Things That Come in the Night- pt 3

Things That Come in the Night

By The Watch Stander

Rating: PG13, Drama/friendship etc
Disclaimer: Paramount Owns Enterprise and all of its crew. The wonderful interpretation of these characters is owned by the cast of Enterprise. The fun of writing this story about these characters is owned by me and is no way intended to infringe on any of these rights and is done without payment or profit on my part.

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Part Three

Archer helped Trip to his feet. “Let’s get you to sickbay; you’re beginning to look a little pale.”

Trip wasn’t going to argue, he still felt lightheaded.

Archer walked with him down the hall, neither man saying anything.

As they entered sickbay, they were greeted by the usual jovial smile of their resident doctor.

“Ah, it’s Mr. Tucker, again! He emphasized the last word since Trip was his most frequent patient.

Trip looked embarrassed, but he sat on the bed as directed by Phlox.

The Doctor was encouraged by the concern on Archer’s face for Trip. There was still a chance that somehow the two men would once again find common ground and renew that human bond called friendship. This made him smile even more.

“I can see you’ve cut your hand. You really need to be more careful. “Phlox lectured the engineer as he started treating Trip’s hand.

Trip started to give him a dirty look, then changed it when he saw Archer staring at him.

“I had a dizzy spell and grabbed hold of a relay,” He managed to explain. Then added, “Didn’t realize it had sharp edges.”

Archer looked at Phlox, questioningly. “Why is he having dizzy spells?”

Phlox looked closely at the Commander. “When did these start?”

“Just this afternoon. Must have been--'cause it was stuffy in the Jeffries tube. I was using a torch and it made it hotter than hell in there, Doc, guess I just got overheated,” he finished quietly, now aware that both men were staring at him; he looked down at his feet.

Phlox finished wrapping the hand and then picked up a medical scanner, using it to scan the man before him.

“Hmm, just as I thought!” he stated triumphantly.

Trip looked up, his eyebrows seeming to come together as he made a face, “What!”

“You have the flu!” Phlox declared and smiled.

Archer looked surprised.

Trip was disgusted, “Great! Just what I needed!”

“How can he have the flu? You gave everyone flu shots 3 weeks ago!” Archer remembered being told that.

Phlox turned to him; “I did, except for Mr. Tucker here.”

Trip jumped in quickly, “I was a little busy, Doc.”

Archer wasn’t pleased to now have his engineer sick with the flu, especially when it could have been prevented.

“I gave the order that everyone on board was to get a flu shot, why didn’t you?” He waited for an answer.

Trip looked at his feet, then squared his shoulders and looked angrily at Archer. “If you remember, Capt’n. We had a lot of repairs to make after all the damage done by the Ossirian pirates. I seem to recall you giving an order to make it top priority!”

Archer thought a moment and then recalled ordering Trip to do just that. He hadn’t considered that most of the repairs would have to be done by their Chief Engineer.

“You’re right, I’m sorry. But why didn’t you get one afterwards?”

Phlox stepped in,” It was too late, Captain. Mr. Tucker already was sick with what looked like a cold. I didn’t want to over burden his immune system with another virus while it tried to fight off whatever he already had.”

Archer sighed he knew when he was outnumbered.

“Ok, but I want you to keep an eye on him, Phlox. Trip, this is an order! I want you to rest starting now. How about coming with us to the movie it’ll relax you.”

Trip had listened to the lecture, then the order and now an invitation. His head was throbbing again and he felt really fatigued, having used up the last of his reserves in verbally sparing with the two men who stood before him. There really was only one answer unless he wanted to fall asleep during the movie.

Somehow, the picture of him leaning on either Jon’s or heaven forbid T’Pol’s shoulder asleep was comical.

People would really talk!

“I’d love to go, Capt’n, but I’m really beat. I appreciate ya asking though; it’s been a long time since we did anything together.”

He said the last part sincerely, hoping Archer wouldn’t be offended by his refusal and also that Jon would ask him another time. Trip really missed Jon’s friendship and company.

Archer was surprised by Trip’s honesty and also disappointed that he wouldn’t be joining him for the movie. Jon had hoped to get their friendship back on tract with this invitation. Having T’Pol with them would have helped cheer up Trip. Archer knew how the engineer loved to razz the Vulcan about the movie and its plot.

“Ok, I’d better go. Will you be all right?” He didn’t want to leave until he was sure that Trip would be able to get back to his quarters ok.

Trip nodded and gave Archer a half smile. He was just so damn tired.

Archer left and Trip was left with Phlox.

“I want you to take this medication once a day, and visit me if you still are having any difficulties.” Phlox said it quite seriously since he wasn’t happy with the way the Commander looked. He handed Trip some pills in a bottle.

He looks exhausted and his face is too pale.

“Ok, Doc, but those last ones you gave me were really too strong. Gave me really weird dreams!”

Phlox’s interest was piqued now. “Weird in what way?” He knew the Commander had been having nightmares prior to his sessions with T’Pol and hoped they weren’t reoccurring.

Trip realized he’d said too much. “Ah, it’s kinda personal, Doc, really don’t want to talk about it if you don’t mind.” He had a pleading look on his face now hoping Phlox would let him off the hook.

Phlox looked at him for a moment, “All right, but keep me informed if there are any side effects from this medication.”

Trip sighed, relieved that he gotten out of that so easily. He nodded and got off the bed.

“I will, Doc. Think I’ll go take one now and turn in.”

Trip left the sickbay and headed for his quarters. Even the thought of having dinner didn’t interest him he was tired.

Got to stop having these nightmares, or I’m never going to feel better.

He made it to his quarters where he took a quick shower to relieve his throbbing head. The steam helped open up his sinuses and he could breathe once more. After drying off, he took his medication and crawled into bed.

As he lay there he thought about all that had happened today and how Jon had made an overture of friendship. Trip had given a lot of thought as to why Jon had been so cold and indifferent to him. Jon was so involved in finding the Xindi his need to do that blinded him to everything including Rajiin the spy he had allowed on board.

Maybe it was partly my fault, for I was blind as well. I was out for blood and revenge and probably wasn’t very good company. If it hadn’t been for T’Pol helping me sleep, I might have lost it completely.

Somehow, thinking that made it seem better. John had needed a friendly face to turn to not a crazed person bent on revenge. He thought about how he had acted on the prison planet when they went to find the Xindi prisoner and realized it really was true. He was on his way down that road then, no wonder John had ignored him. Who wants an unbalanced officer around, never mind friend? Jon had enough on his mind without that to deal with.

Somehow it would work out; he knew Jon was at least trying now to make amends.

He started to yawn as the medication, the day’s exhaustion finally claimed him, and he was fast asleep within minutes.

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

John had stopped by T’Pol’s quarters to take her to the movie. When she opened the door and saw Archer by himself, she seemed somehow disappointed. Jon noticed the slip, but said nothing. Trip just had a way of endearing himself to people no matter who they were. The Vulcan ambassador when she was on board had fallen to his charm. It made Jon smile when he thought about how even his first officer was being charmed as well.

“Trip’s too tired to come with us. Doc says he has the flu so he sent him to his quarters to rest.”

“I didn’t realize the Commander was ill. Maybe that’s why he hasn’t scheduled any more sessions with me.”

She tried to sound matter of fact, but was disturbed by what Archer had said. Maybe that was why he looked so tired lately it hadn’t been from overwork.

She would make it a point to check on him in the morning to be sure he was all right. With that thought in mind, she left with the Captain to go to the movie.

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

Trip was just starting to dream when the entity came through the vent. Hovering as before over him, she slowly made her way into his mind.

Instead of a nightmare, Trip was on the beach again with the water once again lapping at his bare feet. The scene of the ocean made it feel happy. He loved the water.

Once again, he turned to look down the beach and wasn’t disappointed when the figure of the same woman came running toward him. This time she was laughing happily and he found that laugh infectious. She was in his arms within seconds and her beauty once again amazed him.

Her light blue eyes sparkled as she laughed and he found himself once again falling into them.

They made love there on the sand and he held back nothing of his feelings. She made him feel wonderful inside as they laughed together and made love. It was even more sensuous than before filling him with warmth that he had forgotten existed.

The depth of the human’s passion and how desperately he needed her surprised the entity. There was a kindness in him as well for he was so aware of her and so gentle. She sensed a sadness hidden deep inside him, but let it go for she did not want his happiness to end. There would be another time to explore that and ease the pain hidden there. For now he was happy and so was she drinking of his passion for her. In the end, she kissed him as she had done before and he floated off to sleep again, dreamless.

She looked at him sleeping below her then left through the vent.

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

Continue to Part Four

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Two folks have made comments

Oh I am really luving this story. I cant wait to find out who this entity is. Is she friend or foe. Wonderful so far, CANT WAIT FOR MORE. Thanks so much.

I can only agree with Ocean. I had thought the entity would be evil but you have surprised me.(Probably not for the last time!). I'm sorry to hear that Jon and Trip are drifting apart in Season 3, haven't seen it yet. Let's hope that things will settle down as they seem to be in your story. Please write more soon. Thanks. Vanishingp.