Only You Ch 10

By Athena

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: Star Trek: Enterprise is the property of Paramount

Summary: As Pon Farr approaches for T'Pol she has to make some choices regarding her relationship with Trip. Of course nothing goes as expected and Trip and T'Pol must decide how to proceed with their relationship.
Spoilers: all the way through the end of Daedalus and AU after that.

Authors Note: Okay this chapter is a bit angsty but it can't all be sappy or we'd die of sugar overload. ;)

Also note that I borrowed an idea from an episode of Next Gen. I'd given credit here if could recall anything else about the episode but I can't. Sorry.

Chapter 10

Three weeks after Enterprise had been caught in the tractor beam the ships systems had been repaired and the crew were mostly busy exploring the planet and learning about its former inhabitants. T'Pol was at her station monitoring data from the surface. She was maintaining a normal duty shift but she limited her working day to just the duty shift hours. The other officers that manned her station had learned that they had to be ready to take over the station at the appropriate time.

Dr.Phlox and the Vulcan scientists had discovered that it was the shield itself that had wiped out the Keldarians. The energy from the shield had altered the physiology of the native Keldarians and slowly rendered them sterile. T'Pol had found this information strangely unsettling.

Trip had taken to sleeping in her quarters but they had not engaged in sexual activity in all that time. She recalled their discussion with Phlox with amusement.

"Ah, Commanders right on time." Phlox greeted them cheerfully.

T'Pol lay down on the imaging chamber bed and placed her arms at her sides. The scans took just over a minute and then she was free to sit up again.

"Well Doc?" Trip asked anxiously.

Phlox smiled broadly. "The embryo is still implanted and cell division is coming along nicely."

"That's great, Doc," Trip replied.

"Thank you, Doctor."

"How are you feeling? Have you encountered any difficultly returning to a normal work schedule?"

"I have been slightly fatigued but otherwise well." Trip had begun to rub her back and she leaned back towards him to encourage him.

"Well, that's to be expected. The fatigue may well last several months. The best course of action is to get adequate rest."

"Yes, Doctor."

"Are there any additional considered you wish to address?" He was looking past her at Trip so she deduced her mate's apprehension to broach the topic was evident.

"Yeah, um, we, ah, well… we were wondering if it was safe… for the baby that is… if it was safe to ah…"

"Engage in sexual activity," she finished for him.

She looked over her shoulder to see Trip blushing. "Um, yeah."

"Ah," Phlox grinned knowingly. "Well, under normal circumstances sexual intercourse is generally concerned safe. However, we are in uncharted territory here so I can't say for certain. I don't believe there would be much harm but if you'd like to play it safe there are many alternatives to intercourse." He turned to T'Pol. "It's my understanding that human males are quite fond of oral gratification or…"

"Okay, thanks Doc," Trip cut him off sharply. He was now blushing deeply.

"I believe the Doctor was imparting valuable information," she protested, secretly enjoying her mate's discomfort with the topic.

"I think we've got it covered Doc. Thanks," Trip replied pulling T'Pol off the imaging chamber bed.

"Thank you, Doctor," T'Pol replied again as she was lead towards the exit.

"You're very welcome, Commanders. Same time next week," he called after them as they exited Sickbay.

T'Pol was shaken from her remembrance when she suddenly felt hazy and disconnected. She attempted to reach out for her console but her arms didn't seem to obey her commands. She was vaguely aware of voices around her and then she felt herself falling. After that darkness overtook her.

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"T'Pol!" Archer lunged for her but Malcolm was quicker, catching her just before she would have hit the ground. He was already feeling for a pulse.

"I think she just passed out, Sir."

"You have the Bridge Lieutenant, I'll be in Sickbay." Malcolm nodded and helped lift T'Pol into his arms. Then he turned to Hoshi. "Tell Phlox we're on our way."

Once he left the Bridge Archer stopped trying to hide his concern. What could be wrong with T'Pol? Could this still be related to the Pon farr or was this something new? Could she still be in danger or was she just pushing too hard?

As Archer turned down the corridor leading to Sickbay he felt T'Pol beginning to stir. Then Archer heard someone approaching them from behind at what sounded like a dead run. He wasn't surprised to find it was Trip. The younger man was breathing heavily as he reached out for T'Pol.

"Hoshi commed me in Engineering and told me what happened,"

"I'm sure she'll be okay Trip. You know T'Pol, always pushing herself." He hoped he sounded convincing.

"Thanks Capt'n, I'm sure yer right." Trip's tone indicated he wasn't convinced.

The two men entered Sickbay and Archer laid T'Pol down on a bio-bed while Trip called out for Phlox.

The doctor rushed over. "What seems to be the problem, Commander?" he asked Trip and then nodded to Archer, "Captain."

"She collapsed on the Bridge a few minutes ago," Archer supplied.

"I see." Phlox was already scanning T'Pol who was shaking her head and trying to sit up.

"No ya don't, darlin'," Trip said gently pushing her back down.

To Archer's surprise T'Pol acquiesced merely nodding. Her hand moved to rest low on her belly and she cast a concerned look up at Trip.

"Well Doc?" Trip pressed once Phlox had completed his scans.

Phlox glanced nervously over at Archer. "Staying Captain?" he queried and then glanced back down at T'Pol.

She looked over at Archer and then up at Trip questioningly. Trip took her right hand in his and smiled down at her. T'Pol looked directly at Archer as she spoke. "Please continue Doctor. The Captain should be made aware of the situation."

Archer gave her a faint smile and stepped closer to them. His heart rate had increased as he braced himself for whatever news he was about to uncover regarding his first officer and friend.

Phlox relaxed and returned to his jovial self. "Right now I'm not detecting anything wrong with either you or the embryo but we may be approaching the time when the placenta will need… adjusting."

Archer felt the blood draining from his face and he was sure he was going into shock. T'Pol was pregnant! He opened his mouth to speak but no words would form. He mentally shook himself and then cleared his throat. At that all three of the others turned towards him. He was silently thankful that they seemed to have been too preoccupied with the doctor's words to notice their captain's initial reaction.

"So, I take it T'Pol's expecting?" Archer tilted his head at Trip and raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, well we were gonna tell everyone eventually," Trip started but T'Pol interjected.

"I wished to keep the pregnancy a private matter for the time being. We are… uncertain of the outcome."

Archer had been smiling at Trip but it quickly faded at her words. "Why? Is something wrong?" He looked over at Phlox.

"Nothing Captain, except that the parents are two entirely different species."

Archer shook his head. "I vividly recall meeting their son. How can that be a problem?"

Phlox gave him a compassionate yet sad smile. "Lorian's conception was well planned and prepared for Captain. This pregnancy has only been achieved through a regiment of hormone and drug treatment that began after the conception. I simply can't make any promises."

Archer looked over at Trip and T'Pol. Trip had taken her hand in his and was absently caressing it with his thumbs. He turned back to Phlox. "Do whatever you have to Doctor." Then he looked back down at T'Pol. "Maybe you should take some time off. We were scheduled to leave this system in two days but now I think maybe we should head back right away. We could take you to a medical facility."

Phlox stepped forward and clearly his throat softly. "That won't be necessary Captain. The Vulcan ship is equipped with everything required and the Vulcan doctors are knowledgeable of T'Pol's condition. I would like them to assist in the procedure."

Archer looked at Trip and T'Pol. "If you're sure. If you're all sure."

Both Trip and T'Pol nodded in agreement.

"Okay, we're staying for now, but I want you," he indicated T'Pol, "to take some time off." He turned to Trip. "You're acting first officer now and your first order as such is to keep our former first officer off her feet and away from anything stressful." He frowned as he considered his orders then turned to Phlox. "Does that mean she'll have to stay away from Trip?"

His friend scowled at him as the doctor chucked and T'Pol raised an eyebrow at her fiancé. "Very funny Capt'n."

Archer placed a hand on Trip's shoulder. "Congratulations both of you," he said squeezing Trip's shoulder and looking down at T'Pol. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to running this ship. My first officer just went on maternity leave."

With that he left Sickbay to give his friends some time alone and to inform Starfleet that they'd be sticking around for a while longer.

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Trip walked nervously beside T'Pol as they entered the spacious Sickbay on the Kovar. Phlox was already present and was conversing with two Vulcans, one male and the other female. Trip guessed that the male was Dr. Varen and the female was Dr. T'Nar.

Phlox had explained that the procedure itself would take several hours and that T'Pol would be required to remain on the Kovar for at least an additional 24 hours while the doctors monitored the fetus. Although no one had outright stated that this procedure carried a great deal of risk, Trip understood that his baby's life would be hanging in the balance for the next few days. He was doing his best not to think about the possibility that something would go wrong but he found he wasn't able to keep his anxiety in check. T'Pol had begun to teach him how to shield his thoughts from her when he wanted something to remain private. He seriously hoped that he was successfully doing so now. The last thing T'Pol needed now was to have to deal with his anxiety as well as her own.

The female doctor approached them while Phlox and Dr. Varen continued their discussion.

"Greetings T'Pol. I am pleased that your pregnancy has progressed well." Then she turned to him. "You are Commander Tucker?"

"Yes Ma'am. Pleased to meet you. I can't thank you enough for what yer doing for us."

"I am honored to make your acquaintance, Commander. I must admit I have not had the opportunity to interact with many humans but your devotion to T'Pol and to this pregnancy speaks well of you."

Trip responded with nervous laughter. "Well, I hope you won't be too offended by open displays of emotionalism. I'm not too good at keepin' my emotions in check where T'Pol is concerned and that goes double for our baby."

He was afraid that T'Pol would admonish him for making such a statement but, instead, he saw amusement in her eyes.

"Although we do not openly display our emotions, Vulcans also share deep attachments to our mates and offspring, as I'm certain you are aware," T'Nar said and indicated T'Pol, who nodded in response.

Phlox and Dr. Varen had approached them, having finished their exchange. Phlox was attempting to project his normal exuberant disposition. However, Trip was aware of the doctor's apprehension. His hand sought out T'Pol's of its own accord.

"We are about ready to begin the procedure. T'Pol, you may disrobe in that chamber there and don these." Phlox handed her a neatly folded cloth pile.

T'Pol accepted the clothing and glanced up at Trip. He gave her an encouraging smile and squeezed her hand. She then retreated into the nearby room Phlox had indicated.

Trip felt his anxiety increasing. He was desperately trying not to think about the possibility that they could lose the baby in the next several hours. He realized he was fidgeting and purposely tried to calm himself using one of the breathing techniques T'Pol had taught him during their neuropressure sessions.

Dr. Varen then addressed him. "I have not yet made your acquaintance. I am Dr. Varen. It is my honor to assist Dr. Phlox with this procedure. It is my sincerest hope that we will achieve a positive outcome for you and your wife. The existence of a detailed accounting of this procedure, preformed successfully, is a great benefit to us."

Trip realized that the Vulcan doctor was giving him what amounted to a pep talk and offered him a faint smile. "Thanks, Doctor I'm glad T'Pol will be in good hands." He paused before adding, "she isn't my wife though. We're engaged but we're not married yet." He felt a bit foolish for saying it and even more so once he realized the Vulcan doctors appeared to be amused by his statement.

"T'Pol has informed us that you and she are bonded," Dr. T'Nar stated and Trip nodded in reply. "To Vulcans, bond-mates are considered to be married. The lack of an official marriage ceremony is of little consequence. Wife is the proper form of address by Vulcan standards, Commander."

Trip felt a warm sensation spread through him at the thought that T'Pol was considered his wife. He smiled coyly. "I could definitely get used to hearing that."

Phlox moved over to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "Commander, you may wish to return to Enterprise while the procedure is underway, rather than wait here on the Kovar. Time will pass more quickly if you find something to do in the interim," he suggested.

Trip shook his head. "I don't want to be too far away in case T'Pol needs me."

"I do understand, Commander however T'Pol will be unconscious for the duration of the procedure. I promise to contact you so that you can be present before she regains consciousness. I think it will be good for you to be among peers during this time rather than alone here."

"I'll think about it Doc, but right now I want to stay close."

"Very well, Commander," Phlox conceded.

Just then, T'Pol emerged from her dressing room wearing a soft grey halter top and underwear, not unlike her normal Starfleet under garments. She carried a small bag that contained her discarded uniform, which she handed to Trip. Her outward appearance projected calmness, but Trip could sense her apprehension through their bond. He took her hand in his again and began massaging the back of her hand with his thumb.

He helped her up onto a large biobed and then reluctantly moved away as the doctors took over. Phlox placed a neuro-inhibitor on T'Pol's forehead that would render her unconscious when activated.

A few moments later all was seemingly ready.

Phlox turned to Trip. "We are ready to begin the procedure. I'm afraid you must leave now, Commander. Rest assured I will contact you the moment you are able to rejoin us."

Trip nodded and looked down at T'Pol. She nodded her consent for him to leave her side. Trip bent down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Then, not caring what the Vulcan doctors thought of his display of emotionalism, he moved to place a kiss low on T'Pol's belly. "Hang in there little one," he said softly.

He could feel tears beginning to pool in his eyes so he decided to hasten his exit. "Take good care of em Doc," he said to Phlox then nodded to the Dr. Varen and Dr. T'Nar before exiting the Sickbay.

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Less than an hour later Trip was back on board Enterprise, sitting in the Mess Hall. It had taken less than 15 agonizing minutes for Trip to realize Phlox had been right. He was going crazy on the Vulcan ship and he didn't feel up to trying to keep his emotions in check around an unfamiliar Vulcan crew. He could have waited in solitude, but he knew he needed some sort of distraction to keep from going crazy. So he had returned to Enterprise. At first he had sought out the Captain, but after being informed that he was down on the planet with Captain Soran he recalled that that information had been presented at the last staff meeting. He just hadn't paid it much attention, having had other things on his mind.

Given that it was around lunch time, Trip found his way to the Mess Hall where he could be among his crewmates without needing to actually interact with anyone. He really didn't feel like eating anything so he obtained a beverage and sought out an isolated table near the viewport. He was listening to the murmur of the multiple conversations taking place in the room when a nearby voice caught his attention.

"Mind if I join you?"

It was Malcolm. Trip took a moment to consider before nodding his consent.

"No offense Commander, but you look terrible," Malcolm said after giving Trip an appraisal and frowned.

"I've had better days," he replied.

"Would this have anything to do with T'Pol's mysterious illness and the fact that you both left for the Kovar a few hours ago?"

"Yeah, Malcolm, it would," Trip tried not to take his frustration and worry out on Malcolm but a hint of annoyance still managed to creep into his tone.

"It might help to talk about it."

Trip remained silent, not really knowing what to say.

"I'm not trying to pry into your personal life Commander, but it would appear you could use a friend."

Trip rubbed his forehead and cast an appreciative look at Malcolm as he nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I know Malcolm and yer right. I just don't know where to begin."

"I take it you'd prefer to keep some of the details confidential," Malcolm said knowingly.

Trip lowered his head. "I kinda have to for now."

"Well, then let's start with what you can talk about. It is common knowledge that T'Pol is still sick, otherwise she'd still be on duty and you wouldn't be acting XO." Malcolm paused and his voice was thick with emotion when he continued by asking, "Is T'Pol dying Trip?"

Trip was physically stunned by the question. He hadn't really considered what the rest of the crew might be thinking. He decided to let Malcolm in on the secret. If things went well, they'd be making the announcement eventually anyway, and if things didn't go well, well then he'd need a friend more than ever.

"No Malcolm, T'Pol's not dying. She's just fatigued but she really isn't even sick."

Malcolm looked unconvinced. "That doesn't add up, Trip. Why would she still be on medical leave and why is she on the Kovar now?" He leaned in closer and lowered his voice as he continued, "and why haven't you announced your engagement yet?"

Trip chuckled despite his mood. "That's really starting to bother you huh?" Then he sobered. "Look Malcolm, we'll be announcing the engagement pretty soon. We're just waiting to see how things turn out today." He looked down at his drink and lowered his voice. "T'Pol's pregnant. She's on the Kovar having some sort of operation that the baby needs to survive. Phlox isn't sure it will go well." He left off there, unable to continue or to look back up at his friend.

"I … I never thought..." Malcolm sounded shocked. "I'm sorry Trip," he heard Malcolm say after a moment of silence. "I had no idea."

They sat in silence for few minutes. Finally Malcolm broke the silence. "When will you know… if everything went okay?" He was clearly finding the question awkward.

Trip shrugged. "Dunno. The procedure will take a coupla hours then I guess we'll have to wait a few days to see if it worked. Phlox told us we won't know for sure until the baby's born." He rubbed his forehead again and dared to look back up at Malcolm.

He was surprised to see Malcolm's face was tight with emotion. Malcolm turned away for a moment and was looking down when he turned back towards Trip. "I really don't know what say. Other than I hope everything goes well."

Trip smiled at his friend but Malcolm still wasn't looking up. "Thanks Mal. That means a lot to me."

The two men sat in silence once again. Trip wasn't sure how much time had passed when Malcolm's communicator chirped. He flipped it open.

"Reed here," Malcolm responded.

"Is everything okay, Lieutenant? You were due back on the Bridge a while ago." It was Hoshi.

Malcolm cleared his throat before answering, "Yes, sorry about that. You have the bridge for now Ensign. I'll be a bit longer."

Trip scowled at Malcolm. "Ya don't need ta babysit me Malcolm."

"With all due respect Sir, I think you need someone right now and the Captain won't be back until the next duty shift." His words were formal but his tone held a great deal of compassion.

Trip acquiesced and nodded. "Thanks, Malcolm."

"I wouldn't dream of being anywhere else," Malcolm replied.

The lunch period was over so the Mess Hall was clearing out. Not really knowing what else to say, the two friends sat in comfortable silence as they waited for word from Phlox.

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Phlox breathed a sign of relief as the monitors indicated that the primitive placenta was now operating at full capacity and fetal development was continuing to progress well. Of course then next 24 to 30 hours would be a critical time and things could still go wrong, but the fetus had survived the greatest challenge Phlox expected them to encounter. The procedure had lasted just over three hours and Phlox had been extremely tense the entire time. He had been the one to discover the conception in the first place and he felt a special connection to both Trip and T'Pol as well as their unborn child.

"We should revive Commander T'Pol and inform her that the procedure was successful," Dr. Varen stated.

"Not just yet," Phlox replied. "I promised Commander Tucker I would summon him before waking T'Pol." Phlox activated the Sickbay comm. unit. "This is Doctor Phlox. Please put me through to Enterprise."

"Enterprise here," came Hoshi's reply.

"Ah, Ensign Sato, I need to speak to Commander Tucker if I may."

There was a brief pause followed by the sound of a very anxious Commander Tucker. "Tucker here. Is everything okay?"

Phlox smiled as he answered, "Everything is fine Commander. Would you care to join us back on the Kovar?"

"I'll be right over. You said everything is okay, right? You mean everything?"

Phlox shook his head chuckling. "Yes, yes, Commander. Everything is fine. Now please join us over here."

"On my way," was the enthusiastic reply.

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Trip was practically running through the corridors to get to the Kovar's Sickbay. He was anxious to see for himself that the baby was doing okay. He stopped just outside the Sickbay doors to compose himself and catch his breath, then he quickly entered the room. His heart was still racing as he approached T'Pol on the biobed.

Dr. Varen approached him. "Greetings once again, Commander. I am happy to report the procedure was successful. Your wife is doing well and the fetus she carries continues to develop satisfactorily."

Trip grinned as Varen once again called T'Pol his wife. Yep, I could certainly get used to that, he thought to himself. "That's great. Thank you all for everything you've done."

"Dr. Varen and I were honored to assist Dr. Phlox. He is an extremely talented physician and we have learned much from this endeavor. I believe today's success will challenge the notion that Vulcan and human hybrid offspring are not possible." Dr. T'Nar was reviving T'Pol as she spoke. "This has been a momentous event for both our people."

Trip chuckled to himself as he moved to take T'Pol's hand. Although the two Vulcan doctors were speaking and acting serenely, their words betrayed their excitement over their successful endeavor.

Trip looked up at Phlox. "So everything looks okay so far?"

Phlox retrieved a PADD and handed it to Trip. "Things look very well indeed Commander. What you are looking at in an image of your unborn baby, magnified of course."

Trip squinted and frowned at the image before him. He was used to engineering schematic, not medical ones. He had no idea what he was looking at. "Do ya mean this tadpole looking thing is the baby?"

His question caused Phlox to laugh. "Yes, Commander, that little tadpole is your baby." He reached across Trip and touched the PADD, causing the image to magnify further. Again, Trip had no idea what he was looking at. "This dark area here is the baby's heart. As you can see the chambers are developing normally and, now that the placenta is functioning properly, we can expect the heart to begin beating very soon."

Trip felt a wave of panic. "Ya mean it's not beating yet?"

"I believe the doctor has just stated that to be the case," a familiar yet groggy voice stated.

Trip turned back to see T'Pol attempting to sit up. He reached over to help her and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. "Morning darin'. I guess you heard the good news." He couldn't keep from grinning at her.

T'Pol reached for the PADD, which Trip relinquished to her. "I am uncertain how to interpret the placement of the baby's heart. Will it be located high in the chest, as a human's heart would be, or lower?"

"Whatdaya mean? Aren't Vulcan hearts and human hearts in the same place?" If they weren't, this was news to Trip.

"No Commander, they are not," Phlox replied. "It's a bit too early to tell where this child's heart will be located but I'd hazard to guess that the configuration of the internal organs will favor the Vulcan anatomy."

"A superior model," T'Pol replied dryly but Trip could sense that she was teasing him playfully. He laughed softly to himself as he realized that, to an outsider, the exchange would look abrasive instead of playful. He wondered how often Vulcans were misunderstood by outsiders in such circumstances. It would go a long way in explaining the generally held perception of T'Pol's people.

"Okay, so where are Vulcan hearts located and why isn't the baby's heart beating yet?"

T'Pol took Trip's head and placed it on her waist. Amazingly, he realized that he could feel the gentle drumming of her heart. However, unlike in humans, T'Pol's heartbeat felt muffled and seemed to reverberate throughout her torso and chest, which must be why he hadn't noticed this before. He was so caught up in his discovery that it took a moment for him to realize that Phlox was speaking.

"…given that the chambers are now formed and the placenta is functioning properly."

Huh, "Um, what was that Doc?" he asked sheepishly.

Phlox appeared somewhat exasperated but repeated good naturedly, "I said that it takes time for a fetus's heart to develop to the point where it begins to beat regularly and we are now approaching that time with your pregnancy." He then regarded them more seriously before continuing, "Once the fetus achieves a steady heartbeat the odds of survival increase dramatically. That doesn't guarantee a successful outcome for this pregnancy mind you, but it dramatically increases the odds in our favor."

Trip closed his hand around T'Pol's. "So now we're waiting for the baby's heart to start beating?" He was beginning to think the anxiety was going to kill him.

"That is correct, Commander Tucker," Dr. T'Nar responded. "We will monitor T'Pol here until we are able to ascertain that the fetus is doing well and the heartbeat is steady."

"If you don't mind, I'd like to keep my wife company while we wait." T'Pol raised an eyebrow at his used of the word 'wife'. "Hey, the docs said that by Vulcan standards you were already considered my wife." He couldn't quite suppress his grin of satisfaction at the situation.

"Indeed. However our bonding is not yet recognized by human cultural standards. Perhaps you should refrain from using the human term for a spouse until the situation changes to avoid confusion."

Trip scowled at her. "You're no fun."

"I am Vulcan."

"And that's just one of the many reasons I'm crazy about you." He ended their mock argument. Being bonded had certainly added a whole new dimension to their relationship. When T'Pol's mind was open to him he could sense the true meaning behind her words. If only they had discovered the bond after they had returned from the Expanse. It might have spared them both a great deal of angst.

"We have set up a research station on the surface of Keldar that I will be returning to presently. Unless Dr. T'Nar receives patients that require the space, I see no reason you cannot remain here with T'Pol." Trip noticed that the Vulcan doctor had not referred to T'Pol as his 'wife'. Trip chuckled to himself. The poor guy didn't realize that T'Pol wasn't serious about her request. Trip had sensed her delight when he had called her his wife.

The three physicians had moved away and were now discussing something that pertained to their research on the Keldarians. Trip turned his attention back to T'Pol. He could sense that her anxiety had diminished, just as his own had, now that the procedure was behind them. He was now realizing just how stressful the entire situation had been for him as he felt the adrenaline wearing off and fatigue setting in.

"You should rest. The apprehension over the events of the last few days had been a great strain on you," T'Pol spoke softly to him. She reached up and traced the side of his face and his jaw lightly.

"Can't argue with you there." He smiled and looked around for a chair. He had only taken a few steps away when Phlox fetched a chair from a console in the medical laboratory and positioned it next to T'Po's bed.

Trip sank into the chair and looked back up at Phlox. "Thank Doc, and thanks for takin' care of my family for me."

The doctor smiled down at him. "My pleasure, Commander. Now I suggest you get some rest."

Trip merely nodded. Then he felt T'Pol gently pulling him down towards her until his head rested next to hers on her pillow. She smoothed the hair away from his eyes and continued to stroke his face. It had a pleasant, calming affect on him and he soon found himself drifting off to sleep.

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Archer made his way to the Kovar's Sickbay to check on his two most senior officers and his closest friends. He had hated to be away from the ship while T'Pol was having her operation but Starfleet was waiting on his report and Captain Soran had already made the arrangements for the two governments to contact them after their return from the field. He couldn't very well tell Starfleet and the Vulcans that he couldn't do his job due to a personal situation.

So he had gone on the away mission but his thoughts had remained with Trip and T'Pol. He had tried to visit them before leaving on the mission but his meeting with Malcolm had run late and Soran had showed up earlier than expected. He had hoped that Trip would seek him out before the away mission, but he hadn't. Thinking back he realized that it was quite possible Trip had forgotten all about the away mission. He recalled that Trip hadn't been very attentive at the last few briefings. Archer really couldn't blame his friend. He couldn't imagine what Trip and T'Pol must be going through, worrying ever minute of every day if their baby would make it.

Archer had been worried as well, but Phlox had met him on his return to Enterprise and informed him things had gone well. Still, he wanted to see his friends for himself before he could let go of his concern.

After entering the Sickbay, Archer was greeted by a sight that nearly brought tears to his eyes. Trip was sitting next to T'Pol's bed with his head on her pillow and his arms around her waist. T'Pol was lying on her side with one hand on Trip's arm and the other cradling his head. Both appeared to be sleeping soundly. The tenderness conveyed by their bearing made his heart swell for them.

He quietly walked passed them in search of the Vulcan physician.

"Dr. T'Nar is not currently present," he heard T'Pol say.

He turned back around to see T'Pol was pushing herself up but being careful not to awaken Trip as she disentangled herself.

"I thought you were asleep."

"I was merely meditating. Trip is sleeping." She looked down at her fiancé and began to absently stroke locks of his hair away from his face. Archer wondered what the rules were for public displays of affection when one partner was human and the other was Vulcan. Although he suspected that T'Pol might not be so open in her display of affection for Trip around others. He smiled at that thought.

Trip was snoring lightly, so Archer was sure he was in a pretty deep sleep. Still, he kept his voice low to minimize the possibility of waking him. "Phlox told me everything went well and things are looking up." He smiled down at his first officer.

"We are very fortunate. We owe a great deal to Phlox and the doctors here on the Kovar."

"Starfleet wants us back on the road soon but I think I can stall them a few more days. How long do you think we'll be needing the services of the Kovar?"

"I believe Phlox would like us to remain here for another day however, I believe we could return to Enterprise earlier if necessary."

Archer grinned at T'Pol's choice of words. So, she was now openly referring to herself and Trip as 'us'. He never thought he'd see the day. Still he was glad of it for both their sakes. "Well, since I'm here maybe we should discuss some official ship business."

T'Pol straightened and her eagerness was evident even to him. "Yes, Captain." Dang, she was actually hoping for shop talk. Too bad he was going to disappoint her.

"It has to do with crew moral. Many of the crew have been eagerly awaiting an announcement from the senior staff and I'm pretty sure Hoshi is anxious to throw a party. When do you think we can oblige them?" He tired not to smirk as T'Pol fought to contain her dissatisfaction at having been misled about the nature of their topic of discussion.

"If my recovery progresses as expected, I estimate a return to light duty in a few days. Would that timing be sufficient?"

Archer chuckled at the gendered role reversal between his two senior officers. Trip couldn't wait to announce the engagement and plan the wedding while T'Pol displayed no outward interest in either event.

"I'll have Hoshi arrange a gathering in a few days time, once we've finished our business on Keldar. Now you should get some rest." He placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "I'm relieved and glad that everything went okay today." Then he looked down at Trip, who was still snoring softly. "Take care of him as well as yourself. You both deserve it."

"Yes, Captain," T'Pol stated evenly although her eyes and expression conveyed that she was grateful the sentiment.

TBC