Plan B, Part 12
The next morning when she appeared on the Bridge, things seemed … different. It was 0800 and Archer was already on the Bridge, seated as if he'd been there for hours.
Immediately, the captain began to conduct business. "Good morning. Travis gave me a revised estimate of the ETA to space dock. Thanks to Trip's handiwork, we should rendezvous with the Columbia a little before schedule. I already notified Captain Hernandez."
"Very well," she said. Her hands folded behind her back.
"I sent you information about Chief Engineer, Commander Kelby. I'd like you to debrief with him as soon as possible. And, I'd like you to arrange a senior staff meeting to discuss the chain of command by 1300."
He promoted Kelby. "Of course."
"Good," he said, shifting in his chair.
He seems … normal, if not a little overzealous.
The Vulcan slid into her workstation and stared into the scanner. She had two hours to complete her duties before going to Shran's room and being scanned by Jhamel. It meant she could accomplish a few things she'd been wanting to take care of.
As Archer walked into his Ready Room, she heard a question.
"So, what's the deal with him and Hernandez?" Hoshi asked, quietly.
"Pardon me?" T'Pol asked.
"He's been chatting it up off and on for the past two hours with her."
"Captain Archer?" T'Pol asked. "He came in at 0600 this morning?"
"No, 0500."
That was odd.
"So, are they …?" Hoshi asked.
The Vulcan stared into her scanner. "I wouldn't know."
"Oh," Hoshi said, disappointedly. "Just curious."
T'Pol's mouth twitched and she leaned back over to complete her work. As her fingers traveled over the wheel on the side of the equipment, she heard the communications officer mumble under her breath.
"She's calling him again?" she said.
"Who's calling again?"
"Captain Hernandez."
"It's probably ship's business."
"I guess," said the woman.
T'Pol's eyebrows furrowed and she leaned forward to take the same reading she'd been trying to take at least twice before. As soon she'd logged what was on long-range sensors, the captain came out of his Ready Room wearing something like a smile.
Crossing the deck, he walked over to T'Pol and nodded back to his office; it was his way of saying he wanted to talk. Somehow in the years of working with him, she knew what a simple head nod meant. Standing she followed him into his small room.
When the door closed, he began to pace, ducking under beams.
"About shore leave," Archer said.
"Yes?"
"I'd like you to add me to the list."
The Vulcan quipped a brow. "Oh? That wasn't your original request. You indicated you had too much to do."
"I do have too much to do," he admitted. "But, I'd like you to squeeze me in."
"Something came up?"
"Yes."
"What?"
He narrowed his eyes. "It's personal."
"How much time do you need?"
"I'd like to have a day."
"Will you require a shuttle to arrive at your destination?"
"No, I'll be hitching a ride."
Her gaze was questioning and he answered her unasked question.
"A shuttle from the Columbia can pick me up," he said.
"I see," she said. After waiting as long as possible, she queried him. "When would you like to leave?"
"2400."
"At night?"
"Yeah."
"That's one hour after our divorce."
He gave an ironic smile. "I'm sure it'll be nice to have me out of your hair."
Perplexed the Vulcan watched him as he asked another question. "Do you think my request is possible?"
Her eyes scanned the PADD. "It will be difficult. The first round of crewmembers leave at 2000. I had already …."
Without waiting for her to finish, he peaked over her shoulder at the information and pointed to it.
"Looks like only 10 people will be gone then … no one from the Bridge … looks like it shouldn't be a problem. I'll make my arrangements then."
With that, he climbed behind his desk and tapped his fingers along the keyboard. When thirty seconds passed, he put his eyes back on her – obviously confused why she was still standing there.
"Is there anything else?"
Yes. She stiffened. "No."
"Dismissed."
Wanting to give a confused frown, she restrained and instead wandered out of his office – back to her station.
Hoshi shook her head. "There they go again. He's calling Captain Hernandez."
The Vulcan blinked quickly and then stared back into her scanner.
I must log the rest of my data. She's already forgotten some of it was entered.
Jhamel wasn't sure why Shran was going through with this. The Aenar could tell even if the Vulcan had mated with Commander Tucker that the Andorian wouldn't execute Archer. She didn't have to read his mind to know it, the notion hovered around him and caused him to worry almost all night. Instead of wrapping his arms around her and holding her as he'd done every other night, he'd fidgeted in bed.
Despite this, she understood the man well enough to know he'd push everything until the very last possible point and then back down. In other words, he'd come close to executing Archer, but wouldn't follow though with it.
I need to diffuse the situation.
Promptly at 1000 the door chimed and Shran answered the door with contempt.
"Enter Vulcan," Shran said.
Although Jhamel couldn't see, T'Pol seemed nervous about this; the woman's emotions were in disarray and she understood that having her mind read would only make things worse. Much worse.
"I want you to know Archer's life hangs in the balance based on what Jhamel feels," Shran said.
T'Pol said, "I understand."
Directing the Vulcan, Jhamel said, "I need you to lower your mental shields and permit me to look into your mind. I promise not to embarrass or disturb you."
Jhamel closed her eyes and tried to project a few thoughts. T'Pol, I won't invade your mind. It's best we act like I'm scanning your mind.
T'Pol nodded.
Jhamel thought, Can you hear me?
The Vulcan didn't answer. Instead, she felt T'Pol's defenses fall away and immediately the Aenar gasped. Raw emotions were exposed and she could sense T'Pol's embarrassment at them.
There was fear. T'Pol was frightened about the procedure and Archer's life. She was tired – weary – because she hadn't slept at all last night. Rather than slumber, she'd stayed awake wondering, worrying, how the captain felt. Sadness. The depression is what bothered Jhamel; it had such a feeling of weariness and loneliness.
Startled, the Aenar spoke. "You're unhappy."
The Vulcan remained still.
And then another wave of emotions radiated from the Vulcan. T'Pol was also angry that she'd been accused of something that was untrue. Just as she'd said, Commander Tucker came to her and asked for neuropressure, a Vulcan art that aided in many things – including sleep. Because she and the commander were friends and because she'd never see him again, she wanted to help him.
"She's telling the truth, Shran."
Just as Jhamel was hoping to end everything, she felt one more emotion … it was something that was difficult to identify. It was uncomfortable and alone, lurking in the shadows and recesses of her mind, hoping to never be unveiled.
"It's love or something very close to it," Jhamel said aloud to help the Vulcan determine the feeling.
"You do care for him," the Aenar said. I thought you did.
Jhamel could feel the Andorian's antennae become erect in anger. "Tucker?"
The blind woman closed her eyes and finished the scan. Staring off into what she assumed was T'Pol's direction, she hoped the Vulcan would speak up.
Hesitantly, with a hoarse voice, T'Pol responded. "No."
"No what, Vulcan?"
Jhamel waited and felt the Vulcan stand.
"I have to return to my post. We'll be arriving in space dock earlier than expected – 1500 hours."
"Just in time for the party," Shran said.
"You're going as well?" T'Pol asked.
"Isn't everyone? You should know, better than anyone, that Commander Tucker is a popular man."
Jhamel gave an awkward smile. Sometimes the Andorian was rather obtuse. She mostly liked that about him.
"I have duties to perform," T'Pol stated again.
"Will we see you there?" Jhamel asked.
"I haven't decided," T'Pol said, walking away.
As the door slid closed behind her, Shran turned to her and began pacing again.
"Poor, Archer. Well, his life may be spared, but his heart sure as hell won't. For some reason he's crazy over that Vulcan."
Stopping him, she reached her hand around his arm. "You don't think T'Pol returns his feelings?"
"You heard her answer," he said. His voice took on a sweet quality, something that he'd reserved for only her.
"I heard her answer. Did you?" she asked.
"You mean she cares for him?"
Jhamel slid her hand along the Andorian's face and allowed one of her wild antennae to touch his.
"I know you've been hesitant because of Talas …."
She could tell the memory stirred something in him. "I didn't want to push you because of your brother," he whispered.
"Then, you feel as I do?" she asked.
"I don't know …."
Interrupting his doubt, she pressed her lips to his. Although she'd heard that Andorians bite their mates (and other things that are more barbaric), her people touched lips. Surprisingly, he was tender and continued the embrace.
When they parted, he spoke softly to her. "You're so young."
Smiling, she led him carefully over to the bed. "We have some time before the celebration tonight."
"Andorian men never make the first move," he said. Although his words had a seductive quality, she could tell he was being truthful.
He was about to explain more, when she pushed him firmly to the bed.
"Aenar women rarely do," she said and then joined him there.
Hoshi and Malcolm had arranged everything beautifully. Country music, some of Trip's favorite, ambled mildly in the background and Chef had prepared a litany of culinary delights – Southern style. Archer had never seen so much fried food in his life in one location. It was a heart attack waiting to happen: fried okra, fried potatoes, fried catfish, fried chicken, fried steak (know as chicken fried steak) – it was a lard festival.
The place was packed. Although a skeleton crew was selected to mind the ship during the party, even they stopped in to wish the engineer well. It was like the guy was a celebrity bidding his audience a fond farewell.
Trip threw his arm around the captain and smiled. "Helluva party. Kinda sad I gotta give notice to get it."
The captain gave a mild chuckle. "Well, if you didn't leave at all, I think the celebration would be even better."
Quiet broke out between the two. With a frown, Archer asked a question. "So, are you happy you're leaving?"
Tucker looked down at his feet. "I wouldn't say … happy."
The captain nodded wanting to follow up on that thought when the engineer interrupted him.
"Will you look at that."
Archer turned around and saw a timid T'Pol step through the portal.
Probably here to say more goodbyes, he thought.
Rather than give into the bad mood, he kept a fake smile on his face.
"Commander T'Pol. I thought you weren't going to be here?"
"I came to inform you that Captain Hernandez's shuttle will dock in less than ten minutes."
Trip smiled, baiting her. "You couldn't have used the comm?"
"I attempted to. I'm sure it's difficult to hear a page because of the music and atmosphere."
"I sure as hell didn't here any page. I think you wanted to come down."
Her eyebrow became annoyed. "Don't be absurd."
Trip laughed, stuffing a fork full of catfish into his mouth and smiled playfully.
"Do you have someone in Launch Bay to receive her?" Archer asked. It's a wonder these two had a relationship.
Turning her attention back to the captain, she agreed. "I planned on welcoming her myself."
"I don't want to take your time away from Trip." Since you want to be with him so much. "I'll greet her and bring her back."
The Southerner gave a more beaming smile as the Vulcan opened her mouth. Ignoring her, he walked off to get Erika.
She turned her head to Trip and he smiled again.
"I appreciate you accepted my invitation. I was hoping you would," Trip said.
As he was about to follow up the comment with something more personal, the Vulcan's attention waned.
"Excuse me," she said.
As the engineer stared off after her strolling over to a couple of crewmen, Lt. Reed came up behind him.
"I see she decided to come," he said. The sound of his voice had a bit of giddiness to it.
"Yeah."
"I think that bodes well for you. If she wasn't interested, she wouldn't be here."
Mal had a point. "But, she's not talking to me," Trip said.
"Well, those two looked like they were headed for a fight. I was about to go over there myself and talk with them." Reed was nodding in the direction of Kelby and Hess.
"A fight?"
"An argument. Hess and Kelby, from what Hoshi tells me, had a relationship."
Trip threw his hand out, denying it. "No way. Nothing happens in my engine room without me knowing about it."
Reed laughed. "Aren't you the last person to squash feelings between coworkers?"
The man furrowed his brow and stuck out his lower lip in response. "That's different."
"Oh, don't worry. I think they'll get over things, but after what happened in the Expanse, can you blame your team for turning to each other? Engineering lost the most people."
Trip hung his head. "I know."
"Everything should be fine between the two … just a lover's quarrel about who got the job, I suppose," Reed said.
The Southerner frowned, still unable to believe that the 35 year-old Hess and the 27-year old Kelby had a fling or something more serious. The two seemed like such an odd couple. He shrugged his shoulders – anything was possible – as Malcolm brought up something else.
"Did you decide to make T'Pol jealous? I think that's just the coaxing she needs to confess her feelings for you."
"It's not like there's anyone aboard Enterprise that I'd want to … use like that."
"You wouldn't be using them. I mean, all you'd really need to do was pay them attention."
The engineer shook his head. "I don't know."
"What about Corporal Cole?" Reed asked.
The glee in the tactical officer's voice didn't escape Trip, who frowned at the idea. Besides, he'd heard through the grapevine that the woman was interested in Dr. Phlox, as bizarre as that sounded.
"No," Trip answered.
Suddenly the two looked up and noticed a few folks from the Columbia piling aboard. Because the soiree was off-hours, so to speak, nearly everyone wore their civilian clothes. As one brunette entered the facility, Reed gave his friend a poke in the ribs.
"Check her out."
Trip shot his eyebrows up and smiled. "Pretty. Little older …."
"T'Pol is 66; I always figured you liked the experience," Reed shot back.
Following the group was the captain, who seemed in charge of them. As he entered, Shran walked over to ask him a question and the guests meandered to the buffet table contained all the goodies.
Trip took that as his opportunity to meet new people. "Anything I can help you with?"
The one that Reed pointed out, swung her ponytail as she whipped her head. "What's this?"
Trip smiled. "My favorite. Key lime pie."
The woman scooped a piece onto a plate and shoved a fork full into her mouth.
"I haven't had a good slice of this since my mother used to make some. This is absolutely delicious."
"Where you from?" asked the southerner.
"Florida."
"No kidding! Whereabouts?"
"Miami."
"Panama City."
"Small world," she said.
"Trip," he said, extending his hand.
Shaking it, she gave a beaming smile. "Erika."
"That name sounds familiar," he said.
As he was about to turn to Malcolm to ask where he'd heard it before, he noticed the tactical officer was gone. Giving a small sigh, he turned back to her as she gave an explanation.
"I'm Columbia's captain – although since this is a social event, I was hoping to travel under the radar."
Trip's mouth hung open and he stiffened a little. "I'm Commander Tucker, you're new chief engineer."
She grinned in response. "So, that's where I heard your name before. You're a friend of Jon's."
Jon? "Yes, ma'am."
"Let's drop the formality, shall we? After all, this is a celebration."
Nervously, he nodded, but was unsure what to do next. He noticed the captain take control of the situation and nudge him gently.
"You know what goes well with key lime pie?" she asked.
Trip produced a lopsided smile and told her what he thought. "Catfish?"
She giggled. "No, no. My mother fixed a Cuban dish with this – yucca fritters. Had them?"
"No, can't say that I have."
The woman's attention focused across the room as Archer continued to talk with the Andorian about some problem that seemed to have the two engaged.
"He never liked them."
Trip's head followed her line of sight to Archer. "Oh?" he asked.
"I guess one should never judge a person by his eating habits."
Trip laughed. "My mom used to say that."
She grinned. "So did mine."
A moment of silence drifted between the two, and for a second Tucker thought maybe they were compatible and sharing a moment … it made him a little antsy, wanting T'Pol to see it.
"Well, I can say I used to love this little café off the water called Guzman's'."
Erika touched his arm. "My uncle was the owner."
"Small world," he said.
Erika's eyes flitted back to him. "Sure is."
As he leaned over, putting his hand on the buffet table with her – he realized a couple of things. Erika's eyes continued to follow Archer's movements and the captain occasionally glanced in their direction.
"Something going on between you and my CO?" the engineer asked. He knew it took a lot of gall, but was hoping the woman would appreciate honesty. Luckily, he was right about her.
Acting as if she decided to give in, she nodded her head to a vacant corner of the room. As the two walked there, she gave him the low down.
"I've been crazy about Jon for years. I know we don't exactly make an ideal couple, but …."
Trip smirked. He knew very little about his captain's private or social life, but recognized one thing: the guy was private with a capital P
"You don't know where you stand with him," Trip chimed in. Just when Erika was about to open her mouth, most likely questioning him where he got the inside scoop, he shrugged. "Let's just say I've been there myself. In love with a woman, private and emotionless, that I just can't figure out."
"Sounds like Jon alright," Erika remarked.
Trip opened his mouth to explain when Archer walked to the two, interrupting their conversation.
"I still can't believe you're getting one of my best officers."
Captain Hernandez grinned. "I can. I've been trying to get him for almost a year. His work on the warp 5 engine is legendary."
Archer frowned. "What did you bribe him with? I see a promotion isn't in the deal."
Trip deflected the comment. "Sir, let's just say I needed a few new challenges."
T'Pol returned and folded her arms neatly across her chest. "This is Captain Hernandez?"
Interesting she finally noticed I was talking with her. "Sure is. My new CO."
Hernandez held out a hand and the Vulcan reacted coolly. "My species is uncomfortable shaking hands."
Erika agreed. "Of course. My apologies."
Archer finally introduced her. "This is T'Pol, my first officer."
Erika smiled. "Commander, I've heard a lot about you. Jon raved about you when I saw him last. You sound like the epitome of what a first officer should be – loyal, devoted and intelligent."
The Vulcan bowed only slightly. "I appreciate that comment."
"I would've asked Starfleet to transfer you, too, if I didn't think Jon would have my head on a pike."
With that comment, the captain gave a mild grumbling laugh. "Well, you almost had that with Trip's transfer."
T'Pol barely touched his arm and asked to speak with the captain for a moment, which left the two of them alone for a second.
"Is that the woman you were talking about?" Erika asked.
"How'd you know?"
Shaking her head and looking toward the ground, she made a confession. "Trip, I'm 43 years-old. I know a little about what love looks like."
Instead of answering, he looked at his feet.
"I hope she's not the reason you're leaving for the Columbia?" she asked.
Without answering, he continued to stare downward.
"Love and Starfleet don't exactly mix."
Quietly, he agreed. "I know."
"Jon didn't finish taking me on a tour … would you mind?" she asked.
Glancing up, he looked into her dark eyes. Trip was a sucker for exotic looking women. Erika, with her dark hair, dark eyes and olive skin was foreign. Dressed in a long, flowing garment that reminded him of a combination between and sari and a pantsuit, he couldn't help think she looked beguiling. He dipped toward her for a moment taking in her coconut drenched skin – probably some lotion – and then beamed at the Latina.
"My pleasure."
As usual, the captain didn't like what Shran said just moments before in the Mess Hall.
"Watch her like a greel, pink skin," he said. "This is when Tucker will make his last move. And although your Vulcan hasn't been with him in the Zenarian sense, she may tonight."
As Archer tried to shrug him off, the Andorian seemed more intent. "I know you love her. Just don't do anything foolish."
At those words, he sighed. I already have, he thought. "Just stay out of trouble," Archer said, warning the blue man to keep to himself.
Archer was about to walk off and rejoin Erika, when Shran decided to bring up another painful wound.
"That woman is the one T'Pol was angry about?"
The captain's eyes darted to Shran's, and he wondered how the Andorian could've known.
"Pink skin, you're about as obvious as a Ritan dran. You're watching her with eyes pondering what could happen between you two now, as if you were lovers many years ago."
He denied it. Although he'd surmised she was attractive and the blue she was wearing showed off her skin and eyes, he was more concerned about Trip … and how the two seemed to be gazing at each other.
"The rules about an affair apply to the combatant, too."
Whipping around, shooting his gaze down his nose at the Andorian, he contested the accusation.
"I know. You don't have anything to worry about. I was involved with her in the past, but not now."
When his boot took the first step forward, he heard Shran's ominous words. "Even touching hands can get you killed."
Ignoring the remark, he continued forward.
For some reason, he thought about Shran's words just as his first officer led him to a secluded part of the room. The Vulcan's eyes were wide and her voice was softer than usual. It made him think she was nervous for some reason.
"Kelby and Hess were about to have an argument."
Archer waited for her to reveal what she clearly thought was the worst of the news. "All right?"
"I believe Kelby and Hess have been or are romantically involved."
The captain rolled his eyes. How many couples did I not know about?
"Perhaps we can discuss this in your Ready Room," she suggested.
He weighed the comment. "Have they worked everything out?"
Hesitating, she finally answered. "I believe for the short term, yes."
He shrugged. "Then, maybe I can address it when I get back from my vacation. After all, having a little time to reflect on things is good for everyone."
"Very well," she agreed, hesitantly.
He knew that nod and timbre in her voice. It meant she didn't agree, but didn't want to argue. Ignoring the need to shut off his emotions, he decided to reveal a few to her; he tried not to think about the poignant way these emotions applied to him.
"T'Pol, even humans find emotions confusing … and we've had practice with them all our lives. Love, fear, trust … these things elude us on a daily basis."
As she remained silent, he progressed. "Having time to think about how they feel about the situation and each other might actually help."
She spoke so quietly, he had to strain himself to hear. "I take it you gave Captain Hernandez a tour?"
Archer narrowed his eyes. "Not really. After all, Columbia looks almost exactly like Enterprise."
"I see."
Because of everything that happened between the two of them, he stood in discomfited silence waiting for her to leave. To disrupt the hush that broke out between them, he looked over in Erika's direction.
"If you don't need me for anything else …," he said.
Without answering, she turned her eyes to the ground.
"Yes?" he asked, sensing there was another question.
She stared up and blinked several times at him. For a moment, he thought he could see something … and then it flickered out of existence.
"No," she said.
Nodding, he gave her one last look and then walked over to Erika and Trip, catching them at the door.
"Where are you going?" Captain Archer asked.
Trip shrugged as Erika spoke up. "Mr. Tucker was going to take me on a tour of your ship."
Archer produced a frown. "Oh?"
Erika took a sip of her wine and then gazed back at the captain. "You looked busy. I didn't want to interrupt."
"I didn't know you wanted a tour," Archer said. Straightening his uniform, he offered up his services. "I'd be happy to show you around. After all, I'd hate for Trip to leave his own party."
The captain noticed the engineer's eyes flitted over to T'Pol, whom Archer had to turn around to see. With that, he opened the door for Erika and led her out, denying Trip's protests.
As the two stepped across the threshold, Erika said, "Captain, I'm feeling a bit out of place. I hope you change."
The captain agreed quietly. "I think I can slip into something more comfortable."
The Vulcan watched Jonathan leave with Erika after what seemed like shooing Tucker away from the task. And it didn't take Vulcan hearing to notice he offered to change for Erika – and used a euphemism that meant the changing could lead to something more intimate.
The captain is off duty until 2400 hours tomorrow. He's taking a shuttle with her. Logic dictates he wants to rekindle their relationship.
T'Pol's eyes lowered and she imagined the man to be happy showing his friend the one who'd gotten him 'through a rough patch' Enterprise. The visual bothered her, mostly because she imagined them making a small detour to his room where she'd most likely assist him through another rough patch.
"You're still dressed for work. I thought maybe you'd put on something more casual," Trip said.
The engineer woke her from something like a daydream, almost startling her.
"I didn't have time," she said.
"Still, I'm glad you came. And it looks like we finally have an opportunity to talk."
Leaning into her ear, he whispered, tickling her sensitive skin. "Let's talk in private," he said.
Working his hand around her thin bicep, he guided her to an area secluded from everyone – the Captain's Mess.
"What do you think of Erika?" he whispered.
Unnerved, she could barely answer. "A competent captain."
"I think she's beautiful."
The Vulcan waited for something else, but when no other opinion was offered, she blinked in irritation. "If you say so."
"Sounds like you don't like her," Trip said.
"There is nothing to like or dislike. I do not know her."
"Sounds like you're jealous."
She almost restrained from rolling her eyes, but decided to do so – showing the human how illogical he was being.
"You've been jealous before," he said.
That was when I was taking trellium.
Trip continued. "Let's stop playing games. I think we know exactly what's going on with you. You're in love. You just refuse to admit it."
Her brows knitted together.
"Shran and Malcolm they're right about you," he said.
"I don't know what you mean," she whispered.
"I know being Vulcan and all, admitting to emotion is tough. But, hell, I know you feel it."
"That's ridiculous."
"It only takes a few words for everything to work out."
Instead of dismissing him immediately, she waited for his advice. After looking into his eyes and waiting for a response, Trip closed in on her and pressed his mouth to hers.
The action took her completely by surprise. When he backed away and brushed his thumb across her cheek, he whispered a few words to her.
"Since you won't say it, I will. I love you, too."
Breaking away, she looked into Trip's eyes. "Trip …."
As he was about to speak, she decided to answer all his questions. "I'm not in love with you. I'm a Vulcan."
Silencing his unsaid words, as his mouth continued to try and say something, she clarified other points.
"I care about you deeply, as a friend. We've shared many personal moments together and have relied on each other in the past. However, I feel nothing more than friendship."
"Listen …," he began.
"Trip, you mean a great deal to me. Vulcans have few friends and you have earned my trust and my respect. But, I do not return your feelings …."
"Then, you're in love with someone else?" he asked.
"Vulcans do not experience love."
"T'Pol, humans call attraction, caring and commitment ingredients of love. You have these for me?"
The woman thought about it. "Yes, I'm attracted to you. I care for you. But, I don't feel commitment."
"Then … you feel it for the cap'n?"
She went quiet.
Trip's face fell and he had to ask. "You're attracted to him?"
"Yes."
"You care about him?" he asked.
"Yes."
"And commitment?"
"Very much."
"Damn."
"I apologize. I've been trying to tell you."
Looking like a scolded dog, his head hung down and his lips hung toward his chin. The Vulcan reached up to touch his cheek and gave it a small caress.
"I want you to know you'll always be important to me."
Trip nodded glumly. "Just not the most important."
In another odd display, she reached her hands around him for a hug, which she gathered he needed. As she placed her head on his shoulder uncomfortably, the door shot open. Without turning, she could hear Trip intake a sharp breath.
"What the hell are you doing here? Don't you know you should ring the door chime!"
"You've violated the law, Vulcan. The pink skin is going to have to forfeit his life."
Turning, she stared the blue man in the eye. "It's not what you think."
With that, Shran gave a decided frown and walked out.
The entire spin around the ship took about forty-five minutes. Most of the things he'd normally explain to tourists, Erika had already known. She knew the maximum warp speed – 5.2. She knew what powered Enterprise, what the after-effects of warp felt like, how refuse was handled … she had already garnered every single piece of information he had to share. So, mostly, he was going through the motions.
On their way back to the Mess Hall, Erika reminded him about his choice in garments. As she pointed to his coveralls, she smiled.
"You said you'd change."
Glancing down at his apparel, he gave a quick nod. "So I did."
Walking into his room, she stepped in behind him. Unfortunately, he'd forgotten about the candles around his room and silently hoped she wouldn't ask about them. He was disappointed.
"Jon, I didn't realize you were into candles. I suppose you're going to tell me you enjoy long bubble baths, too?"
Furrowing his brow, he grabbed a few things from his closet and headed for the bathroom. When the door slid shut behind him, he fabricated a lie.
"I like to meditate and … it adds a certain ambiance to the place."
"Vulcan candles?" she asked.
Wincing, he stared at the closed door. "Long story."
"I've got some time," she said.
Immediately, he attempted diversion. "Glad you were able to come with some of your crew. And thanks for offering to give me a lift to Earth."
"You never said what you wanted to do there. You gonna tell me?"
After fastening the last button of his white shirt, he stepped out of the bathroom. "I just need a break."
Inching closer to him, she retorted. "Like when you returned from the Expanse?"
"No. It's different," he whispered.
"You really have a knack for closing yourself off. You ask me, as a favor, to take you to Earth at precisely 2400 at night. During the entire tour, you seem distracted and a little on edge …."
He glanced down at the ground.
"What's going on with you?" she asked.
He shook his head. Not only was it not appropriate for a captain to reveal his feelings for a first officer, he figured it was less apropos for a guy to tell his ex-girlfriend about them.
"Everything's fine."
"That sounds familiar."
"Don't push it, Erika."
"Jon, I feel like you're trying to tell me something, and I don't have enough time to try and needle it out."
Although the remark sounded harsh, she caressed his cheek to show her concern.
Closing his eyes, he remembered how she'd reached out to him when no one else could or would. The gesture must've made an impact, because her hand stroked his cheek.
"Maybe when you head back to Earth, I can join you," she said.
His eyes opened slowly. "You told me you had science and tactical stations to repair."
"I think I can afford one day away." Grabbing her fingers around his collar, she drew him to her and placed her lips on his.
At first, he reveled in the feeling and then something, like guilt, sank into his stomach and he broke away from her.
"We're missing the party," he whispered. He knew it was an awkward thing to say, but it was the only thing that came to mind.
"If you're worried about two captains …?"
Shuffling his feet, he shook his head. "No. No, it's nothing like that. I just need some time alone."
She folded her arms over her chest and sighed. "Jonathan Archer, we've been friends for a long time. I know when something's bothering you."
"Then maybe you know when I don't want to talk about it." Actually, that's never stopped her before.
"It's a woman?"
"Drop it," he said.
"Does it have something to do with the Vulcan candles?" she asked, batting her eyes.
"No." With that, he walked over to the door and opened it, holding his hand I front so she'd walk through the portal.
"I guess this means we're finished talking?" she asked.
Somehow, he got the idea she was beginning to piece things together, especially when she whispered her last comment.
"I thought you didn't become involved with people under your command," she said.
Without answering, he shot her a look of warning and finally, she let the comments go and discussed a few arrangements about Trip's transfer.
As they headed back into the Mess Hall, Shran pointed at Archer.
"What time do you want to schedule your execution?"
"What!" he asked.
"What's this about?" Erika asked.
Shran explained. "The pink skin's wife was with Mr. Tucker. And they violated Andorian law. I'm sorry to break your heart, pink skin."
"Wife?" Erika asked.
As Columbia's captain stared back at Archer, he offered quietly. "It's part of the long story."
TBC
