By the Caveman and Distracted

Genre: Action Adventure and romance

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: We don’t own the Star Trek universe. We just go there to play. Honest.

We do, however, own our original characters and story ideas. You are welcome to borrow them, as long as no money changes hands. If we can’t make anything from this, nobody else gets to either.

Summary: Daniel and T’Riss explore the ramifications of Human/Vulcan relations aboard the Lerteiran, Jonathan Archer deals with his own deficits in interpersonal skills and, on the Sehlat, Senek and Raijiin offer Damin a job.

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"Does everyone in the quadrant know about the Romulans being ex-Vulcans except us?” demanded Daniel as he sat at tactical on the bridge of the Lertieran.“The Orions have to know it. They do business with the Romulans. And the Klingons are right next door to them. If the Klingons don't know they’re blind. Only Vulcan's closest allies aren't allowed to know things like this, I guess.”

At the co-pilot’s station, T'Riss turned her head away, at a loss to explain Daniel’s sudden anger. After their conversation the previous evening, she’d thought that they were beginning to establish a rapport. Now she was wary of even looking at him, he seemed so volatile. It was understandable that he would feel threatened by not having complete information about a potential enemy,she supposed, but he was acting as if the revelation of the Romulans’ kinship to Vulcan were a personal betrayal.

Thoughtful silence reigned in the control room for a while. Then Daniel shook his head and keyed several commands. “Sehlat has gone to warp.” He paused. “Now, Enterprise.”

"All hands and passengers brace for warp,” Jenrali announced over the com.After his last unannounced set of maneuvers three of the eight remaining paying passengers had demanded a transfer to the Sehlat, a refund of their fares, and reimbursement for their medical bills, leaving Lertieran with only five of fourteen available passenger berths occupied.Bringing finances into the picture had made the captain slightly more conscientious of the welfare of others.

Nevertheless, by sheer conditioned reflex Daniel and Sehlra grabbed for the nearest solid anchors and held on with death grips that weren't really necessary anymore. Daniel had recently informed T’Riss that, after all the retrofitting and engine tuning lately, Lerteiran no longer fell into warp “like a watermelon dropped onto a sidewalk”. Now, she slidinto warp “with the smooth grace of a walrus wallowing its way into the surf”. He, at least, was of the opinion that this was a tremendous improvement.

"Lad,” Jenrali ordered, “hail the Vulcan ship andget a check on Damin. Make sure he's all right. We still have hismoney, you know. That makes him our passenger, and our responsibility.”

"Yep,” Daniel responded crisply. He didn't look in Sehlra's direction while he got busy. “I have contact with Sehlat,”he announced. Daniel spoke rapidly for a moment in fluent Vulcan, then waited. Then he made a few more brief remarks, followed by more waiting. His brow furrowed. “T'Riss? Would you talk to these people?They won't let me speak to Damin. They claim I’m 'not authorized to speak to him'. But they won't say why not.” T’Riss nodded and made the connection to her own mic without looking at him. He still appeared distracted, his tone abrupt. He was without a doubt still angry. She ignored him and began negotiations with the Sehlat, noting with unease how both of the Andorians’ antennae lay back in preparation for battle.

"That doesn't sound good, lad,” Jenrali rumbled. “Why would they be holding him?”

"Leverage to use on the Humans,” Sehlra snarled. “Why else?”

"This is annoying. Politics is not my thing,” grumbled Daniel while T'Riss listened intently to her headset . “I don't mind a stand up fight,where you know who you're facing and it's him against you, but damn this shadow boxing with words and blackmail.”

"You speak for us all, boy,” Sehlra seethed. “Those greenbloods are going to regret this.”

"Itseems,” T'Riss told them, pulling away from the mic, “that Damin is insickbay being checked for injuries following the battle aboard theshuttle. No one is being permitted access to him except medicalpersonnel and command officers.”

"Oh.” Daniel looked embarrassed. “I never thought of that. Sorry.”

"How badly is he hurt?” Sehlra asked, not even trying to hide her concern.

"Iwas unable to obtain a complete report,” T'Riss told her. “But I wastold that he is expected to make a complete recovery.” Sehlra noddedacknowledgment, looking relieved. Daniel reached up and put a hand onhers where it was resting on his shoulder as she stood behind hischair, provoking a grateful smile from the old Andorian woman. T’Riss,observing the interaction, found it intimately familial rather thanmerely cordial, and suddenly understood the motivation behind Sehlra’smatchmaking obsession. Evidently her previous concern regardingDaniel's treatment by the Andorians was unnecessarily pessimistic.Getting in Sehlra’s good graces suddenly became an even higher prioritythan before. After all, one must always attempt to please the mother ofone’s future spouse - in the interest of family harmony if for no otherreason. “Presumably he will be allowed visitors once his conditionimproves,”she said..

"Sounds good,” Daniel said with a sigh,rotating away from his station and addressing the control room atlarge. “I’m going for coffee. Anybody want…” He turned to stand.Abruptly, his features twisted in pain. “Oh shit! Not again!” Bygrabbing his console with one hand and the back of his chair with theother, he managed to keep from hitting the floor this time, but justbarely. T’Riss immediately rose from her station to assist Sehlra.Between the two of them, they managed to maneuver him back into thechair, whereupon he rested his forehead atop his forearms on hisconsole, trying his best to curl into a tight ball.

Sehlra snorted. “Look here, old man. Examine your handiwork. You’ve crippled the boy.”

"Please,Sehlra,” Daniel begged with his face in his arms. “Stop saying that.With all the trouble I’ve caused lately, you’re gonna convince him thatI’m more trouble than I’m worth.” Her face softened and she shook herhead.

"Nah, lad,” Jenrali agreed. “It's not like you went lookingfor it. The only times you messed up were when you were drunk on thatOrion whore's fumes, and nobody can help their biochemistry.” Hesmiled. “Remember that time the insulation caught fire and both of uspassed out? If Humans didn't have a better air filtering system intheir heads we would all be dead. But you stayed up long enough to getthe extinguisher going. It all evens out.”

"Now, let's get youback to bed,” said Sehlra in a businesslike tone. Daniel only whimperedonce as T’Riss hoisted him over her shoulders with Sehlra’s assistanceand carried him off.

T'Riss felt him stiffen as she descended the ladder. She quietly advised, “It might be less painful if you could relax.”

Hegrunted and responded, “It might be less humiliating if I weren't beingcarried by a woman half my size.” T'Riss concluded that there was nological response to this, and therefore offered none. They proceededthe rest of the way to Daniel's cabin in silence. She opened the hatchand carried him to his bunk, where she deposited him as carefully as ifshe were putting down an infant in the crèche. Even so, he grimaced inpain.

"I will apply additional medication,” she said. “Pleaseremove your shirt and turn over.” He had reported to the control roomwearing only a pair of loose shorts and a t-shirt. Daniel nodded andT'Riss turned toward his table for the cream, but when she turned backDaniel was still wearing his shirt. His hands were on the hem, but thegarment was only halfway up his torso and he was wearing a disconcertedexpression.

"I can't get it off,” he admitted shamefacedly. “Ican't raise my arms.” T'Riss studied him. He was now completelynon-functional. Objectively, she supposed that her primary concernshould now be for the Lertieran’s operational efficiency. Theship was not designed to function with only two crew members capable offully manning its stations. She, herself, although qualified aboard aVulcan vessel, was not familiar with Andorian technology and was notcapable of performing all of Daniel's duties.

Instead, concern for Daniel’s personal wellbeing was paramount in her mind, almost as if he were a member of her own family. Being a bonded mate must feel like this, shethought, unsure of whether that was a good thing or not. Her memoriesof the abuse-triggered bond with Grigor-Tel weren’t good measures ofnormalcy, but it seemed premature for her to be experiencing such anattachment.

"You may well require medical intervention beyondSehlra’s training, but for now we can at least ease your discomfort,”she told him. “I will remove your shirt.” She leaned over the bunk andstarted tugging the garment upward along his torso. Since he was stilllying on it, T'Riss found it necessary to stretch across Daniel's chestin order to work both sides of the shirt upward. This left her in theposition of pressing herself firmly against him while looking directlyinto his eyes. T'Riss began pulling at his shirt and twisting herselfback and forth to gradually work it up the length of his chest. Shenoted that perspiration was forming on Daniel's face and his breathingrhythm changed when she did this. “Am I causing you pain?” she askedhim.

"No,” he croaked. “Not... pain...,” he gasped. “I-, I'm fine.”

T’Risssat back on the edge of the bed beside him and searched for the sourceof his distress. His face was flushed. When he pulled the edge of thebedding hurriedly into his lap and gave her a sheepish smile she felther face go warm and one brow go up. Sehlra said sexual stimulation would bind him to me, shereminded herself. Apparently, even incidental physical contact wasefficacious. , he was in no condition to do anything about it but liethere like an infant.

T’Riss cleared her throat and drew on herexperiences in the crèche. "Now we must turn you over,” she told himsoothingly, as if speaking to a small child. He gave her a look ofexasperation and started to roll. As soon as Daniel began to move heemitted a sharp sound and rolled back with his teeth bared in anintimidating snarl. T'Riss flinched in spite of her best intentions.Those teeth really did appear quite sharp. She recalled reading thatHuman front teeth were serrated, like a kitchen knife, and were capableof inflicting dangerous wounds.

In a moment Daniel's facesmoothed and his breathing steadied. “Can you please help me?” hewhispered. T'Riss moved closer and slid her hands under him. Again shepressed herself against him, noting with an inward thrill how a shiverran across his skin. Together they got him to his side, then T'Rissreached around and finished rolling him to his belly. “Thanks,” Danieltold her weakly.

"I am here to serve,” she told him softly. “Itis my duty and my desire to care for you.” Placing her nose in closeproximity to him was singularly stimulating. Although Daniel's odor wasnot strong enough to be objectionable, he had not showered for severalhours. The musky scent of a Human male was evident and notdispleasingHumans were evidently one of the tiny minority of races whoproduced pheromones capable of influencing Vulcan physiology. This wasyet another unlooked for but most welcome reason for considering Danielas a potential mate.

She smeared some of the medicated creambetween her hands to warm it, then began spreading it over his back asshe’d done before. He gasped, then went limp. T'Riss climbed onto thebunk and settled herself astride the backs of Daniel's thighs, whereshe could get the leverage to press firmly along the full length of hisspine.

"Oh, my lord,” Daniel's voice was almost inaudible. “That feels incredible. Thank you. Thankyouthankyou.”

T'Rissstarted automatically to tell him that thanks were not necessary. Thenshe reconsidered. “You are welcome. As I told you, I am here to serve.”She paused at his lower lumbar area and concentrated on spreading thecream in circles at the top of his buttocks for a moment. Danielwhimpered and she allowed herself an inward smile.

After a fewmore moments of silence punctuated by the occasional wordless sigh,Daniel told her, “I'm sorry about what I said earlier.”

T'Riss continued rubbing while she considered this. “Are you referring to your remark about being carried?”

"Huh?No,” Daniel started to turn his head, then apparently reconsidered theidea. “I meant when I, you know, started ranting in the control room.About the Romulan thing.”

She scooped up another handful ofcream. “Your frustration is understandable. I hope you believed me whenI said that I only learned of this recently. At that time I was orderedto maintain silence, since the information was classified.”

Danielvented an inarticulate growl that reminded her of the pet sehlat herfamily had when she was very small. Actually, she reflected, whentaking into account his teeth and the density of his body hair, thesimilarities to her childhood pet were beginning to accumulate.

"Everythingon Vulcan is classified,” Daniel griped. “Everything about Vulcan,everything known to Vulcans, everything made by Vulcans, everythingever done or seen by Vulcans is classified to Humans. Apparently therest of the galaxy is welcome to any and all of it.” He subsided,leaving T'Riss to wonder at the definite note of hurt in his tone.

"Yourstatement is factually inaccurate," she told him reproachfully and drewher hands back. "I am surprised that you could have lived on Vulcan forseveral years and still hold such opinions of us."

Daniel frozefor a moment, then he flattened out with a sigh. "You're right. I'msorry. Again." T'Riss waited, but he did not elaborate.

"Yourapology is accepted," she finally said. "But I confess to beingconfused. This issue seems to offend you. May I ask why? I acknowledgethat I concealed this information from you in compliance with directorders from my superiors, but if and when we became mates I would beforced to reassess my priorities in such matters. I was most strictlytaught by my parents that secrets between bonded mates inevitably breedfriction."

Daniel started and half turned his head. "Are youserious? Couldn't they court-martial you for that? Or whatever theequivalent is?"

T'Riss sighed. "Irrelevant. Family loyalty isparamount to a Vulcan. Surely you know that much about our people."Daniel nodded slowly. "In any case, if there is any matter in which Icannot trust my bonded mate, then we have no business forming a bond."

TheHuman male beneath her began to struggle with turning over. "It may beunwise for you to move," she warned him. He ignored her, grunting withpain and effort until he had managed to make it to his side where hecould meet her eyes.

"You're absolutely right, you know," Danielsaid. "I hadn't bothered to analyze it that far. But it's the reason Igot so upset."

"I don't understand," T'Riss told him.

"Familyloyalty," Daniel said cryptically. "That's why I got so upset. See, Idon't have any real family. The Nausicans killed my family when I wasvery small. Our ship was hit by raiders and my parents just barely hadtime to get me into a lifepod and get it launched. No one else on theship survived. I drifted for several days before I was found."

T'Rissstruggled to internalize her reaction to this, focusing inward on theDisciplines and counting the rhythms of her breathing. This explainedmany things about her potential mate, not the least being hisenthusiastic reaction to every opportunity to engage in combat againstNausicans.

Daniel continued. "Usually when something like thathappens, another Boomer family adopts the kid. But I was sent to anorphanage on Earth for a while. Then I got a berth on a trader, but Ijust didn't fit in. Culture shock I suppose." He looked at her. "Theywere a lot like a Vulcan family, to tell the truth. Tight knit, strongemphasis on obedience and duty to the clan, things like that. I was tooindependently minded for them, I guess. It didn't help that thecaptain's daughter and I got sort of attracted to each other and hedidn't think I was good enough." Daniel chuckled painfully. "After thebruises healed I applied for a student exchange program on Vulcan. Afamily there offered to host me. They ended up becoming my fosterfamily for five years." He stopped and looked thoughtful. "Until Ibought into Lerteiran, they were the closest thing to a real family I had. It hurt to think they might be hiding this."

“You lived on Vulcan for five years?” asked T’Riss in disbelief.

Danielsighed and closed his eyes. “Not really. They were just my home basebetween trips on freighters here and there. I’d ship out for six monthsor so under an apprentice contract. Then something would happen or thecaptain wouldn’t need the help anymore, and I’d end up back in port inthe custody of the local authorities since I was still a minor. Myfriend Stern’s father was the director of the Shi’Kahr Port Authority,so I suppose it fell to him to corral me when I was betweenassignments. He sent me to school with his kids…bought me clothes andfed me. Stuff like that.”

"A Vulcan family acceptedresponsibility for your care? They must have considered you worthy oftheir trust,” said T’Riss. She gestured that he should roll backface-down. He complied with a groan and she started on his back again.

"Yeah.I guess. Or at least I used to think so.” T’Riss gave no reply. Therewas nothing else to say. Either they’d trusted him or they hadn’t, andat this point there was no way for him to find out short of accusingall of them of lying to him for years.

"It is unlikely that theyare aware of the Romulans’ link to Vulcan," T'Riss assured him. "Unlessone of them was a member of the High Command?" Daniel shook his head."In that case, no. This knowledge is not available to the generalpopulace on Vulcan." He nodded.

T'Riss resumed her massage. Aftera time she moved her hands to his ribs, gently digging in and workingher way upward. "There is a Vulcan technique," she told him, changingthe subject, "called neuropressure. It involves applying pressure inproper sequence to the appropriate neural nodes. Perhaps it might be ofbenefit for your discomfort."

"Neural nodes?" Daniel asked. "What the heck are neural nodes? Do you mean nerve clusters?"

"Thatwould be a functionally equivalent description," T'Riss agreed. "Byapplying pressure at the correct points, we can induce the body toexpedite healing."

"We do the same kind of thing,” said Daniel.“Called accu-pressure. There’s supposed to be a diagram of the Humanbody showing all the major pressure points and what each one does, butI don't know where you’d find one."

T'Riss paused in surprise."Your people have an equivalent technique?” Her lips twitched upward abit before she caught herself and suppressed the impending smile. Thenews was most agreeable. “Perhaps the doctor on Enterprisecould provide me with information about it," she told him. A senseofpleasurable warmth rose within her as she resumed running her handsover him. The cream was almost gone. She debated whether to obtainmore. The texture of his skin under her palms was appealing, and Danielwas not indicating displeasure at the activity—to the contrary, infact. T'Riss realized that her previous trepidation at physical contactwith a male had not surfaced during this episode. She felt no fear ordiscomfort at all. In fact, the contact was inducing pleasantresponses, both physical and emotional.

She quickly broughtherself up short. Tyvek had warned her. She must be wary at all times.Her own responses were her enemy now. Without constant vigilance, shemight easily fall into the trap of losing control if given theslightest excuse. She clamped her teeth and dismounted from Daniel'slegs, standing beside his bed.

"The medication had soaked in fornow. I will leave you to you rest," she told him shortly. She turnedand made for the door, ignoring his outstretched hand. As she passedshe heard Daniel asking, "T'Riss. What's wro-?" His voice was cut offby the closing hatch. She paused and fell against the bulkhead,breathing hard.

&

T'Lar finisheddictating the statement for delivery to the Human ship and affixed herthumbprint, seething internally. She laid it on her desk with moreforce than was strictly necessary and leaned back in her chair, tryingwith little success to relax the muscles in her jaw. She was beginningto develop an extraordinarily negative attitude toward Humansgenerally, and toward one Human captain in particular.

It is illogical to blame an entire species for the behavior of a single individual, T'Lar reminded herself. Itis quite possible that there are some Humans in the galaxy who are notpathologically annoying. Merely because you have not encountered themis no proof that they do not exist.

The comm chimed, and T'Lar reached over to acknowledge it.

"Commander. Fleet Command has responded. Admiral Stosen is on the line."

"Acknowledged."T'Lar straightened in her chair and double checked her uniform. Thenshe activated the screen. "Admiral," she greeted the elderly face onthe screen. Admiral Stosen was one of the few old guard officers tosurvive T'Pau's purge of the High Command. He was as hard as granite,brutally logical, scrupulously equitable, and utterly lacking in mercy.

"CommanderT'Lar. Your report is unsatisfactory in the extreme. Explain how it isthat the Humans have discovered the truth of Romulan origins."

T'Larresolutely refused to flinch. "By report from Commander T'Pol, theHumans learned of this due to residual memories carried by CaptainArcher following his time of bearing Surak’s katra." She had the secretsatisfaction of watching the old man actually blink. Whatever excuse hehad been expecting, that wasn't it. After a few seconds he spoke again.

"Doyou believe this assertion, Commander? It seems more probable thatCommander T'Pol revealed the information and is fabricating this reportas a means of protecting herself from charges of treason."

T'Larconsidered this. "Admiral," she said slowly. "I was not present duringthe recovery of the Kirshara. I did not witness Captain Archer'sbehavior, and I cannot state of my own knowledge whether or not he didin fact show evidence of bearing the katra. Commander T'Pol waspresent, as was High Minister T'Pau. I have read statements from bothof them which assert that the katra exists and that Archer carried it.Given my lack of first hand data, I am not qualified to refute theassertion."

Stosen's temples tightened, probably for the first time in eighty years.

"Are you capable of extrapolating the probable results of this revelation, Commander?"

"Yes, Admiral," she told him, "I believe I can. I request direction regarding my best course of action in this matter."

Stosen brooded for a moment.

"Logically,there was nothing else you could have done if Archer was already inpossession of the information. Your attempt to retrieve the Romulanprisoner was in compliance with your standing orders, although it wascarried out in a most clumsy fashion. Given your youth this is onlypredictable. It is to your credit that you made the effort at least."

T'Lar kept her mouth shut, but with difficulty.

"Forfuture reference, when dealing with Humans a more subtle approachgenerally has a greater likelihood of success. For now, the bestoutcome we can hope to obtain would be to share in the intelligencethat the Humans will extract from their prisoner and the capturedships. You will negotiate this."

T'Lar swallowed hard. "Understood, Admiral." Suicide is not an option. Murder is not an option. Changing careers is not an option."I will contact Captain Archer to begin negotiations. Be advised thathe is unlikely to share anything without demanding reciprocalconcessions."

"Understood. You are authorized to share any ofour current or historical data on the Romulans. If he demandsadditional concessions, contact Fleet Command for further orders.Stosen out."

&

Jonathan Archerstepped into sickbay with his teeth clenched and his chin held high. Hefelt the need to meditate so acutely it made his bones ache, but therewas no time. Observation of the non-verbal interactions between membersof his senior staff, in conjunction with remarks recently made by hisFirst Officer, led to the logical conclusion that he was about to havehis command judgment questioned. In fact, there was even thepossibility of a formal complaint. It would of course be unreasonableto resort to the extreme of filing a Notice of Grievance under Section2, Subsection 5, paragraph 9, but T'Pol's logic had been less thanfully rigorous of late. It was not impossible that she might permitrecent events to push her into such an overreaction.

The logicalcourse of action was to have Dr. Phlox perform an evaluation. Once theship's medical officer had certified him fit for command, the concernsof his first officer would be laid to rest and they could all get backto concentrating on the mission. It was a waste of time and energy, butJonathan did not really begrudge it. The recent confrontation with Triphad unsettled him deeply and forced some intense soul searching. He hadcome to realize that Trip's accusations carried some justification. Hereally had allowed himself to become isolated from the emotional needsof his crew. This had to change. If taking the time for a briefexamination would quiet their concerns and bring them peace of mind, itwas a small price to pay. He felt confident that Surak would haveunderstood and approved as well.

Archer had reviewed hisdecisions during the recent tactical encounter. There had been no otherreasonable course of action available to him. Locking weapons on aconfirmed ally wasn’t an ideal response, but it had been ultimatelynecessary and justified. Hadn’t the Sehlat beamed a boarding party to Enterprisefor the purpose of kidnapping? No matter what standing orders T'Larmight have been given, nothing justified an unprovoked raid on anallied vessel. Jonathan had certainly not intended to fire on theVulcan vessel; his ship was by no means equipped to handle a D'Kyr. Butit was necessary to illustrate Human resolve. Vulcans instinctivelydisrespected weakness. T'Pol should realize that, of all people.

Ofcourse, no matter what the value of the intelligence eventually to begleaned from the captive Romulan and her shuttle, Starfleet Commandwouldn’t hesitate to court-martial him if his methods for obtainingthat intelligence resulted in armed conflict with the Vulcans. And thatwas assuming that he―and the men and women under his care―would stillbe alive after a head-to-head battle with a D’Kyr cruiser, an outcomewhich was far from certain. No, he had certainly hoped that T'Lar wouldnot call his bluff. And it had worked; she hadn't.

Once, hispeople would have had enough faith in him to trust his judgment. Once,they would have known that he wasn't going to commit suicide and takethem with him. But that was before he had lost connection with hiscrew. It was imperative that he renew it.

Phlox turned from aconsole displaying images of the occupant of the isolation chamber, adeceptively harmless appearing middle-aged woman who was bandaged,unconscious and in restraints. Around him, critically injured refugeestoo unstable for the makeshift stretchers in the cargo bay filled everyavailable biobed. Discordant beeping from lifesign monitors filled theroom. The patients occupying the biobeds were being turned and fed bypeople Archer had never seen before, most sporting bandages and minorinjuries themselves. The doctor’s manner was grim, and he lookedexhausted.

"Captain.”

"What have you got for me, Doctor?”

Phlox reached to another console and brought up whole body scan images and what looked to Archer like DNA comparison charts.

"Thereare no significant anatomic or genomic differences I can detect betweenour captive and the average Vulcan, Captain,” he began in a subduedvoice. “If this is a Romulan, the original population which separateditself from Vulcan must have been composed of thousands of individuals.Otherwise, the inbreeding necessary to maintain a viable populationwould have resulted in identifiable genetic drift.”

"Thousands?How many thousands?” inquired Archer, studying the images, which meantvery little to him, and wondering about the impact the loss of so manypeople would have had on Vulcan society. How could they have kept sucha thing secret for so many centuries?

"I’m not certain. At leastfifty thousand given the time elapsed, assuming the ‘Time of Sundering’referenced in the Vulcan database refers to this event and not only tothe nuclear war which was occurring at the same time, perhaps manymore,” replied Phlox.

The war…it was the war, Archerthought. The war had destroyed their communications and theirgovernmental structure. Society was in chaos. Once the dust hadcleared, who in the general population could have been certain which oftheir neighbors had died in the war and which had chosen to leave? Andthen the remnant rebuilt Vulcan to Surak’s specifications.

"So the differences are entirely cultural and environmental, then,” Archer told him.

"Evidently―orelse you‘re mistaken regarding the origin of the prisoner,” retortedPhlox. The doctor’s expression lacked his usual pleasant friendliness.If anything, Phlox seemed to be studying him in the same way he’d studyan interesting clinical challenge―only with more than a trace ofsuspicion. The implications were disturbing.

"T'Pol confirmed it,and so did our new guest,” Archer told him. “Besides, according toSurak's memories, a group of renegade Vulcans who called themselves theDeclared Ones left Vulcan during the war. They were led by an apostatefollower of Surak named S'Task. Surak thought of them as 'those whomarch under the raptor's wings'. Did you see the bird design that wasetched on the bottom of that Romulan ship? Or the bird design that waseverywhere on the pictures that Trip and Malcolm brought back from theprobe?”

“I didn't get a chance to look at any of that,” Phlox admitted. He seemed thoughtful, as if he were remembering something.

“When will she be conscious?” Archer asked.

"Soyou can question her,” said Phlox without a question in his voice.Archer nodded once, saying nothing, awaiting the information. A verbalresponse was unnecessary. Phlox’s eyes narrowed. He was silent forseveral seconds, and then said, “I’m not certain. She’s lost a lot ofblood and she’s in shock, likely from a combination of the stun blastsused to subdue her, her head wound, and the third degree disruptorburns on her right arm. She’s stable for now, but all I can do isadminister fluids and vasopressors until we rendezvous with thehospital ship. Under the circumstances I doubt the commander of the Sehlat will be willing to share supplies.” There was definite disapproval in his voice.

"And if I order you to wake her?” Archer pressed in a calm voice.

"Theattempt would kill her,” replied Phlox flatly. Archer sighed, andnodded his understanding. He turned back to study the images the doctorhad provided, but he could feel the Denobulan’s eyes on him. He feltlike a science experiment. Someone, probably T’Pol, had no doubtalready asked the doctor to formulate an opinion regarding hisbehavior. Perhaps Jonathan Archer didn’t know as much as he should haveknown about the man who was his chief medical officer. Doctor Phlox wasa singularly private man for one so garrulous. But Archer was certainof one thing. Once a puzzle was presented to Phlox, he would neverwillingly lay it aside until he’d solved it.

“Doctor, may I ask you a question?”

Phloxraised a brow and said nothing, waiting. It was so unlike his usualvoluble response that Archer began to suspect the doctor of mocking him.

"Hasanyone on board this ship approached you with concerns about my recentbehavior?” asked Archer. Phlox’s brows went up in surprise. He gaveArcher a considering look.

"If someone had, what would be yourresponse?” he countered. Archer sighed, and felt his lips curve in thetrace of a self-deprecating smile.

"I would have to say I understand their concerns,” was his response. Phlox’s look of suspicion turned to one of dawning relief.

"In the interest of reassuring everyone, would you be willing to give me a complete physical and psych evaluation?"

&

Damin was sitting on the edge of an exam table waiting to be discharged when Senek entered Sehlat’scrowded sickbay. The boy had numerous superficial cuts and abrasionsbut appeared relatively uninjured for someone who’d survived Romulancaptivity, at least in Senek’s experience.

"No, put him in bedsix,” Tyvek called to the two burly security guards carrying thestretcher holding the last of the refugees transported from Enterprise beforethe recent confrontation. More were likely not forthcoming, leavingover seventy-five percent of the injured in the care of the Humans.Senek wondered if the Human captain had even considered the safety ofthe refugees when he’d made his provocative statements to CommanderT’Lar. Or perhaps he’d been fully aware of the deterrent value ofinnocent civilians, and had counted on their presence aboard his vesselto temper her response.

Tyvek approached Senek. “I understandthat you’re to provide security escort for the Betazoid,” he told theagent brusquely. His eyes cut to Damin, who was sitting across the roomwith an open and innocent air about him, looking around like a curiouschild. Tyvek continued under his breath, “You should be aware that heis not what he appears to be. He is not fully Betazoid, nor is he asyoung as he looks, and I’ve never seen such activity within thetelepathic centers of the brain in any individual…except perhapsRaijiin…” Senek raised an ironic brow. At least the healer now had ahealthy respect for what telepaths could do. Tyvek’s voice trailed offas he glanced warily at Damin. “He could be extremely dangerous.”

Seneknodded once. “I am aware of the danger, Healer Tyvek, but yourinformation will no doubt be of interest to my superiors. You maytransmit the results of your evaluation directly to my quarters.” Tyvektipped his head in acquiescence, showing no outward evidence ofdiscomfort at this deviation from usual ship’s security protocols.

"As you wish, Agent Senek.”

"And his injuries? Does he require further treatment?” Senek inquired.

"Heshows evidence of some rather primitive methods of physical torture…superficial lacerations, burns, small areas of skin cut away, that sortof thing. No life threatening injuries. And he’s had a neural shockstick used on him repeatedly in the recent past. Nothing that requiressurgical treatment,” replied Tyvek, somewhat callously, in Senek’sopinion.

"And his mental state?” ventured Senek, eyeing the youngman, who was at that moment smiling charmingly at the young femaleTellarite lying in spinal traction in the bed next to his exam table.She smiled back and blushed prettily―for a Tellarite.

"He appearsremarkably resilient. All of the usual standardized questionnairesscore low risk for psychiatric sequelae,” returned Tyvek.

Resilient, or is he just giving you the answers you want so you’ll let him out of here? wonderedSenek. “Excellent work, Healer,” he said, and stepped past Tyvek as theman straightened with poorly concealed pride. Senek’s lips quirkedslightly as he walked across the chamber. To his continual amusement,Senek had discovered over the years that despite Surak’s teachings evenVulcans often responded favorably to a well-placed boost of the ego. Apompous fool was a pompous fool, no matter what his planet of origin.

Senekmet Damin’s eyes as he approached the exam table where the young manwas seated with his feet dangling. Damin slipped from the tablegracefully and offered the ta’al.

"Peace and long life…and myprofound gratitude for the rescue,” he said in Vulcan, seriously andwith all sincerity. Senek, taken aback, returned the gesture.

"Livelong and prosper… and our healer tells me that your recent captivityshould not hamper you in that regard,” he replied. Damin offered abrief bitter smile, more revealing than any of his behavior thus far.

"I’vecertainly experienced worse,” he replied. His eyes cut to the occupantsof the beds in sickbay. “And how can I complain about success?”

Ofcourse. Had it not been for this man’s willingness to place himself inharm’s way, none of the refugees would still be alive. The fiftypercent recovery rate they’d achieved, amounting to 27 living personsonce the deaths due to injury had been accounted for, was certainly byany measure a success compared to the alternative.

"Indeed,”agreed Senek. “Come. I’ll show you to your quarters, and then I’d liketo discuss an employment opportunity with you,” he said.

Daminsmiled. “Since my current contract is effectively complete, I amwilling to listen. But please understand that I am committed to meetingfamily on Risa.”

“Certainly,” Senek gestured toward the door andthen fell in beside the younger man. “In fact, that will correlateperfectly with our needs. Once you hear my proposal I believe you willagree that a mutually satisfactory arrangement can be achieved.”

&

“Youare quite insane.” Damin spoke flatly, as if stating a proven fact. “Ihave long suspected that you were unstable, but this proves it.” Hecrossed his arms over his chest and stared Raijiin down as she facedhim across the table in the sitting room of the double quarters sheshared with Senek. Dressed in a regulation ship’s jumpsuit withoutinsignia, with his newly acquired bruises and scrapes and anuncompromising expression on his face, the Betazoid looked less of apretty boy and more of a man to Raijiin. His shoulder length blackcurls, shining and well-groomed as always, spoiled the tough guy imagea bit, but he was just the person to get that bloodthirsty Andorianengineer to cooperate.

“Now wait, Damin,” Raijiin protested.“Hear us out. It isn't as extreme as it sounds. I’ll be surgicallyaltered to appear Vulcan, and I’ll never emerge from the cargo holdunless it’s absolutely required.” To her frustration, Senek had notjoined them at the table. He was preparing tea, of all things. Shecould feel his presence in the back of her mind, and though no thoughtswere exchanged she understood his reticence. This mission would be herfirst as a Vulcan agent. As the junior ranking member of the team itwould be her responsibility to deal with Damin, a civilian contractor.Senek was attempting to make the situation clear to Damin by steppingaside to allow the two of them to interact. There was silence forseveral seconds while their guest and prospective ally pondered theinformation she’d just given him.

“Surgically altered or not, youcould not possibly alter your scent enough to disguise yourself fromT'Riss,” Damin pointed out. “She would recognize you the first time sheencountered you. One word from her to Sehlra or either of the males andyou would be dead meat – and the rest of us as well for bringing youaboard. If you think anyone aboard Lerteiran would hesitate fora breath to kill you, think again. Jenrali hates Vulcans with a coldpassion, and Sehlra loves Daniel like a son. Both of them have killedbefore, many times. What's four more? And the only things that keptDaniel from your throat last time were his unwillingness to defyJenrali's command and that remarkably flexible Human moral code.”

Raijiinshivered. Senek stepped forward with the tea service, set it on thetable between them, and said in a calm voice, “Crewman T'Riss is inservice to the Vulcan fleet. The fact that she is on detached serviceat the moment does not negate her oath of obedience. She will obeyorders. None of the other three are equipped to penetrate the disguisethat Agent Raijiin will be wearing.” He placed three delicatelytranslucent teacups on the table and matter-of-factly began to pour.“All we require, Mr. Damin, is your assistance in persuading the crewof Lerteiran to accept us as passengers to Risa. Then, once wearrive on Risa, I have been authorized to negotiate with the designatedrepresentative of your father's House in this sector regardingtransportation onward to Vulcan. We intend neither harm nor distress toanyone.”

Damin looked doubtful. “I understand that you want toget Llahir back to Vulcan as fast as possible for debriefing. I caneven see why you don't want to wait for the medical transports tocomplete their task, and there is no way to predict when the D'Kyrswill be ready to return. But why can't you just ask Enterprise for a lift? The Humans shouldn't mind a small detour. Risa isn't that far out of their way.”

Raijiincoughed and turned away to avoid looking at Senek's expression. Theagent struggled to formulate a reply while Damin looked increasinglycurious. Raijiin felt him probing her shields and tightened downfirmly. No doubt Senek was doing the same. Finally the old Vulcan said,“There have been some minor points of friction with the Humansrecently. It is believed that avoiding contact as much as possible isthe best course of action for the present.” He avoided Damin’s gaze,took a seat at the table, and reached for a steaming cup, raising it tohis lips.

“What did you do?” Damin wanted to know.

“Why do you think we did anything?” Raijiin demanded indignantly.

“Because,”Damin pointed out reasonably, “You wouldn't be avoiding the Humansunless the Humans were irritated. And the Humans wouldn't be irritatedunless the Vulcans had done something.” She sighed her way into achuckle and shook her head. Then she reached for a cup, took a sip,made a face, and reached for the sweetener.

“The Humans havecaptured your mother,” she told him while stirring. His eyes widenedand a broad grin broke over his face. Choking laughter fought its wayout of his chest as he leaned back in his chair. Then he reached forthe teacup in front of him, raised it as if in salute to Humaningenuity, and took a healthy swallow. His grimace echoed Raijiin’s andhe began to cough. She watched him in concern but didn’t touch him.Something warned her to be cautious. The deep midnight black of hispupils seemed to swallow her. The sensation was completely differentfrom her connection with Senek. She felt as if she were falling.

I am all right, hesaid without speaking, surprising her. Telepathic communication hadalways been wordless for her before she’d met Senek, a fleetingexchange of emotions and ideas. Touch made the images clearer, butnever this clear. And she hadn’t touched him. Within the words shesensed a background of intense ironic amusement and a tinge of angrysatisfaction. Damin was not very fond of his mother.

After a fewmoments Damin tapered off into occasional spasms of hilarity. “Thatis... that is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard in my life...”he gasped, still grinning. “Thank you, dear. You have made me a happyman.”

“It is agreeable that we are able to brighten your day,”Senek said dryly. “Unfortunately, it is a violation of standing ordersto permit the Humans to retain possession of a Romulan prisoner orRomulan hardware. Commander T'Lar's efforts at retrieval wereunsuccessful and came perilously close to resulting in open battlebetween Sehlat and Enterprise. We are currently going to extreme lengths to avoid escalating the situation further.”

Damingrunted. “I could have told you that there were limits to Humanpatience, and I’ve only been around them for a brief time. How is itthat you weren’t aware of this yourselves? After a full century, youshould have a clear idea of how far they can be pushed.”

“TheCommander is quite young,” Senek explained. “When the fleet was purgedfollowing the removal of the V'Las administration, our supply ofexperienced officers was depleted. I was not consulted prior to theattempt, and it is not my place to offer unsolicited advice concerninga fleet matter.”

Damin shot him a wry glance with a twistedmouth. “I'm certain it's not.” Senek’s expression was skeptical.“Really. I believe you,” Damin said. “So you can't beg a ride from theHumans, and you can't afford to wait for your own ships to haul youback home…and you want me to lie for you.”

“Essentially, yes,” Raijiin smiled sweetly. “Would you mind terribly?”

“It's going to cost you,” Damin said. “Massively.”

“That is only to be expected,” Senek told him.

&

Jenrali's voice on the comm cut through the fog of sleep.

“Timeto wake up, lad. Your shift starts in fifteen. Sehlra has you on lightduty in the engine room today, so she can keep an eye on you. Startjumping!”

“I'm up! I'm up.” Daniel jerked awake and hissedin pain when he felt his back complain. “OK, I'm almost up. I'll bethere, Boss.”

“See that you are. Out.”

Daniellocked his teeth and rolled out of his bunk, heading for the shower ata stiff legged shuffle. Five minutes of hot water helped remarkably,and he gave devout thanks once again for Andorian recycling technology.“Bless their little blue hearts,” he muttered as he fumbled for a toweland headed toward the closet.

He made it, with 32 seconds tospare. Personal worst, but Sehlra just told him to grab a meter andstart checking voltage levels in the carbon dioxide filters. Danielgratefully got busy at one of the few jobs not requiring any bending orlifting. “How are you feeling this morning, boy?” she asked him after afew moments.

“A lot better,” he told her, half-truthfully. He didfeel better. Not a lot, but better. “T'Riss put some more of that gunkon my back and it really helped.”

“Did she now?” Sehlra sounded amused. “Getting used to being pampered? Starting to like having a woman rub you down?”

“I’vealways liked having a woman rub me,” Daniel grinned. “I just need tomake sure the one rubbing me isn't going to fly off the handle andbreak my neck.”

“A Vulcan?” Sehlra scoffed. “How much safer could you get?”

“Sehlra,”Daniel said seriously. She turned to look at him. “T'Riss is a greatgirl. She's beautiful. She's smart. She has honor. She’s built likeevery Human man's dream woman. But she's been hurt bad, and I’m notgoing to put myself into the line of fire until I’m sure that she won'tblow up in my face. Even Human women can go completely nuts if they’vebeen abused. A Vulcan woman might turn into something that I just flatout don't want to be anywhere near.”

“Hmm,” Sehlra turned back to the control board. “How much stronger is she than you, anyway?”

“Quitea bit, now,” Daniel admitted. “Considering she’s in top shape and she'sbeen living under full gravity, while I've been getting soft as apillow here with the low grav field we kept to save energy. Vulcans arestronger than Humans anyway, but that just makes it a lot worse.”

Shetwisted her antennae in agreement. “It should gradually improve, nowthat we can afford to run the field at full strength. But you're right;it isn't good to stay at low grav long term. Causes muscle and boneloss, and other bad effects. We all need to put in some more time inthe gym. I'm considering upgrading the weight machine and installing anew treadmill.”

“A new treadmill would be good,” Daniel gruntedand pulled himself up the access ladder to the second level catwalk.“The CO levels up here are all right, but I'm getting some ozoneleakage. Just a trace, but we shouldn't have any at all.”

“There'sa voltage leak somewhere. Has to be,” Sehlra muttered. “Why in the nameof the Mother they didn't just install catalyst processors and be donewith it I'll never understand.” She moved over to a board next to theaccess ladder that Daniel had just climbed and started checkingreadouts. “Here it is. Unit 3A, Section Blue.”

“On it,” Danieltold her. He moved along the catwalk until he reached the offendingunit and killed the power. A quick series of twists and toggle flipslater, and Daniel was sliding a long rectangular box out of its slot.“There it is, carbon buildup caused it to overheat and start arcing. Ithink I can salvage this unit without replacement. Give me a fewminutes.”

“Good enough,” Sehlra told him, and went back to monitoring coolant flow. The two of them worked in silence for a while.

Eventually Daniel asked, “Sehlra?”

“What is it, boy?”

“You really like that Betazoid?”

Sheslapped the top of the control board. “Mind your own business, child!You have a job in front of you. Get it done and quit mucking around!”

Hechuckled. “The job's done,” he told her as he stood up and slid theunit back into place. “And you have no room to tell anyone aboutminding their own business. Not considering the way you and Jenralihave been double-teaming to push me and T'Riss together. I think I havea right to ask if he might be coming aboard permanently, don't I?”Daniel turned and leaned on the railing, looking down at her impishly.

Sehlratightened her mouth and drew her antenna together. “Not likely, boy. Heisn't much older than you are. I'm not a child molester.”

“Ohbullshit!” Daniel exploded. “He's at least twice my age. And what's thebig deal about age anyway? He's a different species. Andorians live to150 or better. It's not like you’re going to kick the bucket tomorrow.You don't seem to think anything about pushing T'Riss at me, and she'solder than I am.”

Sehlra had been about to interrupt, but suddenly she stopped. “She is?”

“Sureshe is,” Daniel told her. “Didn't you realize? Vulcans live twice aslong as Humans, and they mature about half as fast. I’m just guessing,but I figure she’s probably about ten years older than I am, plus orminus. She’ll probably live a couple of centuries, where I’ll be luckyto make it past 120. You can expect 150 years, but from what I'veheard, Betazoids don't usually make it any longer than Humans.”

Sehlra leaned back against the console, looking thoughtful.

&

CommanderT’Pol entered Sickbay with a padd in hand, prepared to defend herconcerns and to insist that Doctor Phlox act upon them. The hypocrisyinherent in challenging her commanding officer’s fitness for duty afterher own behavior at Azati Prime was not lost on her, however, and sheapproached the harassed-looking doctor with some trepidation. If he hadbeen willing to allow her to retain command of the Enterprise whileunder the influence of trellium-D, would he even think that JonathanArcher’s recent behavior was unacceptable? Surely even the Denobulanwould draw the line at command decisions which risked all-out war.

T’Polstepped up behind the doctor, but stopped when she saw that he wasfacing a comm console and was in a serious discussion with a Vulcan inhealer’s robes. She recognized the Healer in question. He was Sorsen,the Chief Melder of the medical transport vessel Kau T’Surak,and one of only four Vulcans who had been present at her marriageceremony. Had it only been two weeks since she’d exchanged vows withTrip? Logic told her so, but she could no longer remember what it waslike not to be formally bonded to Trip Tucker—nor did she wish to. Sheturned to allow the doctor some privacy, but couldn’t help but overhearthe conversation.

“I understand the need for confidentiality,Doctor, but you and I both know that the scans you sent me could onlybelong to one person aboard your vessel,” said Sorsen. “What difficulty is Commander Tucker experiencing?”

T’Pol turned at that and focused all of her attention on the caller.

“Whatmakes you think the brain scan images were of Commander Tucker?” askedPhlox, looking genuinely puzzled. Sorsen raised a brow.

“The images are of a Human brain, but the neurotransmitter pattern is distinctly Vulcan,” he returned with forced patience. “Since Commander Tucker is the only Human bon…”

“Thisis not a secure channel,” interrupted Phlox hastily, “and in any case,your assumption is incorrect. The images are of Captain Archer.” Bothof Sorsen’s brows went up at that. Phlox looked grim. “So I take itthere is cause for concern?” he asked the melder.

“The Human brain is not designed to function in this fashion,” replied Sorsen in a concerned tone.“The overproduction of neurotransmitters in ordinarily unused portionsof the Human brain, as is demonstrated in these images, could certainlycause erratic behavior…and, given sufficient time, result in what somemight call insanity. Ordinarily, if the situation cannot be permanentlyremedied, regular melds with someone possessing a brain structure moresuited to the hyperfunction demonstrated here would be what I wouldrecommend to control the condition. It is not uncommonly seen in bondedVulcan couples where one member of the bonded pair possesses atremendously greater telepathic or intellectual capacity than theother.” Sorsen paused, seeming to ponder the situation. “I havenever seen such a thing without a bond, though…and of course, never ina Human. That in itself is not surprising, considering the fact that Ihave met very few Humans, but…” He shook his head. “This cannot possibly be a safe condition for your captain to be in.”

“You mentioned a ‘remedy’?” prompted Phlox. T’Pol listened intently.

“During the time when melding was forbidden, the conventional treatment was to sever the bond,” Sorsen said.“I began my career as a healer clandestinely teaching meldingtechniques to couples whose only other choices would have been eitherto end their bond or to have one of the pair watch as the other slowlywent irrevocably mad. Fortunately, the discovery of the Kir’shara hasmade such subterfuge unnecessary. In this case…” Sorsen shrugged helplessly. “I have no idea. I suppose I’d have to meld with the patient and discover the root cause of the condition first.”

“Thatmay be a problem, considering the current state of Human/Vulcanrelations… at least locally. Your Commander T’Lar must be ready to…asthe Humans say…’shoot first and ask questions later’,” Phlox told himwryly.

“Not at all, Doctor. I take orders directly from theHigh Council, the members of which take a larger view of the currentsituation than ‘our Commander T’Lar’. If you can convince your captainthat my services are needed, I will come aboard as soon as werendezvous to transfer the injured,” replied Sorsen. Phlox smiled in obvious gratitude.

“Youhave my thanks, Healer,” he replied. “And I’m certain Captain Archer’sas well…as soon as I explain the situation to him. We’ll rendezvous asplanned in eight hours.” Sorsen tipped his head once inacknowledgement, and then the screen went dark. Phlox turned away fromit to face T’Pol. He didn’t seem surprised by her presence.

“May I help you, Commander?” he asked with every appearance of innocence.

“I was told that I could find the captain here. Can you tell me where he is?” asked T’Pol.

Phloxgave her an affable smile. “He’s just gone off duty. I sent him to hiscabin for some well deserved rest. I’d advise you to let him sleep,barring a major emergency. He’s got an important appointment in themorning. I was just going to call you to inform you that you are incommand.” T’Pol hesitated for a moment, and then decided that hererrand had become superfluous. She tipped her head, exhaling a sigh ofrelief.

“Thank you, Doctor.“

&

Llahir was a patient man, but being ignored in the Human's briefing room since the incident with the Sehlat wastaxing even his forbearance. It was unlikely that they’d forgottenabout him. More probably the Chief Security Officer and his staff werejust overwhelmed by the sheer volume of newly acquired sources ofclassified information. But they certainly had forgotten about thethoroughness of Vulcan training if they thought that by leaving him inthis room alone they were preventing him from discovering how relationshad deteriorated between the Enterprise and the Sehlat. The computer console in the ready room differed very little from the ones he’dused thirty years ago. Afterso many years, it was expected, he supposed, that the Humans would gainaccess to enough Vulcan technology to make their hardware virtuallyindistinguishable from obsolete Vulcan models. It was child's play,literally, for him to access the ship's communication system andmonitor the progress of the battle and its rather disturbing sequel.

Llahirshook his head at the impulsive behavior of the young commander.Granted, she was under orders to conceal as much as possible aboutRomulan origins, but still, sending an armed boarding party to anallied ship? What was the child thinking? In the Romulan fleet amistake like that would rate summary execution without trial—not forsending the boarding party, but for sending it when there was nopossible chance of success. But then, any Romulan ally that dared tolock weapons on a battle cruiser would be blown out of space instantly,so he supposed the situation balanced, in a perverse sort of way.

Thebattle scarred agent carefully placed the padd on the briefing table.Regretfully, he decided that he would be forced to give up his hope ofa personal conversation with the man who had actually carried the katraof Surak. Given the circumstances, it would be more prudent for him toreturn to the Sehlat for debriefing as soon as possible. Therewere aspects to the situation that neither Commander T'Lar nor theVulcan High Command were aware of. Romulan plans for expansion wereproceeding with distressing speed. So much speed, that he had feltimpelled to take extraordinary risks in order to make contact forretrieval. The information he carried was critically important for hispeople. One piece of information that he believed to be particularlyimportant was that the Vulcan alliance with Earth was a significantfactor in forcing the Romulans to proceed with caution.

For atleast two generations, Romulan agents had been infiltrating Vulcansociety with the goal of establishing themselves in controllingpositions at high government and military levels. They had succeededremarkably well, and despite the recent purges following the fall ofV'Las, there were still substantial numbers of Romulans in place on thehome world. The primary short term goal of the Romulan empire was toisolate Vulcan from her allies. Once she was alone, Vulcan would beeasy prey, or so the Praetor planned.

The single most significantobstacle to this objective was the fledgling Coalition of Planets, andEarth was the driving force behind the Coalition. If the alliancebetween Vulcan and Earth could be sabotaged, or failing that, if Earthcould be crippled, then the ultimate goal of reunification under theraptor's wings could at last be achieved.

Llahir had spentdecades alone, surviving in a hostile environment by his wits and hisreaction time. Only his dedication to the survival of his people hadgiven him the will to stay alive. He was not going to stand by andpermit political foolishness or mistaken adherence to outmoded policiesto destroy that which he had sold his life to preserve. He glanced downat the table. The innocuous looking padd contained a concisedescription of the Romulan empire, its origin, size, extent, number ofsettled planets, approximate population distribution, form ofgovernment, military organization, general fleet size and distributionaccording to his best information, as much information as he had timeto record concerning Romulan technical and weapons expertise, and alengthy explanation of Romulan strategy for the alpha quadrantincluding their desire to re-conquer their ancestral planet.

Hesighed and let his shoulders slump. He had done what he could. Surakhad taught his people to cast out fear and follow the path of truth inall things. All Llahir could do now was to wait and hope.

First,he removed the impressively reverse-engineered sensor baffle that theHuman security officer had given him from around his waist anddeactivated it. Then he activated the comm system, opened a channel,sent the Sehlat a five digit code, and waited. Llahir was de-materializing by the time the security officer on the bridge of the Enterprise had the time to detect the transmission, determine its source, rise from his chair and take three steps toward the turbo-lift.

&

“Idon't care if you like it or not,” Damin told her bluntly. “It's thisway or nothing. You’re welcome to sit on the station and wait for themedical ships to head back as far as I care. Your mission is nothing tome.”

Raijiin wanted to slap him. “A few minutes ago you were going on about how dangerous it would be for me to set foot on Lerteiran. Now you want me to openly announce it? You’re the one that has lost his mind.”

“PerhapsMr. Damin is following a chain of logic that we are not fully awareof,” Senek suggested. “I recommend that we permit him to finishexplaining his suggestion before offering objections.”

Daminrefilled his cup. “It’s not a matter of logic. Or not entirely. I justrefuse to lie to them. My father's House may sometimes engage inoperations that are technically illegal, but we maintain a very strictcode of honor. The crew of Lerteiran has helped me more thanonce, even to the point of risking their own lives. And they did itwithout ever asking anything in return. I refuse to betray theirtrust.” He raised the cup and looked at them over the rim, his darkeyes glittering. “I may carry Romulan treachery in my blood, but I amnot Romulan.”

“How then do you propose that we convince CaptainJenrali to knowingly allow us aboard, given his previous history withRaijiin?” countered Senek.

“By offering him something so valuablehe’d be crazy to refuse it,” said Damin, “Preferred trading status atevery Vulcan port in known space.”

Senek raised a brow. Raijiin’sheart skipped a beat. He was actually considering the insane Betazoid’splan. The prospect was alarming.

“Even assuming we have theauthority to make that offer,” said Senek, “I seriously doubt that itwould be enough to get them to agree unless they could be convincedthat Raijiin had been rendered harmless.” Damin shrugged, then emptiedhis teacup in one gulp.

“So convince them,” he said.

Senek’seyes cut to Raijiin. The expression in them was one she had seenbefore, and she gave an inward sigh of resignation. Giving over controlwas humiliating, especially in front of a witness capable of sensingher predicament, but she’d learned that resistance was pointless. Inthis one skill at least, Senek was her master.

Raijiin closed hereyes and waited. Senek’s mental presence flooded her consciousness, andshe felt her self-will retreating behind a shell that she and Senek hadconstructed for this purpose. Her eyes opened, but he saw through them.She felt and thought, but had no voluntary control of her body. Shefelt herself rise from the table, collect the teacups, and place themin the recycler. Then her body returned to the table and stood silentlybehind Senek’s chair in perfect imitation of a Vulcan domestic servant.Raijiin saw Damin’s eyes widen in surprise as he sensed the change inher.

“Can she break your control?” he asked Senek.

“When wefirst began her training, she tried…sometimes a hundred or more times aday,” Senek replied calmly. “She now submits willingly, for she haslearned that the alternative is not to her liking.” Damin swallowed,grimacing slightly as he inspected Senek’s handiwork. Raijiin couldfeel him probing the shield that encased her conscious mind. “You cannow truthfully say that no one on Lertieran is in any dangerfrom Raijiin,” said Senek. “I will discuss the matter of payment withmy superiors. If the Andorian captain agrees to transport us, will youagree to vouch for us and confirm that Raijiin is under my completecontrol?”

Damin’s mouth twisted as if he were tasting something spoiled. He hesitated.

“If I am able to acquire favored trading status for Lertieran, Isee no reason why I wouldn’t be able to convince my superiors to grantthe same privilege to your father’s House,” offered Senek. “It’s myunderstanding that you plan to rejoin representatives of your father’sHouse on Risa. Bringing such a concession with you would be convincingproof of your loyalty.”

Behind her shell, Raijiin marveled at Senek’s deviousness. There were times when her keeper seemed more Romulan than Vulcan.

Damin pursed his lips. “Agreed,” he conceded with a nod.

&

“Lerteiran you are cleared to dock at station eleven,” the disembodied voice announced.

“Acknowledged,” Jenrali replied. “Approach vector 12.3X by 45.98Y by 66.2Z, delta -.001 standard.”

“Adjust thrusters to station keeping,” the voice instructed. “Stand by for tractor beam.”

“Thrusters at station keeping, aye.”

Theship lurched faintly as the beam took hold. An almost imperceptiblehumming vibrated through the hull and into the soles of everyone’s feetas the tractor beam started pulling Lerteiran toward the docking berth. There was a slight bump and a series of lights appeared on the control console.

“Dockingclamps engaged,” Daniel announced. “Clamp one, secure. Clamp two,secure. Clamp three, secure. Clamp four, secure. Clamp five, secure.Clamp six, secure.”

“Clamp one, check,” Jenrali acknowledged.“Clamp two, check. Clamp three, check. Clamp four, check. Clamp five,check. Clamp six, check. Extend airlock hatch seal.”

“Extendingairlock hatch seal,” Daniel reported. “Contact. Secure. Feedbackaffirmative. Diagnostic underway. Standby.” They waited quietly for amoment. “Diagnostic affirmative. Seal is secure. Everything isairtight, Captain.”

“Airlock secure, check,” Jenraliacknowledged. He turned in his seat. “Good work, lad,” he told Daniel,as he had always done after docking procedure since the first time hehad come aboard. “Anything you’d like to pick up from that Human shipsince we’re here again?”

“Well,” Daniel said thoughtfully. “Sinceyou mentioned it, there are a couple of things that I wouldn’t mindchecking with their quartermaster about. Nothing drastic, but like yousaid, since we’re here...”

“Go ahead then,” Jenrali told him.“Nothing’s going to be happening here until we get the passengermanifest finalized.” He made a face. “Some of them are leaving, and weneed to find out how Damin is doing.”

“Do you suppose T’Riss might be able to wheedle some information out of the Vulcans?” Daniel suggested.

“Agood thought,” Jenrali brightened. “Take her with you onto the station.She can check with the Vulcans while you raid the Human quartermaster.Both of you be back here by change of watch, hear?”

“Understood, Captain.” Daniel rose up slowly and maneuvered himself toward the ladder.

“How are you doing now?” Jenrali carefully kept his voice neutral.

“I’ll be fine,” Daniel told him cheerfully. “Just a little sore now. Few days, it’ll be forgotten.”

“Maybe you might duck in and have that Phlox take a glance at it,” Jenrali told him casually. “Since you’ll be there anyway.”

Danielpaused on the second step. “Well... since I’ll be there anyway, if Iget the time I might.” Jenrali nodded and turned back to the console.Daniel resumed working his way down the ladder. As soon as he was outof Jenrali’s field of vision, he let his face contort in pain. Lockinghis teeth in a snarl, Daniel managed to make it to the foot of theladder without actually whimpering, but it was a very near thing. Oncehis feet were back on the deck, he leaned against the ladder and hungon, gasping for breath with his mouth wide open for several minutes.

“Daniel.”He turned his head in shock to find T’Riss observing him and lookingworried. “Are you functional?” He immediately straightened and forced asmile.

“Certainly,” he told her, with only a slight catch in his voice. “I was just going to come looking for you. I’m going over to Enterprise, and Jenrali suggested that maybe you could visit Sehlat and find out what the status is with Damin?”

“I can certainly make the attempt,” T’Riss told him. “But I believe your visit to Enterprise shouldtake first priority. It is evident that your injury requires immediatemedical attention.” She slipped an arm around his waist and took partof his weight. Pride fought pragmatism, and pragmatism won. Daniel lether help him.

“All right, if you insist,” he said. “I’ll visitthe doc over there. Maybe he can patch me up. This is gettinginconvenient anyway.”

“Back injuries are not merely inconvenient,Daniel,” T’Riss told him seriously. “They’re often handicapping, andare definitely a matter of concern.” They reached the airlock and sheinput her access code. “I also agree with Engineer Selra that this shipneeds improved inertial dampeners.”

“Not really,” Daniel huffedas he stepped over the raised lip of the airlock. “What it needs is acrew in better physical condition. We ran at low grav for too longtrying to save money, but every one of us lost muscle tone and bonemass doing it. In retrospect, it wasn’t a good idea, but we were broke.”

T’Risskeyed the pad and the inner door closed. “Could you not have obtained aloan for operating expenses?” She turned to place her hand on theidentification plate for the station’s inner door.

“No way,”Daniel shook his head emphatically. “The only people that would loanmoney to a small outfit like us would have been the Orions. Believe me.You do not want to be in debt to the Orions. Not for any reason.”

“Sayno more,” T’Riss told him. “I understand completely.” The door openedand they stepped through onto the long access corridor leading aroundthe perimeter of the station.

“I believe Enterprise is atdocking bay three,” T’Riss said. “Shall we?” Daniel smiled weakly andthey started walking, slowly. By the time docking bay three came intoview, she was more than half carrying him and Daniel’s breath wascoming loudly enough that even he had to admit it sounded harsh.

Therewas one nice thing, Daniel reflected, about being a member of a speciesthat was scarce in a particular part of space. Everyone tended to beaware of and recognize everyone else. The security guards at the Enterprise airlockknew who he was instantly and didn’t ask questions. One of themsignaled sickbay while the other one took Daniel’s free arm and startedassisting T’Riss.

Phlox had a biobed ready when they got there.“Ah, Mr. Johansen. How nice to see you again, although I must admit Ihad hoped our next meeting would be under different circumstances. Whatseems to be the trouble?”

Daniel started to explain whileclimbing onto the bed, but kept interrupting himself to groan. SoT’Riss stepped up and gave a concise summary of Daniel’s condition, thecircumstances that led to it, and the treatment that Sehlra hadrecommended thus far. Phlox nodded and listened while he examinedDaniel’s back and ran a scanner over the area.

“Well, Mr.Johansen. I see that we have some ligament damage, a torn muscle, andmost distressingly, a minor compression fracture of the body of thefourth lumbar vertebra.” He shook his head and clucked his tongue.“Someone’s spent too long in micro-gravity.” Phlox turned away andheaded for his medicine cabinet while T’Riss walked over to the bed andlooked down at Daniel in deep concern.

“Don’t look so worried, T’Riss,” Daniel told her with a smile. “The doc will fix me right up.”

“Ofcourse, of course,” Phlox called out enthusiastically, head buriedinside his cabinet. “A minor bit of routine surgery, a couple of daysof bed rest and an infusion of zoledronic acid to build bone mass, andhe will be good as new.”

“Surgery?” Daniel felt his face goblank. T’Riss looked thoughtful, and nodded to herself. “I can’t affordto take time for surgery, Doc. I have work to do!”

“You won’t bedoing much work if you can’t move, will you now?” Phlox came amblingback over with a hypo and a broad smile. He applied the hypo briskly toDaniel’s neck. “There now, that should help the pain quite a bit. Whenyou wake up we can discuss your options in more depth.”

“Wake up? Wait a minute, Doc. I ca-”

&

“The drug acted with remarkable speed, Doctor,” T’Riss said after a moment.

“Yes,it’s quite effective on Humans,” Phlox told her smugly. “An extractfrom a fungus that we discovered during our second year of exploration.I’ve gotten quite a bit of use out of that little growth.”

“You are quite certain that surgery is required?” T’Riss asked.

“He’sgot an osteoporotic fracture,” Phlox told her. “If this stubborn youngman continues to move about without stabilizing his spine he will onlycontinue to make matters worse. He could quite possibly inflictpermanent neurologic damage on himself should any of his nerves becomecompressed.”

“In that case, there is, of course, no choice in the matter. I am certain that his shipmates will agree,” T’Riss told him.

“Iwill need formal authorization from one of them,” Phlox informed her.“When Mr. Johansen was in my care last time he filed permission listinghis business partners as next of kin. Either of them have authority toapprove surgery such as this, since he is himself incapacitated.”T’Riss raised an eyebrow and walked over to the comm. Five minuteslater Phlox had carte blanche to do whatever he felt necessary torepair Daniel, up to and including using a club to subdue him.

“Remarkablepeople, Andorians,” Phlox said, switching off the comm unit and rubbinghis hands. “Forthright and stubborn. Some consider them ruthless, butthey are absolutely loyal to their own.”

“I am beginning tounderstand some things about Andorians, and about Humans, that I neversuspected,” T’Riss replied. “May I ask you something, Doctor?”

“Certainly, er, Crewman,” he told her. “Ask away.”

“Areyou familiar with the Vulcan practice of neuropressure?” Phlox pausedfor several seconds with an unusual expression on his face.

“Yes. I have heard of it. Why do you ask?” he responded, not looking directly at her.

“Danielmentioned to me that Humans use a similar method to provide relaxationand relief from tension. He called it accu-pressure,” T’Riss said.“According to Daniel, there are diagrams available which specify thecorrect points for administration of this procedure. I was wondering ifyou could provide me with this information.”

Phlox turned to look carefully at her. T’Riss stood and met his eyes, firmly resisting the impulse to twitch. Thereis no reason for discomfort. It is only logical that he would becurious. You must expect this. If you intend to choose a Human mate,you will face this reaction routinely. If you cannot deal with this,you have no right to consider Daniel as a potential partner. ThisDenobulan’s reaction is nothing compared to what you will face fromyour own people. When Mother finds out...

“Am I correct inconcluding from your request that you have some interest in consideringMr. Johansen as a potential mate?” Phlox asked her carefully.

T’Riss straightened even further. “Yes, Doctor. You are correct.”

“Is Mr. Johansen aware of this?” Phlox shot back. T’Riss flinched..

“Ofcourse,” she answered in surprise. “We have discussed the matter atsome length. Currently, we are engaged in... preliminary assessments ofour compatibility.”

Phlox whispered quietly to himself in a voicethat T’Riss was confident he did not intend her to hear, “Discussingthe matter openly beforehand. Like two adults. What a remarkableconcept.”

Aloud he told her, “There is indeed a Human touchtherapy called accu-pressure. In terms of effectiveness, though, Iconsider it inferior to Vulcan neuropressure. If you wish to inducerelaxation, Human massage therapy is significantly easier to master andjust as effective. I will be happy to provide you with information onmassage therapy if you wish.”

“Thank you, Doctor. I accept youroffer,” T’Riss told him. “However, I was hoping to obtain informationon accu-pressure in order to supplement my training in neuropressure.”

Phlox looked up from the data console sharply. “Your training in neuropressure is incomplete?”

“Unfortunately,yes,” T’Riss admitted uncomfortably. “If you are familiar withneuropressure, you also know that we do not generally complete ourtraining until just before marriage.”

“No,” Phlox said regretfully, “I was not aware of this.”

T’Risstold him, “It is usually the case. We are traditionally taught by ourmothers or another elder female relative. If none are available, by apriestess. In my case, I was scheduled to complete my training duringmy first year... of residency on...”

She stopped and locked downall of her controls. It all came crashing back at once. The memory ofher betrothed. He had been so young. They had been friends sincechildhood. He had died defending her, just as honor demanded. All fornothing. Bitterness and rage rose up and would not be denied.

“Crewman T’Riss?” Doctor Phlox was looking at her oddly. “Would medication assist you in maintaining control?”

T’Rissrealized to her horror that her emotional state must be blatantlyobvious for the doctor to make such an offer. She instantly beganworking her way through the Disciplines, focusing on breathing andrelaxation. “No doctor, thank you. I am already under treatment withmedication provided by Healer Tyvek,” she told him. She hopeddesperately that he would let it drop, and he did. Instead, he pickedup their previous thread of conversation.

“Neuropressure, oraccu-pressure for that matter, when improperly performed, has thepotential to cause damage to the spinal nerves. It should never beapplied by someone who is not fully trained. I recommend in thestrongest possible terms that you obtain further instruction before youattempt it.” Phlox turned back to his terminal and completeddownloading something onto a Human padd.

“Here.” He handed thepadd to her. “This is a series of instructional texts on the art ofmassage therapy. It is geared primarily toward relaxation bymanipulating muscle groups. Humans often find it quite helpful forconditions such as Mr. Johansen’s, as well as being pleasurable in itsown right.” T’Riss took it from him and immediately began studying itwhile he turned to his unconscious patient. Daniel would have need ofher services after his surgery, and she intended to be ready for thetask.

&

Trip Tucker entered Sickbay withmixed emotions. On the one hand, the last thing he needed right now wasto deal directly with Jonathan Archer. Since their confrontation he’dmade a point to associate with his captain on a strictly professionallevel only. On the other hand, while T’Pol was in command Trip was herFirst Officer, and she had asked—insisted, rather—that he, as thehighest ranking Human aboard, witness and approve the results of thecaptain’s treatment before she yielded command to him. Trip honestlydoubted his ability to make an unbiased judgment in this instance, buthe felt confident in Dr. Phlox’s ability to tell whether the captainwas fit for duty, so he hadn’t argued the point. At the very least,T’Pol needed a firsthand report on the medical condition of the Romulanprisoner. Since the Vulcan agent’s expert hacking of their systemsyesterday evening, Malcolm had decided that the internal ship’s commwasn’t sufficiently secure, and as acting captain, T’Pol couldn’t leavethe bridge for hours yet.

Jonathan Archer was not in sight. Phloxwas gloved, gowned, and masked within the shimmer of a sterile surgicalforce field, injecting something into someone’s lower back with a hugeantiquated looking needle and syringe. The patient’s back was coveredin drapes and he was lying on a biobed face down, but Trip could seeenough of him to tell he was Human. Just outside the field stood theyoung Vulcan woman who’d been assigned as crew on Lerteiran asan act of administrative discipline by the Vulcans a few weeks ago, animpressive demonstration of interspecies cooperation in Trip’s opinion.She seemed none the worse for wear after duty on an Andorian vessel,but had an expression of concern on her face that reminded him stronglyof T’Pol. The draped patient had to be Daniel Johansen.

“Why areyou using that device instead of a hypospray, Doctor?” she asked in atone that would have sounded to an uninitiated ear as if she weremerely curious. Trip, however, knew worry in a Vulcan voice when heheard it.

“I’m performing the procedure, not giving an injection,Crewman,” replied Phlox as he worked. “This is an hydroxyapatite cementwhich will restore the vertebra to its proper dimensions and stabilizeit. Once it hardens in a few minutes, his fourth lumbar vertebra willbe even stronger than the others. Then he’ll need to stay in fullgravity and engage in regular weight bearing exercise for at least sixmonths after his zoledronic acid infusion to reverse the osteopenia.”

“I will make certain that he does so, Doctor,” said T’Riss in a firmly confident voice. Trip suppressed a smile at that.

Sounds like she’s planning to hang around a while. Makes me wonder what Daniel’s been up to, hethought, amused. Phlox put the syringe on the treatment table besidehim and deactivated the surgical field generator at the head of thebiobed. It flickered once before going out. Trip made a mental note toadd medical equipment maintenance to his department’s list of things todo. Sickbay was virtually empty now that the refugees had beentransferred to the hospital ship, but for a while there they’d beenputting a real strain on Sickbay resources and equipment. Phlox pulledhis mask down and, finally appearing to notice Trip’s presence, smiledbroadly in welcome.

“May I help you, Commander?” he asked.

“T’Polsent me,” Trip replied. “She wants me to check on the prisoner and tosee about the captain.” Phlox’s smile shrank a fraction and his eyescut to T’Riss. Then he stepped forward to meet Trip and lowered hisvoice. The Vulcan girl took Daniel’s limp hand in hers. She seemedoblivious to their conversation.

“The prisoner is stillunconscious. The multiple simultaneous stun blasts she suffered whilebeing apprehended appear to have caused some cerebral edema,” saidPhlox softly. Trip just raised a sardonic brow at him and waited. “Herbrain is swollen,” clarified Phlox. “The condition is treatable but I’mnot certain when she’ll wake up. I’ll inform the bridge when she does.”Trip blew out heavily and nodded.

“Okayyy. So what about the captain?”

“Hisappointment was postponed until 0730. Healer Sorsen was unavoidablydelayed by a complicated patient.” Trip glanced at the clock on thewall. It read 0729. As the minute turned, the doors to Sickbay openedand Jonathan Archer walked into the room, precisely on time to thesecond. He was dressed in a spotless duty uniform. If he was surprisedby Trip’s presence there was no evidence of it. Phlox gave the Vulcangirl a reassuring smile.

“I’ll be back. Just stay with him untilhe wakes up.” At her nod, Phlox moved to intercept the captain andescorted him to a curtained off cubicle near the pharmacy. Trip made nomove to follow. The captain looked back before he entered thedesignated area. Their eyes met. For a moment Trip thought he saw avestige of his old friend in Jonathan Archer’s expression, and then itwas as if a shutter fell over the man’s face, and he was a strangeragain before he shut the curtain.

Maybe T’Pol’s right, thought Trip, concerned despite the anger that remained. Maybe all this isn’t just Jon being an asshole. Maybe there really is something wrong with him.

Asthe thought occurred to him, an emerald-robed Vulcan healer enteredSickbay flanked by two security officers, phase pistols drawn. Phloxexited the cubicle where he’d left the captain and greeted the securityguards with an angry, “Out! This man is my guest! No weapons in mySickbay!” The young men rolled their eyes at him, holstered theirweapons, and left to take positions flanking the door in the hallwaywhile Phlox apologized profusely to the healer. Trip recognized him. Hewas Sorsen, one of the Vulcans who’d officiated at his wedding ceremonyless than a month before.

“Apologies are not needed, Doctor. Iunderstand the need for security in our current situation,” saidSorsen. His manner was calm and reassuring. The air of gravitas heexuded was in conflict with his appearance. If he’d been Human Tripwould have pegged him for no older than twenty-five. Being Vulcan, hewas probably closer to sixty, but young for a Chief Melder and MasterHealer nonetheless, according to T’Pol. He turned to Trip and offeredthe ta’al.

“It is agreeable to see you, Commander. I trust thingsare going well?” Trip’s expression was more of a grimace than a smileas he returned the ta’al.

“Everything’s fine, Healer. Thanks foraskin’. Ah… I sure hope you can help the cap’n,” he returneddesperately, trying to change the subject.

Phlox smiled uncertainly as his gaze shifted from one to the other.

“I wasn’t aware that the two of you had met….” he began.

“Commander Tucker boarded the Kau T’Surak withCommander T’Pol a few weeks ago at my request. There weresome…interspecies diplomacy issues involved that I felt required theirpresence,” offered Sorsen, a little too honestly for Trip’s comfort.Phlox looked even more puzzled.

“Ah….so I take it the issues were resolved, then?” he asked.

“Quitesatisfactorily,” answered Sorsen without elaborating. Phlox smiled,waiting for more, but Sorsen just gave him an expectant look. “Ourpatient?” he prompted. Trip breathed a sigh of relief. He followed thetwo medical men to the curtained off cubicle. They entered without him,which was fine by him. His job was to witness the results. He had noneed to actually watch the man mess with Jon’s mind. Phlox came outseconds later.

“You might as well leave and make your report,Commander. Healer Sorsen informs me that diagnosing the captain’sproblem may take several hours,” said the doctor. Trip ran one handthrough his hair, nodding.

“Okay. I’ll let T’Pol know,” he said,but he didn’t turn to leave yet. A question was burning in his chest,but so was his anger. Jon had forfeited the right to be worried overwhen he’d treated Trip like crap, but Trip couldn’t help it. “Will thecap’n be all right?” he forced out reluctantly. Phlox smiled a crookedsmile.

“I certainly hope so, Commander… I really do,” he said.

&

JonathanArcher could hear muffled conversation just beyond the curtain, but hedidn’t allow it to disturb him. The expression on Trip’s face rightbefore he’d shut the curtain had initially unsettled him. Trip hadalways worn his hurt feelings on his sleeve. Jonathan Archer had nosiblings, but Trip was his brother in spirit—or rather, had been. He’dnever wanted to hurt him, but quite obviously he had. The guilt waslike an acid, eroding away Jon’s hard-won equilibrium. There wasnothing he could do but meditate.

Emotions are illusion. Allow them to pass through you, leaving your essence untouched. Your mind contains only stillness.

“Captain?”

Nothingness

“Captain Archer?”

Jon took a deep breath and opened his face before him was Vulcan. The man looked young. Appearances were deceiving, of course. He’s older than I am, that’s certain. I hope he knows what he’s doing.

“Iam Sorsen. I am a healer,” said the man. “With your permission, I willperform a diagnostic meld.” He held up his right hand, fingers splayed.“You must place your right hand on my temple, so.” His fingertips feltwarm on the side of Jon’s head.

Taken aback, Jon took a couple ofseconds to echo the gesture. He’d expected a few questions at least,but on further reflection realized that questions were a waste of timewhen you were about to read someone’s mind. As that thought occurred tohim, Sorsen began to speak in Vulcan. Jon understood it perfectly, askill he’d come to take for granted but for which he still had noadequate explanation.

“My mind to your mind. My thoughts to your thoughts.”

Jon felt a presence nudge his mind. It felt similar to the presence of Surak’s katra, but somehow less. He sometimes still dreamed about the feeling. He hadn’t yet decided whether the dreams were nightmares or not.

“Our minds are merging.”

Thehealer’s living mind invaded Jon’s in a way that he’d never experiencedbefore. If carrying Surak’s katra had been like being a horse carryinga rider, this was more like a horse becoming his rider, as if the two of them were a single individual. He panicked for a second until Sorsen took complete control.

“Our minds are one”.

Througha shell of enforced serenity, Jon watched as the Vulcan healersystematically searched his memories, both remote and recent. A child’slonging for something he’d never had blended into bittersweetjealousy…quickly hidden…watching his best pal Trip at dinner with hismother. A memory of his father, angry after being thwarted yet again,ranting against the “damned Vulcans and their damned rules” blendedinto flying a prototype engine model with his father…finallytriumphant, still defiant.

Years in college, stuffing his angerwhile his warp field technology professors waxed poetic about Vulcansand their altruism. Receiving his officer’s commission, swearing anoath to serve Earth and to obey his superiors…and then dealing with thereality that his superiors were regularly kissing Vulcan asses in orderto push their own agendas.

Taking command of Enterprise, finallyable to be free of Vulcan influence, only to be saddled with a Vulcanbabysitter. Stifling anger and frustration, using it to fuel hisdetermination.

Becoming aware of the despised Vulcan as a woman,only to have his attempts to break out of long-held prejudices thrownin his face.

Pulled out of time, not once but dozens of times,told that he was vital to the future of the Earth…to all humankind. Howcould he live up to such a destiny?

Boarding the Xindi weapon…no one else must die… expecting death, yet somehow escaping it undeserved.

Andthen, despite everything, despite his buried hatred of Vulcans and hiscrippling self-doubt, he’d been chosen to carry Surak Himself.

Theexperience had destroyed him….remade him…forced him to see the truth.He’d become harder, more ruthless as he realized his true superiorityover others. His thoughts had become clearer, his intellect incisive.Surak’s memories had not only made him more intelligent, they had madehim a superman! How could anyone dare to question his decisions? He wasinfallible! A god-like being!!

At that realization, Sorsen pulledback the barrier shielding Jonathan from his emotions, and the truehorror of his delusions overwhelmed him. He was a monster. There was nodoubt in his mind that he didn’t deserve to live. Every bit of theprogress he’d thought he’d made through meditation, all of his newlywon pseudo-Vulcan calm, was stripped from him in seconds.

Sorsen ended the meld. Jon was crying, curled up in a ball on the biobed when the Vulcan left him.

&

Thefirst thing Daniel noticed when he woke was that the pain in his backwas gone. The second thing he noticed was a small warm hand grippinghis fingers. He opened his eyes and T’Riss, startled, pulled her handimmediately from his and turned her head to call the doctor. Theinitial concern on her face might just have been his imagination.

“He is awake, Doctor,” she said. Phlox approached the bed with a broad grin on his face.

“So… how are you feeling?” he asked.

Danieltwisted experimentally. His muscles were sore, but the worst of thepain had vanished. He smiled. “I feel great, Doc. What did you do?”

“Don’tget overexcited, now, Mr. Johansen. All I did was cement your fractureand give you some medicine to strengthen your bones,” warned Phlox.“Some of the improvement you’re feeling is the residual localanesthetic. You’re not cleared for full duty yet. And I’ll want you tobegin treadmill walking under full Earth standard gravity as soon aspossible, a minimum of five miles daily, so you don’t want to overdonow and reinjure yourself or you’ll delay your recovery.”

“Understood , Doctor,” replied T’Riss. Daniel eyed her dubiously, and then swallowed and smiled half-heartedly at the doctor.

“Ummm,sure, Doc. Thanks,” he said. Then he noticed a Vulcan in healer’s robesstanding behind the doctor. For a minute he thought it was his fosterbrother Stern, and then realized the impossibility of that assumption,since Stern was on Vulcan. The man was also somewhat older than Stern.They’d met before, briefly, at Daniel’s last encounter with Phlox andhis syringes. Daniel nodded a greeting at the Vulcan and offered ata’al. The healer returned his gesture, making eye contact with bothDaniel and T’Riss to include both of them, in the way commonly donewhen greeting mated couples on Vulcan. Daniel grinned wryly and eyedT’Riss, who flushed olive, and then returned the gesture without anyattempt to correct the healer’s initial impression. Phlox noted theexchange, although Daniel doubted that he understood its significance,and took it upon himself to make an introduction.

“Crewman T’Riss, Mr. Johansen… May I introduce Healer Sorsen?” The Vulcan tipped his head.

“HealerTyvek has recommended that I seek you out, Crewman. Now that you havereturned, I would be pleased to see both of you at your convenience,”he said. Then he turned to Phlox, abruptly dismissing Daniel and T’Rissin a way only possible for a busy Vulcan. “I have discovered theproblem. Now our patient must rest,” he said softly. “I recommend asedative and at least six hours of sleep before I attempt a healingmeld. Take precautions. In his current state he will end his life ifgiven the means to do so.”

“Of course,” said Phlox in a subduedtone. Daniel thought he could hear faint, hoarse sobbing from behind aclosed curtain across the room. Phlox turned to T’Riss. “I’ll bekeeping Mr. Johansen for another hour or two, Crewman. As it is noon, Isuggest you have a meal and return at 1300 hours. You’re welcome tomake use of our mess hall.” Then he turned back to Sorsen. The two ofthem were deep in conversation as they walked back toward the curtainedcubicle.

“Would you like for me to bring you something to eat?” asked T’Riss. Daniel grimaced.

“I’mstill sort of woozy from that knock-out stuff the doctor gave me. Maybesome plomeek broth?” he asked. T’Riss raised a brow.

“You want plomeek broth,” she said flatly. Daniel shrugged.

“It’s what V’Lan… Stern’s mother… used to give me when I was sick. I got used to it. It makes me feel better,” he replied.

“Ah.” Her brow was still up. “Very well. I will bring you plomeek broth.”

&

T’Rissentered the mess hall intending to collect a portion of plomeek brothfor Daniel before returning directly to sickbay. Daniel was not atrustworthy patient. In her absence it was entirely possible that hewould decide to do something foolish, thereby reversing all of theDenobulan’s good work. As his prospective mate, she reasoned, it washer job to protect him from himself.

She watched other crewmembers as they retrieved their desired food, and then did as they did.With two portions of hot plomeek broth on her tray—it did smell quiteappealing—she turned to leave, only to see Commander Tucker andCommander T’Pol sitting together at a table across the room. She’dheard the rumors of their supposed relationship, all adamantly deniedby official Vulcan channels. She’d dismissed them as nothing but rumorafter meeting the rigidly professional Vulcan officer and theconfusingly casual Human engineer separately. They could never possiblybe a couple, she’d decided. They were too different in their behaviorpatterns, in their approach to living. No two such diametricallyopposite individuals could ever coexist as a mated couple. But then shesaw them together off duty, and her assumptions were proven false byone touch of their fingers across the padd on the table before them, acasual touch to a Human, perhaps, but never to a Vulcan. The ideaoccurred to her then that perhaps Commander T’Pol might have theknowledge she sought.

Tucker rose from the table and beganwalking directly toward her. With a smile on his face he replied to hersober nod of greeting--not with a greeting of his own but with anobscure statement.

“Go on, now. Don’t chicken out. You know youneed to talk to her.” T’Riss felt her face grow warm as she stared atthe Human. Did the man read minds?

“You’d better hop to it. She’sonly got fifteen minutes left of her lunch break. I’ve got her allready for ya,” he said cheerily, and shouldered past her where shestood obstructing traffic at the end of the lunch line. She heard himchuckling as he walked out of the mess hall. Her eyes cut to CommanderT’Pol, and realized to her dismay that the acting captain of the Enterprisewas looking directly at her across the crowded room as if she expectedT’Riss to join her. What had the Human said? Something about gettingCommander T’Pol “ready”? T’Riss’s feet began moving before she’d madethe conscious decision that to leave the mess hall now with someoneawaiting her would be impolite.

Upon arriving at the table,T’Riss, accustomed to remaining standing in the presence of superiorofficers until asked to be seated but unsure of protocol on a Humanship, remained standing in silence, holding her tray while thecommander eyed her.

“Commander Tucker informs me that you wish tospeak with me, Crewman.” T’Riss nodded formally. T’Pol raised a brow.“Please be seated,” she said.

T’Riss did so, and noting thatCommander T’Pol had no food before her, said, “Would you care for someplomeek broth, Commander?” Just as Vulcan custom dictated the offer bemade, so custom required that it be accepted. T’Pol’s other brow wentup as she took a bowl from the tray.

“You have been talking with Commander Tucker, haven’t you?” commented T’Pol

AsT’Pol had just seen the Human engineer stop and speak to her beforeexiting the mess hall, T’Riss didn’t consider a response necessary, sofor want of a better thing to do, she took up a spoon and tasted theplomeek broth. It was surprisingly good.

“This broth has an unusual flavor…”

“Cayennepepper,” replied T’Pol, lifting her own spoon. “It complements thetraditional spices very well…a suggestion I presented to the chef afterdoing some research of my own regarding the blending of Vulcan andHuman elements…in cooking.”

“I see,” said T’Riss carefully. Shetook another bite, as did T’Pol. “And did your research result in anyother fortuitous combinations?”

“It is ongoing. I have discoveredthat Humans and Vulcans complement each other in many very unexpectedways,” said T’Pol in an eminently satisfied tone of voice.

“I, too, have noticed this phenomenon while serving on Lerteiran,” replied T’Riss.

“Yes. I understand that you have a Human serving with you, a Mister Johansen…David is it?” T’Pol inquired politely.

“Daniel.His name is Daniel.” Even T’Riss herself noticed how possessively she’dsaid the man’s name. T’Pol just took another bite of plomeek broth.

“Andso, during your research, have you discovered any way to…expedite theprocess of blending, to…facilitate a more stable combination ofelements?” T’Riss asked delicately. T’Pol raised a brow and consideredthe question for several seconds before answering.

“I havediscovered that it is best to allow the elements to remain physicallyseparate until they are ready to be permanently blended in order toretain their full flavors. Attempting to combine them too soon cancause difficulties…”

“How can I be certain that a combination will be successful unless I try it?” interjected T’Riss.

“Youcannot,” replied T’Pol regretfully. “That is the main source ofdifficulty. Theoretically, one could research the nature of eachelement, learn as much as possible about it, and formulate a theoryregarding the probable success of such a blending.”

“And when it is time for the elements to blend?” asked T’Riss.

“Onemust be certain that a permanent blend is desired, for once blended,the elements cannot be separated without destroying them.”

CommanderT’Pol’s words struck fear into T’Riss. She took her last bite ofplomeek broth, and then sat staring into the empty bowl for severalseconds, attempting to regain control.

“T’Riss?” The commander’s voice was unexpectedly gentle. T’Riss looked up.

“Itis time to speak plainly.” T’Pol said. “Your fear is understandable,but I am not the one you must confide in. Go to him. Talk to him. Becompletely honest with him. And if he is the one you want, let nothingkeep you from him.” She pushed back from the table and stood. “Our timeis up, but you may contact me if you ever need my help. Live long andprosper.” The last was delivered in almost Human fashion, without handgesture or rigid formality, but with a near smile on her lips. T’Risswas still sitting at the table with two empty bowls in front of herwhen T’Pol left the mess hall.

I must be honest with him…but Imust not mate with him until I am certain that we are compatible. Willhe stay with me under those restrictions? Will he not wish to besexually satisfied while waiting? Will I frighten him away if I tellhim that it may not be possible for us to separate if he changes hismind?

The sheer complexity of what she was attemptingoverwhelmed her, and she fought an impulse to rest her face in herhands in despair. She reviewed the Disciplines, casting out fear forseveral moments before rising to get a fresh bowl of plomeek broth forDaniel.

&

“You don’t have to keep doingthis, you know,” sighed Daniel. “Go eat something. I’m fine now thatthe pain pill’s kicked in.” His body felt like a limp dishrag, andT’Riss’s hands were wringing him out. The sensation should have beenpainful, and it had been when she’d started, but now that the knotswere gone it just felt unbelievably good.

“The pain medicationprovides only temporary improvement, and your surgery only repaired thebone. Doctor Phlox said that the muscles and tendons will requireseveral weeks to heal, and that the spasms will return without carefulattention,” replied T’Riss. “Sehlra agrees, and she is in command nowthat Jenrali is on his rest period. She has relieved me of my duties sothat I may…”

"Sehlra says a lot of things,” interrupted Danielblurrily. “I’d take ‘em with a grain of salt these days, if I were you.She’s gone all soft since she started mooning over that boy toy ofhers. If you ask me, all this matchmaking of hers is just frustratedlust.”

"And so you believe that she will lose interest in pushingus together once she and Damin are reunited?” asked T’Riss. He bit backa groan when she leaned into his sacrum with all of her weight.

"Unh…prob’ly not, actually,” Daniel admitted. “There’s nothin’ like gettin’laid to make a woman all mushy and sentimental. If she gives in andgoes for it, things’ll prob’ly just get worse.” Worse? What am I saying? “Ummm…notthat this is bad, mind ya. This is pretty darn far from bad, actually.I’m glad Sehlra told you to… I mean, I’m glad you decided to…”

"I am doing this of my own free will,” replied T’Riss sharply.

Uh-oh. “Sure. I know that,” he replied hastily. “And I’m grateful, believe me.”

"Yourgratitude is not required. I am concerned about your ability tofunction, and I am doing what I can to keep you healthy,” she answered.

"Because it’s your job as my potential mate?” he hazarded, feeling reckless.

"Yes.Would not a Human betrothed do the same?” she replied. Her hot handsbegan kneading the meat of his buttocks through the thin cotton of hisboxers with impersonal vigor. He cleared his throat.

"Ummm…well…yeah.I guess so,” he said in a strangled voice. “Except she’d probably sayit was because she loved me.” Her strokes became gentler, extendingdown to the backs of his thighs as she pondered his statement, and theroom suddenly felt about ten degrees warmer.

"This term ‘love’.What precisely does it mean? The Vulcan translations I have researchedall seem inadequate,” said T’Riss. Daniel chuckled.

“That’s because it’s really hard to define, especially in English,” he told her.

"Consideringthe amount of Human literature devoted to the subject, one would thinkthat a consensus could be reached,” T’Riss replied. Shifting herweight, she straddled his hips as he lay face down on the bed andreturned her attention to his mid back. Daniel tried his level best toignore the heat of her across the backs of his thighs, pressing againsthis hips, but it was no use. As long as she doesn’t expect me to turn over any time soon, I’m okay.

"Oh,there's a general definition,” Daniel told her, a touch breathlessly.“But it's...,” he paused to swallow and wet his lips. “inherentlylimited. English isn't a good language for describing emotions. It's apolyglot lingo that.... just... got cobbled together.... over thecenturies.... It works pretty well for things like war and trade, andit can get the job done well enough in technical matters, but it's notso good with Human feelings.” He stopped to catch his breath. “Forinstance, I looked something up once. There's more than seventydifferent ways in English to say kill. There's 'terminate', which means'to stop' all the way up to 'annihilate', which means 'to make intonothing'. In other words, to destroy something so completely that notrace remains.”

It didn't work. Daniel had hoped that a longwinded digression into something as dull as linguistics would help himget a handle on things. Unfortunately, while his brain and mouthprattled on with such foolishness, everything below the neck refused tobe distracted from more important matters.

"What you tell me isnot surprising for a race with a history as violent as your own,”T'Riss told him calmly. She leaned back and began stroking him slowlyin long sweeps from shoulder to buttocks and back again. Daniel felthis pulse start throbbing in his throat. He stifled a gasp.

"Yeah,”he swallowed hard. “but we only have one... word... love, todescribe... the feeling be... between mates, and... between parentsand... children... and between siblings... and between... battlecomrades and... pets and... any other tight... tight emotional...connection. One... word has to work.... for all of them.” He went limpand panted, as helpless as a newborn kitten.

T'Riss digested thisin silence for a while. Then she started rocking against him with eachfirm stroke on his back, pushing his hips into the mattress, and hecompletely lost track of the conversation.

"You are sweating andflushed. Are you well?” she asked, after several seconds during whichhe was literally incapable of speech. She moved off of him and croucheddown by the side of the bed. For the first time since they’d come tothe mutual acceptance of their attraction for one another Daniel mether eyes while he was fully aroused. The concern on her face wasblatant, belying the emotionless tone of their previous conversation.The pain pills had stripped him of his inhibitions, and he justcouldn’t help himself. He reached out with one hand around the back ofher neck, pulled her lips to his, and kissed her. She offered noresistance.

Her lips remained closed and dry, innocent. He teasedthem open with the tip of his tongue and deepened the kiss, reachingblindly with his other arm around her waist to pull her atop him as herolled to his back, ignoring his pain. He explored her mouth in aleisurely way for nearly a minute before coming up for air. In thefinal seconds, she began to respond to his kiss with hesitant caressesof her tongue on his lips. When he opened his eyes he found her staringdown at him wide-eyed, breathing just as heavily as he was. He smiledat her.

"You’d never been kissed before, had you?” Daniel asked.

"Itis not a Vulcan practice,” T’Riss whispered, her gaze fixed on hislips. She blinked, and then looked away. “And contact with the mouth isconsidered too intimate to indulge in with …”

Daniel pressed a finger to her lips to silence her, tipped her chin back toward him, and gave her another kissing lesson.

&

Aftera subjectively interminable time―but only seven minutes and forty-twoseconds by T’Riss’s inner clock―Daniel stopped his determined effort tocaress every millimeter of her skin from the neck up with his tongueand lay quietly beneath her with his arms wrapped around her waist.With her head resting on his chest, T’Riss could hear the franticbeating of his heart. Pulled fully against him, she could feel therigid outline of the only portion of his anatomy over which he seemedto have no voluntary control. He was, she decided, in perfect controlof his tongue.

“You okay?” He was breathless still.

Okay. Theterm was non-specific. Was feeling as if she were in the early stagesof infection by the Ponfarr microbe “okay”? She didn’t think so.

“I am well,” she replied, a bit shakily.

“Good,” he sighed, and wrapped his arms more tightly around her.

Severalseconds later, when she realized that his aroused state had not abatedin the least, T’Riss, reasoning that he was waiting for her toreciprocate, rolled to one side, reached a hand between them and placedher fingers in the proper position to complete the task at hand, justas she had been taught at Natolya’s. She put the memories of herlessons aside and focused on technique. It was perhaps a lessemotionally intimate activity than what they’d recently been engagingin, but it was the best alternative she could think of under thecircumstances. Instead of relaxing and allowing her to proceed as shehad expected, he froze as soon as she touched him.

“What’re you doing?” he asked in a wary voice.

“Youwill rest better if you attain release,” T’Riss replied, and proceededto stroke vigorously for all of two seconds before he groaned, pulledher hand away from his body, and then rolled on top of her, pinning herto the mattress. Panic welled within her as his mouth covered hershungrily and his pelvis thrust insistently against her, her newfoundequilibrium destroyed by his abrupt aggressiveness, and she shovedwithout thinking. The thud his body produced when it hit the wallopposite the bunk was much louder than the whimpering sounds he madeafter sliding to the deck. T’Riss gazed at him in horror for a second,and then launched herself out of bed and to her knees beside him,trying to offer assistance. He pushed her away and stayed curled in aball on the floor.

“What the hell was that!?” he gasped through clenched teeth. Tears of pain leaked from beneath his closed eyelids.

“Iam sorry. You took me by surprise,” replied T’Riss, noting his obviousanger. It puzzled her. What had he expected? He’d given her no warningat all.

She placed a conciliatory hand on his arm and spokesoftly in an attempt to calm him. “Please allow me to help you. Youhave injured yourself again.”

“No shit, Sherlock,” repliedDaniel, a caustic but obscure reference she didn’t recognize. Hegroaned and pushed himself to a sitting position against the bulkhead.

“CanI bring you medication? Perhaps something warm to drink if you insiston staying on the floor?” she suggested. He shook his head, looking ather like he’d never met her before.

“Why?” he protested, “Why did you do that?”

T’Risscocked her head at him, trying to comprehend his reaction. “I was notprepared. You knew this. It was you who made the decision that it wasnot yet time for us to mate when you declined my offer two nights ago.Why did you attempt it again without further discussion?” Daniel satlooking at her with his mouth open, his jaw working like a landed seacreature.

“But…you…” he stammered, “I thought…” T’Riss blinked athim, waiting for him to finish. He gave a frustrated exhalation andthen managed to get out a full sentence. “You started it!”

T’Risscocked her head in the opposite direction. “At no time this evening didI inform you of any intent to mate with you. Indeed, I was under theimpression that you were in agreement with waiting until I had bettercontrol of my…difficulties.” She cleared her throat. Admitting the fullextent of her terror to this man was not something she was capable ofdoing -at least not yet. Perhaps later it would be possible, oncethey’d gotten to know each other a little better.

“If grabbing meby the short hairs and pumping me like a well handle wasn’t ‘intent tomate with me’ then what the hell was it?” Daniel demanded.

“It was exactly what I said it was,” replied T’Riss. “You needed physical release. I was prepared to provide it.”

Danielrolled his eyes. “I’ve got two good hands, T’Riss. If all I wanted was‘physical release’, I wouldn’t need you,” he said. T’Riss felt her faceget warm. She knew of such practices, of course. There were few sexualmatters of which she did not have first-hand knowledge,. But amongVulcans self-abuse was considered a shameful lapse of logic andcontrol, something which a right-thinking person would never performunless forced to do so by the indignities of Ponfarr, when it wascommonly used as a temporizing measure to delay the plak-tau. Humanswere obviously much more cavalier about the practice. She cleared herthroat again.

“I assumed that you would prefer it if I…”

“No.I wouldn’t,” he interrupted. “I don’t need ‘servicing’. I need apartner. If you’re not ready yet, don’t start something you can’tfinish.” His tone was hostile, and T’Riss bristled. He obviously had noidea of the extent of the effort she was making to please him. It wasperhaps illogical to expect gratitude, but she expected at least anattempt on his part to comprehend her difficulty. Humiliation filledher. Apparently she was an unacceptable partner even for a member of aspecies notoriously willing to mate with anything.

“Very well,”she replied, and stood. With effort she maintained an icily calmexterior. She took a step to the bedside table, retrieved a dose ofpain medication from the bottle sitting on it, and poured Daniel aglass of water. Then she turned and handed them both to him. “Feel freeto call out if you require assistance. I will be in my cabin,” she toldhim, and made as dignified an exit as possible under the circumstances.

&

Danielstared after the maddening woman in disbelief. “What the hell wasTHAT?” he repeated vehemently and rhetorically to the closed door.Cursing under his breath, he then rolled over and managed to get hishands flat on the floor under himself. By carefully avoiding suddenmovement, he inched his way back to the bunk.

“Damn all women,”Daniel muttered bitterly. “If they’re not getting me pounded, they’repounding me themselves, or ripping my heart out and making me wish theywould just pound me instead. Better off sticking with whores. Pay themoney, get your rocks off, go on with your life.” He made it to theedge of the bunk and struggled to work both arms up onto the edge. “Shegrabbed me! Reached right out and grabbed me. What did sheTHINK I was going to do? Pretend we were discussing politics?” He shookhis head and dragged himself up across the bunk, groaning with effortand pain.

“Crazy woman. First she tries to make friends,” hegriped. “Then she kidnaps me. Then she feels all guilty and tries tomake friends again. THENshe tries to mate with me. Not becauseshe cares or anything, ya know. Just as a bribe to get me to marry herbecause she thinks nobody else will have her,” he continued, with angergrowing in his voice as he continued ranting quietly to himself.

Daniellet the irritation flood out the pain in his back, helping him squirminto a reasonably settled position on the bunk. “I told her I wouldn’tpush. So she makes a habit of literally jumping my bones every night and running her hands all over me. ALL OVER ME.I told her I wouldn’t do anything she didn’t want me to do. Then shedoes everything short of peeling naked and spreading herself on me likebutter on toast.” He stopped to pant in painful indignation.

“THEN what does she do but grab me by the torpedo? Where in the galaxy is that notconsideredan open invitation?” He groaned and settled back on the pillow cursingsilently to himself in frustration. To add injury to insult, he wasstill horny as a tomcat and too stubbornly angry to take care of ithimself.

“She’s insane,” he concluded. “She’s not just damaged.She’s actually nuts. Only a suicidal fool would hook up with her. I’mactually lucky I realized it now, before we got too attached to eachother,” he told himself firmly.

Daniel closed his eyes andsternly lectured himself. “You need to steer clear of T’Riss from nowon for anything not duty related.” Her face appeared and he firmlyshoved it aside. No. It didn’t matter how soft she was, or how good shetasted. Or how...

“Stop it,” he growled at himself. “She’s acertifiable lunatic. Do you really want to be on the receiving end whenshe snaps? You felt what happened tonight, and she wasn’t even mad. Yousaw what she did to Grigor-Tel when she got mad at him - and he was herbondmate! Voluntary or not, she was telepathically connected to him,but it didn’t stop her from killing him, did it?” he asked himselfrhetorically. “No, it did not,” he answered himself. “Sure, sheapologized for throwing you across the room just because you made thenatural and logicalconclusion based on her behavior. But that didn’t help the pain, did it Danny boy?”

Hereyes were dark wells of emotion, barely contained. Daniel knew, betterthan almost any other Human, about the deep fires that lay within theVulcan heart. They were blazing near the surface in T’Riss. They warmedher gaze and touched him in ways that ...

“STOP IT!”

His shout filled the small cabin. Daniel gritted his teeth. No way. No. Not again. .

“Not gonna happen this time, Danny boy. Not again. This time you’re gonna show some sense and back off before you get shafted.”

But she was so beautiful. And smart. And strong.

And dangerous as a pulse rifle on overload.

He moaned and rubbed his hands over his face. What the hell am I supposed to do?

End of Episode Nine