Forks In the Road

Gimme That Old Time Religion

Forks in the Road

Chapter 3: Gimme that Old Time Religion

By Weeble

aka Steelchaser

Rating: PG

Genre: TnT

Summary: Ah, modern medicine. A special thanks to BlueTiger for some artwork (rated G for all audiences) I hope it shows up in place. Special thanks again to Cogito, superbeta.

Special note: I hope this brings a smile to you Asso, God's peace be upon you.

Disclaimer (necessary): Star Trek: Enterprise and its characters are copyright CBS/Paramount. No copyright infringement is intended by the author of this story, which is solely for the purpose of entertainment and is not for profit.

DISCLAIMER (additional): see chapter 1

Chapter 3 - Gimme that Old Time Religion

Vodir found the myriad sounds in sickbay fascinating as he waited for the good doctor to turn around. Phlox's attempt at the ta'al was fair, Vodir judged; he was glad that it prevented him from shaking his hand, which had some form of dark residue on it.

"Doctor Phlox?"

Grinning his normal too-large grin, Phlox replied, "You must be the priest, Vodir. I was told to expect you."

"Correct, doctor. I need privacy and a measure of your time."

"Certainly," remarked Phlox, "my office should suffice." After quickly cleaning his hands he closed the door behind them and continued, "How may I be of service?"

"Dr. Phlox, I assume you know of the loss of Commander Tucker and T'Pol's daughter?" Holding up his hand he continued, "Doctor, I am a priest sworn to an oath of confidentiality similar to your own. My concern is the well being of the commanders. T'Pol and I have exchanged our thoughts in a mind meld; I am aware of her perspective of the circumstances. I am unfamiliar with human physiology. I know you spent years on Vulcan working with the Interspecies Medical Exchange. Are you aware of Vulcan mate-bonds?"

"Yes, Vodir. Are you saying the commanders have bonded?" Phlox asked hopefully.

"Yes, doctor, but not entirely. They must complete the bond. In doing so great stress will be placed upon Commander Tucker, both physically and mentally. Is he in good health?"

Phlox pondered before responding. "Commander Tucker is in excellent physical condition other than his recovering shoulder, and I expect that injury to be ready for rehabilitation in mere days. He is devoted to T'Pol and I am confident that completing the bond will be of great psychological benefit to him."

"The immediate effects of their joining will be on Tucker, if I may call him that. He will begin to take on T'Pol's grief. It will be overwhelming for him, unless he can process these emotions. How do humans deal with emotion?"

"Humans cannot suppress them as a Vulcan might," Phlox replied. "Humans must 'work them off'. Physical exertion is a common technique."

The priest thought to himself for a moment and his eyes tensed. "Physical exertion would cause T'Pol's mental shielding to be less effective, increasing the emotional flow to Tucker, although it should stabilize as she recovers."

Phlox cupped his chin in his hand and paced absently around sickbay as he considered. "So, our problem is how to limit T'Pol's emotional overflow onto Tucker, while trying to encourage it, coupled with increasing Tucker's capacity to process emotions." Phlox's face showed deep consternation as he further contemplated the apparent dilemma. "We are speaking of only negative emotions, Vodir. In humans, positive emotions can counteract negative ones to a degree."

His eyes suddenly sparkling, Vodir spoke. "I believe I have a solution, doctor. I understand there are only minor limitations on sexual activity for human males."

Phlox could barely contain his yard wide smile as he grasped Vodir's meaning. "Reasonable rest, increased caloric intake on the physical side, desire and physical attraction on the emotional side. If you can convince Commander Tucker of the efficacy of your treatment, I would not worry about him keeping up his, ah, end of the arrangement."

"Doctor, the commanders will need to return to Vulcan for seclusion and will shortly transfer to the Vulcan ship, 'Tregar'.  I ask that you to prepare dietary requirements for Tucker and make arrangements for the foodstuffs to be transferred to the 'Tregar'. I also request you prepare whatever medical files and materials you deem necessary for a Vulcan healer. I will be joining the commanders on the 'Tregar'; I do not intend to furnish your files to anyone unless the need arises."

Smiling, Phlox rubbed his hands briskly together. "T'Pol has proven quite capable of administering pain medication to commander Tucker when he proves obstinate. I will prepare sufficient hypo-sprays. I will also contact Chef for..." Phlox paused.  "How many days of travel and therapy do you expect?"

"We should be on Vulcan within 10 days," replied Vodir.

Phlox turned away, struggling to control his growing smile.

######################################################

They were deep in meditation when the door sounded. By now he was used to T'Pol's expectant look. Rising stiffly to his feet, he straightened his clothing and called for their visitor to enter.

Stepping into the cabin, Vodir apologized for disturbing them and then explained his treatment plan to the pair.

"You want me to do what?" sputtered Trip, his face crimson. T'Pol's eyes widened, but she did not speak. Trip's second thought was he could get used to religion Vulcan style.

"Children, you must complete your bond immediately. I trust you have witnesses aboard you would wish to be present."

"Malcolm," T'Pol said, looking at Trip.

"And Hoshi," Trip added, smiling back at T'Pol.

"And Jon, of course," T'Pol finished.

"T'Pol, this must remain private for a short time. Not the fact of your bonding, but its timing. I will have Ambassador Soval prepare a second ceremony at your home following our arrival. This 'official' ceremony will satisfy appearances in the local community. Remember, within the clan all is quiet. Now, if you will please excuse me, I have an appointment in the observation lounge."

After exchanging the ta'al, Vodir let himself out.

Trip and T'Pol looked at each other, and looked, and looked. Trip opened his mouth to speak and nothing came out.

T'Pol finally broke the silence. "Trip, do you trust Vodir?"

"Darlin', I'm not sure, but I trust Phlox. Vodir seems to have done his homework." Trip paused and looked hard at T'Pol. "Is it true you've been shielding yourself?"

"Yes, t'hy'la. I am uncertain that you can handle the full weight of my emotions."

"Seems to me, ya gotta start by casting out fear. I understand that much from the Kir'Shara. I'm also certain neither of us has had a bite to eat all day. I need to eat, if I'm gonna be any use in curing ya." Trip smiled at T'Pol and she blushed green. "I'll call Chef and see if he can have something sent to us. Why don't you grab a shower and I'll do the same in my quarters, back in 45 minutes?" Trip's expression changed. "You sure you'll you be OK?"

At T'Pol's nod Trip let himself out and hurried to his cabin.

Trip had returned before the door chimed. A steward wheeled in a dinner service and left. When he removed the covers from the dishes, T'Pol's nose crinkled. Trip looked down at a half dozen oysters on the half shell, among other things. He rolled his eyes and wondered what else Phlox had told Chef to send to the Vulcan ship.

################################################

The door swished open and both Ambassador Soval and Vodir rose. "Gentlemen, what can you tell me?" Archer asked, entering the observation lounge.

"The Vulcan ship 'Tregar' is standing by to receive Commanders Tucker and T'Pol along with Vodir and myself. We also will be taking the remains of Elizabeth Tucker; our destination is Vulcan. Commander Tucker and T'Pol will have a private bonding ceremony this evening aboard the 'Tregar' and they request your attendance along with Lt. Reed and Ensign Sato. I request that 'Enterprise' journey to Vulcan as soon as you are able. We will await your arrival for the funeral of Elizabeth Tucker and the official bonding ceremony. The bonding ceremony this evening is strictly unofficial and off the record," Soval said, his face impassive.

"Soval, I am not sure whether Star Fleet will require their resignations if they marry, or permit them to travel to Vulcan," Archer confided.

Soval studied him briefly. "I believe they will allow the commanders extended health and bereavement leave, and I intend to make that case to Admiral Black today."

Vodir added, "It is most necessary to provide them both with seclusion and privacy as they rebuild their health. I have spoken at length with your Dr. Phlox. He and I agree their health is the first priority."

"I have got a lot to do to replace those officers, Ambassador, Priest Vodir. Please excuse me. Ambassador, at what time this evening will the ceremony take place?"

"If it is agreeable, 2200 hours."

Archer nodded and departed.

Soval looked to Vodir and asked, "What can you tell me of the recommended treatment, Vodir?"

His face impassive, Vodir replied, "I have made arrangements aboard the 'Tregar'. Confidentiality constrains any further clarification."

Soval's face betrayed nothing, but again he mentally added hours to his meditation schedule.

######################################################

After arriving on Enterprise Captain Archer had ordered Malcolm to assemble the crew, except Trip and T'Pol, in cargo bay one and then to meet him at the port docking port. After leaving a bare minimum of personnel on the bridge and in engineering he sprinted to the docking port where Jon was waiting. They quickly stood to attention as it cycled green and Admiral Zhadov strode aboard. "Welcome aboard, Admiral. This way please, sir."

Malcolm was relieved as the doors to the cargo bay opened and Lt. Hess shouted "Ten Hut".

Admiral Zhadov looked at the assembled crew. "Please form into department groupings," he ordered, and waited as the crew shuffled into position. Once they were ready, he began again. "Attention to Orders, Engineering Department.

"Lt. Anna Hess is hereby promoted Lieutenant Commander. Congratulations Commander." Everyone clapped as she came forward and Jon pinned new insignia on her. Malcolm smiled broadly as Anna beamed. The engineers maintained their positions as she returned to their head and turned toward the admiral.

Admiral Zhadov continued, "Attention to Orders, Command Staff.

"Ensign Travis Mayweather is hereby promoted Lieutenant. Congratulations, Lieutenant.

"Ensign Hoshi Sato is hereby promoted Lieutenant. Congratulations, Lieutenant.

"Lieutenant Malcolm Reed is hereby promoted Lieutenant Commander. Congratulations, Commander."

As each of them stepped forward in turn, Jon warmly shook their hands and pinned on their new insignia before returning their salute.

As the applause faded Malcolm watched as Admiral Zhadov smiled and continued.

"Attention to orders. Captain Jonathon Archer is hereby promoted Commodore." The room erupted with cheers and hoots. Malcolm gave up trying to maintain his stiff composure and joined in the raucous celebration. After things finally quieted down the ceremony continued until all the promotions had been awarded. Zhadov nodded to Jon.

"You cannot imagine how proud I am of all of you," said Jon. "It has been a privilege to serve with you and I look forward to our future travels. Chef!"

"Yes, Commodore!" Chef stepped forward and spoke loudly.

"Do you think we have enough left in the galley for a party?"

"Aye aye, Sir"

"Can you have it set up here?"

"With pleasure sir, within the hour."

"Make it so, Chef."

"Admiral, would you join us?"

"I would be honored, Commodore Archer."

Turning back to his crew, Jon said, "Dismissed, but be back here in an hour." Turning to Malcolm, he continued more quietly, "Malcolm, have the senior staff in my office in 10 minutes."

#####################################################

Jon's face changed as the door swished shut. He looked at them all and sadly shook his head. "T'Pol and Trip are leaving 'Enterprise', permanently." He paused, sensing they all needed a few moments; it was finally becoming official and he hadn't anticipated his own reaction. "I'm not at liberty to give you all the details. What I can tell you, is that they depart by their own wishes. They are headed to Vulcan to heal, after that we'll see what happens."

"Hoshi, you're being re-assigned to Star Fleet HQ to continue your work on the UT. Ensign Richard Temple will be trying to fill your shoes here. You've given Star Fleet an enormous technological edge, which we hope to barter for some other technologies. I think you can ask for the moon and they'll give it to you. I can't thank you enough for all you've done here and I'll be sorry to see you go." Seeing her eyes fill with tears, Archer moved around the table and swept her into a big hug.

"Thank you sir," she said, her voice muffled against his chest, and held on to him for a moment before stepping back, still fingering the tears from her eyes.

"Hoshi, do you know Ensign Temple?" asked Archer.

Hoshi wiped her eyes and looked back at him with a grin. It crossed her mind that she didn't work here anymore so 'what the hell'. "I've talked with him over the comm many times. His manner of speech is stiffer than Cmdr. Reed's of four years ago." Not bothering to conceal her grin, she continued. "Commodore let's hope it won't take him as long to loosen up as it did Malcolm. I think he's from Manchester and went to Sandhurst before Star Fleet."

Jon failed to hide his smile at Malcolm's obvious discomfort. "Malcolm, you are the new first officer. I asked for you, and the admirals agreed. Your life just got a whole lot busier. I'm waiting to hear who our new tactical officer is. And no, you can't do both," he interrupted as Malcolm was opening his mouth.

"Anna, I hope the promotion will suffice because the new chief engineer is Lt. Cmdr Toruku Higawa. He is from Montana Research. Do you know him?"

"No, Captain, but he does have a solid reputation and has worked on refining," she laughed, "many of Commander Tucker's upgrades. The Boss has spoken highly of him."

"Trip and T'Pol are transferring to the Vulcan ship 'Tregar' later today. Please keep that to yourselves. I will address the entire crew while we are on route to Vulcan. Malcolm, have the quartermaster pack up their quarters after they leave. We will bring their belongings with us. Soval asked us to proceed to Vulcan for Elizabeth Tucker's funeral and I am certain Starfleet will concur. I still don't know what is or isn't classified, so nobody says anything. I hope to have the new officers on board when we leave. Hoshi, I'm going to try to keep you here for one more trip, OK?"

She met his eyes and smiled. "Thank you, sir. It means a lot to me."

"OK folks, dismissed. Malcolm, Hoshi please stay."

After the room cleared Archer began. "They asked me to have you join me tonight on the 'Tregar'. I will fill you in on the way. Discretely pack a Class A uniform. Be ready by 21:00."

"Aye Sir."

######################################################

"What ye are about to witness comes down from the time of the beginning without change. This is the Vulcan heart. This is the Vulcan soul. This is our way," chanted Vodir.

Trip had a sense of deja vu, but thought the ceremony was much more satisfying than his last Vulcan wedding. He also sensed a mental elbow to the ribs from T'Pol. As his fingers touched T'Pol's in a gentle ozh'esta her eyes fixed on him and her heard her voice softly in his mind. He echoed the thoughts back to T'Pol, "forever and always touching and touched". As the barricades between them came down, Trip felt Vodir redirect the harmful emotions to himself while hastily erecting temporary shields in the commanders' minds.

After the ceremony, they spoke briefly with Hoshi, Malcolm and Jon before they headed back to 'Enterprise'. Malcolm was upbeat and Hoshi had teared up, but Jon seemed somewhat wistful, and Trip thought back on the solitary life Jon had had as Captain. Unless he was misreading the signs, that was about to change for the better, and he hoped that someday Jon and Erica might invite them to their own wedding.

After finally bidding their three friends goodbye, Trip and T'Pol watched the shuttlepod through the viewport until it disappeared from sight.

Looking across at T'Pol, he was struck by the serenity he saw on her face and thought of the trials they had overcome to reach this point. It had certainly been worth it.

##################################################

After their guests had departed, Vodir guided the couple to their new quarters. "Children, you will now be left alone. Food will be brought here thrice daily. Soon I shall return to begin the healing melds. But first, I must remove the barriers I placed to shield your minds. You will feel conflicting emotions. Now, kneel on the meditation cushions."

As they settled into place, Trip looked around the room and saw a low, pillowed platform to one side of the room and a meditation area on the other. Candles had been lit.

Touching their katra points Vodir quickly entered their minds and removed the shielding. The completed bond had fully opened the mental channel between them. At once Trip felt T'Pol's love and sorrow, affection and pain. He was barely aware of Vodir removing his hands, and never saw him leave the cabin, too busy struggling with the emotional onslaught.

Trip hadn't anticipated the depth of T'Pol's anguish and he struggled to unburden her and remain coherent. He pulled her to him and sent all his love back through the bond. T'Pol began to recover and to place some of her shields back into place. Presently Trip felt T'Pol's emotions climb, manifesting themselves as desire and then arousal. Through the whirlpool of emotion Trip began to reciprocate her want and they moved to the bed.

Later they awoke and the maelstrom returned. Trip now knew what was necessary and did not hesitate. Soon they were once again asleep.

######################################################

Vodir reviewed the bio-monitors in the Vulcan sickbay and decided to delay the next phase of their treatment. Their readings had hit peaks and valleys every few hours on a regular cycle, although after the first few cycles endorphin and dopamine levels had begun to increase in Tucker much as Phlox had predicted. He would check again tomorrow.

######################################################

T'Pol had awoken unsure how much time had gone by. It seemed to T'Pol that her well of negative emotions was not as full today. She looked over to Trip, her Trip, her t'hy'la. He was sleeping quietly, with a cherubic look on his face. She thanked Trip's God for his patience with her and knew that they had finally taken the correct path. She snuggled under his arm and laid her ear on his chest, listening to the heart she knew loved her and always would. Closing her eyes she fell into a deep sleep as the stars glided by their viewport.

######################################################

In the Vulcan sickbay Vodir had noticed that, while the amplitude of their biosign activity had not diminished, the frequency had begun to lessen. He had been conferring daily with Dr. Phlox who seemed to be quite impressed with the couple's stamina, and had concurred it was time to begin the mental healing. Vodir keyed the comm. "Commander Tucker".

After a few moments, Trip replied, "Yes, Vodir?"

"I would like to begin the healing melds today."

"Yes, sir. Do we remain here?"

"Yes, commander. I will be there in an hour."

#####################################################

Shaking T'Pol, he said, "Wake up sleepy."

"Hrmrphhh."

"Come on, T'Pol, wake up." Trip watched as an eye opened on a beautiful face. "Vodir wants to start the healing melds today darling. I think we'd better clean up a bit."

Looking into Trip's eyes, T'Pol raised an eyebrow to the question level. "We have about an hour, honey." Both eyebrows moved up to the mild shock level and she sat up.

After assessing their quarters T'Pol called the steward to request their room be dressed and then herded Trip into the bathroom. As the door closed Trip looked at his spectacularly naked wife and said, "Room service?"

While running water for the shower, she looked over her shoulder. "Trip, the Tregar is a Vulcan personnel transport primarily used by priests and those caught off planet during Pon Farr," and moved into the shower.

"Oh, hot damn." Grinning, he joined her.

They emerged forty-five minutes later to find the room made up, fresh robes to wear and a meal cart. T'Pol quietly thanked Chef as she poured chamomile tea into her cup, while Trip discovered a glass of milk and a slice of pecan pie. Further investigations revealed some of T'Pol's favorite chocolate and a stack of pancakes. "I could get used to this," mumbled Trip around a mouthful of pancakes.

#######################################################

Vodir chimed the door right on schedule and T'Pol suppressed a smile as Trip opened it, as a good Vulcan husband should, without prompting.

Taking in the surroundings, Vodir motioned them over to the meditation pillows. "As before I would like to enter both of your minds. Then we shall determine the next steps."

T'Pol felt Vodir's consciousness slide easily into their minds after he placed his hands on the katra points. She felt Vodir's surprise as he found that the previously swirling fury had receded in T'Pol's mind. T'Pol shielded a mental smile as she sensed Vodir's shock at finding Trip's mind completely at ease, nearly comatose. She knew that sadness would return to them, but was certain that, together, they could handle it.

T'Pol felt Vodir search her mind, and shuddered as he found the hole where Elizabeth's link had been. Her mind had shunted around the hole, scrambling neural-pathways. He ended the meld.

Looking to Trip he asked, "What would you be called?"

"Charles," said T'Pol before Trip could speak. 'My Charles', she thought.

"T'Pol and Charles, I must place T'Pol's neural-pathways back through the hole that Elizabeth once occupied." At her name T'Pol gasped and felt Trip gather her to himself. "I must also repair the memory of your daughter. Elizabeth will always be with you, and it will be a powerful memory. It is the way of life. I grieve with thee."

They lit the candles and meditated.

Vodir broke the meditation, looked at T'Pol and said, "I will begin now and repair a few paths. This will be painful. Charles, you must continue her healing. You will be expected for dinner at 18:00. We will continue twice a day for the remainder of the voyage to Vulcan."

This time Vodir only melded with T'Pol, who collapsed into Trip after he left. Therapy was more desperate than it had been recently. They awoke remembering his admonition about dinner and bathed. Dressing in silence they left their room for the evening meal in the common area.

#################################################

Since the ceremony Vodir and Soval had been meeting for tea three times daily. Surprisingly, Soval had been unable to obtain information from either the medical staff or Vodir about the treatment regimen. For a vulcan who always had sources of information he was quite disagreeably in the dark. For days Vodir had maintained an enigmatic calm with that suspicious twinkle in his eye. Today, however, Vodir had told Soval the couple was due in the dining area for the evening meal. Soval decided he envied the humans for their "profane" language and began to ponder if the use of colorful phrases as a method of emotional release would help a frustrated vulcan.

Soval eyed the pair closely as they entered. They appeared undamaged yet slightly unfocussed. He decided to test their cognitive functions this evening. Following the meal Soval herded the pair to a private part of the dining area before Vodir could arrive. "Commander Tucker, Admiral Black has informed me that he has no intention of accepting your resignations and hopes that I will persuade you to take the offered position at Jupiter Station".

Trip glanced at T'Pol, who remained silent. He turned and locked eyes with Soval. "I was not informed of any position which might be available, but I will not assume any position without T'Pol. Has any offer been made to my wife?"

Excellent response, Soval thought to himself. It hadn't escaped his notice that T'Pol had deferred, acknowledging his authority as her husband. "T'Pol will be offered command of the research and development department and you the launch department. Shared quarters will be allowed. May I inform the admiral? It is assumed that there will be much overlap between the two departments."

He continued, "The logic behind the orders is two-fold. Commander Tucker, you have proven to be the only Earth engineer able to launch warp five ships. You must train a team to replace you. Admiral Black has informed me that revised operation and maintenance manuals are needed. T'Pol is to expedite their completion; apparently your documentation has not always been comprehensive. The Admiral requires this task to be completed quickly.

"Secondly, Enterprise encountered alien technology far beyond Earth's capabilities during their first four years in space. It is imperative to both Star Fleet and Vulcan that these technologies be pursued. You are both to review Enterprise logs and 'find some nuggets'. Admiral Black made me promise to quote him. Could you explain?"

"Ambassador, the metal gold is fund in 'nuggets'. Do you understand?" Trip asked.

"Yes. He also mentioned needles in haystacks, in the same context, but I am baffled by that expression." Soval turned his head. "T'Pol-kan, you have been silent."

"Uncle, there is no need to speak. Charles is the head of the household in these matters," T'Pol answered, and he saw Trip's face glow with pride, then fade as she continued, "We will discuss things in private as is proper."

"Admiral Black is most anxious for an answer, may I relay your acceptance?"

"Yes, Ambassador," said Trip.

T'Pol rose and asked Trip to escort her back to their quarters.

As he watched them leave, he concluded that husbands everywhere were handled the same by their wives, species be damned. Somehow the thought alleviated some of his own emotional turmoil. He would ponder the possibilities this evening.

####################################################

T'Pol felt Trip's consternation through the bond as they entered their quarters. Unsure, she looked him straight in the eye and said "Trip, it is your place to decide these matters and I will go wherever you wish."

"T'Pol we are not human or Vulcan and I do not expect obedience, I desire a partnership. I will honor your ways in public, but I expect us to decide together."

"Husband, can we agree on a therapy session?" she asked. Without waiting for an answer, she proceeded to kiss him senseless.