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A Tour of the Firecaves

A | Author - justTrip'n | Genre - Drama | Genre - Episode Addition | Main Story | Rating - PG | T
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A Tour of the Firecaves

By justTrip'n

Rating: PG
Disclaimer: It all belongs to Paramount; no infringement intended.
Genre:
Summary: (Remember in the classic movie "Say Anything" where Diane dumps Lloyd and gives him a pen?) Kind of like that. Scene additions to "Home."

Author's Notes: Just something easy, before I return to my big epic drama. And this time I'm using my powers for "good" and not "evil." I acknowledge the enormous talent of all the Star Trek writers, whose scripts I've cut up and pasted back together to make this fic.


Trip could hardly believe he was here—with T’Pol, on Vulcan. All it had taken was a downcast look. “Poor me, no place to go,” and she’d invited him along. No longer her lab rat, he’d been upgraded to stray puppy.

T’Pol’s mom might have preferred Porthos on her doorstep. Trip had watched in amazement as T’Pol argued with T’Les over her right to have him stay. After that, nothing could ruin Trip’s mood.

He grinned as T’Pol passed him on the walkway to the firecaves. Though T’Pol would never return his smiles, she had her own way of making him comfortable. Enterprise, or anywhere, with T’Pol at his side— It DID feel like home.

Sixteen light years from Earth, Trip felt freer. He’d called T’Pol a “snazzy dresser” and she’d flared up beautifully. On this vacation, anything that ran through his head might pop out. Here, on Vulcan, where everyone is supposedly so repressed, he’d actually admitted his feelings for T’Pol—to T’Les. Soon he’d speak with T’Pol, but there was no rush. He had her all to himself for the next couple of days.

“I’m loving the view,” he called up the stairs, and T’Pol turned abruptly. Trip now gazed at the smoky plains over the railing. Lacking proof that Trip had been viewing her behind, T’Pol descended two steps to join him on the overlook. Though games between the pair continued, it was mostly out of habit. Their mutual attraction was now impossible to deny.

T’Pol seemed annoyed, and Trip guessed it wasn’t primarily his teasing. “Your mother driving you crazy?”

T’Pol turned to her friend. “I commend you on your ability to win her approval. It’s more than I could accomplish.”

“Ah, it was easy. You shoulda fixed her stasis unit. Instead you had to go and say nice things about Earth.”

T’Pol seemed tense. There was one sure way to unwind, but that was on hold for the duration.
.
“You know, I love your mom,” Trip continued, “but doesn’t she ever go out? I mean beyond the garden?”

“She went to her sculpture class this morning.”

“Damn.” A missed opportunity. T’Pol made no comment. She was missing the neuropressure too. These days they seemed to read each other’s minds. And that being the case. . .

Trip decided to come clean. “T’Pol. I should tell you something. When I fixed the stasis unit, it was for you. When I fixed the food synthesizer, it was for you. . . I . . . I think . . . I would do anything for you.”

He met her eyes, and she stared back with interest. “You have always been generous.”

It was a surprising response and, belatedly, he felt nervous. He waved a hand at the phenomenon before them. “So, you’re the geologist. How does this work?”

She took a breath and began the lecture. “The fire caves are analogous to the geysers of Earth. Heavy gases pool in the depths and are periodically ignited by magma. There is nothing of the kind on your planet.”

“In Pennsylvania, an old coal mine caught fire. It burned for ten years.”

“That is hardly comparable. Though it does illustrate the primitive state of human technology in the mid-twentieth century.”

“It happened near Carbon Creek.” Trip realized. “Where your grandmother crash landed during World War II.”

T’Pol raised an eyebrow in warning.

“I believe ya!” he assured her, with a smile.

“Yes, but we should not discuss First Contact in a public setting.” They stepped onto a viewing platform. The few spectators stood a distance away, involved in their own conversations.

“Why not?” Trip countered. “I doubt many of these people speak English. For once, we can say whatever we want.”

T’Pol assessed the small crowd before speaking. “I do have a question of a personal nature.”

Trip nodded his consent.

“You used to play football?”

“Yeah, I played defense.” She looked at him blankly, so he clarified. “We tried to knock down the players on the other team . . . stop them from running the ball downfield. . . And NO, we were NOT try’n to kill the quarterback.”

“I was going to ask if you were able to defeat your opponent.”

“Yeah, I was able to defeat my opponent . . . on occasion.” T’Pol was studying him up and down, apparently assessing his physique. Now she frowned. “Course I was bigger back then. . . .. Why ya askin’? Ya want me on your football team?”

“Were you able to defeat your opponent without weapons?”

“Yeah, without weapons. What’s this about?”

“I am aware the conventional wisdom about football is in error, but legends are often based on fact. Why would Vulcans think the object of a football game is to kill a player on the opposing team?”

“Damned if I know. The game is dangerous, but not that dangerous. With the padding like it is today no one’s gonna break their neck. Used to happen ev’ry once in a while.”

“So you played this game wearing protective gear.”

“Of course. Coach made sure of that. No game’s worth dy’n for.”

“On Vulcan there is an ancient game called the Kalifee, the fight to the death. It is a high-stakes game. It is played with a slings and spears—to win a woman. “

“Well, that’s embarrass’n. I can see why you Vulcans keep that one a secret.” Trip laughed, and then a burst of flame drew his attention.. When he turned back to T’Pol, she was staring at the ground, dejected. Somehow, he’d hurt her.

He scrambled to recover. “Don’t feel bad. You already told me the Vulcan past was violent. Look . . . we had the same thing on Earth. Like 2000 years ago. There were these slaves . . . of the Romans. They were forced to fight tigers and lions in a big arena to entertain crowds. Anyway, that’s what I heard.”

She looked up with an expression so sad he wished he could put an arm around her. “History’s kinda depress’n. On every planet,” he said instead.

T’Pol nodded in apparent agreement and her usual stoic expression returned, much to Trip’s relief. “Anyway, you were going to ask me a personal question,” he reminded, “Is it about Koss? I saw him poking around.”

“I now have the answers I need,” she stated enigmatically.

They turned back to the staircase and began climbing. Ahead, the staircase disappeared into a cave. T’Pol marched towards it, several times glancing back to check her friend’s progress.

Trip stopped to catch his breath and grinned apologetically at T’Pol.

“It is a strenuous climb,” she said.

“No . . . . But we should slow down. Enjoy the day.”

“The best view is up ahead.”

They entered a dark tunnel, illuminated only by a sunset-colored sky at the other end. They glanced towards one another in the dark. She stopped and turned to face him as his vision adjusted to the dark. She searched his eyes for something—he had no idea what.

He knew he shouldn’t, but he touched her shoulder to break the spell and steer them out towards the orange glow. They emerged out on a rock ledge. It was spectacular. Eight monolithic statues, giant hooded figures, presided over smoldering fire pits as far as the eye could see.

He whistled his amazement, and then turned to his host.

“When we get back to Earth, I’d like to show you some sights. Return the favor.” He couldn’t bear to see Florida, but he’d exaggerated his predicament. There were other places for him to go, other beaches—Hawaii, . . . no Cancun. He and T’Pol could watch the waves, para-sail, see a pyramid.

“Trip, there’s something I need to tell you . . . “

&&&&&&

A moment later he was back in the cave. He’d left T’Pol behind on the ledge. I just lost her. Incredible. Trip paced aimlessly, in frustration. They’d been discussing trivia moments before—then this announcement. It’s over. What’d he say wrong? What could he have done differently? He wanted to go back to the bottom of the stairs, to the beginning of the day, before she’d shut him out.

T’Pol came up behind him. She seemed as distressed as he. “I thought there was another way,” she told him, “but I was wrong.”

Trip turned to her angrily and stopped. She obviously believed there was no way out. And maybe she was right. Despite his best efforts, he still didn’t understand this culture.

He’d accept her nonexplanation. He’d try not to blame her. But for the moment he couldn’t be around her.

“I’m gonna see the rest of this place. Look for me at the bottom.”

&&&&&&&

That night Trip tossed and turned in the huge guest bed. The day had been surreal. He’d spent the morning touring firecaves with his de facto girlfriend. He’d spent the evening trying on clothes for her wedding to another man.

His sleep was restless. T’Pol’s stricken face floated through his dreams:

“My mother’s job. . . . It is complicated . . . Trip, I have to do this..”

T’Les interrupted, “You should tell her how you feel. She needs to have all the facts.”

He had nothing to lose. He proceeded to beg: “T’Pol! Don’t let them do this. It just isn’t right. We should be happy. Just run off with me. Your Mom and Koss will forgive you . . .”

He floated through time. He’d been called to Jon’s office. With great apprehension, Trip stepped through the porthole.

“Cap’n?” The door slid shut. Jon starred at the stars.

“It’s about T’Pol . . . . She’d dead, Trip.”

Stunned, he opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

“It was SUICIDE . . TRIP!”

Picturing her sprawled on the floor, Trip felt he’d throw up. Now Jon turned to deliver a final punch to his stomach: “She’d still be alive if you’d just let things be!”

Trip groaned, realizing his guilt, “Just like the cogenitor . . .”

“You knew they were aliens!”

“But they just seemed like people.” Trip stood stiffly, almost frozen. Now he slowly raised a hand to his face. “Where. . . c . . can I see her?”

“She’s out there in space.” Jon waved towards the window.

They’d ejected the coffin? “But I woulda been there!”

It didn’t make sense. It MUST be a dream

And . . . T’Pol can’t be DEAD! Trip fought with the blankets and opened his eyes. And there she was. Alive, and standing in the doorway.


From her silhouette, he could see she was wrapped in a robe. No gong was calling them for breakfast. It felt like the middle of the night.

“What time is it?” he asked.

“It is late. Be quiet or my mother will hear us.” T’Pol walked up to him and knelt beside the bed. Trip sat up.

“Why are you here?”

“I had a disturbing dream,” she explained. “It woke me, and I wanted to be certain that you were all right. . . .”

He was silent. This time he wouldn’t interfere.

“You were playing football. Your opponent was a Vulcan. You attacked him . . . to prevent him from running the ball down the field. He pulled out a spear and killed you.”

“T’Pol . . . !”

“I know it sounds illogical. However, most Vulcans are unaware of the rules of football.”

She got up and turned to leave. “Also, I forgot to tell you . . . . and it is my last chance to do so . . .”

He prepared himself . . . for anything

“. . . tomorrow we should not prepare breakfast. It is a custom that we fast until the wedding.”

“I’ll mind my manners,” he told her gently. “I promise.”

It was the right thing to say. She seemed relieved.

Holding onto to that look of relief, he finally drifted off to sleep.

I’d do anything for you, he thought. Including this.

Back to Fan Fiction Main Menu

Have a comment to make about this story? Do so in the Trip Fan Fiction forum at the HoTBBS!


A whole mess of folks have made comments

Wow - that was wonderful. Loved the humor of the first part and the last was so poignant my heart aches for both of them. Trip's inner voice really works. Well done {: D

It does make your heart ache for them, doesn't it? I really enjoyed this little added scene. It's so good to hear them talking to one another again, even under these circumstances. Trip most definitely took the high road at his own expense. Great job!

In the notes I forgot to thank my wonderful beta and friend, Distracted. For an happier alternative to Home, read her, “No Greater Love,” the definitive “Trip’n T’Pol Get Married.” story. For thrills, action, and real edginess check out Peter Simon’s “Kun-ut Kali-fi” in which Trip DOES fight for T’Pol. I wish I could remember the name of another author who wrote a scene addition to Home that made me go “wow.” All I can remember now is the line “That’s my girl.” Speak up if it was you. You people make me want to quit writing and just read. Except I kind of like writing :)

Whoops, typo, "Peter Simons'" (I knew that).

Please don't stop writing jT. This is a nice scene, I like the way she was trying to find out if he'd fight for her.

A bit of humour, a bit of sadness. Nicely played out.

This was pretty good. I liked T'Pol's subtleness and Trip's cluelessness. I'm glad to see you're continuing to write...

I love the final version, justTrip'n. There seemed to be something strange going on in several places with the italics, though. I found it a bit distracting... but you know me. I'm too anal for my own good. Great story. Thanks for the plug. : )

oh... this is so painful for both. so well told.

thank you for sharing and writing.

Sad one, that. I don't know if Trip would be have been up for Kun-at-kali-fee in canon, but foot in mouth disease eliminated the option here.

Thanks for writing this.

...I’d do anything for you, he thought. --That line got to me. *sniffle* That's our Trip.

Sad and sweet. Quite poignant last scene there.

Just Trip'n, the story you're trying to think of that has "That's my girl"... could it be Reconnecting?

Yes it could. That's yours, right? Thanks everyone for the nice comments. Glad you liked it. I bought the season 4 DVDs and was very impressed with Home when I rewatched it.

Things that struck me when I watched: At the beginning, the part where Trip says he has nowhere to go and T'Pol invites him home, I thought, "That's odd. It looks like Connor's acting." Since Connor doesn't LOOK like he's acting (he's too good an actor), I figured Trip must be acting--hyping things up to get some sympathy.

I was impressed that Trip and T'Pol were so close in this episode, definately they were about to take their relationship to the next level.

I was surprised that for one moment T'Pol appears to consider the possibility of having Trip fight for her in the Kalifee--a custom I find shocking and I'm sure Trip would too.

I saw that Trip was so pleased to be at T'Pol's house that he wasn't affected by all the tension and arguing going on around him, he was just happy. And he sure didn't see what was coming.

I just entered a new copy of the text justTrip'n sent me. It should clear up any formatting confusions.

Bucky--Admin

Yeah. Much better. Thanks, Bucky.

Why was it so messed up? I forgot to turn off Track Changes. ARGGHH!!!

Wow, this has got to be one of the best Home fics I've read. I loved the humor in the beginning (upgraded to stray puppy huh?) and the nicely tied up end. Simply an awesome fic, thanks for sharing.

Very nice. Interesting how people can interpret scenes so differently: when I saw "Home" and saw Koss ask T'Pol if she would have Trip champion her, I interpreted her expression as a "no way. I care too much for him to put him in a scenario that would probably result in his death."

It is interesting to see other's views on her reaction. I viewed it as her frustration that Koss saw through her empty threat and called her bluff.

Although I ignored it and just enjoyed the story because I like it, T'Pol really had nothing to gain by invoking the Kali-fi since she was only marrying Koss to help her mother. If Koss kills Trip, the outcome is exactly the same, other than someone she cares for very deeply is now dead. If Trip kills Koss, then the purpose behind agreeing to the marriage in the first place it is gone. Koss' parents are not going to say to T'Pol, "sure, you rejected our son, were responsible for the destruction of P'Jem, resigned from the High Command and had a Human kill our son. Yes, we will expend political capital to protect your mother from charges of treason."

If T'Pol didn't care about her mother's position, the easiest way to avoid marrying Koss would have been to pack her bags and leave. T'Pol's own statements had already shown the High Commmand couldn't reach her as long as she remained on Enterprise.

^^ Agreed. T'Pol was in a completely untenable position and, as much as I would have liked to have seen Trip kick his ass in the Kali-fi, it would NOT have helped T'Les and would have probably only intensified the problem by creating yet ANOTHER set of "enemies".

Hmm . . . You guys may be right. I'll say, it was a momentary thought (fantasy) that she toyed with for a minute. At the end, of my story, after more serious reflection, T'Pol is worried that somehow Trip does become of aware of this ritual and gets drawn in.

It will never cease to ammaze me, the sheer amount of talent that exists within the collective pool of authors of this amazing site, I so look forward with immense anticipation each day to a new addition to the already immpressive collection of stories ammassed to date, bravo to all concerned, kindest regards.....Tony

I loved the story, and it kept me guessing as to whether you were going to follow canon or branch off and do something AU - great suspense actually, even though I wanted Trip to "put two and two together" after she said she were marrying Koss ;)

But I have a question for anyone. After the Reformation Arc when it became apparent T'Les was a dissident for some time, though perhaps not formally a Syrannite very long, is it not likely that T'Les' explanation of them "blaming T'Pol for P'Jem" and "getting back at her through T'Les" was just a cover for her own Syrannite connections?

It kind of puts T'Les in a really negative light for Trek's typical tastes of doing to characters, but to me it makes a LOT more sense. Suppose that T'Les had dissident ties as far back as Home and the Administration knew it, so the excuse that they were punishing her for T'Pol's involvement at P'Jem would have been totally fiction. Which would mean also help to explain T'Les motivation in suggesting Trip "give her all the facts".

Think of it - T'Les may have seen T'Pol marrying Koss as the perfect "out" for her predicament, UNTIL she came to really see not only how in love with her Trip was, but how her daughter returned his affection. Once that became apparent, she could no longer pressure her daughter guiltlessly into a marriage that was only to hide her Syrannite ties. That's the way that makes a lot more sense to me anyway, than the Admin. "getting at" T'Pol through her... that's just kind of fulla holes. But this is Trek's writing I'm criticizing, not yours ;)

Well done! I especially love that last scene...

John, I just watched the episode where T'Les dies. Somehow I missed it the first time around! You're right something's not quite right with the motivation of that character. I suspect, it's a case of the writers not knowing where they would end up when they started the arc. Oh, well. Gives us the challenge of explaining away the nonsense, which can be fun. Thanks for your feedback.

Great stuff. A note, that other "Home" story with the "That's my girl" line? I'm pretty sure it was "Reconnecting" by Hopeful Romantic. Great series, that. One of my favs, personally. :)