Fataliter

Fataliter

by plumtuckered

RATING: PG-13

GENRE: Drama/Adventure

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of these characters. I also borrowed the monitoring station idea from the series.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This story takes place just after “Proving Ground”, but before “Azati Prime”. This is more or less a “filler” story since it takes place in between several episodes. There is a heavy emphasis on the friendship between Archer and Trip, a relationship that, in my little world, has been gaining strength “off camera”. Also, I stretched the timeline out quite a bit in order to make all the events fit.

Thanks in advance to those of you who read this! Any comments, positive or otherwise, are most welcomed and appreciated!

Fataliter – adv., according to fate (Latin)

***************

PART ONE

***************

Dr. Phlox pressed the door chime for the third time and waited; still no response. He took a deep breath then keyed in his medical override code, pressed his thumb against the pad, then watched as the door to the captain’s quarters slid open.

The Denobulan stepped hesitantly into the darkened room. “Captain?”

“Not now, Phlox.”

Nonplussed, Enterprise’s medical officer continued forward. “I think now is as good a time as any, Captain,” he said.

Jonathan Archer sat up on his bed and squinted at Phlox through the gloom. “I’m doing my job, Doctor. I’m being the good Starfleet captain during the day so let me have the evenings to myself, all right? Is that too much to ask?”

“You are indeed doing your job and very well, I might add. But I’m not here as your doctor, Captain. I’m here as your friend.”

Archer stood up slowly and stepped over to his view port. He ran a hand back through his short-cropped hair and sighed. “I miss him,” he said. “But hey, we’re on our way back to the Xindi testing ground, aren’t we? I turned the ship around and left him just like a good commander is supposed to do, right? Put the good of the many ahead of the good of the few or in this case, the one?” He laughed without mirth. “I’m a great commanding officer, aren’t I Phlox?” The laughter stopped. “But not much of a man.”

Phlox moved tentatively to the captain’s side. “You had no other choice,” he replied quietly.

“Right, no other choice,” Archer repeated sadly. “I could’ve left T’Pol in command, taken a shuttle out to look for him---.”

“Captain.”

Archer waved his hand. “I know, I know. The very survival of my world is at stake here and that’s what I keep telling myself every single minute of every single day.” He looked over at Phlox. “But Trip was my best friend, Phlox. And now he’s gone.”

“There’s no proof the commander is dead.”

The captain nodded. “Not yet. But how long can he survive in that shuttle? And how long can that shuttle survive in that anomaly field?” Archer shook his head. “T’Pol still doesn’t know why the Trellium-D didn’t work.”

“Commander Tucker is very resourceful, Captain. Don’t give up on him so easily.”

Archer snorted derisively. “Easily? You think I’m giving up on him so easily? There’s nothing easy about the way I’m feeling, Phlox. The man I love like a brother is more than likely dead and I’m just sitting----.” His voice quivered. “Damn it, Phlox. I had to leave him behind.”

Phlox took the captain’s elbow and guided him to the bed then helped him to sit. He waited until Archer had calmed then sat on the bed at his side.

“When this damned weapon is destroyed, I’ll come back for him even if it’s only to retrieve his body,” Archer managed then he inhaled deeply. “He was family to me, Phlox.”

“I know.”

Archer sighed. “Trip’s been at my side for almost ten years.” He exhaled a shaky breath. “He’s the only reason I haven’t lost myself on this mission, Doc. He’s always been my touchstone.”

“I’m not sure this will help but I know for certain the commander felt the same about you, Captain. He loved you---loves you just as you love him,” Phlox replied. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen two people more loyal to each other than you and Commander Tucker.” The doctor eyed the captain. “As I said before, he’s quite resourceful. Don’t give up on him.”

The captain lifted his chin from his chest and rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands. “Why did I ever agree to let him take the shuttle out to that sphere? We’d already gathered plenty of data for T’Pol from the other ones. And she told me she was getting strange readings from that anomaly field. Why didn’t I tell Trip no?”

“As I recall, Mr. Tucker insisted,” replied Phlox gently. “Something about not knowing it was identical without seeing it for himself?”

Archer sighed again. “He’s gone, Phlox and I can’t turn the ship around and head off to search for him. I have to complete this mission.” He looked down at his hands. “Trip’s really gone.”

The captain stood and moved back to his view port and not for the first time, Phlox wondered if the man had finally reached his breaking point.

****************

Day fifteen, Jon thought numbly as he sat down in his chair on the bridge. Ten days since he’d ordered the search for Trip abandoned, since he’d ordered his friend to his possible death. Jon swallowed hard. He was on duty now, captain of the first deep space Earth vessel, his world’s only hope of survival. He straightened his posture, lifted his chin and looked out at the streaking stars.

“Captain,” said Ensign Hoshi Sato. “We’re being hailed, sir.”

Jon looked at the young woman. “Hailed? By whom?” he asked.

Hoshi shook her head in confusion. “The Andorians, sir.”

“Shran,” Jon spat. He stood and exhaled a long breath then nodded at his communications officer. Only a moment passed before Commander Shran’s blue countenance appeared before him.

“Captain Archer,” Shran said evenly. “I wish I could say it’s good to see you again.”

“What do you want, Shran. I thought you were turning tail and heading home.”

The Andorian’s lips tightened. “If you recall, our last encounter left my ship all but inoperable.”

“I don’t have time for this, Commander. I can’t spare anyone to help with your repairs.”

“I’ve already attained all the help I need, Pink Skin.”

“Then what do you want?”

Shran’s face softened. “I have something that belongs to you.”

Jon furrowed his brows in confusion.

“We came across an abandoned shuttle thirteen days ago. I believe it belongs to you?”

“Abandoned?” asked Lieutenant Malcolm Reed.

Shran’s gaze moved to the armory officer. “Abandoned, Lieutenant,” he replied. He looked at Jon again. “I am willing to return your property.”

Jon nodded but could not find his voice to respond. Abandoned.

The Andorian’s lips curled into a gentle smile. “I would also like to return something else that belongs to Enterprise. I’m sending you our coordinates.”

“Shran,” Jon blurted but the blue face disappeared. He looked at Hoshi. “Get him back, Ensign!”

Hoshi shook her head. “He’s not responding, sir.”

“Captain,” said Sub-commander T’Pol. “I’ve received some coordinates. They’re less than three light years away.”

“Set a course, Travis,” ordered Jon.

“Aye, sir,” replied the young helmsman. “Captain, do you think they have---do you think they found---?”

“Let’s go find out, Ensign,” Jon managed. For the first time in days, the captain felt hope.

**********************

Malcolm stood tense and at the ready at his captain’s side as the airlock light turned green. He pressed the controls and the door slid open to reveal Commander Shran. The Andorian stepped forward, his hands clasped behind his back. He nodded at both T’Pol and Malcolm before his eyes settled on Archer.

“Where is he?” asked the captain. “Where is Trip? Please tell me you have him, Shran.”

Shran nodded and his cold blue eyes warmed. “He’s on my ship, Captain, but before you’re pink skin gets too flushed with excitement, there’s something you should know.”

“Is he hurt?” asked Malcolm.

“Mr. Tucker’s physical injuries were not severe, Lieutenant. My ship’s physician was able to treat him.”

“Then let me see him,” Archer demanded. He took a step to move around the Andorian but Shran grabbed his arm. “Let me see him, Shran!”

“He doesn’t remember any of you, Captain.”

Archer stopped. “What?”

“Four days ago, we came upon an alien vessel. We hailed them, asked them for help with our repairs. They refused,” Shran explained. He squinted his eyes briefly at the memory. “They were not a hospitable species, unlike you pink skins,” he continued with a hint of sarcasm. “So in keeping with procedure, we scanned their vessel. Lieutenant Talas detected a human bio-sign and we managed to transport Mr. Tucker off their ship. Thankfully, our weapons were not damaged in our little encounter with Enterprise so Talas disabled their engines before they could raise shields.” He looked up at Archer. “You have no idea how surprised I was when I discovered it was the good Mr. Tucker we’d saved.”

“You said he doesn’t remember us,” interjected T’Pol, her voice tight with controlled patience.

Shran dipped his head. “The last thing he remembers is his promotion to lieutenant in your Starfleet, Captain.”

Archer gasped audibly. “That was ten years ago.”

“I’m sorry. Somehow they managed to strip him of his personal memories but leave his technical skills intact. He helped us with our final repairs.”

Malcolm shook his head in confusion. “So he doesn’t remember anything that’s happened in the last decade?”

“That’s right, Lieutenant. My doctor and I told him what we could, that he was Chief Engineer on Enterprise, a commander in Starfleet.” The Andorian took a breath. “We didn’t tell him about the attack on Earth or about his sister.”

“Trip,” breathed Archer.

Malcolm glanced up at his commanding officer as realization hit him. “Captain,” he whispered. “He won’t remember you.”

Archer closed his eyes briefly.

**********************

Jon opened his eyes and looked down at Shran. “I want to see him.”

The Andorian nodded. “Talas is bringing him up from engineering. He should be here momentarily.”

“You said he’d been hurt?”

“There were signs of abuse, bruises, burns, needle tracks, but my doctor was able to treat them.”

“Thank you, Shran,” Jon said softly. “Thank you for saving him.”

Shran smiled. “I always liked Commander Tucker, Pink Skin,” he replied.

Jon’s eyes moved from the Andorian to the young man who suddenly appeared in the airlock doorway.

Trip looked exhausted and scared but he stepped forward quickly and stood at attention. “Commander Charles Tucker reporting for duty, sir,” he announced briskly. His eyes met Jon’s then his head tilted. “Aren’t you Commander Jonathan Archer? Henry Archer’s son?”

Jon’s heart broke. “I’m Captain Archer now, Trip.”

“Sorry, sir.”

The captain patted Trip’s arm. “It’s okay.”

The engineer looked slightly startled at Jon’s touch but he remained standing straight and tall.

“I’m Sub-commander T’Pol, Commander,” said the Vulcan science officer. “Welcome home.”

“A Vulcan on a Starfleet vessel?” asked Trip incredulously. He shook his head in bewilderment. “I apologize, Sub-commander, but a lot must’ve changed over the last ten years for Vulcans and humans to be serving together.”

“Indeed, Mr. Tucker,” replied T’Pol.

“Lieutenant Malcolm Reed,” said the armory officer. He extended his hand. “You’ve been sorely missed, Commander.”

Trip took Malcolm’s hand. “Thanks, Lieutenant,” he replied then he looked back at Jon. “I know I’ve served with you all for three years but I can’t remember---I’m trying but----,” his voice faltered and he brought a hand up to rub at his forehead.

“Are you alright?” asked T’Pol.

Trip nodded. “Yeah. I’m fine. Just a headache, is all.”

Jon bit his lip. He had Trip back and that was all that mattered, he told himself firmly.

“Captain, perhaps Mr. Tucker should see Dr. Phlox?” offered T’Pol.

Trip visibly blanched. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d like to get settled in my quarters then take a tour of the ship, see engineering.”

“T’Pol’s right, Trip,” replied Jon. “Let’s have Dr. Phlox take a look at you. Maybe there’s something he can do.”

Trip looked at Shran then back at Jon. “Dr. Kavoc already looked at me, Captain. I’ve gotten a clean bill of health.”

“I’d like Phlox to----,” began Jon.

“No,” Trip blurted suddenly. “Sir, I don’t want to see another doctor. I’d just like to get back to my life.” He lifted one hand to his head and gently rubbed at his temple. “Or at least what’s left of it.”

Jon reached out and squeezed Trip’s arm. “Alright,” he said gently. “T’Pol, would you and Malcolm walk Trip to his quarters? I’d like to talk with Shran for a minute.”

“Of course,” replied T’Pol. “Commander?”

Trip looked at T’Pol then at the Andorian. “You’re not leaving, are you?”

Shran smiled slightly. “Not just yet, Mr. Tucker.”

Jon watched as Trip walked away with Malcolm and T’Pol on either side of him then he turned back to Shran. “I’d like Dr. Phlox to have all the medical records you have on Trip.”

Shran nodded then looked back at Talas who stood silently behind him. “Have Kavoc come up. I think it would be good if he talked with their doctor face to face.”

“Yes, Commander,” replied Talas. She turned and disappeared from view.

“I want to know exactly what happened to Trip, Shran. Everything.”

***********************

Phlox read the last sentence of the medical file then looked up at the Andorian doctor. “Evidence of torture,” he hissed.

Kavoc nodded. “I believe that the commander’s memories are still there, they’ve just been forced into a room somewhere in his mind.”

“And the door to that room has been locked,” finished Phlox.

“Yes. Whenever I’ve tried to get him to remember, the headache flares up. He also seems to be having trouble sleeping.” Kavoc sighed. “I’m hoping with time, Doctor, his memory will return but for now---.”

Phlox tapped the data padd against his palm. “All this for slave labor,” he muttered. “And I’m sure this species believes it’s civilized.” He took a deep, calming breath. “I thank you for treating the commander’s injuries, Doctor, and for sharing your findings with me.”

“I truly wish I could’ve done more,” replied Kavoc.

**********************

Trip stood in the center of his quarters and looked around.

“So nothing seems familiar?” asked Archer from where he sat on Trip’s bunk.

“Nothing,” replied the engineer. “Like I told the sub-commander and lieutenant earlier, I don’t recognize this room.” He pointed at the diver’s helmet on top of his storage locker. “I remember that but only because it’s from my granddad. He gave it to me when I turned eighteen.”

“I know,” Archer replied.

Trip looked at the older man askance. “Lieutenant Reed said that you and I were friends and that we met just after I got my lieutenant’s pip.”

Archer nodded. “That’s right. Did he say anything else?”

“Just that we were close,” Trip replied. He stepped over to his desk and picked up a picture in which he appeared side by side with Archer. “I’m sorry I don’t remember.”

“It’ll come back, Trip,” said the captain. He appeared at Trip’s elbow. “That was taken at Jupiter Station, just after you’d won big in a poker match.” Archer chuckled at the memory. “Those were good times.”

Trip smiled. “We do look kinda happy, don’t we? It’s so strange to see myself here with you, to know that we were close friends, but not be able to remember any of it.” He put the picture down then picked up the photo of his sister, Elizabeth. “I guess I should contact my family,” he continued. “My folks are both still alive, aren’t they?”

Archer hesitated. “You’re folks are fine,” he replied.

Trip swallowed hard. “But,” he prompted with sudden trepidation.

The captain took the picture from Trip’s hand and set it back on the shelf. “I didn’t want to have this discussion with you yet but I guess I have no choice.”

“What is it? What’s happened, Captain?” asked Trip, unable to hide the fear from his voice.

Archer took Trip’s arm and guided him to his bunk. “Sit down, Trip. This isn’t going to be easy.”

“Hey, you’re scaring me here, sir,” Trip replied as he sat.

The older man knelt in front of him. “Several months ago, a species called the Xindi attacked Earth,” he began. “They used a weapon, killed millions of people from Florida to Cuba.”

“Oh, God,” breathed Trip as he felt his stomach knot. He held Archer’s eyes. “Florida?”

“Your sister was killed, Trip. I’m so sorry.”

Trip shook his head. “That can’t be right,” he said with conviction. “She’s living in Georgia with my folks, going to architecture school in Atlanta.”

“She WAS going to school in Atlanta,” corrected Archer gently. “When she graduated, she went back to where you grew up.”

“No,” Trip choked. He stared at Archer in dismay. “No.”

The captain placed his hands on Trip’s knees. “I’m so sorry, Trip.”

The engineer shoved Archer away then stood and hovered over him. “You’re lying to me! This is all some kind of game, isn’t it? Another way to hurt me, to make me do as I’m told!”

Archer struggled to his feet. “No, Trip.” He grabbed the commander’s upper arms. “You’ve got to believe me, this is no game.”

Trip pulled away from the captain’s grip. He desperately searched his memory for any hint that what this stranger was telling him was the truth.

A sharp pain lanced through his head and he put his fists against his temples. “Sonofabitch,” he gasped. He heard Archer calling for someone on the comm. system then he felt the strong hands on his arms again. Trip tried to wrench away but the grip was firm and unrelenting.

In his mind’s eye, he could see Lizzie so clearly. “She’s not dead,” he muttered. “She’s in Georgia going to school.” He could feel his legs shaking and his vision started to darken. The pain raged making him feel suddenly sick to his stomach. She couldn’t be dead, he repeated over and over, it was all just a trick.

Then Trip felt something cold on his neck and the pain faded from existence, leaving only a cold, dark fear that he’d heard the truth about Lizzie. The strong hands pulled him into a fierce embrace just as the tears threatened to fall.

******************

PART TWO

******************

Jon held Trip tight as the younger man fought for control. “It’s okay, Trip,” he soothed gently.

“I gave him something for the pain, Captain,” said Phlox still holding the hypo-spray in his hand. “Dr. Kavoc told me about his headaches.”

“Thanks, Doc,” replied Jon.

“Would you like me to stay?”

Jon shook his head. “I think I’ve got him.”

“Very well. Call me if you need anything.”

Phlox slipped quietly out of the room leaving Jon with his friend. He hadn’t been there for Trip the first time the engineer had heard about his sister so it felt so right to be able to comfort the younger man now.

As the struggles subsided, Jon guided Trip back to his bunk and sat him down. He stepped into the bathroom and soaked a washcloth in cold water then returned to kneel in front of him. Gently, he touched the cloth to his friend’s face. Trip lifted his eyes to meet Jon’s and in them the captain saw sudden confusion. He smiled gently and handed Trip the washcloth then moved to sit beside him.

“I’m sorry, Captain,” said Trip as he pressed the cold cloth to his face.

“For what?”

“For falling apart on you like that,” Trip replied. “Not very becoming of an officer, was it?”

“You’re more than just an officer to me, Trip. You know that.”

Trip looked at Jon. “I don’t know that, sir. The lieutenant told me we were close friends but, but I don’t remember.” He stood up and threw the washcloth aside. “I’ve lost ten years of my life! Ten years! And now I’ve lost my baby sister!” He threw up his hands in frustration.

Jon stood and moved to stand in front of Trip. “Hey,” he said as he put his hands on his friend’s shoulders. “You’re not alone in this. You may not remember me or the crew, but we certainly remember you. We’ll get you through this, I promise. Okay?”

Trip held Jon’s eyes for a long moment then a tiny smile crossed his lips. “I do feel like I can trust you, Cap’n,” he said.

“What did you call me?” Jon asked in surprise.

The commander’s smile disappeared. “I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean any disrespect,” he stammered.

Jon squeezed Trip’s shoulders and smiled. “No, no, it’s alright, Trip. You used to call me that all the time. Really, it’s alright.” Then Jon’s smile faded and he dropped his hands from Trip’s shoulders. He watched the younger man turn from him to look back at his sister’s picture. Jon had ten years of friendship, but for Trip, there was nothing. Their relationship simply didn’t exist for him.

Jon cleared his throat. “I’d like you to see Dr. Phlox, Trip and then we can take you down to engineering, see what you remember.”

Trip’s eyes remained on his sister. “I really don’t need to see the doctor, sir.”

“I won’t make it an order but I’d really like you to, Trip.”

The engineer looked back at Jon and searched his face for a long moment. Then he nodded reluctantly and turned back to Lizzie’s picture.

“I’ll wait outside until you’re ready, okay?” Jon offered gently.

“Aye, sir.”

The captain slipped out of the room and closed the door. He leaned back against the wall and shut his eyes.

“Captain, is everything alright?”

Jon opened his eyes quickly to see T’Pol standing before him. Not trusting his voice, he merely nodded at her.

“How is the commander?”

“I told him about his sister and the attack on Earth,” Jon replied steadily. “He’s just taking a few minutes before we go to sickbay.”

“I take it he had no memories of the events?” asked T’Pol. She clasped her hands at the small of her back.

Jon shook his head. “None,” he replied. “They took ten years from him, T’Pol. Ten years.”

“They took ten years from you as well, Captain.”

Jon looked at his first officer with startled surprise.

T’Pol straightened her posture. “I would recommend that you leave Lieutenant Hess in command of engineering until it can be ascertained exactly what Commander Tucker remembers.”

“I agree,” Jon replied.

“Commander Shran and Dr. Kavoc would like to depart right away. Would you like me to see them to the airlock?”

Before Jon could reply, Trip’s door slid open and the younger man stepped into the corridor.

**********************

T’Pol met the commander’s gaze evenly, noting the slight puffiness around Tucker’s eyes. She knew he had no doubt experienced an emotional breakdown, a very human response to the news he had just received from Archer. She tipped her head in greeting.

“Sub-commander,” said Tucker crisply.

“The Andorians would like to get underway, Trip. I imagine you’d like to say goodbye?”

Tucker nodded. “Yes, sir. I would,” he replied.

As the three officers walked down the corridor, T’Pol watched in her peripheral vision how Tucker looked around, his expression one of wonder and awe. She had to remind herself that for the engineer, he was seeing Enterprise for the first time.

The knowledge that he remembered nothing had been quite unsettling for her. She had grown close to Tucker through their neuro-pressure sessions and had discovered him to be an intelligent, compassionate, gentle, and very kind human being. He had quite simply become her closest confidant on the ship and she had come to treasure that relationship. She had even more recently begun to consider seeking more intimacy with him. T’Pol’s gaze fell to her feet as it again struck her that her relationship with Tucker was gone, wiped away with all his other memories.

Shran and Kavoc were waiting at the airlock with Dr. Phlox when T’Pol and her two companions arrived.

“Well, Captain,” began Shran. “Keep your pink skin out of trouble.”

Archer smiled in response.

“And good luck with your mission,” the Andorian added. “If I weren’t under orders to return to Andoria, I would gladly fight at your side. I doubt you believe that but it’s the truth.”

“I do believe that, Shran,” replied Archer. He extended his hand. “Thank you.” He glanced at Tucker then back to the Andorian. “For everything.”

Shran nodded and took the captain’s proffered hand then moved in front of Tucker. “Commander Tucker,” he said with a hint of fondness. “I wish you luck in your journey.”

“Are you sure you have to leave so soon?” Tucker asked as he took Shran’s hand.

“I’m afraid so,” replied the commander. He squinted his eyes. “You’ll be fine, Mr. Tucker. You’re home now.”

Tucker shifted on his feet then gave a small, sideways smile. “I’ll try to remember that.”

T’Pol met Shran’s gaze and nodded her head. “Commander.”

“Sub-commander,” replied Shran. He then stepped back toward the airlock door as Dr. Kavoc said his goodbyes then both men disappeared from view as the door slid shut. T’Pol moved to the control panel and disengaged the docking clamps, then watched the monitor as the Andorian ship departed. She turned back to her three companions.

“I guess I should introduce myself, Commander,” said the Denobulan. “I’m Dr. Phlox.”

“Nice to meet you, Doc,” replied Tucker. “I guess you want to take a look at me, huh?”

“Only if you’re ready.”

Tucker inhaled a breath. “Well I doubt I’ll get to go to engineering without getting the once over, so I guess now is as good a time as any.”

Phlox smiled warmly. “Then shall we?”

T’Pol walked beside the captain just behind Phlox and Tucker as they made their way to sickbay. She could tell by his posture and his expression that the captain was confused by the recent events. If she found Tucker’s amnesia disconcerting, she could only imagine how Archer felt.

She had at first been concerned by the close friendship between captain and commander, as had the High Command, but Archer had always been able to make the hard decisions whenever Tucker was involved, so T’Pol had remained quiet. Their friendship had never threatened the safety of the ship. As her own relationship with the two men grew, her respect for both men had grown as well. She had realized how difficult it was for them, knowing that any day, any moment, one of them would possibly have to make a life-ending decision.

Just as Archer had, she reminded herself, when they’d abandoned their search after Tucker’s shuttle went missing.

She snapped out of her reverie as the group arrived at sickbay.

“Have a seat, Commander,” directed Phlox.

T’Pol and Archer moved aside as Tucker hopped up onto a bio bed.

Phlox picked up a medical scanner from the counter then moved back to Tucker’s side. “Please remove your uniform to the waist. Dr. Kavoc said that some of your wounds were still healing. I’ll need to treat them with an antiseptic salve.”

Tucker hesitated and looked quickly over to Archer.

“You can trust the doctor, Trip,” the captain said gently.

T’Pol quickly noted that a bond was again forming between the two men and an unfamiliar warmth coursed through her suddenly, a feeling she was oddly unable to identify.

Tucker removed his uniform and undershirts and T’Pol had to quickly suppress a gasp. His upper torso was covered with dark bruises and scabbed-over wounds, his abdomen streaked with ugly elongated burns.

“Trip,” Archer whispered.

Tucker looked at Archer again with an almost apologetic expression. “They don’t hurt that bad anymore, sir,” he said quietly.

“What exactly do you remember from your, uh, ordeal, Commander?” asked Phlox as he ran his medical scanner over Tucker’s body.

“I don’t really remember much, Doc, except the pain. I’ve never hurt like that before. Well, at least I don’t remember hurting like that before.” The engineer shifted uneasily on the bed. “I remember voices telling me to----.” He stopped and squeezed his eyes shut. “Ah, damn it,” he cursed softly.

Archer moved instantly to Tucker’s side and placed a hand on the engineer’s shoulder. “Easy, Trip,” he soothed.

“Just breathe through it, Commander,” coaxed Phlox. “Deep breaths, that’s right.”

T’Pol could see Tucker’s body slowly relax. She stepped closer but still remained at a comfortable distance from the bio-bed.

“I can’t remember, Doc,” said Tucker in exasperation. “It’s like they don’t want me to.”

“Your assumption is no doubt correct, Commander,” offered T’Pol.

Phlox lifted the medical scanner again and held it near Tucker’s head. “Do these headaches only occur when you try to recall past events?”

Tucker nodded. “During the day, yeah.”

Phlox tucked his chin. “What do you mean?”

“They’re worse at night. I wake up sick to my stomach from the pain,” Tucker admitted. “I guess my brain is working overtime when I’m sleeping.”

“Ah yes, the unconscious mind,” said Phlox. He looked over at T’Pol. “Would neuro-pressure help?” he asked.

“Perhaps,” replied T’Pol.

“What the hell’s neuro-pressure?” asked Tucker with a frown.

Phlox chortled good-naturedly. “I’ll let the sub-commander explain,” he chirped.

T’Pol lifted a brow at the Denobulan doctor.

*****************

“Water polo, sir?”

Jon chuckled and nodded. “May I ask what’s wrong with water polo, Commander?” he asked teasingly.

Trip shrugged then looked across the table at T’Pol. “Have you ever watched water polo?”

“No.”

Trip looked apologetic. “I don’t know, sir. I’m a football man myself but then, I guess you already knew that.” He drank down the last of his iced tea. “Did I like water polo---well, before?”

“No, not really,” Jon replied with a smile. He lifted the pitcher of tea and refilled the engineer’s glass. “But you put up with it because I liked it.”

Trip looked to T’Pol again. “Did I?” he asked.

T’Pol nodded. “Yes, I believe you did, Commander,” she replied.

“Huh,” grunted the engineer. He looked down at his plate. “Well then, water polo it is, Cap’n.”

Jon nodded his approval then watched as Trip concentrated on his prime rib. He’d been back two weeks and Jon still marveled at how easily Trip had fallen back into his easy friendships. In a way, having the naïve Trip around again had almost eased the constant tension Jon felt in recent months. Almost.

He looked down at his own plate and tried to suppress a smile. In his younger years, Trip had been so awkward and unsure of himself at a personal level. He’d always been confident in and fiercely passionate about his professional abilities, but he’d been rather inept socially. To see him so innocent and vulnerable again was both heart-warming and heart wrenching. Like everyone else who knew him, Jon had been instantly drawn to the younger man. And no matter how hard Jon tried to fight it, Trip had yet again managed to endear himself to the captain.

“Well,” said Trip as he pushed away from the table. “Got to get back to engineering.” He stood up. “1900 hours in your ready room, Cap’n?”

Jon shook his head. “How about my quarters tonight?”

Trip hesitated briefly then nodded. “I’ll see you then.” He glanced at T’Pol. “Same time for our session?”

“Of course, Commander.”

The engineer smiled at both of them then left the captain’s dining room.

Jon sighed.

“Is there something wrong, Captain?” asked T’Pol.

“What? Oh, nothing.”

“Are you certain?”

Jon looked askance at his first officer. “Just worried about Trip.”

“I understand your concern, Captain, however, Commander Tucker is adjusting quite well given his current circumstances.”

“He does seem more comfortable with the crew.”

“His ability to make friends is indeed uncanny.”

“How are you two getting along? He wasn’t exactly a fan of the Vulcans ten years ago.”

“He has been quite accepting of me actually. I found it somewhat puzzling until I realized that he was missing a decade of----.” She stopped and looked suddenly uncomfortable.

“Of?” prompted Jon.

T’Pol wiped her mouth with her napkin then set it next to her plate. “Of other influences, Captain,” she finished.

“My influence specifically, is that right Sub-Commander?”

T’Pol looked at him. “That isn’t what I said, Captain.”

Jon sat back in his chair and eyed his first officer. “I think that’s what you meant, though, T’Pol,” he said. “But Trip didn’t like the Vulcans when we first met. No one had any influence over him, especially me. He came to his own conclusions. And now he doesn’t remember the majority of our battles to get the Warp Five program up and running.” He sat forward and placed his forearms on the table. “He’s probably more accepting of you now because you’re helping him, something the Vulcans he remembers never did.”

“Perhaps, but the commander also does not remember your anger over your father. It is my experience that humans tend to be somewhat blind in their prejudices when it involves those they consider important in their lives.”

“Not in this case.”

T’Pol stood. “I apologize if I’ve offended you, Captain. That was not my intent. And I am willing to concede that my assessment may be incorrect.”

Jon sighed then smiled slightly. “Maybe you are right in your assessment---maybe. Trip was just a kid back then. Maybe I did influence him a bit.”

T’Pol tipped her head slightly in acknowledgement. “I will be in engineering. Good night, Captain,” she said.

“Good night, T’Pol.”

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CONTINUED

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