Kobayashi Maru - Michael A. Martin [56]
TPol turned to face Archer directly. “Captain, I knew that Trip wasnt dead before I was told the truth. I was aware of his living consciousness at a time after you had told me he was dead. In my previous mind encounter with Trip, I even became aware that his appearance had been altered. At the time, I was unable to understand it. But later, when I saw him in person on Earth, myhallucination turned out to be true.
She paused, swallowing the unbidden emotion that was even now creeping into her mind. “My behavior is not irrational, nor emotional. I know this to be true: Commander Tucker is in mortal danger.
Placing a bandage-covered hand gingerly on Archers sleeve, TPol implored him. “You are Trips best friend, CaptainJonathan. I am connected to him. We can find him. Rescue him.
Archer pulled away from her, his face crumpling in obvious anguish. “Im sorry, TPol. You know we cant. He swept at the air angrily with one hand. “Were one ship, damn it! Even if I did take Enterprise into Romulan territory, wed be overwhelmed within minutes. Wed never even reach Romulus! And wed be sacrificing an entire crew for the life of one person, not to mention leaving the security of Earth and the Coalition at risk, and very possibly starting a war as well.
“I cant do it, TPol. I cant sacrifice this ship, this crew everything, for Trip, no matter how badly any of us would like to. I just cant.
He walked away from her, toward the door. “Please dont ask me again.
Once the captain was gone, Phlox cleared his throat as he looked up from the datapad he had been studying so intently for the past several minutes.
“Did you really expect Captain Archer to give you any other response? His tone sounded more curious than judgmental.
TPol shook her head. “No, Doctor. The captain has always had to strike a balance between the demands of his superiors, interstellar politics, and his desire to lead this ship based on something purer than either one. But more often than not, he opts to follow the rules out of necessity.
“For what its worth, I believe that there is more to your mental link to Mister Tucker than most other physicians and scientists would admit, Phlox said. “That said, I also am fully aware that you are in a state of exhaustion. And the heightened emotions you are exhibiting are no doubt draining your strength even further.
“Im going to strongly suggest that you take some time offsome significant time off, to meditate, rest, and clear your mind. He smiled wryly, but his ice-blue eyes were otherwise inscrutable. “Perhaps away from the others in the crew for a time, you will be able to find the answers you need.
TPol stared at him for a moment, wondering at the intent of Phloxs words, and surprised at the kindness she saw in the Denobulans gaze. But that part of her that had been trained long ago, before Enterprise even existed, instinctively told her not to ask for clarification.
“Perhaps you are right, Doctor, she said after several moments of silent reflection. “Thank you for the advice.
“You know that what youre asking is in gross violation of a score of laws?
TPol stared at Denaks face on the viewscreen. She had signaled him several hours earlier, and his response had finally come only a few minutes ago.
“I also know that you have operated outside the law numerous times when circumstances required it, TPol said. “I worked at your side on some of those occasions. You have done things that will never be written into Vulcan historyor even in the most secret files of the VShar.
Denak raised one of his eyebrows, but only slightly. “A lesser man might think you were threatening me in some manner, Commander. But I know better. I also know that I owe you my life, several times over.
TPol glanced over at the timer attached to the subspace scrambling device on her desktop. Her time was fast running out.
“Denak, you were the one who told me to look into Captain Sopek
“The late Captain Sopek, he said, interrupting her.
“and while I have been unable to find concrete