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CHAPTER SIX
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The afternoon of Agent Ely Rawlings' funeral was chilly, yet surprisingly bright for San Francisco at that time of year. Trip stood beside T'Pol, his hand holding hers, but hidden in the folds of their overcoats. He looked over the casket to Rawlings' young wife. She held her son in her arms, tears falling unheeded down her cheeks. His heart broke for the young woman and for the son who would never know his father.
Trip felt T'Pol's hand tighten over his. He could sense her grief, but also her concern for him and he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Her concern, however, didn't subside.
After the eulogy was complete, Trip walked back to the shuttle pod flanked by Archer and T'Pol. Malcolm, Phlox, Travis, and Hoshi followed close behind, all walking in silence.
"Commander Tucker?"
Trip stopped and turned to see Rawlings' wife approaching. "Mrs. Rawlings?"
"My name is Jane, Commander," said the young woman with a fragile smile. "I just wanted to thank you."
"Thank me?" repeated Trip incredulously.
Jane's eyes filled with tears. "For being with Ely. I'm grateful he wasn't alone, Commander. That he was with someone he could consider a friend."
"Jane, I…." Trip began, but his voice faltered. He took a deep, steadying breath. "His last thoughts were of you and your son," he continued finally. "He loved you both very much."
Jane smiled. "I know he did. And I'm going to make sure Joshua knows what an amazing man his father was." She reached out with one arm, her son held in the other, and embraced Trip.
"I'm so sorry," Trip whispered as he wrapped both of them in his arms. He kissed the top of Jane's head gently then let them go. Joshua started to cry and he could hear Jane talking to him softly as she walked away.
"Ashayam?" said T'Pol after a long moment.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming."
The ride back to Enterprise was a quiet one. Trip spent his time gazing out the side porthole at the Earth as they pulled away from it, wondering if there were other xenophobic factions forming beneath the swirling clouds. They'd managed to apprehend Gardner's group, but Trip knew there were still those beneath those fluffy clouds who agreed with the admiral's beliefs. He knew the problem hadn't died with Carlton Gardner.
When they arrived back at the ship, Trip headed for his quarters, T'Pol quietly following him. He wanted to change then get down to engineering and put the events of the previous days as far behind him as he could.
T'Pol sat on his bunk as he pulled a uniform from his storage locker. "I don't believe Dr. Phlox has released you to duty yet," she said.
"I'm only going to check in, T'Pol," Trip replied sharply. "I'm not planning on working a full shift."
"I'm not certain that is wise in your current state of mind."
Trip turned on her. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" he demanded.
T'Pol simply looked back at him in response. Trip took off his shirt and threw it aside. He knew he shouldn't feel angry, but it was there, a burning fire building deep in his gut. Ely Rawlings had been an innocent who didn't have to die just like his sister had been. Two people cut down for no reason when their lives were just beginning. And Joshua Rawlings deserved to know his father. It just wasn't fair.
"Ashayam."
"Just leave, T'Pol," snapped Trip as he slipped on his black undershirt.
"No, I will not."
Trip stopped buttoning the shirt and stared at T'Pol in disbelief. "I want you to leave," he repeated harshly.
"And I told you I will not," replied T'Pol, her voice even and calm.
"Please, T'Pol. Let me deal with this by myself, okay?"
T'Pol stood from the bunk and moved to stand in front of Trip. She took one of his hands in hers and looked up at him. Through her touch, he could feel all her love and support and it shook him to his soul.
"You no longer have to….deal with things alone, Ashayam."
Trip hesitated, holding T'Pol's eyes. Part of him still wanted to shove away his pain; it was easier to deal with that way, but he knew the woman before him wasn't going to allow that.
As if in response to his thoughts, T'Pol reached up and touched his cheek lightly, her expression serene, but her eyes swimming with emotion. "You are no longer alone."
Trip stared at her for a long moment then he finally smiled. "You're stubborn, you know that?" He pulled her into his arms and rested his chin on the top of her head; she fit so perfectly against him. "Why do you put up with me?"
"Because the alternative is simply unacceptable."
Trip felt his resolve shatter at her words. Whether he deserved it or not, he had T'Pol's heart. Regardless of all his faults and flaws, she was still standing with him, holding him, bolstering him with her incredible strength. She hadn't walked away.
He pressed his lips to her hair, closed his eyes, and let himself fall, knowing she was there to catch him.
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THE END
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