Deep Blue Sea - Chapter 5

DEEP BLUE SEA

By Y2Kelly

Rating and Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

CHAPTER 5: Vulcan Mating For Dummies

Trip knocked quietly.

“Come in.”

He walked in to find T’Pol in her silver robe, meditating on the floor with several candles lit. She was more reserved than her earlier state.

“Please join me, t'hy'la.” She put her hand out to invite him to sit in front of her. Trip slowly walked towards her, looking around at all the decorative candles. She never had so many displayed when they meditated before. There was also a strange aroma, a musky sent. He breathed it in heavily and, strangely, felt aroused. The atmosphere was almost ceremonial. He felt a little awkward as he sat down in front of her wearing just a black tee shirt and a pair of grey slacks.

“Is there some occasion I should be aware of, darlin’?” He inquired as he removed his socks and shoes and sat in front of her.

“Yes. There is something very important I must share with you, Trip; however, before I do, you must swear that you will repeat what I am about to tell you to no one, for it is something my people do not discuss with off-worlders.”

“I swear…cross my heart….I want you to know that you can trust me with anythin’. I mean it, T’Pol.” She nodded her head in acknowledgement.

“You may have noticed a change in my behavior the past few days...”

“NOTICED? Darlin’, you’ve been colder than an arctic seal lately!”

“My body temperature has not changed above or below normal levels and it has had no affect on my behavior.” Trip returned her teasing gaze with endless amusement. This was doing little to make him more approachable in discussing her situation, but without hesitation she broached the subject with Trip that she had been avoiding for so long.

“Trip, I’m experiencing a serious condition every Vulcan endures…we call it the Pon Farr. It is our mating cycle.There was that word again,Trip thought. “Although Vulcans abstain from sensual overindulgences, as you are aware, we may choose to participate in sexual intimacy as desired; however, when experiencing the Pon Farr, we have no choice in the matter. Once it begins, I must mate with someone, preferably my bond mate, or the blood fever will overcome me…I will die.”

“Die! Are you feelin’ all right?”

“I’ve been experiencing the beginning stages…loss of appetite, restlessness, loss of emotional control, increased sexual desire...” T’Pol paused and gazed into his eyes deeply before catching herself; she closed her eyes, breathed in a deep breath and opened then again, only slightly more focused.

“However, to my knowledge, these are normal symptoms. I’ve never truly experienced it naturally for myself.” Her statement was only somewhat true. She had experienced a microbe induced level of the Pon Farr symptoms before aboard Enterprise when she and Dr. Phlox returned from an away mission. But this time was different… It was much more powerful, and this time she already had her chosen mate. The later fact invaded her every thought process.

“Is that normal for Vulcan females…I mean you’re sixty-six years old, T’Pol.” His remark met with a sharply raised brow.

“Perhaps not for all Vulcan females the time is the same, but it is my time now for I have chosen you as my mate. I have mated with no other and I believe our increased intimacy coupled with experiencing the loss of my bond with Elizabeth are the most logical reasons to explain why it has begun at this time. My body is preparing for procreation.”

“Procreation? But, you know that’s not possible…I mean, now, between us?”

“My body knows only that we are bonded, Trip. It is a biological imperative that we procreate; it is a logical reaction. My body has prepared for this in order to fulfill my need.”

“Your need? So, are you saying you want this, T’Pol? You want to have another child?”

“You do not?” She returned.

“I never said that. I just…I just didn’t know you felt this way.” She closed her eyes and turned her head away apprehensively.

“Trip, there are some things you should know before I answer your question. Our bond, it is very important to a Vulcan…to me.”

“An’ it’s not as important to me?” he interrupted, but she quickly put her hand up to stop him.

“Trip, what I mean is that, by traditional Vulcan customs, we are already….married.” She said matter-of-factly.

“What? How?” He was simultaneously confused and excited by her words.

“In the Kir’Shara, there is specific guidance given on the matter of the mating bond.”

“Mating bond? I thought it was a psychic bond!” He hated when she referred to their love-making as “mating”.

“It is a mating bond according to the Kir’Shara because we share a psychic bond and experience frequent moments of…intimacy. However, I believe, as you do, t’hyla, that our bond formed long before our first sexual…relations.” It was her way of saying she loved him and that was the reason their bond formed. Trip expressed a smile in understanding to her, content with her explanation of love and bonding.

“So, I don’t get it, darlin’…how does that make us married? I mean, we didn’t go through a marriage ceremony like you an’ Koss!”

“According to the Kir’Shara, once a psychic bond is formed between Vulcan couples, it cannot be broken unless both parties have a strong desire to break the connection. Even then, a Vulcan High Priest would have to attempt a ritual to sever the link. It would be extremely risky to both parties. The marriage ceremony you witnessed between Koss and I is a modern custom on Vulcan, designed to officialize…or rather, legalize the marriage. In ancient times, before Surak, legalities were of little importance on Vulcan. It was common for couples to bond by performing a mind meld ritual. This ritual would allow a Vulcan male and his betrothed female to immediately form a true and everlasting bond. At the end of the mind melding ritual, the couple were considered married. The ritual was performed alone between couples, arranged by both mates’ family. Their families would lead them to a prearranged meeting place – traditionally, a Vulcan Temple deep within our mating caves - where the couple would perform the meld in private. Upon their return, they were pronounced as Husband and Wife.”

“But, we haven’t melded, T’Pol.”

“Our bond is already everlasting, t’hyla. The melding ritual was only performed in order to establish and strengthen a bond between pre-arranged couples. Our bond is already both established and strong.”

“So, in other words, on Vulcan we would be Mr. and Mrs. Tucker?” He teased.

“Trip, my people are quickly changing their ways to follow the true path of Surak by adapting to his teachings in the Kir’Shara. I believe, by our new way of life, you are my husband.”

“Whoa.” He paused to ponder this. “Is this what you want, darlin’? You want ta’ be my wife?”

“I will think of no other as my husband.” She focused her eyes narrowly upon his. “Do you not want feel the same way, t’hyla?”

“Don’t get me wrong, I want this as much as you do, darlin’; but, by Earth customs, we aren’t married yet. I respect your customs an’ all…I mean, its ok with me if ya’ believe that I’m your husband…believe me, nothing makes me happier at this moment than thinkin’ of ya’ as ma’ wife; but, it’s just important ta’ me that we respect my family’s customs.” He grabbed her right hand, held it up to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on the back. Still holding her hand and looking her square in the eyes, he made his proposition. “T’Pol, will you marry me? Not today, not tomorrow, but some day, will you marry me by my customs?”

“I will be forever yours, t’hyla.” Her voice crackled. He tightened his hold of her hand and pulled her closer for a kiss. It was a slow kiss at first then she began to press into his lips with more pressure. As he pulled himself from her embrace, he noticed her increased hunger for affection. He suddenly recalled their earlier conversation.

“So, ya’ never answered my question…about wantin’ children…an’ your condition?” She regained her focus.

“When I said before that I do not have wishes, my statement was not entirely accurate.” She paused; taking in a deep breath before opening her eyes to meet his. “I wish to have your child. I believe there is a chance I may become pregnant during the Pon Farr.” Trip’s heart raced at the thought.

“But, how?”

“When a Vulcan female enters the Pon Farr, her ova prepare for fertilization. T’hyla, I sensed your feelings when you informed me that Phlox found a way to refine the cloning technique…you wish to have another child.”

“Ugh…well…I can’t say the thought didn’t cross my mind…”

“After we met with the captain, I went to see Doctor Phlox to discuss the matter. He discovered a way to allow a Human male’s sperm to fertilize a Vulcan female’s ova by altering the genetic makeup of the ova, using various methods of germline treatment to trick the ova into accepting human sperm as fertilization. I explained my…situation…he is familiar with Vulcan physiology and particularly…our mating cycle. I asked him to treat several of my ova with this procedure. Trip, it is possible that during the Pon Farr, these altered eggs will be fertilized and we may... conceive a child.” Trip smiled tenderly, and inwardly laughed at her medical explanations of the most important moments in their lives. Then a hasty thought overcame Trip.

“Wait! You mean you could be pregnant now? T’Pol, since we left Enterprise, we’ve…you know!”

“Had sexual relations?” Trip smirked at her usual directness. “Yes, but my ova can only be fertilized for conception during the Pon Farr mating drive, which is precisely why I decided to take these measures.”

“I can’t believe this! We’re gonna’ get married and might even have a baby in the same day!” Trip was excited, but scared at the same time. He inwardly thought that she should have come to him about this before they left Enterprise. The thought made him upset only for a moment, but long enough for T’Pol to pick-up his feeling through the bond.

“I wanted to approach you before this, Trip…but, the timing was, what you would call, bad.” Trip looked at her with understanding. After all, it was hardly the time to discuss the matter right after Elizabeth’s death. During that time he would not have understood her situation with the same amount of compassion.

“So, with this Pon Farr…all I need ta’ do is make love to you?” I don’t think that’s gonna be a problem. He moved in closer to her, ready to take action, running his fingers down her cheek. T’Pol closed her eyes, surrendering to his touch for only a moment, when suddenly she focused her senses. Her eyes opened abruptly, trying desperately to regain her control, which caused Trip to hesitantly pull away his caressing fingers from her cheek.

“Trip, my Pon Farr cycle may take up to seven days and it will be nothing like our previous encounters. As I lose control of all logic, I may become….violent.”

“What do you mean violent?”

“I will not be able to control my emotions. My desire to mate will be overpowering. If you’re unable to…satisfy…my needs, the blood fever will overwhelm me…I may become more…forceful...”
“I have no doubt about my ability ta’ satisfy ya’, darlin.”

“It’s highly unlikely that you will be able to match my strength for seven days.” For a moment Trip was having his own doubts now that he began thinking with his brain. Maybe I won’t be able to satisfy her needs. Seven days is a long time! Wait! Seven days is impossible, he thought.

“Maybe I can get somethin’ to keep me awake and interested longer; but, seven days! T’Pol, you don’t expect me to hold up the entire time, do ya’?” He shifted uncomfortably.

“As long as I am satisfied, you will have nothing to fear, t’hyla. I believe there is a small supply of modafinil in the med kit. This will allow you to stay alert for more than 90 hours. You will have adequate time to rest in between our mating and it’s more likely that the Pon Farr will relieve sooner if I’m…satisfied.” Trip smirked at her each time she said the word, “satisfied.” She was leaning closer to him; suddenly perspiring. He sensed it was time for him to leave while he still had a chance. He still had many things to do before he would be prepared to treat her condition.

“Okay. Let me go talk ta’ ma’ dad, he may have somethin’ else I can use.” He winked. She looked disturbed, as she thought she made it very clear to him that he was not to discuss the matter with anyone. “Don’t worry, darlin’. I won’t tell a soul about this, not even ma’ dad. But, if your gonna’ need me ta’ be with ya’ for possibly seven days straight, I’ll have ta’ tell ‘im somethin’! An’ you don’t think I can keep our marriage from my ma’, do ya’?” She nodded her head in agreement. “When will this thing actually start? I mean, when will we, ya’ know…”

“Mate?”

“You have a real romantic way of puttin’ it, ya’ know that?”

“We’re engaging in the act of pairing for reproductive purposes. What would be a more appropriate term than mate?”

Trip rolled his eyes…Here we go again... and then he looked her square in the eyes. His demeanor was serious and sincere. “The way I feel about you, darlin’…it’s no floccinaucinihilipilificatious matter!” He said with a serious tone, but a glimmer of amusement was apparent behind his mischievous eyes. She shot him an all-knowing raised eyebrow. Where did he find such a complex word…it’s not like him to use advanced English vocabulary. She thought as a strangely human smile surfaced in her thoughts.

“flocci…” She tried to repeat the word, but couldn’t even pronounce it. Trip was vindicated. He knew a word she hadn’t! He finished the word for her to add flavor to his feast.

“…naucinihilipilificatious. You know?” She shot him an incredulous look. “It’s like describing somethin’ as insignificant…you know…like the way you like to describe the way I make love to you as mating!”

“Are you trying to provoke me into telling you that our mating is more than just sexual relations?” She said in a seductive tone. Her Pon Farr was beginning to take control of her actions.

“Well, when you say we mated or had sex, it just sounds so meaningless, darlin’. It’s more than sex to me…”

“…and to I as well, t’hyla. Shall I demonstrate to you….?” She moved forward towards him, on her hands and knees, closing around his body. Trip put his hands on her shoulders to hold her back.

“Oh no….we’ll have plenty of time for that during your Pon Farr…I’m gonna’ go talk to ma’ parents, darlin’.” He pulled away.

“Trip, I will not be able to suppress my urges for another day. You should return to me as soon as possible. And it is extremely important that your parents refrain from contacting us in any way. I will not be able to control my primal instinct to protect our mating territory should they try to enter my quarters.”

“I understand darlin’. Everythin’ will be just fine.” He was about to stand when she placed her index and middle finger in front of him, signaling him to meet her kiss. He touched her fingers with his own. Their touch was almost shocking, as it filled him with waves of love and something more…lust. Their eyes locked and for a moment he lost all thought of anything else but her beauty. She was sending him strong signals of hunger through their bond. After a moment he broke the kiss and quickly rose to leave. “I’ll be back real soon, darlin’. Just hang in there.” She nodded her head and closed her eyes to return to her meditation.

**************************

Trip made his way to the kitchen area where he hoped she would be alone. His thoughts were racing and he had no time to think. He knew what he wanted; but, in their current situation, he didn’t have the luxury to tip-toe around the issue anymore. Mrs. Tucker was at the kitchen table, trying to keep herself awake, playing solitaire while the fish baked. He sat down in front of her.

“Hey mom. Where’s dad?”

“I think he’s up on deck or in the captain station. Why?”

“I need ta’ speak with you both, but I wanted ta’ talk with you alone first.”

“Everthin’ Okay, darlin’?”

“I don’t know how ta’ ask this mom, so I’ll just come out an’ say it. I’ve asked T’Pol ta’ marry me.” Mrs. Tucker gasped in excitement.

“What? Oh, darlin’…I knew there was something special between the two of you!” Her face gleamed in joy.

“I love her mom…I wanna’ spend the rest of ma’ life with her… I don’t know how I’m gonna’ to do it, but I just know in my heart it’s what I want.” He hesitated in thought. “I was hopin’ you’d have Granny Selma’s engagement ring on ya’?”

“Well you’re in luck, darlin’. I do have her ring wit’ me. You’ve talked about this woman so much…when you told us you had a child; whatever the circumstances; I just knew you were in love with her, baby. An’ I had planned to give it ta’ ya’ ever since Lizzy’s death…I have no one else to give it ta’.” She lowered her head somberly. Trip embraced her in a hug. Every day since she’d lost her daughter had been a struggle, and the thought that she was never going to see her little girl wear the ring brought fresh tears to the old woman’s eyes.

“It’s all right ma’…don’t cry!” He wiped the tears from her cheeks.

“Oh, don’t worry ‘bout me, darlin’. I’m cryin’ cause I’m happy for ya’ too. I just miss her so much…an’ wish she could be here ta’ see her big brother today. My, how proud she would be of you, Trip.” She put her hands on his shoulders, as she looked upon him with great pride. “C’mon, let’s get your bride a ring!” She led him to her quarters where she had the ring stored in a small, old jewelry box, crafted by her mother. She opened the box handed it over to Trip. The ring was a brilliant cut diamond on a gold band; simple and classic.

“This sure is a beautiful ring, mom. I just hope T’Pol will like it.”

“Darlin’, she would be a fool not to accept it from ya’. Don’t you worry, baby.” She gave him a big hug and with that, they headed back to the kitchen.

“Let me go get dad. There’s somethin’ else I need to talk ta’ ya’ both about.” Trip walked up the stairs and down the hallway to the deck. He looked up to see his father in the captain station. “Dad.” He shouted for his old man to hear. Mr. Tucker stood up to look down upon Trip. “Could ya’ come down for a minute…I need ta’ talk with ya’.” His father nodded and made his way down to meet Trip.

“What’s goin’ on, son?”

“Come on dad, let’s talk in the kitchen.” Trip led the way to the kitchen. His father sat down and his mother took the seat next to him. Trip leaned against the counter facing them. “Mom, dad, I need your help with somethin’. But I can’t tell ya’ what. I mean, it’s a very private matter ta’ T’Pol an’ I.” His parents just looked at one another, then back to Trip.

“What is it, Trip?” Mr. Tucker asked.

“Dad, T’Pol an’ I will be unavailable for the next several days…I mean, ya’ won’t be able ta’ contact us in any way, shape, or form for the next seven days.” His parents were perplexed.

“Seven days, darlin’…are you both okay?”

“Mom, trust me, we’ll be okay. T’Pol’s goin’ through somethin’….somethin’ extremely private for a Vulcan….I can’t say, but trust me we’ll be fine. Just understand that we can’t be disturbed and you should be avoidin’ her quarters at all cost.” Mr. Tucker smirked in amusement.

“Huh,” he chuckled. “Okay son, fair enough.”

“Dad you’re gonna’ have ta’ commandeer this ship on your own for the next seven days. I will be completely unreachable an’…” Mr. Tucker cut Trip off abruptly.

“Son, I’ve been sailin’ longer than you’ve been alive. Ya’ know it’ll be no problem for me. What else do ya’ need our help with?”

“Mom, I need you to bring meals by T’Pol’s quarters for the next seven days.”

“Darlin’, that’ll be no trouble at all. I’ll make sure you both have plenty ta’ eat.”

“Thank ya’ mom. Oh, an’ just remember…you can’t come in, you’ll only leave the food by the door.”

“I’ll remember, darlin’.” She gave her husband a confused look. What was this all about? She knew nothing at all about Vulcans and their ways, but what she did know was that she had not seen Trip so serious about a matter in her life. He would need her unconditional support.

“There somethin’ else...” Trip paused. “You should know that T’Pol an’ I, well in Vulcan terms, we’re already married.”

“What? How?” Mr. Tucker asked.

“T’Pol an’ I share this thing…a psychic bond that only married couples have on Vulcan. By their customs and in her view, I’m her husband and she’s my wife.” Saying it for the first time tingled the back of his mind.

“But, son, don’t ya’ need to be officially married on Vulcan? I thought ya’ said she was married to that…Koss before and you observed their weddin’?”

“Well, that was before this Kir’Shara findin’. Vulcan has changed since then. T’Pol says that by their ancient customs and the teachings of Surak, we’re married and nothin’ can change that. But, I want to marry her right, dad. I intend ta’ have an official weddin’ someday.”

“Son, I’m happy for ya’, an’ I don’t mean to rain on your parade; but, how are ya’ gonna’ be able to marry and work together on the same ship as the first an’ second in command? Somethin’ tells me Starfleet won’t go for that!”

“Well, I honestly haven’t even thought about it too much; an’ I don’t think T’Pol has either. Dad, it doesn’t matter…we can’t hide anymore. If they can’t accept us, then they’ll be losin’ their best science officer and best engineer…that’s all there is ta’ it!”

“Son, it does matter ta’ ya’. I don’t wanna’ see you have ta’ give up doin’ what ya’ love in order ta’ marry T’Pol.” He was sincerely sad to think his son would have to give up his dream. “All I’m sayin’ is that maybe y’all should think about it.”

“If that’s the way it’s gotta’ be, then I’m willin’ ta’ make that sacrifice, dad.” Mr. Tucker just shook his head and smiled humbly.

“If this woman makes you that happy, son, then I’m happy for ya’ both! But, I know how much ya’ love bein’ the Chief Engineer on Enterprise. I just hope you don’t have any regrets, son.”

“No regrets, dad. Would I miss it? I’d be lyin’ if I said no, but I love her, dad…an’ I want nothing more than to spend my life loving her.” He conveyed self assurance to his parents, but deep down inside Trip was terrified of the thought of them both losing their positions on Enterprise. It was a scenario he hadn’t really thought of seriously until now, but he would not allow his parents to be worried for his career. There were more important things in life than one’s career. He thought.

“Son, your mother an’ I want nothing more than for you to be happy. If marryin’ T’Pol make ya’ happy, then you have our full support.”

“I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have ya’ both here ta’ support me. The more I think about it, I can’t help but think you’re right. Starfleet will never allow us to serve as first and second officers on Enterprise bein’ married. Heck, even if we weren’t married, fraternization between officers is against regulations. I don’t know what we’ll do, but I’m sure we’ll figure somethin’ out. We’re gonna’ have ta’ have a sit down with the Jon when this is all over.”

“Oh, darlin’, don’t worry, things will sort themselves out…they always do. You an’ T’Pol are both brilliant! They’d be fools not to make some arrangements for you.”

“I hope you’re right, mom.” He smiled at her. “Now, I do have one other request; but it’s for dad. Come with me for a sec…sorry mom, this is a guy thang!”

“Hmmm, a guy thang!” She smiled and narrowed her eyes at them both as she got up to let his father out. She gave Trip a hug and planted a loving kiss on his cheek. “You just come back ta’ me in one piece outta’ T’Pol’s room…after seven days of I don’t know what…okay?” She smirked and winked at him all knowingly. He blushed a little and chuckled to himself. She went off to finish fixing the striped bass for dinner. Trip turned his eyes from his mother to focus on his approaching father.

“Dad, let’s take a walk on deck.” He put his arm around his fathers back. “I was hopin’ you’d have some medicine I need.”

“What’s that, son.”

“Sildafene. Enough to last for say….seven days?”

“An’ what makes ya’ think I’d have that on me?”

“Dad, I wasn’t born yesterday! C’mon! Most men your age have this stuff.”

“Well, I do. But, what would a young man like you need with it. With a beautiful woman like T’Pol, ya’ shouldn’t be needin’ it!”

“Well dad, ya’ don’t understand, an’ I can’t explain the situation ta’ ya….but, trust me….I’ll be needin’ it.” He winked at his father.

“You lucky sonna’ bitch! C'mere, I'll set'ya up.”

After Trip got the medicine from his father, he went through the supply kit in the main bathroom. He obtained all the medicine he would need to stay awake. The next thing he needed to do was to shower. He cleaned every crevice of his body. He threw on a night shirt and pants and sat down to pack his bag. He noticed the labels on the medicine hyposprays. After reading the one that read, Sildafene, he wondered how safe it would be to take the medicine for so long. The label indicated that having an erection for more than eight hours could be dangerous. Hmmm, don’t think I’ve had an erection that long before? He thought. Just in case, he planned to only take it when needed and sincerely hoped that T’Pol wouldn’t need him to be erect for the entire seven days. Surely, this woman’s gotta’ need sleep and rest sometime.

Lastly, he returned to the kitchen table to eat his dinner and spend the next couple hours with his parents without T’Pol. They did not query him on his unexplained venture. Instead, they talked about the things totally unrelated to anything important at the time. He cherished spending this kind of quality time with them. It would be the last chance he’d get to enjoy their company for several days.

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