A/N This is just a short chapter I'm afraid, since I'm getting back in to university work. I'm working on the next one, it is coming along…promise
"Over the course of this mission I have come to consider you as what humans call a 'friend'. There is something I wish to discuss with you, if that is acceptable?"
Hoshi, a little lost and confused, motioned to T'Pol to sit down and prepared to listen.
"I am unsure how to proceed; this is rarely if ever discussed with another race. It is my wish that what I am about to speak to you about is not shared with any other member of the crew."
T'Pol stopped speaking and waited for a moment, then looked up at Hoshi. It suddenly occurred to the Ensign that T'Pol was waiting for confirmation that her confidences would go no further.
"Of course, Subcommander."
T'Pol took a deep breath, steadying herself,
"Do you know much about Vulcan culture?" was the unexpected question
"Um…only what the Vulcan High Command has chosen to release to the Federation so…not that much really."
"Then this is extremely classified information… Vulcans have some limited telepathic abilities, which extend to the touching of minds and reading of thoughts. These abilities allow us to link minds with our chosen partner in order to become a more effective unit. Vulcans bond for life, starting with a betrothal bond at age seven. There are different stages of bonding, for the various different roles they play in daily Vulcan life. The betrothal bond is strengthened at marriage, or dissolved if either partner wish to dedicate their life to Surak and become a priest or priestess. Am I making myself clear?"
Hoshi, her head swimming with this highly unexpected information, ventured to ask a question.
"Can you read the thoughts of the crew? My thoughts even?"
"Vulcan telepathic ability is limited to when we are touching the subject. I have been trained from childhood to shield my mind against unwanted invasion and this has enabled me to endure physical contact without the danger of linking to the mind of a member of this crew."
There was a long pause, Hoshi could sense that there was more to be said, but T'Pol seemed in no hurry to say anything further. After a lapse of a few moments, she spoke again.
"There are two main classifications of bond, one voluntary, the other involuntary. The first includes marriage ceremonies and religious vows, the second occurs between parents and children…and in rare cases between two people of marriageable age. We call this Katra t'hy'la, which means soulmate."
T'Pol paused and allowed Hoshi to absorb the information then continued
"The bond is named well, it only occurs in a very small number of cases and to have a Katra t'hy'la is celebrated on Vulcan."
Hoshi took advantage of a hesitation to ask a question
"Subcommander, I don't understand what you're trying to tell me. Your soulmate is on Vulcan?"
Hoshi was at a loss to understand why the first officer seemed so agitated, but to be missing a person so obviously important as a soul partner would account for the recent alteration to T'Pol's manner toward the Enterprise crew. But the response was certainly unexpected
"No, Ensign, that is my problem. I have inadvertently formed a Katra t'hy'la bond with a member of this crew."
At once Hoshi understood, and before she could stop herself…
"The Captain?"
The shock apparent in T'Pol's eyes, if not on the rest of her face convinced Hoshi that she was right. She knew that Captain Archer cared for T'Pol, but she had no idea that T'Pol might have reciprocated those feelings, or even if she was capable of having those feelings.
In a moment, T'Pol had recovered her composure and there was no hint of unsettlement in the calm Vulcan visage.
"That is correct"
"But, how is it a bad thing? Surely finding your soulmate is positive, an extremely rare occurrence, as you said."
"This has never happened between a Vulcan and any other species before. I was unaware that this type of bond could occur with a human. This will never be accepted on Vulcan, we would be ostracised, accepted in neither culture. It presents other difficulties too. It means that it will be difficult for us to be apart for any length of time and…it will require some substantial adjustments on the part of Captain Archer."
"How do you mean, adjustments? Is this something you should be discussing with him? I don't mean to discourage you from talking to me, but this kind of thing, on Earth, is best discussed between the couple themselves."
"Perhaps it would be better to speak to the Captain. I…appreciate your speaking to me. Thank you, for understanding." T'Pol got up slowly and moved to the door. She turned at the hatch, turned back for a moment, then opened the door and stepped outside.
Hoshi was left in her quarters, not really understanding how she had helped, or if she had helped. But there had been something, an indefinable moment had passed between the two women, which possibly meant more to Hoshi than any conversation she had had with the Subcommander. For a moment, it felt like she had helped a friend, and that she was the first friend T'Pol had ever had. She hoped that her two commanding officers would be able to sort out their problems; it seemed that everyone on board thought they would make a great couple.
A/N…next chapter (I think) will bring the two back together, but I can't be sure, this thing kinda writes itself