Accustomed to Her Face - Ch 3

Accustomed to Her Face

By Amok2

RATING: PG-13 for some language, some suggestion of a sexual situation
DISCLAIMER: UPN and Paramount own the entire Star Trek universe. Yada yada yada.

SPOILERS: The more rumors I find out about the fourth season, the more I’m incorporating it into the story -- though I am keeping the focus on TNT, though I drop little things here and there.

There’s no AU here. It’s all here -- Trellium-D, the neuro-pressure, “Zero Hour,” “Harbinger,” “Countdown,” all of it. Well, as much as I could remember.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I know y’all are a little worried about the reemergence of Koss, but rest assured, things will work out for our fave couple. But until then, I’ll take you for what I hope will be a good ride.

That ride is also getting longer. I won’t be putting teasers anymore at the end of the chapters because I realize I’m building more and more as I go along, and at least in this instance I only get as far as the beginning of the shuttle trip, but I do see the light at the end of the tunnel. The tunnel’s just gotten a little farther away than I expected. I’m just gonna go with the flow.

On the flip side of that, I’ve also taken some poetic license and compressed the time it would take an Earth ship of that era to get to Vulcan. Some research sources show that Vulcan is 10.5 light years away, which at warp 5 would take anywhere from a month to almost two months ONE-WAY from Earth. So, to speed the plot along, it’s gonna take a lot less time for our dynamic duo to get to Vulcan and yes, back to Enterprise.

One last thing: the ellipses throughout the dialogue are equal to pauses, not words being left out.

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Chapter 3

07:10 hrs
Ensign Sato’s quarters, Enterprise

Lt. Malcolm Reed practically sprinted to Hoshi’s quarters after his conversation with Trip.

He rang Hoshi’s door. He hoped she hadn’t left yet for Earth.

The doors swooshed open.

“Lt. Reed, how are you? Is there something wrong, sir?” asked Hoshi, who was already in her civvies, a casual cream-colored pantsuit.

“Not at all, Hoshi. I actually have some news you might find quite interesting. Confirmation of a certain topic we spoke about last night,” Malcolm said. “Can I come in?”

“Of course,” Hoshi said. “I was just finishing up my packing. I’m meeting my family on the surface in a half-hour.”

As soon as he was inside, Malcolm walked to the middle of the room and pointed toward Hoshi’s bunk.

“You might want to sit for this one, Hoshi,” Malcolm said.

“Lt., cut out the suspense! Tell me, already! Is this about Commander Tucker and T’Pol? Were we right?” Hoshi asked.

Malcolm vigorously nodded.

“You hit a bulls-eye Hoshi! Your keen skills of observation last night were right on! They are going away together. To Vulcan! Trip confirmed it, although he won’t say why they’re going. He completely denies they’re going on holiday, but I think it’s quite obvious it’s not a mission.”

Hoshi sat down, a little stunned.

“Are you all right Hoshi?” asked Malcolm, who knelt at her side, suddenly concerned.

“I’m fine, Lt.,” Hoshi said. “I’m actually rooting for them to work out. I just didn’t expect them to be moving so fast. But then again, I guess we should have seen the signs. The two of them, together all the time. And all that bantering back and forth, an obvious sign of foreplay. The neuro-pressure! As Phlox said last night, ‘The sexual tension was there for anyone to see!’”

“So, what’s wrong?” Malcolm asked.

“They’re in for a rough ride, sir,” Hoshi said. “Commander Tucker is about to face Vulcans who haven’t had the benefit of getting accustomed to him over three years and a save-the-world mission. I feel for him and for T’Pol. It’s not going to be easy for them.”

12:00 hrs
Vulcan Compound, Sausalito

It was fortunate Vulcans needed less rest than other species because T’Pol was sleepless in Sausalito.

T’Pol had returned to the Vulcan compound, initially feeling more relieved after talking with Trip. It was still hours before dawn when he had walked her farther up the path lining the bay until they reached a waterside taxi depot. The fog had finally lifted, but the moon was waning.

Trip escorted her to a transport that carried passengers just above the water to Sausalito, where she would retire to the compound.

She had turned to look at him as the ferry left the shore. Trip was staring at her. The light under which he stood caught his eyes, which did not leave hers. He smiled halfheartedly as he gave her a final wave. As he turned to go, she saw his head sink, as if his head was before being pulled on a string and now that string was cut.

Somewhere inside her, she felt her heart sink and felt her shoulders drop just the smallest bit.

She thought of one of Surak’s teachings. Tilek svi'khaf-spol t'vathu - tilek svi'sha'veh. The spear in the other's heart is the spear in your own.

She lowered her own head to stop the tears that threatened to break through. It was still a struggle to control her emotions, even after cleansing her system of Trellium-D. She thought she would feel better after telling Trip about the real reason she was returning to Vulcan. For a moment, she did.

She focused on the water, the wind and the Golden Gate bridge, which loomed above her as they drew closer to Sausalito and then shrank as the ferry moved closer to shore. She managed to compose herself in the short trip back to her temporary lodging.

She attracted some stares as she walked through the compound, but she did not stop, walking swiftly and ramrod straight back to her room.

T’Pol lit her meditation candles and attempted to calm her thoughts, but after a few hours -- daylight had long since broken -- she was no more at peace than she was when she started.

She turned on her communication console and punched up the code for her parent’s home.

There was an immediate answer.

“T’Pol? Is something the matter? Has there been a change to your itinerary?” said T’Les. T’Pol had something of her coloring and sculpted cheekbones, though the older woman had the slightest of creases around her eyes.

“Nothing is wrong, Mother. But I wish to tell you of a change to my plans. An addition, really. I am going to be accompanied by a colleague from Enterprise. I hope this will not cause you or Father any inconvenience,” said T’Pol.

Her mother’s reaction showed little surprise, naturally. But there was a hint of T’Pol’s own eyebrow raise as she asked T’Pol why she would choose to bring a human back to their home world, especially to witness her bonding ceremony.

“I have forged collegial relationships on Enterprise,” T’Pol explained. “My relations with the crew have markedly improved over my time on the ship, with mutual respect and admiration developed between myself and several officers, including Captain Archer, armory chief Lt. Reed, Ensign Sato -- whose command of our language is exemplary, helmsman Ensign Mayweather...and the ship’s chief engineer, Commander Tucker.”

T’Les did not fail to notice how her daughter’s eyes shot down at the mention of his name, nor how her hue became slightly tinged.

“Commander Tucker. This is the colleague you are bringing to our home?”

“Yes, Mother. Commander Charles Tucker III,” T’Pol said. “Although everyone calls him by his informal name, Trip.”

“Trip? He is named after a voyage?”

T’Les caught the briefest flicker of a smile twitch on her daughter’s face.

“It is what humans refer to as a ‘nickname,’ Mother. It refers to the fact he is the third of his line. As in ‘triple.’”

She nodded at her mother’s slight display of confusion.

“I agree, it is a most illogical use. But he prefers it to his given name. Everyone on the ship calls him Trip,” said T’Pol. “I have even found myself using it on occasion.”

“Fascinating,” said T’Les. “But does he not wish to spend time with his own family?”

“His sister was killed during the first Xindi attack and his remaining family still mourns her loss. Commander Tucker has overcome many of his negative feelings resulting from his sister’s death. He wants his family to be able to do the same. He believes that can best be accomplished separately,” T’Pol said.

“Curious. We were under the impression these humans were not able to rein in their emotions, that they were led entirely by their feelings,” T’Les said.

“Quite the contrary, Mother. It is we who are vulnerable to being overwhelmed by our feelings. You and Father taught me that,” said T’Pol. “’Challenge your preconceptions, or they will challenge you.’”

“I do not recall ever saying that to you,” T’Les said.

“You did not. It is a phrase Commander Tucker retained from his teen years from a Vulcan teacher,” T’Pol said. “It is an apt recommendation for us as well. We could benefit from human adaptability. They have shown me that many of our ideas about the humans were in error.”

“Indeed. In what other ways have we been incorrect?” said T’Les.

“Mother. I do not wish to prolong the conversation at this time. We should continue it on Vulcan, if you wish. I am meeting the commander shortly at Enterprise. We will take a shuttle to Vulcan and rendezvous with you at our home,” T’Pol continued.

T’Les realized her daughter wanted to bring their conversation to a halt, but she needed to bring up a topic T’Pol seemed to be avoiding.

“T’Pol, have you considered what bonding with Koss will mean to your tenure on the Enterprise? Have you told your captain that you may not be returning after the ceremony?”

“No, Mother. I have not informed Captain Archer or Admiral Forrest of the ceremony,” said T’Pol. “I believe there are...options we have not explored that
would allow me to continue my career on Enterprise.”

“Do you?” said T’Les, silent for a beat. Then two. “We shall discuss this further, T’Pol.”

“I had no doubt we would, Mother.”

Mother and daughter glared at each other for a moment before resuming their serene facades.

“I look forward to meeting your commander,” T’Les said.

“Mother, he is not MY commander,” T’Pol admonished. “We will see you one week. Please convey my message to Father.”

“I shall,” T’Les said. “Safe journey, daughter.”

T’Les continued to stare at the screen after the image of her daughter had faded. She was troubled. Something was wrong with T’Pol. She sensed it in their earlier communiqué, but now, with the heightened emotion she sensed when T’Pol spoke of this “Trip,” she knew her daughter’s control had been compromised. How it would affect her impending bond, she could not speculate, not without knowing all the variables. She would have to wait until she saw her daughter in person.

The fact that T’Pol had not told her superiors about the ceremony was also troubling. As private as Vulcans were about their personal lives, the bonding ceremony would make a direct impact on her career on the human ship. It would be logical for T’Pol to convey this to her superiors. But she had not.

And one more fact disturbed T’Les. If she could see how much feeling T’Pol had toward this Trip, so could Koss.

13:45 hrs.
Outside Commander Tucker’s quarters

T’Pol stood outside Trip’s door, arms clasped behind her, her head bowed. She was doing a pretty fair imitation of fidgeting, unconsciously biting her lower lip and scrunching up her face.

Now that the time had arrived for her to face Trip, she experienced some anxiety. In the hours after she had spoken to her mother, she realized why it was so important Trip accompany her to Vulcan. In part, she knew she had reacted to his pain and wanted to relieve him. But more than that, she wanted his counsel on whether or not she should go through with this marriage. He had talked her out of it before. She knew at least a part of her hoped he could be that persuasive again.

T’Pol did not know how it happened, but sometime while they were in the Expanse, Trip had become a confidante -- her touchstone -- especially when the captain’s behavior had become erratic and distant. Though she would always respect and admire the captain, the feelings Trip provoked were a step above that regard. At moments she felt Trip’s emotions exacerbated her own overwhelming feelings, but then she understood that his feelings washed over her, enveloping her in a protective cushion where she could safely release her newfound emotions. That’s what she felt the night she kissed him. And later, lying in his arms, she realized what relief he had brought her.

T’Pol was still considering this epiphany when she felt a tap on her shoulder.

“T’Pol? What are you doing on Enterprise? I thought you were going home,” said Captain Jonathan Archer, looking with concern at his first officer.

“Captain? I understood you had already begun your leave on the surface,” said T’Pol.

“Well, it’s good to see you too, T’Pol,” smirked Archer. “I am actually on my way to meet an old friend who’d arrived on the Columbia, but I wanted to make one last sweep of the ship before I left. How about you?”

Before T’Pol could answer, the door opened and Trip poked his head out, holding his body like a slingshot in his doorway. Not seeing the Captain -- who was on the other side of the door -- he looked directly at T’Pol and grinned.

“I thought I heard something out here! Have you been waiting out here for awhile? You shoulda said something. I’m just about ready to go!” exclaimed
Trip.

He was about to continue his exuberant greeting when he saw T’Pol’s eyes shift slightly to her right.

His brows furrowed until his eyes followed hers and smack dab into the captain’s.

“Going somewhere, Trip?” Archer asked, quietly.

“Captain! Didn’t see ya there,” said Trip, nearly stuttering in response. “Uh, huh, well actually, I am. Admiral Forrest gave us all generous leaves, remember? So I’m taking mine. With T’Pol. To Vulcan. Yeah, well, uh, I’ve got to wrap up my packing. I’ll, uh, see ya, sir.”

He made a weak attempt at a smile that looked more like a grimace. With that, Trip made the most ungracious exit of his life and slipped back into his quarters, leaving the captain and T’Pol, who gave Trip a glare he knew he would have to answer to in a short while.

Inside his room, Trip felt some of his panic ebb. Though not much.

What the hell was I doing? Why didn’t I just tell Jon what I was doing like a normal adult, not like a kid getting busted with his girl?

Whoa. What a minute. Since when did he start thinking of T’Pol as his girl?

Trip kicked around some of his dirty laundry in frustration, looking around for one item in particular.

Man, what a buzz kill. He’d actually been able to look at the bright side of things after his conversation with Malcolm. The more he thought about it, the more he came around to the idea of a vacation with T’Pol. Maybe, just maybe, it meant she wanted him to talk some sense into her about this marriage. He had to hold onto that hope. There was still time.

Back in the corridor, Archer and T’Pol were holding onto a pregnant pause.

Enterprise’s captain finally broke the silence.

“What was that about?” said Archer, who used a tone T’Pol could only interpret as perturbed.

“That would be Commander Tucker reverting to the adolescent stage of his development,” T’Pol said. “I confess, I still do not understand his behavior at times. I may never.” She turned to the captain.

“Nevertheless, I believe he has just expressed embarrassment, although again, I cannot understand why. Captain, I invited Mr. Tucker to Vulcan. I have my reasons and he his, and I’d ask you to respect our privacy in not asking more than that. Suffice it to say, our friendship has developed to a level where I
would like to share my culture with him.”

“Not that I wouldn’t have invited you, sir, but I had understood you already had made plans on Earth. Perhaps you too will join me one day on a visit to my home world,” T’Pol said.

Jon Archer stepped back and took a long look at his science officer. She’d come a long way in the time he’d known her, more than he would’ve thought possible. T’Pol had proven her doubters wrong. And for now, Vulcan High Command was not putting up a fuss about her wish to stay on Enterprise.

But he still couldn’t help but feel shock that his two senior officers had developed a relationship close enough for such an unprecedented cross-cultural exchange, however informal.

Where had he been when that happened? Oh yeah, getting my ass kicked by the Xindi and alien Nazis, but at least I saved the world.

“Maybe next time, T’Pol. I appreciate the thought,” he said. “T’Pol, if you had told me three years ago that you and Trip would be friends, I never would have believed it to be possible. But I have noticed you two argue a lot less and that your working relationship helped us achieve our mission. You two helped bring Enterprise home. You kept your end of our deal with Degra.

Archer felt a pang with his next words, but he had to ask, just as he had to ask Phlox who Lorian’s father was.

So, do I take it from this that your...close relationship with Trip has...evolved further?”

“If you’re asking if we’ve experienced intimacy, that would depend on your definition of ‘close,’ Captain,” T’Pol said, not making eye contact with him. “Mr. Tucker and I have come to a respectful understanding of one another that is mutually satisfying.”

Archer couldn’t help but smile. Leave it to T’Pol to frame budding love in clinical terms.

“I couldn’t be happier if Trip has also had a change of heart about your people,” Archer said. “I think it’s great he’s getting to explore other cultures, especially one he was so dead set against at the beginning of our journey together.”

“We have both learned a great deal from one another,” T’Pol said.

“You have, haven’t you?” He paused and looked at her again, thoughtfully. “Well, you better go in there. I’ll see you two after your leave,” Archer said.

“Thank you sir,” T’Pol said. As she was turning to face Trip’s door, she paused to look at Archer. “I hope you have an enjoyable leave, Captain. You, of all people, deserve a respite. Safe journey.”

“Thanks, T’Pol. Same to you,” said Archer, who walked down the corridor, shaking his head. Next thing you know, pigs will start flying.

14:00 hrs.
Inside Commander Tucker’s quarters

“Come in,” said a muffled voice beneath a desk in the corner.

“Commander? Where are you?”

T’Pol moved further into his room until she saw his behind sticking out underneath his desk.

“I would like you to explain your puerile behavior with the captain and me in the corridor just a moment ago,” T’Pol said.

“Puerile?”

“An adjective meaning ‘significantly deficient in maturity,’” said T’Pol, who had walked up next to where Trip was still crouched under the desk, looking for a stray t-shirt. She loomed above him with her arms crossed in front of her.

“I know what it means, T’Pol,” Trip scowled, as he stood up. “I’m sorry. I just panicked. I didn’t know what to say. There’s already enough gossip about us. I didn’t want to add to the rumor mill.”

“What is a rumor mill, and why would we be adding to it?”

“You should consider yourself lucky sometimes you’re Vulcan, you know that? It spares you from some of the baser curiosities of other species,” Trip said, crossing his arms and leaning against his desk. “The rumor mill is just that -- a self-sustaining cycle of gossip and rumors perpetuated by the overactive imaginations of nosy people. We happen to be the flavor of the month.”

T’Pol’s eyebrow shot about as far high as it could go.

“Flavor of the month? Right. Well, it means you and I happen to be one of the main couples the crew likes to speculate about,” he said.

“But you and I are not bonded to one another,” T’Pol said.

Trip winced a little bit at that, a gesture T’Pol caught and immediately regretted causing.

She moved closer to him and said softly, “As I’ve told you previously, even if we were involved in a romantic relationship, it would be none of the crew’s concern.” She extended her fingertips up to his face and stroked his cheek for the briefest of caresses. “Let them talk, Mr. Tucker.”

Trip’s mouth was suddenly very, very dry. He swallowed hard and locked eyes with her for a long minute, then smiled.

“I don’t think it’s anybody else’s business either, T’Pol. Besides, it’s Jon. He won’t stay mad at me. But I guess I just didn’t want to confirm or deny the particular nature of our trip to anybody else,” Trip said.

“Anybody else? Who else has approached you?” T’Pol asked.

Trip checked his tongue in his cheek and blew out a long breath.

“Look, we’re never gonna get out of her if you keep asking all these questions, so why don’t we head out to the shuttle first, and pick up this conversation there?” Trip asked, almost pleading.

“That is an uncharacteristically time-efficient suggestion, Commander,” T’Pol said. “Whenever you are ready, we shall be on our way.”

Trip smiled and stuffed the t-shirt -- his lucky gray t-shirt -- into duffel and swung it over his shoulder.

“After you, T’Pol,” he said, with a flourish of a bow.

She merely arched an eyebrow and started walking toward the door.

16:00 hrs
Haulan, a Vulcan shuttle clamped alongside Enterprise

“You can tell the High Command that it’d be nice if you designed comfier chairs for your shuttles, T’Pol,” said Trip, who had commandeered the helms position from T’Pol, insisting on a crash course on how to operate the warp-capable shuttle.

“Our engineers did not put a premium on creature comforts, Mr. Tucker,” said T’Pol. “We focused more on design and efficiency.”

“And you’ve done a nice job. It’s a mighty fine little ship. Great lines,” he said.

“This ‘little’ ship is warp-capable, Mr. Tucker. It will take us half the time to reach Vulcan using this craft than anything Starfleet is currently capable of. We are fortunate that it is available for our use.”

“I wasn’t knocking it, T’Pol. I think it’s beautiful,” Trip said. He shifted in his seat and pointed at an instrument panel on the side of his station. “Now, what’s going on with this panel, here?”

When T’Pol tried to insist that the information was classified, Trip matter-of-factly told her were anything to happen to her on the way to Vulcan, that
it’d be the safe course of action for him to know how to work the essential systems.

She conceded in record time, which was more than could be said for the amount of time they spent docked while Trip explored the Vulcan shuttle’s instrumentation and engines, like a kid on Christmas.

18:00 hrs
Vulcan shuttle

“I think I’m getting the hang of this,” said Trip.

“It has taken you nearly four hours to do so. If you had allowed me to take the controls first, I could have shown you all this during our journey,” T’Pol said.

“Are you kidding? It’s not every day a Terran engineer gets to shove off in a Vulcan warp-speed shuttle! You can’t deny a guy something like that!”

“Obviously, I did not,” said T’Pol. “Are we ready, then?”

“We’ve run through all the pre-flights and the docking clamps are a click away from release. Course is laid in. We’re ready to go on your mark, T’Pol,” said Trip, sitting in the helms position. He turned to his copilot, who nodded.

“Engage, Mr. Tucker,” said T’Pol.

As Trip tentatively moved the ship away from Enterprise, he smiled at the way the vessel responded. Smoothly. He took a long look at the Enterprise as they backed away.

“I can’t believe what a beating we took. I still can’t believe she made it back in one piece,” Trip said.

“Repairs seem to be going well,” T’Pol said, as she deftly adjusted their sensor and navigational controls.

“Just think, by the time we get back, we’ll be in a practically new ship,” he said. “With upgraded engines!”

“I suggest you concentrate on your station, Commander, or else we won’t be around to appreciate that sight,” T’Pol said.

“Spoilsport,” he smiled. He eagerly turned to his
console. “Let’s see what this baby can do and get this
show on the road. Going to Warp.”

TWO DAYS LATER
Vulcan shuttle

Trip could not stop tossing and turning. Vulcan ships were built for a species that could function on less sleep than humans, or in the event that they would be stranded in space longer, could initiate a deep trance. Quarters were on the sparse side, even if the entire second level below the bridge could be utilized as a mini-science lab, or in their case, a separate sleeping area for the private Vulcans.

This shuttle was definitely not built to accommodate a cranky human who had become increasingly distracted by his close proximity to a certain nonplussed Vulcan.

They had spent most of the last 2 days in more or less comfortable silence. Trip kept busy studying the specs on the vessel, or PADDs filled with Vulcan language and cultural information. Trip took the bunk on the same level as the bridge.

T’Pol read and meditated in the compartment to the rear of the bridge or on the sub-level. What little time she slept, she did so on the sub-level.

They took turns at the wheel, with T’Pol indulging Trip in allowing him more time with the machinery.

But Trip experienced a fitful sleep at best that first night. But now, 4 hours into the second night’s sleep time and he still couldn’t drop into unconscious bliss. Not only was the bed as hard as granite slab, he was preoccupied with continuing their serious talk from the night of the homecoming party. They hadn’t argued in 2 days and he hadn’t wanted to ruin it. But it weighed on his mind.

Trip sighed and stopped moving, staring up at the craft’s ceiling.

“Commander, has your insomnia returned? You seem to be having a great deal of difficulty getting any rest,” said T’Pol, who looked at him from the helm.

He sat up on his elbows to meet her eyes.

“The Vulcan talent for stating the obvious never ceases to amaze me,” said Trip.

“There’s no need for sarcasm, Trip,” said T’Pol.

The mention of his nickname snapped Trip back into considerate mode.

He took a deep breath and swung his feet over so he was sitting up, albeit in an extremely slouchy sort of way. He ran his hands through his hair before settling them back down by his sides.

“I didn’t mean anything by it, T’Pol. I apologize. I’m just tired, that’s all. Your bunks are a little...stiff, ya know?”

T’Pol rose from her station and sat across from Trip on the other bunk.

“I regret your discomfort,” T’Pol said. She shifted slightly, her eyes facing the floor. She spoke slowly, tentatively. “Would you...like a neuro-pressure session to help you sleep?”

Chapter 4

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A whole mess of folks have made comments

nice, give us more! please

yummy chapter!

Oh, I hope the next chapter will come soon...

me too:) i really like this one:) hopefully with lots of angst too!! A++++++++

I love this. Exactly how I imagine the set-up to Home. :-)

Man, did Malcolm move fast when it came to telling Hoshi about her suspicions regarding Trip and T'Pol. I guess our favorite British Lt. needs more of a life outside security and serveillance. [<;-)]

I wonder if Trip is ready for Vulcan and will Vulcan be ready for Trip? Hope he has plenty of water, sun tan lotion and crazy colourful shirts. [<:-)]

I love the way you included a quotes from Surak’s teachings in T'Pol's thoughts. Definitely a nice touch.

T'Pol's reason for including Trip as a traveling companion when she was talking to her mother was well thought out and reasonable. But her behaviour when talking about him might be disconserting to T'Les. I thought Vulcans found that people having nicknames as illogical? I guss T'Pol has accepted his nickname. I hope she dose not become too overly familiar with it. I found when T'Les said “Trip? He is named after a voyage?” very funny and also ironic since he was the catalyst for it becoming a voyage of understanding between the two of them and their cultures.[<:-)]

Trip's horrible timeing is funny as hell when he pops out of his quarters and talks to T'Pol without realizing that the Captain is also present. T'Pol's reason to Archer about Trip's behaviour was hilarious.[<:-D] T'Pol did a nice save with Archer about not inviting him to Vulcan also. Is it me, or is the Captan a bit too nosey about Trip's and T'Pol's relationship. Maybe he is just nervous about how it may affect him, Starfleet and the Vulcan High Command.

It is hard on Trip when T'Pol keeps reminding him that she is going to Vulcan to bond with Kos. [<:-( ]

I think Trip is in love with the Vulcan Shutle. T'Pol could have some serious competition on her hands for Trip's attention. Maybe Trip could talk the Vulcan High Command into investing in some bucket seats, soft beds and a killer stereo system for their shuttles. [<:-D]

Anyway, I can not wait for Chapter 4. Please post it soon!

Excellent chapter! I really like the level of detail you put into the story (I think I could find my way around the Vulcan shuttle without too much trouble!), and I like the way you're letting the story unfold naturally -- not too rushed, and lots of interaction between the characters. If "Home" is half as good as this story, I'll be a happy camper!

I love the way you write. I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

Yes, more neuropressure! This is really excellent, I think I was as embarrassed for Trip over that little awkward moment with Archer as he was. I just love how you are writing Trip and T'Pol, can't wait for the next part. Ali D :~)

I can't believe this is your first fic!
It's awesome!
The interaction between Trip and Malcolm (and Malcolm & Hoshi) are just great.
The scene in front of his quarters with archer is hilarious!
And I have to agree with Alison: MORE NEUROPRESSURE!!!
;-)
Please don't make us wait so long for the next chapter!

Please hurry with your next chapter! All these cliffhangers are giving me more grey hair.

This is amazing! I love the way you write and how you are developing the story. Excellent work. Thanks for writing this, and I look forward to more.