—Chapter 27—
The trip to Denobula now under their belt, Archer, T'Pol and Doctor Phlox shared an early breakfast, while planning the coming days. Archer watched T'Pol discreetly and contrary to Trip's last absence, his Vulcan SubCommander seemed just fine this time.
Just as well, thought Jon. Eating with a depressed Vulcan had been horrible. T'Pol would eat a few bites, then spend the rest of the meal silently pushing the food around her plate in a clockwise manner, except for days when she felt extra depressed, and on those days she'd go counter-clockwise. His verbal softballs were answered with the briefest of sentences, and just as often ignored, then followed by a series of heart-breaking sighs. Towards the end he'd even started sliding into depression himself.
"Just remember, T'Pol, you've got two speeches to give today, and one tomorrow," said Archer, "then you've got some more next week."
"I remember, Captain," said T'Pol. "I look forward to them."
Knowing her, she probably did, thought Archer. The Denobulans thought well of Vulcan prowess in the sciences and T'Pol looked to be booked their entire stay on various speaking engagements at a number of universities, academies and formal fellowships.
"What about you, Doctor?"
"I'll be heading for my home in the capital city, Loxt. And remember, Captain, you, T'Pol and Hoshi have agreed to come have dinner with us before you leave."
"I remember," said Archer, and T'Pol nodded agreeably.
"How will you be spending your first day on Denobula, Captain?"
"Hoshi and I are visiting the Royal Palace today," said Archer, "and tomorrow we have your Royal Museum and the Denobulan version of Sea World, penciled in."
"Ah, you'll enjoy yourselves, Captain," said Phlox, just as Hoshi entered the Captain's Mess in a fetching dress, a pale yellow, and a pair of heels that did wonderful things for an already attractive figure.
"Ready, Captain?" said Hoshi. "We're losing daylight."
"Right," said Archer.
Trip closed with Sergeant Temask and after successfully landing two strikes on the Vulcan, he found himself on the mat when the Sergeant tripped him neatly. He only just avoided the head-stomp which was the Sergeant's next move, and rolled to his feet."
"Very nice, Commander Tucker," said Temask, "but not good enough. You lost control."
"Oh, come on, Sergeant! You're asking for perfection."
"And I'll get it from you, Commander Tucker," said Temask, "or they''ll carry you out of here on a stretcher. Again!"
Trip resumed his circular movement around the Sergeant, trying to ignore the mirth on Malcolm's face, each time that rat traitor entered his field of view. A right hook from the Sergeant focused Trip and he changed levels, dropped his center of gravity in preparation to take down the Vulcan with a rush. That was a mistake, for the Vulcan sprawled, engaging Trip in a contest of strength, before batting the human away.
"No, Commander. If you're fighting a stronger opponent, you do not meet that strength head on, and you know that already. You are an intelligent man. Again!"
With a sigh, Trip, resumed his efforts.
"Cheer up, Commander," said Temask, with a nasty grin that said he enjoyed watching the human suffer. "Your day is half over. Only six more hours to go."