Deep Blue Sea - Chapter 2

DEEP BLUE SEA

by Y2Kelly

Disclaimer on main menu page

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*************CHAPTER TWO**********

ALL ABOARD!!

After the funeral, everything went as planned. Trip, T’Pol, and his parents were all shuttled together to an unknown location by Starfleet Security. They had no idea where they were shuttled to; except that it was a desert looking terrain where they went underground to meet with Harris, the Section 31 commanding officer that Malcolm had dealings with on one too many occasions. They spent two days at this location in order to prepare for their journey. Trip wanted full specs on the Twilight, so that he and his father could gain familiarity with its systems and later review them with his mother and T’Pol. It would be foolish to man such a boat in the open sea without knowledge of how to properly maintain its sophisticated systems. Growing up in Florida, Trip and his father would take their boat for long fishing trips along the Mississippi River, which happened to be the catfish capital of the world. They also spent countless hours sailing the seas off the coasts of Florida, particularly, in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Florida Keys. But, neither seaman had experience commanding a Trinity Class Yacht in the vast Pacific Ocean for an estimated month-long voyage.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Tucker and T’Pol were making arrangements for the comforts of their travels. Mrs. Tucker insisted that Starfleet stock the Yacht kitchen with all the ingredients and foods on her shopping list. If they were going to spend possibly a month or more sailing, she wanted to make sure they ate and drank well. She even did some research on Vulcan cuisine. She knew they were vegetarians, but wanted to make certain T’Pol ate well too. She had noted a few Vulcan delicacies on her list and would present T’Pol one of them on their first meal in hopes of breaking the ice. After Harris spent their last hours there going over all the cover details and providing them with their fake ID’s and other identification papers, they were disguised for their travels to the Yacht, and were now ready to disappear.

They arrived early the next morning at Pier 66 of San Francisco Bay, where the Twilight was docked. She was indeed a beauty, Trip and his father both thought. There were 4 separate cabins; two large master cabins and two smaller crew quarters. Of course, being the Southern Gentlemen he was, Trip gave T’Pol one of the master rooms and took one of the smaller cabins; while his parents would stay in the larger master cabin at the end of the hallway. Even the smaller cabins were twice the size his quarters on Enterprise - and all rooms had windows to allow natural lighting in. The master bedroom Trip’s parents stayed in had its own full sized bathroom. The other full sized bathroom was located in the hallway, accessible to all passengers. But, T’Pol’s master bedroom also came equipped with a half-sized bathroom, which was equipped with an upright shower and toilette.

Trip knew he would be sleeping in T’Pol’s quarters, but wasn’t quite ready to tell his parents about their bond. He was still getting accustomed to the bond himself! He knew there would be plenty of time to grow more comfortable with their relationship around his parents on their voyage and he would choose the right time to tell them. He had more serious plans in mind than just telling them about the bond. He was thinking of proposing marriage to T’Pol. At this point, with all they had been through, he couldn’t imagine his life without her and he would never stop loving her. But he hadn’t even discussed it with T’Pol, as the time wasn’t right for a proposition. If things went well on their sails, he hoped to pop the question. But, for now he would only focus on the task at hand…sailing

Before they set sail, Trip, being a good Engineer, spent several hours running a full check of the ship’s systems and familiarizing himself with all their functions, up close. He was impressed. Twilight was fully automated, which wasn’t a feature all seamen desired; but, one he was more than willing to enable. If he sailed the traditional way, manually, he would hardly ever see T’Pol or his parents, as they would have to rotate shifts all day and night in order to navigate the ship to its coordinates. With weather conditions and other factors, this would truly be a challenging adventure. But, with this highly advanced Yacht, sailing to Hawaii and back would be more of a luxurious vacation, one he would welcomed.

Trip and his father left the pier in San Francisco Bay in traditional sailor fashion, manning the skipper wheel towards the great open sea. Already the weather was agreeable for the Twilight crew. It was in the mid 60s (Fahrenheit) and clear skies for as far as the eye could see. It was late January; San Francisco's coldest months of the year. But on the whole, the winter weather in San Francisco and off its coastal shores was mild, and days between storms could be surprisingly crisp and sunny.

Trip was wearing sporty navy blue pants, a long sleeved white t-shirt with a windbreaker over it, and his NX-01 baseball hat. He was no longer required to wear his arm band. His wound was still sore to the touch, but he was a fast healer and his arm no longer hurt as much to move. T’Pol was wearing a white, tight jumpsuit, which covered her arms and legs full-length. Her suit was made of a material that kept her body heat in and the cold out. She had to wear similar jumpsuits on Enterprise, as the environment was slightly too cold for a Vulcan. Accompanying her jumpsuit was a white, robe-like, but thin-layered, coat. The Tuckers’ both dressed comfortably in their blue jeans and cotton sweat-shirts. Mrs. Tucker was wearing a sun hat, made of hemp-like material and Mr. Tucker had a brown Cowboy hat on. Trip and father were both waiting for the warm weather of Hawaii before bringing out the Hawaiian shirts.

As they left San Francisco Bay, Trip was comforted by the sounds of mid-morning sail: ship horns, seagulls flying about, the motors of other ships leaving the Bay with them, and the sea water washing against Twilight as it sailed comfortably at 4.5 knots westward towards open sea. There were several other boats sailing the same direction as them, none appeared to be following them, only couples and seamen following their own course along the way. Trip handed over the wheel to his father to navigate. He thought the old man would enjoy taking them to sea. He cracked open a bottle of beer for himself and his father and sat down in the co-captain chair.

“So, what do ya’ think dad? Cruise at low speed the whole way ta’ Hawaii?” he said with a smile.

“Well, we may be out here for a while son….we might as well take our time.” He returned the smile.

“I can’t wait ta’ get ta’ Maui. There’s this fine vegetarian restaurant there I wanna take T’Pol to…an’ the waters on those beaches are the most beautiful in the world, not ta’ mention great for’ surfin’…but, I don’t suppose I’m gonna get a Vulcan ta’ surf!”

“Just keep in mind what Harris said son, you n’ T’Pol will need ta’ be in disguise if were gonna spend any time ashore, away from the house, so ya’ just need to be careful son.”

“Oh, I know dad, we’ll be sure ta’ stay under cover at all times.”

“I know ya’ will son, but what concerns me is T’Pol’s Vulcan behavior. Someone may identify her as a Vulcan, just from her behavior son.”

“Hmm, I never thought of it that way. Well, we’ll just have ta’ avoid contact with others. Ya’ know, if I’m not mistaken those humpback whales migrate ta’ Hawaii every winter ta’ mate and have babies…maybe we can spend some time on ta’ boat scuba divin’ an’ whale watchin’?”

“Sounds like a plan! I’m sure T’Pol won’t mind doin’ some research on humpback whales…ya’ know they’re very intelligent animals? Some say even more intelligent then Humans.”

“Hmm, yeah, she’ll definitely find that fascinatin’…the whales are more intelligent then us humans?…yeah right…I’m sure a Vulcan said that!” They both chuckled.

“So, what’s the story between ya’ two…I mean, do ya’ love her?”

The question caught Trip off guard. He wasn’t prepared to tell his father about the Vulcan bond, but felt comfortable revealing some of his feelings to his father.

“Yeah dad, I do” Looking at his father somberly, like there was more to the story. “When the time’s right, I’ll tell you all about us, but right now, we’re still tryin’ ta’ figure ‘us’ out for ourselves. Does that make any sense?”

“Sure does. I’m happy for ya’ son…and your mother will be happy ta’ know that you have chosen ta’ have a relationship with T’Pol…she’s a fine woman and, so far, she’s been very kind ta’ me and your mother.”

“Well dad, keep this between you an’ me for now…ya’ see, Vulcans don’t discuss their relationships with other people, even family and friends…T’Pol would kill me if this were ta’ come up at the dinner table…so, just keep it ta’ yourself… an’ if ya’ tell mom, make sure she understands how private T’Pol is about it. Okay?”

“I understand, son. Now, how bout’ ya’ tell me how to get this auto navigation turned on…I read those specs, but can’t remember now how the hell ya’ turn the dang’ thing on.”

“Already? I thought you’d be reluctant ta’ use this thing, dad!” Trip was a little surprised his father wanted to turn it on so soon.

“Oh no son, I’m eager to learn how ta’ use it now, rather than a 100 miles out in the ocean.” He winked at Trip. His father was indeed a good seaman…prepared for everything before-hand and always thinking of their survival first.

“Good thinkin’ dad!” Trip pulled open the panel next to the controls above the wheel. “See this button here, switch it on or off, an’ that’s all there is to it. I already entered our coordinates into the navigation system, so all ya’ have to do from now til’ Maui is turn this off or on for auto-nav. The auto sensors work in both modes at all times. Unless you see this light here turn red and the sensor audio alert tellin’ you that somethin’s in our course path, then it’ll be easy cruisin’ dad.”

“Well, ya’ know me son, I’m not about to let the boat have all the fun.” He winked and smiled at Trip and took a swig of his beer. Trip thought life was good at the moment. He and his father would spend the next few hours drinking beers and sailing ahead.

Meanwhile, both T’Pol and Mrs. Tucker were working on getting there respective rooms settled. Mrs. Tucker was also working on Trip’s room. T’Pol observed her making Trip’s bed while passing by to carry things into her room, as Trip’s room was across from her own. She was puzzled, but not surprised to see a human mother doing this for her fully grown son. On Vulcan, children from a very young age learned to make their own beds and do many other things for themselves. This taught them discipline. But then she could see that Mrs. Tucker was emotionally attached to this routine. She paused for a moment to watch. Strangely, T’Pol felt possessive of his room, his things, his space. Like she should be putting his things away and making his bed. But quickly repressed the feeling, it was entirely too illogical. Mrs. Tucker abruptly stopped what she was doing to look up at T’Pol watching her.

“Oh, T’Pol, you startled me, dear.”

“My apologies, Mrs. Tucker. Do you require assistance?”

“Oh no dear. I’ll be fine. Just finishin’ up here before gettin’ started on our room. I just miss this. I use ta’ make his bed every day when he was a boy. I just really miss havin’ him home with us. That’s all.” T’Pol nodded in acknowledgement and returned to her room.

Several hours and beers later...

Trip and his father were at the kitchen table playing Five Card Draw with poker chips. Trip had the upper hand at the moment, but his father was starting to make a good run. Meanwhile, Mrs. Tucker and T’Pol were preparing the evening meals. Mrs. Tucker was trying something new, Pecan Catfish and Hushpuppies. She traditionally only fried the catfish, but was going all out for their first meal together. T’Pol was ready to heat up some of her prepared Plomeek Broth when Mrs. Tucker surprised her by pulling out a covered medium sized salad bowl and plate from the stasis unit, revealing already prepared Vulcan delicacies. Mixed together in the bowl: Kreila ("kreyla", a flat bread-like food), Pla-savas ("blue fruit", a sweet blue to black-colored fruit), Sash-savas ("acid fruit", a strong, citrus-like oblong fruit), and Yon-savas ("fire fruit", a strongly flavored yellow to red-colored fruit). There were several large salad bowls of these fruits stored in the stasis unit, already cut and mixed together. Mrs. Tucker read that these particular fruits were especially desired together as a mixed fruit salad. To compliment the fruit, she prepared a plate of Kreila ("kreyla", a flat bread-like food) with Rhombolian butter spread on top. Both dishes were beautifully presented, the Kreila placed symmetrically on the stoneware dish and the fruit placed in a stoneware salad bowl, decorated with Vulcan symbols.

“Darlin’ don’t ask me ta’ pronounce what ya’ call all this…although I practiced, in ma’ old age, I forget things very easily” Mrs. Tucker’s polite way of telling T’Pol she couldn’t say the words properly. She put them down on the counter-top in front of T’Pol. T’Pol was very impressed with Mrs. Tucker’s preparation and knowledge of Vulcan cuisine.

“Mrs. Tucker, I appreciate your hospitality. May I ask where you learned to prepare Vulcan delicacies with such accuracy?

“Oh…well, I did some research, and tryin’ new cuisines has always been a hobby of mine. Only thing is, I don’t get to practice much, cause Chuck don’t like eatin’ anythin’ sides’ good ol’ hunky-dorey American foods. The one time I got him to try Sushi back when we first met, he got sick in the stomach…ever since, he just don’t even wanna try anythin’ new!” She intentionally raised her voice so Trip and his father could hear. “I just hope my son isn’t as stubborn on Enterprise with tryin’ new alien foods as his father is with tryin’ different Earth foods.”

Mr. Tucker just shrugged her off, but she got Trip’s immediate attention; a smirk came from his smile as he recalled his encounter with the Xyrillians and their foods, and his reaction to them. T’Pol caught light of his thought and humor through the bond.

“Mrs. Tucker, the Commander is all too eager to try new alien foods. Has he ever told you about our encounter with the Xyrillian species?”

“Why no he hasn’t…please do tell?!!” Trip was too embarrassed to ever tell his parents about the encounter. He flew out of his seat towards them to protest.

“Oh wait just a minute! I don’t think we need ta’ talk about that, T’Pol.”

“What’s the matter darlin’, somethin’ you’re embarrassed to tell? Ooohh, this must be good!” Mrs. Tucker was now even more interested to hear the story.

“Mom, trust me, ya’ don’t wanna’ know!” He gave T’Pol a look; like don’t even go there. She sensed his warning with slight amusement.

“Perhaps another time you can share the encounter with your mother.” She teased Trip. “Shall we begin preparing the hushpuppies, mamm?”

“Hmmm, as long as one of ya’ promises ta’ tell me this story…knowin’ my son, this oughta’ be a good one!” She shot him a knowing look of amusement and turned away to tend to the hushpuppies.

Trip let out a sigh of relief and shot T’Pol a very appreciative, but sly smile. He grabbed another beer and sat right back down to meet his fathers smirking smile.

“Okay T’Pol, let’s get you started on these Hushpuppies. First, ya’ add about 2 ta’ 3 inches of oil over medium heat.” She added the oil to the pan. “Now we won’t heat it just yet, cause ya’ need ta’ combine the cornmeal mix, flour, and onion in this bowl; and when you’re ready, add the cup of milk n’ beat it real good!” T’Pol nodded her head in acknowledgement. Mrs. Tucker had all the ingredients and necessary utensils laid out on the counter and pointed out each ingredient to T’Pol as she spoke. “I know its against your values to eat meat, so I won’t insult ya’ by askin’ ya’ ta’ prepare it. I’ll fix the catfish while you’re doin’ the hushpuppy preparations…you just keep me some company, ok?”

“I appreciate your concern for my customs mamm; however, I would be interested in learning how to prepare this dish myself. Would you mind demonstrating the process to me after I complete these preparations?”

“Why certainly dear! In fact, why don’t you put the hushpuppies mix aside an’ we’ll get started on the catfish together…the hushpuppies won’t take long, an’ normally you would prepare the meat first anyways.” Mrs. Tucker couldn’t help but draw some conclusions as to why T’Pol was so interested in learning to prepare the dish. T’Pol put aside the bowl of mixed ingredients and approached Mrs. Tucker’s side.

“I know the Commander is very fond of this dish, is Mr. Tucker fond of it as well?”

“Chuck? Well, he loves my Southern Fried Chicken dish best, but actually this is the first time I’m makin’ ma’ catfish with pecans. Trip loves my plain fried catfish, but knowin’ how much he loves pecan pie, I’m willin’ ta’ bet this will quickly become his favorite dish.”

“I see.” T’Pol knew nothing about preparing catfish, except what she researched.

“Okay, basically, the catfish fillets will be coated with ground pecans, cornmeal, and seasonin’s, then baked…in that order. But, first, we gotta’ clean these fillets, and then we’ll need to work on grindin’ the pecans and readyin’ the cornmeal and seasonin’s. How ‘bout I clean the fish and you get the mixes goin’?” T’Pol nodded in agreement. “You can start by processin’ this cup of toasted pecan halves until they resemble course meal. When you’re done with that, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and Tabasco sauce in the large bowl and in the smaller bowl, stir together the flour, cornmeal, ground pecans, salt, n’ pepper.”

While they were busy with their preparations, Trip and his father were about to take their game to a new level. Mr. Tucker had the smaller mound of chips at the moment, but he had Trip right where he wanted him; so, he thought.

“I’m all in dad, an’ I’m callin’ your bluff!” Trip boldly moved his entire chip set into the middle of the table. Mr. Tucker had a very good hand; a Full House - two Jacks and three Queens. But, Trip’s luck was even better. He had three Kings and a wild card.

“Okay son. I’m all in too!” Mr. Tucker moved his entire mound of chips in the middle as well. A big grin came over his face as he laid down his big hand. “Read em’ and weep! Ha, Ha!”

“Wow, a Full House, dad?” An even bigger smile beamed from Trip’s mouth as he slyly laid his hand down. “That’s pretty impressive; but, unfortunately, I don’t think it’ll beat this! Ahhhhhh, haaaaaaa! Thought ya’ had me, didn’t ya’?”

“Well, I’ll be a sonna’ bitch! Now, why can’t I ever get a hand like that when I’m in Vegas?” He just smiled, shook his head in disbelief, as he thought he had the game won, and took a swig of his beer. Their commotion caught his mother’s attention. She missed times like these between her son and husband.

“Need another beer, Chuck?”

“Oh, sure dear!” Mrs. Tucker’s hands were in a bowl in the sink, covered with fish as she was rinsing them.

“T’Pol, would you mind? They’re in the stasis unit.” She motioned her head towards it.

“Not at all.” She walked over and got him the beer and handed it to him.

“Thank ya’ mamm. After dinner, maybe you’d like to join us for a game of poker? Kate and I play all the time, she’s pretty good herself! We could teach ya’ to play.”

“That’s a wonderful idea darlin’!” Mrs. Tucker interjected.

“I am curious…this game seems to be nothing more than a matter of probabilities and random luck, why do you bother to bluff at all?”

“Well, that’s another element to the game all together. Ya’ take for instance the last game. If Trip hadn’t been so darn lucky to get a rare 4 of a kind, he would’ve fallen into ma’ false bluff trap!” He gave an annoyed, but amusing look to Trip. T’Pol raised her eyebrow, not quite understanding his “false bluff” strategy, but knowing the concept. “It’s a very important part of the game. I’m sure you could adopt your own style of bluffin’.” He winked at her and gave Trip an amusing smile. She gave Trip a look of intrigue.

“You should definitely join us in a hand or two after dinner, T’Pol. Right now, you just might be the only one here smart enough ta’ beat me!” Trip meant that as a challenge not only to his parents but to T’Pol. He still resented how many Vulcans treated Humans like a lesser species, not intelligent enough for space travel. T’Pol didn’t treat him that way - anymore, that is - but, he was attracted to her intelligence and wanted her to demonstrate her abilities to his unknowing parents. He knew she was fully capable of mastering the game with or without his help, and with their bond, it would be challenging for either one of them to bluff the other.

“I accept your challenge, Commander.” she said with a raised eyebrow. He just smiled at her lovingly as she turned away to finish her preparations.

Mrs. Tucker was done cleaning the fish. She moved onto finish mixing the hushpuppy ingredients, and only in a matter of minutes, T’Pol had already had both her mixes ready. Mrs. Tucker continued with her instructions.

“Now, first you dip each fillet into the buttermilk mixture; and next dip each one into the cornmeal mixture. Then you set them each on this greased pan. I already have the oven preheated at 350°. So when you’re done, place the pan in the oven and let them bake for about 20 minutes or until they’re browned and the fish flake easily with a fork. I’m gonna’ tend to these hushpuppies. Feel free to watch and learn…there’s nothin’ to it dear. Somethin’ tells me you’re a fine cook?”

“Before her passing, my mother was also keen on learning new cuisines. When I was home she insisted on involving me in her explorations.”

“I’m sorry ta’ hear that your mother is no longer with us, dear. I would have liked to have met her and shared Vulcan recipes with her.”

“I believe she would have found your Vulcan cuisines very agreeable, mamm.”

They continued their bonding in the kitchen while cooking dinner and preparing the table for the next half hour. They all sat at the table for a moment to look upon the wonderful foods T’Pol and Mrs. Tucker placed at the center. The aroma was delightful. Even T’Pol savored the smell of the pecans and the Vulcan delicacies, however, she only had the appetite to eat a small portion of her salad.

“Wow mom! This looks great!” He was the first to begin servin’ his dish…piling on the hush puppies to the side of the two pieces of catfish he already took. He was staving after smelling the aroma of catfish the past half hour.

“Oh, thank you darlin’, but you should thank T’Pol…she made the catfish almost all on her own!”

“Really? Well, thanks T’Pol! I like what you did to it, with the pecans!” He was loving this woman more and more.

“Actually, that was your mother’s idea. I only prepared and cooked it by following her most thorough instructions.” T’Pol nodded towards Mrs. Tucker, to compliment her.

“Hmmm, this is the best catfish ever!” Trip had taken a bite of his catfish and was chewing it as he spoke.

“Oh my dear, I’d have to agree…this is probably the best tastin’ catfish you’ve ever made. Oh, I mean you and T’Pol…well you know what I mean.” Mr. Tucker chuckled. “I never thought I’d be sayin’ a Vulcan made the best tastin’ catfish I’d ever had!” They all laughed, except T’Pol; but, her eyebrow was raised, which in Vulcan terms, meant she was sharing in their amusement.

“See dear, what did I say…you’re a fine cook! Next time I’ll teach ya’ to make Trip’s other favorite, Pecan Pie!” Mrs. Tucker motioned her fork at T’Pol as she spoke.

“I would appreciate that, mamm.” T’Pol made no effort to conceal her desire to learn her mate’s favorite dish.

“So would I!” Trip said with a big teasing grin aimed at her, before flirtatiously biting at the hushpuppy stuck to his fork.

T’Pol ate half of her salad and began to place the lids on her unfinished meal. While the men were focused on eating, Mrs. Tucker couldn’t help but notice T’Pol not eating her dish and wondered if it wasn’t good after all.

“Was the fruit salad not done right, dear?”

“It is excellent, mamm; however, my appetite will only allow me to eat half of what you served.”

“Oh, I hope you’re not coming down with a case of seasickness!” Mrs. Tucker said in a worried voice. Mr. Tucker continued.

“Yeah, Kate and I are both prone to seasickness in certain conditions. We’ve learned how to control it better usin’ a type of sleepin’ hypospray…somthin’ in it lessens the queasiness feelin’. But, then we’re sleepy all the time. We have some if ya’ think it’ll help.”

“Thank you, but I don’t believe I am experiencing seasickness, only fatigue and loss of appetite from a lack of meditation. I will have time to meditate after our match.” She gave Trip a needy look, for she had known for some time the reason for her loss of appetite, and other, less noticeable symptoms, was due to her oncoming Pon Far. “Mr. Tucker, regarding your seasickness remedy, you may find that the active ingredient in Bonine and Dramamine II will have a similar effect, without causing drowsiness.”

“Why you’re quite knowledgeable of Human medicines, dear!” Mrs. Tucker was impressed with her intelligence.

“Yeah, she’s a regular know-it-all!” Trip winked at his mother and shot T’Pol a baiting smile.

“While aboard Enterprise, I have had the opportunity to learn much about Human anatomy and medicines from Dr. Phlox.” Trip smirked within himself and slightly at her at her comment about learning the human anatomy while on Enterprise, as he felt he had more to do with “enhancing” her knowledge of human physiology than Dr. Phlox. She sensed his humor in the bond and shot him a quick, knowing eye.

“We’ll have to give that a try next time.” Mrs. Tucker said to T’Pol, ignoring her son’s teasing remark.

They ate, talked, and bonded even more for the next few hours as they played poker. After a few hands, T’Pol easily mastered the game, as Trip knew she would. Who would have thought a Vulcan would be so good at bluffing! Trip thought. Of course, her Vulcan mannerisms made it more difficult for Trip’s parents to read her; and even Trip could not read her so well because she was shielding her thoughts from him. She quickly defeated them, and when offered a rematch, she declined for the evening, as it was late and she wanted time to meditate with Trip. She had other desires as well.

It had been nearly a week since their last sexual encounter and she felt his needs growing through the bond. Her appetite for him seemed to be increasing as well. She was uncertain if her need was caused by his own desires through their bond or if it was her need to procreate with him. She had never gone through the mating cycle; but, after the discovery of their bond, she felt it slowly approaching. She had been preparing for it all along, however, since Elizabeth’s death, her need seemed to be growing more rapidly.

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Eight hardy souls have made comments

on the whole I like the story, but could have done without the specifics of the cooking lesson....just don't think it added that much to the story IMHO.

I liked the story and the cooking lesson. Are they real, by the way? 'Cause, I'd like to try them. You made me hungry! I'm off to read chapter 3.

Good story, appropriate characterisations, well written. There is, however, one glaring error. When you wrote about growing up in Florida, "Trip and his father would take their fishing boat out in the Gulf of Mexico and on the MIssissippi river." Sorry, but the Mississippi enters the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana, at New Orleans. It's nowhere near Florida.

^^Thanks for pointing that out. You know I was trying to say that they took fishing trips to the fresh waters of the Mississippi River and also fished the seas of the Gulf; but the phrasing came out wrong. Thanks for the feedback guys. I really need it, since this is my first.

Oh, and scarletwitch, thats the real recipe. Enjoy! ;)

Sad an sweet story,,, I love how your havin TnT healin together,,, and wantin very much to face those that have caused them an their daughter harm head first,,, I just loved the idea of the get away sailin trip,,, And Yay Ponn Farr, Snort sorry,,, Just love those horny Polly stories.

Cool concept - I never thought that they'd target Trip's family, but it makes sense that they would. I have to admit one thing though - the ceremony made me cringe: "christian values"? That's kinda, well, narrow. It doesn't embody ANY decent people's values, Humans OR Vulcans, religious or not. Sorry, had to get that off my chest. Looking forward to their Hawaii adventures! :)

I'm not religous, but felt Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech and the "christian values" concepts he preached fit nicely here with the whole Terra Prime story. I mean, we have a group of people who want to do unjustice to another group of people, because of they are different. The whole concept of "Loving your enemies", not retalitating their hate with more hate, is very compelling to me. The "christian values" kind of go along with that sentiment. I also felt there were some comparisons in Vulcan IDIC beliefs to the concepts Martin Luther King Jr. preached in his speech.

Great story! Like the idea of Admiral Janeway! Please update soon