PART 47
Author: Witezon@aol.com
Pairing: A/T
Rating: PG-13
Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN
The silence in the room was awkward. Archer looked up at S'Talen who had a bland expression on his face, but then he tilted his head in acknowledgement of Archer's words.
"YELLOW ALERT. CAPTAIN TO THE BRIDGE."
"Jon stay here with Dr. Phlox. I've got to go to the bridge."
He quickly left the room. Alone.
Walking onto the bridge, "Report, Commander." Tucker got up from the chair and went to stand behind it.
"Captain, The Vergent suddenly moved to the edge of this system, then stopped. We don't know why. We've tried to hail them, but can't get a response."
"Whose over there with T'Pol?"
"Lts Reed and Kowalski, Ensigns Cutler, Hondo, and Womack, and I think from Security its Ensigns Torres and Watson."
Puzzled, he turned to Sato, "You can't reach Hondo?"
Shaking her head, "No, sir. It's all dead space."
Tucker stepped closer to Archer, "Captain, can't you reach T'P--" at Archer's look, he frowned and changed that into "the Sub-Commander?"
Archer tried to reach her again. Sighing, "She doesn't seem to be taking my calls either."
Looking over at Bagera, "Ensign, can you find any reason why the Vergent would move away?"
"No, sir." Checking some more sensors, "There's nothing showing up and the Gegan isn't scheduled to arrive until 1600."
"I thought it was 1200?"
"It was, but they contacted the Sub-Commander yesterday and said that they were going around a particular section of space and that would delay them by 4 hours."
Archer thought back to yesterday and vaguely remembered T'Pol mentioning something about the Gegan. He had other things on his mind at the time.
"All right, let's try hailing them again."
He listened to Hoshi trying to hail the Vergent and again tried to reach T'Pol through their bond. She was there, but she wasn't open to him.
Sato looked over at him, "Still no response, sir."
Not liking the situation at all, "Okay, Travis, move us closer to the Vergent, but keep an eye on them."
"Ensign Mantusco, polarize the hull. I don't think the Sub-Commander will attack us, but lets be sure no one else does either."
"Aye, sir."
They slowly moved closer to the Vergent, circling around, inspecting its hull. Trying to find out why they moved.
"Bagera?"
She was doing something with the sensors. "Bagera?"
"Sorry, sir. But the Sub-Commander programmed some additional scans into the sensor relays and I was running them. I think something is wrong in the cylinder area."
Turing to face her, "What do you mean?"
Shaking her head, "Sir, from what I can see, there's something wrong with the power. Its appears to be fluctuating and it could be affecting their communications."
"Tucker?"
Nodding at him from the Engineering panels, he was looking at some scans of his own, "Yeah, that section uses a lot of power and if its damaged, then it could be drawing power from other sections, to include communications, to compensate. Then again, it could be that original power drain. T'P-, The Sub-Commander may have moved the Vergent here as a safety precaution."
Tucker walked back to Archer and said in a low voice, "Of course, sir, that doesn't explain why she's not talking to you."
Archer stared hard at him, then exhaled, "I think she's mad at me."
Snorting, he said just as softly, "Jon, she could be dying and she'd still try to reach you. Its crazy how close you two are."
Dropping his eyes, "Yeah, normally, but --"
"But nothing. Even if there wasn't a bond, she'd still try to contact us because she's the First Officer. What happened?"
Archer shot a hard look at him, "We don't have time for this now, Commander."
Tucker backed off, "Yes, sir. What do you want to do now?"
"Sir! I've got Lt Reed on the Vergent"
"On screen."
Reed appeared on the bridge of the Vergent, but they couldn't see anyone else there with him.
"Report, Lt."
Taking a breath, "Yes, sir. We started losing power in the cylinder section of the ship. Lt Kowalski tried to compensate manually, but she wasn't quick enough. The ship automatically took over the process and its been shutting down whole sections of the ship. We even lost life support in a few areas."
"All right. Where's the Sub-Commander?"
Reed looked down at the screen he was monitoring, "The Sub-Commander took Ensigns Hondo, Torres, Womack, and Watson and went to Engineering to work with Lt Kowalski on the problems."
"Why haven't you contacted the Enterprise?"
Frowning in puzzlement, "We've been trying, sir. The Sub-Commander herself tried several times, but then said that we needed to stabilize the internal power grid first and had us move away from the Enterprise in case we couldn't."
Nodding, "Have you heard from anyone yet?"
"Yes, sir, approximately 15 minutes ago, when I spoke with Lt Kowalski. We confirmed that the internal power grid is showing scattered losses and fluctuations across the entire power system. Kowalski said that the power drain had returned and that everyone was up in the Jeffries tubes trying to find the where the drain is occurring."
"Do you know if its affecting the cylinders?"
"No, sir, so far the ship is protecting that area." He ran his fingers over his screen again, "I'm trying to trace the repairs through the power distribution board, but there's too many fluctuations to really understand what's going on from here. Also with everyone up in the tubes, its just too congested."
"Lt, is the transporter on-line? Can we get some people over to you?"
"No, sir. That was the first to go. But I think it shut down from a security standpoint, rather than from power distribution problems."
Reed traced his fingers something on the screen, frowning. "What, Lt?"
"Well, sir, there was a power fluctuation at the junction where T'Pol and Watson were in the Jeffries tube, but now its come back on-line."
Relaxing, "Good. I want to be continually updated and I want to talk to the Sub-Commander as soon as she's available."
Puzzled, Reed quickly glanced over at Trip, who shrugged, "Yes, sir, as soon as I can I'll tell her."
Archer looked at Trip, "What was that about?"
Tucker said quietly, "Sir, I don't think there's anyone on the bridge that doesn't know about your bond and how you're always using it. We just don't understand why you're not using it now."
Uncomfortable with this comment, Archer took a moment and resettled himself in his chair, then just as quietly replied, "We had a fight."
Surprised, "A fight? It must have been one hell of a fight for T'Pol to ignore you."
"Yeah."
Studying Archer, he nodded. Watching him closely, Trip said, "If you want to talk or anything, I'm here."
Feeling embarrassed about what he thought about Trip and T'Pol, "I should probably talk to T'Pol first."
Puzzled by that, Trip suddenly put together some things from their earlier conversation, "Your wife? You usually only say that when you're jealous -- "
Shocked he turned to Archer, sputtering, "Me!? Why is it always me! I haven't done anything - ever. She'd kill me and you're my best friend."
Archer glanced at him, then back to the screen, "I know that. I guess...I still had some doubts."
"This came up because of Jon, didn't it?"
"Yeah --"
T'Pol's voice cut into their conversation, "Lt Reed, Ensign Watson and I are going with Ensign Cutler to the cylinder room."
They heard Reed's acknowledgement.
Then, "Lt, have you been able to contact the Enterprise yet?"
"Yes, Ma'am. They're on screen now, the Captain has asked to speak with you."
Silence, "I will be there in a few minutes. T'Pol out."
Reed nervously traced his grid again, then looked up at Archer, "She'll be here in a couple of minutes, sir."
With a single nod, "I heard, Lt."
Tucker stepped up, "With the Captain's permission, Lt Reed, can you hook me up with Kowalski?"
With Archer's agreement, Reed did and soon Tucker and Kowalski were discussing the power problem.
Archer tuned back into the conversation, "...Yeah, Katie, I think you're right. It had to have come apart in one of the Jeffries tubes where we made the repairs. But there's so many repairs and the power that flows through them has a strong signature. Did you find them all?"
"No, sir. We're still getting power fluctuations and we've got almost 20 more tube sections to go up into yet. The Sub-Commander wants us to check them all out and, so far, we're finding small problems at all our repair sites. So, it's taking time to get everything fixed."
Nodding, "Okay, do you have enough supplies?"
"I think so. The repairs have minor, with the exception of the one where the Sub-Commander and Ensign Watson were."
"What was wrong with that one?"
"Everything, sir. It must have been slowly degrading and then finally ruptured. It's the junction at Section 049B and 189O. I think that's what started the whole breakdown."
Surprised, Tucker replied, "And that's the small junction area, how the heck did both of them get up there?"
Chuckling, "Well, you know the Sub-Commander, sir. She just climbed up and carrying the tools. But I think Watson's got a permanent blush now. I guess working together in that small space isn't the same as the work-outs they do in security. You know he had to crawl up right behind her. They were in there for about 20 minutes before the power came back on."
Tucker's laugh turned into a cough as he looked at Archer. "As long as its fixed, Lt. No problems with any energy backlash?"
"Didn't say that, sir. They both got hit. T'Pol first, as she was closest, but since they had full body contact, it passed into Watson. I'm sure you can sympathize with them, Commander." Tucker shook his head, he'd been hit twice.
Archer broke in, "Are they all right, Lt?" Thinking to himself, 'Why didn't I feel her get hurt?'
A moment of silence. "Sorry Captain, I didn't know you were there. Yes, sir, I sent Cutler over to check them out. She confirmed that they're all right, just a little sore. They'll need a short break before they go back up to check out more repairs. Cutler wanted to show the Sub-Commander something, so they all went to the cylinder room."
Everyone on the Enterprise's bridge was surreptitiously listening to the conversation. Something had definitely happened between the Captain and the Sub-Commander.
The bridge doors on the Vergent opened and T'Pol walked in, followed closely by Cutler and Watson. They were so close they were almost hovering over her. Once she sat down they went their own ways, Cutler to stand next to Reed and Watson at the Navigation station.
Archer stared at her as she stiffly settled herself in the Captain's chair. She was sore, that much was obvious to anyone. Archer could see that she was also tired, and her eyes - well, they were well-shielded.
Tucker was also staring at her, then he glanced over at Archer. 'Oh yeah, big fight.'
She nodded at the screen, "Captain. Commander. I assume Lt Reed explained the Vergent's difficulties to you?"
Archer nodded back, "Sub-Commander, is everyone all right?"
"Yes, sir. The cylinders have not been damaged by the power fluctuations. However, we will still need to make more repairs prior to the Gegan's arrival."
Before Archer could say anything more, Reed broke in, "Sub-Commander, I've got Captain Sertam. Do you want to speak with him?"
Signaling her agreement, "Excuse me, Captain. Lt, please split the screen."
He did, allowing Archer to listen into the conversation. T'Pol began, "Captain Sertam."
"Greetings, Sub-Commander T'Pol." Archer watched, determined not to feel like a voyeur as Sertam looked T'Pol over.
Sertam spoke again, "Sub-Commander, you look like someone who has experienced an energy backlash."
Nodding, "Both Ensign Watson and I have as we were repairing an engineering relay that had ruptured. Just as we completed it, we 'experienced' the energy backlash."
"Ah. You have my sympathies and apologies. The only suggestion I have is that you eat something. It will dissipate more quickly if you refuel your system. It is too bad that I am being delayed again, I would have liked to have had dinner with you."
He stared at T'Pol. Archer stared at Sertam, then T'Pol. T'Pol simply stared back.
Sertam spread his hands, "Of course, with your Captain, too."
She nodded, "Of course." Archer smirked at himself when he felt relief at her comment. It left a lot to be desired when males flirted with your wife when you've just had the worst fight of your relationship.
He focused back on her when she added, "Sertam, you said that you were being delayed again?"
"Yes, we are now scheduled to arrive tomorrow at 1000 of your Earth hours. We had to stop at Erius to drop off a vaccine, but got delayed with questions from their Health Ministry. I hope that won't be a problem."
She looked over at Archer, then back at Sertam, "No, it will not be a problem. We will spend the night on the Vergent to ensure that its systems stay on-line." Archer, 'Great.'
With their sideways nod, "Thank you, T'Pol. That is very gracious of you and your crew. Please take the Captain's quarters and ensure your crew takes the officers' quarters surrounding it. Those are the most comfortable on the ship."
Sertam tilted to look at Captain Archer, "Captain Archer, again on behalf of my government, we thank you for your help with the Vergent. We will see you tomorrow."
Archer slowly nodded, and watched Sertam turn back to T'Pol. "T'Pol, I look forward to meeting you tomorrow."
T'Pol nodded once, "Vergent out." Sertam vanished from the screen. She and Archer exchanged a long look.
Archer started to say something, but T'Pol broke into whatever it was going to be, "Captain, excuse me. But we need to continue with the repairs. We will contact the Enterprise every two hours with an update." She rose slightly less stiffly than she had when she sat down. Watson sighed in the background, but got up, too.
Archer stared at her, "Alright, T'Pol. Just don't overdue it."
T'Pol studied him, then nodded once, "Yes, Captain. Vergent out."
The view screen turned back into the stars, with the Vergent in the distance.
Tucker cleared his throat, "Cap'n, you want to get some lunch?"
Thoughtfully he turned to look at Trip, "Sure. Bagera, you've got the bridge."
CONTINUED IN PART 48
PART 48 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN
Once they were in the Captain's Mess, Trip asked, "Jon, you want to talk about what's going on with you and T'Pol?"
Frowning, "I'm still trying to figure it out. All I know for sure is that I said some things, she said some things and we need to work it out."
Dropping his eyes to his plate, Archer pushed his food around the plate with his fork, "Now she won't be coming back tonight and I get to explain to my - our - son why 'Mam' won't be home."
Swallowing a bite, "That's a problem?"
Dropping his fork on the table, "Not normally, but I told him that I thought she would be home tonight and that I would try to make her better."
"T'Pol, doesn't feel well?"
Frowning at him, "You know her almost as well as I do, Trip, you saw her."
Uncomfortable with that comment, Trip stared at his plate, "Jon, there's nothing goin' on between T'Pol and me. Never has been. I don't have feelings for her that way, and you know that she doesn't have them for me."
Picking at his food, he asked Archer, "I think I'm confused. I thought that Vulcan bond thing of yours wouldn't allow you to lie to each other?"
Staring at the table for a couple of minutes, Archer finally admitted, "Yeah, it doesn't, and I know she doesn't. But the bond does allow for some privacy and I guess I was hiding some stuff I wouldn't even think about. Now with Jon being sick..."
Archer stopped. Then after a hard swallow, he said softly, "He's gonna die, Trip."
After a moment Trip leaned over and put his hand on Jon's arm. "Yeah." He watched him for a second, "I'm really sorry, Jon. If there was anything I could do, I would."
Again a few more minutes passed, then Trip continued, "So, with Jon bein' sick, it kinda brought out that stuff you were hiding?"
In a rough voice, "It was awful. She said that we would face everything and get it out in the open, so we could deal with Jon's illness and what we're going to do."
Picking up and then putting down his glass of water, "Oh, yeah, that's what did we. It was...terrible."
Trip frowned in confusion, "What do you mean?"
Archer started drumming his fingers on the table, once he realized what the beat was, he pulled his hand back. "She forced mental compatibility with me."
Trip's mouth dropped open, after a minute, "She...ah...forced compatibility? How'd she do that?"
"Well, let's just say Vulcans can be remorseless in the pursuit of truth." Trip's eyebrows rose in question.
With a little bit of embarrassment, he continued, "She pushed and pushed and pushed at me, Trip. Then I just let it all out. Everything. I accused her of some terrible things."
"And?"
"I think I can positively say that T'Pol was angry."
"Angry? I thought Vulcans controlled all of their emotions?"
"Well, I can guarantee you its a damn good thing that they do."
With a sad smirk, "I hadn't realized how much she tries to mixes Human and Vulcan actions together with everyone. Last night I got the Vulcan T'Pol. A Vulcan that wasn't pleased."
A single, unhumorous chuckle, "One of the side affects of her not being pleased is that I can now tell you what Vulcan looks and feels like."
At Trip's confused look, he continued, "Don't look at me, I don't understand it. But somehow I know it's important. I just don't know why."
Still confused, but going along with him, "Okay, what's it like?"
Shrugging, "Hot."
At Trip's look, "Hotter than anywhere I've ever been. Their sun blazes down on them for almost 24-hours of their 34-hour day. Sand everywhere. Red rocks, not much of a breeze. Not much water. Quiet. Hot, and I mean really hot."
Finally Trip said, "That's...really strange."
Then, "So, how do you feel about T'Pol now?"
Stretching his neck side to side, "I'm angry." Staring at his spoon, "But I guess I needed to admit how I felt about things. Then I woke up this morning and she wasn't there. Now she's not coming home tonight either.
"Maybe she was giving you space to figure out how you feel?"
"Probably."
Quietly, "Do you still love her? Do you still trust her?"
Shocked, Archer looked up, "Of course I do. I'm just angry, Trip. She poked and prodded at me until I exploded."
Trip rumpled then straightened out his napkin several times, "How long do you think she knew you had these feelings?"
Now that was a bigger shock. Archer stared at him, with his mouth open. He clamped it shut, thinking.
"Damn."
"I hope you know what you meant by that, cos' I don't."
Exhaling, "She must have known for awhile." Archer balled up his napkin, "I'm usually not this insecure."
Trip nodded in agreement, "Yeah. I don't think I've ever seen you like this."
Archer continued to play with the napkin, thinking, then, "Damn it, Trip. You're younger than I am, you'll probably live longer than I will..."
Shocked Trip broke in, "But Jon, she doesn't want me or me her. Never have, never will. She wants you and only you - what's that Vulcan thing about together and never parted?"
With a sad grin, "Yeah. I know she does. She really burned it into my brain last night." His grin faded away.
"What?"
Archer waved his hand in the area around his head, "It's just that right now, our bond is about as good as it was when the Caveck had her. I knows she's there somewhere. But I can't talk to her, can't feel what she's doing or feeling. Nothing."
Trip arched an eyebrow at him, "Well, Jon, you know what you're gonna' do now?"
Grinning at him in relief because he had realized what he was going to do, "Yeah, I do. Let me first find my 'clan.'"
Snorting, "I'm glad they're your clan and not mine."
With a smug grin, "Well, Trip, I don't know how to tell you this, but as my best friend and T'Pol's, you're considered something like a cousin."
Not pleasantly surprised, "What! And somethin' in your face tells me that Vulcans take this clan stuff seriously."
Nodding, still smug, "Yeah, they do." Archer patted him on the shoulder, "Welcome to family, Trip. I'm sure S'Talen will say something eventually."
"Great, just great." Tucker looked disgusted. He muttered, "I'm not the one who married a Vulcan, but I still get the in-laws. I can't tell you how much I really appreciate this honor, Captain Archer."
Grinning, "No problem, always happy to help."
Archer got serious, staring at his friend, "Trip, I mean it. Thank you. You helped me sort some things out. I appreciate it."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Trip's face relaxed from the grimace, "That's what friends are for."
They walked out the door, "So, Captain, what time do you want the shuttle?"
CONTINUED IN PART 49
The silence in the room was awkward. Archer looked up at S'Talen who had a bland expression on his face, but then he tilted his head in acknowledgement of Archer's words.
"YELLOW ALERT. CAPTAIN TO THE BRIDGE."
"Jon stay here with Dr. Phlox. I've got to go to the bridge."
He quickly left the room. Alone.
Walking onto the bridge, "Report, Commander." Tucker got up from the chair and went to stand behind it.
"Captain, The Vergent suddenly moved to the edge of this system, then stopped. We don't know why. We've tried to hail them, but can't get a response."
"Whose over there with T'Pol?"
"Lts Reed and Kowalski, Ensigns Cutler, Hondo, and Womack, and I think from Security its Ensigns Torres and Watson."
Puzzled, he turned to Sato, "You can't reach Hondo?"
Shaking her head, "No, sir. It's all dead space."
Tucker stepped closer to Archer, "Captain, can't you reach T'P--" at Archer's look, he frowned and changed that into "the Sub-Commander?"
Archer tried to reach her again. Sighing, "She doesn't seem to be taking my calls either."
Looking over at Bagera, "Ensign, can you find any reason why the Vergent would move away?"
"No, sir." Checking some more sensors, "There's nothing showing up and the Gegan isn't scheduled to arrive until 1600."
"I thought it was 1200?"
"It was, but they contacted the Sub-Commander yesterday and said that they were going around a particular section of space and that would delay them by 4 hours."
Archer thought back to yesterday and vaguely remembered T'Pol mentioning something about the Gegan. He had other things on his mind at the time.
"All right, let's try hailing them again."
He listened to Hoshi trying to hail the Vergent and again tried to reach T'Pol through their bond. She was there, but she wasn't open to him.
Sato looked over at him, "Still no response, sir."
Not liking the situation at all, "Okay, Travis, move us closer to the Vergent, but keep an eye on them."
"Ensign Mantusco, polarize the hull. I don't think the Sub-Commander will attack us, but lets be sure no one else does either."
"Aye, sir."
They slowly moved closer to the Vergent, circling around, inspecting its hull. Trying to find out why they moved.
"Bagera?"
She was doing something with the sensors. "Bagera?"
"Sorry, sir. But the Sub-Commander programmed some additional scans into the sensor relays and I was running them. I think something is wrong in the cylinder area."
Turing to face her, "What do you mean?"
Shaking her head, "Sir, from what I can see, there's something wrong with the power. Its appears to be fluctuating and it could be affecting their communications."
"Tucker?"
Nodding at him from the Engineering panels, he was looking at some scans of his own, "Yeah, that section uses a lot of power and if its damaged, then it could be drawing power from other sections, to include communications, to compensate. Then again, it could be that original power drain. T'P-, The Sub-Commander may have moved the Vergent here as a safety precaution."
Tucker walked back to Archer and said in a low voice, "Of course, sir, that doesn't explain why she's not talking to you."
Archer stared hard at him, then exhaled, "I think she's mad at me."
Snorting, he said just as softly, "Jon, she could be dying and she'd still try to reach you. Its crazy how close you two are."
Dropping his eyes, "Yeah, normally, but --"
"But nothing. Even if there wasn't a bond, she'd still try to contact us because she's the First Officer. What happened?"
Archer shot a hard look at him, "We don't have time for this now, Commander."
Tucker backed off, "Yes, sir. What do you want to do now?"
"Sir! I've got Lt Reed on the Vergent"
"On screen."
Reed appeared on the bridge of the Vergent, but they couldn't see anyone else there with him.
"Report, Lt."
Taking a breath, "Yes, sir. We started losing power in the cylinder section of the ship. Lt Kowalski tried to compensate manually, but she wasn't quick enough. The ship automatically took over the process and its been shutting down whole sections of the ship. We even lost life support in a few areas."
"All right. Where's the Sub-Commander?"
Reed looked down at the screen he was monitoring, "The Sub-Commander took Ensigns Hondo, Torres, Womack, and Watson and went to Engineering to work with Lt Kowalski on the problems."
"Why haven't you contacted the Enterprise?"
Frowning in puzzlement, "We've been trying, sir. The Sub-Commander herself tried several times, but then said that we needed to stabilize the internal power grid first and had us move away from the Enterprise in case we couldn't."
Nodding, "Have you heard from anyone yet?"
"Yes, sir, approximately 15 minutes ago, when I spoke with Lt Kowalski. We confirmed that the internal power grid is showing scattered losses and fluctuations across the entire power system. Kowalski said that the power drain had returned and that everyone was up in the Jeffries tubes trying to find the where the drain is occurring."
"Do you know if its affecting the cylinders?"
"No, sir, so far the ship is protecting that area." He ran his fingers over his screen again, "I'm trying to trace the repairs through the power distribution board, but there's too many fluctuations to really understand what's going on from here. Also with everyone up in the tubes, its just too congested."
"Lt, is the transporter on-line? Can we get some people over to you?"
"No, sir. That was the first to go. But I think it shut down from a security standpoint, rather than from power distribution problems."
Reed traced his fingers something on the screen, frowning. "What, Lt?"
"Well, sir, there was a power fluctuation at the junction where T'Pol and Watson were in the Jeffries tube, but now its come back on-line."
Relaxing, "Good. I want to be continually updated and I want to talk to the Sub-Commander as soon as she's available."
Puzzled, Reed quickly glanced over at Trip, who shrugged, "Yes, sir, as soon as I can I'll tell her."
Archer looked at Trip, "What was that about?"
Tucker said quietly, "Sir, I don't think there's anyone on the bridge that doesn't know about your bond and how you're always using it. We just don't understand why you're not using it now."
Uncomfortable with this comment, Archer took a moment and resettled himself in his chair, then just as quietly replied, "We had a fight."
Surprised, "A fight? It must have been one hell of a fight for T'Pol to ignore you."
"Yeah."
Studying Archer, he nodded. Watching him closely, Trip said, "If you want to talk or anything, I'm here."
Feeling embarrassed about what he thought about Trip and T'Pol, "I should probably talk to T'Pol first."
Puzzled by that, Trip suddenly put together some things from their earlier conversation, "Your wife? You usually only say that when you're jealous -- "
Shocked he turned to Archer, sputtering, "Me!? Why is it always me! I haven't done anything - ever. She'd kill me and you're my best friend."
Archer glanced at him, then back to the screen, "I know that. I guess...I still had some doubts."
"This came up because of Jon, didn't it?"
"Yeah --"
T'Pol's voice cut into their conversation, "Lt Reed, Ensign Watson and I are going with Ensign Cutler to the cylinder room."
They heard Reed's acknowledgement.
Then, "Lt, have you been able to contact the Enterprise yet?"
"Yes, Ma'am. They're on screen now, the Captain has asked to speak with you."
Silence, "I will be there in a few minutes. T'Pol out."
Reed nervously traced his grid again, then looked up at Archer, "She'll be here in a couple of minutes, sir."
With a single nod, "I heard, Lt."
Tucker stepped up, "With the Captain's permission, Lt Reed, can you hook me up with Kowalski?"
With Archer's agreement, Reed did and soon Tucker and Kowalski were discussing the power problem.
Archer tuned back into the conversation, "...Yeah, Katie, I think you're right. It had to have come apart in one of the Jeffries tubes where we made the repairs. But there's so many repairs and the power that flows through them has a strong signature. Did you find them all?"
"No, sir. We're still getting power fluctuations and we've got almost 20 more tube sections to go up into yet. The Sub-Commander wants us to check them all out and, so far, we're finding small problems at all our repair sites. So, it's taking time to get everything fixed."
Nodding, "Okay, do you have enough supplies?"
"I think so. The repairs have minor, with the exception of the one where the Sub-Commander and Ensign Watson were."
"What was wrong with that one?"
"Everything, sir. It must have been slowly degrading and then finally ruptured. It's the junction at Section 049B and 189O. I think that's what started the whole breakdown."
Surprised, Tucker replied, "And that's the small junction area, how the heck did both of them get up there?"
Chuckling, "Well, you know the Sub-Commander, sir. She just climbed up and carrying the tools. But I think Watson's got a permanent blush now. I guess working together in that small space isn't the same as the work-outs they do in security. You know he had to crawl up right behind her. They were in there for about 20 minutes before the power came back on."
Tucker's laugh turned into a cough as he looked at Archer. "As long as its fixed, Lt. No problems with any energy backlash?"
"Didn't say that, sir. They both got hit. T'Pol first, as she was closest, but since they had full body contact, it passed into Watson. I'm sure you can sympathize with them, Commander." Tucker shook his head, he'd been hit twice.
Archer broke in, "Are they all right, Lt?" Thinking to himself, 'Why didn't I feel her get hurt?'
A moment of silence. "Sorry Captain, I didn't know you were there. Yes, sir, I sent Cutler over to check them out. She confirmed that they're all right, just a little sore. They'll need a short break before they go back up to check out more repairs. Cutler wanted to show the Sub-Commander something, so they all went to the cylinder room."
Everyone on the Enterprise's bridge was surreptitiously listening to the conversation. Something had definitely happened between the Captain and the Sub-Commander.
The bridge doors on the Vergent opened and T'Pol walked in, followed closely by Cutler and Watson. They were so close they were almost hovering over her. Once she sat down they went their own ways, Cutler to stand next to Reed and Watson at the Navigation station.
Archer stared at her as she stiffly settled herself in the Captain's chair. She was sore, that much was obvious to anyone. Archer could see that she was also tired, and her eyes - well, they were well-shielded.
Tucker was also staring at her, then he glanced over at Archer. 'Oh yeah, big fight.'
She nodded at the screen, "Captain. Commander. I assume Lt Reed explained the Vergent's difficulties to you?"
Archer nodded back, "Sub-Commander, is everyone all right?"
"Yes, sir. The cylinders have not been damaged by the power fluctuations. However, we will still need to make more repairs prior to the Gegan's arrival."
Before Archer could say anything more, Reed broke in, "Sub-Commander, I've got Captain Sertam. Do you want to speak with him?"
Signaling her agreement, "Excuse me, Captain. Lt, please split the screen."
He did, allowing Archer to listen into the conversation. T'Pol began, "Captain Sertam."
"Greetings, Sub-Commander T'Pol." Archer watched, determined not to feel like a voyeur as Sertam looked T'Pol over.
Sertam spoke again, "Sub-Commander, you look like someone who has experienced an energy backlash."
Nodding, "Both Ensign Watson and I have as we were repairing an engineering relay that had ruptured. Just as we completed it, we 'experienced' the energy backlash."
"Ah. You have my sympathies and apologies. The only suggestion I have is that you eat something. It will dissipate more quickly if you refuel your system. It is too bad that I am being delayed again, I would have liked to have had dinner with you."
He stared at T'Pol. Archer stared at Sertam, then T'Pol. T'Pol simply stared back.
Sertam spread his hands, "Of course, with your Captain, too."
She nodded, "Of course." Archer smirked at himself when he felt relief at her comment. It left a lot to be desired when males flirted with your wife when you've just had the worst fight of your relationship.
He focused back on her when she added, "Sertam, you said that you were being delayed again?"
"Yes, we are now scheduled to arrive tomorrow at 1000 of your Earth hours. We had to stop at Erius to drop off a vaccine, but got delayed with questions from their Health Ministry. I hope that won't be a problem."
She looked over at Archer, then back at Sertam, "No, it will not be a problem. We will spend the night on the Vergent to ensure that its systems stay on-line." Archer, 'Great.'
With their sideways nod, "Thank you, T'Pol. That is very gracious of you and your crew. Please take the Captain's quarters and ensure your crew takes the officers' quarters surrounding it. Those are the most comfortable on the ship."
Sertam tilted to look at Captain Archer, "Captain Archer, again on behalf of my government, we thank you for your help with the Vergent. We will see you tomorrow."
Archer slowly nodded, and watched Sertam turn back to T'Pol. "T'Pol, I look forward to meeting you tomorrow."
T'Pol nodded once, "Vergent out." Sertam vanished from the screen. She and Archer exchanged a long look.
Archer started to say something, but T'Pol broke into whatever it was going to be, "Captain, excuse me. But we need to continue with the repairs. We will contact the Enterprise every two hours with an update." She rose slightly less stiffly than she had when she sat down. Watson sighed in the background, but got up, too.
Archer stared at her, "Alright, T'Pol. Just don't overdue it."
T'Pol studied him, then nodded once, "Yes, Captain. Vergent out."
The view screen turned back into the stars, with the Vergent in the distance.
Tucker cleared his throat, "Cap'n, you want to get some lunch?"
Thoughtfully he turned to look at Trip, "Sure. Bagera, you've got the bridge."
CONTINUED IN PART 48
PART 48 Author: Witezon@aol.com Pairing: A/T Rating: PG-13 Everything belongs to Paramount/UPN
Once they were in the Captain's Mess, Trip asked, "Jon, you want to talk about what's going on with you and T'Pol?"
Frowning, "I'm still trying to figure it out. All I know for sure is that I said some things, she said some things and we need to work it out."
Dropping his eyes to his plate, Archer pushed his food around the plate with his fork, "Now she won't be coming back tonight and I get to explain to my - our - son why 'Mam' won't be home."
Swallowing a bite, "That's a problem?"
Dropping his fork on the table, "Not normally, but I told him that I thought she would be home tonight and that I would try to make her better."
"T'Pol, doesn't feel well?"
Frowning at him, "You know her almost as well as I do, Trip, you saw her."
Uncomfortable with that comment, Trip stared at his plate, "Jon, there's nothing goin' on between T'Pol and me. Never has been. I don't have feelings for her that way, and you know that she doesn't have them for me."
Picking at his food, he asked Archer, "I think I'm confused. I thought that Vulcan bond thing of yours wouldn't allow you to lie to each other?"
Staring at the table for a couple of minutes, Archer finally admitted, "Yeah, it doesn't, and I know she doesn't. But the bond does allow for some privacy and I guess I was hiding some stuff I wouldn't even think about. Now with Jon being sick..."
Archer stopped. Then after a hard swallow, he said softly, "He's gonna die, Trip."
After a moment Trip leaned over and put his hand on Jon's arm. "Yeah." He watched him for a second, "I'm really sorry, Jon. If there was anything I could do, I would."
Again a few more minutes passed, then Trip continued, "So, with Jon bein' sick, it kinda brought out that stuff you were hiding?"
In a rough voice, "It was awful. She said that we would face everything and get it out in the open, so we could deal with Jon's illness and what we're going to do."
Picking up and then putting down his glass of water, "Oh, yeah, that's what did we. It was...terrible."
Trip frowned in confusion, "What do you mean?"
Archer started drumming his fingers on the table, once he realized what the beat was, he pulled his hand back. "She forced mental compatibility with me."
Trip's mouth dropped open, after a minute, "She...ah...forced compatibility? How'd she do that?"
"Well, let's just say Vulcans can be remorseless in the pursuit of truth." Trip's eyebrows rose in question.
With a little bit of embarrassment, he continued, "She pushed and pushed and pushed at me, Trip. Then I just let it all out. Everything. I accused her of some terrible things."
"And?"
"I think I can positively say that T'Pol was angry."
"Angry? I thought Vulcans controlled all of their emotions?"
"Well, I can guarantee you its a damn good thing that they do."
With a sad smirk, "I hadn't realized how much she tries to mixes Human and Vulcan actions together with everyone. Last night I got the Vulcan T'Pol. A Vulcan that wasn't pleased."
A single, unhumorous chuckle, "One of the side affects of her not being pleased is that I can now tell you what Vulcan looks and feels like."
At Trip's confused look, he continued, "Don't look at me, I don't understand it. But somehow I know it's important. I just don't know why."
Still confused, but going along with him, "Okay, what's it like?"
Shrugging, "Hot."
At Trip's look, "Hotter than anywhere I've ever been. Their sun blazes down on them for almost 24-hours of their 34-hour day. Sand everywhere. Red rocks, not much of a breeze. Not much water. Quiet. Hot, and I mean really hot."
Finally Trip said, "That's...really strange."
Then, "So, how do you feel about T'Pol now?"
Stretching his neck side to side, "I'm angry." Staring at his spoon, "But I guess I needed to admit how I felt about things. Then I woke up this morning and she wasn't there. Now she's not coming home tonight either.
"Maybe she was giving you space to figure out how you feel?"
"Probably."
Quietly, "Do you still love her? Do you still trust her?"
Shocked, Archer looked up, "Of course I do. I'm just angry, Trip. She poked and prodded at me until I exploded."
Trip rumpled then straightened out his napkin several times, "How long do you think she knew you had these feelings?"
Now that was a bigger shock. Archer stared at him, with his mouth open. He clamped it shut, thinking.
"Damn."
"I hope you know what you meant by that, cos' I don't."
Exhaling, "She must have known for awhile." Archer balled up his napkin, "I'm usually not this insecure."
Trip nodded in agreement, "Yeah. I don't think I've ever seen you like this."
Archer continued to play with the napkin, thinking, then, "Damn it, Trip. You're younger than I am, you'll probably live longer than I will..."
Shocked Trip broke in, "But Jon, she doesn't want me or me her. Never have, never will. She wants you and only you - what's that Vulcan thing about together and never parted?"
With a sad grin, "Yeah. I know she does. She really burned it into my brain last night." His grin faded away.
"What?"
Archer waved his hand in the area around his head, "It's just that right now, our bond is about as good as it was when the Caveck had her. I knows she's there somewhere. But I can't talk to her, can't feel what she's doing or feeling. Nothing."
Trip arched an eyebrow at him, "Well, Jon, you know what you're gonna' do now?"
Grinning at him in relief because he had realized what he was going to do, "Yeah, I do. Let me first find my 'clan.'"
Snorting, "I'm glad they're your clan and not mine."
With a smug grin, "Well, Trip, I don't know how to tell you this, but as my best friend and T'Pol's, you're considered something like a cousin."
Not pleasantly surprised, "What! And somethin' in your face tells me that Vulcans take this clan stuff seriously."
Nodding, still smug, "Yeah, they do." Archer patted him on the shoulder, "Welcome to family, Trip. I'm sure S'Talen will say something eventually."
"Great, just great." Tucker looked disgusted. He muttered, "I'm not the one who married a Vulcan, but I still get the in-laws. I can't tell you how much I really appreciate this honor, Captain Archer."
Grinning, "No problem, always happy to help."
Archer got serious, staring at his friend, "Trip, I mean it. Thank you. You helped me sort some things out. I appreciate it."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Trip's face relaxed from the grimace, "That's what friends are for."
They walked out the door, "So, Captain, what time do you want the shuttle?"
CONTINUED IN PART 49