Epilogue

T'Pol was quiet but worked carefully as she applied the neuro-pressure technique to Commander Tucker's back and neck. He occasionally still exper-ienced back pain from having had his back broken over a year ago. He was also having anxiety and trouble sleeping. As before, T'Pol had suggested she work with Trip to help relieve some of the anxiety and the insomnia.

"I still can't believe how great this feels, and how much it helps," Trip said to T'Pol as he lay on his stomach, on her bunk in her quarters.

"I am glad to be of assistance Commander," she replied. "The ship cannot afford to have its Chief Engineer incapacitated due to lack of sleep." There was several more minutes of silence. T'Pol finally stopped.

"I believe that should be sufficient for this evening," she said.

"Oh wow, I feel great. Thanks T'Pol," he smiled as he rose up from her bunk. "Your turn."

"Commander, I believe I will forgo my session tonight. I am rather tired and I would like to meditate before I retire," she said acting uncomfortable.

"Nonsense. You deserve your turn, you've earned it. So get up here and turn around."

T'Pol looked at Trip for a few moments, then slowly rose from the floor beside the bed. She removed her pajama top and turned her back to him as she sat on the bed. He began to apply the techniques that she had taught him and that he had been practicing for the last several weeks.

T'Pol bit down on her lower lip and tried not to let the moan that was slowly cascading up from her belly, escape her lips. His presence of late was doing things to her that she didn't understand and didn't know how to handle. She had begun to look so very forward to their private, half-naked, Vulcan neuro-pressure sessions. His smile was warm and inviting, and those eyes. Had he always had those beautiful, alluring eyes? His hard body was affecting her every time she touched it, making her feel warm and sweaty. His smell was intoxicating and his touch was about to make her lose her control. She had to stop this. He had to go. If he didn't, she couldn't be responsible for what she might do next. She jerked away.

"What's the matter?" he asked. "Did I do something wrong? Didn't hurt you did I?"

"No, Commander. However, I think it would be prudent for you to leave now," she said rising and quickly putting her top on. She started to move toward the door as he sat there just watching her.

"T'Pol, what did I do? You know you can tell me. We've gotten pretty close over the last few months, we've shared a lot of stuff; personal stuff. So c'mom, sit down. Tell me what's bothering you."

T'Pol hesitated, then slowly moved over to the bed and sat down. She tried not to look at him, but he took her chin in his hand and turned her face toward him.

"Now, what is wrong?"

"Nothing…everything."

"What's that's supposed to mean?"

"Your presence is… is affecting me."

"Really," he said. "In what way?" She did not answer and he did not push the issue. They just sat there staring at one another for a few moments, very intensely.

"Command…." Before she could finish her sentence, he pulled her close to

him and kissed her. She stiffened at first and he almost pulled back. But, then her body relaxed and she kissed him back. They finally came up for air after a few moments. He waited for her reaction. She bounded up from the bed and again moved toward the door.

"Please leave!" she said with a heightened tone. He did not move at first, but just watched her. He then slowly picked up his T-shirt from the floor and walked toward the door where she was standing. He stood over her looking down at her. He reached out and placed his hand behind her neck caressing it softly. She almost lost it.

"Do you really want me to leave?" he asked in a hushed voice. She did not, could not answer. She just let out a small moan as he stroked the tip of her ear.

"I didn't think so," he said, then kissed her again. It was a long passionate kiss which she fully participated in. He then lifted her in his arms and took her back to her bunk, he put her down on it and moved on top of her, and they were lost in the passion of each other for several hours.

THE END

Coming at a Later Date: The Phoenix Unconquered