Sorry for the short chapters. Time is a commodity for me, but I think that a little bit of something is better than none at all! :)
The soft murmur of conversation could be heard from outside the debriefing room as T'Pol approached it. She was uncharacteristically unnerved as she hesitated before the door of the small conference room. Her hand shook softly, and she tried to quell it. The trellium D was still sending after-shocks throughout her, even though her addiction was almost completed conquered. She willed herself to be composed, and entered the room.
She was the last to arrive. Commander Tucker and Captain Archer were silent as they awaited her, and gradually Lieutenant Reed and Ensigns Mayweather and Hoshi finished their impromptu conversation. They all awaited Captain Archer to speak.
He stood from his chair, and looked to each one of his officers. "I am sure that you are all aware that approximately seven hours ago we rescued a small ship from the edges of the massive ion storm we were passing. What you do not know is who we pulled out from the escape pod we found.
"We found a young Vulcan female aboard, and her infant daughter. The woman died within minutes of coming aboard, but her daughter is in good health. However, we have discovered that these two people are from the 'alternate universe' that we had visited for a short time almost a year and a half ago. The young woman was T'Pol's counterpart from that reality, and her child was that of T'Pol's and Commander Tucker's counterparts."
At that, Malcolm shot Trip an inquisitive look, and Trip waved him off. He didn't need any comments from Malcolm right now. They both turned their attention back to the Captain.
"Both Dr. Phlox and T'Pol are caring for the girl now, whose new name is Aisha, as I am informed. What I need from you now is any ideas or theories you might have about how to get Aisha back to her own universe. As I'm sure all you remember, the chemical imbalance caused by the travel between our two universes can cause some life-threatening situations."
Everyone nodded in agreement, and T'Pol saw Hoshi pale a bit. The ensign had become violently ill during their time in the alternate universe, and she knew that no one would want such a young child to suffer the same thing.
Commander Tucker suggested recreating the elements of the ion storm that caused the rift in between the universes in the first place, but it was deemed impossible since they were only one small ship. Several other theories and propositions were discussed, but none really seemed feasible.
Finally, after about an hour of discussion, T'Pol herself suggested modifying one of their emergency beacons to withstand the outer edges of the ion storm long enough to make its way to the reality rift.
"I estimate that with both Lieutenant Reed and myself working on this, it should take us approximately two days to complete the modifications."
The Captain nodded. "Let's get to it then. Dismissed."
As the other officers rose to leave the room, Commander Tucker took T'Pol aside. "How long is Phlox taking care of Aisha for?" he asked softly, as the others filed out of the room.
"As long as needed, he assured me. However, he did ask if I would take care of her for the evening as he is scheduled for a minor surgical operation."
"Let me take care of her. It's important that you finish those modifications so that we can send her back." Trip said, concern in his eyes.
T'Pol raised one of her eyebrows. His sudden emotional concern for the young girl was strange, but that could be attributed to her connection with him. "Will you be alright?" she asked, not sure if the Commander had any experience with children.
He broke into a wide grin. "I'll be fine. We'll have some fun!"
"Very well. Thank you, Commander."
"You're welcome, T'Pol."