Delusions

Delusions, Chapter Two

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"What th' hell is goin' on, Doc?" Trip stared at the imaging chamber like he could see Archer through the grill as Phlox frowned at the data on the screen. "Why does he think Hoshi's his wife?"

Shrugging, Phloxtinutinued to interpret the results from the scan. "I believe it's from the slight damage his brain took from the concussion."

"He's brain damaged?"

Finally turning to look at Trip, Phlox gave the engineer what would be an exasperated look from a human. "Only slightly, and nothing that I cannot repair. I am concerned though about the reading from when he thought Ensign Sato was injured."

Trip waited for Phlox to finish. "And?"

"I'm afraid until I figure out what is happening in that particular region of his brain, we will have to 'play along' with the Captain's belief that the Ensign is his wife."

Blinking, Trip only stared at the doctor. "Yer kiddin'."

Phlox looked affronted. "Certainly not. I'm sure it will only be for a few days. I suggest we inform the Sub commander, and then the Ensign. It will take her cooperation, of course."

"Of course," Trip agreed weakly.

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"FascinatiI amI am interested in knowing why the Captain focused on Ensign Sato as part of his delusion." T'Pol's serene gaze lingered on the form lying on the bio bed behind the privacy curtain.

"Instead of you?" Flushing under the weight of a raised eyebrow, Trip mumbled an apology.

"The Ensign may merely have been the last person the Captain saw before he was knocked unconscious," Phlox replied. "Or he may have some unresolved feelings for her. We might never know."

"Who's gonna tell Hosh?" Trip looked at the other two officers. "I ain't doin' it."

A miniscule sigh escaped T'Pol.

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"He what?" Hoshi stared at T'Pol, not quite believing what the Vulcan was telling her. "And you want me to do what?"

"Look, Hosh, it won't be for that long. Phlox'll repair the Cap'n's brain, and eveythin' will go back t' normal." Trip tried to sound more confident than he felt.

"If I don't?"

"I wouldn't recommend it, Ensign." Phlox came to stand by her. "As the Commander said, it will only be for a short while."

"But, his wife? Can't I be his girlfriend or something?"

"No." T'Pol was her usual blunt self. "The Captain referred to as as his wife. It is obviously a marriage of some time, as Starfleet never would have allowed you to marry him once you became an Ensign. I have reviewed the Doctor's findings and agree with him that to apprise the Captain of the true state between you would be detrimental to his health."

"Well, it seems that’s that, then." Shoulders drooping, Hoshi gaze slid across the room where Archer laid.

"Excellent." Phlox sounded almost excited at this new development between the humans. 'I'll wake him up now."

"Now?" The doctor stopped at the panic in Hoshi's voice. T'Pol raised an eyebrow. Hoshi made a small helpless gesture. "Now."

The four of them trooped over to stand by the bio bed. Phlox injected a stimulant into Archer, and a few moments later the Captain's eyes fluttered open. They looked over everyone, finally stopping at Hoshi.

He smiled in relief to see her, looking years younger. "Sweetheart. Are you ok?"

Hoshi swallowed, nodding. "I'm fine, C … Jon. Just relieved you're alright." She tentatively reached out, smoothing back his hair.

Archer captured her hand, bringing it down for a kiss. "I'm fine now." The warmth of his mouth burned through Hoshi's skin.