Disclaimers: Part one
VII Explanations
Commander Tucker followed T'Pol. "Hey, T'Pol we need to talk."
The Sub-Commander raised her brow. "Indeed."
Before she could say more, however, Captain Archer called her and Trip. "T'Pol, Trip, come to my ready room now. Malcolm, not a word to anyone I will speak to you in a few minutes."
"Yes, Sir, " the Security chief said.
T'Pol and Trip followed the Captain to his ready room. When the door closed, Trip leaned against the wall. Jonathan Archer leaned against his desk. He looked at T'Pol who had gone to Trip's side and he sighed deeply. Up until now he had a do not ask do not tell policy, an agreement not to notice the looks and actions of his two senior staff members… He knew the couple had become close but he had chosen to ignore it. To his mind, they were two adults who had a right to a relationship if they wished it. He knew it never interfered with their duties and he knew that it was not a casual thing. He wondered how to deal with this now that it was clearly more then just a shipboard romance.
"I have tried not to pry into your relationship. I did not feel it was my place to comment, as you are both adults. While it may technically be fraternization, T'Pol is not Star Fleet. Now it seems that it is more then I believed it to be. I need to understand this bonding thing so I can explain it to command. You have my word I will not reveal your situation unless you wish it. I respect Ambassador Soval deeply and have no wish to cause him discomfort or embarrassment. The problem is I have received orders that Corporal Cole is to be sent home on the Avenger. It seems Star Fleet is blaming her for his kidnapping."
"That is not logical as the Corporal was acting under orders," T'Pol replied.
"I agree. I will even take some responsibility for this but Star fleet wants to make and example of her. She is to be court marshaled."
"Cap'n, that is crazy. The Ambassador he will not stand for it," Trip said.
"Indeed, he will likely be highly offended if his mate is treated this way."
"Mate? Sub-Commander, I do not understand any of this. I may have carried Surak's Katra but this is not something I fully understand. I know I may be prying but if I am to help them I must understand," Archer said.
"A Vulcan forms a mental bond with their chosen. This bond lasts a lifetime. It allows us to anticipate and care for each others needs and health," T'Pol said. "We are a telepathic species, Captain, it is vital to our health and well being."
Trip moved to his mate's side. "Cap'n, it is like being engaged but it cannot be broken as easily. We are not married yet but it is close. I do not think I would feel more a part of T'Pol if we were married. There is no uncertainty, Jon. I know what she thinks about our bond and she can feel my love and commitment. I have no desire to even look at another woman. I only need T'Pol."
"I see. Amanda Cole did not know this did she?"
"No, Sir. That was a mistake. I was trying to keep our lives private and she misunderstood. She thought we were still just dating; it was not her fault. Now that she and the ambassador are bonded, she will understand. There is no way to explain it well," Trip said.
"Alright, I will explain that the ambassador refuses any guards but Amanda. The bonding will be his to explain. Trip, T'Pol, congratulations and I expect to be invited to the wedding."
"Yes, sir. Commander Tucker and I did not wish to place you in an uncomfortable position."
"T'Pol, we are friends – family. I would not betray you."His hurt showed in his look and tone.
"We know that, Jon," Trip said. "Because of that, we wanted to protect you. What you did not know…."
"Trip, I am a big boy. I appreciate the concern, but next time let me decide."
"Yes, Cap'n," he said, smiling.
Part VIII (DUTY)
Archer allowed his friends to leave and return to duty. He smiled at Lt. Reed who came in right after they left.
"Have a seat, Malcolm." He took out a bottle of scotch and poured two glasses and handed one to his armory officer, then leaned back against his desk. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, Sir, a little confused and bruised but I will live. What got into the Ambassador?"The British officer asked
"Well it seems that he has er…that he and Corporal Cole has become bonded. As far as I understand the situation it is a precursor to marriage for Vulcans."
"So they are engaged? Alright, I can respect that, but why did he attack me?"He was clearly confused. He had not considered that a Vulcan could be so protectively possessive. Malcolm had always thought Vulcans were emotionaless and cold.
"I asked T'Pol about that. It seems that Vulcan's are very protective and possessive. Soval thought your were a danger to Amanda. He just acted on that. It stunned me as well. Malcolm, to be honest, I do not know what to make of this situation. I do know that if we try to separate them ,Soval will become extremely dangerous. What I need to do now is find a way to get her freed of her enlistment."
"She could seek an emergency separation. The only problem is that she would have to give a reason. Oh, Star Fleet is not going to like this are they?"
"No, they are not." Jonathan Archer said sipping his drink. "I hope you are not planning to file a complaint?"
"No, sir, I have no wish to make a formal complaint… Ambassador Soval is still recovering. He was taken on my watch. I suppose he was just overly stressed. He has never acted this way before and I would just as soon forget the incident. If what you think is true, he was defending his mate. I guess I would try to protect my girl as well." Lt. Reed took a long drink. "Captain, how can Star Fleet can blame the Corporal? I ordered her back to her station."
"I agree with you, Malcolm, because I ordered you. If it comes to it, I am the one who allowed the ambassador to be taken. I trusted Shran and he played me. The issue may be moot, however, if Soval refuses any other guards. He is claiming Amanda Cole as his. This will cause a problem, especially since he will take it personally if they try to court marshal her. Fortunately, T'Pol has written an excellent performance review for her. I am hoping she will receive a similar one from you."
"Yes, sir, she will. She is an excellent MACO. The only problem I ever had was her eagerness to take on risk. She has a mouth and attitude but she is very good at her job. I was going to recommend we send her to Warrant Officers school. She would make a fine Warrnant officer."
"Write it up, Malcolm, we can use it to fight Starfleet. Please be certain to date it prior to this incident. "
"Yes, Captain, I will do that," he said
"Now go have the doctor check you out. I want a report from him before you return to duty."
"Yes, Captain," Malcolm said as he set his empty glass down. "That was a good cure, sir."
Jonathan Archer smiled and waved his officer out. He went behind his desk and poured another drink. He was going to need it to deal with Star Fleet. He wanted to free his MACO without telling them why because he had a feeling that it was going to set off fireworks if they found out the truth. Jonathan sipped his drink and decided that it would be best if Amanda Cole were free of her commitments before they learned of the relationship. He had a feeling Star Fleet would create obstacles if they could. Too many of the upper command structure on Earth still resented the Vulcans. He had to admit he had been one of them for a time.
Only in the last, few years had his option changed. His working relationship with T'Pol had evolved into respect and perhaps even friendships of a sort. He had held Surak's Katra and he had gained insights he would never forget. Now he understood why Soval was always so strict and perhaps controlling. It was fear and concern, not a desire to see humanity fail. It was in fact a desire to see them prosper and grow with the wisdom to use their gifts wisely. Jonathan Archer now respected these allies deeply , though still shocked by their actions at times. The High Commands actions and the way they seemed so possessive of their mates seemed to go against the calm logic of the Vulcans he knew. He was thoughtful as he framed his ideas.