Only You
By Athena
Rating: PG-13 for now. R in later chapters.
Disclaimer: Star Trek: Enterprise is the property of Paramount
Authors Note: First off, a great big thanks to Boushh and Jenna for all their help with this story. Also be warned, although the beginning of the story contains some angst, the majority of the story is pure sap and fluff. If you not like sappiness you may not want to read the entire story. :)
Chapter 2
Phlox was busy attending to his collection of alien creatures in Sickbay. Things had been relatively quiet on the medical front, affording him time to enjoy his non-humanoid companions.
He heard the doors open and turned to see T'Pol walking towards him. He could tell by the tension in her features that something was amiss.
"What is the matter Commander?" Phlox asked gently.
T'Pol seated herself on the edge of a biobed. Had she not been Vulcan Phlox might had reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. As it was, he simply gave her a compassionate smile and waited.
"Doctor, I require your assistance in two circumstances." Her voice was quiet and she appeared somewhat dejected.
"Of course T'Pol, how may I be of assistance?"
T'Pol finally looked up at Phlox. "I would like you to attempt a hormone suppression treatment to slow the onset of a neurochemical imbalance."
Phlox could not quite contain a frown. "I take it this imbalance is the result of your natural mating cycle?" He was perplexed as to why she would request he attempt to forestall the inevitable onset of the cycle.
"That is correct," she said evenly and dropped her gaze.
Phlox let a few moments of silence pass before asking, "and the second issue requiring my assistance?"
T'Pol looked back up at Phlox. "I have asked Ambassador Soval to locate a Vulcan male serving on a ship who would be willing to assist with the resolution of Pon farr. Captain Archer will need an explanation for the need to rendezvous with a Vulcan ship." She paused and looked down again. "I wish to keep the nature of my affliction confidential."
"Of course… I take it that you wish to attempt to suppress the onset of Pon farr until a suitable partner is available."
T'Pol nodded.
"Do you have any idea how long the suppression treatment will be necessary?"
T'Pol stiffened a bit and there was a hint of stress in her reply, "I have no indication at present, however, I am certain Ambassador Soval will act expeditiously."
Phlox contemplated his next question carefully. Technically the personal lives of the crew were not any of his business but in this case, personal concerns and medical ones overlapped. Finally he asked, "T'Pol, have you considered that a human partner would be the simplest solution to your situation?"
T'Pol visibly shuddered and her hands gripped the edge of the biobed. She closed her eyes for a moment before opening them and glaring at Phlox. She did not reply however.
Phlox made another attempt at what he saw as the best course of action. "There would be no need for suppression treatment and also no need to involve the Captain or Starfleet." T'Pol stayed silent. "You could simply allow the onset of your mating cycle to occur naturally…"
"That may be problematic," T'Pol cut in sharply. She took a breath before continuing, "The involvement of … a human partner would complicate the shipboard working relations. Humans attach emotional sentiment to acts of sexual intimacy that Vulcans do not."
Phlox gave her a sad, sympathetic smile. She was obviously afraid that involving Commander Tucker would affect their relationship. She would be surrendering to a biological imperative instead of choosing to initiate intimacy.
"I could speak to Commander Tucker and explain…"
"No!" T'Pol took another deep breath before continuing more calmly, "Doctor, I do not wish to involve Commander Tucker." Her voice trembled as she spoke Commander Tucker's name. She looked almost pleadingly at Phlox. "Please proceed with the suppression treatment."
Phlox frowned. He was certain that Commander Tucker would be willing to assist T'Pol and almost as certain that he would react with anger and jealousy if he found out that T'Pol had rejected the idea. Still, he could not force T'Pol to choose the Commander over a suitable Vulcan male who would require no emotional attachment.
Sighing, Phlox picked up a medical tricorder and scanned T'Pol. Not entirely liking the results he asked, "have you been experiencing symptoms already?"
T'Pol nodded. "They can be controlled, for the most part, through meditation. However, there have been instances where control has been more… difficult to maintain."
"I see," Phlox said tersely. "Just how difficult?"
T'Pol's eyes flickered between Phlox and the ground before she tilted her head slightly and said tentatively, "There have been two incidents where I have been forced to abandon my duties to seek solitude and meditation."
Phlox crossed his arms in front and replied sternly, "and do you know what precipitated these two episodes?" He had a feeling he already knew the answer.
T'Pol bowed her head and admitted in a quiet voice, "Commander Tucker was present."
Phlox lost his patience and exclaimed, "T'Pol, you can't simply avoid Commander Tucker until this mystery Vulcan appears to cure you." His voice held a high pitch because he was agitated. "Suppression treatments won't be able to counteract the biological response to the presence of a desired mate."
T'Pol continued to avoid making eye contact. "The treatments will work if I can increase my meditation and minimize the time spent in the Commander's presence."
"Very well," Phlox conceded. Clearly she was not going to relent. He would have to speak to the Captain about keeping T'Pol and Commander Tucker separated. He would also have to come up with an explanation that kept T'Pol's privacy in tact.
"Come back in one hour and I should have something for you."
"Thank you doctor," T'Pol said softly and then exited Sickbay.
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Trip was on his way to the situation room. After he'd calmed down enough to get back to work he had been able to detect several more potential Vulcan warp signatures. He was sure a Vulcan ship had been in the area some time ago. The problem was figuring out where it had gone. It was like trying to follow a path of bread crumbs that were scattered pretty far apart and you kept finding things that looked like crumbs but turned out to be something else.
He rubbed the back of his neck. He could sure use T'Pol's help with this but the way things had been between them lately he wasn't sure they'd be any more productive together than he was by himself.
As he entered the situation room the first person he made eye contact with was T'Pol. His heart skipped a beat at first but then that familiar ache returned when she stepped back to the wall and looked down, away from him. He just stood there a moment concentrating on the heavy feeling in his chest before he realized that everyone else in the room was staring at him. The captain looked impatient, as did Malcolm. Travis looked confused and Hoshi looked contemplative. Trip took special note that Phlox looked agitated and he kept glancing over at T'Pol with a hint of concern in his features.
"Well?" Archer asked.
"Oh, um, sorry." Trip felt a twinge of redness in his neck and cheeks. "I think we've got em, I just don't know where they went or how ta track them. We could try a coupla systems that seem likely and see what we find."
Archer nodded. "Good work Trip. Give Travis a ranking of the most likely destinations."
"Will do, Captain."
Archer turned to Hoshi. "Keep listening for a distress beacon or any Vulcan transmission and try hailing them intermittently."
"Yes, Sir," Hoshi replied.
Finally Archer turned to T'Pol. "I want you to work with Trip in Engineering and keep me updated."
Trip ventured a glance at T'Pol and was shocked that she physically paled in response to the captain's order. He cast a worried look at Phlox whose concern was evident.
Malcolm, Travis, and Hoshi were already exiting the room and the captain did not seem to notice T'Pol's apparent distress. What the hell? Trip thought to himself. Something's not right with her and it can't just be her worrying about sending me mixed signals.
T'Pol seemed to recover and also moved to exit the room. "I will join you in Engineering shortly," she said without looking at him as she left the room.
Trip stood there in puzzlement for a few additional moments before turning to follow her out the door and headed back to Engineering.
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Back inside the situation room, Phlox lingered, knowing he would have to inform the captain that T'Pol was unwell.
"Is there something we need to discuss?" Archer asked lightheartedly.
The small grin he bore faded with Phlox's reply. "Yes captain, there is indeed."
Now wearing a serious expression Archer asked, "What's the problem?"
Phlox clasped his hands behind his back. "It's Commander T'Pol." Archer's expression deepened into a frown. "She is suffering from an affliction that, among other things, weakens her emotional control."
Archer clearly didn't like what he was hearing. "Is this anything like her reaction to the Trellium-D on board the Seleya?"
Phlox shook his head. "Not if properly treated, Captain. This is a well known Vulcan aliment but it is serious. She has already made a request for a Vulcan ship to rendezvous with Enterprise in order to receive the necessary treatment."
"She can't be treated on Enterprise?"
Phlox glanced away nervously. He did not what to lie outright to the captain. "T'Pol feels that the best course of treatment can be found on a Vulcan ship."
"But she could be treated on Enterprise if it became necessary?" Archer pressed.
Phlox gave a small sigh. "An attempt could be made to treat her here, however there exists the possibility of…" repercussions "side-effects."
Archer nodded and looked contemplative. "Is this thing contagious? Is the crew in any danger?"
Phlox smiled despite the serious nature of the topic. "No Captain, T'Pol's condition is not contagious and the only threat she might cause the crew would stem from an uncontrollable emotional outburst. You should be prepared for the possibility."
Archer's frown returned. "Are you sure there isn't anything you can do before the Vulcans arrive? Are they already on their way?" Archer appeared to be displeased that arrangements had been made to meet up with a Vulcan ship without his knowledge or consent.
"To answer your first question, I have already begun suppressive treatments but eventually a cure will need to be administered. As for your second inquiry, I have no knowledge of any arrangements, but perhaps you should speak to T'Pol."
"Thank you Doctor," Archer seemed to dismiss Phlox who continued to linger.
"Captain, there is one final issue you should be aware of," he said cautiously.
Archer gave him his full attention again and nodded for him to continue.
"It would be prudent to keep Commander T'Pol and Commander Tucker separated until the Vulcans arrive."
Archer looked a bit stunned. Clearly he had not expected to hear this. "What," he said finally finding his voice. "Why?"
Phlox tried not to fidget but found he was swinging his arms back and forth as he tried to come up with a rational sounding explanation. "T'Pol should avoid situations that cause undue emotional distress." Phlox paused and Archer slowly nodded. "I have observed that Commander Tucker often produces emotional responses in Commander T'Pol. They argue frequently for example."
Archer bit his lip as if trying not to smile. "And you think their tendency to argue makes it unsafe for T'Pol to be around Trip." He looked bemused.
"Captain this is a very serious matter," Phlox chastised. "Left untreated, T'Pol's condition will ultimately prove fatal. I feel it necessary to take all possible precautions to slow the progression of the condition."
Archer appeared to be consternated as he tried to formulate a response. "Phlox, if it's that serious you should begin treating her and the Vulcans can take over once they arrive."
Phlox shook his head. "Captain, T'Pol does not want to be treated on Enterprise. She is unwilling to risk the possible…side effects."
"How bad can they be?" Archer threw up his hands and turned to Phlox again. "Phlox, you've got to give me more to go on here."
"I'm afraid I have to respect T'Pol's privacy, Captain," Phlox replied sympathetically. "The Vulcans are a very private people in general and they do not speak of this particular affliction to outsiders. I assure you that I will monitor T'Pol closely and intervene if necessary."
"State secret, huh?"
Phlox chuckled. "Something like that Captain."
"Okay, I'll try to keep Trip away from T'Pol." Archer smiled and looked down. "I just hope I don't have to involve security," he joked as they exited the room.
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Trip had just readjusted the sensor array when he heard T'Pol approaching. He ran his tongue over the inside of his cheek then bit his lower lip as he turned to look at her.
She had stopped a few meters back and was looking at him intently. Her face may have appeared expressionless to others but Trip could see a hint of fear beneath her calm veneer. What was she afraid of? Could it be him?
She finally stepped forward and activated a nearby consol. "Have you detected any indication of the Vulcan ship's warp signature?"
Trip studied her a moment longer before replying, "Nothin' yet." He continued to watch her for a few moments before she glanced up at him and he gave her a little smile. He was about to turn back to his own work when he noticed T'Pol shudder slightly. He stepped towards her and, predictably, she took a few steps back.
He turned squarely to face her, hands on his hips. He let his tongue play over his lips briefly as he tried to think of something to say. He opted for bluntness over tactfulness. "What the hell's goin' on with you?" He paused but T'Pol merely looked away. He glanced around the room. The nearest crewmembers were well outside hearing range so they were essentially alone. "Your actin' like yer scared of me but I know that can't be right." He looked down for a moment and added more softly, "You know I'd die for you." He looked back up and caught her eyes. Daring to step forward he held her gaze and continued, "Just tell me what's going on and we can deal with it together."
He was surprised to see T'Pol shudder again as she wrapped her arms tightly around herself. He stepped right in front of her and gently placed his hands on her upper arms. He could feel her body trembling. "T'Pol," he whispered.
Just then her head jerked up and their eyes met. Her eyes were dark and held an expression he had seen before. She was looking at him with desire!
Trip was momentarily stunned by the unexpected change in T'Pol's demeanor. A turn from fear to desire was not what he expected. Then T'Pol pulled back out of his grasp. He tried to hold her but she pulled away forcefully.
"Release me!" she hissed.
Stunned again, Trip let his arms fall to his sides as T'Pol recoiled from him. She was still shaking.
Trip ran his hand across his mouth and gave her an intense stare. She finally lifted her gaze to meet his. "Talk to me," he commanded.
T'Pol opened her mouth to speak but then closed it along with her eyes. Trip thought she appeared to be concentrating on regaining her emotional control
Trip started forward but stopped when she recoiled further.
"Don't," she whispered.
He was now very concerned. "I'm calling Phlox down here." He started for the comm unit but T'Pol's voice stopped him.
"Wait, please…I will go directly to Sickbay."
Trip looked at her with uncertainty, unsure if he believed her. Finally he nodded and stepped back. "I'll let Phlox know yer on your way."
T'Pol merely nodded, keeping her eyes downcast as she turned to leave.
Trip watched her go then activated the comm. unit. "Tucker to Sickbay."
"Phlox here."
"T'Pol's on her way ta see you. Doc, there's somethin' wrong with her." Trip felt his statement was a bit lame but Phlox replied quickly.
"Thank you, Commander. I am aware of T'Pol's condition."
Trip knew it was unlikely Phlox would simply tell him what was wrong with T'Pol but he couldn't keep from asking, "Is she gonna be okay?"
"Once she receives the proper treatment she'll be fine," came the reply.
"Okay, thanks Doc." Trip deactivated the comm. and contemplated Phlox's response. If all she needed was a simple treatment and Phlox already knew what was wrong with her, why hadn't he gone ahead and treated her already? Something wasn't right about the entire situation. Trip frowned as he tried to put the pieces together. He was still lost in thought when the Captain entered the room.
"How's it going Trip?" Archer asked casually as he glanced around the room.
"Huh? Oh fine," Trip stammered. He felt guilty that he had been focusing on T'Pol instead of the missing ship and its crew. He was about to give the Captain an update when he noticed that Archer wasn't really paying attention to him.
"Something on yer mind Cap'n?"
Archer turned his attention back to Trip. "I'm looking for T'Pol."
Trip fidgeted a bit, unsure of how much to reveal. The Captain had a right to know when his senior officers were unfit for duty, but Trip knew how protective T'Pol was of her privacy. "Um, she's not here Cap'n. She wasn't feelin' well so she went to Sickbay."
Archer frowned. "I guess Phlox was right," he mused softly to himself.
A scowl formed on Trip's face. He wanted to know what Archer knew but he also knew it really wasn't any of his business. He asked anyway, "Do you know something about T'Pol?"
Archer gave Trip an appraising look. "Not much. Did something happen?"
Trip let his tongue run along the side of his cheek as he chuckled slightly. They were each playing cat and mouse, trying to figure out how much the other person knew.
He decided to answer the Captain's question and see where it led. "She got a little … agitated earlier. Do ya know why?"
Archer raised an eyebrow and tried to contain a grin as he replied, "I guess you should know since it pertains to T'Pol's treatment. Phlox said she caught some Vulcan bug and one of the side effects is that she's having difficulty controlling her emotions."
Trip frowned slightly and nodded. "That makes sense I guess."
Archer seemed to have even more difficulty suppressing his grin as he continued, "He also said you should stay away from her until she gets better. To quote Phlox, it's because you often produce emotional responses in Commander T'Pol."
Trip noticed Archer's grin fade and realized the Captain was probably expecting him to find the quote amusing. Trip was far from amused however. He needed time to digest the new information and sort things out.
"Trip?" Archer prompted.
"Sorry Cap'n." Trip shook his head. "Just how serious are these side effects?"
Archer now looked somber. "I'm guessing pretty serious by your reaction."
Trip rubbed the back of his neck and nodded. "Okay, so how long before she gets better?"
Archer pursed his lips in contemplation for a moment. "I'm not sure. She needs to be treated by Vulcan doctors. Phlox said T'Pol has made arrangements to meet up with a Vulcan ship. Do you know anything about that?"
Trip was a bit taken back by the new revelation and the Captain's suggestion that he would know something about meeting up with the Vulcans. He needed to break the discussion down so that he only had to deal with one item at a time. He began with the first point. "Why can't Phlox treat her? There aren't any Vulcan ships nearby other than the one we're search'n for. That's why we're the ones doin' the searching!" Trip could tell he was getting flustered so he stopped talking and took a few deep breaths.
Archer glanced around, probably to see if any of the crew had become aware of their conversation. Then he put a hand on Trip's shoulder. "Phlox can take care of T'Pol if it comes to that, but they both felt Vulcan doctors were the best way to go on this one. I'm sure she'll be okay, Trip."
Trip made an attempt to smile at Archer. "Yeah, I guess I just don't like not bein' able to help is all."
Archer gave him a final pat before assuming a more professional stance. "As I recall, there's an entire ship full of Vulcans out there that you can help by finding them." Archer's words were all business but his voice held a playful tone.
Trip gave his friend a mock look of annoyance. Smart Ass! he thought. Out loud he said, "I'll get right on that." Both men grinned and Archer turned to leave.
He was on his way out when the comm. unit sounded. "Bridge to Captain Archer." It was Hoshi.
Trip stepped away from the comm. as Archer returned and answered, "Archer here."
"Sir, I have a transmission from Captain Soran of the Vulcan ship Kovar. He requests to speak with you privately."
"I'm on my way back. Relay the transmission to the ready room."
Trip was dying to accompany the Captain and it must have been evident in his demeanor because Archer gave him a sympathetic look and said, "I'll keep you as informed as I can, Trip." Then he left for the Bridge.
Now alone, Trip tried to focus on his work but the situation with T'Pol was foremost in his thoughts. So she was sick and that led to the weakening of her emotional control. Therefore, the emotions he'd seen her express recently had to be her true feelings. That meant that she still wanted him even if her rational mind had decided that such a thing wasn't logical. She still wanted him! That thought caused his heart to start pounding in his chest.
He knew he had to get back to work but focusing on anything other than T'Pol was incredibly difficult. Just a few hours ago he was sure she had gotten over any feelings she had for him. Now he had reason to think otherwise. He wanted to see her but he knew that wasn't an option right now. He still had work to do and without T'Pol to aid him, it would take longer to track down the missing ship and the crew of that ship could be in trouble. He had to focus. Regretfully, he put the thoughts pertaining to his personal life out of his mind and concentrated on locating the missing Vulcan ship.
Tbc