Traditions

by Witezon

The developing relationship between Archer and T'Pol

4. Traditions parts 31 through 40

Traditions, part 31 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN.

By sunset everyone was awake and gathering around the kitchen campfire. Narket walked over to Jonathon.

"It is time to eat, then we travel towards the mountains." He led them over to where T'Pol and Hoshi had built their 'crock pot.' Jonathon looked at it apprehensively, exchanging glances with Trip. T'Pol and Hoshi looked at Kataan, who gestured at them to open it up.

The away team watched T'Pol and Hoshi kneel down and slowly take away the stones, eventually using branches to move the hottest away. They finally uncovered the vegetables and the meat. The smell. T'Pol leaned back. Hoshi and everyone else leaned forward. It smelled great!

Kataan smiled. "T'Pol, that smells very good. Would you like to serve it?"

Shaking her head, "No, thank you. Please, you may do so."

Everyone was sitting down and eating. T'Pol had taken a vegetable packet with some bread and went to sit beside Jonathon, but not too close.

He shook his head, grinning at her. 'Aisha, this is great. I'm impressed.' Teasingly, 'Are you sure you don't want to be the Chef?'

She arched an eyebrow at him and ate her vegetables. After dinner, they poured water on the cook fires, grabbed their packs, and started their trek to the mountain.

They walked in single file quietly through the darkness and the trees. Narket and two of his villagers led the way, with Jonathon and his away team directly behind them.

Narket suddenly stopped and gestured for quiet. Everyone looked around, trying to hear or see something. They finally saw a light flickering through the trees.

Jonathon looked at Narket and they silently agreed. Everyone spread out in pairs. Archer with Watson, T'Pol with Mantusco, and Tucker and Hoshi. The villagers also spread out in pairs.

They slowly went towards the light. Taking protection from behind the trees, they were stunned at what they saw.

A prisoner camp. Guards with energy weapons, overseeing others who were pushing wagons filled with something. They looked over the area, finding 4 guards and about 10 workers. Only two flood lights, one in the middle of the camp and the other at the far end. At the opposite end, towards the mine entrance, was a ship. It was very small, maybe one or two people at most. It looked like a sleek shuttlecraft.

After watching the area for 15 minutes, everyone pulled back. Archer gestured for Watson to stay and continue to watch.

They pulled back about 25 meters and gathered closely together. Talking lowly, "Narket, those workers appear to the villagers. But do you know who the others are?"

Nodding his head, front to back, "No, I've never seen anything like those people before. But I saw our villagers, did you see yours?" "No, I didn't. He may be inside the mountain."

'Jonathon, I believe they may be mining energy amplification crystals. I also believe the guards are Orions.'

Looking at T'Pol, 'Orions? But I've seen Orions. Besides being green, they don't look much like them.'

'Not all Orions look the same. Vulcan has circumstantial evidence that Orions are slave traders, using the black markets to buy and sell beings and good.'

Trip softly asked, "Jon, what do you want to do?"

Looking around the circle and ending up at Narket, "Narket, I want to free the workers and go into the mine. But we'll need to have a safe area where the workers can go to. Will you provide that safe place?"

Slowly tilting his head side to side, "Yes. We will protect them. But how will you get in? You don't have any weapons."

"Oh, we'll think of something. Thank you, I appreciate your help. We'll send the workers out to you. I hope we'll see you soon."

With that the Enterprise Away Team went back to the tree line where Watson waited.

"No change, Captain. But I did notice that the guards don't patrol, and no one else seems to be here. No guard shack or anything. They just stand there. If we stun or knock them out, we should be able to get into the mine. I haven't seen anyone come out of the mine, so I would assume that there are more guards down there."

Nodding and grinning, "Good thinking, Watson. Let's take out the guards, tie them up, and go down into the mine."

They all nodded, except T'Pol. Archer continued, "Trip, I need you to look over that ship. Can it be used? Hoshi, once we've taken care of the guards, you get the workers to Narket. Watson, you'll stay here with Trip and Hoshi. Mantusco, you'll go with me and T'Pol."

T'Pol still didn't say anything. He looked at her, 'T'Pol, is there a problem?' Everyone looked at them, then away, keeping an eye out around the area.

'No. However, ' he furrowed his brow, 'there is the possibility that if we incapacitate the guards, it may be noticed. They may be required to make timely communication checks."

'Okay, what's your recommendation?'

As I said, I do not have a problem with what you propose to do, but we need to ensure that the team staying on the ground is aware of this potential problem and be prepared to handle it.'

'Agreed. I'll brief them, you scan the area.'

Which they did. T'Pol found nothing in their immediate area and they split into four groups. They decided that since they couldn't detect anyone else, they would stun them with their phasers.

After stunning the 4 guards, Archer pointed out Narket, who was standing in the tree line, to the workers. He waved them over. They quickly dropped their tools and slipped into the trees.

A few minutes later Archer, T'Pol, and Mantusco crept into the mine. Trip was looking over the ship, Watson was watching the perimeter, and Hoshi was trying to detect any communications.

They continued slowly creeping down the side of the tunnel. T'Pol followed Archer with her scanner out, searching for any bio-forms. Mantusco brought up the rear. They saw a light further down and went towards it.

She whispered, "Captain, I am detecting several life forms ahead. Only 3 appear to be Orion." Nodding, he gestured them forward with his phase pistol.

Almost at the entrance, he pointed Mantusco to the other wall and at the Orion Mantusco was to stun. T'Pol studied her scanner one more time, then slipped it into her pocket. She would go low and Jonathon high. Each of them found their target. Again he nodded, and everyone took their shot.

In the sudden silence, T'Pol took out her scanner. Nothing. No one was coming. She shook her head.

Taking one last look around, they stepped out of the tunnel into a large room. It was decrepit. The equipment was old and dented, there was a corner filled with garbage. The villagers, who looked just as dirty and dented, cautiously watched them. They all had the reddened skin and light eyes of Narket and Kataan.

Jonathon spoke to the villagers, "Narket, from the village Hartan is outside in the forest. He is waiting for you." They just watched him. He tried again, "Its alright. My...guard will escort you to Narket and he will take you home."

Mantusco gestured to the tunnel and the villagers slowly left, then more quickly, in fear that he would change his mind.

That left one being behind. He was less reddened than the others and had dark eyes. Jonathon looked at T'Pol, 'Go ahead. I think I can take him if he does anything.' She arched an eyebrow and started the detailed analysis of the mining operation.

Jonathon took a few steps towards the being. "I am Captain Jonathon Archer. Who are you?"

One shoulder shrugged, "I am Stenbar Z'Ozzarius of the Clan Z'Ozzarius, from the next planet, Ocannath. Are you from a starship?"

Nodding, "Yes, we're from the planet Earth. Our ship is in orbit around this planet. How did you get here?"

Both shoulders shrugged, "My ship was hit by something when I was orbiting Ocannath during a final test flight." Looking hopefully skeptical, "Have you seen my ship?"

"Yes. My Engineer is looking at it now. What can you tell me about this operation?"

"Not much. Those green skinned creatures just grabbed me out of my ship and threw me down here with the locals. We have been digging up crystals and they've been taking them away."

T'Pol finished her scans, one also of Stenbar, and came back over.

Jonathon asked, "Are there any others here?"

Shrugging both shoulders, "No. We were it. I don't think they had much interest in having a lot of diggers." Then he turned around. Stenbar stared at T'Pol. He'd never seen anyone quite like her before. She was exotic. Her dark eyes and long dark hair. Her eyebrows were something he'd never seen before, but very enticing. Her skin was a different color, too. She was utterly beautiful.

Jonathon noticed Stenbar's admiration of T'Pol. He should get used to this, she was exotic and other males found her to be attractive. Sure, she was Vulcan and that turned most people off, but she was still attractive, and that Vulcan uniform she wore. She got more than her share of stares. He remembered many nights spent trying not to think about how she filled out her uniform.

Jonathon looked at her, in an appraising way. He ran his eyes over her, seeing her through Stenbar's eyes. He was feeling a deeply masculine possessiveness - MINE.

She looked up at him with both eyebrow's raised, then over at Stenbar. One eyebrow lowered. "Captain, I do not detect any other bio-signs in this area. We should go to the surface."

He nodded. T'Pol turned and left. Stenbar still hadn't taken his eyes off of her. "Captain Archer?"

"Yes, Stenbar?"

He sighed as T'Pol walked away from them, up into the tunnel, "Who is that? I've never seen anyone quite like her before."

T'Pol was steadfastly ignoring Jonathon and his hormones. Archer patted Stenbar's shoulder, "That's Sub-Commander Archer."

Stenbar froze, then grinned, "I would say she is not your sister."

With a big smile on his face, Jonathon patted Stenbar's shoulder, "No, definitely not my sister. Let's go to the surface and see what's happening up there."

Once on the surface, they gathered around Stenbar's ship. Trip gave a report, "Captain, the ship's had some damage, but she's repairable. Not down here, but I can get her in working again."

Watson added, "Sir, all of the villagers are with Narket. We've not seen anyone else on the planet. The Orions are waking up. We can stun them again."

Stenbar was still watching T'Pol, more discreetly, but still struck by her. Archer shook his head. 'Jonathon, what is wrong?'

'I guess I'm feeling alittle possessive. I don't like him looking at you like that, but on the other hand, I'm extremely pleased that you're mine.'

'You mean you're extremely pleased that someone is looking at your mate in a sexually appraising manner and you know she is yours."

Jonathon frowned, 'Sexually appraising!'

'You do it all the time, Aisha. As do I.'

Archer had grimaced, then pleased she 'appraised him.'

He looked at her, 'Sorry, love. I get jealous sometimes.'

'I know. I also note when females appraise your attributes and am illogically pleased that you are mine.' He walked over to stand beside her, smiling, 'I'm pleased that you feel that way.'

Stenbar had been talking with Trip about his ship. He took a quick look over his shoulder at T'Pol.

Tucker sighed to himself. He'd seen it before. Some Vulcans gave off this mystique of sexuality. Jonathon was the only non-Vulcan who'd ever tried to, and was successful in, crossing that line.

Stenbar asked Tucker, "Commander, I appreciate what you have done for my ship. Do you think that I could repair her?" He took another look at T'Pol.

Tucker replied, "Yeah, I think that you could and she should be space- worthy."

Looking back at the ship, "The Sub-Commander is very attractive. We've all noticed." He was trying to ease the situation.

Sighing, Stenbar looked at the ground, then over at Trip, "Yes. I suppose that is very rude of me. I have never seen a woman like her before. Sub- Commander Archer is very beautiful. I would imagine that many are envious of Captain Archer."

Trip blinked, then, "Yeah, Sub-Commander 'Archer' is, and the Captain is very jealous. So we act like we don't notice."

Nodding, "That is a very good strategy. I will do it." With that he went off to examine the other side of the ship.

Trip decided to have some fun, "Sub-Commander Archer?"

T'Pol had turned towards Tucker, and both eyebrows rose at what he called her. 'Jonathon, why would Commander Tucker call me Sub-Commander Archer?'

Mentally stumbling, 'Well, ahm, I may have told Stenbar that was your name when he asked about you.' He felt her gentle amusement. 'You know, after we're married, according to Earth custom you may or may not take my last name as yours.' Frowning, 'Wait a minute, I don't even know your last name!'

In the few seconds that conversation lasted, T'Pol answered Trip. "Yes, Commander?"

Hoshi and the security guards stopped at Commander Tucker's comments. They waited to see if T'Pol cut him down a few notches or ignored him as she usually did.

'You should be glad that Vulcan custom does not require you to take my family name or even say it.'

Archer got a familiar smile on his face that told the others they were talking to each other.

Trip with a smirk, "Sub-Commander Archer, were you able to analyze what type of crystals they are? Can we use them?"

T'Pol regarded him with an unemotional expression, she was familiar with Tucker's teasing. "Yes, I did. You could use them in security or engineering - after they are refined."

Archer had walked up behind her, into her personal space. Getting into the conversation, "Do you think you can refine them, Commander?"

Knowing he couldn't, he sighed, "No, Captain."

T'Pol looked over her shoulder at Jonathon, "Captain, perhaps we could take some on-board for possible refining in the future."

Grinning back at her, "Good idea. Let's do it, Sub-Commander Archer." She looked at him with a hint of amusement in her eyes. Her face reflected nothing. 'I believe that you would be pleased if I chose to use your last name after we are married in a Earth ceremony.'

He studied her, 'Yeah, for some reason it would. I guess it means I'm being proprietary. Does that bother you?'

Considering her answer, then going back to her scanner, 'No. How do you believe others see our bond? It is very proprietary - it supercedes all else. Names, families. We have chosen to be one. Very proprietary.'

His gaze darkened, 'I have this sudden need to go back to the ship.'

Her gaze was equally as dark, 'I agree, but we are not able to right now. However,' she mentally caressed him and teasingly stroked his emotions, 'I look forward to our return.'

He loved it when she was playful like this. He grinned at her. He knew better than to tease her back. He learned that the hard way, at least when they weren't able to do anything about it. He'd done it twice. The first time he hadn't realized what exactly he'd done, but the second time was almost a learning experiment - for both of them. By teasing T'Pol he'd released a Vulcan predator. And he was the prey.

Oh, boy. She stalked him. Silently, swiftly. She began by staring at him intently, never letting up. A stare that drilled right into him. It was intense, unrelenting, and incredibly sexual. It made him feel both stimulated and alittle unsure what was happening. He found out quickly enough when they got to their quarters. She practically tore his clothes off and threw him on the bed. She took control of him, mentally and physically. When she was done with him, he had a few bruises which lasted for days. Along with a smile that wouldn't stop for days.

T'Pol was chagrinned and ashamed. She had a difficult time looking at him and kept apologizing. He reassured her - told her to look into his mind - that it was okay, he liked it. Wouldn't want to do it like that every time, but he enjoyed it. She eased into his mind and felt what he felt, but she couldn't seem to get over it.

It must have been one of the few times she had almost lost total control. They had made love after that, but she'd been subdued, almost afraid of herself.

So, he triggered it again. This time he wanted to show her she had some control, so he did it a few minutes before their bridge shift ended. Oh, boy.

That could have been a mistake. He felt the change in her. The passion raising. He looked over at her station and saw her looking at her station. He was confused. He looked again, and found her looking at him. Deeply, darkly. Non-blinking. Then he noticed that Hoshi and Travis were looking around. Even Malcolm was being affected.

In his mind, 'Jonathon, when you do that, be prepared for the consequences. I can work like this, can you? Can the others?' She then sent her sexual heat into his mind and it slowly burned its way through his body. Oh, boy. His collar was getting tight. Travis was stretching his neck and Hoshi was fanning herself. Malcolm looked very discomfitted. She was making a point and sexual heat was something a Vulcan could project.

Suddenly the pressure was lifted. Carefully he looked around. T'Pol had gotten up from her station, and said, "Captain, permission to leave the bridge?" He nodded. 'Where are you going?' She arched an eyebrow and seared him with her needs.

Oh, boy. He twisted in his chair, trying to find relief. Tucker suddenly walked out of the 'lift. He looked uncomfortable, too. "Cap'n, is something wrong with T'Pol?'

Frowning, "Not that I know of, why?"

Pulling at his collar, "I don't know, just..." he trailed off at Archer's look. "Nothing, sir."

Nodding, "Good. You have the bridge, Commander." With that he left.

He learned that when you twist the tail of the tiger, you can get scratched and she learned that she could control when he teased her like that. More smiles for days, that went along with the few bruises and a slight sprain that Phlox had to take care of. Phlox's only reaction was a smile and a warning about sleeping Vulcans.

CONTINUED IN PART 32 Traditions, part 32 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN

BACK TO THE PLANET

Archer had Trip and Mantusco go and pick-up their shuttle and come back and take them to the ship. There they would make enough repairs to Stenbar's ship so he could return to his planet.

Jonathon left T'Pol in charge of the mining area and went to find Narket.

He found him just inside the tree line. "Narket, how is everyone?"

Narket tilted his head side to side. "They are fine. We will be going back to our campsite soon. Do you want to come with us?"

Shaking his head, "No, thank you, Narket. We will be traveling back to our village today. I wanted to tell you that I really appreciate all of your help."

"You found your village member?"

"Yes, we did. His family will be glad to have him home."

Narket stared at him, finally, "You are not from nearby, are you? "

"No, we're not from nearby. We traveled a long way to come here and find our village member."

Narket pointed at T'Pol and everyone in the ground area, "Are they from your village?"

Grinning, "Yes, T'Pol is my wife, and everyone there is from my village. Our village is called Enterprise."

Consideringly, Narket tilted his head sideways again in concurrence, "May your village always find peace, Jonathon."

Seriously, "And yours also, Narket." With that Narket, turned and left. Jonathon continued to watch him, then returned to mine area.

He went up to T'Pol, "When's Trip due back?"

"He should be here in 65 minutes, Captain. He's going around Narket and the other villagers."

"I'm going to talk with Stenbar."

She said, "Yes, Captain." Her thoughts said, 'I presume you will keep your hormones in check?'

Grimacing at her, 'Yes, Sub-Commander Archer.'

Archer went over to Stenbar's ship, finding him looking at some damage. They talked for the entire time, while waiting for the shuttle to return. Archer learned that they had just discovered warp drive a few years ago, but hadn't gotten as far as Earth had. They talked about space exploration, politics, families, and eventually women.

Stenbar looked at his ship, then Archer. "Jonathon, I hope you forgive me for..." He glanced at T'Pol.

Smiling, he nodded, "Sure. T'Pol ignores anything like that. If it were a problem, she'd handle it."

"T'Pol is an unusual name. It doesn't sound like Jonathon or Hoshi or Tucker. It is constructed differently."

At Jonathon's surprise, he nodded, "I am also learning about other languages. My culture believes that it is important to learn about other cultures and how the language is put together is just as important as how engines are put together."

Carefully nodding, "Yes, it is put together differently. She's not from the same place as the rest of us."

"Ah," nodding, "that would explain her physical differences."

Taking a quick look at her, "She is quite different. But quite lovely."

Looking at his ship again, "What does she do on your ship?"

Frowning, "She's my First Officer and Science Officer."

In shock Stenbar looked at him. "Your First Officer. Does that mean that she's in charge when you're not there?"

At Archer's nod, he exclaimed, "That is absolutely fascinating. Females on my planet are gaining much ground in business and politics, but to be second in command of a starship. That is startling."

Still excited, "Science Officer must mean she's an academician, therefore very intelligent."

Still frowning, "You seem very interested in my wife. Why?"

Swinging his hand to the left, "Well, I have a woman I am interested in. She is also an engineer, but my family wants me to wed a woman who will provide me with heirs and raise them in our ways."

Nodding, but staying silent. He thought about T'Pol. "That's a difficult decision you're faced with."

"How did you decide?" Stenbar stared at him.

Shrugging, "We just did. We weighed all the factors and made our decision. I guess you'll have to do the same."

'Jonathon? The shuttle is about to arrive.'

The shuttle appeared over the trees and started landing procedures. Stenbar watched in amazement.

"It is huge. I wasn't sure what to expect. Is this how we are going to your ship? How will we get my ship up there?"

Smiling at his enthusiasm, "Yes, this is how we're getting up to the ship. We'll attach your ship to ours and bring it aboard."

The shuttle landed in the middle of the area. The doors opened and Trip and Mantusco got out. Watson had tied up the Orions earlier, and T'Pol had gotten the location of their ship from them. Archer told them that if they didn't leave the system, they'd take them to the nearest Vulcan ship (merely a threat, but they didn't know that).

They waited until the Orions had gotten on-board their shuttle, after they removed any weapons. Archer pulled out his communicator.

"Archer to Enterprise."

Reed replied, "Enterprise here, sir."

"Lt. Reed, there's an Orion shuttlecraft taking off from the planet. Track it, make sure it leaves the system. If it deviates, disable it. We'll be up shortly with a visitor."

"Aye, sir. We'll be tracking it. Enterprise out."

They watched the shuttle take-off and leave the planet's atmosphere.

A few minutes later, "Enterprise to Captain Archer. We're tracking the shuttle."

"Good, Lt. We're getting ready to depart the planet. Archer out."

He went over to where Trip was getting the grapplers ready to grab Stenbar's shuttle.

"Are you ready, Trip?"

"Yeah, I think so. I'll need T'Pol to help me, though."

Jonathon called out to everyone, "Okay, let's get going."

Tucker got in and went to sit down in the pilot's seat. He called out to T'Pol, "Sub-Commander, I'll need your help up here."

She nodded and went to sit in the other seat. Archer, Stenbar and the rest took their seats in the back area. Stenbar watch T'Pol and her interactions with Tucker. Archer sighed internally.

As the shuttlecraft rose into the air and then hovered, Hoshi whispered to Archer, "Stenbar certainly seems interested in the Sub-Commander."

He frowned at her. She settled back into her seat.

Archer tried to start a conversation, but Stenbar was too interested in what was happening in the front of the shuttle to be much of a conversationalist.

Tucker and T'Pol conferred. She read off the coordinates and their distances to the smaller ship.

Finally, "Commander, you are on target."

Tucker answered, with his attention focused on what he was doing, "Aye, Ma'am. Engaging grapplers...grapplers are in contact with the craft...grapplers are locked."

T'Pol checked the sensors to validate the connection. "Connections confirmed." T'Pol toggled a few more switches and nodded to Trip, "We are ready to depart."

He powered up and they lifted into the atmosphere.

Archer watched her, 'I'm sorry about Stenbar. He's absolutely fascinated by you, but now I think its half you being exotically beautiful and half you're my First Officer.'

'How do you feel about that?'

'Well, at first I was possessive, then I was amused, now I'm just getting tired of it. What about you?'

'I am unsure of how to proceed. It is distracting to be the focus of such intense regard that is not yours.'

He watched her push her hair back further off her shoulder. 'I was going to say, just be yourself, but I'm not sure how our guest will react to your ears.'

He could feel her arching an eyebrow, 'My ears? In what way?'

Releasing a breath, 'When I was talking with Stenbar he was telling me about his planet. They haven't dealt with many other beings yet - only those that look like him.' He stopped he didn't know how to go on from there.

'If I understand you correctly, you believe that my Vulcan appearance would be unsettling to Stenbar at this time of their development.'

He could feel her distaste, 'What if I send you to the bridge and I stay with our guest. Trip should be able to get the ship space-worthy in about 3-4 hours.'

'That would be a solution, as I am the most non-Occannath being on-board - besides the Doctor.'

'I'm going to have to make this up to you, aren't I?' She thought nothing.

Great. The Enterprise came into view. T'Pol toggled the communications system, "T'Pol to Enterprise. Requesting permission to dock."

"Acknowledged, Sub-Commander. You have permission to dock." The docking doors were opening.

Stenbar was staring at the Enterprise, but still asked Archer, "Why did she said T'Pol to Enterprise? I thought you had the same last name?"

Everyone heard the comment and stole glances at T'Pol. Thank God she was a Vulcan, she didn't react to any of it, but Jonathon knew he was in trouble.

They landed in the docking bay and opened the shuttle doors. Phlox had found no contamination in the environment, so, thankfully, they didn't need to go through decontamination. He didn't know what he do with Stenbar in decontamination with T'Pol. Probably knock him out. When they left the shuttle bay, T'Pol and Archer exchanged glances.

"Sub-Commander, I'll take Stenbar to some guest quarters and then to engineering for his ship. You'll have the bridge."

She nodded and everyone left. "Ensign Sato, do you have a moment?"

Hoshi was surprised, but, "Sure. Is there something I can do for you?"

"Yes, I was wondering if I could get some hair connectors from you? I will be wearing this wig on the bridge and need to arrange it." "Aren't you going to take it off?"

T'Pol arched an eyebrow, then said, "The Captain believes it will confuse our guest to see my ears. You humans are closer physically to him than I."

Hoshi stared at her, "Oh, he's in trouble, isn't he?"

T'Pol didn't answer, so Hoshi quickly said, "Yes, Ma'am. I have some hair pins. Uh, you know how to put it up, don't you?"

They had reached Hoshi's quarters by then and she quickly got the pins. "Yes, thank you, Ensign."

Hoshi stood there with a bemused expression on her face. She quickly changed and got to the bridge.

She saw that T'Pol hadn't arrived yet, probably the hair. Reed, Travis, and Bagera were there. Hondo, her relief, left when she arrived.

She decided to say something, "Ah, guys, when the Sub-Commander arrives, she may be wearing her wig because of the guest." They looked at her confused.

Travis, "Why? What does the wig have to do with that guy?"

Bagera guessed. "Its her ears, isn't it? He didn't see them without her wig and now she has to wear it while he's here."

She nodded. She looked at Reed, "She may also call herself something other than Sub-Commander T'Pol."

Reed, dumbfounded, "What? Why?"

She took a breath, "Well, the what is Sub-Commander Archer. The why is because he's infatuated with her, can barely take his eyes off of her and Captain Archer..." She trailed off. They just stared at her.

Reed nodded. Travis snorted and looked at his board. Bagera shook his head. Reed said, "Thanks for the heads up."

Travis muttered, "Bet he's in trouble." Everyone pretended they didn't hear that, but secretly agreed.

The 'lift opened and T'Pol walked out. With wig on. She was absolutely stunning. The long hair was swept up into an obviously Vulcan hairstyle that covered her ears. Functional, but beautiful. They all stared at her.

Hoshi finally spoke up, "Sub-Commander, that's a wonderful style. Could you show me how to do that?"

She nodded once, "Yes." She got down to business, "Lt Reed, status please."

Reed nodded, shocked, then pulled himself together. The others took advantage of Reed's surprise and got themselves controlled.

"Yes, Ma'am. The Orion shuttle has left the system and we've not detected any intrusions from other ships." She nodded and sat down in the Captain's chair. She started going over the reports and individual statuses in the PADDs. She also had Reed develop a plan to target the mine entrance. She wanted to make a recommendation to the Captain to bring down the mine entrance to make the planet less valuable to the Orions.

An hour later, "Archer to...Archer." One eyebrow rose. The bridge crew froze and immediately went back to work.

"Go ahead, Captain."

"We're on our way to the Bridge. Stenbar wants to see it before he leaves. Trip should be finished in 30 minutes."

"Yes, Captain." 'T'Pol, you are going to forgive me? I really am sorry. But can you tell me what you're bothered by?'

'I am not bothered about being called Sub-Commander Archer. I do find it distasteful to hide my ears on-board the ship. However, you are not incorrect in your request and I am, as you humans say, 'dealing with it'.'

'As we humans say? Okay. You'll let me know what I need to do to get past this?'

'I will meditate on it.' He grimaced and they exited the 'lift. T'Pol rose at their entrance and both of them froze, staring at her.

'You are absolutely beautiful. I think I'm gonna have to hurt Stenbar if he doesn't put his eyes back in his head.'

Archer took Stenbar by the arm and pulled him down to the center. Stenbar didn't know what to look at first. Her uniform or her face and hair or the whole thing at once.

He finally spoke, "Sub-Commander Archer, if your husband permits, you are very beautiful."

She nodded and moved to stand behind Bagera at her station. Stenbar's eyes followed her every move. The others on the bridge sympathized with Archer's concern and with T'Pol. She wouldn't appreciate his constant regard. They didn't appreciate it either.

T'Pol looked at Travis, "Ensign Mayweather, please bring us around to view the planet Ocannath."

"Aye, Sub-Commander."

Probably the only thing to pry his eyes off of T'Pol was his home planet.

He slowly absorbed the view of his planet. "It is so small, and yet so beautiful. You can't even see the pain my planet is undergoing."

He whispered, "The eastern part of Occannath is not speaking with the western part. Talks start up, then break down. It is shameful." He looked back at Archer, then over at T'Pol.

She was the controlled Vulcan, but Jonathon was getting angry. The bridge could see his shoulders tense.

Reed spoke up, "Sub-Commander Archer, I've targeted the mine entrance and calculated the power needed to collapse it." Archer looked at him in surprise.

"Thank you, Lt." She turned to Archer, "Captain, to make the planet less valuable to other races who would want the mines, I have asked Lt Reed to calculate the necessary action to collapse the entrance. With your permission, we will do that."

'So you want to blow something up?' She blinked.

"Alright, Sub-Commander. Bring down the mine."

She nodded at Reed. They saw the torpedo streak away from the ship and then waited for his report.

A few moments later, "Ma'am, we have an explosion on the planet."

She turned to look at Bagera. He nodded, "I can confirm the collapse of the mine entrance, Sub-Commander Archer. Damage around the entrance is minimal."

"Thank you, Lt Reed - Ensign Bagera."

Stenbar hadn't taken his eyes off of her. He was enthralled by this woman. Beautiful, intelligent, and a command officer.

Arched frowned again. Forcing a grin to his face, he stood, "Stenbar, I believe that your ship is ready to go home. Let's get you down to it."

Smiling, "Yes, Captain. I am looking forward to going home, very much."

Walking over to T'Pol, he took her hand, "Sub-Commander Archer, you have made a very deep impression on me, as has your husband. I thank you for opening my eyes to different possibilities." With that he raised her hand and kissed its back.

She arched an eyebrow, Jonathon gritted his teeth, and the bridge crew was mesmerized.

Jonathon walked over to T'Pol and Stenbar. Placing his hand on Stenbar's shoulder, he gently, but firmly, directed him away from T'Pol and into the 'lift. "Thank you, from both T'Pol and myself."

The doors shut and everyone looked at T'Pol. She went to sit down in the Captain's chair. "Let us ensure that Stenbar is able to leave expeditiously."

They all grinned, "Yes, Ma'am."

CONTINUED IN PART 33 Traditions, part 33 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN

AUGUST

T'Pol silently took a deep breath and slowly released it as she reflected on the last two weeks as she sat in the darkened room. Change upon change occurred. She had only been able to meditate a few times in the last two weeks. Her shields were beginning to fray at the edges, trying to command a ship under attack while Jonathon was on-planet trying to help with a cease fire negotiation, and then this...situation.

The planet Occannath needed a third party to help them secure the peace they so desperately needed, but couldn't get past their personal prejudices to do so. Stenbar had told them all about Enterprise upon his return. Both sides of Occannath had agreed to a third party to help them, and they had sent them a message requesting their assistance. It had finally caught up with them and Jonathon agreed to return in August.

To help with the negotiations, he had taken Sato, Bagera, Cutler, Mantusco and Gomez with him. Commander Tucker, Doctor Phlox, Lt Reed, and Ensign Mayweather stayed with her.

Looking out the portholes, she thought back to what happened when she had stepped into the viewscreen area while Jonathon was talking to the planet.

Rekarran, from the western hemisphere, stopped in mid-sentence and stared at her. Archer looked around and only saw T'Pol. She handed Jonathon the padd, ignoring the horrific fascination on Rekarran's face as he watched her every move. She walked back out of the viewscreen area.

"High Leader, is there a problem?" Archer frowned at him.

Rekarran slowly gathered his wits, "Captain, what is that thing doing on your ship?"

The bridge crew tried to ignore the insult to the Sub-Commander. "What is what thing doing on my ship?"

He gestured, "The one with the pointed ears." Then realizing that perhaps what he said wasn't appropriate.

"I'm sorry, Captain. That being is the exact replica of monsters used to scare children on my planet. I was surprised. Again, please accept my apologies. That wasn't very sophisticated of me."

Nodding, but not feeling very forgiving, "Of course, High Leader. That 'being' is my -

'Jonathon, do not tell him that I am your mate. That would prejudice them against you, even subconsciously.'

"First Officer and Science Officer, Sub-Commander T'Pol."

Nodding in relief, "Of course. Please convey my apologies to your Sub- Commander. Seeing your childhood monsters come alive before your eyes can be quite...surprising."

Nodding, but not convinced, "Yeess. We will shuttle down to your planet in approximately 3 hours. I hope we can help you in your negotiations."

Rekarran nodded, "Again, thank you, Captain." He paused, "Captain, who is coming down with you? We will need to make lodging arrangements."

Archer frowned again, 'Aisha, I'm so sorry. I love you.'

'I cherish thee. Do not be sorry, it is not you.'

"My First Officer will stay here. I will be joined by other members from my ship."

Rekarran had the grace to look embarrassed, "Again, I'm sorry, Captain. Please tell your First Officer that. It would just be better if she stayed there. It would cause...confusion."

Within three hours the away team was on the planet and the ship was in standard orbit around the planet. Jonathon and T'Pol had at least been able to spend a hour together in their quarters before he left.

Archer called in twice daily. But they shared their emotional connection several times. Just a brush would help each of them. He continually dealt with the problems in arbitrating a cease fire, which was very frustrating, as both sides were extremely stubborn. Especially at those times, he would reach out to T'Pol just for a moment of peace.

T'Pol had the other side of the coin. She had the daily duties of maintaining the ship, with the daily attack or two to make things interesting. The pirates they had originally dealt with were still in the area and taking pot shots at them.

T'Pol, Reed, and Mayweather were working to continually develop and refine defensive maneuvers. So far, they'd been able to disable two ships and destroy three others.

Meanwhile Tucker's Engineering teams were constantly repairing the damage from the attacks. He knew their present predicament wasn't her fault, but he wasn't pleased with what was happening and let T'Pol know about it.

Because of the attacks, the ship couldn't maintain orbit around the planet. So T'Pol gave Mayweather instructions on how to navigate around the system, with sweeps close enough to the planet to maintain communications with the away team.

Ensign Hondo, Sato's relief, called out, "Sub-Commander, we're receiving a hail - from an Andorian ship."

Tucker was on the bridge and rolled his eyes at her, "Great, now what?"

She looked over at Hondo, "On-screen, Ensign."

"This is Sub-Commander T'Pol of the Starship Enterprise."

"Enterprise, is Captain Archer there? We have a delivery for him."

Raising an eyebrow, "The Captain is unavailable. What delivery do you have for him?"

The Andorian looked her over, "Sub-Commander, we were paid to deliver a package. Is there someone there who can accept this package? Someone close to him?"

As she considered her answer, Trip shifted slightly behind her chair, "I am the Captain's mate. I can accept any package. What is it?" The Andorian stared at her in shock, then, "That would be close enough. We were paid well to deliver it. We'll send a shuttle to dock and give you the package. It is live."

Nodding, "Very well. Send over your shuttle. Enterprise out."

"Commander Tucker, you will come with me. Lt Reed, you have the bridge. Have security meet us in the docking bay, and also Doctor Phlox.

They all met at the Docking Bay as the Andorian shuttle opened the door. Out walked two Andorians and between them was...a small boy. He appeared to be human, tow-headed about 3 years old. He looked very sad.

The Andorians looked disgusted. No other way to describe it. They handed T'Pol a parchment package.

"Vulcan, we wouldn't do this if Shran didn't tell us to." She nodded, staring at him, then the boy.

The Andorian reached behind him and pulled the boy by the arm. He pushed him into T'Pol's legs. "Here's the package. I guess its something Archer left on a planet."

Smirking, they reboarded their shuttle and left.

T'Pol was stunned and intensely controlled. She stared down at the boy. He looked back up at her with hazel eyes. He was still leaning against her legs. Almost as if he had given up.

On either side of her was Phlox and Trip. Both silent. Phlox pulled out a scanner and took a preliminary scan. Trip, shocked, looked worriedly over at T'Pol. Then he stared at the boy. He had an idea of who the boy was and where he was from.

So did she. She been there, too. Had seen Jonathon and Riann together. She had not realized that it had turned intimate, and she had neither asked nor looked in his mind about Riann.

To Vulcans all children are gifts and would never hurt one. T'Pol would not either, regardless of parentage.

She reached down to lay her hand on his head. She gently said, "I am T'Pol. What is your name?" Tucker sighed and with Phlox just watched.

He silently looked up at her. When he didn't answer, "Do you like animals? Would you like to go see some animals? Doctor Phlox keeps some in his rooms."

He slowly nodded. She put out her hand and he took it. He stayed close to her.

She started down the deck, walking slowly to accommodate his small legs. Phlox on the other side. Tucker nodded, dismissing the security team Reed had sent down. Tucker turned to follow them. He didn't know what else to do.

After a few steps, T'Pol looked down. "May I pick you up? You seem to be very tired."

Again, with his very sad stare, he nodded. She reached down and picked him up. At first he was stiff, but with her Vulcan warmth and the strength with which she held him gave him comfort. He slowly relaxed. As they entered Sick Bay he laid his head down on her shoulder. Too much had happened to the little boy. He was tired and confused and just wanted to be somewhere safe and warm.

With his body touching hers, she felt his emotions. He was sad and had been sad for awhile. He was also tired and scared. He didn't know what was happening to him. She already knew who he did belong to, his emotions had a taste of Jonathon in them.

She looked over at Phlox, he silently gestured to put him on a diagnostic bed. She tried, but he wouldn't let go of her. This was the first time he had felt safe.

Phlox said softly, "Perhaps, T'Pol, if you would hold him, I can do some genetic and medical scans."

She nodded. Then looked down at the boy, "This is Doctor Phlox. He is going to scan you and I will hold you. It will not hurt."

He tightened his grip around her neck and waist, but didn't say anything. She nodded at Phlox, who started his scans.

Tucker had walked up behind them and just watched. He was amazed that T'Pol would be so good with the boy. The boy. Great, just great. What were they going to do now?

The boy opened his eyes and stared at Trip. He smiled at him. "Hi, I'm Trip. What's your name?"

He burrowed deeper into T'Pol's neck, staring back at him.

"Bridge to Sub-Commander T'Pol."

Quickly Trip and T'Pol exchanged looks, and he went to the intercom. "Commander Tucker, here. The Sub-Commander is busy."

Silence. "Sir, I just received a report from the security team. Is everything alright?"

Hmphh, "Yeah, it is. Different, but it appears to be alright. We'll brief you later. Tucker Out."

Phlox had completed his scans. "Sub-Commander, I'll need to run genetic comparisons. But he appears to be a healthy young boy of about 2 to 3 years of age. If you would like, you can show him the animals. It shouldn't take me long, as I already know where to start."

She nodded and took him to the other side of the room. Trip moved closer to the Doctor and they both watched her for a few seconds.

Trip whispered to him, "Doc, you figure its Jon's son? From Riann?"

Phlox looked at him, "We'll know more in a few minutes." He started the genetic matching. Archer's hit immediately. They exchanged glances and looked over at T'Pol.

It took a few minutes longer, but then it matched on Akaali. It was confirmed, the boy was Jon's and Riann's.

Tucker called out, "T'Pol? The results are back." She slowly turned back to them after showing the animals to the tired boy.

Tucker looked at the ground, Phlox stared sympathetically at her. She already knew the answer.

"Doctor?"

"I've been able to confirm that Captain Archer is the boy's father and his mother is Akaali. Since I don't have his mother's specific genetics, I can't tell you exactly which Akaali she is..." He trailed off at her look. Vulcans do that to people. Tucker looked at her, "T'Pol," he stopped. "What do you want to do?"

CONTINUED IN PART 34

Traditions, part 34 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN

That was an exceedingly good question.

"I will to take him to our quarters and let him rest." She looked over at Phlox, "Perhaps you would have the Chef prepare some food that is correct for a boy this age."

She looked at Commander Tucker, "Could you manufacture a bed for him? Tomorrow will be acceptable."

Looking down at the boy, "Please notify Lt Reed of where I will be." With that she left.

Tucker released a deep, long, sigh. Phlox tilted his head, "What, Commander?"

"I can't believe that happened. What was Jon thinkin'? He knows better."

Putting his instruments away, "Indeed he does, and T'Pol knows that. But things happen or things can be made to happen."

ON THE PLANET

Jonathon was extremely frustrated. Each negotiated allowance was taking at least a day. Plus he had to listen to them yelling and posturing the whole time.

Needing a break, he reached out to T'Pol. It calmed him when the negotiations got rough or tedious. He frowned.

Hoshi leaned towards him, "Captain, is anything wrong?"

He reached out to T'Pol again. Sighing in relief, there she was. That familiar, loving touch that was all T'Pol. He let himself just take a moment of her time and immersed himself in her warmth and love.

He glanced back at Hoshi, "Its nothing."

T'Pol looked down at the boy, then she felt Jonathon reaching out to her. She refrained for only a moment. He reached out again and she fully met him. Melding together they caressed and rested in each other. He slowly withdrew, sending her his love.

When she entered their quarters, Porthos immediately jumped up to see what she had.

The boy woke up when they entered and squeezed her tightly when Porthos jumped up.

She said softly, "This is Porthos. He will not hurt you." She reached down to pat Porthos' head.

The boy slowly reached out. Porthos smelled him and let him pat him, too. For the first time, the boy's spirits were lifting. 'Of course.'

She took him into their bedroom. "This is my bed. Would you like to sleep there for awhile? Tomorrow we will get you a bed of your own."

He suddenly was scared again. Would she leave him too?

Internally sighing, she felt his worries. "I will not leave, nor will Porthos. We will both stay with you."

She laid him down on the bed. She covered him with the blanket she kept at the bottom of the bed and sat beside him. Porthos jumped up on the bed and snuggled up next to him. The boy smiled tiredly. She lightly stroked his head and he fell asleep. After a few minutes he was deeply asleep. She continued to watch him. Then she took the parchment package from the desk where she had laid it.

She opened it. It was a letter to Jonathon from Riann. It told him about the boy, how he was conceived and why. She said she was very sorry, to do what she did. Taking his genetic materials and then using them to create a child. She asked his forgiveness and that would he look after their son. She discovered she had a terminal illness and didn't want her son to live without one of his parents. She had been very lucky in finding Shran, very lucky. They also noticed the fading neutrino emissions and had landed. At the end of the many-paged letter, she found his name. Jonathon. 'Of course.'

During the next week, Jonathon had attached himself to her. He would smile, take her hand, lean against her legs, sit in her lap. He was a very happy child. Riann must have been a very loving mother.

He also liked his Uncle Trip and the Doctor. He even smiled at Lt Reed. He was feeling safe and loved. The crew even liked having him around. Trip was having a great time being an Uncle. When T'Pol had bridge duty, he would take care of little Jon as he called him.

When both had duty, Phlox would become the babysitter. Sick Bay was the safest place on the ship, and Porthos would go with him and that made him feel better.

The day after his arrival, T'Pol took him to the Mess Hall to eat. Everyone had heard the rumors. The Captain had a child with another woman and now... They all stared. At her look, they quickly glanced away. Trip sat down to eat with them.

Smiling, "Hi, Jon. How are you doin' today?" He got a grin for his efforts. After that, Trip tried to eat at least one meal a day with them.

On the third day, Trip asked, "T'Pol, when are you gonna tell Jon - er, the Captain?"

She looked at the table, "I am not sure."

He was surprised at that, "What'd ya' mean?"

"If I tell him now, he will want to come back to the ship immediately, which would be good for us, but not the planet." Shrugging, "Then again, he may not be able to return immediately and his thoughts would be divided. By taking his attention from the negotiations it could hurt him or endanger the mission."

Nodding, "Yeah, he's worked hard and they've come so far. They're almost finished." Looking at her, "Its a tough decision. He may get mad you didn't tell him."

"I know."

Taking a chance, "T'Pol, how do you feel about this? What do you want? I mean you don't have to answer, but we've all noticed how safe and secure he feels with you. He loves being with you - just like his dad." Looking at the deck. "I want...my husband and Jon's father to come back safely. I do not want any distractions until after they are finished on the planet."

She didn't tell him that sometimes Jon woke up at night crying and she would comfort him. Sometimes sitting up with him, sometimes taking him to bed with her. She also needed rest and being around a small, emotional child could be overwhelming. She had a ship to command and they were under attack.

By the 6th day, Jon was smiling a lot more. He had started to call her Mam. He had heard several crewmembers call her Ma'am and that's how it translated to him. The crew thought it was hilarious. He also thought his Uncle Trip was great. He let him carry him and play games with him and Porthos.

On day 10, T'Pol was sitting in the Captain's chair, reading the latest damage reports from Engineering. She had just touched Jonathon and he was feeling exhilarated, the negotiations were finally completed and he was coming home.

"Archer to Enterprise."

T'Pol answered, "Enterprise here, Captain."

"We've just lifted off and should be reaching the Enterprise in 20 minutes. How are things on-board, Sub-Commander?"

Silence across the bridge. No one said a word. She knew the closer he got to her, the more he would feel something was off.

"T'Pol?" He frowned and reached out to her.

An internal deep breath, "Captain, we are fine. We have been experiencing attacks by pirates, but the ship is repaired and fully capable."

In the background, Reed called out, "Sub-Commander, our midday pirate attack is coming right on schedule."

"Red Alert. Bring all weapons on-line. Ensign Womack track the pirates with sensors."

Archer heard all of that, "T'Pol?"

"Captain, please change course to 752 mark 63. That should put you in the shadows of the planet until the attack is over. We will rendezvous at that time."

Frowning, "Alright, Sub-Commander. Keep the channel open."

"Yes, Captain." He heard her give orders to Mayweather and Reed. Womack read off coordinates and after a few modifications, he saw the pirate ship blow up.

"Captain, the area is now clear. We will move to your area and take you aboard." She directed Mayweather to rendezvous with the shuttle. Five minutes later they were docking.

Lt Reed, you have the bridge. I will meet the Captain in the Docking Bay." He nodded and she left the bridge.

Womack looked over at Reed, "Lt, that's one conversation I wouldn't want to have." He agreed.

CONTINUED IN PART 35 Traditions, part 35 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN

DOCKING BAY

Jonathon felt increasingly uncomfortable the closer he got to the ship. He reached out to T'Pol and felt her love and happiness that he was coming home. But there was something she was holding back.

With a calming breath, T'Pol stood waiting for Jonathon. She hoped he understood her reasoning.

Jon was in Sick Bay with Doctor Phlox. But there had been two attacks that day and he was scared and wanted T'Pol. Tucker came by Sick Bay to see Jon when the attack was over. He knew that T'Pol couldn't get away just yet.

"Mam, Mam, Mam!!" Jon demanded.

"I know, I know, you want Mam." Trip picked him up, trying to calm him. He and Phlox traded glances. The demands were getting louder and more hysterical.

"MAM! MAM! MAM! MAM! MAM!" It was getting worse and MUCH louder.

"Commander, I think you should take him to the Sub-Commander."

"Yeah. - Tucker to Bridge. Where's the Sub-Commander?"

"Reed here, sir. She's gone to meet the Captain in the Docking Bay."

Exchanged looks and silence. "Right. Tucker out."

He looked down at the hysterical child he was trying to hold.

Phlox suggested, "Perhaps if you take him to their quarters, he would calm down."

"I hope so." He left with Jon. He got stuck in the lift going down towards the docking bay - with his Shuttle Tech Team going to look over the shuttle.

Sometimes you just can't beat fate.

The doors opened and there stood T'Pol. At the same time, the docking bay door opened and Archer stepped out. Little Jon started squirming, trying to get to T'Pol. Jonathon smiled when he saw her waiting for him. Then stopped when he saw Trip with the little boy.

'I am sorry, Jonathon. Please forgive me.'

Then T'Pol turned to Tucker and he gave her the child. The child hung between them. Then the child grabbed T'Pol around the neck and wrapped his legs around her waist.

"Mam!" he said fully satisfied.

Archer stopped in his tracks, frowning. There stood T'Pol, Trip, and a child. They looked like a family.

Trip saw the look and stepped back. "Cap'n. I'm really glad you're back." Archer just stared.

Nervously, "T'Pol..." Taking a second thought, "Sub-Commander, I'll just leave now." At her nod, he was gone.

Jonathon slowly walked towards her. "T'Pol?" His mind was reeling. What was this? There was no way this child was T'Pol's. It was human.

'T'Pol?'

They hadn't stopped staring at each other. Even the child was staring at him.

Swallowing, out loud, "Jonathon, may I introduce your son. His name is Jonathon."

He looked at him. He saw a tow-headed young boy, with hazel eyes. He appeared to be healthy and he was hanging tightly onto T'Pol. She held him with the ease of familiarity and the little boy was perfectly comfortable with her.

Shocked, he looked back to T'Pol, "How is this possible?"

Breaking protocol, she took his hand and led him to the lift. In one hand she had Jonathon and the other Jon. They reached their deck and she led them out. The crew looked at them and then away. Waiting.

Little Jon was staring at him. He laid his head down on T'Pol's shoulder. "Mam, P'tos hungry."

Jonathon had a shaky smile on his face. "Mam?"

"Yes, he heard the crew calling me Ma'am and that is what he calls me."

Jon smiled, "Mam."

She looked at him, "Yes, Jonathon. Porthos is hungry. Shall we feed him?"

They entered their quarters.

Nodding, "Yes. He help?" He looked at Jonathon.

'Jonathon, please read the letter on the desk first. Then we will talk.' He nodded and sat down.

She and Jon fed Porthos. Jon laughed with pleasure. He liked Porthos.

"Yellow Alert. Sub-Commander to the bridge." After two weeks, they were used to saying that.

She toggled the intercom, "T'Pol here. I'm on my way." She turned around to Jonathon, he was still reading the letter, the genetics result in his other hand. "Jonathon, shall I leave Jon here or should I take him to Sick Bay?"

He looked up, extremely shaken. "Why didn't you tell me?" Then - "Go on. I'll stay here with him."

She arched an eyebrow at him. 'Why didn't she tell him?' She leashed in her response, controlled her emotions. She had a ship to defend. She left after a look at Jon.

Jonathon stared at him. He couldn't believe he had a son and T'Pol didn't tell him for almost two weeks. He knew that he shouldn't have been able to have a child with Riann. He had kept up his protections. Somehow she must have overcome them.

Suddenly Hoshi's voice sounded around the cabin, "Red Alert! All hands to battle stations!"

Jon came to stand beside Jonathon. "Daddy?"

With a shaky smile, "Yes. How did you know?" He picked him up and set him in his lap.

A child-like smile, "Mam said." He pointed to a picture of Jonathon. Suddenly the ship dipped and rounded in a smooth 360-degree motion, with the phase canon firing. Jonathon griped Jon against him.

There was an impact against the starboard side, which caused the ship to shudder. Then the ship smoothly pivoted again and fired torpedoes. There was an explosion, at least it wasn't them.

Then it was over. "All hands, stand down from Red Alert. Damage reports to the bridge."

Twenty minutes later, T'Pol walked back into their quarters. She found Jonathon playing with Jon and Porthos. Jonathon looked up at her with the biggest smile on his face. Jon looked up, too, "Mam!" He ran to her and hugged her around the legs.

She leaned down to him and touched his head, "Hello. Are you hungry? Shall we all go down to the Mess Hall for dinner?"

Smiling, "Yes! Unca Trip, too?"

"Perhaps. But what if we eat with your father tonight?" Jon turned to look at Jonathon, "Okay." He reached out to Jonathon, wanting his hand.

Jonathon still smiling, took his hand, standing up. He looked at T'Pol, who nodded. She was shielding the bond, and his smile dimmed in concern.

They went, with Jon walking between them, holding their hands. A little family. He looked down at Jon, he just couldn't believe it. He looked over at T'Pol. She was distant.

While Jon talked non-stop and Jonathon kept trying to reach her through their bond. He had no doubt she loved him, but that was about all he could determine. They sat at the Captain's table, with Jonathon on one side and T'Pol and Jon on the other.

He watched them. He was astounded at how natural it seemed for T'Pol and Jon to interact together. He'd lean against her, she'd let him. She would nudge him back to his plate and he'd eat some more. Jonathon realized all over again how much he loved her. She looked up at him, then back to Jon.

"Bridge to Captain Archer." She raised an eyebrow in query, he shrugged. He got up and went to the intercom.

It was an update from the planet. Enterprise was going to stay in orbit awhile longer, it gave the planet time to get used to everything.

He turned around and saw that Jon had gotten out of his chair and was leaning against T'Pol's side. He was intently telling her something. He just watched. He couldn't stop.

Trip walked up to him, "Amazin' isn't it?" Archer nodded and said nothing. "Who knew that a Vulcan would be so good with children? And she is, Jon. She took a very sad little boy and now look at him."

Frowning, "Sad?" He looked at the happy little boy.

Blowing out a breathe, "Yeah. Me, Phlox, and a security team were there with T'Pol to meet the Andorians when they dropped him off. They called him a 'live package.' Something you had left on a planet."

Remembering, "He was so sad, so quiet. They pushed him over to T'Pol and left. T'Pol talked with him. She got him to walk with her alittle ways, then he let her pick him up, and he hasn't let go since."

Softly, so no one would hear them, "How's she doing?" At Trip's surprised expression, "I mean, what about when she's on the bridge?"

With a dubious look, "Well, sometimes I take him. Most of the time, he and Porthos go to Sick Bay and play with Dr. Phlox. Oh yeah, Crewman Wayne babysits, too. Miss Anne. T'Pol won't let him call anyone by just their first names. It's not respectful." He chuckled.

Sighing, "Jon, I got ya tell you, its been a rough two weeks on her and the ship. We've had daily, sometimes twice daily, attacks. We've had a lot of damage, but nothing we can't and haven't fixed. But, let me tell you, she runs a tight ship. T'Pol, Malcolm and Mayweather put together some preset firing scenarios, that can be modified as needed. That's where that spinning movement came from today. I think we're all impressed."

"I'm also thinkin' that Jon there hasn't been sleeping all that well either. At least, that's what Phlox thinks from listening to Jon talk while he's with him."

Looking at the floor, "What does T'Pol say?"

Snorting, "She doesn't say much at all. We've just had a few conversations. Its your business and she won't discuss it. You're all bound up in Vulcan privacy now."

Looking at T'Pol, "But I'm also thinkin' she's tired. I think its hard to meditate with a 3-year old boy and 3-year old ship to run."

Archer watched him watch her. He realized that sometime during his absence, T'Pol and Trip had reached a deep understanding.

He grinned. He wasn't jealous of Trip - well not a lot, just that first glance after he'd been away for two weeks. He had absolute knowledge that T'Pol loved him and would for life. But she could be disappointed.

Little Jon suddenly noticed Trip. "Unca Trip!" He started to run to him.

"Jonathon," T'Pol calmly, yet authoritatively, called out.

He stopped and looked back at T'Pol. She looked at him, "Jonathon, you will not run. You may walk to your father and Uncle Trip." The rest of the crew in the Mess, grinned and looked away.

Archer smiled. She sounded just like his mother. Jon walked over to them and took Jonathon's hand. "Hiya, Unca Trip. You not eat with us."

Trip squatted down, "Nope. I had work to do. But your Dad was there. Maybe tomorrow." Jon looked at him with a serious expression, T'Pol's. Trip almost fell over in surprise. "Okay." He looked up at Jonathon, with the same expression. Jonathon's heart clenched. 'My God.'

Continued in Part 36 PART 36 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN

She was tired. Not that she would admit that to anyone. Jonathon was back and she would gladly hand back the command duties. However, Jonathon needed to spend time with his son and she would take them back. But not as gladly. Not that she would tell him that. She tightened her shields.

'Illogical. I am being illogical. I must meditate and rest or I will continue to think illogical thoughts.'

She looked at Jonathon with his son, contemplating what she was seeing. Nodding to herself, 'Jonathon will make a good father.' But being a Vulcan she could not make herself ignore what this presented to their lives.

'A child on a starship is illogical and dangerous.' She lowered her eyes to the table, not desiring to watch them any longer. 'We will have to leave the ship to raise him. However, do we want to leave the ship? Illogical, we do not have a choice.' A soft voice said in her mind, 'Where would they go?'

So deeply in thought she didn't hear Jonathon come up, "T'Pol?" He looked at her with concern.

She raised her head, "Yes, Jonathon?"

Still staring at her, he gingerly sat down. Frowning, he couldn't reach her through the bond.

He placed his hand on the table near hers. He hadn't had to be so careful around her in a long time. He said softly, "Aisha, why have you shielded the bond?"

She blinked and thought about why she was and her reasons. She focused on him, "I believe that I need to meditate on your question and my thoughts." She slightly tilted her head to one side, "Jon is a...very emotional child. His emotions run the rampant from happy to sad to angry to hysterical to content. Even his sleep can be emotional. I find it easier to be with him when I shield myself from the tempest. But he is a good child, who has experienced much sadness and confusion lately."

He looked at her and saw the darkening of green shadows under her eyes, but with the strength of her Vulcan character in place. He nodded slowly, "Is that the only reason?" He waited a moment, then, "Would you like some time by yourself to meditate?"

Agreeing, but with an arched eyebrow, "No, it is not and yes, I would. However, I must put Jonathon to bed first and that can be...difficult on occasion."

Jonathon looked at her, "I can put him to bed." The eyebrow arched even more.

"C'mon, T'Pol. I can do it, I've babysat before. You can meditate somewhere quiet. How about the Ready Room?"

She stared at him, then, "I believe I will take you up on your offer." She stood up, he did too, very surprised that she was going to go now. 'Damn, Trip was right, she does need some time.'

She went over Jon's nightly rituals, and told him where the Vulcan children's book was that she read to him each night.

Somewhat shocked, but he nodded, "Okay, is it in English or Vulcan?"

"English, as sometimes others read to him when I am not available."

He sighed, "T'Pol, I don't know what you've been through the last two weeks, but thank you. The ship..." He looked at the floor and swore softly.

He looked up at her, "T'Pol, what about the ship?"

"Indeed, Jonathon. What about the ship?" She looked at him with that unblinking Vulcan stare and excused herself. He watched her go.

"Commander Tucker."

Trip walked up to him, with Jon, "Yes, Captain?"

"You've got the bridge. T'Pol will be in the Ready Room, but unavailable. I'm going to put Jonathon to bed."

Trop nodded, "Yes, sir." He dropped the formality and whispered, "T'Pol must be mad at you. I hope you have more luck than I do gettin' him to bed." With that, he also left the Mess Hall.

He looked down at Jon, who smiled back up at him. "What do you say we go back to the cabin and get ready for bed?"

"No! No go to bed! I want Mam!" The smile disappeared quickly and storm clouds gathered.

'Great.' Jonathon tried again, "Why don't we go and take Porthos for his walk?"

The sun came out from behind the clouds, "Okay." He tugged Jonathon through the door. 'Oh, boy.'

Four hours later, the door to the cabin opened and T'Pol silently entered. She was concerned about leaving Jonathon to put Jon to bed. She knew it could be difficult, but he had volunteered. Shrugging, he would need to learn some things by actually experiencing them.

The cabin wasn't dark, there was a dim light in the bedroom. Good, Jon slept better when it wasn't totally dark. She moved through the cabin and looked into the other room. Jon was asleep in his bed, but Jonathon wasn't in theirs. She looked around and found him watching her from the sofa in the shadows.

She walked over to him and sat down. He started to speak, but she quickly opened the bond, 'Jonathon, do not speak out loud. Jon wakes up very easily and its better for him to get a complete night of sleep - for all of us.'

He nodded, 'Okay, can you talk to me now? Tell me what you're thinking? Or would you rather go to bed and ---' Realization, 'And go to sleep since we have a child in our bedroom?'

He felt her smile, 'Going to sleep, with you, would be acceptable.'

He looked at her in askance, 'That's not what I had in mind when I returned.'

Again, he felt her smile, 'Neither did I.' She went to change in the bathroom. He shook his head in amusement - his wife was back.

THE NEXT DAY They both took Jon to Dr Phlox for his daily babysitting. Then she quickly took his arm and pulled him out of Sickbay.

Confusedly, "What?"

"It is not a good idea to stay in Sickbay with him. It is best to quickly leave."

He chucked in understanding, "Learned that the hard way, too?"

She nodded, "Yes, sometimes it is not a problem, then other times it becomes loud."

Grinning, he took her arm and lead her away from both Sickbay and the turbolift.

"Where are we going?"

"Back to our quarters. Reed can handle the bridge for awhile."

A soft laugh tickled his mind, but out loud, "Oh?"

Still grinning, "Yes, 'Oh.' I missed you and I want to be with you. I also want to talk - without waking anyone up."

Later he leaned over her, gently tracing a pattern on her shoulder. She studied him.

"Jonathon."

Sighing, and meeting her eyes, "Yeah, I know. We've got to talk about Jon, us, and the ship."

She took a deep breathe, "I have been thinking and I cannot find a way to stay on the ship with Jon. It is not safe for him to be here."

She reached out to him, both with her hand on his face and with her mind. "I know that this voyage means a lot to you and to me, but we accepted the risks as adults."

He slowly nodded and pulled her to him. "Are you angry?"

He felt more than saw her eyebrow lift, 'Angry? Initially I was displeased with the situation.' He looked down at her, 'I did not know that you were intimate with Riann.'

He felt the whirl of her thoughts about that, 'T'Pol, Aisha. I can't remember being intimate with her.'

She looked up at him and he nodded. He whispered, "Look for yourself, maybe you can see something I can't."

She leaned up on her elbows, "You cannot remember being intimate with Riann? Then how was Jon conceived?"

He shrugged, "I don't know. The tests confirm that he's mine, he looks like me, and but I just don't remember." He looked down over her body.

'Jonathon, hold those thoughts.' She contemplated what she could do, "I could do a deeper mind meld to 'see' in your memories, if you want me too."

Nodding, "Yeah, I do want to know what happened. What's a deeper mind meld" He squinted at her, "Oh, you mean the meld like you did on Amagh?" Nodding. "Do you agree?"

"Sure, I trust you. But let's do it this evening." With that he pulled her back down to him.

CONTINUED IN PART 37

PART 37 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN

Jonathon watched as T'Pol put Jon to bed - something she handled with a minimum of fuss from him. He saw the trust and affection that Jon gave T'Pol. You could see it when he looked at her, touched her without hesitation, and continually asked her question after question after question. He seemed to accepted her as his - what? Mother? Not what he would have normally expected to happen so quickly, but he supposed the circumstances of how Jon got here would have cemented the relationship. He also knew that T'Pol had affection for him, you could see it as she patiently answered his questions and got him ready for bed.

T'Pol looked up at him, "Jonathon, would you like to read Jon his story this evening?"

Before he could answer, "No, Mam, you read. Daddy can sit with us."

They both looked at him, "Why?"

"Cos the words." They both looked at him trying to figure out what he meant.

T'Pol took a stab, "Jon, I say the words differently?"

He nodded and handed her the book. With an eyebrow arched, she teased Jonathon, 'I thought you were going to take Vulcan language lessons?'

He shrugged with a little boy look of his own. She pulled the covers to Jon's shoulders and sat down next to him on the bed. Jonathon sat at the foot of the bed and they both watched T'Pol read children's stories about Surak. 'Who would have thought that Vulcans had childrens' books?' After 15 minutes, Jon fell asleep. They watched him for a few minutes, then Jonathon took the book from T'Pol and silently led her out to the other room.

She gracefully folded her legs and sank down to the floor, looking at him. Grimacing, he ungracefully sat down facing her. 'I feel old when you do that.'

He could feel her amusement, 'I believe I am the same age as you.'

He jokingly grouched, 'Now I really feel old.'

Seriously, 'Are you ready? Do you still want to do this?'

With an equally serious expression and thoughts, 'Yes, I want to know.'

She nodded. Placing her hand on his face at his meld points, then she took his hand and placed it on her meld points. He felt her slowly deepen their link. Taking them deeper than their normal bond. Deeper into the reservoir memories she led them, slowly and carefully, she did not want to violate the privacy of thought they gave each other.

'Jonathon, think about the away mission and Riann - we will follow your memories.' He did.

They watched themselves on the away mission, all of the conversations they had, what Jonathon did when T'Pol wasn't there. Finally, they watched Archer send T'Pol away for the last time and he was alone with Riann.

Jonathon momentarily broke into the memories, 'T'Pol? I...ah.' He felt her love, 'Do not worry, what we see is in the past.'

'I love you, Aisha.'

She returned softly, 'I cherish thee.'

She turned them back to the memories. They watched as Jonathon and Riann talked and saw the subtle sexual tension grow between them.

Jonathon's memories now became fuzzy, but he and T'Pol were able to discern what was happening. They saw him drop into sleep, where his memory stopped.

She felt Jonathon sigh, 'I guess that clears that up.'

'I am sorry,' and her love gently washed away the pain of what they witnessed.

'I would assume that the herbs she put in my bundle and then coupled with the spicy herbs - ah,'

'Encouraged the intimate developments,' she said in a dry Vulcan tone.

Surprised, 'T'Pol? Are you angry?'

In a very calm tone with no emotion behind it, 'I am displeased because of what was done to you without your permission. It violates everything I was taught. Regardless of how much she wanted a child, to take your genetic materials and create a child is beyond my capacity of understanding.' She may have revealed no emotions in her mind voice, but he felt her indignation and anger at what happened to him.

She felt him smile at her, 'Aisha, I love you.' He wrapped himself around her. After a few moments, she led them back to themselves.

They opened their eyes and she removed her hand after a brief caress of his cheek. He caught her hand and held it. Drawing her onto his lap, he held her as he thought about what happened.

'Jonathon, now we know how and why this happened.'

He pulled her closer, 'Aisha, how do you feel about accepting Jon into our family?'

She laid her head on his shoulder and looked at him, 'To Vulcans, all children are treasured. Your son is a treasure and I welcome him to our family.'

Words could not express what he felt for T'Pol at that moment, all he could do is let her feel with him. She was stunned and even though they threatened to overwhelm her, she accepted them. He didn't normally send emotions of this strength to her, but she understood how important it was to him that she understood.

Eventually they pulled apart. He looked down at their legs, 'T'Pol, I'm gonna be truthful, I don't want to leave Enterprise.'

He waited for her chastisement. 'Aisha, I do not want to leave Enterprise either.' He smiled at her.

'However, we do face several different problems -'

'Which I know you're going to delineate, tonight.' He felt her arch an eyebrow, 'Sorry, go on. We may as well know what they are so we can figure out what we're going to do.'

He felt her nod, 'First is the obvious - a child on a starship. There are dangers both within the ship and without. Second is that the ship is not built to house or school children. Third, we are not officially mated or married in either Earth custom or Vulcan. Fourth, we are several months out from both Earth and Vulcan. Fifth, if we leave Enterprise, where will we live?'

He silently considered what she said, 'Earth or Vulcan or somewhere else? Is that what you mean?'

They had moved to lean back against the sofa, still touching each other, 'Yes. Vulcan will not...appreciate having our family live there. We could, once we are officially recognized, live on Vulcan. But it would be...uncomfortable.'

He frowned, 'Why? Because I'm human and Jon is half human?'

She nodded, 'Because you are from Earth and Jon is also from Earth. There would be no distinction between Akaali and Earth, since both species are physiologically like.'

He picked up her hand and looked at the green tinge to her skin, then up to her upswept eyebrows and pointed ears. 'Whereas a Vulcan is not as physiologically like to people from Earth.'

'Correct. I was not sure that we would be able to bond, but we did. That's indicative that we are not as different as we could be. Someday our biological differences will also be bridged.'

He grasped her hand, 'Yeah, someday.' He quickly hid a thought from her. At least he thought so.

She grasped his chin, turning him to look at her, 'Jonathon, do not feel guilty about being happy you have a son. You did nothing to be ashamed. Riann did. We should enjoy being a family of three. It is not something we expected to happen.'

He relaxed, looking at her with love, 'Thank you, Aisha. You make this much easier than it could have been. Jon loves you, I love you, and I would never want to live without you.' He paused, 'But I would have liked to have had a child with you. Sometimes I wonder what it would look like.'

Her expression softened, 'I, too, sometimes think about that. I do cherish thee, Jonathon.'

He looked up at the chronometer, it was 0300. He pulled her up, 'I think we'd better get to bed, we've got duty in 4 hours.'

0500 HOURS

"RED ALERT. RED ALERT. ALL HANDS RED ALERT. CAPTAIN TO THE BRIDGE."

They both rolled out of bed and started getting dressed. Jon also woke up and started to cry. T'Pol quickly finished dressing and went to Jon. She dressed him while he sat on her lap and sniffled.

'Jonathon, please put Porthos on his leash. Dr. Phlox should be here any -'

The door buzzer went off.

Jonathon quickly crossed to the door and let him in. Phlox entered and went directly to T'Pol. She handed a cranky child to him and Jonathon gave him the dog's leash.

"Jon, we have to go to the bridge. Be good for Dr. Phlox." She kissed him on the forehead and stepped back to Jonathon and she pulled him away, leaving Phlox in their cabin.

As they strode down the hallway to the turbolift, 'Jonathon, you will have to be quicker if you also want to tell him good-bye.'

'Yeah, yeah, I know. He gets 'loud' if we hang around.' They walked onto the bridge.

"Report, Lt." He sat down in his chair and T'Pol went to the science station, replacing Womack.

"Sir, we detected a ship at coordinates 035 mark 972. We can't identify it and when we scanned it, we couldn't detect any life signs." He quickly looked at T'Pol, "If they were identifiable with our sensors." She nodded. Jonathon laughed to himself, 'Trip was right, she does run a tight ship.'

Archer nodded at the Mayweather, who had just arrived behind Reed in the 'lift. "Travis, take us closer to the ship at quarter impulse."

He looked up at Sato, "Hoshi, hail them."

CONTINUED IN PART 38 PART 38 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN

None of their hails were answered and T'Pol reported that sensors were still unable to detect any life forms.

The ship was dark gray with greenish lines running length-wise across the top. It was box shaped, like most cargo or personnel ships. A few lights could be seen in the portholes on one side. Jonathon glanced at T'Pol and Malcolm, both of whom were checking their sensors and studying the area from their different perspectives.

Hoshi continued to try to raise a response from the ship. "Hoshi, you can stop. I don't think they're going to answer."

Malcolm spoke up, "Captain, I don't find any debris in the area. Its engines appear to be off-line."

T'Pol continued, "I am still unable to detect any life forms, but there is a warp signature departing this area at 335 mark 65. I also scanning some damage to the docking bay."

Archer thought about the information, "Alright, T'Pol, you, Trip, Malcolm and security will go over in a shuttle. Don't take any chances, just find out what's there and keep us advised."

15 MINUTES LATER

The shuttle departed the Enterprise and made its way to derelict ship. They slowly circled it, running more scans and visually inspecting it. They slowed when they came to the docking bay and looked at the hole where it was ripped open to space. The ship's metal plating curled back against the outside of the ship. The hole had blackened jagged edges.

"Sub-Commander, what do you want to do?" Reed asked as he piloted the shuttle.

"Lets go closer and see if we can dock. Commander Tucker?" She got up from the co-pilot seat and he took her place. He ran some scans to see if they could dock there.

"T'Pol, I think we should give it a try." She nodded and he and Malcolm took them in.

Tucker and Reed carefully maneuvered them closer and then the shuttle bumped, harder than normal, against the docking bay portal.

Trip and Malcolm sheepishly looked back, "Sorry, we had to adjust because of the damage." Trip hits some levers and they locked into place.

Wearing their environmental suits, Reed and his security team went to the hatch and slowly slipped into the docking bay. Trip and T'Pol brought up the rear.

The damage on the outside of the ship was miniscule compared to what had been done inside.

Internal explosive damage - something exploded from inside the docking bay and shot out into space. The space-side walls were totally blackened and the smoke grime from the explosion had settled on all of the surfaces. They quickly secured the bay and T'Pol and Tucker scanned the area.

She pulled her communicator, "T'Pol to Enterprise." Hoshi answered, "Enterprise here, Sub-Commander."

"We are in the shuttle bay. The ship suffered some type of internal explosion." Archer frowned, but kept his thoughts to himself so he wouldn't interfere with her report.

"The bay has been secured and we are ready to continue our investigation of the ship. We will keep you advised. T'Pol out."

She nodded at Reed and he and Gomez led them out, T'Pol and Trip in the middle, Mantusco following. The corridor was empty, partial lighting made it shadowy, and they slowly made their way down it.

T'Pol was scanning the rooms they passed. "Wait." They stopped.

She turned the scanner to one door. "I am detecting non-living bio-forms in this room." Gomez went to the door and opened it.

Inside were seven bodies. They were scaled beings, dressed in dark metallic clothing. Some were sitting in their chairs, necks tilted at unnatural angles. Others had fallen to the floor - large lumps on the floor.

"Mezzians." T'Pol went over to one of the consoles. She ignored the body in the chair and scanned the console and then pushed some buttons.

"Who are Mezzians and what are you doing?" Trip came up behind her.

"These beings," she pointed to the bodies "and I believe that I can get the console to work. It appears to operate in a manner close to what the Andorians use." She pushed a few more levers.

A screen lit up, showing a diagram of the ship. Trip stepped up to see it.

"Wait a minute, that's an engineering diagram of the ship." Pointing to several yellow areas, "See, I bet that's the damage the ship has."

As Trip was studying the diagram, T'Pol went over to Reed, "Lt, what have you found?"

"Everyone in the room died from a phaser blast. I'm concerned that the docking bay showed damage coming from within the bay and now we've got dead bodies. Who killed them, why, and where are they?"

Nodding, "We must be cautious."

Trip called, "Sub-Commander, take a look at this." She and Reed went over to him and looked at where he was pointing down at the screen.

"What is it?"

"That is a highly secured area of the ship. See all that extra plating around the entire area? Its been added to both inside and outside the ship. I bet if there's anything here, that's where its going to be."

She nodded. "Where are we in relation to that room?"

Trip pointed out where they were, "We're 2 decks away. Its on the far- side."

"Lt, map out a path and ensure we have alternatives. I will notify Enterprise." T'Pol left Trip and Reed at the diagram and she told Archer what they found.

Silence, "Alright, go ahead and find out what's in that room. I'm going to have security keep a transporter lock on the away team. Don't take any chances, if you don't like what's going on, come back."

'If I do not like what is going on, Aisha?' 'You know what I mean. Be Careful."

"Yes, Captain. T'Pol out."

The away team looked at her, "Let us go." They went back into the corridor.

Cautiously they made their way down the corridors. Halfway there bodies began to appear in the corridor. The closer they got, the more bodies there were, so many that they had to go around or step over them. They had kept their environmental suits on for safety. Now they were glad they did, because they didn't have to smell the death around them.

Tucker looked at Reed, then T'Pol, whispering, "Yeah, something had to be really important for everyone to die defending it." Phaser burns blackened the walls. Combat damage. More bodies lay in their path. Piles of bodies. It was devastation.

With phasers drawn, they watched everything around them closely. They looked ahead, behind, and to each side. Anything could be playing dead in one of the piles. T'Pol kept scanning trying to find anything living.

"Sub-Commander," whispered Reed. She and Trip made their way to him. "I think we're here."

She nodded and scanned the area. The sensor couldn't penetrate the door they stood across from. Trip turned to Reed, wanting to know if it was safe for him to cross over to it. Reed nodded.

He kneeled down to examine the door mechanism, trying to see if he could break in. T'Pol stood at his shoulder, watching him. She ran the scanner again, frowning.

"Commander Tucker, stop. Get back. Lt Reed, I am scanning what appears to be an explosive device in the door." She continued to study her scanner.

Trip put his hand on her arm to pull her back. "T'Pol, Jon will kill me if I let anything happen to you." Reed stood just in front of her shoulder, but out of the way of the scanner.

She stood there a moment longer, then stepped back with them to the left side of the door. Mantusco and Gomez were still on either side of them, guarding them from anyone coming up on them.

Looking at Trip, then Reed, "We may be able to cause the door to open if we use our phasers, aimed at the device specifically, causing it to explode." She handed her sensor to Reed, who looked it over.

"Yes, Ma'am. That would work, but wouldn't have the others also tried it?"

Nodding, "Yes, that would be expected." Gesturing at the door, "However, if you look at the door, the phaser burns are around the exterior of the door, not specifically at the device."

Trip looked at it, "Yeah, but that could mean anything." Sighing, "But I agree with you. I can't think of another way to get in."

Reed muttered, "Neither can I, but I don't think the Captain's going to be pleased." She pulled her communicator out and told Jonathon what she proposed. Silence from the Enterprise.

Through the bond, 'T'Pol, you've got to be kidding me. Are you sure? This sounds more like a Trip plan than one of yours.'

'I must admit that that thought did cross my mind, but I do not see another way to get in the room. I still cannot scan through the door.'

Finally, "Alright, Sub-Commander. Take as few chances as possible. Keep this channel open, I want to hear what's going on."

"Yes, Captain."

Trip and Reed looked at her, she nodded, "Lt."

Reed put Gomez and Mantusco to fire from one angle, he, Trip, and T'Pol from the other.

Reed spoke up, "Fire." They all fired simultaneously at the door. Thirty seconds passed, T'Pol looked at the scanner in her other hand.

Loudly, to be heard over the sound of the phasers, "The device inside the door is getting hotter. It should explode at any time."

She was right. A loud explosion burst from the door, shooting debris, sparks, and smoke at them. The concussion shoved them back against the wall and they bounced from it down to the floor.

Reed quickly turned to T'Pol, but she was already up and scanning the door. Trip was still getting up, "Damn, T'Pol, you're heavier than you look."

She arched an eyebrow at him, then turned to Reed, "Report, Lt."

"Everyone appears to be alright and the door's open." She nodded, "Captain, we're going into the room."

"Alright. Keep me advised."

'I am fine, Jonathon. Commander Tucker broke my fall.' Chuckling in their bond, 'Yeah, I heard what he said.'

She followed Reed into the room, scanning everything. Everyone stopped - staring at what they saw.

"Holy Mother of God." This from Trip.

T'Pol stepped farther into the room and to the closest cylinder. She scanned it and then rubbed her glove over the clear opening. There was a being in it. It appeared to be humanoid. Frozen - either dead or in stasis. She looked around the room. It was completely full of cylinders from one side to the other.

She and Trip exchanged glances and he went over to examine what looked to be the control center. Reed and the others quickly secured the room and ensured that they were the only ones there.

"T'Pol to Enterprise." Archer was already frowning when she called in, "T'Pol, what do you see?"

"Captain, this room is full of stasis cylinders which apparently contain beings. Commander Tucker is looking at the control center and I have scanned the first cylinder."

"How many cylinders?"

"Thirty cylinders, Captain. I would suggest that Dr Phlox come over, rather than take one of these back to Enterprise."

"Agreed, send the shuttle to pick-up Phlox. Archer out."

Reed stepped over to her, "Sub-Commander, are these beings alive?"

She shook her head, "I do not know. It is possible that they could be revived or they could already be dead or they could die when they are revived. Everything is dependent upon the technology and the reasoning behind it."

"Does Vulcan have stasis?"

"Yes, but we only use it for medical purposes in a stationary environment, with back-up systems. And only for a limited period of time. The cellular structure and the bonds between the cells are too fragile to be held in stasis for any long periods of time." She told Jonathon the same through their bond.

"Sub-Commander, Mantusco will go and pick-up Dr. Phlox. They should return in 30 minutes."

Nodding, she went over to Trip. "Commander, what have you found?"

Shaking his head, "Some pretty engineering." He pointed to a panel on the left, "See those waves? I think that they're monitoring the cylinders. This panel on the right appears to monitor the machinery maintaining the cylinders." He pointed to a panel behind him, "I think that these lights, since there are 30 of them lit, show us which ones either have a working back-up system or don't have a working back-up system. I'll need to check out a few cylinders to validate which is which."

"Please do so. I will try to identify what species they are."

Tucker worked on identifying the engineering attached to the cylinders as T'Pol went to each cylinder trying to identify its occupant. Thirty minutes later Doctor Phlox walked over to T'Pol.

"Hello, Sub-Commander. I understand we've got some beings in stasis cylinders. What have you found?"

She nodded, "Doctor. I have reached the 16th cylinder, and so far I have identified 9 species, but the other 7 I do not recognize. There is one Andorian female, three Orion males, one Rustican male, two Mezzian females, and two Causicans gender neutrals. The others I cannot identify. I also do not know if these beings are dead or in stasis. Commander Tucker is working on the mechanisms that operate the cylinders."

Phlox was running his scanner over the being in the cylinder T'Pol had just left. "Hmmm. This is very interesting."

T'Pol rubbed the window, trying to remove the frost as she had already done 16 previous times. She put her scanner at the opening and then looked at the being. She went still. At the same time Phlox walked over to T'Pol. Looking at her in confusion, he then looked at the occupant. He sighed and looked back at T'Pol.

Tucker walked over, "T'Pol, I think I figured out the control center, and yeah, I was right about..." he stopped when he looked down into the cylinder.

He stared down at the occupant, then at Phlox. They both looked at her.

"Archer to Sub-Commander T'Pol," sounded into the uncomfortable silence.

CONTINUED IN PART 39 PART 39 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN

Archer was sitting on the bridge doing what he hated the most. Waiting. Reed had just reported that Dr Phlox had arrived. Crewman Wayne had taken over Sickbay and she was also babysitting Jon. Sighing to himself, he looked over a report on a pad and took a sip of coffee.

Startled, he almost dropped his coffee in surprise. Hoshi looked over at him.

"Sir?"

He grinned, "Nothing, just a little clumsy."

'T'Pol? What's wrong?' He tried to reach her, but she had narrowed the bond.

"Hoshi, open a channel." She did. "Archer to Sub-Commander T'Pol."

T'Pol was still staring at the cylinder. Tucker and Phlox exchanged a look.

Tucker whispered to him, "I feel like we've been here before." Phlox nodded.

"Tucker here, Captain. The Sub-Commander will get back with you in a minute."

Back on the ship, Archer's eyebrows shot up in surprise, "Where's T'Pol, Trip?"

Trip looked at T'Pol and she said, "I am here, Captain."

'T'Pol, I feel like something's wrong. What's going on?'

'Sub-Commander, what's going on there?"

"We have been able to identify some of the occupants. We are approximately halfway through the cylinders."

'Jonathon, one of the occupants is Akaali.' 'Do you mean....Riann?'

With Tucker, Phlox, and now Reed watching, "Captain, we have identified Orions, Rusticans, Causicans, Mezzians, Andorians, and Akaalian. The others haven't been identified yet."

With Vulcan calm, "I believe that the Akaalian is Riann."

After a moment of silence, "Alright, T'Pol. Complete the investigation and see if we can find out why they're there and where they were going - and why the others died trying to stop anyone from getting into that room."

Arching an eyebrow at his business-like tone, she nodded. "Yes, Captain. T'Pol out." She looked at the others, "Lt Reed, please work with Dr Phlox. Commander Tucker, please tell me about the control center and I will work on the computer databanks."

They stared at her, then "Yes, Ma'am."

She walked over to the control center and Tucker told her that what he originally thought was right. She nodded and went to sit down in front of the computer interface. It didn't take long as it was like Andor programming. Two hours later, they made their way back to the shuttle.

"T'Pol to Enterprise."

Archer answered, "Enterprise, go ahead."

"Captain, we are returning."

"Good. What's your ETA?"

Reed answered, "15 minutes, sir."

"See you then, Archer out."

Archer met them at the docking bay door. T'Pol exited the shuttle followed by the others. Exchanging glances with T'Pol, he followed them to the suit room and waited while they changed. Trip shot looks at both Archer and T'Pol, trying to figure out what they were doing.

Phlox spoke up into the silence, "Captain, I should have the medical information completed shortly."

Glancing at him from T'Pol, "Good. T'Pol is there any immediate danger?"

"None that I can determine, Captain."

"Alright, let's meet in the conference room in 30 minutes." Everyone left but Jonathon and T'Pol.

She walked over to him and he pulled her into a crushing hug. 'Aisha, how are you?'

'I am...surprised at finding Riann on-board the Mezzian ship. How are you?'

He didn't let her go, but tucked her head under his chin. 'Well, I can say I'm shocked, and truthfully, not to happy about this. Its not enough that we've got all the other problems with the decisions about the ship and Jon, now we've got Riann.'

'I too am not pleased about her presence. Kaiidth - not being pleased does not change the facts. Those are what we must deal with.' She sent him her love, 'I would not wish you to be involved with her again, but there is nothing we can do.'

He pulled back to look at her, 'Aisha, I don't want you to be involved with her either and I'm sorry that she's back. I love you.' He pulled her into a kiss. 'We should check on Jon before going to the meeting.'

'Yes, it is time for him to eat and go to bed. Crewman Wayne will stay with him in our quarters.'

In Sickbay, Jonathon grinned at how happy Jon was to see them, and especially T'Pol. He ran up and grabbed her legs "Mam!" She picked him up and he hugged her around her neck. Jonathon walked upon behind them and Jon threw himself at Jonathon. "Daddy!" Phlox watched the family reunion. He shook his head sadly.

They took him to the Mess Hall and back to their quarters, where Crewman Wayne was waiting for them.

Thirty minutes later, they entered the conference room. Archer spoke, "Sorry we're late. Jon wanted to talk - a lot."

Awkwardly everyone smiled and sat down, uncomfortable with this turn in the situation. Archer took his place at the head of the table, "Alright, T'Pol, what does their computer say?"

Ignoring the phrasing, "Captain, the database confirmed that these individuals have some type of disease. A life threatening disease. How they came to be on this ship is more difficult to discern."

Frowning, "Is there any danger from the diseases?"

Phlox replied, "No, Captain. As the bodies are encased in the cylinders, everything to include the disease organisms are frozen in stasis."

Archer looked at Trip, "What about a mechanical failure?"

"I don't think so, Cap'n. It seems pretty solid with a back-up system on each cylinder."

T'Pol spoke up, "Also, the cylinders are sealed. Therefore if any of the cylinders failed, the organisms would be contained."

"Captain," Phlox continued, "we were able to identify 18 species. The others we don't have in the databases specifically, but they are all bipedal humanoids." Phlox shot a glance at T'Pol and continued. Archer frowned at the glance.

"Captain, from the information T'Pol was able to pull from the computer, each of these beings has a specific, fatal disease. None are the same. How they came to be on the ship may be hard to discern, but why they are there is easier."

Looking more serious than most of them had ever seen he continued, "Captain, I would say that they are part of a medical research program." He stopped and Archer looked at him in shock.

"Medical research?"

"Yes, Captain." T'Pol answered. She said with Vulcan aplomb, "However, I am unable to definitively determine whether they are volunteers or were volunteered."

His expression reflected his distaste, "Which way do you lean, based on the computer information?"

She reflected over the information she had reviewed, "I...lean...towards voluntary. I base this on the races on the ship. How would an Akaali even be known to the Mezzians?"

Frowning, "Explain."

"The Mezzians would not know of the Akaali - not sufficiently to know that Riann was sick and would volunteer to become apart of the research program. I would postulate that when Riann sent Jon to you, the Andorians told her about this medical research program and they contacted the Mezzians for her."

Questioningly, "To what end?"

"Possibly her life." Archer stared at T'Pol and the room stared at them.

He looked at Phlox, "Doctor, if this is a voluntary program, would any of them be returning to where they came from?"

Shrugging, "I'm assuming that the Mezzians were taking this group to a medical facility, rather than returning healthy individuals." Archer nodded and thought to T'Pol, 'Because we know that Riann was just recently diagnosed with her illness.'

'Indeed.'

Turning to Reed, "Lt, do we have any idea of why the ship was attacked from the inside? And what about that warp trail T'Pol found?"

"Captain, from what the Sub-Commander found in the computer, they were attacked from someone placed on the ship and they were trying to steal a cylinder. I would need to confirm with the Sub-Commander, but I don't think that any of the cylinders were taken. I also believe the ship wasn't heavily manned and those that weren't trying to steal the cylinder were killed. The warp trail is probably from the remaining thieves." He paused a moment, "But I'll need to get more information from their computer."

Nodding, he looked around the table, "Alright. T'Pol, I want you to work with Dr Phlox and Lt Reed and get as much information you can from their computer. I want to know if someone may come back from them or if there's someone we can contact about the ship."

Turning to Trip, "I want you to find out if there's anything wrong with the engines. Can they be restarted? Will the cylinders degrade without the engines?"

Everyone had nodded at their assignments. Standing up, "Dismissed."

He started to leave, but waited by the door while T'Pol, Phlox and Reed huddled near the portholes, discussing their assignment. They all walked towards Archer and the door, saying good night.

THE NEXT MORNING

Reed's voice was heard over the communications system, "Request permission to depart."

Archer replied, "Permission granted, Lt." He thumbed off the speaker and looked around.

Hoshi looked sympathetically at him, "Well, sir, I guess its another day of waiting."

Grinning, "Yeah, Ensign, I guess it is."

FORTY-FIVE MINUTES LATER

T'Pol, Reed, and Phlox were back in the cylinder bay, and Trip, Katie, and Gomez were making their way to the engine room. T'Pol sent the medical files to the console Phlox was sitting.

"Doctor, Lt Reed and I are going to the bridge to see if we can find more information. Ensign Watson will stay with you."

Nodding, "Alright, Sub-Commander. We should be fine here."

T'Pol and Reed walked onto the alien bridge and looked around. There were 3 more bodies. One laying at the foot of a console, another looked like it had fallen while trying to get to the 'lift, and the last was laying at the foot of the center chair. T'Pol and Reed moved the bodies to the side, out of the way.

A half an hour later, "Sub-Commander, come look at this." T'Pol had been reviewing the areas in the database that concerned the ship's mission and ship operations, whereas Reed was looking at the security and recent logs. T'Pol walked over and she read what Reed had pointed out. She stared at him, then walked to over to the center chair. She hit a toggle, "T'Pol to Commander Tucker."

After a short pause, while he and Katie found the intercom, "Tucker here."

"Commander, have you determined if we can restart the engines?"

"Yeah, I think we can. It looks like they turned them off themselves, I'd guess to put some obstacles in the way of the intruders. And before you ask, give us an hour and we should be able to start them back up. I want to check a few more things."

"Understood. Continue and let me know when you're ready."

Exchanging an 'oh great' look with Katie, "Is there a reason you're asking, Sub-Commander?"

"Yes, I will tell you later. Please continue and do not waste time. T'Pol out."

As he said, "Yes, Ma'am," he toggled off the intercom. Sighing he looked at Katie, "I guess somethin' is up. We'd better get going, she's gonna want to do this in exactly an hour."

She nodded and they went back to business.

Back on the bridge, "T'Pol to Doctor Phlox."

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

"Have you found anything further about the cylinders and their occupants?"

"Yes, and its quite interesting. They have very advanced research facilities, even here on this ship. I believe that even while the occupants are in the cylinders research is being conducted."

T'Pol nodded as she heard that, "We are going to try to restart the engines in an hour. I want you to watch the cylinders from the station here on the bridge when we do it. But in the interim, please continue your research as quickly as you can."

Phlox frowned, "Understood, Sub-Commander. We'll be there in an hour. Phlox out."

She turned back to Reed, "Lt, in a worst case situation - can we destroy the ship?"

He nodded once and reviewed the tactical information, "Yes, Sub-Commander, I think I could rig something up."

"Please make plans to do so. Also, with what weaponry we do have, can we defend from an attack?"

"Archer to Sub-Commander T'Pol," broke into the conversation.

Before she could reply, Reed spoke, "Shall I contact them so they can put it on the screen?" At her arched eyebrow, "I've been looking at ship's operations, also."

She nodded and turned back to the view screen.

On the Enterprise, Hoshi said in surprise, "Captain, we're being hailed by the Vergent." She nodded to the ship on the view screen.

He looked up at the screen, "On screen, Ensign." T'Pol appeared on screen and she was sitting in a chair not unlike his own. Reed was directly behind her at a console. The room itself had several consoles and monitors. It was also utilitarian gray, but lighter than the Enterprise's bridge.

He grinned at her, "Hello, Sub-Commander. That's the Vergent?"

She nodded, but he felt her amusement through the bond, "Yes, Captain. This is the Mezzian Medical Ship Vergent. It was on its way to the Sek'heim'ya System, where they have a large medical facility. It is approximately 6 months away at warp 3."

He frowned at the distance. "Do you know what happened?"

"As you already know, they were attacked from within, but the accompanying ship escaped. According to what Lt Reed found, the ship was shadowing the Vergent to aid the internal saboteur when they tried to take a cylinder of an individual with a specific illness."

At that point, Dr Phlox and Ensign Watson walked on the bridge. Phlox looked around and nodded at T'Pol. Looking at the screen, "Hello, Captain.'

He nodded back, "Hello, Doctor. How's your investigation?"

He walked over to the station that Reed had pointed out, "Its been very interesting. Especially the information that Lt Reed sent me."

Again, someone interrupted the conversation, "Tucker to T'Pol."

Archer hid his grin, 'Busy bridge.' 'Indeed and there are only 7 of us.'

She toggled a switch, "Go ahead, Commander."

"Okay, T'Pol, we're ready to restart the engines."

Now Archer frowned, "Restart the engines? You didn't tell me that."

"I did not have time to tell you. To explain briefly, this ship was attacked by Klingons, they wanted a cylinder. They were unsuccessful and they may try again."

KLINGONS - That shook Archer and everyone there.

Deadly serious, "What are you planning, Sub-Commander?"

"Captain, I want to restart the engines and bring as many of their systems back on-line as we can. The Mezzian technology is...different than Starfleet's. I believe that is why they needed an internal saboteur. They could not breach the external defenses."

He nodded, "What do you need from Enterprise?"

"I need Enterprise to move back approximately .25 light years. We may need assistance."

"Great, just great, T'Pol. When were you going to tell me?" Trip interrupted back into the conversation.

Calmly, "At this point, Commander."

She looked at him, "Captain?"

'T'Pol, this will work won't it?' 'I trust Commander Tucker not to start engines he could not. Our choices are few. Either start the engines or disembark all the cylinders onto Enterprise and destroy the ship or destroy the ship without disembarking the cylinders.'

Out loud, "What?"

"Captain, I have asked Lt Reed to device a solution for a worst case situation. If necessary, we will blow up the ship so these individuals are not taken and killed."

He nodded. "Travis, back up the Enterprise one quarter light year away."

"Aye, Captain."

Once they were there, they watched T'Pol give the order. "Commander Tucker, restart the engines." Archer's eyes were locked on T'Pol's.

"Aye-aye, Sub-Commander."

They waited and it seemed longer than the 1 minute it really was. "T'Pol, everything is powering up. I've got lights across the engineering board. The engines should begin the restart cycle - now."

The ship rumbled and a few vibrations made their way to the bridge. A console began to light up.

"Ensign Watson, monitor the engineering station, communications, and backup sensors for security. Dr Phlox, I want you to monitor the environmental and medical systems."

"Yes, Ma'ams," sounded from the two.

Reed was watching his console, "Sub-Commander, we've got atmosphere returning to the ship and several environmental systems have come back on- line. I've already blocked off the docking bay. When we want to return to Enterprise we'll have to wear our environmental suits."

She nodded.

Reed then shouted, "My God! Sub-Commander, this security is amazing. They've got shielding! Not plating like ours, but actual shielding!"

"I expected that, Lt. The Mezzians are at the same technological level as Andor and Vulcan to a certain extent. Can you bring up the shielding? What is weapons status?"

The Enterprise watched something snap around the ship. "We also have magnetic plating, I would assume as back-up to the shielding. Weapons are not at 100%, they must have fired them. But we've got torpedos and lasers."

"I believe they are phasers, not lasers."

Everyone frowned at her, and Reed looked again, "You're right. They are phasers. It must be charged by a phase generator, just like our phase pistols. They've also got transporters!"

"Doctor, can we remove our environmental suits?"

Phlox was watching the environmental controls come back on-line. "I believe so. Shall we?"

She nodded, but before anyone could, the ship rocked.

Reed shouted, "There's a ship coming in from 987 mark 23. Shields are holding."

In the background, they heard Archer put Enterprise on RED ALERT. The Enterprise was more maneuverable than the medical ship, but the Vergent had better shielding.

"Lt, track and target that ship." She spoke to Archer, "Captain, if it is the Klingons, the Enterprise cannot withstand much weapons fire, but this ship can. I would suggest..."

"That we stay close to you, but use our maneuverability to target that ship. I'll hail them. Archer out."

"Lt, keep the viewscreen up and put tactical on the right side."

Confused, "Tactical on the right side?"

"Yes." She stopped and pushed some buttons on the chair. Suddenly, the bridge turned orange and a pulsing sound was heard. Bulkheads started closing throughout the ship. A tactical display appeared on the screen.

They saw a yellow area on the ship - the docking bay. "Lt, try to keep them away from the docking bay."

"T'Pol, what the hell is going on?" This from Trip in Engineering.

"We are being attacked and the ship is on alert status. I need you and LT Kowalski to keep engineering working and I need Ensign Gomez on the bridge."

"And how are you going to get him there? I see closed bulkheads all over the ship."

She nodded at Reed, "If he agrees, we will transport him to the bridge."

Reed said in the background, "The ship is turning at a 35 degree angle from the ship. Targeting lock achieved."

Gomez said, "Sub-Commander, transport me if you need me."

"Lt Reed."

"Aye, Ma'am." He took a breath and set the coordinates while Watson watched the other ship.

"Commander Tucker, please energize Ensign Gomez, I've transmitted the coordinates to Engineering."

They heard muttering they didn't want to understand, "Energizing." Off to the side of the bridge, Gomez began to appear, but it took alittle while.

Finally, Gomez appeared and took a breathe. Phlox ran his scanner over him. "You're alright, but I wouldn't want anyone else to do that, Sub- Commander."

"Ensign, take navigation. Agreed, Doctor."

She had been watching the Enterprise, when suddenly it headed towards them.

Watson yelled out, "Sub-Commander, Captain Archer is hailing us."

Again, very calmly, "On screen, Ensign." "T'Pol, its the Klingons and they want that ship. Can you move?"

Tucker spoke up, "You've got warp engines now, T'Pol, but max speed is warp 3.5. This ship can do warp 7.5, but we're not ready for that yet."

"Acknowledged. Standby with impulse engines."

Again Reed broke in, "Sub-Commander, we're being targeted."

The ship rocked with another phaser hit, "Lt Reed, return fire."

He did and hit the Klingons. "We're being hailed by the Klingon ship."

"On screen." Watson put the Klingon up, "This is Kraghk of the Klingon Battleship Vindicator. Stand down your weapons or you will be destroyed." He frowned as he noticed T'Pol was Vulcan.

"Vulcan, what are you doing on that ship?"

"I am Sub-Commander T'Pol, temporarily in command of the Mezzian Medical Ship Vergent. What do you want from this ship?"

Smirking, "What I want is no business of yours, Sub-Commander T'Pol of Vulcan. It is not the business of the Vulcans at all. Give me that ship."

"No."

"THEN DIE!" The screen went dark.

"Ensign Gomez, straight up at 0 mark 5." They shot up, Enterprise barely a thought behind them.

"Lt Reed, target the cylinders at the end of their wings and also directly beneath the head of the ship and fire as soon as they are targeted."

He fired. The Klingon ship shook, then returned fire. This time they shook. "Commander Tucker, do we have full warp capabilities yet?"

"Yeah, but the Enterprise can't keep up with us at warp 7.5."

"Understood," she sent her plan to Jonathon and he approved. 'Just don't leave us here too long.'

"Ensign Gomez, warp 5 to 645 mark 45, for 5 light years, then on my mark we will return at 345 mark 25. Lt Reed, you will need to obtain weapons lock on the ship as soon as you can. Enterprise cannot take the phasers from the Klingon ship too long."

They both acknowledged their orders. As they warped away, "Sub-Commander, there's another ship - its Klingon - coming up behind the Enterprise."

She nodded, "Lt Reed, can you adjust your firing pattern to fire on both ships at the same time?"

He nodded. "Ensign Gomez, adjust our return course to 355 at mark 35, warp 6." She waited. They all waited.

"Mark."

They returned at warp 6 from below the ships, which were now firing at Enterprise. "Fire all weapons." They hit both ships, one broke off with extensive damage and limped away. Enterprise had been holding her own.

"Come around and put us between Enterprise and the Klingon ship."

"Ensign Watson, hail the Enterprise."

Archer appeared and they heard damage reports in the background. "Glad you came back. Let's take out this last Klingon."

The Vergent took a few shots from the remaining ship. "Klingon ship targeted, Sub-Commander." She nodded at Archer and he winked at her.

"Fire." The Enterprise suddenly shot out from her left and firing at Vindicator. Their combined fire power took out one of its engines on the wing. It shot off a few more torpedoes - at the Enterprise. It shook heavily and they saw some plating float away.

"Put us back in front of Enterprise." They sheltered the Enterprise again.

Gomez called out, "Sub-Commander, the other Klingon ship is back."

"Show me." The screen reflected the other ship and it was creeping back towards Enterprise. Before they could move around and fire on it, weapons fire broke from the dark space behind the Klingon ship. It exploded. Another ship appeared. Vindicator decided retreat was best and departed at warp 3 when the other ship arrived.

T'Pol swallowed, she knew that new ship.

Surprised, Ensign Watson called out, "Sub-Commander, we're receiving a hail from a Vulcan ship. Its the Shikahr."

"On screen." Jonathon felt her steady herself, pulling some strength from him. 'Aisha, what's wrong? Who are these Vulcans?'

There appeared on the screen appeared 4 Vulcans. Two women and two men. One they knew, T'Lar. There were two younger Vulcans, T'Pol's age. The other man was very old. His skin was as thin and delicate as parchment, his hair was fully gray, and he had wrinkles around his eyes and mouth. Intelligence and wisdom seemed to flow from his eyes. He walked forward to stand before the others.

T'Pol stood. "Grandfather." That one word shook the bridges of two ships.

CONTINUED IN PART 40

PART 40 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN

T'Pol felt Jonathon's shock. 'Grandfather? That's your Grandfather?'

She presented the calm, collected Vulcan facade, but Jonathon felt her inner tension as she controlled it with an iron will. 'Jonathon, I believe that there is an Earth saying that covers this situation, 'When it rains, it pours?''

He groaned in the bond. 'T'Pol, why are they here?'

'To officiate our bond.' 'T'Pol, its pouring.'

T'Pol's grandfather replied, in a calm, rich voice, "Granddaughter." Jonathon frowned, he thought that there was almost a hint of amusement in this tone. But that couldn't be, he's a Vulcan.

'So am I.' 'Great.'

"Grandfather, I bid you welcome and thank you for your timely intervention with the Klingon ship."

He nodded and everyone watched him. No human, or Denoblian, had ever seen a Vulcan this old before. He carried his age with an unconscious dignity and it was hard to look anywhere but at him. Both ships stared in awe.

"I believe the human saying is, 'You are welcome.' That is correct?"

She nodded. Again, they thought he almost smiled, "Good. I would not wish to use the human language incorrectly and offend your bond mate before I meet him."

Taking the hint, "Grandfather, may I present my bond mate and Captain of the Earth ship Enterprise, Jonathon Archer." She paused the continued, "Jonathon, this is my Great-Grandfather and Patriarch of my family clan, S'Talen."

Jonathon and S'Talen looked at each other, appraisingly. 'Jonathon say something. It is rude to not speak first - he is the elder.'

"Sir, it is an honor to meet the Patriarch of T'Pol's family. May you live long and prosper."

S'Talen graciously bowed his head, "The honor is mine. May you also live long and prosper. I believe you already know T'Lar, my granddaughter and one of T'Pol's mother's sisters."

Jonathon nodded, "Ambassador, it is good to see you again."

T'Lar had a glint in her eye, "Yes, indeed it is, Captain. I believe I was correct the last time I saw you and T'Pol." The glint didn't go away as she looked from T'Pol to Jonathon. "But please, call me T'Lar, family members do not call each other by titles."

He nodded, "Thank you. Please call me Jonathon."

S'Talen began again, "Jonathon, may I also present another one of T'Pol's mother's sister's daughter and her mother's brother's son, T'Pel and Storek."

He nodded at T'Pel and Storek, "It is an honor to meet you. May you live long and prosper." They stared at him, then nodded back, "And to you, Jonathon."

T'Pol's voice spoke into his mind, he felt her love and appreciation, 'The first tradition has been met.'

'T'Pol, how many family members do you have?' 'It is a clan, Jonathon. But small in Vulcan terms.'

I suppose when your parents died, the family clan took their place?' 'I was taken into the family of my father's brother with T'Lar assisting.' 'That's an interesting method of saying something without saying something.'

Taking her gaze from her Grandfather, T'Pol looked at T'Lar. "T'Lar, I was not expecting to see you."

"T'Pol, you should have expected us. With the announcement of your bond with Jonathon, we had to come."

S'Talen spoke up, "Granddaughter, I thought you were second in command of the Enterprise, what are you doing on a Mezzian Medical Ship?"

She quickly explained the situation to him. He nodded. "Interesting. The Klingons have always been overly emotional when a request for assistance would have rendered a better result."

After a moment T'Pol asked, "Would you like to come aboard?"

S'Talen spoke, "Granddaughter, yes, we would like to come aboard, but which ship?" Again, the crew thought he was smiling.

Continuing, "The ShiKahr has another mission to attend and will return for us in approximately 2 weeks. We would stay with you during this time, if you would have us, Jonathon."

'Two weeks!?' 'Two weeks.'

"Sir, you are welcome to stay aboard Enterprise. Shall I send a shuttle over? Or will you transport over?"

"I believe that we shall transport over." He turned back to T'Pol, "When are you returning to Enterprise?"

"We are not yet finished on-board the Vergent, however I anticipate that we will be returning this evening."

Nodding, "Perhaps Jonathon would introduce us to your ship and crew." Looking the others on the bridge with T'Pol, "May I ask who you have with you?"

By that time Tucker and Kowalski had come to the bridge and just stared at him, "Grandfather, may I present to you Doctor Phlox? He is the Chief Medical Officer of the Enterprise."

Phlox stepped up, "Sir, may you live long and prosper."

With regal nod, "And to you, Doctor, and your families."

She nodded at Tucker, "This is Commander Charles Tucker, he is our Chief Engineer, and this is Lt Kathryn Kowalski, his Assistant Chief Engineer."

Trip stepped forward and nodded, "Sir. It is an honor to meet the Sub- Commander's Grandfather."

Again an almost smile crossed his face. "The honor is mine. Engineers have much prestige on Vulcan. Also, T'Pol has mentioned you in her letters to her family, as she has mentioned most of the crew."

Surprised, Trip looked at T'Pol.

'T'Pol, you wrote home about us? Why didn't you tell me?' 'Jonathon, you are aware that I correspond with T'Pel and that she shares pieces of it with Grandfather.'

He felt her examine his thoughts, 'You are not concerned with what I wrote about.' He felt her amusement again. 'Okay, okay, I'm just teasing you.'

'I cherish thee, Aisha.' 'And I love you, Aisha.' Jonathon had a grin on his face. S'Talen noticed his momentary distraction.

S'Talen then looked at Kowalski, "Lt, it is a pleasure to meet you."

She blushed, "May you live long and prosper, sir."

"Grandfather, this is Lt Malcolm Reed, he is in-charge of Security and Tactical on the Enterprise and these are Ensigns Watson and Gomez."

He looked them over. "Yes, they are part of group you are leading." Nodding, "It is an honor to meet you. T'Pol has told us about your group and the progress you are making." He searched Reed's face, "She is satisfied with your progress."

Lt Reed bowed as T'Pol had taught him and spoke for his team, "Thank you, sir. The T'Sai has honored us with her teachings."

S'Talen bowed his head in acknowledgement of the honor to his Granddaughter.

T'Pel then stepped forward, "T'Pol, if I may I would like to come to the Vergent. As I am also a healer, perhaps I could assist Doctor Phlox in his studies of the cylinders."

Storen also asked the same, "T'Pol, perhaps I could assist Commander Tucker and Lt Kowalski." He looked at Tucker who couldn't think of a thing to say.

"Please feel at ease, Commander. I do know something about engines, I teach at the Vulcan Academy of Science as an instructor in warp field mechanics."

Tucker nodded his head, "That would be an honor, Storen. I'd welcome your help in understanding these engines."

"And perhaps in being able to reconstruct some of what you seen and learned on the Enterprise?"

Surprisingly, Tucker didn't feel belittled. He nodded, "Yeah."

"A good engineer always sees, learns, and takes back with them knowledge for use."

Trip grinned, "Yeah."

Twenty minutes later, S'Talen and T'Lar were on Enterprise with Jonathon and T'Pel and Storen were on Vergent with T'Pol and the Away Team. ON BOARD THE VERGENT

T'Pel and Storen looked around the bridge and met everyone in person. As they were getting ready to leave and go to Sickbay and Engineering, Lt Reed spoke up.

"Sub-Commander, I've been able to determine how to contact Mezzia."

Nodding, she sat back down in the command chair, "Open a channel."

A few moments later a Mezzian appeared on the view screen.

T'Pol spoke up, "I am Sub-Commander T'Pol, First Officer of the Earth ship Enterprise. We came across your ship, the Vergent, drifting in space. We boarded the Vergent and found its crew had been killed."

The scaled Mezzian tilted its head to the left, "Sub-Commander T'Pol, I am Nazerm, Third Councilor on the Mezzian Medical Council. All of the crew are dead? Who would do such a thing? How are the beings in the cylinders?"

"Yes, all of your crew has been killed. We believe it was the Klingons. They placed a saboteur on-board, in an attempt to take one of the cylinders."

Nazerm nodded with a backward tilt of his head. "You are in command of the Vergent?"

"Yes, Councilor, but only as a temporary measure. Will you send another vessel to retrieve your ship?"

After consulting a terminal, he gave another backward tilt, "Yes, however it will take approximately 5 solar days to reach the Vergent. Will you stay with the Vergent during that time? Is the ship in working condition?"

"I will need to discuss that with my Captain. The ship is in working condition, but it does have some physical damage. We fought a battle with your ship, against the Klingons, with the Enterprise and with the help of the Vulcan ship ShiKahr. Warn your incoming ship that this area may be dangerous."

She studied him, "Do you know why the Klingons would want a cylinder from your ship?"

He brought something up on the terminal and looked back at her, "Rumors say that there is a disease in the Klingon Empire and that the Causican on- board has a like disease. As you perhaps know, Klingons do not let research be conducted on themselves, so they do research on others."

A flicker of distaste crossed Nazerm's face, "We do not do medical research on any species or individual that has not requested our assistance - nor would we hurt that being or beings. We would also help the Klingons if they asked, but they are too proud to ask."

Phlox stepped up beside T'Pol, "If I may, Sub-Commander?" T'Pol nodded.

"Councilor, I am Dr Phlox, Chief Medical Officer of the Enterprise. Is there anything I need to know to ensure the safety of the beings in the cylinders or the beings who come into contact with them?"

"Doctor, it is a pleasure to meet you. Yes, it is imperative that the individuals stay within their cylinders. We are unsure if any of the organisms will use the atmosphere as an infection vector or not. There should be additional cylinders in the storage bays on the 7th deck below the bridge, if needed. You have been able to get into our medical databases?"

Phlox looked at T'Pol, "Yes, the Sub-Commander was able to gain entrance. Thankfully so, or we would not be at this point if she did not."

Nazerm nodded backward, "I agree and so will the Medical Council. Measures taken to ensure the safety of the beings is of the utmost importance. Our goal is to grow our medical knowledge and abilities to cure diseases. Race or species type are not relevant, knowledge and saving lives are."

Phlox smiled at him, "I agree with that wholeheartedly. May I also present my colleague, T'Pel, a Healer from Vulcan."

T'Pel nodded at Nazerm, "I am honored to meet you Nazerm, your goal is worthy and to be admired."

He tilted to the right, "T'Pel, it is an honor to meet you. Vulcan has shared much knowledge with us. What are your areas of specialty?"

Phlox answered first, "Nazerm, I am a multi-specialty physician. I am a specialist in xeno-biology, psychology, and herbal medicines."

T'Pel spoke up, "I am a specialist in genetics. I do both research and provide treatment in the area of genetics and genetic diseases."

Both Phlox and Nazerm looked at her, "That's very interesting, T'Pel. Perhaps you and Dr Phlox could help us with an interesting case we currently have on-board the Vergent. I will send you the codes to open the patient's files."

T'Pol took back the conversation, "Nazerm, perhaps it would be best to discuss this case in the medical bay?"

Nazerm, Phlox, and T'Pel (to a lesser extent) looked chagrined.

Nazerm spoke up, "Yes, of course, you are correct, Sub-Commander. When physicians get together we tend to forget others are present."

At her nod, he continued, "I will have the Gegan dispatched to your area immediately and will have Sertam, its Captain, contact you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will contact you on a daily basis for any updates. We want this ship back and we appreciate the actions you have taken to help us and the beings on the ship." He tilted his head to the left and right, then nodded forward.

He then continued, "I would ask that you continue to Captain our ship until the Gegan arrives. You have the thanks of the Mezzian Medical Council."

"On behalf of my Captain and crew, you are welcome. T'Pol out."

T'Pel looked at T'Pol, "I have never seen you command before." Both she and Storen contemplated T'Pol. "You bring honor to the family."

T'Pol bowed her head in acknowledgement. Tucker silently released the breathe he held when he heard T'Pel's comment.

Unexpectedly T'Pel said, "Cousin, I brought kreyla (Vulcan biscuits) and 'Cha (word game - mentally challenging) with us. I wonder if you would join us in a game?" The rest of the bridge watched them unabashedly during this conversation. They had never heard any Vulcan speak like a family before.

T'Pol arched an eyebrow, "I would be honored to join you and Storen in a game of 'Cha - and also the kreyla. Did your mother make them?"

"Of course." T'Pol arched an eyebrow and T'Pel walked over to Phlox. "Doctor, I believe we have been dismissed, perhaps you could take me to the medical bay?"

Smiling, "Of course, T'Pel."

Trip looked at T'Pol - shocked - Vulcans act like this? Subdued, calm, unemotional, even somewhat dignified, but still something of family came through. I guess Jon's the only one who has ever seen it before.

Shaking his head, he walked over to Storen, "Storen, why don't you, me and Katie get back down to the engines. I'm a little concerned about the hole in the docking bay and how it seems to be draining some of the warp engine power. I'm trying to trace it. Perhaps you could help?"

He nodded, "I would be honored to assist." They also left the bridge.

T'Pol wondered what ripples this visit would bring. She sent her thoughts to Jonathon on the Enterprise.

CONTINUED IN PART 41