

He looked around the bridge, "T'Pol, Trip, Hoshi, Travis, Me, and security -"

"Captain." T'Pol interrupted him. "I would prefer to stay here. I need to correlate the information from the databases on the planet. It could be beneficial to the mission to have this information."

Frowning, "Alright, T'Pol. Do it quickly and let me know of any developments. You'll have the bridge. Call Bagera to take your place." She nodded. Looking around the room, "Let's get ready everyone. We'll meet in the shuttle bay in 30 minutes. T'Pol, my Ready Room, please."

The away team called in their back-ups and they left to get ready to go down to the planet. T'Pol followed him to the Ready Room.

Jonathon turned around and asked her, "Why didn't you ask me not to go down until you had the data?"

She arched an eyebrow, "After all of this time, I have determined that the probability that you would not go down to a populated planet extremely low."

He walked over to her, grinning, "I think you're right. But I'll miss not having you there." He pulled her to him, kissing and touching each other in their minds. The thrill of both was intoxicating. Time passed quickly.

"Tucker to Captain Archer."

"Archer here. What do you need, Trip?" He was still wrapped around T'Pol, literally.

"Cap'n, should we expect to spend the night or will we be back?"

T'Pol whispered into his ear, "I hope you will be back tonight, but you should prepare for staying the night. I will take care of Porthos."

Sighing, "I'm not planning on staying the night, Trip, but we should probably be prepared for that possibility."

"Okay, I'll tell the others. See you at the shuttle in 15."

"Archer out." Letting T'Pol go, "I've got to get ready. I really will miss you."

"And I you. Be careful. I will let you know what I find out from the data."

The Away Team went down to the planet. Arkot meet them, "Captain Archer? Welcome to Trentheyia. I hope you enjoy your visit with us."

"Thank you, Consol Arkot. May I introduce everyone?" He did so, and Arkot directed them to a grand and official looking building, explaining its purpose.

"Trenth is our capital city and this is our government center. Our consortium meets here lead by our Premier."

Jonathon nodded. Arkot lead them through the building, telling them about Trenth. They exchanged information about their respective governments and other general information about their planets. It was rather boring, but always the first step with making new friends.

A half an hour later, "Captain. It is time for dinner. Thank you for sending down your medical information. We don't like to poison people we've just met." Everyone laughed and went into the outdoor dining area.

"I hope you don't mind, eating outside. Half of our year is cold, and we were also at war with the continent south of us. We haven't been able to eat outside until the cease-fire. We missed it terribly."

"No, we don't mind at all." Looking at Arkot, "Consol, you were at war? Its not noticeable."

He sighed, "No Captain, its not noticeable only because we've worked night and day to get everything back into shape." Shaking his head, "War is a tragedy, and even more so when it was a mistake that caused it. A MISTAKE." They all started in surprise.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to yell. But politicians," shaking his head, "sometimes we are the most stupid of people."

Archer smiled, "Well, sir, some are and some aren't. I hope that you've been able to overcome your differences."

"Yes. Thankfully, we were able to come to our senses. Neither side really wanted war. We just weren't understanding each other very well." Gesturing at him, "I'm sure you know how that is."

Nodding, thinking about T'Pol, "Yes, our planet has done the same. Hopefully we'll never do so again." As he thought about T'Pol, he briefly felt a warm touch from her. Their range was getting wider. He smiled, Trip shook his head as he watched him.

They had reached their table. There were place settings and seats enough for both parties. They each chose one and stood behind it, waiting to be shown what to do by their hosts.

Arkot reached for his goblet, gesturing for the others to follow suit. "Captain, this is our world drink, Uninum." He raised his goblet, "To Peace," and took a drink.

"To Peace," everyone repeated and took a drink.

They sat down to dinner.

ON-BOARD THE ENTERPRISE

T'Pol was researching the data from Vulcan. It had gotten the information about Trentheyia from Orion traders and it wasn't validated, but if you paid well, you could generally count on the information being correct, at least most of it. It allowed a premise to be developed, which the Vulcans could use when, and if, they contacted them. The Orions also knew that if the data was bad, Vulcan wouldn't be so generous next time.

As she correlated the Rustican and Orion information, she came across mentions of their war, the cease-fire, and the reconstruction. There was also mention of the reparations and agreements. One was the world drink, Uninum, a cross of both their people's drink, and that each side would drink to peace. Another was that each side would interact more. In the past they hadn't, and it enabled the misunderstanding which led to war and the loss of approximately 1M people. What the Orion database said, that the Rustican didn't, was that the people on the lower continent weren't native to the planet. They came to the planet centuries before anyone knew they were there. They prospered, just like the people on the northern continents. Yet, even when they first found each other, while they were still suspect, they still talked and reached agreements. They shared technology and each benefited. When one group was hurt due to plagues or famine or flood, the other would help. This went on for three centuries, but they really didn't get involved in each other's societies. Only few members from each society choose to live in the other's. They kept themselves separate.

She suddenly stopped, she looked inwardly, and she felt Jonathon thinking about her. She sent a touch back to him.

Rustican said that currently there was an intermingling of the two peoples. They were fully compatible and were encouraged to attend each other's learning institutions, have representatives in each others governmental bodies, open businesses, and even trying to cultivate personal relationships.

At the end of the Vulcan database, the Orions had appended a chemical breakdown of the world drink. She didn't recognize some of the components, but she did of the others. She had a suspicion.

"Bridge to Dr. Phlox."

"Phlox here, Sub-Commander, what can I do for you?"

"Doctor, I am sending you the chemical breakdown of this world's official drink. Would you please analyze it?"

"Certainly. I'll get back with you. Phlox out."

Reed had been listening to the conversation, "Sub-Commander, do you think something is wrong?"

"At this time, there is no evidence that anything is wrong. I am merely covering all the bases?"

He nodded at her use of the metaphor. He pursued this, "But do you think that anything is wrong? Should we be concerned about the drink?"

She looked over at him, evaluating, "Lt Reed, would you and Ensign Womack review the databases and provide me with your analysis?"

Womack and Reed exchanged 'ah well' glances, "Yes, Ma'am." They started their review.

After an hour, "Phlox to Bridge."

"T'Pol here, go ahead Doctor."

"Sub-Commander, the chemical composition you sent me. Its very interesting."

T'Pol arched an eyebrow, "What is the composition, Doctor?"

"Its an aphrodisiac."

Womack whispered to Reed, "Make love, not war."

CONTINUED IN PART 15 Traditions, part 15 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN.

T'Pol looked over at Womack and Reed, as she heard the whisper. "Explain, Doctor."

"The components of the world drink cause a reaction when it is drunk. Its quite a complex interaction and I doubt it would happen naturally and would effect most species that drink it."

"Ensign Womack, explain your comment to Lt Reed."

Womack looked a little uncomfortable, it wasn't easy working for a Vulcan. "Ma'am, they've just stopped a war, they've decided that they need to intermingle to prevent misunderstandings in the future. One of the best ways to prevent war is to have common interests, common needs. So, if the intermingling contains inter-marriages, and they're still somewhat afraid to take that step, then this drink could reduce inhibitions."

T'Pol considered this. "Then your statement, means what?"

"In the 20th century, there was a revolt in the population of the United States and around the world. 'Make Love, Not War was the standard used against a war." She shrugged, "This world evidently has taken it further than as a standard, they've ensured it by chemical means."

T'Pol looked at her, considering her evaluation, "I concur." Womack silently sighed in relief and pride. When you can get a Vulcan to concur, you've done well.

Reed asked, "Sub-Commander, does this mean the away team is in trouble?"

She arched an eyebrow.

"If the Away Team has drunk the world drink, they may be experiencing its effects."

ON PLANET

The dinner had progressed and they had several toasts with the goblets being refilled each time. They were feeling - happy, relaxed. The people around the room were friendly and Uninum continued to flow. Archer found out that the people at the dinner were actually from both the northern and southern continents. They were intelligent, witty, and funny. The men and women good-looking. He missed T'Pol.

As he was thinking about T'Pol, he noticed that Tucker seemed to be paying a lot of attention to Hoshi. Attention she didn't seem to mind at all. Travis was talking with a Trentheyian young woman, and so were Ensign Bagera and the security team.

Archer stood up when Arkot walked around the table to him, "Captain, you don't seem to be enjoying the company this evening." He gestured to the Away Team and the other tables. A beautiful woman walked over to them and put her arm through Archer's, leaning against him.

Arkot smiled, "Captain, may I introduce Arthena? She's from the southern continent and she's a Doctor of Medicine. She's quite brilliant, both medically and politically."

Archer awkwardly smiled at her, strangely he was becoming attracted to her. Where in the world did that come from? He wanted T'Pol, not this woman. He really wished T'Pol were there. He was starting to feel very strange, almost lightheaded. It was getting worse as Arthena leaned against him.

Tucker looked up at Archer and the woman, "Jon, ya' know, T'Pol's not going to like that."

Arthena asked, "T'Pol? Who is that?"

Before Archer could answer, Tucker did, "She's his er..wife.." He pointed at the woman, "And that's not something you should be doing."

Sato nodded as she leaned against Trip. "Yeah, she definitely wouldn't like that." She gestured towards Archer and Arthena.

Out of the darkness, "Indeed, I would not." T'Pol stepped into the candlelight from the shadows.

'Thank God,' Jon sighed when T'Pol appeared. His desire for her raced through him, burning him. He stalked up to T'Pol, shaking off Arthena without a thought. He grabbed T'Pol and crushed her against him, feeling the intensity of her thoughts and his emotions. He moved into those desires, pulling her along with him. The drink was removing the restraint he normally used with T'Pol. He wanted her and didn't want to talk anymore or think about anything else.

Arkot walked over, the UT translated, "Mrs. Archer, its a pleasure to meet you, I am Consol Arkot. I'm sorry that you weren't able to join us earlier."

Swallowing - controlling the emotions that Jonathon was projecting into her, T'Pol nodded, "I am also sorry that I was not able to join you earlier. I was working and just now able to come down. Your dinner appears very...interesting."

Archer had moved around behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against him.

"Yes," Arkot looked around beaming, "we are pleased." He gestured towards Archer who had leaned down and was now nuzzling her neck.

"The Captain appears to have missed you, Mrs. Archer. We were wondering why he wasn't joining with one of us."

Initially, Trip and the others were shocked at seeing what Archer was doing, as he and T'Pol never did anything like that in public. But the drink was good, they were relaxed, and that's how they acted.

Trip leaned back and said, "Mrs. Archer, yep, we're glad you're here. He was gettin' to be a regular ole stick in the mud." He leaned over and kissed Hoshi.

In a dry voice, "Commander, I am also glad I am here."

Both Trip and Hoshi looked up at her tone, it wasn't pleased. They momentarily tried to shake off the effects, but it didn't work long. "Well, Mrs. Archer, Ma'am," he frowned, forgetting what he was going to say, "would you like some wine?"

"No, thank you, Commander."

T'Pol was trying not to be overwhelmed by Jon. He was focused on what he was doing, and that was seducing her. She was still controlling and trying to observe the Enterprise crew. They were a lost cause. Travis had just left with a young woman and the others were probably close to it.

T'Pol's communicator went off. "T'Pol here." The communicator sound only mildly disturbed Archer. "Hmmm?" He forgot about it. T'Pol was his entire universe.

"Sub-Commander, how is the away team?" Reed called down.

Her reply was muffled as Jon decided to turn her in his arms. "What was that Sub-Commander?"

"The away team is being affected by the drink. We will not be able to return this evening by shuttle as Ensign Mayweather has gone off somewhere with a female. You will remain in command while we are on the planet. Please do not forget to walk Porthos."

"Yes, Ma'am. If you need anything, we'll be here."

"Acknowledged, T'Pol out." Jonathon barely waited until she had signed off, then kissed her, his intentions undisguised. The desire was curling around them, almost an entity of its own.

It was getting late, Bagera and one of the security team had also disappeared with Trentheyian women. Trip and Hoshi were getting extremely close and the remaining security ensign was about to give up the fight to stay on-duty with his Captain or go with the woman. He looked one more time at Captain Archer. He was kissing the Sub-Commander and Ensign's hormones said enough was enough and he was gone.

Smiling, Arkot walked over to them. "Captain Archer, Mrs. Archer, may we provide you with a room? Also, for those two?" Indulgently looking at Trip and Hoshi.

T'Pol agreed, "Yes, thank you." He led them to two rooms, side-by-side. "Good night. We'll see you in the morning." Trip and Hoshi had already gone into their room and Archer pulled her in, barely a breath after Arkot said good night.

His sole intent was to make love with T'Pol. He walked her backwards over to the bed and pressed her down onto it. T'Pol knew that she could stop this. She could use the neck pinch and let him sleep it off. Which she was tempted to do.

But deep in his subconscious, unaffected by the drink, was his love and need for her. It was sober, serious, and very deep. And he desperately wanted to release it. He normally contained it, restraining his deep feelings, to allow T'Pol to make her decision without pressure from him. But tonight it crashed to the surface.

As she felt his true desires, she found they were a match to hers. She made the decision that now was the time to acknowledge them. They weren't on board the Enterprise, thereby giving them some privacy. She was also over-controlling her needs a lot more lately. While she tried to analyze her thoughts, Jonathon was concentrating solely on making love to her, and she realized that the decision was already made, they were just procrastinating.

As they were kissing, laying wrapped together on the bed, she brought their minds together. She initiated the mate bond. She took his emotions, the overwhelming need for her, the physical desires between them, and escalated them. She intertwined their minds, making them one. All they were missing was the Vulcan ceremony. The surprise, the awe, the love they had for one another and were hiding to protect the other, stunned them in its simplicity.

The bond wove itself together, a tapestry of their thoughts and their feelings, culminating in a mating of the mind and the body. 'Kali-farr,' sounded deep in her Vulcan subconscious and reverberated into his. They were one in all ways. A Vulcan bond witness could not have done better.

CONTINUED IN PART 16 Traditions, part 16 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN.

THE NEXT MORNING

Archer slowly woke up. He had had the best dream yet. He and T'Pol had finally made love, they were bond-mates. It was everything he thought it would be and so much more. They made incredible love several times that night - well, they did in his dreams. As was normal lately, he felt T'Pol in bed with him. They were spending more nights together than separately.

He suddenly realized that it wasn't a dream. He felt T'Pol in his mind, more so than he had before. It felt wonderful. He felt awful. It woke T'Pol up.

She slowly rolled over to him, leaning her chin on the back of her hand, resting it on his chest. 'Oh My God.' She was naked, absolutely lovely. He just stared at her in awe. He loved her so much.

'Jonathon, I love you, too.' No words were exchanged He stared at her.

Then, "T'Pol, what happened last night... I'm so sorry."

"For what?" She reached out and touched his jaw. Drawing her hand down to his chest, moving lower.

He grabbed her hand before it went any further. "For what! For last night. I..." He frowned, "Wait a minute, I can't take advantage of you. You let last night happen."

He looked at her, half accusatory, half in wonder.

She looked back, with her own gaze sensual, tempting, "Yes, I did." Truthfully, "I almost did render you unconscious, but I saw your thoughts, unclouded, but released by the drink. They were deep in your mind, protected. They matched mine."

She moved her hand, trailing it down to his waist and below. He just watched her, stunned. He was taking in what she was saying and feeling. It was breathtaking and inspiring - in many different ways.

"I wanted you to be my mate and you wanted to be mine. We are now mated." She watched him, "Are you disturbed?"

He thought hard as something rose in his mind. 'Kali-farr.'

She looked at him, 'Yes. It means we are bonded together for a lifetime.'

'Good.' Then matching her gaze with a searing one of his own, "It was a beautiful dream, but its a better reality. I am more than...I don't know how to say what I am." But they didn't have to say anything. She felt his feelings, he felt hers. He moved over her and they again were one.

A while later, a knock sounded. 'You mentioned locks last time. Are the doors locked?'

'Even though you were quite emphatic last night, I did manage to lock the door.' They smiled at each other, a wide one from Jonathon, a slight one from T'Pol. Yet the emotions inside made up for the external differences.

Trip called out, "Captain, we're having breakfast out here."

Archer called back, "Give us 15 minutes and we'll be out."

'15 minutes? We have to take showers yet. -- Oh.'

'Oh, is right. Let's get ready.' They did.

When they emerged from their room, they found Trip and Hoshi eating breakfast, looking somewhat uncomfortable. Archer and T'Pol weren't uncomfortable at all. Sheepishly, the rest of the away team came into breakfast.

Archer and T'Pol continued to have a silent conversation and Archer smiled at T'Pol as they got breakfast.

"Captain Archer, Mrs. Archer." Arkot came over to them, "How are you this morning? You look well." Archer and T'Pol both turned to look at him.

'Mrs. Archer?' The Away Team stopped eating and looked up. They heard Arkot calling T'Pol Mrs. Archer last night, but this morning was different. They waited to see how they reacted.

Smiling, Jonathon answered, "Good Morning, Consol. We're well, it was a good night."

Trip choked on his coffee. T'Pol looked at him without expression. She arched an eyebrow. He decided to get back at her.

"Mrs. Archer, ma'am, please have a seat." He waved her to a chair, he thought he was teasing her, and with luck, embarrassing her.

"Thank you, Commander." She took the seat. No embarrassment at all. Archer looked at Trip and grinned. He sat down next to her.

"So, Trip, Hoshi, was how your night?" They squirmed.

After a moment Trip replied, "Well, evidently not as well as yours. I guess being married makes some folks really...happy."

Grinning, taking a drink of a caffeine beverage, "I guess so."

Trip tried to choke again. Everyone else looked at them.

Archer looked over at Arkot, "Consol, I would like to thank you on behalf of my ship for the hospitality you have shown us. I would like to come back again, would that be alright?"

Arkot smiled over at him, "Captain, you, your wife, and your crew are always welcome." Looking at them, "That's a very interesting concept - your wife on your starship with you."

T'Pol's communicator signaled, "T'Pol here." She walked a few steps from the table.

"Sub-Commander, how is everything down there? When are you returning to the ship?'

"Everything is fine, Lt. We should be returning shortly."

"Ma'am, did our hypothesis prove out?"

"Yes, it did. I will explain it later. T'Pol, out." With that she turned around to see everyone, including Archer and Arkot, watching her.

He asked her in the bond, 'What hypothesis? What made you come down last night?' Sending her a sizzling thought, 'Not that I mind in the least.'

She walked back to Archer, standing next to him. 'Nor I. But I will tell you in the shuttle.' Archer nodded, then turned back to Arkot. "T'Pol is also my Science Officer and Second in Command."

Trip and Hoshi exchanged glances when Archer said it that way. Trip whispered, "What do you think of that?" She shrugged.

Arkot considered that, "Well, that would make space travel less lonely and keep families together." He nodded, "Again, you are always welcome. Please stop by and visit with us again."

Archer thanked Arkot, for his hospitality and they went to the shuttle. The trip back was going to be alittle tight. They had one extra passenger.

'Jonathon, I can transport back to the ship. I transported down and all was well.'

'NO. One extra passenger will not effect anything. You know that. If you have to sit on my lap, then we'll do it.'

She raised an eyebrow at that comment, and Trip and Hoshi watched, wondering what in the world was going on.

Travis asked, "Captain, are we ready to go?"

Archer nodded and stared at T'Pol until she got into the shuttle. He and the rest followed her. Everyone took a seat, leaving one seat open.

'Jonathon, I can stand. I will stand by you, if you wish.'

'If I wish.' He gave her a heated glance, 'There's a lot I wish, and I'll let you know what they are.'

An eyebrow arched, 'I look forward to it.' His look became even more heated.

Everyone watched trying to appear not to watch, 'Before we give the crew too much to talk about, I will stand beside you. If the trip becomes turbulent, I may take advantage of your offer.' She paused, 'Of a seat.'

He laughed out loud. "Sub-Commander, please stand over here. Mayweather, when you're ready, we are."

CONTINUED IN PART 17 Traditions, part 17 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN.

During the return trip to the ship, T'Pol explained the conclusions that they had reached during the analysis of the database information.

Archer was feeling very good, especially with T'Pol wedged in between his shoulder and the wall, grasping the back of the seat he was sitting on. 'Make love, not war?'

'Yes, it was very apt. Lt Reed and Ensign Womack performed satisfactorily with their analysis.'

They were speaking silently to each other and the others were watching, still wondering what universe they were in.

Trip spoke up, "So, T'Pol, how did you know it was the wine?"

"When I was reviewing information provided by the Orions, there was the chemical composition for the drink appended at the end. I was familiar with some of the components and their potential use, but not with the others. I asked Dr. Phlox to analyze it and he confirmed what I suspected."

Hoshi, chuckled, "Make love, not war. I haven't heard that in years. But I guess its true on this planet. Their war must have been terrible to go to such lengths."

Bagera was next, "Sub-Commander, I was able to take some scans last night." She nodded at him to continue. "Well, you know when you said that one of the databases reported that the people from the southern continent were from a different planet?" This time she arched an eyebrow, and he continued. "My preliminary scans suggest differently. I would like to have Dr. Phlox also analyze them, but I would suggest that perhaps they are from the same planet, but evolved differently."

Archer frowned, "What would that mean?" Bagera shrugged, shook his head, and looked at T'Pol. She had a far-away look on her face.

"T'Pol, I understand your reluctance to hypothesize, but?"

"Captain." Somehow that didn't sound incongruous coming from a person wedged in behind him. Vulcans had a lot of dignity, when anyone else would be embarrassed.

She felt him chuckle in her mind, which she returned with affection. She looked at him emotionlessly, "While I would recommend that Ensign Bargera and Dr. Phlox analyze the scans, it may suggest genetic deviation due to environmental changes. We will have to wait and see what the scans tell us. We were also able to take more detailed scans of the planet from orbit. Perhaps between the two we can develop a premise."

Trip rolled his eyes at her statement, it was so Vulcan-like. They both looked at him. "So, Captain, how are you -" He stopped at Archer's look.

Travis spoke up, "Sir, we're coming up on the Enterprise." Everyone looked forward and heard him request permission to dock.

He leaned against T'Pol, docking could be bumpy. Not normally, but still. 'T'Pol, we need to talk about everything, but we need to get to the bridge. Tonight, dinner then my quarters.'

'Agreed.'

CONTINUED IN PART 18 Traditions, part 18 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN.

Everyone went to their respective duty stations to be briefed by their replacements and take over the stations. Reed turned over the bridge to Archer and briefed him and T'Pol on what happened while they were gone. "Captain, Sub-Commander, I walked and fed Porthos last night and this morning. I also just fed him his lunch."

Archer nodded, grinning at him. "Malcolm, thank you for taking care of Porthos for me. I really appreciate it."

"Not at all, sir." With that he went over to his station. Archer then turned to look at T'Pol who was running some checks on her station. 'How in the world did you get Malcolm to take care of Porthos? He's only a little more eager to do it than you used to be.'

She glanced up at him, then back to her board, 'I asked him. He did not seem to mind.'

He frowned at her, 'You just asked him?'

'Yes. Is there a problem?' He felt through her mind that she didn't understand what he was getting at.

'Well, I always thought he paid you a little too much attention. And not in the line of duty either.' Jealously crept through the bond.

'Jonathon.' He looked over at her, and she looked at him. She looked at him with her normal expression - then she let her feelings for him flow through the bond. Immersing him in them. Her love, her trust, her need. He relaxed, 'I'm sorry. I'm suddenly jealous of everyone. I want to take you off somewhere alone and be there for awhile.' He sent back his love, his trust, and his need.

'It will take some time to realize that this is permanent. There are no others. We are one.' That was sent to him with such calm surety that he smiled as he stared at her in relief.

Archer went to the Ready Room to review the logs while he was gone, leaving T'Pol in charge of the bridge. Trip came to see him.

Trip took a seat, a deep breath, then jumped in it, "Jon, can I ask you what's going on with you and T'Pol? I know that you're very close, and that you're sleeping with each other, but somethin' has changed. What's with this Mrs. Archer stuff? And with neither of you correcting it? Was it just an act?" Stopping, he slowly released his breath, he may have just lost his friend.

Archer stared at him. Angry. T'Pol widened the link, 'What is wrong?' He told her what Trip said. 'He is one of your best friends and concerned about you. I do not mind you telling him about us. However, there is much we need to discuss and make decisions about.'

He agreed with her, not realizing that he physically nodded too.

Trip said, "Yeah?" When Archer looked puzzled, "You just nodded. What did it mean?"

Leaning back in his chair, "Trip, you're my friend and I can understand why you're asking me these questions. I'm not happy about it, but I understand."

Taking a drink of coffee, "Okay, I'll answer what I can. You know that T'Pol and I were working on a relationship. Well, it finally happened. We've mated,' shrugging, "or married, depending on your point of view. We did it in the way of Vulcan."

Staring at him hard, "I need a promise from you not to tell anyone what I'm going to tell you."

Trip looked confused at the question, "Of course, Jon. What you tell me stays here. What is it?"

"Vulcans are touch telepaths."

"What?" Then thinking about it, "OH. All those smiles of yours for no reason."

Then looking confused, "But if they're touch telepaths, which explains a lot about their attitude, how can you explain the smiles?"

Grinning, "We've been developing a bond over the last several months. We began it, unintentionally, long before Harkarin. It started on its own. I guess, that's why T'Pol and I had been arguing alittle."

Trip tried to hide his smirk, during that 'little' episode, the ship had been betting who would hit whom first.

Ignoring Trip's expression, "Since Harkarin, we've been able to share emotions with each other."

Trip looked shocked. Archer continued, "Its been getting stronger. You remember when T'Pol was hurt on the cemetery planet? I felt something was wrong as the shuttle was landing in the shuttle bay."

Trip nodded, "That expression on your face. You said you didn't know what was wrong."

"It didn't make sense until I saw her."

"You can feel her that far away? That's...I don't know what that is."

Nodding, "Last night, I felt her when I was on the planet and she was still on-board Enterprise."

"When you smiled during the banquet and there wasn't anything to smile about?"

"Its absolutely the most amazing thing I have ever felt." Archer drifted away, smiling in memory.

Trip watched him, "Is that T'Pol now?"

"No, I'm trying not to interfere with her doing her work. Its just me."

"So, what happened last night? You bonded or married or whatever - what does that mean?"

"It means that we now not only exchange feelings, but we can talk with one another in our minds. We're never separate, we're just a thought away. We're together 'until death due us part.' That's how it is with Vulcan bonds."

They were silent. Trip shook his head, "That's huge. Then on top of that, Vulcans are telepaths - does that means she's been reading our minds? Or other Vulcans have been?"

"No. Remember the touch part. But it does mean that Vulcans don't touch other beings because they don't want to be flooded with anyone else's thoughts and feelings. It appears as disdain and arrogance."

Shrugging, "Which sometimes it is, but would you want anyone else's feelings running around in you?"

Shaking his head, "No. But I've touched T'Pol before..." Archer frowned. "No, not like that. Jeez, alittle jealous, Jon?"

Archer looked at him, then sighed, "Maybe. I think its because its so new. Anyway, if you've touched T'Pol, she strengthened her normal shields to keep you out. I guess all Vulcans have them."

They sat together thinking about everything. "So this bond you're talking about doesn't need touching to work?" Jon nodded. "Is T'Pol going to be upset that you've told me all this?"

"No. She said that she understood and that it was okay with her." Trip looked surprised at that.

"When did she say that?"

"When you first came in. She wanted to know what was wrong and I told her. She left it up to me tell you what I wanted."

Trip looked searchingly at him, "Do you love her?"

A beaming smile lit his face, "Yes, I do. And before you ask, she loves me."

Looking confused, "But she's a Vulcan, how do you know?"

"Trip, you can't lie in the mind."

"Oh." Staring him - seeing his happiness and pleasure, "Heck, Jon, if you're happy, then I'm happy. When's the weddin? And I'm calling dibs on Best Man."

Archer looked at him affectionately, "You're awfully accepting of my bond with T'Pol. I really appreciate it, but why?"

Leaning back against the couch, "Jon, you've never been happier -heck even T'Pol's been alittle easier to get along with - for the rest, well, if you want to be with T'Pol forever, then screw anyone else. But I can't wait to see what Starfleet and the High Command are going to say."

They laughed. "So, what happens next? Do you live together or what?"

Shrugging, "I don't know. I know what I want, but we'll have to make some decisions.

T'Pol sent, 'Jonathon, it is shift change. I will meet you in the Captain's Dining Room.'

'I'll be right there.'

"Well, Trip, I hope that answers your questions. Its time for dinner." He got up and they walked out of the room.

"Great. I'm starving." Archer looked at him and nodded. 'Oh, well.'

'Do not be concerned, Jonathon. I do not mind him being there for dinner. But afterwards I might.'

He chuckled, 'You! Nowhere in my plans is there any mention of the Chief Engineer.'

'Oh? Can you tell me what your plans are?' The bond started to reflect their desires and Archer's look began to change to one of hunger, but not for food.

'Jonathon, concentrate on the food first. Or Commander Tucker will get the wrong impression.' A caress, 'You will need your energy.'

'Thanks, that helps.'

'I could bring the consumption reports.'

He laughed out loud, 'We're about there.'

'I will be there in approximately 3 minutes. I stopped by Sickbay in regards to the scan analysis.'

'Did you find-' Archer was stopped by Trip starting to talk.

"Jon, are you alright? You've had 3 different expressions on your face since we left the Ready Room. And then you laughed for no reason." Realization, "Was that T'Pol?"

Archer ducked his head a little, then brought it back up, grinning. "Yeah, it was. She'll meet us there, she stopped by Sickbay about those analyses on Trentheyia."

"Geesh, Jon. I'm sorry. I didn't think about that. Do you want to have dinner alone with her? I can eat dinner with Hoshi or Malcolm." He started to pull away.

Archer smiled, "No, that's alright. T'Pol is fine with you having dinner with us." They both looked surprised at how that sounded. Very married.

Then they both laughed. Trip grinned, "I guess we'll have to get used to you saying that stuff like that."

"Yeah." Archer was truly happy with that and shared it with T'Pol.

She was so touched by what he sent her, that she momentarily froze in her conversation with Phlox. As she had training in using her telepathy since it appeared in childhood, she was able to maintain two separate conversations. But no training could prevent the slight hesitation when Jonathon shared his feelings with her. She send a caress of love back to him.

Phlox looked at her, curiously, "Sub-Commander, is there something wrong?" He smiled at her knowingly.

She considered his look. "I am fine, Doctor. However, is there anything you would like to tell me?"

He continued to smile, "Well, I'm pretty confident that most of the bridge crew and myself have been able to put two and two together. Especially when everyone on the planet last night and this morning was calling you Mrs. Archer, and neither one of you corrected it."

She arched both eyebrows, "I see." She shielded the link. "Do you foresee any problems that we should be aware of?"

Archer and Trip were getting their supper and sitting down, when Archer felt T'Pol shield the link. He frowned.

"What's wrong, Jon?"

He continued to frown as he tried to reach T'Pol, "I don't know. I know she's there, but I can't get through to her."

"If there was a problem, she would let you know, wouldn't she?"

Nodding, "Yeah, she would. Let's eat." They both started to eat, Archer somewhat abstractedly.

CONTINUED IN PART 19 Traditions, part 19 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN.

She felt Jonathon trying to reach her, so she reached out to him, 'Jonathon, I will be late to dinner. Doctor Phlox wanted to talk to me about something.'

'Alright, but why did you do whatever you did to the bond? Do you want me there?'

'No. But if I do, I will let you know. I shielded the bond. I am sorry, I was going to show you how to do it this evening. Even bond mates need to shield from the other. We will still be aware of each other, but not constantly in the forefront of each other's minds.'

'Okay, you needed privacy for whatever Phlox is going to tell you.' He was alittle hurt about that and she felt it.

She quickly told him, 'Jonathon, I am sorry. I did not mean to hurt you. I will unshield the bond. I was going to tell you what the doctor said this evening.'

'No, don't do that. You felt the need to shield, while the Doctor tells you whatever it is. You can tell me tonight.'

'Thank you. Sometimes it helps me to wait and understand what someone tells me, before I share it with you.'

The love she felt for him was overwhelming. She began In Vulcan, 'T'hy'la, I cherish thee,' and finished in English, 'I am sorry that I caused you distress.'

Jonathon smiled, 'T'hy'la - that's a lovely word. What does it mean?'

'It means friend, lover, lifelong companion. I will meet you in your cabin.'

Jonathon looked up at Trip, who was looking back at him with resigned amusement on his face. "I think that you guys need to spend some time together - a honeymoon, maybe. What do you think?"

Archer smiled, "Yeah. Probably wouldn't hurt, but there's no place to go right now."

Trip smiled at him, "I think that I can do something about that. Why don't I take the bridge tomorrow - get Womack or Bagera to take T'Pol's place and give you guys the day off." Smirking, "We know where you'll be, if we need you."

Archer sat back in his chair, thinking about that. "I'll ask T'Pol, but I think we may take you up on that."

"Why don't you just ask her now?"

"She's talking to Phlox right now. She'll meet me in my cabin."

They finished eating. Archer stopped by the chef, and asked to have a dinner for T'Pol delivered to his quarters. The Chef nodded, smiled knowingly, and said it would be there shortly. Archer returned the smile, wondering about it.

Meanwhile, T'Pol and Phlox were still in Sickbay. Phlox pointed to his office, and they both sat down. "Doctor, do you see any problems we should be aware of?"

Phlox smiled, he liked this relationship. It was going to be hard, but he thought worth the effort.

"Well, Sub-Commander, you already know all about the prejudices against Vulcans on this ship and on Earth. You've been here for the entire voyage, and they've accepted you as their Second in Command. Now you've bonded?" He questioned the use of the term.

She nodded. "Now you've bonded with their Captain. It will put some strain on that understanding until they get used to that. By the way, what is the Vulcan word for the bond?"

She tilted her head, "It is farr. Why?"

"It is only my small suggestion, and you can take it for what its worth, but I would suggest that you slowly display emotion towards the Captain. Occasionally use a Vulcan word, an occasional touch. Everyone has seen the Captain touch you, but have never seen you touch him back."

He leaned back watching T'Pol think about that. She looked at him, "Do you believe the crew will be upset about the Captain being with a Vulcan?"

"Upset?" Shrugging, "Perhaps a few. Most have gotten used to you. The way you two fight, the way you conduct yourselves, the way you're almost always together."

She thought about what he was saying. "They know that you're Vulcan, but they'll need to see more between you two. That it isn't one-sided."

Waving his hand at her expression, "As I said, they know you're Vulcan." He recited the normal things said about Vulcans. "You don't touch other beings, you don't have emotions, you look down on others races. Superior to everyone."

She said softly, "Vulcans have as many frailties as other races."

"Yes, I know that, but you're stronger than humans and you're touch telepaths."

She raised her eyes to stare at him. "How do I know this? I'm a doctor. I don't know much more than that as the Vulcan medical database provided to me from the Vulcan Science Academy didn't have much information. You're a very private people."

Saying into the silence, "I also know that Vulcans and Humans can't procreate together right now."

She nodded. "We have discussed this." She automatically heightened the shielding on the bond, she was uncomfortable having this conversation with the doctor.

Archer frowned in concern, but he went back reading more reports. He trusted her to tell him what was wrong.

T'Pol retreated further into her Vulcan facade, and Phlox said, "However, Vulcan, Denoblia, and Earth are doing genetic experiments. Who knows what we'll find. Do you wish to be kept abreast of any promising developments?"

She thought about that, children meant a lot to both of them. But space travel and all the possible things that could go wrong could make having children impossible, regardless of the species.

"Yes. We expect to be childless, but I would appreciate your watching for developments."

She stood up, "Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate what you have told me." She left Sickbay.

Phlox watcher her leave and shook his head, 'Vulcans are such a private people. Its no wonder there are so many misunderstandings.'

T'Pol silently walked through the corridors of the ship. She almost went into her quarters to escape. Almost. But she didn't, she went to Jonathon. Her adun.

CONTINUED IN PART 20 Traditions, part 20 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN.

Jonathon was waiting. Trying to be patient. He knew she was upset by something and he was waiting for her to tell him about it.

He tried to read his reports. But all he could think about was how disquieted she was.

Finally, 'Jonathon, Doctor Phlox and I are finished.'

'Are you alright? Where are you?'

"Yes. I'm almost to your quarters.'

'If you ring the chime, I'll be upset.' He felt her slight amusement at that.

She walked into his cabin and turned to look at him at his desk. They looked at each other, he felt her emotions and twisted his chair to get up out of it. She didn't let him. She quickly walked over and sat down on his lap, their arms going around each other. He held her tightly against him.

Jonathon was surprised that she sat down on his lap. He didn't think she would, it was too human. But then what did he really know of Vulcan intimacy.

'That is it exactly.'

'What?'

She told him about her conversation with Phlox, keeping nothing back.

He thought about that, "Well, maybe he's right. Maybe we need to show some affection outside of our cabins."

"Perhaps. It is not normal for Vulcans, but I can try." They were talking out loud, but feeling each other's emotions.

She gently teased him, "I do not think it would be appropriate for us to do this in the Captain's chair."

A thought quickly passed through his mind. She replied to his mind, 'Jonathon, I do not think the bridge is ever without someone on it.'

He just smiled at her. "What about Vulcan words or phrases Do Vulcans use nicknames, like Honey, Sweetheart..." He trailed off at her look. One eyebrow was outside the ship.

"What?"

"We do not have as many humans do, but we have a few." She had leaned back to look at him.

"You already know one, T'hy'la. Another is Aisha which means love. There is also Adun and Aduna meaning life mates."

They sat that way for a few minutes, just enjoying it and themselves. Then she started again, "There is also something I need to tell you about Vulcans." He looked at her, "Why do I have the feeling that this is big?"

An eyebrow arched, "Perhaps because you are feeling my thoughts?"

He sighed at her, "I was being figurative."

At her look, "Okay, tell me. You've got my interest peaked."

She squirmed around on his lap, he said, "Aisha, tell me what this is."

She looked up at him with a smile in her thoughts, and he felt her take a deep mental breath, "It is Pon Farr."

He frowned, "Pon Farr? What is that?"

She looked over his shoulder, "It is the time of mating. Vulcan mating."

"Isn't that what we did last night?"

She shook her head, "No, that was making love and creating our bond. Pon Farr has nothing to do with that, at least not in the beginning." She still wouldn't look at him.

"T'Pol, please look at me. Is it dangerous?"

She did and shrugged, "It is a blood fever which comes to all Vulcan adults every 7 years. If it is not quenched, we die." Her voice got quieter, "Our bodies and minds force us to claim a mate. Physically and mentally."

"Die? Forced to mate?"

She nodded looking away again, this was very private, even in Vulcan society. "In approximately 3 standard years I will enter Pon Farr. At that time, I and my Vulcan mate would claim each other and enter into a....frenzy of love-making while the needs of the blood fever are quenched."

She took a breath and continued, "It is very physical, almost animalistic.

Still not sure he was getting it, "But you've got a mate, me. Will you still go into this Pon Farr? You won't die?"

"No, I will not die. But, yes I will still go into Pon Farr. It won't be as driving as it would be with a claiming, and because I am female, but it still will be physical."

"What will happen?"

She leaned against him taking solace, deep in thought, he leaned his head against hers. "I will project my thoughts and needs and desires into you. You will need to claim them and calm them. We will...have sex several times. In the beginning, it will be very mentally intense, very physically intense. Rough. You may want to restrain me, so I do not hurt you."

She felt his objection begin to form, "Jonathon, I almost crushed the wrist of another. Remember Vulcan is a high gravity world. I do not want to hurt you. You must do what you need to get us through that initial period. After that, it will change into the lovemaking we experienced last night."

She glanced up at him, "But still will be as intense. You will notice the desires will not be as animalistic or thoughtless as originally. The intensity will remain for the first 3 days."

'What?' "Days? Did you say days?" He tried to think about that, "T'Pol, I'm only human - days?"

She snuggled against him, "You will share my desires and my mind will trigger responses in yours to match the need."

Trying to take all of that in, 'That's amazing. How many days?'

'Anywhere from 5 to 7 days.'

They continued to sit there thinking, but feeling very much as one, complete.

"There's alot about Vulcan I don't know, isn't there?"

"Yes, but I do not know what to tell you."

He hugged her, "We'll just have to wait and see what happens." They continued to sit there, enjoying the moment.

Now it was time to enjoy more things. He slipped his arm under her legs and picked her up, she wrapped her arms around his neck.

The chime rang and in walked Trip, Hoshi, Malcolm, and the Doctor. They froze on seeing the Captain carrying T'Pol in his arms.

'Locks, didn't we agree about locks?' 'Yes, but evidently we forgot to reset it after I came in.'

Archer was frowning at the intruders as he lowered T'Pol to the floor.

The intruders were intensely embarrassed. Trip managed to get out, "Cap'n, Sub-Commander, the door just opened when I touched..." He broke off. Malcolm had turned away in embarrassment and Hoshi was looking at the floor. Phlox was smiling at them.

Jonathon felt amusement run through him, T'Pol thought it was funny. 'Who knew you had this funny side?'

'I did.' He mock glared at her. 'They are embarrassed. We will have to be more careful in the future.'

He was fighting a smile as he said, "Commander, Lieutenant, Ensign, Doctor, what can we do for you?"

Hoshi tried, "Ahh, Captain, Commander Tucker told us about his offer to you and the Sub-Commander, and we wanted to let you know that we would do anything we can for you two."

She trailed off as she saw Archer smile at her, she quickly glanced at the Sub-Commander. She didn't look severe, just her normal expression, but there appeared to be a smile in her eyes. At least Hoshi thought so.

It was T'Pol who spoke up, "Thank you, Ensign. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated." Archer had quickly told her what Tucker had offered.

Taking some recently offered advice from the doctor, "I believe that my Adun and I will accept your offer for tomorrow."

Phlox smiled even more at her attempt. Archer smiled, too.

Trip and Reed looked confused with that term, while Hoshi smiled. "Adun?"

Hoshi answered, "It means life partner." She looked at her group, then said, "Captain, Sub-Commander, 'Mene Sakkhet Ur-Seveh'"

T'Pol bowed her head in acknowledgement and replied, "May you also Live Long and Prosper."

This time Hoshi could have sworn there was a smile in the Sub-Commander's eyes. Archer grinned.

Archer said, "So, we'll be back on-duty then the day after tomorrow. If you need us, call first."

They all laughed at that and filed out. He thought about what Hoshi had done.

"T'Pol, will Vulcan accept our bond?"

"Jonathon, they will have no choice. But to be recognized in Vulcan society as a bonded couple, we will need to have a Vulcan bonding ceremony attended by some member of my family."

He looked shocked. 'Yes, you now have Vulcan in-laws. They will also be shocked. You have that in common.'

'Will they accept me?' 'Kaiidth - What is - is.'

"Jonathon, will Earth recognize our bond?" She already knew the answer, but he needed to say it.

He looked at her, "There should be a wedding." He chuckled at his missing the point. He pulled her close to him, "T'Pol, will you marry me?"

"Ha mene, Aisha."

He looked at her, "I said, 'Yes, for life, my love'."

He pulled her down to the bed, "I guess I should start learning Vulcan."

"I guess." That was all they spoke for the next couple of hours.

CONTINUED IN PART 21