Forwarded by the ASC-VSO 
Posted: 4 Jan 2004 15:09:41 -0800  
In: alt.startrek.creative 
From: mystbbs@earthlink.net (myst123) 
 

Title:  Negotiating Peace
Author: myst123
E-mail:  mystbbs@earthlink.net
Series: ENT
Part: NEW, 1/1
Rating: PG (some language)
Codes: Tu/T, Sov, A, P, R, Ma, S action/adventure, humor
Archive: ASC and Trip/T'Polers only.
Summary: What happens when Trip gets stuck piloting Soval around
Website:  http://triptpolers.houseoftucker.com

Disclaimer: Characters, places, and various incidents belong to 
Paramount. 

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


Chapter One

      "I thought our role in that situation was finished," sighed Captain
Archer.

      "Jon, it was just a beginning.  The Vulcans and the Andorians have
too much history to right everything overnight.  Negotiations after a
century of distrust and hostilities will take time and patience.  I
hope you feel you can continue to contribute to the process,"
responded Admiral Forrest.  "This is our opportunity to show the
Vulcans we do have a place in space, that we can operate as well, if
not better, than they can in certain situations.  Now, Shran has asked
for you again, more, I believe, as a sounding board and a neutral
party than a negotiator.  He trusts you and believes you can read
Soval better than he can."

      "OK," Archer agreed, "but I wish they would learn to communicate
without me.  I want to explore, to see new worlds, not to get tied up
in a feud between these two.  You'd think with all that Vulcan logic
at his disposal that Soval could figure out how to talk to the
Andorians without offending them."

      Forrest laughed.  "That would indeed be an interesting development,
but tact is not a Vulcan strength, is it?"

      Archer joined in the laughter, signed off, and went to join Trip and
T'Pol for their evening meal.

      T'Pol was already seated when Archer entered the Captain's Mess, but
Trip hadn't arrived.  Wanting to wait to tell both his officers the
news at the same time, and to brainstorm strategies for working with
the Vulcans and the Andorians, Archer engaged T'Pol in small talk
about her day.  Things were going smoothly for the Subcommander, who
had learned to work with her human colleagues without angering them. 
Archer definitely wanted to discover what methods T'Pol had developed
for working with a more emotional species and how that could be
applied to the situation at hand.  Archer was pleased that his crew
had been able to accept the Subcommander as a member of the team, to
value her judgments and her advice.

      At last Trip arrived and dinner was served.  Trip, however, had not
had a good couple of days.  Many small incidents had slowed work down
in Engineering, causing delays in routine maintenance.  Trip, as
usual, had everything under control, but looked tired.  Asked how
things stood, he reported that he and his staff finally were caught up
on the work, and that he was looking forward to a hot meal.

      Archer outlined the information he received from Forrest about plans
to rejoin the talks on Andoria to settle the issues between the
embittered foes.  Archer saw that Trip looked skeptical about the
situation and T'Pol had put on her Vulcan front.

      "I know we didn't intend our mission to be about the politics between
Andoria and Vulcan, but if we are to join a larger interstellar
community, we need to learn to work with and bring together foes.  We
have an opportunity here we need to grasp, and I'd like the two of you
to help me," Archer stated.  Another quick look showed him the two
were willing to move forward, with reservations.  "Here is what I'd
like us to do now.  Somehow, T'Pol, you have come to accept and
appreciate humans – I'd like you to tell us how you did that, so that
perhaps we can apply some of your experiences to this situation
between two very different cultures.  And I'd like to know what your
reservations are about the process – where do you see the problems and
how do you think those problems can be addressed, and, one hopes,
neutralized."

      T'Pol and Trip exchanged glances, uncertain where to begin.  T'Pol
was hesitant to reveal that, by studying Commander Tucker closely, she
learned how to get him to do what she wanted without him realizing
what was happening.  Instead of demanding he do things her way, she
had determined that simple reasoning worked and peace reigned. 
Because Mr. Tucker had such influence over all members of the crew,
they trusted him when he agreed with T'Pol and her working
relationship with everyone improved dramatically.  Trip, for his part,
didn't want to let Archer know that T'Pol thought she was controlling
Trip by agreeing with his ideas and opinions, but that he was in fact
one step ahead of her.  Neither believed Archer would be thrilled to
find that peace between the two was based upon manipulation and
strategy.

      "Oh, you know," Trip muttered, "once there is mutual respect, things
kinda fall into place.  I'm not sure how our situation would transfer
to the Vulcan/Andorian conflict.  Best to think of something else."

      "Commander Tucker is correct, Captain," said T'Pol.  "For example,
Andorians are far more illogical than humans, and far too volatile. 
Humans may have their shortcomings, but Andorians are even more
uncivilized."

      Archer cringed as T'Pol managed to undo in two short sentences months
of subtle negotiations between the two senior officers.  Trip, tired
and out-of-sorts, acquired a martial light in his eyes, ready to take
on the arrogance of a Vulcan.  "Why?" thought Archer to himself, "why
did I decide to ask these two how to bring warring parties to the
table?"

      "Shortcomings?" demanded Trip.  "And to which ‘shortcomings' do your
refer?  And what the hell do you mean by ‘more uncivilized?'  Since
when do Vulcans epitomize civilized behavior?"

      T'Pol realized she had made a tactical error, but was uncertain what
she had done wrong.  Surely she had complimented humans as being more
rational and civilized than Andorians?

      "Commander Tucker, humans and Andorians are both more emotional than
Vulcans.  Perhaps I misspoke – excuse my error.  Andorians have a
history of hatred for Vulcans which will be difficult to manage. 
Humans and Vulcans are much more logical and controlled, and therefore
our situation does not easily translate to the situation Ambassador
Soval faces.

      "Cute, T'Pol," Trip thought.  "Way to save your sorry ass from
getting whipped."

      "Nice save, T'Pol," Archer thought.  

      "Well," Archer said aloud, "let's discuss strategies for bringing the
Andorians and Vulcans together."

*********

      T'Pol returned to her cabin with a headache.  Funny, before joining
Enterprise, she never had headaches.  Life in the Vulcan compound was
smooth and serene.  There were no unexpected traps which caught her
unawares.  Sometimes she felt herself on a high wire act, such as the
one she once observed in a traveling circus at a street fair in San
Francisco.  Perhaps, though, the headaches were due to her illness. 
Whatever the cause, T'Pol felt more exhausted after a dinner with Mr.
Tucker than a full day of work and problem solving.  She changed,
meditated, and went to bed.

**********

      "Trip, do you have to bait T'Pol the way you do?  Can't you just get
along?" Archer practically begged of his chief engineer.

      "T'Pol and I get along just fine," Trip responded, amazed that he,
HE, was being held accountable for her comments.  What was the captain
thinking?

      "The last thing we need is for communication and relations within the
crew to break down.  We need to be strong as a team, not to let minor
incidents derail us all."

      "Minor!  She all but called us uncivilized and illogical!  She can be
such a, such a, such a Vulcan!"

      Archer felt a headache coming on.

*********

      Morning brought Enterprise to within easy reach of Andoria.  Archer
had determined that, however Trip and T'Pol managed to make things
work between them, and therefore on Enterprise, their methods were not
going to work as a solution for the Vulcans and Andorians.   The
secret to their success lay in their non-verbal communications and
negotiations, which had more to do with them as individuals than as
representatives of human or Vulcan culture – that same recipe was not
going to work in the political arena.

      At breakfast with the two senior officers, Archer explained his plan.
 "Travis will take me down to the planet to meet with both parties.  I
hope to learn what exactly the problems of communication are, and then
to be able to find a way for the two to understand each other.  T'Pol,
you will be in charge while I am gone."

      Trip and T'Pol exchanged glances, perhaps more hostile than those
exchanged the previous evening, and agreed.  Trip returned to
Engineering, where all was working beautifully, making the previous
few days of frustration a dim memory.  T'Pol stationed herself on the
bridge, holding Enterprise in orbit.  She instructed Lieutenant Reed
to test all tactical systems and Ensign Hoshi to make sure the
universal translator was up-to-date on Vulcan and Andorian
terminology.  That done, she found she had nothing more to do than to
wait, and to ponder her relationship with Commander Tucker.

      What was it about Mr. Tucker which always caught her by surprise? 
She believed she had established logical means of predicting his
behavior, and then her methods were undermined.  She had learned that
he became cranky when tired or hungry, so never to engage him in
anything controversial under those circumstances.  Ah, he had been
both tired and hungry the previous evening and had taken undue
exception to her references about humans and their shortcomings.  In
future, she would make sure to never refer to human behavior in any
way when discussing the Andorians.  That way led to bewildering
conclusions on the part of Commander Tucker.  Satisfied she had
learned to manage this human once more, T'Pol relaxed and again
marveled at the comfort of the newly adjusted Captain's chair. 
Commander Tucker definitely had his uses.  Why the Captain persisted
in thinking the chair uncomfortable, T'Pol could not fathom.

      Trip banned T'Pol from his mind.  The engines were all that mattered.
 A condescending Vulcan he could do without.  She was relegated to the
fringes of his memory as he concentrated on the work at hand.

**********

      Archer and Travis arrived on Andoria to discover an unusual and
beautiful planet.  Oddly, there were no reds nor yellow.  The blue hue
of the Andorians was clearly a result of absorbing those two colors
and leaving the beautiful blue of their skin.  Blue also described the
Andorian character – dreary, low, slightly depressed.  Vulcans, with
their matter-of-fact logic suppressing their own volatile natures,
could not see how their approach to life challenged and frightened the
Andorians.  Andorians needed the shadows of life while Vulcans needed
full sunlight to exist.  Their two worlds could not be more different.

      Archer made his way towards the negotiating rooms, led by an Andorian
guide.  He found Shran and Soval, both obviously weary and frustrated.
 Soval, particularly, looked drained.  Asked when the last time he had
been out in the sun, such as it was on Andoria, Archer was displeased
to hear it had been days, if not over a week.  "Are these men idiots?"
Archer wondered.  "Don't they know how to take care of themselves?" he
judged, conveniently forgetting his own abysmal behavior on the
Kreetasan home world.

      "Ambassador Soval," Archer said, "I believe a break is in order.  I
recommend a trip to Enterprise, with perhaps a quick visit to Vulcan
to refresh you.  I'll have Commander Tucker take you in a shuttlepod. 
If this is agreeable to the Andorians, you should be back in a matter
of two or three days, and we can begin discussions again.  In the
meantime, I would love to see Andoria and learn as much about her
culture and topography as possible.  Is this agreeable to you both?"

      Both parties, unable to agree on anything by this time, allowed
Archer to make the decision for both.  Archer contacted T'Pol on
Enterprise, telling her to have Trip come pick up the Ambassador and
take him to the closest M class planet with lots of sun, even if that
meant going all the way to Vulcan.

********

      T'Pol wasn't pleased by the latest communication from Captain Archer.
 She could imagine nothing worse than Commander Tucker and Ambassador
Soval together in a shuttlepod for at least two days, and perhaps
more.  She tried to express her concerns to the Captain, but he didn't
seem to see a problem with his plan.  Enterprise could take Soval to
another planet, or a Vulcan ship could do it far more efficiently. 
But, no, Captain Archer wanted to make sure the Andorians realized
that this was truly a break for the Ambassador and had nothing to do
with politics.  Shran knew and trusted Trip, and would believe Trip
when told Soval was going to the destination identified and for the
reason stated.  T'Pol decided to meditate later to come to terms with
the plan presented.  She contacted Commander Tucker and gave him his
orders.  And she told him she would meet him in the shuttlebay for
last minute instructions, determined to prevent as many interpersonal
problems between the two men as possible.

**********

      Trip fired up the shuttlepod.  Behind him sat Ambassador Soval, as
arrogant and unpleasant as ever.  Trip wondered if the Ambassador
remembered meeting him more than 15 years before, when he was just a
kid tagging along behind Henry Archer.  Probably not.  Vulcans didn't
notice "inferior" species, did they?  And that T'Pol was a piece of
work.  Lecturing him about protocols for addressing the high and
mighty Vulcan by a lowly human of no worth.  Normally Trip could let
things go, but T'Pol's need to protect this
gods-gift-to-the-universe-Vulcan was really aggravating.  What was so
special about Soval, the bitter, old Vulcan?  "Nothing, that's what,
just nothing."

      "The nearest M class planet with lots of sunlight is less than a day
away," Trip informed his passenger.  No response.  "Damn Vulcan," Trip
thought.  He set the coordinates and left the protection of
Enterprise.

**********

      T'Pol had never prayed to an invisible god.  Vulcans didn't have a
faith in the unknown, but suddenly she wanted to believe that some
heavenly being could make sure both Soval and Commander Tucker were
safe – safe from each other and safe from the unknown.  She really
needed to up her meditation time.

********

      Trip scanned the M class planet below.  It was the first in a series
found in the Vulcan database.  He had little faith in the accuracy of
the Vulcan data, after more than a year trying to depend upon the
information contained within.  However, in this case, the planet
appeared to be all that had been documented – uninhabited, but with a
sun providing vitamin D which Archer had stated was necessary to
Vulcan physiology.  As all seemed quiet, Trip charted a course for the
planet's surface and headed towards it.

********

      Ambassador Soval felt odd.  He had not felt himself in days, but now
things were very surreal.  Was he really in a human shuttlepod heading
for some unknown destination?  And had T'Pol allowed this to happen? 
Who was this human guiding the vessel?  He seemed vaguely familiar,
but Soval couldn't place him.  Where was Archer?  Although Archer was
human, he did seem to be capable of logical thought.  Soval was less
sure of the motivations and capabilities of this human piloting the
shuttle.

***********

      The shuttle landed softly in a field. Trip checked the readings
provided and determined that all was well for now.  After his
experiences with the unexpected on other M class planets, he planned a
quick departure should the wind suddenly kick up or he had the urge to
kill the Ambassador.  However, Trip was uncertain the latter was any
indication of unnatural atmospheric occurrences.

      Glancing over his shoulder, Trip suddenly realized that the
Ambassador was looking very pale and tired.  Surprised to find Vulcans
could be vulnerable, he opened the hatch and stepped outside to read
the planets atmosphere.  All appeared to be normal – a bit warm for
Trip but not outside his comfort zone.  Climbing back into the
shuttle, he contacted Enterprise.

      "Commander Tucker, please report," T'Pol instructed.

      Gritting his teeth to stop himself from snapping at her, Trip
reported his coordinates and transmitted the planetary readings taken.
 T'Pol analyzed these and agreed that this planet was acceptable. 
Trip then turned to the Ambassador, and planned his next course of
action.

      "Ambassador Soval," Trip drawled, "Cap'n Archer informed me that you
need to be in the sun.  I'm goin' to set up camp.  In the meantime,
I'll get a chair out and set you up to catch some rays."

      Soval opened one eye and gazed at this puzzling human.  **Catch some
rays?**

      Trip marveled at how easy these Vulcan were to read.  T'Pol was the
embodiment of being Vulcan.  **They are all alike,** he thought to
himself, conveniently forgetting in his aggravation that T'Pol had
proved to be an individual by any standard.  He felt no curiosity why
he could read Soval as easily as he could.

      "You need sun," Trip told Soval.  "Let's get a chair set up for you
and get you comfortable."  Trip matched words to action and soon Soval
was basking in the rays of light from a sun on high.  The response of
Soval's skin and mood was instantaneous.  The warmth and the energy
were electric, sparking life back into the Vulcan.  Suddenly feeling
stronger, Soval opened his eyes and watched this human set up camp. 
The man was most efficient.

      "Who are you?" Soval asked.

      Trip was suddenly furious.  This pompous Vulcan, who had met him in
person at least once and had seen in various situations at least
half-a-dozen times had no clue who Trip was.  These Vulcans took the
cake.

      "Apparently, I'm no one.  I'm invisible," Trip said through gritted
teeth.  Puzzled, Soval tried to understand this communication.

      "You are no one?"

      "Apparently."

      Soval wasn't up to trying to decipher human ambiguity.  If this human
didn't want to communicate, that was fine.  Soval didn't care any
more.  He closed his eyes and raised his face to the sun, feeling the
warmth flood his body.

      Trip continued to make camp.  He set up two tents and installed
bedrolls into both.  He was concerned that the Ambassador wouldn't be
comfortable sleeping on the ground, so returned to the shuttle to find
a cot or an inflatable mattress to provide relief from the hard
ground.  Looking through the provisions provided, he saw that T'Pol
had included her favorite tea as well as an inflatable mattress. 
Taking the former as a sign that Soval, too, would find this beverage
soothing, Trip fired up the camp stove, poured water into a pan,
heated it, and made tea for his illustrious guest.  Once made, Trip
poured the tea into a mug and approached the Ambassador.

      "Here ya go, sir," Trip said.  Soval opened his eyes, saw the
proffered mug, took it and sipped the nectar within.  Sighing, he sat
back and thanked this human.  Trip then set about making up the
inflatable mattress into a bed.

      The comm. sounded as Trip was getting things organized.  He entered
the pod and responded to the hail.  It was T'Pol.

      "What do you want?" Trip growled at her, angry for no discernible
reason but not willing to admit as much.
      
      "How is Ambassador Soval?" T'Pol asked.  Trip looked out at the
Vulcan sleeping in the sun and decided the man needed to answer
questions on his own.  Taking the communicator to Soval, Trip nudged
him awake, handed him the device, and departed to take a refreshing
and much needed walk.

      Cautiously, T'Pol asked how things were progressing.  "Are you…all
right?" she asked Soval.

      "Certainly.  I'm fine," was the response given.

      "Has Commander Tucker been helpful?" T'Pol queried.

      "Ah!  Commander Tucker!  Yes, that is his name."  Soval was pleased
to have that insignificant mystery solved.

      "You didn't know what his name was?" T'Pol asked, with a decided edge
to her voice.

      "No, should I know him?"

      T'Pol gazed at the communication device linking her to Soval.  How
could Soval be so unaware of others?  T'Pol was upset, but managed to
absorb that irritation and to continue conversing without showing her
dismay and displeasure.

      "Commander Tucker is the Chief Engineer on Enterprise.  He has more
than proved his worth by developing warp 5 capability for humans with
no help from anyone.  He will take this ship and humans far beyond
warp five."  T'Pol could feel herself starting to breathe more heavily
as she sought to gain acceptance for Mr. Tucker.

      "T'Pol," Soval responded, "I'm well aware of the name Charles Tucker.
 He is definitely one the high command has in their sights – he is
very talented.  I didn't realize that this…volatile human I had seen
over the past few months and Mr. Tucker were the same person.  How can
a man with such gifts be so…undisciplined emotionally?"

      "Don't upset him.  Whatever he wants or suggests, please go along
with it.  I don't want him to feel anything less than completely
appreciated by you.  Is that clear?"

      Soval almost frowned his confusion.  T'Pol was most protective of
this human.  Yes, he's a brilliant engineer with much promise for
taking warp technology to a level neither humans nor Vulcans had yet
known, but was T'Pol really that interested in warp technology? 
Perhaps she was.  Soval felt the need to reconnect with T'Pol and her
interests.

      "Yes, I'll take care that he understand his place and know his
value."

      "Don't even think of saying such things to him!" T'Pol said in an
almost desperate tone.  These men were going to be the death of her. 
"Just let him know you know his name and that he is a nice man. 
Nothing more, nothing less.  He doesn't have an ego and doesn't need
it to be stroked.  He does need to know he isn't beneath Vulcan
notice."

      "Yes, T'Pol," Soval assured her.  "I'll try to do as you direct." 
**Clearly this human is much more complicated than appears on the
surface,** thought Soval.  **Best to follow T'Pol's advice.  Sounds
like she has learned to decipher human responses.  This experience
will come in most useful when dealing with humans in the future. 
Perhaps T'Pol remaining on the human ship will prove to be of great
benefit to Vulcans and not a slap in my face.**

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

      Trip finished setting up camp.  Soval was still sitting his chair,
the communicator turned off and discarded by his side.  Approaching
the Ambassador, Trip examined him for visual evidence of continued
distress.  However, Soval looked refreshed, less deathly than just a
few hours before.  Trip marveled at the healing nature of light.  No
wonder Andorians and Vulcans couldn't agree – they depended upon
totally different sources for rejuvenation.

      "Commander Tucker, I wish to express my appreciation for your
assistance," Soval said, opening his eyes and looking at Trip.

      Startled, Trip felt foolish for thinking the Ambassador didn't know
who he was.  Looking at the communicator, Trip responded, "So, did
T'Pol fill you in on my identity?"

      "Subcommander T'Pol did link your name with your person, but I knew
your name before.  Having never met you, I didn't connect your name
with your person."

      "Well, Mr. holier-than-thou Ambassador, you have met me before, and
because I know Vulcans have long memories I can only assume you mean
some disrespect by not recalling the event."  Trip, who never held
himself in high regard, was furious that this Vulcan couldn't remember
meeting him before.  Why this was so important was not explored by Mr.
Tucker.

*********

      Ambassador Soval felt a headache coming on.  The sun had restored him
immeasurably, but the human hysteria demonstrated by Commander Tucker
proved too overwhelming.  Soval needed a rest.  Fortunately, the
volatile human decided not to talk anymore, perhaps realizing how
unnecessary speech was in such circumstances.  However, as the silence
persisted, Soval was suddenly reminded of an unfamiliar phrase he had
encountered while researching human emotions – the "silent treatment."
 Uneasy that he had inadvertently upset Commander Tucker, and that
T'Pol would demand a full explanation for Mr. Tucker's displeasure,
Soval decided it expedient to discern the source of the silence. 
Perhaps Mr. Tucker was merely a quiet sort of man.  Soval found
himself praying to an unseen Overlord about the situation – a most
illogical action.

***********

      Trip was not pleased with this assignment, nor with this Vulcan. 
Talk about your insulting behavior!  He would have plenty to say to
T'Pol about Vulcans when he returned to Enterprise.  So rude.  So
superior.

      "Mr. Tucker," Soval said softly.  "Perhaps we can discuss the
Andorian situation, and you can provide me with the human perspective
on the problem."

      Trip immediately felt horrible.  He was so selfish, so self-centered.
 While he was feeling sorry for himself, the Ambassador had been
trying to think of ways to resolve the very threatening Andorian
situation.  Trip felt a fool.

      "Certainly, Ambassador, anything I can do to help," Trip responded
meekly.

      Soval was pleased to see that he managed to communicate with this
human, to make all well again.  He heaved an internal sigh of relief. 
T'Pol wouldn't scold him, and now he knew the identity of this most
puzzling human.  Soval only hoped this was the end of their
association.  This human was too difficult to comprehend – too
generous and too sensitive.  Soval thought, "Give me an Andorian any
day."

****************
  
Chapter Two

      "I realize humans have little or no experience negotiating with alien
species other than Vulcans," Ambassador Soval began.  "So I know your
ability to contribute to the conversation will be limited.  It would
have been preferable for T'Pol to have accompanied me to this planet,
for she has insights into the Andorian situation, both historically
and more recently.  However, regrettable though her absence is, I may
gain some insights by discussing the situation with you.  I assume, as
you are a subordinate of Captain Archer's, and he has agreed not to
take sides on this issue, anything I say here will remain between us. 
Should that not be the case, please let us stop now."

      **It's like a disease with these Vulcans,** Trip thought.  **Do they
ever listen to themselves and hear how pompous they sound?**  True,
his inter-species mediation skills were limited (except, perhaps, on
the personal level), but considering how badly the Vulcans were
botching their relationship with humans through so-called diplomacy,
Trip didn't rate the experiences of his companion very high either. 
At present, Trip decided not to take offence but to hear the
Ambassador out and to see if he could contribute to the discussion or
not.

      "I don't gossip and I don't repeat official business.  Tell me
something I think Cap'n Archer should know, I will tell him.  I'll let
you know before I do it, though.  If you're reassured I'm trustworthy,
then go ahead and tell me what you want me to know and how I can help.
 If not, I'm sure we both have better things to do."  Trip was pleased
with how civilized and reasonable his words sounded.

      **Now what is the problem with this human?** Soval pondered.  **How
could he take offence at my very generous words?  These humans have no
sense of perspective.**

      "Thank you, Commander Tucker.  Let me give you the general ideal
about the discussions I am holding with the Andorians and what
problems exist.  First of all, they demand we reveal all methods of
observation used by Vulcans to gather information on their society. 
They want Vulcans to retreat completely from Paan Makar and to
completely relinquish any claim to the planet.  These are the
immediate demands they are making to establish good faith, before
proceeding to more in-depth peace talks.  Of course we need assurances
that Paan Makar will not be used for military purposes, which the
Andorians are reluctant to give.  Plus we cannot reveal our
surveillance techniques, even assuming such techniques exist, and thus
compromise our security.  Those are the two initial items of
discussion."

      "Why don't you give them back their planet and don't put any
restrictions on its use?  Hell, you Vulcans barged in and took over
when it wasn't used for military purposes.  I'd say the Andorians have
good reason not to trust you."

      "This isn't helpful, Commander.  We can't sacrifice our security,
which we will be doing if the Andorians establish a military outpost
on the planet."

      "Why did the Andorians terra form it a hundred years ago?  I mean, it
wasn't originally their intention to use the colony for defensive
purposes."

      "They claim the Class D planets, once terra formed, create an
atmosphere much like Andoria, with similar vegetation and light."

      "Sounds reasonable, and sounds like you don't believe them.  Why
not?"

      "There are plenty of M-class planets for them in this sector.  For
example, this one is habitable.  Why not this one?"

      Trip gazed around at the beautiful landscape.  The sun was warm on
his face, and a light breeze was blowing.  His readings had picked up
sources of water, although no life forms were evident.

      "I don't know," he confessed.  "It seems fine to me.  What did the
Andorians say when you asked them?"

      "I didn't ask," Soval stated.  "It is clear they are not telling the
truth about their reasons for settling Paan Makar, and I don't care to
hear their justifications."

      Trip shook his head.  He didn't know why the Andorians made the
choices they did, but the Vulcan's refusal to even discuss it was
unbelievable.

      "Unbelievable!" Trip exclaimed.  "Don't you ever think of asking
questions and listening to answers before determining what the truth
is?  How do you know what they were doing?  For all you know, it was a
small religious sect wishing to establish their own community, in a
world similar to their own.  Maybe the group settling the planet
wasn't part of some big conspiracy but was looking for something they
needed for their own happiness and lifestyle."

      Soval was beginning to regret discussing anything with this human at
all.  Who could come up with such bizarre reasons for the Andorians'
actions?

      "Again, that is not logical.  When the Vulcans took the planet, the
Andorian government came to try to rescue the colonists and the
planet.  It was clearly an official outpost."

      "Excuse me?!  Maybe the Andorian government was willing to let this
group of people go find themselves, and was stunned when you attacked
them.  Of course they came to the aid of their citizens – you would
have done the same, I'm sure."

      "No.  Vulcans who live outside the accepted protocols of Vulcan
society are no longer part of our political or social system.  They
are outcasts, and must find their own ways and their own support."

      "I met an ‘outsider' Vulcan named Kov.  His daddy was sure ready to
have his son back in his life, even though Kov was a…‘Vulcan Without
Logic.'"

      Soval visibly tensed.  "V'tosh Ka'tur.  I know the family.  The
choice on the part of the father was a poor one.  He believes his son
is simply misguided and can re-enter Vulcan society."

      "Kov is a wonderful person!" Trip retorted.  "Have you ever met him? 
Talked with him?  Seen the pain he felt because he was estranged from
his father?"

      "You are basing decisions upon emotion, and not logic.  If this Kov
was in pain from being estranged from his father, he should not have
chosen the path he did."

      "Are you saying that if you had a son, you would cut him out of your
life if he did something you didn't like?"

      "We aren't talking about me.  In fact, how did we start talking about
this at all? We were discussing the situation between Andorians and
Vulcans.  If humans can't concentrate and focus their attention any
better than this, then there is little hope any of you can help with
this situation or ever build the skills necessary for interplanetary
alliances."

      "You mean you can't see the relationship between what we're
discussing and the reasons you are having problems with the Andorians?
 You can't see that you have judged them, decided for them what their
motivations are, and established a hundred year sentence on your
perception of the situation?  You never asked them what was going on,
did you?"

      "As I said, further discussion is pointless.  I need to meditate. 
Thank you, Commander, for your assistance."

      "Oh, you're more than welcome."  Trip turned away, then turned back. 
"You might think about asking questions and just maybe listening to
the answers before you decide what you know about a situation," was
his parting shot.

      Soval ignored Trip's response, stood, and looked about.  Trip,
sighing, went to the shuttlepod, found the meditation gear T'Pol had
packed, and thrust it into Soval's arms.

      "I'm going for another walk," Trip informed the older man.  "I'll
make dinner when I return.  Have fun."

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

      **So this is the high and mighty Soval T'Pol worships, huh?**  Trip
was stomping through the meadow, trying to work off some of his anger
at how narrow-minded Vulcans could be. "If he is her idea of some
perfect man, then the hell with her,"  he muttered aloud.  "And talk
about arrogant!  T'Pol can be so like him it's frightening – so
focused on the official line and forgetting that people are involved. 
Soval even gets that little questioning twitch in his eye as T'Pol
does when she wants to know what some human expression means.  Can't
they just ask?  What's the big deal?  I swear just knowing these two
Vulcans makes me want to…to…to…."  Trip wasn't sure what knowing these
two Vulcans made him want to do, but wringing of necks or knocking
heads together had a certain appeal.  Visions of a life without any
Vulcans danced through Trip's head and he continued his walk,
contemplating how enjoyable his existence would be should no more of
that species come his way.

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

      Soval tried to settle down to meditate, but found himself tense from
the discussion with Mr. Tucker.  If this man represented the type of
human around T'Pol all the time, then it was little wonder she had
grown overly emotional.  The Commander made even Archer and many other
humans Soval knew appear most rational and logical.  Soval suppressed
the uneasy feeling that this human was logical in his arguments. 
Instead, the Ambassador decided the points raised were evidence of a
disordered, undisciplined mind.

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

      Trip found the walk and fantasies of a Vulcan-free universe had
restored his good humor.  Really, when it came right down to it, Soval
and T'Pol deserved each other.  If she couldn't be bothered to try to
see humans…no human in particular, just humans in general…in as
positive a light as she saw the Ambassador, if she thought the light
shone out of some bitter old Vulcan, that was her funeral.  Trip? 
Well Trip was just fine with that.  He congratulated himself on coming
to this conclusion.  Life suddenly seemed very simple and
straightforward.  **I'll make a little dinner, turn in early, get a
good night's sleep and take him back to Andoria tomorrow, if he is
restored enough.  I better take his bio-readings again and transmit
them to T'Pol to have Phlox analyze.  Good thing T'Pol gave detailed
instructions about dinner so that Soval doesn't get any weaker than he
was.  And I hope she made sure I have a nice juicy steak and a beer -
none of that emergency rations garbage usually provided for shuttlepod
travel.**  With these plans and hopes now occupying him, Trip returned
to camp.

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

      "How did the day progress," T'Pol asked when Trip contacted her later
that evening.

      "Fine, fine," Trip responded, unwilling to give T'Pol any reason to
lecture him.  "Here are the bio-readings for the Ambassador.  He sat
in the sun for 6 hours, meditated, and has eaten the dinner provided. 
He took a short walk to stretch his legs and is sitting outside for a
bit before turning in."

      T'Pol transferred the bio-readings to Phlox and told the Doctor she
would have Commander Tucker await the results to ensure all was well
with Soval's health.

      "What did you and the Ambassador discuss?  Did you…talk to each
other?"

      "Oh, you know, this and that.  Nothing special.  Say, thanks for
including the steak and a beer.  I'm sure the bitter old Vulcan about
had a fit when I cooked and ate the meat, and heaven forbid anyone
should have alcohol, but that's his problem."

      T'Pol felt herself tense.  "Bitter old Vulcan?" she queried.  

      Trip hit the heel of his hand against his forehead in silent
self-reproach.  "Sorry, T'Pol, that just kind of slipped out.  You
know, it's kind of like my pet name for the Ambassador."

      "Pet name?  The Ambassador is not a pet, he is a admired member of
the Vulcan community and deserves your respect."

      "Yes, T'Pol.  I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you," Trip said in
soothing tones.  "I know you think the sun rises and sets with the
Ambassador, so I'll watch my tongue in future."

      "I would prefer that you cease to have such thoughts so that you
don't blurt them out inadvertently.  Can't you discipline yourself?"

      "Oh, now you want me to change my whole personality so that, in the
unlikely event I meet the bitter old....I mean, meet the Ambassador at
some point in the future I don't mess up?  How about asking him to
lighten up?  Go with the flow?"

      "I have no time to decipher your human slang.  I wish to speak with
the Ambassador.  By the time my conversation with him is concluded, I
should have the readings back from Phlox and can advise you about
tomorrow."

      "Yes, ma'am!" Trip said smartly, snapping to attention.  He climbed
out of the shuttlepod and walked over to Soval, sitting in the evening
gloom.  Trip didn't like the look Soval gave him as he handed the
older man the communicator. **Shit!  Did he hear my conversation with
T'Pol?  Damn that Vulcan hearing!**  Walking out of hearing range to
the edge of the camp, Trip waited for Soval to signal when his
conversation with T'Pol was concluded.

**********

      "Has something occurred to disturb Mr. Tucker?" T'Pol asked
Ambassador Soval.  "He seems agitated.  You are supposed to be getting
your health restored, not upsetting the Commander."

      "I did nothing to upset him.  He seems to lose his temper with very
little assistance from any outsider.  I heard him expressing himself
at an elevated tone just now speaking with you."

      "Did you hear what he said," T'Pol asked, feeling something like
anxiety as she did so.

      "That I'm bitter and old?  It was very easy to hear.  He was, as the
humans say, ‘yelling.'"

      "I'm sure Mr. Tucker considers those adjectives words of affection,"
T'Pol ventured to explain.

      "I am interested in neither the Commander nor his words of affection,
for me or for anyone.  As I had never met him before today and foresee
no reason for us to meet again, I find no need to discuss him at all. 
In case you are interested, I'm well and I had, for the most part, a
restorative day."   Soval neglected to tell T'Pol Mr. Tucker had made
an obscure reference to a prior meeting, which Soval could not recall.
 He decided T'Pol would want to know more details, which he was not
interested in pursuing.

      "Did you argue about something?"

      "I do not argue.  I presented him with the evidence about the
Andorian occupation of Paan Makar and he proceeded to use this as
evidence that Vulcan society is flawed for the way children may be
treated by their parents."

      "What?"

      "Precisely.  I do not know what the man was talking about.  He is
clearly disordered in his mind.  Perhaps he has spent too much time
working on warp engines."

      T'Pol was somewhat puzzled by what had happened between the two men,
but was wary of causing Soval any more discomfort than was necessary. 
She turned the conversation to his meditation, his sleeping
arrangements, and his plans for the next day should another day be
required.  Finally, ending the conversation, she asked to speak with
Commander Tucker once more.

      Trip, summoned by Soval to retrieve the communicator, returned to the
shuttlepod to talk with T'Pol.

      "Phlox has given the Ambassador a clean bill of health.  You may
return to Andoria in the morning, but the Doctor recommends you stop
by Enterprise so he can look over Soval one more time before he
returns to the planet."

      "I'm sorry about earlier, T'Pol."

      "I don't understand what is happening there.  You can normally
associate with all species of aliens with little conflict – why are
you arguing with the Ambassador when he isn't well?  I'll speak with
you tomorrow, Commander Tucker.  Please, refrain from causing the
Ambassador any more annoyances.  Good night."

      "T'Pol? Oh, well, good night," Trip said into the abruptly
disconnected communicator.

      Trip closed down the shuttlepod, and walked back towards Soval.  The
Vulcan watched him approach.

      "Ambassador, I'm sorry I was rude earlier, when I was talking with
T'Pol.  That's just the way I talk to her sometimes.  I don't mean
anything by it."

      Soval, recognizing that perhaps it would be best for all concerned if
this episode were resolved and forgotten, inclined his head in
acceptance of the apology.  "Thank you, Commander Tucker.  Perhaps we
both need to learn to listen and understand before we make
conclusions."

      "Yeah, maybe so.  Good night."

      "Good night."

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

Chapter Three

      The sun rose the next morning, bringing another beautiful day.  Trip
was sad to think his short time on this planet was drawing to a close.
 Even under these difficult circumstances he found the beauty and open
air refreshing.  Perhaps he had more in common with Soval that he
originally thought.  Both Vulcans and humans had need for sun to
regenerate.  The main difference was in the degree of sunshine
required.

      Today he would be returning Soval to Enterprise and then to Andoria. 
What would happen with the peace discussions?  It appeared to Trip
that Soval was no more willing to negotiate with the Andorians than
before the break insisted upon by Archer.  Soval's health had nothing
to do with his stance, but Vulcan mistrust had everything to do with
it.

      Trip did not allow himself to think about T'Pol.  There was nothing
to be done to assure her that he didn't mean to insult the ambassador.
 Trip decided to chalk the whole episode up to experience and move on.
 Both Soval and T'Pol were too inflexible to try to see things from
other perspectives.  Subconsciously, Trip shut down his emotions.

      **Coffee,** Trip thought, **just what the doctor ordered.**  He fired
up the camp stove, boiled water, and set about making his favorite
morning beverage.  Once finished, Trip relaxed and took in the crisp
morning scenery – the rocks were red and the vegetation green, the sky
an unbelievable cornflower blue.  It was as though every perfect earth
day were present at that moment.  Trip loved the early morning and
savored this one.

      Movement from the other tent distracted Trip from his meditations. 
Soval emerged from the tent, clothed in his customary Vulcan garb but
lacking the ornamental robe.  He still looked tired and, Trip was
surprised to note, faintly vulnerable.  Trip didn't like to admit that
Vulcans could be vulnerable.

      Soval stilled as he spotted Trip sitting in the chair, mug in hand. 

      "Would you like some coffee?" Trip asked.  "Or something else?"

      "Coffee is acceptable," Soval responded.  He had grown fond of the
beverage while living the in the Bay Area.  Odd, he thought, how the
smell of coffee brought a sense of comfort and peace.

      Trip set about preparing a cup for Soval, thinking to himself how
surreal the situation seemed.  So much tension and they were bonding
over *coffee*, of all things!

      "Did you decide what to do about the Andorians?" Trip inquired.

      Soval's eyes narrowed as he accepted the cup Trip offered.  "That
information is…"

      "…classified.  Of course," Trip finished for the Vulcan.  

      The two men exchanged a glance and withdrew into themselves.

      Soval sipped the brew and glanced about.  The day was satisfactory. 
As much as Soval loved — no, *accepted* — his assignment in San
Francisco, the morning fog could be depressing and the summers very
cold.  Although this unknown planet was lush rather than arid, the sun
reminded Soval of Vulcan mornings, with the crisp air and intense
colors.  His mind wandered back to a time when he was content with his
life, with his wife, with his family.  Those days were gone, long ago,
and Soval found the lack of them… not tolerable.

      Trip picked up his coffee cup and walked through the meadow, his
shoes knocking the morning dew from the grass, leaving a dark green
trail where he had tread.  He tried to empty his mind of recent
events, but guilt over his behavior made this difficult.  He didn't
like Soval, but T'Pol did and that should be respected.  Instead he
had put her in an uncomfortable position.

      **Humans,** Soval pondered, **I've worked with them for many years,
yet they remain a puzzle to me.  They are a simple race, yet
unpredictable.  One would think all humans are alike, but this
one…Commander Tucker?...isn't like any I have met before.  T'Pol seems
to have broken the human code.  She can communicate with them,
understand them, explain them.  This human, wandering about aimlessly,
is one she converses with daily.  Once she and I conversed, but lately
all our conversations have been business.  She has more in common with
this human than with me.**

      Soval did not see himself as indulging in a fit of Vulcan self-pity; 
he would characterize it, as "analyzing and classifying Subcommander
T'Pol's interactions with human Starfleet personnel."

      Soval examined the man standing quietly in the midst of the summer
dew, remembering earlier encounters he couldn't recall the day before.
 This human tried to convince the higher authorities at Starfleet and
the Vulcan High Command that human warp drive was reliable.  The
passion and excitement with which the man spoke was so intense Soval
had acquired a headache.  Was it not possible for the man simply to
state his case without dramatic exclamations punctuating each
sentence?  Didn't this human know that Vulcans dismiss overly
emotional statements as flawed?  Only those presented in  cold logic
were to be considered.

      Trip was pondering the same scenes, the times he had tried to
convince the big brass that Henry's warp drive was sound.  But his
impassioned speeches had fallen on deaf ears.  It was odd that the
same arguments with T'Pol, full of the same intensity he used in early
encounters with Vulcans, fell on willing ears with her. T'Pol *did*
listen to him, he suddenly realized.  She may not agree with him, but
for some reason she trusted his judgment.  Trip turned his analytical
mind to the situations when T'Pol was willing to give him the benefit
of the doubt.  When the argument turned to loyalty, she was able to
get beyond her Vulcan blinders and respond to the situation rather
than to the protocol.  **Did T'Pol have a sense of loyalty to someone?
 Was loyalty the key?**

      Soval reviewed the conversations from the day before in his mind.  He
did not agree with the human, but perhaps it would have been
worthwhile to ask the Androrians what their plans were for the planet.
 Although logic dictated what the reasons for the settlements were,
the Andorians *were* as undisciplined as the humans... perhaps they
had a motive not discernible to the rational mind.

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

      While Trip pondered loyalty and Soval pondered logic, T'Pol pondered
what to do about two stubborn men who caused her anguish, yet proved
so necessary to her existence.

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

Chapter Four

      Trip returned to camp and started packing.  Soval began to help, but
desisted when Trip motioned him away.  With practiced efficiency, Trip
assembled the gear and stored it in the shuttle pod.  Soval stood by,
watching but unable to participate.  Soval hadn't packed or unpacked
an overnight bag in over 60 years, let alone disband a campsite with
such ease.

      Once the kit was stored in the pod, Trip reluctantly reached for the
communication device to make contact with Enterprise.  All too soon he
heard T'Pol at the other end of the connection.

      "I expected to hear from you earlier than this, Commander."

      "Well, T'Pol, we had some coffee and enjoyed the morning.  You know
how it goes."

      "No, I don't know how it goes.  Please explain."

      "You get up, boil some water…."

      "I have no need for your twisted sense of humor, Commander Tucker. 
Please inform me how Ambassador Soval fairs this morning."

      Trip handed Soval the communicator.  Soval was surprised at the tone
T'Pol had taken with Commander Tucker.  Had this human done something
to cause a Vulcan to question his motives?  Suddenly, Soval felt much
stronger.

      "Subcommander T'Pol.  We are prepared to leave this planet and return
to Enterprise and from there to the Andorian negotiations.  Please
update me on any developments which may have occurred during my
seclusion on this planet."

      "Are you well?"

      "My health is satisfactory.  About the Andorians…."

      "You sound in better health.  Was your sleep restorative?"

      "My sleep was adequate.  The Andorian situation requires…."

      "'Adequate?'  What occurred?  Why was it not satisfactory?  Or at
least sufficient?"

      "It was all those, Subcommander.  The Andorians…."

      "'All those?'  What has occurred?  Are you injured.  Commander
Tucker, report!"

      Trip was amused by all this Vulcan melodrama.  **Jeez!  Soval slept. 
T'Pol, get a grip!  No need for the third degree!**

      "Yes, Subcommander.  How can I help you?"

      T'Pol, thinking of Soval, did not note Trip's humor.  "Please, how is
Ambassador Soval?"

      "As cranky and ornery as ever.  In other words, he's fine."

      T'Pol felt a tightness leave her chest.

      "Please proceed back to Enterprise."

      "Subcommander…," Soval intoned in his familiar, intimidating tones…

      "Do not interrupt me, Ambassador.  Commander, please proceed with
your departure.  Ambassador Soval, we can discuss the Andorian
situation once you have been examined by Dr. Phlox."

      Trip was enjoying himself.  T'Pol apparently had the bitter old
Vulcan wrapped.  The other man's mouth was still silently forming
useless words when T'Pol signed off.

      Soval drew himself up to his full height, looked down his patrician
nose at Trip, and turned towards the shuttle.  Trip followed, giving
the Ambassador a helping hand into the ship, following him inside, and
prepared the vehicle for flight.  Once all was readied, they headed
back to Enterprise.

******

      T'Pol signed off from her connection with Commander Tucker and the
Ambassador.  Apparently the two men had survived each other's company,
but she would find everything more satisfactory when both were aboard
and under her control…or rather in a suitable environment for
evaluating their responses.

      T'Pol seated herself at the science station, automatically adjusting
the sensors to monitor the surrounding space.  Her mind wandered in a
most un-Vulcan-like fashion back over her time with this crew. 
Commander Tucker had challenged her from the first moment she met him.
 His words were about…what was it?...oh yes, he said he had taken a
shower.  T'Pol suppressed her responses to the images that statement
conjured up.  However, in that moment, Mr. Tucker had conveyed his
amusement about her as both a Vulcan and a woman.  He had let her know
he was aware he repulsed her, and yet he didn't let that stop him from
pursuing a relationship on his own terms -- he had introduced himself
in the quintessential human fashion, by extending a hand of friendship
and providing that absurd nickname.  The combination of the slightly
mocking humor and his openness had deprived her of the ability to
respond diplomatically -- she turned her back on him.  However, during
those initial encounters, he would not accept her rejection.  He
forced her to see the value and consistency of loyalty.  Really, T'Pol
reflected, human loyalty to each other is no less rational than Vulcan
adherence to logic.

      From the first moment she met him, T'Pol hadn't known how to respond
to Commander Tucker because he fit no known archetype.  Most human
males were simple to understand and categorize.  For some reason, her
outward appearance appealed to them.  Both Captain Archer and
Lieutenant Reed made it clear they found her appearance acceptable. 
But Commander Tucker rarely saw her as anything other than a Vulcan --
a Vulcan he classified and compartmentalized as untrustworthy.  In
this sense, he out-Vulcaned most Vulcans.  She watched as his
friendship with Lieutenant Reed flourished, yet she, although he
teased her and laughed at her, found her not worthy of his attention.

      His humor piqued her interest the most.  He used it as a way to both
distance her and draw her in.  He constantly referred to her age,
which on the surface showed interest yet also mocked the longevity of
Vulcans as almost…vulgar.  He made her feel that, by revealing her
true age, he would relegate her to beneath his notice.  She was
perturbed by the idea, but she wanted him to find her desirable, so
she kept from him her age.  In truth, she knew he was aware of her age
and it had no bearing on their interactions, but she was reluctant to
tell him outright that she was over 30 years older than he in fear he
would reject her.  Her experiences with human males caused her to keep
from the dissemination of too much information which could distort
Commander Tucker's view of her.

      Her thoughts turned to Soval, another complex man.  Soval, who was as
reverential about logic as a Vulcan could be about anything.  Yet he
chose to live among humans.  Perhaps Soval was simply so arrogant he
believed he could remained untouched by humans, after decades of
acting as liaison.  T'Pol noted, however, that recently, he had become
somewhat illogical about humans in space, had become almost angry when
she pointed out the flaws of Vulcan logic in certain circumstances. 
And Soval himself had started to use humor to discuss situations.  He
wanted to be logical, but he too found humor a means for relieving
stress and exploring conflict.

      T'Pol brought herself back to the present.  She glanced at the time
piece, then focused intently on it again.  Where was the shuttle pod? 
It was long past the time the vessel should have returned.  Where were
Commander Tucker and Ambassador Soval?  T'Pol felt suddenly very cold.


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

Chapter Five

      "Ensign Sato, please contact Commander Tucker," T'Pol ordered.

      Hoshi, who had been monitoring news communications on Andoria,
quickly laid in the frequency for the shuttlepod.

      Frowning, she looked at T'Pol and said, "No response."

      "Keep trying."

      "Subcommander, I've tried every frequency I can.  There is no
response," Hoshi reported a few minutes later.

      "Contact Captain Archer."

      In moments, Archer responded to the hail.  T'Pol calmly advised him
he had a private communication from Earth and she would need to
transmit it over a secure signal.  Archer assured her he was alone and
switched to the secure line.

      "Commander Tucker and Ambassador Soval have not returned, and are not
responding to our hails.  They are an hour overdue.

      Archer froze.  "What do you think happened?"

      "I don't know, but all was well when they left the planet."

      Swearing under his breath, Archer quickly reviewed the options.  The
negotiations were too fragile for any problem to occur.  If he
returned to Enterprise, he would be asked why.  He didn't want to
raise concerns until he knew what had happened, but he was reluctant
to wait for action in case the shuttlepod had met with an accident.

      "T'Pol, I can't risk upsetting the negotiations at this point.  Use
the homing device and try to find them.  Let's hope Trip has the
communicator on him.  I've lectured him often enough – maybe he
listened to me for a change."

      "Understood."

      "If you have to, take Enterprise, but only as a last resort and very
discreetly.  Otherwise, use the remaining shuttlepod, but find them,
and find them now.  Keep me informed about the status of the situation
hourly on this channel."

      "Yes, Captain."

      "I hate this, T'Pol.  I want to be there."

      "I know you do, and we will find them."

      Signing off, T'Pol called Lieutenant Reed and Ensign Sato to the
ship's analysis alcove.  "Lieutenant, we must activate the homing
device."

      After the loss of the communicator on the pre-warp planet and Trip's
crash landing caused by the encounter with the Arkonian Zho'Kaan.,
Archer assigned Trip, Malcolm, T'Pol and Hoshi to a project:  find a
means of locating lost objects or, more importantly!, lost crewman and
make it a priority.  "It has to be the backdoor we need when the house
has caved in and is covered with rubble," Archer told the team. 
"Think avalanche tracking devices, but which work in deep space under
adverse conditions.  Even if, as happened on P'Jem, the communicator
is destroyed, it has to work.  But it can't advertise it exists – it
must do its job silently."  Archer doesn't ask much of his crew, does
he?  But he does know what he needs to keep the crew safe and can do
no more than tell them what they need to invent to accomplish that
sacred goal.

      Although great strides had been made towards creating the homing
devise, it was still under development.  T'Pol, Hoshi and Malcolm were
all unhappy that the first major test was so vitally important.  The
mechanism could not fail.

      Malcolm activated the homing signal, then Hoshi began a slow scan of
the space between Andoria and the planet when Trip and Soval had
stayed.  All brows were knitted with intense concentration.  Nothing. 
Hoshi zeroed in on the communicator.  Archer had established protocols
that a communicator was to be on the person away from the ship at all
times.  If the communicator were still with Trip, they should be able
to find him.  A blip appeared on the radar screen.  Three pairs of
eyes focused on the panel, then rose and met across the analysis
table.  The signal was coming from the surface of Andoria.

****

      Trip felt like all his hangovers had come home to roost.  Nausea
choked him.  He cracked open his eyes and absorbed the unfamiliar
ceiling above.  Cautiously, he turned his head.  The room was little
more than a shack made of corrugated metal.  He was lying on a dirt
floor.  Light seeped in between the gaps of the siding.

      Once he felt the nausea recede, Trip sat up.  The room was empty
except for some rags in the corner.  Upon closer inspection, the rags
proved to be Ambassador Soval.  Trip was at the older man's side in a
moment, hoping he had retained the instructions on Vulcan vital signs
Phlox had provided.  "Goddam Vulcans," Trip muttered to himself. 
"Can't have physiology like earthlings – no, we must be different, we
must be unique."

      Deep breaths and lots of cursing allowed Trip to calm down and focus.
 Soval wasn't conscious, but his vital signs were stable.  Trip slowly
massaged Soval's chest, willing the man to regain consciousness. 
Having never dealt with an injured Vulcan, Trip improvised.  All bones
were intact, nothing misaligned.  Soval was simply out of it.
Soval's eyes opened and met Trip's.  No vagueness clouded the brown
eyes – the Ambassador was instantly aware of his situation and his
surroundings.  Trip really disliked these super-human Vulcans.  A
fleeting desire to see a drunk Soval trying to spring to life the
morning after an evening's carousing flitted through Trip's mind, but
he managed to suppress further exploration of such thoughts.

      "Morning, Ambassador."

      "Is it morning?  Where are we?"

      Trip's gaze wandered around the space, taking in the limited data his
senses provided.

      "By the quality of the light, I'd say we are on Andoria or an
Androain world.  The light is very blue."

      He grasped Soval's hands and pulled the other man into a sitting
position.  Soval extended his arms and Trip, sliding his hands around
his torso, pulled Soval into a standing position.

      "What happened?  The last thing I remember is leaving orbit."

      "My recollections are similar.  I do not recall more detail about
subsequent events."

      "Must have been hit with some sort of stun device.  Put us both under
quick."

      "Yes, but do the Andorians have such technology?  We have not
detected it."

      The two men looked at each other.  Trip asked it first.  "Who has the
technology, if the Andorians don't?"

      "I do not know."

      "Great.  Just great.  I don't think what has happened here is the
result of the mainstream Andorian society.  We're talking rebels who
want to quash the peace talks and who have found an unknown ally to
help."

      "My thoughts concur.  Rebel forces have found an accomplice."

      Trip wasn't too optimistic about the outcome of the situation in
which he now found himself.

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

Chapter Six

      Trip and Soval examined themselves and then the prison.  Weapons and
communication devices had been taken from them.  The shack, although
not well constructed, withstood assaults by both men.  They tried
peering between the gaps in the metal wall, but with no luck.

      "Well, so much for brute force.  What's next on the agenda?"

      The men sat with their backs against the wall, catching their breaths
after their exertions.  Soval was still slightly fragile, worrying
Trip with his lack of energy, his eyes closed and head tipped back as
he rested.  Moments passed.

      "Can Enterprise track our path from the planet to locate us?"

      "If any part of the shuttle or my communicator made it here, then
yes, there is a chance.  Trip explained about the homing prototype.

      "If humans didn't foolishly take unnecessary risks, or were more
responsible with their equipment, such inventions would be
unnecessary.  The need for this device is proof humans are too
immature for space travel."

      Trip's eyes narrowed and he nearly snapped at Soval when he noticed
the look in the older man's eyes and the tilt to his head.  He looked
almost like T'Pol when she was needling him about being too human. 
Could it be the bitter old Vulcan was teasing?  At a time like this? 
Deciding to play it cool, Trip refrained from his initial angry
response.

      "Foolish invention or not, it may be our strongest hope.  T'Pol may
be very good at finding me when I get separated from the ship, but the
device might speed things up a bit."

      "Do you frequently ‘get separated' from Enterprise?  And T'Pol has
experience tracking you down?"

      "Well, I wouldn't say ‘frequently,' but is has happened once or
twice."

      "Please translate ‘once or twice' into actual figures, Commander."

      "We are wandering from the subject," Trip pointed out, attempting to
steer the conversation back to practical means of escape and away from
a tally of his busted missions.  "Why don't you put those pretty
little ears of yours to work and see if you can hear anything of value
to us."

      "Someone is unlocking the door.  Is that the type of useful
information my ‘pretty little ears' can provide?"

****

      T'Pol, Malcolm and Hoshi could not locate the bio-signs of either
man, but all evidence pointed to the fact that the communicator was on
the planet, and perhaps Trip and the Ambassador as well.  The second
shuttlepod was readied for a rescue.  Malcolm selected two of his most
experience security officers for the mission while T'Pol and Hoshi
analyzed the structures located in the vicinity of the beacon.  The
area appeared to be industrial, with no residential dwellings nearby. 
Neither could detect anything unusual.  It appeared only a visit would
reveal its secrets, if any.

      Archer, upon hearing the details, decided not to involve the
Andorians or the Vulcans until T'Pol could verify the men were indeed
on the planet and being held against their wills.  He worried that the
Andorians would take offense if it were suggested Trip and Soval had
been kidnapped by a segment of their people.  The Vulcans, always
suspicious of Andorians and incapable of believing that individuals
within a community could act outside the strictures of society, would
hold the whole race responsible if anything happened to their
Ambassador.  T'Pol agreed with Archer that, although it would be risky
to work alone, the prejudices of the two species could be set back too
far for the current negotiations to go forward.

      It was decided Malcolm and T'Pol, with the two from the security
team, would go to the planet, with Rostov piloting.  Hoshi would
monitor communications from the ship, in hopes of intercepting
anything of value, and would track closely the homing devices on the
rescuers.  A group of Trip's engineers stood ready in the transporter
room in case a quick rescue using the technology were possible.

      The shuttlepod headed towards the industrial park on Andoria.

****

      Three armed Andorians entered the shack.  One pointed his weapon at
Soval and gestured towards the door.  "You, come with us."

      Soval started forward when Trip stepped in front of him.  

      "Umm, where are you going."

      "None of your concern, pink skin.  Now get out of the way."

      "I'll come, too, if you don't mind."

      The Andorians looked at each other.  Stepping forward, another of the
three struck Trip in the stomach with the blunt end of a gun.  Trip
fell to his knees.

      "Oowww, that hurt," he gasped.

      Again the Andorians gestured Soval towards the door and again Trip,
who staggered to his feet, stepped in front of the Vulcan.

      "Fellas, you gotta give me a break here.  I can't let the Ambassador
go anywhere without me."

      "It is as we thought.  The pink skins are collaborators with the
Vulcans.  Out of the way or I will kill you!"

      "I'm no more fond of the Vulcans than you are, but one of my
colleagues has affection for this particular one.  If anything happens
to him, and I didn't stop it, she will hunt me down.  My life will be
spent looking over my shoulder in anticipation of her displeasure. 
Frankly, I'm more frightened of her than of you, so I'm coming along."

      The Andorians had clearly never met someone like Trip before, and
didn't know what to do.  They decided to take the pink skin along and
let their superiors deal with him.  The group left the shack and
headed towards a deserted building across a neglected field.

****

      "Subcommander, the bio-signs of the Commander and Soval have just
emerged.  They must have been in some sort of dampening field which
masked them.  There are three others with them."

      "Any chance the transporter can be used to pull them out of there?"

      Hoshi transmitted the coordinates to the transporter room.

      "They can get one, but not two.  We would have to leave Commander
Tucker behind until Ambassador Soval is transported."

      T'Pol and Malcolm exchanged a look.  It was vital to get the
Ambassador to safety, but the two were unwilling to put their
colleague's life at risk."

      "Have them stand ready to transport the Ambassador on my command, but
first our team will try to find and recover both men."

******

      Soval and Trip were escorted into a room with several more armed
Andorians.

      "Try to be diplomatic," Trip muttered to Soval in low tones.

      The Vulcan glanced at the human, pressing his lips together in slight
annoyance.

      The Andorians gathered to consult.  The leaders were no more certain
what to do with Trip than the guards had been.  Their quarrel was not
with the meddlesome pink skins.  Andorians, not by nature violent,
were loath to actually hurt bystanders.  The fact that this group had
acted with such aggression to alter or to influence the outcome of the
peace talks showed their level of frustration with the situation.

      "You, Vulcan, you leave this planet.  Our people do not need a
treaty.  You stay away from us and we'll stay away from you.  Those
are the only circumstances under which our two species can co-exist."

      These Andorians were also a bit naïve about the realities of living
in space with other warp-capable species and the need for boundaries
and rules to ensure peace.  They wanted the simpler time, when
Andorians didn't know Vulcans existed and therefore lines of
demarcation unnecessary.

      Soval observed and understood these things about the Andorians before
him.  Logically, he knew their demands were not possible, but he had
to address their anxieties to resolve the current situation.

      "I can't leave the negotiations.  Vulcans and Andorians have to come
to an understanding about our responsibilities as neighbors.  Your
actions today could possibly have endang…."

      A sharp pain, the result of being kicked in the ankle by Commander
Tucker, caused Soval to gasp and stop mid-sentence.  He glared at the
human.  "Be diplomatic" Trip mouthed.  Soval's lips tightened once
again in slight aggravation.

      "Excuse me, your actions today have revealed a depth of concern I
would like to discuss."

      "You Vulcans are not trustworthy.  You lie and you spy and you steal.
 You took our planet and now we have to negotiate to get it back.  You
set up a spy station and tell us you have not.  All words from you are
lies.  Our government is being deceived by you and we will stop it. 
Leave or all Vulcans will regret it."

      Trip looked with alarm at Soval.  Both men remembered the technology
used to stun them and bring them to this place.  Was it possible the
words the Andorian uttered weren't idle, melodramatic threats, but
were actually sinister promises?  Had they acquired technology which
could inflict widespread harm?

**************
       
Chapter Seven – Conclusion

      "There are seven Andorians, one human and one Vulcan in the room.  No
other bio-signs are evident."

      "Front and two side entrances.  The most direct route to their
location is through the front, but there are Andorians at all but the
side entrance on the far side.  That entrance is blocked with debris."

      "Could we be transported into the building without alerting the
Andorians?"

      "Only one at a time.  According to the engineers, Hoshi reports, the
transporter can't safely do more than that."

      "I'd prefer not to hurt any of the Andorians.  We need to strike, get
the men, and then get out.  We'll need a secure route to the
shuttlepod, a way into the building, a diversion after we get the men
to pull the Andorians away from the front entrance, and…"

      "…some good luck," Malcolm finished T'Pol's sentence.

      "Vulcans don't believe in luck," T'Pol informed the armory officer. 
"We believe in sound planning."

      "A people after my own heart.  So, let's plan this raid."

*****

      "Sir, I cannot stop the negotiations, nor do I believe it to be in
the best interests of the Andorians to stop building alliances between
our worlds.  For the first time we are learning to understand each
other so we can work together to create peace between us.  Vulcans
have been as suspicious of Andorians and their motives.  We have an
opportunity to lay those suspicions to rest."

      "Humans don't trust Vulcans, either," Trip inserted into the
monologue.  "But although they are not the easiest folks to get to
know, they do know their science and their protocols.  They live by
very strict rules, which blind them when another species doesn't act
as Vulcans deem logical.  You've got them over a limb here – they have
to negotiate because it has been proved they misjudged you."

      "Stop speaking, both of you!  We have no interest in Vulcans or their
ideas.  We want you gone, Vulcan."

      "Listen, buddy, you say you are going to make the Vulcans sorry.  You
attacked us by using some sort of stun blast.  We never saw you at all
on radar.  Where'd you get that technology?"

      "Pink skin, you are annoying me.  We have friends, that is all you
need to know."

      "Yeah, good friends, who want to create trouble between you and the
Vulcans.  What's in it for these so-called friends of yours?"

      "They understand us.  They know the deceitful Vulcans will destroy
our world if the talks proceed."

      "Sounds like you're being used, like they have their own agenda." 

      "Commander Tucker makes a logical…."

      "…not logical, but interesting or possible or even meritorious
argument."  Trip frowned at Soval.  When would the Vulcan learn not to
use the word "logic" when talking to other species?  The word was too
loaded.

      Soval realized Tucker was giving him a warning that he was crossing
some invisible communications line which would antagonize the
Andorians.  Really, humans and Andorians were too fatiguing, but he
would show the Commander a Vulcan capable of talking to the emotional
on their terms.

      Regrouping, Soval began again.  "As I was saying, Commander Tucker
cites persuasive reasons for re-examining the motives of your friends.
 We are not here to discredit them, but, if they do consider Vulcans
their enemies, why have they not come forward and confronted us?  Why
are they not here by your side, to tell me, as you are doing, what
they want?"

      "No more about our friends!  Leave this planet."

      "We are free to leave?"

      "Our friends will come to take you back to the pink skin's ship, and
you will go back to Vulcan and leave Andoria alone, or all Vulcans
will die."

      Even if the talk were all hyperbole, Trip and Soval believed there
was a true threat in the words.  Neither man relished the thought of
the unknown friends taking them anywhere – it was clear that both
would be killed or taken hostage, and that the Andorian rebels would
be held to blame.  Vulcan could possibly even go to war with the
Andoria over the incident.  The rebels distrusted Vulcans too much to
listen to Soval, and by extension, Trip.  The best the two men could
do would be to delay things long enough for Enterprise to find them.

      "My capt'n tells a fascinating story about gazelles which I'm sure
will fit right into the discussion here.  Let me tell you the tale,"
Trip piped up.  Soval wasn't sure boring the Andorians to death was
the most effective way to stall for time.  The plan could backfire and
the Andorians kill them out of rage or pity.

*****

      T'Pol, Malcolm and the two security officers were beamed one by one
just within the side entrance blocked by rubble.  A quick scan
verified that both of the other entrances were guarded by two
Andorians each.  T'Pol and one of the officers made their way towards
one entrance and Malcolm and his partner to the other.  The Andorians
were easily and efficiently incapacitated with phasers set on stun. 
The two groups rendez-vous-ed on either side of the entrance to the
room where Trip and Soval were being held, the Subcommander listening
closely to what was occurring in the room.  Oddly, it sounded like
Commander Tucker was telling a story.  Relieved as she was to hear his
voice, she hoped he knew what he was doing.  She signaled her
companions to stand ready.

*******

      The Andorians were exchanging puzzled looks about the words coming
from the human's mouth when Soval suddenly heard a sound he hadn't
heard in over 50 years.  It was a nearly silent signal he had used to
catch his daughter's attention when she was a child, a noise so subtle
most Vulcans couldn't detect it.  He heard it again.

      "Commander Tucker, I'm sure the Andorians are fascinated with this
story, and I know how you and T'Pol loath for me to interrupt when you
are in the middle of giving instruction, but I have to interject one
bit of information about my pretty little ears."
      Trip's head swung towards the Vulcan in sudden comprehension.  "By
all means, Ambassador, please share."

      "Down," Soval shouted, startling the Andorians, and the two men fell
flat to their stomachs.

      Phaser fire erupted and was quickly over.  Seven Andorians lay on the
ground, stunned into unconsciousness.  T'Pol and the security officers
rushed to Soval and Trip while Malcolm kept watch at the doorway,
using his communicator to tell Rostov to meet them at the front
entrance in the shuttle.  The officers created a chair with their arms
and swooped Soval off his feet, while T'Pol thrust a pistol into
Trip's hands.  The group ran through the hall to the front entry just
as the shuttlepod landed.  The door of the vehicle sprang open, the
members of the group scrambled in, and the hatch closed even as Rostov
took off.

      Malcolm and the two security officers joined Rostov in the front of
the vehicle to monitor the Andorian rebel response while T'Pol checked
over Trip and Soval at the back.

      "The gazelle speech, Commander?" T'Pol demanded almost incredulously
when the shuttlepod was safely on its way.

      "It was all I could think of at short notice.  It just kinda popped
into my head."

      "After all the times you have been kidnapped or lost, one would think
you would have more experience thinking on your feet.  When we get
this situation settled, you and I will have long discussions about
appropriate responses to hostage situations.  You need to learn
self-preservation."

      "I've only been separated from Enterprise once or twice, T'Pol" Trip
told her, looking meaningfully at her, then at Soval.  "I haven't had
that much experience."

      "Ah, yes, I understand.  And is this the second or third time I have
come to your rescue?"

      Trip wrinkled his nose at her and winked, refusing to be drawn.

      "May I remind you, I once saved you on Corridan."

      "No, Commander, you rushed to the planet with no clear plan in mind
and you were taken hostage five minutes after you arrived.  In the end
a combination of factors came together to save me, but you weren't
central to that outcome."

      "Well, I could have saved you if Shran hadn't thrown that sack over
my head.  And there is no need for your Vulcan exaggeration – it was
longer than 5 minutes.  And I did have a plan, it just got torpedoed."

      T'Pol looked at him, pursed her lips together, tilted her head to one
side, and shook it at him.  Soval silently watched the exchange.

******

      The next day T'Pol sought out Trip in the shuttlebay.  He was
examining the shuttlepod retrieved from Andoria.  The rebels had
disappeared before the Andorian authorities could reach the compound
where Trip and Soval had been held, abandoning the Enterprise vehicle
in their rush to escape.  The pod hadn't been harmed by the
experience, but Trip was checking to make sure all was well.

      "Ambassador Soval has returned to Andoria to resume the
negotiations."

      "Ah, what a shame, I was looking forward to dining with him for days
to come."

      "He asked me to thank you for your help.  He told me you did refuse
to let the Andorians separate the two of you and that you provided
valuable assistance during the initial conversations.  I'm sorry if I
sounded critical about your efforts yesterday."

      "Yeah, well I guess I can think on my feet sometimes."

      "Training wouldn't hurt you, Commander.  Getting out of hostile
situations isn't something which comes naturally to anyone.  There is
no shame in learning techniques.  I would feel
more…comfortable…knowing you have some skills.  The situation you were
in with the Andorians was not typical because they used technology no
one could have anticipated.  The outcome of your experience is that
Ambassador Soval will hold high level discussions with the VHC,
Starfleet, and the Andorians.  Clearly there is an enemy out there
determined to cause suspicion and dissent between our worlds.  We can
only survive if we come together."

      "Who was helping the Andorian rebels?"

      "Ambassador Soval has his suspicions, but he wants to have official
discussions before making anything public."

      "Ah, well, I was only directly involved.  No need for me to know."

      "Perhaps, Commander, if you are willing to learn to conduct yourself
effectively in hostage situations, I will tell you what my thoughts on
the matter are."

      "Bribery, T'Pol?  Tch, tch, how human of you.  Oh, and when during
our busy days am I supposed to have these lessons?"

      "We could meet in the evenings so our work isn't interrupted."

      "I tend to relax off duty, T'Pol, not go looking for more work.  You
should learn to relax a little, rather than constantly problem solve."

      "I meditate, Mr. Tucker, and participate in cardio-vascular
activities.  Those meet my recreational needs."

      "If I have to learn self-defense in my off-hours, you can learn to
enjoy other activities besides meditation and exercise."

      T'Pol's gaze was hard to read, but Trip didn't see a ‘no' in her
look.

      "I want to thank you for taking care of Ambassador Soval.  I know you
don't like him, and that you found him difficult to communicate with,
but you did make an effort and that…pleases…me."

      "He's OK.  When I met him on Earth, he never acknowledged me, always
made me feel invisible."

      "I was unaware you had met the Ambassador before."

      "Yeah, you and him both."

      "Nevertheless, you must have impressed him during the situation, for
he asked many questions about you."

      "Like what?" Trip asked suspiciously.  "I don't think I like the idea
of him asking any questions about me, let alone many."

      "You just finished complaining that he didn't pay any attention to
you, and now you are complaining he is paying too much?"

      "I wanted him to notice the work our team was accomplishing – I have
no desire for him to notice me personally.  What was he asking?"

      "How old you are, how long you have been in Starfleet, what your
family is like, if you are serious about your work or never serious,
what your plans are for the future…information such as that."

      "Why don't I just write a biography for him?  He never asked me one
question about myself when we were away.  He only wanted to show me
how superior Vulcans are to the poor pathetic humans."

      "Perhaps he is trying to overcome his prejudices and learn about you
as an individual.  You did help to save his life."

      "Yeah, right.  Why do you care so much what Soval thinks, anyway?"

      "He is important to me.  Perhaps, one day, I'll explain."

      "Another bribe?  What do I have to do to find out?"

      Trip could have sworn T'Pol almost smiled at that question.

The End!

--
Stephen Ratliff
ASC Stories Only Forwarding

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