It was Phlox’s suggestion that put the idea there was sexual tension between him and T’Pol, Archer was sure of it. And that was the reason that he had those rather suggestive dreams. There was no other plausible explanation. He had never, even for one second, entertained the thought of having any sort of relationship with the Vulcan subcommander—except in a purely professional capacity of course. His irritation was because of the ridiculous demands being placed on him, and his concern about Porthos. Of course it rankled when she implied that he cared more for his pet than the ship and the mission. That would get to anyone.
Although he had to admit that T’Pol was sexy. He would have to be blind not to notice, and bat for the other team not to have been affected by the dreams that Phlox’s suggestion caused. And the two Freudian slips he made while talking to her afterwards were embarrassing, Archer had to admit. But he could be excused from that; it would happen to anyone in that situation. It was a long way from convincing him that there was any genuine sexual tension there. Besides which, regulations clearly stated the inappropriateness of such a relationship.
But more and more Archer found himself pondering the not-so-innocuous suggestion. Was it just the regulations that had kept him from contemplating the idea? He had to admit, the idea was not distasteful in the least. Quite pleasant in fact. But it was a moot point just the same. Even if regulations were not in the way, the fact that T’Pol was a Vulcan was. Archer did not like to think that he was xenophobic in any way, but he knew that Vulcans could be; and he had never heard of a Vulcan/human relationship before. And even if that were not an issue, T’Pol had never shown even the slightest indication she harboured feelings for him (or whatever the Vulcan non-emotional equivalent was).
T’Pol came close to acknowledging the matter a few days later, when everything had settled down and Archer had apologised to her for his behaviour. Of course, her way of acknowledging it was to speak as if it were a hypothetical matter and point out the inappropriateness and regulations. She acted as though there was nothing amiss with the two ‘slips’ he made, and for that Archer was grateful. And in addressing the subject, all uneasiness and tension washed away from the captain. There was no sexual tension there. His irritation was due to the pressures of Porthos’ illness, and the apologies he had to make. Phlox had been imagining things.
Archer laughed to himself. There was more sexual tension between T’Pol and Trip Tucker than there was between the subcommander and himself.
Like it? Tell the author what you think!
Back to index
