If you are seeing this paragraph, the site is not displaying correctly. You can see the content, but your current browser does not support CSS which is necessary to view our site properly. For the best visual experience, you will need to upgrade your browser to Netscape 6.0 or higher, MSIE 5.5 or higher, or Opera 3.6 or higher. If, however, you don't wish to upgrade your browser, scroll down and read the content - everything is still visible, it just doesn't look as pretty.

The Sehlat

Author - Kevin | Genre - Drama | Main Story | Rating - PG | S | T
Fan Fiction Main Page | Stories sorted by title, author, genre, and rating

The Sehlat

by Kevin

Rating: PG (language)
Disclaimer: The characters mentioned within this text are the sole property of Paramount Studios, UPN, and Viacom. I intend no infringement.
Genre: Future AU
Summary: This is set about 45 years after my story The Long and Winding Road. It gives a brief glimpse at how Trip and T’Pol have lived their lives and who they have become.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

“Log Entry. July 11, 2199. Captain Samuel Franklin. HMS Hermes.”

“Today was one of those days when it was better to be lucky than good.”

“I met Senator T’Pol Tucker and her husband retired Admiral Charles Tucker. I now have a better appreciation for my new science officer Commander T’Pel Tucker. She is quite a remarkable individual as are her parents. I am no longer concerned about her relationship with my chief engineer.”

“I do not imagine I will ever forget today’s events.”

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

The bridge on the Hermes shook again. They were under attack by a Klingon Bird of Prey and a Battle Cruiser. She had scored hits on both ships but not enough to affect the outcome of this battle without external intervention. Fortunately the Pegasus had responded to the distress call and would be there shortly. The main goal at this time was to survive long enough for her to arrive.

“Captain, two Vulcan ring ships approaching.”

Captain Franklin hoped the Vulcans had the brains to back off. There was no reason for the Federation to loose three ships today.

“They should be here in two minutes. They are approaching at Warp 9”

What? How in the hell could that be? Franklin spun to his tactical officer for an explanation, “What? Those relics shouldn’t be able to do more than Warp 7.”

Before his tactical officer could respond his communications officer said, “incoming transmission from the lead ship. The message says ‘This is Captain Vorek of the Sehlat, we are prepared to offer assistance.’”

More like prepared to die. The Hermes shook from another hit.

“Forward shields at 15 percent sir.”

Then he saw a sight on the view screen he would never forget as long as he lived. The Klingon Battle Cruiser rocked as five torpedoes struck her.

“The Battle Cruiser’s shields have collapsed sir.”

“Fire at will. Hit her with everything we got.”

The Klingon Battle Cruiser continued to fire on the Hermes. The ring ships were still out of weapons range.

“Forward shields failing sir.”

“Incoming transmission from the Sehlat. They say to focus on the Bird of Prey, they will take care of the Battle Cruiser.”

“Well you have to hand it to them for their arrogance.” But then again, they did fire torpedoes from a seriously long range. And they were powerful enough to collapse the Battle Cruiser’s shields.

Before he had a chance to think the two ring ships inserted themselves between the Hermes and the Battle Cruiser. They appeared heavily shielded and began pounding the Battle Cruiser without mercy.

“Okay, you heard the Vulcans target the Bird of Prey.” As long as they kept their rear shields to her, they were a match for the Bird of Prey.

“Sir, it’s the Pegasus. She just arrived. She is targeting the Bird of Prey.”

For Captain Franklin, today was one of those days when it was better to be lucky than good.

“The Bird of Prey is destroyed.”

Franklin’s tactical officer switched the view screen to the Battle Cruiser. She was heavily damaged and trying to escape. The ring ships appeared unscathed.

After three more phaser hits, it became clear the fight would soon be over. When a single torpedo struck the rear of the Klingon vessel, she erupted in a huge explosion.

The remaining bridge crew looked in awe. Five minutes ago they were sure all would die. In that time two Vulcan relics had dispatched a Klingon Battle Cruiser. And they appeared to exit the battle unharmed.

“Captain, incoming transmission from the Sehlat.”

“Put it on screen.”

“Greetings. I am Captain Vorek of the Sehlat. Senator Tucker and her Consort wish to come aboard. They would like to transport aboard as soon as possible.”

The Tuckers are here.

“Yes, of course Captain. Please inform them that I will greet them as soon as possible. I really appreciate your help Captain.”

“I apologize we cannot provide more assistance. We do not have medical staff trained to help.”

“You have helped more than I could ever have hoped for. The Pegasus is here and she can provide medical assistance.”

“Good. Sehlat out.”

“Thanks again Captain. Hermes out.”

“Ensign tell Commander Tucker to meet me in the transporter room as soon as possible. Her parents are here.”

“Yes sir.”

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Captain Franklin wondered what Commander T’Pel Tucker’s parents would be like. He had never met them. He had heard rumors about the enigmatic couple but nothing more. His chief engineer seemed to be close to T’Pel but he rebuffed all questions about the pair. He would not speak of T’Pel’s parents.

He considered asking Commander Tucker directly but he was not sure how to approach her. She had been aboard his ship less than six months. She never spoke of her family. She was an outstanding science officer but unlike any Vulcan he had ever met. Of course that was due to the fact she was the only Vulcan/human he had ever met.

She arrived at the transporter room looking a little worse for wear. Her hair was ruffled and her uniform a bit torn. He was sure she had helped out in engineering. He had not quite gotten used to her sandy brown hair, blue eyes and distinctly Vulcan ears. She looked elfin, not Vulcan.

“Energize.”

Before him stood the hooded robed form of Charles Tucker and the smaller T’Pol Tucker.

“Welcome aboard. I am Captain Franklin…”

Charles Tucker completely ignored him, rushed to his daughter and immediately embraced her.

“Oh princess. I was so scared we might lose you. Are you okay?”

“Yes, daddy, I am fine. You saved us. I am so happy you showed up.”

Franklin stood there shocked, looking at the pair. He swore that both of there eyes started to water. They were completely oblivious to anyone else in the room. They just held each other for a while.

Commander Tucker spoke first, “Kevin’s fine. He is in engineering. I am sure he wants to see you.”

“Yes, let’s go.” With that the two were gone. They left a stunned Captain Franklin to stare at the door as it closed.

“Captain Franklin, I must apologize for my husband’s behavior. He becomes most irrational when it comes to his children.”

Franklin turned his face to her. He had completely forgotten about the Vulcan woman.

“I am Senator T’Pol Tucker. And the exceedingly rude blur on his way to engineering is my husband Charles Tucker III.”

“There is no need to apologize Senator. I am a father myself. I cannot imagine reacting much differently if my daughter were on a ship being targeted by a Klingon Battle Cruiser.”

“Thank you for your understanding Captain. Would you accompany me to engineering?”

“Yes, of course ma’am. Right away.”

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

For the beginning of the journey to engineering the woman at his side was silent. She walked briskly but she did not run like her husband. The silence became too uncomfortable for Franklin.

“Ma’am, I just wanted to thank you again for helping out. When your ships appeared, I was afraid the Federation would lose three ships instead of just one. I was amazed…”

She stopped in her tracks. “Yes, of course, Captain. As you can see it was our pleasure to assist. I must inform you Captain that the events of today’s engagement are fully classified. They are not to be discussed except on a need to know basis. Please inform your bridge crew. I will ensure you have the proper the authorization for the order.”

She resumed walking again. “As you wish, ma’am. I am not sure anyone would believe me anyway.” He smiled and winked at her.

Before they arrived at engineering, Commander Tucker rushed back to meet them. She landed against Senator Tucker and clutched her tightly. Franklin noticed that Senator Tucker held her daughter just as tightly.

“Oohh, mom, I am sorry. I did not mean to leave you like that. It is just that daddy was so overwhelming. I could not think of anything but him. He was very concerned about Kevin. I came back after we found him. I am so glad to see you.”

“And I you. Your father was worried sick about you. We were afraid we might lose you.”

Senator Tucker paused for a moment.

“I see your father is helping out in engineering. How could you let him do that? What was Kevin thinking?”

Franklin was confused. How could she have known that?

“Let him? Do you think either one of us could have stopped him? Besides, he knows a TCT 9 engine better than anyone. They were glad for his help.”

The elder Vulcan raised one eyebrow to her daughter.

Her daughter slumped and gave a slight sigh. “Okay, well better than almost anyone. But you weren’t there so better than anyone in engineering. Kevin has him helping replace some conduits.”

“Well, then let us proceed to engineering. I would see Kevin myself. I will assist in any way possible.”

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Shortly they entered engineering. It was a buzz with activity. Franklin scanned around for Charles Tucker but could not find him.

Just then his chief engineer spotted the party and hurried over to meet them. He did one of the most surprising things Franklin had seen in his entire life. Including the events of today.

Kevin hugged Senator T’Pol. Even more amazing she hugged back. “Oh, T’Pol I am so glad to see you. T’Pel told me you planned a visit. I have to say your timing was perfect. How is everything?”

“I am glad to see you again Kevin. I agree that our timing was most fortunate. Everything is fine. I hope my husband has not caused too much problem down here.” He released her but held onto her left hand for a brief moment before releasing it. He just looked at her. Franklin realized it was the same look someone would give their mother.

“No, Trip has been a great help. They all think very highly of him.”

“Is there some way I can be of assistance? I can help you…”

“Please T’Pol. It is embarrassing enough to have Trip helping. After what you just did for us, I feel horrible putting you both to work.”

“Nonsense. I insist.” He knew he would lose this battle. He had not even tried to stop Trip.

“Okay.” He paused to think. “Could you run some diagnostics on the port nacelle? That would help me figure out what work to assign to which team while I check the work my nacelle team did on the starboard one.”

“Yes.” She walked over to the main panel. She started the diagnostic with great efficiency.

Suddenly Captain Franklin felt like a third wheel. He paused to exit engineering, “Well, Senator Tucker, if you don’t mind, I should be heading back to the bridge.”

“I am sorry Captain. The diagnostic will take some time to run. Let us see if we can find my husband for a proper introduction.”

“Yes, of course ma’am. I would very much like that.”

She scanned the room a bit and proceeded directly to a spot where three pairs of feet were sticking out. Two pairs of StarFleet boots and one not. She glared down. There was no way she could have seen his feet from where they stood just moments ago. How she knew where he was, Franklin had no idea.

( Charles Tucker what do you think you are doing down there! )

Trip was startled, hit his head and dropped a spanner. “Ow, dammit.”

( Don’t do that! You scared the hell out of me! )

( Come out this instant and let the crew do their work. Your behavior earlier was reprehensible. You did not properly greet the Captain of this ship. )

Charles Tucker slid out from underneath the panel. He stood up and stared back at his wife.

( I am sorry. I was worried about T’Pel and Kevin. When I got down here I got caught up in helping and completely forgot about you two. )

( I understand how much they mean to you but that does not excuse your behavior. He is the Captain of this ship and he deserves our respect. )

Captain Franklin was not sure what to make of what was going on. They just stared at each other silently for a few seconds.

( Okay, I am sorry. You are completely correct, as usual. Please forgive me. ) He cocked his head, smiled at her and pulled her close.

( All right. Just this time. )

( Thanks darling. )

Finally one of them spoke. It was Charles Tucker.

“I apologize for my behavior earlier Captain Franklin. My wife has reminded me what an insensitive ass I have been. I am please to meet you.” He squeezed her a bit tighter just for a moment and held out his right hand.
The Captain took it and shook his hand. “There is no need to apologize Mr. Tucker. I think I would have reacted in a similar manner under similar circumstances.”

“Please call me Trip.” He smiled at Captain Franklin.

“Ahh, sure thing… Trip.”

( I am running a diagnostic for Kevin, it should be complete by now. )

( Sure thing. Let’s get out of their hair. )

( I am glad you see the merit in letting the crew do their job. )

T’Pol looked at the Captain. “Captain, I am sure the diagnostic is nearly complete. I would like to gather the results. We can then leave your crew to affect the repairs without disruption.”

“Yes, of course ma’am.”

After they gathered the results and were about to go Captain Franklin invited them to dinner. “I would be honored if the two of you would join me in the Captain’s mess at 1900 hours for dinner. I am sure Kevin and T’Pel would be glad to join us.”

“You bet Captain. I would love to. Maybe it will give me a chance to redeem myself for this afternoon.” Trip smiled at the Captain then turned to his daughter. “Hey, princess, you know what your mom and I like. Why don’t you take care of that?”

“Sure thing.” He gave T’Pel a hug, shook Kevin’s hand and turned his attention to T’Pol.

( Well, T’Pol, let’s get out of their hair. I am sure we can find something to do after we get cleaned up. )

( Yes please. You smell very bad. )

( Aww, you know how to hurt a guy. Want to take a shower? ) He gave her an evil grin.

( Yes. That is agreeable. )

“Captain, if I may, we should get cleaned up before dinner.”

“Oh of course. We have a spare set of quarters. Or you can return to your ship if you like. I have to apologize that the officer’s quarters are not large.”

Trip replied. “Not a problem Captain. T’Pol and I shared quarters on Enterprise. Yours are luxury suites in comparison. We will survive.”

“Okay, then. Please follow me and I can escort you there.”

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Captain Franklin sat in the Captain’s mess thinking to himself. Today had been a pretty amazing day. But the Tuckers had to be the most amazing. They were even more eccentric than the rumors described but yet seemed to be the nicest, most affectionate couple he had ever met. He knew that Charles Tucker had to be eighty years old but he looked and acted not a day over sixty. Living on Vulcan for nearly forty years appeared to sit well with him. The strange thing is that they had not spoken a single word to each other while on board. Every word they spoke had been directed toward another listener.

I guess I will need to talk to T’Pel about her parents. They are fascinating.

The five were all gathered around the table as the first course was served. Of course T’Pel had chosen a combination of Vulcan and human vegetarian dishes.

Trip and T’Pol were impressed with the taste of the Plomeek soup. It was very good considering it was not make with Plomeeks.

“Captain, I have to hand it to your chef. This Plomeek soup is very good.” Franklin could not believe that Trip really liked this stuff. Franklin only ate it out of respect.

“Yes, indeed. its taste is quite appealing.” T’Pol seemed pleased too.

“You have to give credit to T’Pel for that,” Kevin spoke up. “She has worked with chef to try to make it as authentic as possible. I think if chef could get real Plomeeks, it would be almost as good as yours T’Pol.”

Trip chuckled a bit, “flattery will get you everywhere with my wife Commander.”

( Please do not encourage him. )

“Speaking of that, Kevin I had not realized just how close you were to the Tuckers.” Franklin decided to join the conversation.

“Yes, sir. About six years ago StarFleet chose me to study under them personally at Vulcan. I lived with them for six months while they taught me everything they could about the TCT 9’s.”

“I thought the program was a four month tour.”

Trip spoke up, “yeah, that year the engineer after Kevin was not able to study with us so we offered to extend the tour for two months.”

“I jumped at the chance. Trip and I just seemed to click.”

“Yeah, he is like the son I never had.” It seemed like Trip’s chest swelled with pride.

Kevin turned red. “Oh sir. You are embarrassing me.”

T’Pol spoke up too. “Kevin, you know our family has great affection for you. You are like one of us. That is why you are welcome in our home whenever you can stay with us.”

“Well thank you T’Pol. I hope you, both of you, know how much you mean to me.”

Trip glared a bit at him. “Well you say that, but so far you refuse all my attempts to get you to marry my daughter and give me grandchildren. If I really meant that much to you, you would grant me this wish.” He then gave him an ear to ear grin.

T’Pel sighed and looked at her father. “Daddy, we have been through this before. You know Kevin is like a brother to me. I don’t feel that way about him.”

“But he is not your brother,” Trip took his daughter’s hand. “Both of you say you love me, but you refuse to give me grandchildren. Kevin would make a great husband and son-in-law. Why won’t you see that?”

Even Captain Franklin could see that Trip was needling his daughter. He thought he caught T’Pol give a brief smile. I wonder how many times they have had this argument?

“You have already have 22 granddaughters. How many more do you want?”

“Well as many more as you and T’Mir are willing to contribute. I have a lot of love to go around.”

“I will chip in daddy and I am sure T’Mir will too. But be patient. We are both young. Neither one of us are close to forty.”

“Okay. But the two of you,” he glanced back and forth between Kevin and T’Pel, “are sorely disappointing me,” and he gave an exaggerated pout.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Captain Franklin sat in his ready room trying to comprehend the day’s events. So much had happened. On top of everything he had just received a communiqué from Fleet Admiral Zheng herself classifying the events, even the Tucker’s mere presence aboard the vessel as Top Secret. What is going on?

The chime to room rang. “Come in.”

Trip entered the Captain’s ready room and pulled the hood back on his robe. “Are you busy Captain?”

“No sir, please have a seat. Can I get your robes?”

“No thank you. It is too cold for my tastes.”

“I am sorry sir. I am sure the environmental controls are set at the normal 22 degrees.”

“No apology necessary. My home varies between 35 and 42 degrees through the year. I am not willing to sit here and shiver out of pride.” He smiled at the Captain. They both knew he was talking about the Vulcans.

“What can I do for you, sir?” He corrected himself after seeing the scowl on Trip’s face, “I mean Trip.”

“I am sure by now you have received the order from Admiral Zheng? StarFleet does not want the Sehlat’s and Narwhal’s capabilities widely known.”

“Yes, I have. It is quite odd. Even your mere presence aboard this vessel is now classified.”

“I am sorry about that. That is a Vulcan thing. They do not like the travels of the royal family to be widely known either. For a long time they did not even like T’Pol and me to travel.”

“Royal family? I did not realize Vulcan had a monarchy. Ahh that explains why Captain Vorek called you Senator Tucker’s Consort.” He paused a bit thinking to himself. “But wait, she is a senator? I don’t understand.”

“T’Pol is a Vulcan Queen. There are over 70 of them, all descendents of Surak. Their husbands all hold the title Queen’s Consort. Queens don’t hold any official status in the government. It is more of a ceremonial title and position of honor in society. Her position in the Senate is separate from being a Queen.”

“Sounds kind of like the European monarchies before the wars.”

“Yeah, probably. Although I am not big on European history.”

“So that means when you call T’Pel ‘princess’, you are being literal.”

“Well, not completely. All of my daughters are my ‘little princesses.’ It is just a coincidence that they also hold that title. Even if T’Pol wasn’t a Queen, I would still call her princess.”

“If that is the case, how could she join StarFleet? Didn’t you or the Vulcans throw a fit?”

“Yeah, and T’Pol and I were against it at first but she is a stubborn as we are and it was clear this is what she wanted. We could find no reason to refuse her the same path that T’Pol and I chose. So the best I have been able to do is pull some strings and get her assigned with Kevin.”

“You do think highly of him, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do. Even if she does not marry him, at least he can be her friend. And who knows? T’Pol became my best friend before she became my wife. It was only in the Expanse that our relationship changed from friendship to something much deeper.”

“Wow, how did that happen? All of the records are sealed.”

“My sister was killed in the attack. She had been the only remaining one in my family. I was alone. I fell apart. T’Pol glued me back together. If she hadn’t, I would have never returned. Whether the mission succeeded or not, I am sure I would have died in the Expanse. I would have made some stupid mistake and got myself killed. T’Pol gave me a reason to live beyond pure vengeance. Later we realized how important we were to each other. And the rest is history.”

“Literally.” Joked Franklin. Trip scowled back at him.

( I have completed my tour Trip. Please join me. )

“Well Captain, I gotta go. The missus calls you know.” He smiled and shook the Captain’s hand. They exchanged good nights.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

“T’Pel, am I disturbing you?”

“No, not at all Captain. I was just reading.”

“I wanted to stop by and tell you I find your parents to be some of the nicest and most fascinating people I have ever met.”

“Thank you Captain. My mother is impressed with you also. Unfortunately my father is unaware of anyone or anything outside of engineering.” She chuckled.

“Your father stopped by this evening. We talked. It is kind of odd being face to face with a legend. But he is so relaxed, you completely forget who you are talking to.”

“Yeah, my parent’s really are easy going people. They do not like all of the attention they have received. And I know, daddy would not like being called a ‘legend.’ He would throw a fit.” She chuckled even louder this time. “I think that is the real reason he insisted on moving to Vulcan so soon after leaving Enterprise.”

“Commander, may I ask you a personal question about your parents? I do not wish to offend you.”

“You may ask but I may not answer. In either case, I will not be offended. Please ask sir.”

“Your parents have shown considerable affection toward both you and Kevin. They seem like truly charming people. But they have not spoken a single word to each other since arriving on the ship. They stare at each other, make the occasional face and he has held her tightly a couple of times. I am not sure what to make of it? Can you explain to me what is going on? I am just curious, I do not mean to be nosy.”

“That is all right Captain. I suppose they would not have a problem with me telling you. It is not normally discussed off Vulcan but they have shared this information with other humans before.”

“Don’t worry. I am not a gossip. What you tell me does not leave this room.”

“Vulcan mates form a telepathic bond. My parents developed a very strong bond during their time on Enterprise. They communicate with each other exclusively through it. They only time they ever speak is to another. In fact, I cannot remember ever hearing them address each other verbally. My eldest sister claims they did when she was young but none of the rest have seen it.”

“Amazing. I had no idea humans were telepathic.”

“My father is not telepathic, only my mother. Vulcan doctors have been interested at his ability to reciprocate telepathic contact for decades. They have not encountered another human with his level of empathy. For a while, my dad even let doctors study him to determine how this came about. Eventually though it became clear the researchers could not determine the cause and he stopped cooperating.”

“Did the doctors develop any theories? Was he born with the ability?”

“There are two basic theories. The first is that at least my dad and possibly his family were latent empaths and that it is possible someday humans will develop empathic capabilities. My dad refuses to believe that theory and claims he had the empathic ability of a tree stump before meeting mom. He believes the second theory which is that somehow my mother was able to rewire his brain, so to speak, to ensure success in her choice of mate. The basic idea is that she gave him the ability to reciprocate the bond in order to meet her needs.”

Franklin nodded. This is pretty interesting.

“My father explains it this way. He was a broken and shattered man when he entered the Expanse. Mom put him back together so they could complete the mission. If in the process of reassembling him, she made various improvements to meet her needs that is fine by him. She had that right and he is glad she did.”

“Wow.”

“The irony in the whole matter is how the bond came about. My mother always had only marginal control of her emotions. It was considered a genetic defect in the early decades of her life and she was not held in high regard. The researchers that studied my father agree on one thing. They believe that only her so called genetic defect could allow her to form the bond with my dad. None believe that a ‘normal’ Vulcan female can form a bond with a human male.”

“All that they have accomplished together and everything that has come from them: my sisters, my nieces, the engine and weapons systems designs, Vulcan finally joining the Federation and most likely humanity’s very existence, stem from my mother and her so called genetic defect. Without it, I am certain Earth would have been obliterated by the Xindi and neither you nor this ship would now exist. And I know for certain that I would not exist.” She beamed with pride.

“Thank you for sharing that T’Pel. I am grateful that you trust me enough to tell me about your parents.”

“You are welcome Captain. I love them very much. I am very proud of them.”

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Captain Franklin sighed. He was pretty tired. That is enough for today.

“Computer End Log.”

“Classify Top Secret, Need to Know Basis Only. Access Code Samuel Franklin Kilo Uniform Three Hotel Lima.”

The End

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

Interesting future you've given Tri'Pol - 22 granddaughters? Aye, yi, yi. That's OMT - ever the Ladies' Man! (So long as he lives a long life and is happy - it works for me!) Thanks for sharing!

sweetness 22 grankids! cool as long as t't are happy so iam i!!

i loved it but i want to know about them from where the long and winding road up to now please

Very good, loved the telepathic connection between Trip and T'Pol. I wonder, did the Vulcans do something to extend Trip's lifespan so that at 80 odd years old he still acts like a man in his early 60s? Would be neat if they did. Ali D :~)

cool. i loved the long and winding road and it was nice to see they were still the same old trip and t'pol 45 years down the line. yeah i agree, it would be cool if the vulcans did something to make trip live longer.

cool. i loved the long and winding road and it was nice to see they were still the same old trip and t'pol 45 years down the line. yeah i agree, it would be cool if the vulcans did something to make trip live longer.

Woderful...

I am working on the sequel to The Long and Winding Road. It is a bit over half complete. I had to go back and rework some stuff based on feedback.

I am going to try to work in an explanation for Trip's longevity. But I have dropped two hints into the story. Two characters say basically the same thing. That is the reason.

I'm sorry, but I had a big problem w/ T'Pel at the beginning running between her parents like a 5 year old instead of a starfleet commander!
...the overall story idea is really interesting, but some your interpretations of the characters Trip and T"Pol didn't exactly do it for me...not sure why...shrug

I have to differ on that point Valley Girl.... I think Kevin's interpretation of what a mixed breed child of Trip and T'Pol would do was really charming. She obviously wasn't only affected by one side and if you have noticed by the most recent episode, T'Pol is even telling jokes now. That just proves that a child, let alone the smallest of many children who would most probably be the spoiled one, and how she'd be like. I loved this interpretation......Keep up the good work....T

It's a sweet story Kevin! Wow, Trip is surrounded by women, an unnumbered amount of daughters and 22 granddaughters!! lol

I hope that you do a sequel, because there is a bit of intrigue with Kevin and T'Pel! (She's the baby of the family, right? :p)

Kevin, I loved the way you wrote yourself into the story. Do you ever get to marry T'Pel?