Chapter Sixteen

Engineering

About four hours later, Trip contacted the Bridge to inform them that they had to reduce speed because of massive strain the engines were under. Archer agreed reluctantly to drop to Warp 2.5, although that was still faster than Trip would have liked. The engines couldn't take much more; Enterprise had already built up a good distance from the Doradian ship, which hadn't moved far after being their heavily engaged by the Duordeans once Enterprise had escaped.

Trip was on the small bridge way, inputting commands into the front engine when Kelby, who was monitoring the port injector console nearby, anxiously shouted for his attention and help. "Sir, pressure is mounting again!"

Trip glanced over with a concerned look on his face, and saw Kelby trying frantically to keep the situation under control. "Anna, take over here while I give Kelby a hand," he called over to one of his trusted aids, before climbing down to join Kelby. Suddenly steam began to billow out of the ventilation shafts … a blow out was close. "Keep an eye on that antimatter stream," Trip shouted to a nearby crewman, and quickly activated the comm to inform the Bridge of their situation.

"Tucker to Bridge!"

"We're losing speed, Trip. What's happening down there?" shouted Archer.

"What's happening? The port injectors are about to blow up; that's what is happening," Trip shouted back. "It looks like we might have--"

He didn't get a chance to finish his sentence. One of his crewmen yelled a "Sir, look out!" through the room, and then a loud explosion rippled though the ship and brought Enterprise to a sudden halt.

On the Bridge, Archer, T'Pol, and Malcolm leapt out of their seats with horrified expressions on their faces, and raced to the turbo lift.

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It was early the next morning. Captain Archer walked into Engineering to find out how the repairs were progressing after yesterday's accident.

T'Pol was supervising the repairs. "How's Trip?" she asked him, once he entered the room. Captain Archer threw the Vulcan a questioning look, as if she would have more of an idea about that than he had, so T'Pol added, "I haven't seen him since he regained consciousness."

"Same here," replied Captain Archer, as he surveyed the room. "Phlox just started allowing visitors. I was about to go to Sickbay after finishing here."

"The most vital repairs are complete, Captain. We have Warp drive again, although our speed is limited to Warp 2."

"Damn!" replied Archer in frustration. "Lieutenant Reed has picked up the Duordean ship. At their present speed, they'll catch up with us by tonight."

T'Pol considered this information for a moment. "Lieutenant Hess thinks we could reach Warp 2.5, but only at a significant risk.

Archer doubted that they could surprise the Duordeans a second time. Getting caught after pulling off that stunt was definitely not a good idea. "Just do it, we have no choice."

"Have we heard anything from the Guardians yet?" asked T'Pol

"No, not a damn peep," said a rather dejected Archer. "I hate to say it, but I fear our luck might have run out. I really don't see how we can stop them from getting their hands on Trip."

"It is unusual for a Vulcan to reassure a Human, Captain, but on this occasion I believe citing an old Human saying would be appropriate: They will have a hell of a fight getting through us first."

"Thanks, T'Pol," smiled Archer, tapping her on the shoulder as he turned to leave Engineering. "I'll let Trip know that you were concerned about him."

"He already knows, Captain," replied T'Pol dryly as she turned away to look at her pad.

Archer just shook his head on the way out.

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Five minutes later, Archer quietly entered Sickbay. Phlox was working quietly off to one side, while screens covered the two bio beds on the other side. Phlox indicated for Archer to be quiet as he walked over. "How's Trip?" the Captain asked, looking concerned.

"Some cracked ribs, a broken arm, and a concussion," said Phlox, in a matter-of-fact way. "Under normal circumstances, his injuries wouldn't be too serious, but in his condition, I can't take any chances. I'll have to keep him confined to Sickbay for the next few days to monitor him."

"What about the child?"

"I was afraid she might have been injured severely in an accident like that, but surprisingly she's unharmed. She seems quite resilient ..."

"Does Trip already know about Kelby?" asked Archer, interrupting Phlox's train of thought.

"It was one of the first things he asked when he woke up. He was quite distressed; I had to give him a sedative to calm him down."

Suddenly, a quiet voice could be heard from behind the screens.

"Captain?"

Archer smiled. "Thanks, Phlox," he said before stepping into the curtained cubicle.

"You can't stay long, Captain," called Phlox. "He needs his rest."

Archer nodded to Phlox, and then looked at Trip. "Hey how are you doing?"

"A few bruises … aches and ma shoulder aches a lot, but it could have been worse," said Trip.

He was obviously still unsettled. After he spoke, he glanced at the curtained-off where Kelby's dead body lay.

"T'Pol's really concerned about you," said Archer trying to divert Trip's attention. "She hasn't actually admitted it but we can all know."

Trip smiled. "She keeps trying to send calming thoughts and messages ma way, but ma mind's just keeps filling with images of Kelby … and what happened." His bloodshot eyes began to mist over again as he glanced over at the curtained off area again. "He saved ma life, Cap'n," Trip said quietly.

"I know, Trip," said Archer, trying to comfort his friend as he perched on the edge of the bed and gripped his hand. "Phlox did everything he could, but Kelby took the brunt of the explosion. He was too badly injured."

"Did ya know that he'd just been offered the post of Chief Engineer on the new NX03?"

"Yes, Admiral Gardener mentioned it last week.

Trip swallowed hard. "He really wanted that promotion – and he really deserved it. Kelby worked so hard for the last six months … he deserved that chance!"

"Trip, all that counts right now is that you are okay, and that the baby is okay."

Trip swallowed again. "I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost her too," he brought out and placed his hands protectively around his bump.

"Get some rest," said Archer quietly, patting Trip's hand gently, "I'll see you later."

"Thanks, Capt'n," replied Trip, settling himself back down onto the pillow in a more comfortable position.

Captain Archer walked away feeling chills inside of him. He knew that Trip was protective about the child, but he hadn't realized up till now just how attached he had become.

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