Surak's Soul - J.M. Dillard [15]
“What alternatives?” Archer was honestly perplexed. “It all happened so fast….”
She did not answer his question, but instead continued, “I have reflected deeply on the situation. The only way to properly maintain my Vulcan ethics is to return to the strictest original teachings of Surak. For that reason, I cannot condone violence of any kind; and for that reason, I must inform you that I will no longer carry or use any type of weapon.”
“Sub-Commander…” Archer did his best to be understanding. “What happened was an accident. You couldn’t have prevented it.”
“I could have, and should have. I have grown lax in my discipline.”
He bowed his head, considering his next words carefully, trying to curtail the mounting frustration he suddenly felt. He realized that she had not blamed her “laxness” on being surrounded by humans—but he felt the implication, however subtle, was there.
Yet Archer also knew he had a chip on his shoulder, especially on this day, of all days: Henry Archer had died without being able to see Enterprise leave spacedock because the Vulcans had delayed the launch, stating that humans weren’t “emotionally ready” for contact with other life-forms. You’ve put that all behind you, Archer reminded himself. T’Pol had made it clear enough that she was now voluntarily aboard Enterprise; she had proven her respect for her fellow officers enough times.
“T’Pol…you’ve become a real part of this crew. And down there on the planet’s surface, you may well have saved Hoshi’s life. What if I need you to protect this vessel? What if, say, I’m down on the planet’s surface and you’re in charge of this ship, and Enterprise is suddenly attacked? Are you saying you won’t retaliate defensively? That you won’t protect yourself or my crew?”
“Correct,” she replied evenly.
Archer’s lips parted in amazement; unable to believe what he had just heard, he pressed. Certainly she would not endanger Enterprise! “You would disobey a direct order from me to use force?”
T’Pol’s tone was respectful but firm. “I would, sir.”
“That’s…That’s…” Archer’s anger caused the word to stick in his throat. He struggled and at last managed to gather himself, but he no longer bothered to maintain a sympathetic expression. “That’s all, Sub-Commander. We’ll discuss this further, after we’ve both had a chance to think about things.”
She opened her mouth to speak; he already knew what she was going to say. I have already thought about things, Captain. I have already made my decision. Before she could utter a word, he turned on his heel and went back into the captain’s dining room.
Hoshi and Trip were in relaxed midconversation, with Reed listening avidly, when Archer retook his seat—but at the sight of him, they both fell silent; Hoshi’s dark eyes grew wide. He was fuming, Archer realized, and doing a poor job of hiding it; in fact, Hoshi stood up at once and said, “I appreciate the chance to talk about what happened down on the planet’s surface, sir. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be heading for my quarters….”
Reed cleared his throat. “Yes. Yes, I’ll be going as well, sir. With your permission.”
Archer gave a sullen nod.
“Bye,” Hoshi told Trip, shot an uncertain glance at the captain, then eagerly made her way for the door; Reed followed suit.
Once they were gone, Trip gave the captain a good look up and down at finally said, “Whoa. So just exactly what did she say that got you riled?”
Archer did not need to ask which “she” Tucker referred to. “Dammit, Trip, she just told me to my face that she’d refuse my direct order.”
“Hold on, now…Back it up, Cap’n. T’Pol didn’t just come up to you and say…”
Archer let go an exasperated puff of air. “She stunned an alien who attacked Hoshi, and he wound up dying seconds after she shot him.”
“T’Pol shot first?”
Archer nodded.
“Ouch. That must have gotten Reed’s goat. Outgunned by a Vulcan.”
“A Vulcan who blames herself for the alien’s death,” Archer persisted, ignoring