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CHAPTER SEVEN

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"Morning, Trip," greeted Jon from his seat at the breakfast table. "Sleep well?"

Trip stretched. "Yeah, pretty good," he replied. "I see you and the doc got breakfast preparation duty."

"Yes, Commander," said Phlox. "Interesting tradition, don't you think? Having the guests prepare the morning meal?"

"You could have asked me to help."

"Phlox and I did fine, Trip," replied Jon. "Besides, you needed your sleep."

Trip nodded reluctantly then took a seat across the low table from Jon. "Where's T'Pol?"

"She left earlier," said Phlox. "But she said she'd return soon."

Jon handed Trip a plate of fresh fruit and bread. "Eat up," he directed. "Not quite what Chef would prepare, but we did the best we could."

Trip chuckled and took the plate.

As the commander began his meal, Jon looked over his friend's appearance. He still looked slightly drawn, but the dark circles had faded considerably. And much to Jon's relief, the haunted look in Trip's eyes was gone. Two days had passed since Trip had awakened from the mind meld. He'd been confused and disoriented for a few minutes, but then his mind had settled. He'd still remembered in vivid detail the sound of the Taipra Ku's voices and the pain he'd felt, but gone were the horrific dreams and false memories. Jon couldn't remember ever feeling more relieved. His friend still had to come to grips with his torture, but at least his sense of reality had been restored.

"Any nightmares, Commander?" asked Phlox. Jon noticed the doctor had been scrutinizing the engineer as well.

Trip nodded. "A few," he replied.

"If you'd like, we can continue your counseling sessions when we return to Enterprise this afternoon," offered the Denobulan.

Trip looked thoughtful for a long moment. "Yeah, okay---thanks, Doc," he finally replied.

The three men finished their breakfasts in companionable silence then Jon and Trip carried the empty dishes into the kitchen and began to clean up while Phlox straightened the dining table.

"Something bothering you, Trip?" asked the captain. He put the last plate back in the pantry then turned to his friend.

Trip leaned on the counter. "I was just thinking about T'Les," he replied quietly. "I can still feel her presence in this house."

Jon nodded. "She was quite a lady."

The back door opened, drawing the captain's attention and he turned to see T'Pol and Dr. Yuris enter. The Vulcan first officer was wearing a deep red silk blouse that looked striking on her. From the corner of his eye, Jon saw Trip straighten immediately to a standing position. He couldn't help but smile. Apparently his friend had noticed T'Pol's appearance as well. But then, Jon amended to himself, Trip seemed to always notice T'Pol's appearance.

"Good morning, Captain---Commander," greeted T'Pol evenly.

"Morning, T'Pol," replied Trip. "Doctor."

"How are you feeling, Commander?" asked Yuris.

Trip's eyes did not leave T'Pol. "Good," he replied absently. "I feel good."

Yuris looked from the woman at his side to the engineer, a mild look of curiosity touching his features. Jon raised a hand to cover another smile. T'Pol seemed just as enchanted with Trip as he was with her.

"Commander, would you like to accompany me on a walk before we depart this morning?" asked T'Pol.

"Uh, yeah, sure," replied Trip. "I'd love to." He turned to grin at Jon. "See you later, Cap'n."

Jon just nodded in reply. He watched the two officers disappear through the door.

"Curious," said Yuris. "Are those two romantically---involved, Captain?"

Jon shook his head. "I'm not even sure if they know the answer to that question, Doctor," he replied. He motioned with his hand. "Why don't we go sit in the living room?"

"Very well."

Jon led Dr. Yuris into the main living area where Phlox was just sitting down.

"We have a visitor, Phlox," said Jon.

"Ah, Dr. Yuris," greeted the Denobulan. "I was hoping you'd come by before we left."

The Vulcan doctor sat down. "My intention was to talk to Commander Tucker, but T'Pol had other plans for him it seems."

Phlox smiled. "He seems to be adjusting well. He mentioned a few nightmares, but nothing like he was experiencing before."

"Has he experienced any false memories?"

"No."

"I must admit that melding with him was quite an---enlightening experience. His mind is not as well---organized as a Vulcan mind; however, I was surprised that he was able to assist me so much."

Jon's brow lifted in surprise. "Trip helped you?" he asked.

"Indeed. Once he accepted my presence and understood I meant him no harm, his thoughts became quite clear. His memories of the events that transpired on the Taipra Ku science station were vivid and I sensed that they frightened him, but he suppressed that fear and assisted me in organizing his thoughts. From there, it was a relatively straight-forward process of eliminating the false realities those---scientists created."

Jon heard the slightest hint of disgust in Yuris' final words. Even the stoic Vulcan was shocked by what the Taipra Ku had done to Trip.

"I plan to begin therapy sessions with the commander upon our return to Enterprise," said Phlox. "I'd love to hear any recommendations you might have, Doctor."

Jon cleared his throat. "I think I'll go pack up while you two talk," he said as he stood. "If you'll excuse me." He looked at Dr. Yuris. "Thank you, Doctor, for helping Trip. He still has a lot to deal with, but I know he's going to get through it. I was scared I was going to lose him there for a while."

Yuris stood and awkwardly extended his hand. "I am grateful I was able to assist, Captain," he replied.

Jon shook the Vulcan's hand then nodded a good-bye to Phlox and left the two doctors to their talk.

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"I wish I'd brought my camera," said Trip. He appeared awestruck by the scene spread out before him.

"I'm surprised you didn't," replied T'Pol.

The engineer turned his head and grinned down at her. "I wasn't exactly myself when I was packing, T'Pol. A camera wasn't high on my priority list." He moved his gaze back to the Vulcan landscape. "It sure is beautiful here."

"I agree."

"Thanks for bringing me---to this place."

"You are welcome," replied the science officer. She stepped closer to Trip's side. "I wanted you to see where I spent most of my time as a child."

"Another intimate gesture?" he teased lightly, giving her a gentle nudge with his shoulder.

"Yes," replied T'Pol with a slight quirk of one brow. "This is where I came when I needed to be alone." She looked up at the orange sky. "Where I watched the stars and imagined other worlds and other species."

"I guess we're not that different, are we? I had a special place, too, when I was a kid."

T'Pol moved in front of Trip and gazed up at him. "We are not that different, Trip," she replied. "Our physiology is different, but here---." She placed her palm against Trip's chest just over his heart. "---we are much the same."

"You think so?"

"Yes."

Trip regarded her for a long moment. "You look beautiful in red," he said finally.

"Thank you," replied T'Pol. She felt her face warm inexplicably. "You once said I'd look---good in Triaxian silk, did you not?"

The commander chuckled. "You remember that?"

"Of course."

"Remind me to thank D'Marr next time we see him."

Trip held her eyes then pulled her to him. T'Pol immediately wrapped her arms around his waist. He felt warm and very much alive.

"What are we doing, T'Pol?" Trip asked quietly. He placed his chin on her head. "We keep dancing around each other without ever really going anywhere."

T'Pol considered his words. She could hear his heart thudding in his chest and she realized he was just as frightened as she was. She could no longer deny Trip's role in her life. He was a part of her, a part of her heart and her soul. T'Pol knew what she wanted and it was the human in her arms, but did the engineer really feel the same for her.

Trip put his hands on her shoulders and moved her away from him so he could look into her face. "I'm going to take a chance here," he said, his voice trembling slightly. Then he leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers.

T'Pol's heart opened at his touch and all the feelings she'd kept at bay for him spilled out. She lifted her hands from Trip's waist and placed them on either side of his head, her fingers twining through his short-cropped hair. She wanted more from their kiss and she took it, feeling her human immediately reciprocate. She loved his mouth, his taste, the small sounds of pleasure he made as he responded, but she craved even more from him.

"Hey," Trip protested when T'Pol gently pushed him away.

"Come with me," said T'Pol. She took his hand and led him around an outcropping of rock. She heard him gasp softly when his eyes fell on the candles and blanket she'd arranged earlier that morning. "I want to be with you here in this place, Trip," she said.

Trip hesitated. "Are you sure about this, T'Pol?" he asked. He cupped her face gently in his warm, strong hands. "After what happened the first time----."

"This will be the first time," T'Pol replied. "I was---confused by my emotions after our other sexual encounter. However, now I understand them and I embrace them." She placed her hands over his where they still held her face. "You are stubborn and illogical, but I can not envision a life without you in it."

Trip kissed her gently. "I love you, too," he replied with a warm smile.

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"Are you content?" asked T'Pol.

"Oh, yeah," replied Trip. He couldn't imagine ever wanting to be anywhere else than with the woman against whom he lay nestled. His head rested on her abdomen, his legs tangled with hers. He closed his eyes and sighed as her fingers lightly played through his hair. He had never been more content.

"There is sufficient time if you'd like to continue."

Trip couldn't help but laugh. He propped himself up on one elbow and gazed down at his lover. Her skin glistened under the morning sun and she looked stunningly beautiful. Her face was serene, but her eyes reflected to him all that she felt. The love he found there staggered him and he leaned down to kiss her. They were finally together, a couple, united as one and Trip had never been more sure of anything else in his life. He loved her completely and what still seemed unbelievable was that she loved him, too.

His lips left her mouth to trail soft kisses down her throat and across her chest until they reached their goal. He suckled and teased her gently, feeling her body respond to his ministrations. She gasped and arched her back, pressing her body to his, her fingers gripping his hair.

He made love to T'Pol slowly, wanting to take her on a ride that would last her until they could be together again. She moved in perfect rhythm with him, their bodies so well in tune it was like they were destined to be together. He opened up all his senses to the sensations coursing through him, the scent of their union, the friction of his hips against her inner thighs, her body under his, the taste of her mouth when he kissed her, the gasps of pleasure she made, and the look of complete adoration in her dark eyes. A look meant for him and him alone.

When Trip's world exploded, he squeezed his eyes shut. T'Pol clung to him and he felt her body reacting to their union with just as much intensity. They held on to each other until the roiling stopped then held each other gently until their hearts slowed to normal.

"We should be getting back," said T'Pol finally, her voice laced with reluctance. "The captain and Dr. Phlox will be waiting for us."

Trip nodded. "Yeah, I know," he replied. "I wish we could stay right here, like this, forever."

"We don't have sufficient food or water----."

Trip chuckled lightly and kissed the top of T'Pol's head where it lay on his chest. "Just a figure of speech," he replied. "Meaning I really, really don't want to go."

"Nor do I," T'Pol replied. She lifted her head, gave Trip a very thorough kiss then sat up. "Our union should not interfere with our duties on Enterprise, however."

"Oh, I agree," said Trip. He sat up then immediately grimaced. "Oh, hell."

T'Pol looked at him with concern. "Are you injured?"

The engineer shook his head. "No, no, but---I think I'm a little sunburned," he replied. He shifted slightly on his backside. "No, I'd say I'm a lot sunburned," he amended tightly then he couldn't help but grin. "Just how the hell am I supposed to explain a sunburned ass to the doc?"

T'Pol remained silent, but her eyes shone with amusement.

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Phlox dropped his travel bag near the front door of the Vulcan home just as it opened to reveal Trip and T'Pol. "Ah," he greeted. "There you are. The captain and I were just considering sending out a search party."

"I was showing the commander some of Vulcan's sights, Doctor," explained T'Pol.

The two officers stepped into the room and Phlox noted immediately that Trip was moving somewhat gingerly. "Is something wrong, Commander?" he asked.

"Well, Doc, see----," began Trip.

"There you two are," said Archer as he walked out of the back bedroom, a duffel bag slung over his shoulder. "Go grab your gear and let's get back to the ship."

"Aye, Cap'n," replied the engineer. He turned and started slowly following T'Pol.

"Oh, ah, Commander," chirped Phlox. "You were about to tell me something."

Trip waved his hand. "Nah, it'll wait, Doc."

"You okay, Trip?" asked Archer, his brow furrowed in concern. "You look like you're in pain."

"Um, well, see----," stammered the engineer uncomfortably.

"Hey," said the captain. He dropped his bag and moved quickly to Trip's side. "What happened? You take a fall?"

"Well, no, sir," replied Trip.

"The commander has a sunburn, Captain," interjected T'Pol evenly.

"A sunburn?" blurted Archer. "Just what were you doing----," he began.

"Nothing, sir," interrupted Trip quickly and Phlox noted how the young man's face was suddenly a bright shade of red, clearly not due to any sunburn.

"My mother kept nothing that would soothe a burn, Doctor," said T'Pol, her hands clasped at the small of her back. "Do you have anything that will take away the commander's discomfort?"

Phlox tucked his chin. "Not with me," he replied. "But I should be able to throw something together when we're back on the ship."

"Thanks, Doc," said Trip. "I'd appreciate that." He took a few tentative steps toward T'Les' old room.

"Trip?"

The engineer turned to his captain who had one hand strategically covering his mouth.

"Just where exactly are you sunburned?" Archer continued.

Trip swallowed hard and his gaze fell quickly to his feet.

Archer dropped his hand from his mouth and placed it on Trip's shoulder then broke into a fit of soft laughter.

"I'm not certain I find the humor in this situation," said Phlox. He moved over to stand beside T'Pol. The Vulcan was unusually stiff in her stance and Trip simply looked mortified. "Commander Tucker is quite obviously in severe pain."

Archer just laughed a little louder, shaking his head in his mirth.

"Captain," scolded Phlox then he turned to Trip. "Where are you burned, Commander?"

Trip lifted his eyes to Archer, watching in silence as the captain enjoyed his discomfort. Phlox was stumped. He looked questioningly at the Vulcan at his side.

T'Pol pursed her lips. "Shall we say, Doctor, that Commander Tucker will no doubt be standing on the return trip to Enterprise," she explained.

Phlox puzzled a moment then realization dawned. "Oh, you mean you and the commander---you were--," he spluttered. "Oh, I see. Then the commander is sunburned----."

"On his behind," finished T'Pol succinctly.

The Denobulan nearly choked.

"T'Pol," hissed the commander.

"You said you were uncertain as to how to tell Dr. Phlox what had happened," said T'Pol.

"Well, yeah, but I was going to tell him in private," replied Trip. "Not in front of the cap'n."

Phlox noted with interest that even the tips of the engineer's ears were a nice shade of red.

T'Pol lifted a brow at her companion. "I don't understand. The captain has already ascertained what occurred between us."

"Well---it's still embarrassing," mumbled Trip. He took T'Pol's hand and began walking with her toward the bedroom.

"You are embarrassed that you and I engaged in---."

Trip shook his head. "No, no, no," he replied adamantly. "I would never be embarrassed about us, T'Pol. It's just that----."

Phlox could not hear the rest of the conversation as Trip closed the door to the room. He looked at Archer who looked back at him, still chuckling to himself.

"Oh, this is going to be fun," said the captain.

Phlox grinned broadly in agreement. "Ah, indeed, Captain," he chortled. Then he picked up his travel bag and headed out the door, hearing Archer still laughing behind him.

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THE END

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