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DECEIT: Part One
***
2154
Trip: Six months, Cap’n? I can’t have someone snooping around Engineering for six months.
Archer: Trip...it’s a cultural exchange. He’s an anthropologist, not a spy.
Trip: He can’t be bothering my people while they’re working.
Archer: He’ll be all over the ship, not just with you, and Admiral Forrest has assured me he won’t interfere with operations. You’ll barely notice him.
2155
}} At what point did you decide to violate your training and protocols?
> I never...
}} We have your own report, in your own words. You admit to it.
> It was not a decision I made lightly. The earlier reports were accurate.
}} You omitted data from your reports. That is not acceptable.
> I omitted data that could not possibly be of value.
}} That is not your area of expertise. Omission of data is not acceptable.
> I was sent to learn about human culture. I did that. I reported what I learned.
}} You omitted data. You falsified reports.
> I did what was necessary.
}} You shared information about yourself, and about Elchora.
> I did what I felt was right. Trip will not use that information. Nor will Archer.
}} Elchora is not shared. That is not acceptable.
***
2154
T’Pol: The Tabrans are a fairly remote species, and their home world is beyond the area Vulcans have explored. We first encountered a Tabran on a trading vessel. They often utilize the ships of other races.
Trip: Don’t they have warp technology?
T’Pol: They claim to. The use of other vessels as transport may be a way to conceal their technology. They are also very secretive about their home world.
Archer: You sound like you don't trust them. Haven’t Vulcans been dealing with them for eighty, ninety years now?
T’Pol: Over one hundred. That hasn’t made it easier. They are far too... uncontrolled.
Archer gave Trip a sidelong look.
Trip: Are they violent?
T’Pol: They are direct, and forceful. Vulcans do not find their company agreeable. Captain, if I could request a favor...
Archer. Yes?
T’Pol: As this is a cultural research mission about the *human* species, perhaps another officer could be assigned as the liaison. Commander Tucker would be suitable.
***
Archer: Greetings. Is the Tabran Exchange Researcher with you?
"Yes, Captain. He's right here," said the pilot, turning to an equally hulking figure on his right.
Tegl: <stepping forward> I am the Exchange Officer, Captain Archer. Your ship and crew appear exactly as my reports stated.
Archer: (uh...) Thank you. We'll meet you at the docking port shortly.
***
As they headed down the corridor, Trip ventured a comment.
Trip: He’s kinda....wild looking.
Archer: We’ve seen all kinds of aliens out here. Nausicaans.., Tellarites...
Trip: I know. It’s just... he was looking at me while he was talkin' to you.
Archer: I didn’t notice that.
T’Pol: You would be a more successful liaison if you refrained from telling him he looks “wild.”
Trip: I’ll be a perfect gentleman, a regular diplomat.
2155
}} When did you first meet Commander Charles Tucker?
> Charles? <hah> Nobody called him that except his schoolteacher. I met Trip when I came aboard Enterprise. He was standing by the door on my left, close enough to smell. But I knew who he was already.
}} You had prior knowledge of him from the reports?
>Prior reports were outlines without details. His name and rank were listed, some general information, very little else. Our early exchange officers on Earth were not up to the task, apparently.
> I knew who he was because I saw him on the view screen when our ship contacted Enterprise; he stood out immediately.
***
2154
Archer: Welcome aboard Enterprise. This is Sub-commander T’Pol, my science officer.
Tegl: (eagerly) The Vulcan! You’re not the first I’ve met, but perhaps you're different. Life in another culture must have changed you.
T’Pol: (stiffly) I'm sure you'll learn a great deal about humans during your time here.
Tegl: I hope so! And you must be Commander Tucker.
He grabbed Trip by both arms and gave him a hearty shake.
I look forward to working with you.
Trip: (puzzled) Nice to meet you. The captain assigned me to be your liaison.
Tegl: Excellent choice, Captain. Thank you for that.
Archer squinted, looking back and forth at the two of them.
Trip: I’ll show you to your quarters.
...
Archer: He knew a lot about us.
T’Pol: Tabrans do their research. They are also very perceptive. Although clearly they do not understand Vulcans.
Archer smiled at T’Pol’s obvious discomfort.
2155
}} Did you express your feelings so quickly upon arrival?
> I did. But I was restraining myself as much as possible. I had been practicing for several months to maintain a bearing that would allow me to integrate with the crew. Being fully myself would have made the research... less successful.
}} Did you observe the crew at their daily activities, as you stated in the reports?
> As I said, I observed the crew, their behavior, their activities, I viewed many of their records, and conducted extensive interviews.
}} Your reports were of lesser and lesser value to us.
> I performed my duties.
}} You violated our rules and compromised yourself, and Elchora.
> That was my choice to make.
}} The interrogation will be suspended for six hours.
> May I...
}} You will remain here.
> I need water
}} You are quite capable of withstanding a far longer interrogation.
***
2150
Trip: You want breakfast?
Archer: I have to go.
Trip: It’s just breakfast, Jon.
Archer: It’s better to start off on the right foot. We’re going to serve on the same vessel. We have long careers ahead of us. Let’s put things in their place and leave them there.
Trip: I’ll see you tomorrow then. We can take a look at the warp coil installation.
Archer: Yes.
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Archer: Same ship, Trip. We’ll be good friends.
Trip: Always.
His voice died away as the door clicked shut.