Chapter Twenty One

Trip was sitting on the bio bed while Doctor Phlox examined the information stored on the data chip.

"Remarkable!"

"What's remarkable?" asked Trip to Phlox's sudden exclamation.

"I heard rumors that Soong had developed some kind of cure for the initial stages, but I never quite believed it till now. Along with curing sufferers within the early stages of the disease, this could advance medical research for the latter stages by decades. Maybe even wiping out the disease within the next few years completely. Did Captain Archer say where he dropped Soong off?"

"No … why?"

"I'd be interested in finding out if the rumors were true about other research he's conducted."

"He said something about Soong moving into another line of work that didn't involve messy human emotions or misplaced morals. Not sure what he meant by that," replied Trip.

"Pity … although I hardly doubt Starfleet would have let me look at it anyway," mulled Phlox. "You'll be pleased to know that with this information I should be able to develop a cure. You'll need to spend some time within the regeneration scanner and take a course of injections over the next few months before you are fully recovered."

"Great," mused Trip.

"I thought you would have been more pleased at that news."

"I am," answered Trip.

"But," urged Phlox, pressing the issue further.

"I just wish it wasn't at quite such a high price," replied Trip.

"Arrghhh … Captain Archer and the situation he now finds himself in," said Phlox. "I'm not sure he would say the same about the price being too high and I have to admit, I do commend and understand his reasoning for putting his family first." "I believe that is the correct term of phrase, which Captain Archer has often referred to in regards to this ship and crew," replied Phlox to Trip's questioning gaze.

Trip just replied with a look to indicate that he knew that Phlox knew the real meaning of the term and that it didn't have anything to do with the crew or the ship.

"Have you seen Captain Archer yet since his incarceration?" asked Phlox.

"No. I don't think he's allowed visitors," answered Trip.

"I'm sure Commander T'Pol will make an exception for family members," replied Phlox with a smile. "Why don't you ask her?"

"Sure, why not," replied Trip. "Might as well make the most of it while I've got the chance."

"Commander …" called Phlox as Trip headed towards the door. "I wouldn't worry too much about Captain Archer. He has gotten himself out of situations far worse than this in the past."

"This isn't the same as his previous scrapes with the Klingons or Suliban, Phlox. He's facing a court-martial and dishonorable discharge from Starfleet," replied Trip. "It can't get any worse than this."

"Living on Earth these past few years, I learnt as you Humans would say, that fate is quite adept at throwing a few curved balls, Commander. Call it instinct or intuition, but I don't think this particular ball game is over just yet."

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T'Pol was in Captain Archer's ready room when Trip buzzed the comm. button and walked into the room.

"Sorry … I'm not disturbing you am I?" he asked, as T'Pol turned back around from the comm. screen to face him.

"No Commander, I was just finished."

"Starfleet again?" enquired Trip.

"No … it was a personal call to an acquaintance within the Vulcan Embassy on Earth."

"Ohhh!" replied Trip, unsure as to whether he had intruded upon something that might jeopardize the direction he hoped his relationship with T'Pol was heading.

"I'm hoping he will be able to aid me help Captain Archer with his current situation."

"Starfleet have there own Jag Officers, T'Pol. I'm not sure how a Vulcan one is gonna help."

"I never said he was a Jag Officer, Commander," replied T'Pol coyly before sitting down with a look that said she was going to say no more on the subject. "How may I help you, Commander?"

"I wanna see the Capt'n."

"I'm sorry Commander, but Starfleet's orders were precise in that no visitors are allowed."

"I just thought since he's my bro …. since he's family … that you could let that order slip this time," asked Trip quietly, pleading with his eyes. "He risked his career for me, T'Pol, to give me another chance at life. I just wanted to say thanks for everything before we get to Earth, 'cos I don't think I'll get another opportunity once the court proceedings start."

"Ten minutes, Commander," answered T'Pol. "I'll advise Lieutenant Reed that it's time for an unofficial break."

"Thanks, T'Pol," smiled Trip, as he turned around to leave.

"Don't make me regret my decision, Commander."

"I won't, T'Pol. I promise. No tricks."

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