"We are here, Sir." Travis announced, dropping the Enterprise out of warp.
"Excellent." Captain Archer stood from his chair. He surveyed the large asteroid field ahead of them.
"Captain." T'Pol said unenthusiastically, "We are still several days from the station."
"I know." he said absent-mindedly, "How's Trip feeling?"
"The Doctor released him to duty yesterday." she replied.
"Good." he turned to her, "Have him help you prep. the Shuttlepods."
She gave him a worried glance, but agreed, "Yes, Captain."
Jon clapped his hand on Travis' shoulder. "See if you can't find somewhere for us to settle into, Ensign."
"Sir?"
The Captain nodded to the field in front of them. "Go on, Travis, I'm sure you can find a way in."
"Aye, Sir." He glanced up apprehensively, but pushed the manual controls ahead.
X X X
"Captain, this is either madness or brilliance." T'Mir said.
The senior officers, along with a select few Security Officers, Doctor Phlox, and T'Mir were gathered in the Situation Room, eyeing a schematic of the ship's current position.
"Yes, Travis did some amazing flying." Captain Archer smiled.
"And with those modifications to the exhaust manifolds, the Romulans shouldn't even know we're comin'." Trip laughed. The two looked as though they were about to exchange high-fives, but suddenly settled on clapping each other on the shoulders.
"Captain, if we are required to retreat at any point – say if we are discovered by a Romulan patrol, for which the likelihood is high – our situation will become highly disadvantageous." T'Pol reasoned.
"I know." Jon sobered up, slightly, but continued to explain his plain with confidence.
"Travis, I'm afraid I'm going to need you to stay here." The Captain turned to him, "If we are required to make a hasty retreat, you're the best man for the job."
"Aye, sir. It's not a problem." the Ensign replied.
"You will have command of the Enterprise while we're on the station."
Travis nodded.
"Hoshi, I know you've got the UTs configured, but you never know when you'll need a translator."
She nodded reluctantly.
"Phlox, I don't expect to need a medical officer, but I'd like you there just in case."
The Doctor chuckled, "Of course, Captain, I'm always willing to tag along."
"I want a strong security force with us as well, so we're not surprised like last time. Even though there will just be a small compliment on board, we should be prepared."
Malcolm nodded to the Captain, "Yes, Sir." and again to his officers.
"Besides, the more people we have on board, the faster we can search the station. T'Pol?"
"Yes, Captain."
He accepted her agreement with a nod.
"Trip, T'Mir, if you're feeling up to it, I could use you here as well. You've been in contact with the Romulans, and you're familiar with their technology."
"I'll be there, Cap'n."
"Captain, I still find this plan to be completely illogical." T'Mir refused.
The Captain swivelled his neck around awkwardly. "It can't be as illogical as your plan: 'Hey, let's go blow up a shipyard for no reason'."
"There was perfectly sound reason behind it, Captain. You are wanting to infiltrate an outpost in the middle of the Romulan domain to gather information. The mission is completed, Captain, it was successful – do not add to the risk."
"The risk?" the Captain shouted, "The risk!" He stormed half-way across the room, and turned to face the complacent Vulcan. "This plan at least has structure, my officers know what they're fighting for, the calculated risk is acceptable. Now, are you well enough to join the mission."
She set her jaw, and quickly tucked trembling fingers behind her back. "Yes, Captain."
"Good."
X X X
"Movie night, tonight?" Trip asked casually, a pocket light dangling between his teeth.
"What is the film for tonight?" T'Pol asked in return, forcing her hand not to tremble while she held the microcalipers firm around the junction they were realigning.
"T'Mir picked one 'a her favourites, she told me." he slurred around the stylus, and smiled again, "Frankenstein."
"I may have other duties to attend to." T'Pol said, a touch of anxiety reaching in her voice.
Trip half smiled around the light, and gave her a look that distinctly said, 'I see through your act, missy' as he took the tool from his mouth.
She hastily removed the calipers and turned to leave. "Please call me if you require further assistance, Commander."
"Bye, T'Pol." he muttered, and turned back to finish closing up the grate with a heavy sigh.
X X X
"Where's T'Pol?" the Captain asked, dipping a hand in to the bowl of popcorn on Trip's lap.
"I dunno." Trip said around a mouth-full, "She said she might have other duties tonight."
"Oh, well." the Captain said, "I suppose we really all should be working this close to a mission."
"Nonsense, I've been lookin' forward to this all week." Trip laughed.
"Where's T'Mir?" Malcolm suddenly lurched over Trip's shoulder for the popcorn.
Trip had to look around, she certainly wasn't in the empty seat beside him. "She should be here," he grew concerned, "She wanted to watch this."
"Do you want me to go look for her?" the Captain offered.
Trip was about to agree, but thought better of it, relaxing into his chair as the opening credits rolled up, "Nah, maybe she's got some other duty to attend to."
Malcolm and the Captain exchanged glances as they watched their Chief Engineer slump back, entirely at ease, a smile spreading across his face.
X X X
"I am glad you were able to come." T'Pol opened the door to her quarters in her pyjamas.
"I was pleased you invited me." T'Mir nodded, stepping into the candle-lit room.
"Meditation is more powerful when completed in tandem." T'Pol answered, following her to the meditation lantern.
"Indeed." T'Mir quirked.
They sat in silence for several minutes, their breathing collectively slowing, but each was aware of the other's discomfort.
Finally, T'Pol broke the failing meditation. "Give me your hand."
T'Mir was taken aback, but set her open palm atop T'Pol's. "What is the effectiveness of this?" she asked quietly.
"You wear your emotions too close to the surface." T'Pol studied the hand, "This will allow us to synchronize our breathing and heart rates. It is a technique often used by parents to help their children."
T'Mir glanced up quickly, wondering if T'Pol knew the inflection of what she had just said, but T'Pol's gaze remained on their hands.
"Not that you require help in meditation, I simply thought it might help given the situation."
"It is logical."
"Now, meditate."
The two shut their eyes, and their breathing began to slow once more.
