Fragile-Part 40

Fragile Universe
An "Enterprise" story

By Alison M. DOBELL

STATUS: SERIES CONCLUSION.
RATING: PG-13
ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.
FEEDBACK: Welcomed.
EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com
WEBSITE: http://carlajane.50megs.com/Ali00.html

SUMMARY: "With everybody safe it takes a little while for it to sink in with Trip and T'Pol that nothing is ever going to be quite the same again."
DISCLAIMER: The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and 'Enterprise' are the property of Paramount. No infringement of copyright is intended.

Part 40 Conclusion

"THE FRAGILE UNIVERSE"

* * * * *

Captain Archer was almost beside himself with excitement. Bad enough that he had to wait for Trip's family to rotate through Sickbay so he could get a look in, he had not considered that T'Pol's parents might be just as reluctant to leave the new family edition. And that was without even thinking about the rest of his crew. He felt like groaning at the enormous statistical headache of making sure all the crew that wanted to meet the baby got the chance. After all he did not want to tire T'Pol, upset Trip, or overly disturb the baby. But he could not separate himself from the excitement of his crew. He sighed inwardly, unable to shake the smile off his lips. Deep down he really was just like everyone else. A great big kid. Everybody that is except the Vulcans.

When he finally got his chance he found himself struck completely dumb. There was T'Pol, sitting up on the biobed with a pile of white pillows puffed up behind her like some noble Queen holding court. The latest incarnation of Charles Tucker gazing out at him from the most incredibly intent blue eyes. He was fascinated by the ears but was careful not to remark on them. Somehow he did not think T'Pol's parents would take kindly to him ribbing T'Pol and Trip about the obviously Vulcan ears. Trip sat on the bed next to T'Pol with his arm around Kai. The wall to wall smiles the Captain saw everywhere were beginning to make his jaw ache. Never mind he could not stop smiling too. Amused at his friend's reaction, Trip nudged him. "So what d'ya think, Cap'n? Reckon he'll make a good engineer some day?"

A slow exhalation of breath huffed out of the Captain. Unable to take his eyes off the baby he tried to answer his friend without stumbling over his words. "I think he could be just about anything he wanted, Trip!"

Trip was stunned. It was unlike Captain Jonathan Archer to gush about anything but that was what it sounded like. Plus it made him feel vaguely uncomfortable that in some indefinable way his friend had tapped into the unusual nature of their son. A secret Sar had advised them needed to be kept until the boy came of age. He did not like to keep things from his Captain and friend but this was something far too important and sensitive to bandy around as common knowledge. He knew his friend would not say anything intentionally but something like this could be accidentally blurted out and unleash all manner of unfortunate consequences. No. Best to listen to Sar and take what guidance he could give him. Play it cool. Why burden his friend with something he would not understand? Better to handle it this way. He tried to keep his voice as normal as possible using humour to deflect any incoming shrapnel. "He's a Tucker isn't he? What did ya expect?"

The Captain was grinning now. He wanted to pick the child up, make a fuss of him, but something held him back. Something in the baby's eyes that cautioned him against being disrespectful. He shook his head and smiled at himself. Trip tilted his head. Watching him carefully.

"Anthin' ya wanna share with us, Cap'n?"

He jerked his head up in sudden embarrassment. "No, nothing at all. It's just... He has such incredibly blue eyes, Trip."

Trip laughed. T'Pol had an amused but somber expression in her eyes.

"That's because he's got his daddy's eyes."

The Captain laughed. He felt foolish. Looking up he beamed at them. "Congratulations! Do I need to ask what you've decided to name him?"

Trip and T'Pol exchanged a look. Behind T'Pol her father stiffened but said nothing. T'Vrel seemed relaxed and watched the interplay with quiet polite interest. "Let me formerly introduce ya Cap'n to Charles Tucker IV. Charlie, I want ya to meet the finest star fleet Captain you'll ever meet."

Child and man considered each other anew. The Captain gave him a nod. "Pleased to meet you, Charlie. If you need a hand keeping your old man in check just come and see me or let your mother know." He glanced across at Trip. "I should be able to find something to keep him out of mischief."

"Hey, I heard that!"

Captain Archer noticed that Kai had not taken his eyes off the baby. There was a lovely look of happy content on the boy's face. "How do you feel about having a new brother, Kai?"

The boy's smile actually grew bigger. Eyes that shone and sparkled flickered over to the Captain's face. "He's the best thing to happen in the whole universe."

Captain Archer laughed in surprise. Trip tried to hide his flush. The boy's response had amused the Captain. "I think you may just be right, Kai." He shuffled forward a bit, well aware of the row of people behind him patiently waiting for their turn. "I'll catch up with you later. Once again my congratulations on the birth of your son." He shook Trip's hand.

"Thank ya, Cap'n."

The Captain nodded to T'Pol who inclined her head in response. Then he was gone and Hoshi and Liz Cutler pressed forward to coo and fuss over little Charlie Tucker. Surprisingly enough he put up with all the attention with the patience of a saint. Not so much as a flash of tantrum or show of tears though he must have been getting mighty tired. It was Dr Phlox who called an end to the visits. Amongst moans of disappointment he promised they could come back tomorrow then shut the Sickbay doors after them. Trip looked at Kai, a soft smile on his face. "I wish I'd held ya as a baby, Kai. Wish we had all them years with ya."

Kai shook his head. "I don't father."

"Why's that?"

"My life is perfect now. Besides if we went back in time we would never have met and that is an option it would break my heart to think about." He paused, his voice becoming soft. "I wouldn't do anything to change what I have now. You did that for me, father. You not only gave me a life to live but you let me into yours and I don't have the words to tell you how many times a day I thank the Prophets for that."

He did not know what to say to that. Mention of the Prophets moved him. He enveloped Kai in a hug and held him close to his heart for a moment, the boy's arms automatically wrapping around him to return the show of affection. Too much emotion for words. It did not matter that Kai was almost a man. Taller even than his father now but not as tall or broad as Sar. He considered everything he had learnt and knew that at some point he would have to tell Kai. It occurred to him that it might be best to have that conversation sooner rather than later. T'Pol's mother nodded to Kai as the two broke apart. "You are a wise young man, Kai."

"Thank ya, ma'am."

Trip saw the flicker of amusement in T'Pol's eyes. Whenever the boy adopted his father's southern drawl her lips would twitch with the urge to smile. Just then Sar came in. He smiled at them. "Your rooms are ready, Senisa."

Dr Phlox beamed at them. "In that case I release you from Sickbay, Sub-Commander. I will request that you come back regularly so that I can monitor your progress."

"Thank you, doctor."

"Yeah, thanks doc. Don't know what we'd have done without ya."

T'Vrel took the baby from T'Pol as she got up. Trip noticed how the Vulcan woman's face lit up. Even Saveth was not inured to the charm of a baby. If he was not mistaken there was a definite gleam of pride in the Vulcan's eyes. Only when they got to their quarters did Saveth say what he was thinking. "He should have a Vulcan name, Commander."

"I think ya should call me, Trip, sir."

Saveth was about to disagree then nodded solemnly. "Very well - Trip."

Trip beamed and resisted the urge to ask him if it had hurt. "It's tradition in my family Saveth for the eldest son to carry his father's name."

"As it is tradition in ours for him to be given a Vulcan one."

Trip caught Sar's eye and resisted the urge to laugh. "I think we'll just agree to disagree. I don't want to fall out with ya over somethin' no amount of arguin' is gonna change." He paused. "Besides, when it's our turn to go to Vulcan we can have a private namin' ceremony for his Vulcan name."

Now Saveth was surprised. He had been sure that the Human would block them out of the child's life. Giving the child a Human name and a Vulcan one was not simply a sop to the Vulcan side of the family. It was a testament to how important the Human considered his Vulcan heritage was. Trip watched his reaction closely. Well aware of the emotions swirling just below the surface.

"An' ya would honour us both if ya chose his Vulcan name."

That did it. Saveth stared at Trip for several long minutes. The silence stretching eerily between them. Trip saw the shift in him then a wonderful thing happened. The sombre Vulcan smiled gently. "I would be honoured Trip." He lay a gentle hand briefly on the top of the baby's head. A motion that told Trip more than anything else that the boy would be precious to them. "Thank you, Trip." He whispered.

It made Trip want to cry that such a small concession could mean so much. He had the sudden urge to hug T'Pol's father but knew if he did so he would offend him. Instead he smiled and nodded. They spent the next couple of hours talking before T'Pol's parents had to leave. Trip's family stopped by to wish them well and say their goodbyes. Then it was time for the Tucker Clan to fuss around them before they too left Enterprise for the long journey back to Earth. Mrs. Tucker cried buckets. Clutched her son to her with a fevered intensity then apologised for getting too emotional as she pulled out of his embrace. He smiled and kissed her cheek. "Never apologise for good honest feelin's mama. An' don't think this is the last you're gonna see of us, ya hear? Next visit to Earth we're gonna come and stay and drive you all up the wall until ya beg us to leave."

She laughed. His father hugged him and told him he was proud of him. Danny watched with a soft smile on his lips. The twins joked and fought over who would hug and kiss T'Pol goodbye. Lizzie had a sad wistful look on her face. Trip took her to one side. "What's up, Lizzie?"

"Nothin' Trip, it's just... I kind'a like it here."

He gave her a knowing look, a twinkle in his eye. "Like it here or like a certain Armoury Officer?"

Her flush had him laughing gently. He hugged her and spun her round in his arms until the solemn look was vanquished. "Take care, Lizzie, and don't go breakin' too many hearts."

Then he was saying goodbye to Danny. Was surprised when Danny then went to speak to Sar, giving the big man a hug before taking his leave of Kai and T'Pol with a shy kiss on the baby's forehead. At last everyone was gone except for Sar, An-aga and Sarsa. T'Pol looked at their rooms with amusement. She could detect Hoshi's hand in the new decorations. The furnishings softened to make way for the new arrival, a beautifully hand carved cot rocked in a cradle. The card hanging from the side said it was a joint present from everyone in Engineering. Trip was pleased to see that the rocking function was smooth and almost frictionless. The baby clothes were from the Command Staff. An assortment of toys came from the rest of the crew. It made Trip's eyes mist over at the thoughtfulness and affection that surrounded them. Like a cocoon of love. He was so proud of his friends for having the open heartedness to not only accept his adopted son, but his Volaran friends and now his and T'Pol's new arrival. T'Pol could see he was getting emotional and gently bade everybody goodnight. Kai went with Sarsa to his room next door. Sar did an unusual thing and gave T'Pol a kiss on the cheek. An-aga beamed at them then they too left. When it was just Trip, T'Pol and the baby a comfortable silence fell between them.

T'Pol wrapped little Charlie Tucker in his new soft baby blanket and lay him in his cot. The baby stared up at them with wide blue eyes. So wise and knowing. So full of love and infinite promise. The baby yawned. Trip dropped a kiss on his forehead. He closed his eyes. Then T'Pol was pulling Trip gently into her embrace, her lips coaxing his to respond with equal fervour as her body sidled up against his.

"What are ya up to, woman?"

"Just making sure you keep your promise, Commander."

He pulled back enough to get a good look at her face. "My promise?"

She gave a very uncharacteristic grin and dropped a hand between them to caress him through his clothing. Surprised, he groaned. "Yes. You said after the baby came you would make love to me properly."

"I always make love to ya properly, T'Pol."

She chuckled. A beautiful husky sound that did crazy things to his insides. "Full penetration, Trip. For as long as you can stand it."

"Oh God, darlin', I love it when ya talk dirty."

* * * * *

The ship sailed through space at a gentle warp 2. Most of the crew were in the sleep cycle. The baby slept but did not dream. He walked in his thoughts and watched over those he loved. Trip and T'Pol were lost in their passion. Spinning it out to last the whole night through. For as long as their energy could carry them.

In the dark expanse of space something unseen stirred. "We failed."

"No."

"The Vulcan thwarted us."

"A deviation not a derailment."

"The Key is no good to us now. It is deactivated and lost in the void."

"It is no longer needed."

"No?"

"No."

"How so?"

"The child is the answer."

"Not what we expected or sought."

A smile lifted the edge off the darkness. "No. He is what we need."

"Too strong a word, surely?"

"Not for one such as he."

"An old soul?"

"One of the first."

"A Prophet?"

The title was whispered in awe. "Yes."

"Which one?"

"The Tenth."

"How did the hero reborn choose a Vulcan and a Human? Surely it is sacrilege?"

"No, it is merit. It is fertile soil. It is growth both spiritual and endless. This child will bring hope in place of despair. Fulfill a passion that has left many worlds sterile."

"We should guide him."

"No."

"No?"

"That is not our place now."

"What of us?"

"We are observers only. In the name of the Prophets this one will be protected."

"What if he will not serve?"

"We will honour him."

"Why?"

"Because the Prophets have spoken. The sword was right to defend the Human otherwise this one would have perished. New worlds will form beneath his feet yet he will not crush them."

"We were wrong?"

"Yes."

"Are we then to follow him?"

"Yes. But not now."

"When?"

"In the future."

"Then we must make penance."

"No."

"No?"

"Though we were cast out we are already forgiven."

Awe spread among them. The dark was illumed briefly with rare tears.

"Then let us prepare the darkness..."

"To receive the light."

A long pause.

"How long must we wait, brothers?"

"Until the trumpet call brings us out of the darkness."

"It is meet."

"Just."

A longer silence.

"Amen."

* * * * *

Morning had a glow on its' face. Artificial as it was the concept was a good one. Kai smiled at Sarsa and kissed her cheek. She rolled over and went to gather him up but he was already on his feet. "Where are you going?"

"To see my father."

"Perhaps they want some time alone, Kai?"

He smiled knowing she did not understand. He sat on the bed. His look gentle, his head angled to see her in the kindest light. "I know my purpose, Sarsa. Why I am here."

Startled she sat up and stared at him. "You do?" Awe crept in and made her voice tiny. "What is your purpose?"

"I will follow in Sar's footsteps."

Her eyebrows rose in surprise. "You want to be a Simitarial Guard?"

He shook his head. "No. Sar left that behind him when he followed my father."

She frowned softly. "Why do you want to follow in my father's footsteps and not your own father's?"

He laughed lightly then kissed her on the nose. A sign of affection that was wholly human and often baffled her. She shook her head then lay back down. He would tell her when he was ready. Kai washed and dressed carefully then went next door. Trip opened the door on the second chime, his face alight with joy when he saw Kai. "Come in, we're about to arrange breakfast. Join us."

Kai gave his father a brief hug then became suddenly shy. Trip smiled at him. "What's on your mind, son?"

"I know what I want to do with my life, father."

Trip was surprised. He looked at T'Pol but she stayed silent. Recognising that this was something between father and son."

"What do you want to do, Kai?" Trip asked softly.

Kai looked into his eyes as if searching for something. "You may not approve my choice."

"Son, it's your choice to make. At least tell me what it is before ya decide I'll say no."

A little smile flitted over Kai's face. "I knew as soon as I saw the baby."

"Ya did?"

He nodded and stepped over to the cot. Charlie Tucker IV was awake, lying on his back with his blue eyes staring up at Kai. He was gurgling, legs kicking out gently but eyes steady. Kai bowed to the child. Trip held his breath, an inkling of what was coming stirring something deep in heart and mind. "I want to make a vow, father."

It was like deja vu. Someone walking over his grave but with the eyes of an angel not the scythe of the dead. He nodded for Kai to continue. T'Pol stood next to Trip and twined a hand in his.

"I want to become Charlie's Senisa."

Even though he had suspected as much it was still a shock to Trip. Stunned he just stared at Kai then a slow proud smile spread across his face. Gentle and loving and full of a host of feelings that brought tears to his eyes. Alarmed, Kai put a hand to Trip's face to brush away the tears. Hurt that he had made his father cry. "It's okay, son. I'm not upset just so damn moved and proud of ya. I may not understand everythin' but I know enough to trust you'll do the right thing." He paused. "Have ya spoken to Sar about this?"

He shook his head. "No, father. I want your blessing first."

"An' if I don't give it?"

He paused to swallow hard. "Then I'll do something else."

Trip looked at T'Pol and raised an eyebrow. She gave the tiniest fraction of a nod. Perfect understanding between them. Trip took Kai in a bear hug, rocking him as he hugged him tight. "I'd be proud for ya to be his Senisa son. If ya are half the guardian Sar has been to me then there isn't anythin' more I could ask for."

Kai wept with relief and joy. Behind them the baby gurgled seemingly in full agreement.

* * * * *

The vast expanse of space seemed kinder somehow. The coldness dusted with trails of warmth and light where shooting stars expelled their mass and friction brightened a tail of fire behind them. Like dragons sweeping across the heavens. The conscious universe was patient. The old story retold a thousand times. Every age had its' players and its' heroes. Every step into darkness had a mirror image embracing the light. But just as the two sides of a coin could not be glimpsed at once, so the opposites were not always aware of the presence of the Other.

The next day Trip deliberately took time out to spend a few hours with his Captain. The last few years had been intense and at times he had missed the old camaraderie of a friendship closely formed and shared daily. Things had changed. Both men knew it. Accepted it with the grace born of experience. Without change things stagnated. The equilibrium of motion ceased. They had a leisurely evening meal then watched a water polo match but neither man was paying as much attention to it as they would once have done. A thousand thoughts drifted through their minds. They were re-treading familiar ground not to relive it but to absorb that familiarity. Drink it in before it was lost in the new. An affectionate farewell to past pleasures which now would only be glimpsed rarely. Trip was not the only one who had changed.

"So what's on your mind, Trip?"

"Who says anythin' is on my mind?"

Captain Archer could not suppress a smile. "You're a lousy liar, Trip."

"Not lyin' just askin'."

"Okay, so what did you really want to talk about? We both know it isn't water polo."

For a moment Trip was lost in his thoughts. He had only sipped at his beer. The desire for alcohol had tapered off the longer he was around T'Pol. He wondered how long it would be before he gave up meat. "I just wanna know how ya feel about my extended family."

"I love them, Trip."

Trip was looking at him hard. "Why?"

"Because you do. Anything that's important to you is important to me. You know that."

"But how d'ya feel about them bein' on Enterprise, Jon? Livin' here?"

"It's not a problem. And if any of them decide they want to settle somewhere in our travels that will be fine with me too. Why are you asking about this now, Trip?"

He shrugged, suddenly very self conscious. "I just didn't wanna be takin' advantage of our friendship. I can be pretty selfish at times."

The Captain hid a smile. "So can I."

Trip raised his head quickly and their eyes met. There was a damn good reason why Trip's friendship was so important to him. "You're a good man, Trip."

"I had a good role model."

The Captain quirked a smile and both men laughed. Outside the protective hull of the ship space looked on. Watched the little ship pass with its' precious burden. Memories of ancient times clinging like residue between the stars. Determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

"And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon:
and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not: neither was their place
found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent,
called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out
into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him..." REVELATION 12:7

Later Trip took a walk around the ship with Sar. Enjoying his friend's company. They ended up on the Observation Deck and stood in companionable silence gazing out at the stars. The sight always moved the Commander. It was such a fragile universe. They spoke of many things and nothing at all. The deepening bond between them using the words only as stepping stones to deeper truths that hung between them. Ties that bound them in honour. Loyalty. Love. And Affection. Trip thought of Kai and his desire to be Charlie Tucker IV's Senisa. Another truth hit him suddenly as he realised he was Sar's Senisa. The big man smiled slowly, knowing that realisation had dawned on his friend. The Volaran allowed his light to suffuse his body of flesh and bone just enough for the golden warmth to illuminate him and touch Trip. He smiled. Watched Sar say goodnight and turn to leave. Then. For just a moment. A mere fraction of a second. His heart skipped a beat. The planets froze in their orbits. The vacuum of space strained to see and hear and touch and feel. Absorbing whatever it could. Trip wanted to rub his eyes. Shake his head. Pinch himself. For just a moment he could have sworn that his Senisa had folded back a huge great pair of golden wings.

Trip blinked. Oh yeah. Like angels would have anything to do with a good old southern boy like him. He snorted softly. Yawned. Thought of T'Pol and just how blessed he was. Giving a quick look round to make sure he was alone, he murmured out loud - "Thank ya, God. Wherever ya are." As his steps retreated from the Observation Deck the huge vast expanse of space blinked back at the place where he had been standing. As if to say; "You're welcome."

* * * * *

End

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A whole mess of folks have made comments

Oh no!!! no more.

I would like to say that I have enjoyed your story very much. You are very descriptive and you have a wonderful way of telling your stories. The first thing I did everytime I went onto the net was to see whether you updated your story.

Thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful piece with us.

Oprelia

Oh man that Kai/Charlie thing... wow totally wow.

the darkness preparing for the light... cool.

very good story. enjoy my ride.

thanks for writing and sharing,

Tracy -- thenaggingcube

Ditto the above comments. Sorry to see this story end but I'm sure there'll be others.
I thought this concluding chapter was really good, with almost everything being tied up neatly. (I missed any reference to Malcolm, well, except for Trip's sis). I was also struck by the tie in to Deep Space Nine (Prophets, Kai) and wonder if you ever watched that Trek or not.

*Sigh* - so it's over. Well, it was great while it lasted, and all good things have to end sometime.

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I enjoyed every word, and look forward to your next story with impatience.

Wow - such a long story! 40 chapters! I really enjoyed it and checked for it every day. Love how you were so consistent with posting it.

Can't wait for your next story!

Ali, I am in awe of your incredible imagination! As always, reading your story is like reading poetry. Thank you so much for this fantastic tale! I look forward to your next one!

This was such an engaging tale! A fantastic blend of drama, romance and adventure woven smoothly into a great story. For me to say 'great job!' doesn't do your story justice.

This was truly a gift that you shared with the rest of us. And I hope that we are gifted yet again with a continuation. Perhaps we will see how Kai and Charlie get along further down the time line. ;) Yes, I'm greedy, what of it?

This was just so good you didn't want to see it come to an end. You have a gift to lead your readers one way and then yank them another. A greatly woven story of loyality, compassion, love, understanding and family. Please don't let this be the end of the journey, but a beginning.

Bravo.

I dunno if i have to sign up for anything to review, but i'm going to try none the less.

I loved this story, and very nearly didnt move from this spot until I finished reading it. Now, while i'm not certain, I will hazard a few guesses at who the "men in black"(really bad pun, but it fits) were. I'm guessing either the Pa-Wraiths(they were cast from the celestial temple by the prophets..), but if these prophets from your story arent' those that I was thinking of, then i'd have to say given your snippet from Revelations, that they might be fallen angels. But, I really dunno what they are. I just wanted you to know that i enjoyed this story a great deal, and i can only hope you are going to write a sequel. :) Have a good one,

Tremerid.

That is so sweet! I just got around to finishing this (I was out of country for three weeks this summer; by the time I'd returned, this had finished and I was busy for the rest of that time), but WOW! I love Kai.

This is just so sad and so sweet and so happy all at once! Definitely one of my favorites. (As you've said several times before, how can T'Pol *not* love Trip?) The friendship between Sar and Trip, the love between Trip and T'Pol (and Kai and Sarsa), and between Trip and Kai is so well-written. Wow.

Wonderful story. Your writing is so lyrical and a joy to read. Thanks for sharing your gift.

Your story is superb, and even that doesn't truly describe what it means to me. The characters were *real* to me. I loved how Sar and his family, Kai and even T'Pol's parents came to life in your story. Your characterisations are brilliantly done and the story was riveting, keeping me glued to my chair. Thank you for a superb and emotional roller coaster ride. I'd say this is the best fic that I have ever read, the tears and joy that I felt is truly the mark of a brilliant piece of work.

Finally managed to read your story -May 2004!! . Such an absorbing one, you are good! I really really enjoyed reading it. thanks!

Excellent. Just excellent.

Holy moly. What a ride that was. I really admire the way you thought this out -- wove the whole metaphysical aspect with memorable characters and thank you, thank you, a happy ending !!! I just could not stop reading. Very addictive writing. Thank you!

Excellent. Thoroughly enjoyable.

It'd make a wonderful Season 5!

It's now 7 in the morning and I just finished the story!! Couldn't stop myself! It deeply touched me and the whole story is filled so much with imagination, love and attention to detail that I can only hope that there is sequel!!

This was beautifully written. I found myself rereading the most mundane of events just to enjoy the poetry of your writing. You truly have a gift.