Element of Truth

By Kat and Kadi

NC-17 T’Pol/Archer, Trip/Hoshi

Spoilers: Season 1 references, nothing specific

Disclaimers: If they were ours…..damnit. Okay so we will return then to their toy box (a little used) as soon as we are done *pout.

Special thanks once more to all my friends at the CAVe for keeping me from trashing this when it wouldn't come together, as well as those others who kept encouraging me to write.  Thanks!!!

****** indicates time shift

Archer buried his face in her neck and slowly released her arms. He took a moment to breathe in the smell of woman and sex, before drawing back. He couldn’t stop the whisper of a kiss that brushed her cheek as he cupped her face. He waited for her to open her eyes so he could judge how much damage he had done. The urge had been greatly diminished, but even so he could feel it simmering under the surface. He briefly wondered how long he had before it overwhelmed him again. Stroking his fingers lightly over her cheeks he silently urged her to open her eyes. Not that he blamed her, the need had swept through him so completely that it left no room for finesse. Unable to stand the silence, he broke it, his fingers stroking her cheeks once more. “T’Pol?” Her eyes fluttered open and met his, unreadable as always. Her silence wounded him more than actions. “T’Pol, are you alright?”

She gave him a short nod and raised her hands to his shoulders. “If you are finished Captain, perhaps you should move.” Her voice was quieter than he was used to, even more subdued, as if by being quieter, she would have more control. Again her eyes gave away nothing as she waited for his next move.

He shifted then, sliding out of her, wincing even as she did. “Are you alright?” She rolled swiftly from him, sliding to the edge of the bed and standing in a smooth move. He couldn’t help but marvel at the smooth flow of muscle under her golden skin and the graceful curve of her back as it blended into a shapely bottom. Instead of answering, she reached for the sheet and quickly draped it around herself. As she started to walk away, he grabbed her wrist. The words came out harsher than he had planned, but then nothing was going as he had planned. “Answer me, damnit!” Slowly he pulled her down to him. “Please.”

She tensed in his grip, then allowed herself to be drawn into his arms. He cradled her close for a moment, his face buried in her hair. “I will be fine Captain.” Vulcan logic beat at her, telling her to remove herself from his embrace and to get cleaned up. She needed to be prepared for the next incident. But the woman in her demanded she stay and allow some small bit of comfort. She was shocked by the huskiness of his voice as he spoke again.

“I’m sorry T’Pol. I would never have… I wouldn’t have ever thought myself capable of such an act, especially with someone I care about.” He tipped her face so that he could once again meet her eyes. “I hate that I have hurt you.”

With a deep breath, she took inventory. She had not been ready when he entered her, and while sore, she didn’t think he had hurt her too badly. Her wrists ached and would most likely be a bit bruised, and her breasts were tender where he had suckled a bit fiercely, but all in all she expected to be back to normal in a few days, providing they were returned to Enterprise soon. She allowed herself a moment to comfort him, stroking his hair before she rose. “It will be alright Captain. Under the circumstances, you can hardly be held responsible for your actions, and I did agree to join with you to help you through this.”

Archer took minimal comfort in her words as she walked away. T’Pol may have consented to help him, but she hadn’t agreed to be raped. The thoughts chased themselves through his head in horror as full realization dawned. He dropped his head to his knees and wondered how the hell he had gotten into this mess.

******

Trip leaned over T’pol’s seat as she piloted the shuttle into the atmosphere. “I can’t believe it. Four days of R&R on a beautiful planet and I’m stuck with you guys.”

Archer grinned from his seat next to T’Pol. “I keep telling you Trip, this is a mission of first contact. The Celestia seem like an intriguing race and are agreeing to a cultural exchange if you will. It’s a learning experience.”

“And their language is fascinating!” Hoshi piped in from the rear of the shuttle.

T’Pol took a moment to adjust the controls. “The Celestia are a matriarchal society who have had limited contact with outside races. You should be honored that they agreed to allow you come down to the planet.”

Trip snorted. “You’re just jealous because we are the first people to be given that honor and…”

Archer held up a hand. “Lay off Trip. The Vulcans have had contact with the Celestia before as well as with other races. However, according to their Queen, Malia, the council of elders was too steeped in the old ways to allow outsiders planet side. In fact they were against space travel as well. It has only been in the last decade that they’ve managed warp flight. Malia is still fighting to open up cultural exchange, and we have been chosen to be the first. Perhaps because our species are so similar.”

Trip chuckled. “Similar my foot Captain. A whole planet full of beautiful women and we are going to be the first men to have access to it…” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

Hoshi punched him in the arm. “You really are a sexist pig, you know that?”

"Hey!" He rubbed the spot with a frown, "I didn't say anything."

"No," Hoshi grinned, "but you were thinking it, and that's just as bad."

"Let us all hope that Mr. Tucker will be able to contain those thoughts while on Celestia." T'Pol gave them both a dry look before turning her attentions back to the helm.

"See what I mean," he said defensively, "A guy just can't have any fun with you all around!"

"This isn't supposed to be fun," Archer interjected, "Well, not the kind of fun you have in mind anyway."

"See," Trip smirked at Hoshi, "He was thinkin' it too."

She only shrugged, "He's the Captain."

"That doesn't mean he can be as perverted as he wants, while I take all the flack around here!"

"Hey I don't make the rules, I just follow them."

"Alright children," Archer rolled his eyes, "Porthos is more behaved than the two of you are acting right now. Maybe I should start taking him on First Contact missions."

"Captain I do not believe--" T'Pol began but then broke off, "Ah, an attempt at humor, but a poor one."

Trip snorted, "S'not the first time, probly won't be the last."

“Come on Captain, it’s all in jest. I’ll be on my best behavior on the planet.”

As T’Pol entered the landing sequence, she turned toward Archer. “Captain, The Celestia are very ritualistic and easily offended. We will be meeting the diplomatic party in just a few moments and they will explain the rules of conduct they sent us. We should make a point of asking all our questions at this time.”

Again Archer held up a hand. “While I appreciate your input T’Pol, I’m certain we can manage to behave ourselves.”

As the away team left the shuttle they were surrounded by several women. The first thing Archer noticed was the absolute translucence of their skin. The pale color was accented by light blue hair and lavender eyes. The color seemed uniform for all, the only distinction being the color of the robes they were wearing. One of the women stepped forward, her robes a rich gold. Around her head she sported a thin green band. She moved to Archer and bowed her head in greeting. “I am Malia, Queen of the Celestia. I welcome you to our world.”

Archer returned her bow. “It is an honor to meet you. Thank you for this opportunity. I am Captain Jonathan Archer.” He motioned to his left. “This is Sub Commander T’Pol, Commander Tucker and Ensign Sato.” As he mentioned their names, his crewmates also bowed before the queen.

The young queen stretched out a hand and lightly touched Archer’s hair, before pulling back with a hint of a blush on her cheeks. “My apologies Captain. I must say I find your species fascinating. Such bold colors and strong lines… what is your species again.”

“We come from the planet earth. With the exception of the coloring, I don’t see too many differences Your Majesty.”

Her eyes flicked from one to the other in wonder as she answered distractedly. “Oh, Malia please. No those like us as similar but you, and Commander Tucker, what are you exactly.”

Archer glanced at T’Pol in confusion, then realized what she was asking. “If I understand you correctly you are asking about our differences, specifically our gender? Commander Tucker and I are male.”

Malia nodded. “Yes yes that is what it was. I remember reading it in the report you sent us. Unfortunately there is so much that is new to us that I forgot for a moment.” She motioned Archer and his party forward. “Now Captain…”

“Jonathan, please.”

The smile that lit her face was radiant. “Thank you Jonathan. Now if I may be so bold?” He nodded. “What is the purpose of dividing your species into two genders?”

Once more he glanced at T’Pol before answering. “Our species uses it mainly for reproductive purposes.”

Malia blinked, startled. “Reproduction? It doesn’t sound very efficient.”

“Do you have no division of species even in your plant and animal life?”

Malia smiled again. “No, no. The Celestia are born of the mother, from the mother by the mother. All creatures are of the mother and a part of the cycle of life. When we are ready the young will be born of us and continue the cycle. You are the first of your kind we have met.”

Archer took a moment to digest that information. “I was under the impression that you had encountered males of other races before. The Vulcans perhaps?”

“No, no. We were not even aware that Vulcans divided their species as well. Do many cultures? All for reproduction?”

Even though he was becoming uncomfortable with the topic, he went with it. “That is the general purpose of two genders. If you would like, I will have the doctor send you more specific information and if you have any questions I would be happy answer them.”

Trip chuckled. “Count me in too. I’m happy t’ oblige.”

Hoshi elbowed him in the ribs and whispered low so only he could hear. “Don’t be too obliging.” He just grinned in response.

Sensing another incident in teasing, Archer headed it off by turning to T’Pol. “No males?”

“The High Command thought the Celestia would be more comfortable interacting with female crew. It is a logical assumption.”

Malia garnered his attention once more. “I declare Jonathan, your species is absolutely fascinating. Not only are you split in genders but you range from fair to dark.” She glanced from Trip to Hoshi. “Or is Commander Tucker unique even among your species?”

Hoshi grinned. “Oh he’s unique alright.” She giggled as Trip hushed her. Glancing around he noticed several of the Celestia staring not just at him but at Hoshi. At first he thought it was just curiosity, but then he recognized the look in their eyes. They were studying Hoshi as if she were a potential mate. He moved a bit closer.

Once more Archer intervened. “My people come in all shapes and sizes and colors. We are quite a diverse species.”

Malia nodded. “It is truly wonderful Jonathan, though I must say, Ensign Sato is bound to be pursued among my people, as is Sub-Commander T’Pol. They are both extremely exotic and beautiful to us with their dark looks.” She winked up at him. “As are you.” With a great deal of flourish, she guided them into a large richly appointed apartment. “Please make yourselves at home. We look forward to talking with you more on the morrow, however now I must placate the elders.” She scrunched up her face. “It is a troublesome job, but it must be done. If you need anything, please let the honor guard know. They will be in the gatehouse just outside.” With a final motion toward said gatehouse, she left, calling her entourage to her.

Trip watched the party leave with a frown, "Cap'm I don't know if I like the idea of my gal being ogled by another woman." He threw a possessive arm around Hoshi's shoulders.

Hoshi drove her elbow into his stomach, "Two dates does not a relationship make, pal, and I'm no one's "gal", at least not until I say I am." She gave him a wink and stepped away, letting the Captain take the lead as they proceeded to check out the apartment.
 

Chapter 2