Time and Again - Chapter 3

Time and Again

by Rogue

Category: Plot Summary #5, Trip/T’Pol Summer Challenge

Rating: PG

Genre: Romance

Disclaimer: Paramount owns all, lucky people. If I could make money doing this, I would be, but I’m not. *sighs*

Spoilers: Through Season 3. Since I’ve actually now seen seasons 1 and 2!

Summary: After the Alien-Nazi timeline is reset (because the concept boggles my mind), Trip and T’Pol learn how to live in a post-Xindi, post-Temporal Cold War era.

A/N: For everyone who wanted Lorian…he may not make a personal appearance, but how could I deny you at least a mention? Two other comments…one, I apologize for any typos…I got a new ergonomic keyboard and I’m still getting used to it…two, I also apologize for how long this took to write…T’Pol would *not* behave.

~~~~~~~

Chapter 3

Although Vulcans, as a rule, were not inclined to indulge in gossip, T’Pol doubted that the Vulcans behind her in the consulate dining hall were among those who abstained from idle chatter. She’d heard her name come up in conversation a total of twelve times, and although she was certain that at least three of those conversations were not meant for her to hear, two of them had been. Ignoring the gossip mill on Enterprise was one thing. Ignoring the gossip of her own people was another.

She finally rose, discarding the little of her breakfast she had not eaten, and quickly downing the rest of her tea, she left the dining hall, avoiding the pointed glances she was receiving. She knew what they were saying, what they were thinking, and that thought was not a pleasant one.

She entered Soval’s office at the requested time to find the ambassador, Ambassador V’Lar and a man in a commander’s uniform. Soval rose from his desk, gesturing towards the commander. “T’Pol, I don’t believe you’ve met Commander Sumek. He joined my staff after you chose to remain onboard Enterprise in defiance of the High Command.”

“Soval,” V’Lar said, settling herself in a chair on T’Pol’s side of Soval’s desk, “It is far too early in the day to bring up such matters.”

Soval inclined his head towards the woman. “As you wish, madam. You may sit, T’Pol.”

T’Pol did as requested of her, crossing her legs in the defensive posture that she so often used to keep her crewmates on Enterprise at bay. “This is merely an informal briefing, T’Pol,” Soval continued. “This is not to judge your behavior on Enterprise but to clarify certain issues in your reports to us.”

It was not until early afternoon when the ‘clarifications’ became something more obviously antagonistic. Apart from expressing considerable doubt as to how Captain Archer had obtained information regarding the Xindi motives, Soval had accepted her answers to his questions.

Soval pressed a few buttons on his datapad. “It seems that there are a few details missing from your encounter with the other supposed Enterprise.”

“I was not aware of any omissions in my report, however, I will do my best to answer your questions,” T’Pol said. This was not entirely truthful, but she was no longer a member of the High Command, and even if her omissions were discovered by Soval, it would bear no lasting consequence.

Sumek spoke. “You claim that the other Enterprise had been thrust over one hundred years into the past and the descendants of the crew were manning the ship, including your son, who was acting as captain.”

“This is correct,” T’Pol said, Lorian’s face, a mixture of Trip’s features and her own appearing before her eyes unbidden. She shoved the image back into her mind, focusing on the conversation instead.

“I find this highly unlikely,” Sumek continued. “The Vulcan Science Directorate has determined that time travel is impossible.”

“With all due respect to the Science Directorate, they are incorrect,” T’Pol answered coolly. “There are many more phenomenon in the universe than the Science Directorate is familiar with, and simply because logic does not suffice for the understanding of time travel does not eliminate the possibility, especially in regions such as the Delphic Expanse.”

“I am inclined to take your tale as a complete falsehood,” Sumek said. “Your tale not only includes time travel, but Captain Lorian, who by your own admission was half-human and half-Vulcan.”

“I was informed that Doctor Phlox had determined a method overcame the biological differences between humans and Vulcans to allow for a healthy child with both heritages,” T’Pol said.

“And the father of Captain Lorian was none other than Commander Tucker, is this correct?” Sumek said.

“According to Dr. Phlox’s findings, this is correct,” T’Pol said.

“It disturbs me that you would choose, of all humans, Commander Tucker as your husband,” Soval said disapprovingly. “He is possibly the most emotional human I’ve ever met.”

“Commander Tucker and I developed a rewarding professional relationship during our time in the Expanse,” T’Pol answered. “I cannot answer as to the circumstances that would have caused the development of a personal relationship in an alternate timeline.”

“And in any case, that really wouldn’t be any of our business, Soval. If T’Pol wished to pursue a relationship with Commander Tucker, the Vulcan High Command can hardly interfere with the actions of a private citizen—especially when that private citizen is committing no crime against the Vulcan people,” V’Lar said.

“I only grow concerned when there is a possibility that T’Pol may not be acting in a logical manner because she is not capable of it. Pa’nar Syndrome has a tendency to make it’s victims unable to process their thoughts and emotions logically,” Soval answered, his tone giving his irritation away to the other Vulcans in the room—not that a human could have discerned the vocal quirk.

“Yet the Science Directorate refuses to release any information they might have on the treatment of Pa’nar,” Ambassador V’Lar said sharply. “If you are so concerned with that, perhaps you should push them towards a creation of a cure for Pa’nar syndrome.”

“Pa’nar Syndrome is not on the Science Directorate’s list of priorities. The melders are a deviant part of Vulcan society, as are the V’tosh ka’tur. I have no wish for a promising young officer to fall into such company,” Soval said.

“My medical status is my own concern,” T’Pol interjected smoothly. “It is not your concern, nor is it the concern of the High Command. The people I consider my friends are also not your concern, whether they be Vulcans in the High Command, members of the V’tosh ka’tur or the humans on board Enterprise.”

“As a member of Vulcan society, you should be more careful with who you choose as your friends. Befriending a mind melder has done nothing for you but get you into trouble,” Soval said, rising from his chair. “All Vulcans are warned to beware of those who have the ability to meld.”

“And it would be needless if the Science Directorate merely informed the people instead of trying to frighten them into submission,” T’Pol answered, not moving from her position in her chair. “I have known Vulcans who were quite logical and who had the ability to mind meld.”

Soval sat back down, evidently unwilling to continue the argument. “I agree with Commander Sumek, in that I doubt the validity of your report in light of the time travel considerations.”

“If you read the reports of the other Enterprise command staff, they will corroborate my own,” T’Pol said. “Unless you choose to believe the entire crew onboard Enterprise has taken part in a conspiracy to confuse the Vulcan government.”

“It would be easier to believe,” Soval said. “The Vulcan Science Directorate—“

“Has been wrong about many things, Soval,” V’Lar interrupted. “I see no reason to believe they have also been wrong about this.” She held the ambassador’s gaze for a moment. “It is your inflexibility that has caused me to replace you as ambassador to Earth, Soval. Consider that when you return to Vulcan.”

She rose, the harsher tone disappearing from her voice. “I don’t know about you, but I believe it’s time for lunch. And I’m sure you have more important work today. Perhaps we should continue this tomorrow.” She glanced between Soval and T’Pol. “When cooler heads prevail. T’Pol, come and join me.”

T’Pol rose, respectfully inclining her head towards Soval and Commander Sumek before following V’Lar from the room. The ambassador waited for T’Pol to catch up to her. “I was unaware Soval was being replaced.”

The ambassador lifted her eyebrows. “It’s not common knowledge yet, and unlikely to become so until later this month. Earth is also not likely a place the Mazarites will come looking for me, considering Enterprise’s interactions with them. Captain Archer’s ruse was quite effective in helping me reach my destination. I was able to testify as required to the Mazarite corruption, and I feel I owe him a great deal.”

“Some in the High Command do not feel that would be a encouraging qualification,” T’Pol noted.

“Well, it matters little,” V’Lar said as they turned into the dining hall. “Ah. The chef has prepared plomeek soup for lunch. I realize that the chef onboard Enterprise was quite extraordinary, but his plomeek soup left a little to be desired.”

“Chef created an adequate version of plomeek soup,” T’Pol agreed, “but you are correct. I have been looking forward to more accurate representations of Vulcan food.”

They retrieved their meal, and V’Lar stepped towards the door. “Come, T’Pol. What I have to say to you should not be said in a public place. We will eat in my quarters.”

They settled into V’Lar’s suite, and T’Pol noted the candles arranged around the room, much like those that had been placed in her temporary quarters. The candles she preferred to use were still onboard Enterprise, and she doubted she would be able to retrieve them any time soon.

They ate quietly, and as V’Lar sipped the last of her tea, T’Pol set her spoon down. “Was there anything in particular you wished to discuss, Ambassador?”

V’Lar studied T’Pol for a moment. “Still as blunt as ever, aren’t you, T’Pol? Not that it’s not an admirable quality.” She sighed, setting down her mug. “T’Pol, how advanced is your Pa’nar syndrome?”

T’Pol shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “It is nearing the second stage. Dr. Phlox has fortunately been able to slow the progress, however, I sustained neurological damage while in the Expanse that has rendered his treatments less effective.”

“You mean the confrontation with Rajiin,” V’Lar said.

“Yes,” T’Pol answered, as V’Lar rose, placing her hands behind her as she strolled to the window.

“And the Trellium D on the Seleya?”

“That had a temporary effect which was reversed when I returned to Enterprise. However the Expanse also had a negative effect upon my neurological system as well.”

“Tell me more of the Trellium, T’Pol,” V’Lar said, her eyes firmly focused outside the window. “I sense there is something more you are not telling me about it.”

T’Pol did not move. “I have nothing other to report.”

V’Lar turned. “T’Pol, you have my assurances that anything you say here will never leave this room.”

“It is not a subject I care to discuss,” T’Pol said, quietly. “My experience with the Trellium onboard the Seleya unnerving. I struggle with those effects daily.”

It was a half-truth, but V’Lar dropped the subject. “I saw Commander Tucker at the reception last night.”

“He told me so,” T’Pol said, rising from her own seat.

“I noticed that you and he spent quite a bit of time together,” V’Lar continued, and T’Pol wondered if she had not been informed about part of her debriefing.

“If you wish to inquire about the nature of my relationship with Commander Tucker, you may do so, Ambassador,” T’Pol said.

V’Lar raised an eyebrow. “You have much to learn of diplomacy, T’Pol. There are many in the consulate that would consider Commander Tucker the epitome of why humans should not be allowed to foray into space, thanks to his escapades with the Xyrillians and the incident with the cogenitor.” She turned back towards her chair. “I, however, am not one of them. We knew that the humans would make mistakes when they reached out into space. I daresay that we Vulcans made mistakes in our dealings with other races—we still do.”

“Commander Tucker is quite curious, even for a human,” T’Pol observed.

“But I think that’s a quality we Vulcans could use more of,” V’Lar said. “Humans have many admirable qualities. They have learned to live with their emotions, despite the evidence that their emotion shave nearly destroyed them. They’ve fought three global wars, and out of the last one, they’ve created a stable global government and peace within a hundred years. They have cast out disease, poverty, war, intolerance. We could learn much from them. Especially about intolerance.”

“’We have differences. May we, together, become greater than the sum of both of us,’” T’Pol quoted Surak. “We could learn much about tolerance.”

“Yet the Vulcan Science Directorate still warns the people of Vulcan to exile those with the ability to mind meld,” V’Lar said, a look T’Pol could only classify as strange passing over her face.

“The Science Directorate also has determined time travel to be impossible, a fact I know myself to be untrue,” T’Pol said. “The Science Directorate is not infallible.”

“This is so,” V’Lar said. “But it is not that they are infallible, but they are lying.”

T’Pol’s head snapped up. “Vulcans do not lie.”

“Incorrect. Vulcans do most certainly lie. The statement that we do not lie, is, in fact, a lie. It is a mistruth that has served us well, and I am sure, will continue to serve us well. In most cases, it is not logical to lie, yet the Science Directorate has found it to be an expedient way to achieve their end.” V’Lar studied T’Pol’s face for a moment before continuing. “Ever since your incident with the V’tosh ka’tur, I have debated giving you this information, but I believe it is a logical choice to do so. I will tell you that this information is classified to the highest levels of the High Command and the Science Directorate.”

T’Pol found her seat again, her eyes not leaving the ambassador’s face. “Please continue.”

“The Science Directorate has told the Vulcan populace that mind melding is a skill that only a small percentage of our population is capable of performing. This is a lie,” V’Lar said. “Every Vulcan is capable of initiating a mind meld. The Science Directorate has used misinformation to keep the Vulcan people from using mind melds, and not form a fear of Pa’nar syndrome.”

“Why would the Science Directorate lie to us?” T’Pol asked, having processed this shocking information.

“Because, there are those who believe in the old ways, that shared emotions will permeate our society and destroy it, that logic will be overrun by sensation,” V’Lar said. “They hold that T’Plana-Hath’s affirmation of logic as the cement of our civilization will crack and crumble in the face of the intimacy of a mind meld. I do not believe this to be so. And I believe that the Science Directorate may have the key to controlling Pa’nar syndrome, and that they choose not to release the treatment, or the cure.”

“Why has this not been discovered before now?” T’Pol asked.

“Because we do not question our authorities. We have no logical reason to believe that the Science Directorate would lie to us, therefore, we have not corroborated their evidence. I’m sure that if you had Enterprise’s doctor examine you, he would find evidence of the mind melding gene in your system, as he would every Vulcan he has ever or will ever examine,” V’Lar said.

“Then why have you told me this?” T’Pol asked.

V’Lar raised her eyebrow again. “As blunt as you are, T’Pol, you have discretion when it becomes necessary. I trust you to use this information in a way you see fit. Eventually, Vulcan will have to face our intolerance and our mistakes.”

“They will not believe me,” T’Pol said.

“They will when you have evidence. You already have solid proof of time travel, therefore you have already discredited the Directorate in one aspect of their decrees. I expect you should be able to do this once again. And as the Directorate has insisted that it is impossible for there to be a Vulcan-human hybrid child, I believe Enterprise’s doctor also has evidence refuting this claim as well. You see, T’Pol, you are not without weapons.” Her eyes twinkled, even as her facial muscles did not move. “Nor are you without allies.”

T’Pol inclined her head at the ambassador’s comment, knowing the older woman was correct. V’Lar rose from her chair once more. “Now, T’Pol, if you will excuse me, I have afternoon meetings that I must attend to. You have nothing else scheduled for today?”

“I had anticipated that my debriefing would take most of the day,” T’Pol said. “I believe I shall take the afternoon to meditate.”

“I am sure that you have much to consider. Most issues seem clearer in the light of deep meditation. Perhaps you will join me for an evening meal?”

“That would be welcome,” T’Pol said. “Thank you, Ambassador.”

T’Pol’s quarters were not far from V’Lar’s own, and she hurried down the hallway with a haste not known to most Vulcans, eager to leave they prying eyes that followed her as she made her way towards her sanctuary. The door of her quarters closed securely behind her, she sat down, willing her fingers to still. The information she’d just been given had the capability to irrevocably change Vulcan society. And the decision to se it had been placed in her hands.

An irrational anger rose up inside her at the inability of the Vulcan administration, people like V’Lar who refused to endanger their positions to release this kind of information, instead leaving it to the displaced, disgraced woman who spent most of her time among humans. It was likely that any claim she made would be dismissed immediately on the claim that it was being made by someone who did not know her own mind.

She crossed to her computer console, foregoing the meditation she’d promised herself for a moment. The latest news headlines form Earth and Vulcan scrolled their way across her screen, and she glanced over them with little interest, in search of any science articles she could peruse to engage her mind in activity. Meditation would only cause her to focus more sharply on the information at hand, when ignoring it was an option she preferred.

She scrolled back up to the news about the dedication of the war memorial and selected it. The story was brief, outlining the speakers, the songs that were sung, but an appended list was attached with the names of all who had died. Yet it was not the words that caught her attention, but the picture added into the file. A solitary man had knelt by the memorial, his blue uniform too familiar, his hand stretched out, touching the stone, his head hung. The caption read, “Commander Charles Tucker III, U.S.S. Enterprise, kneels by the memorial at the site of his sister’s name.”

She cleared the image from the screen, opening a comm channel to the number that Trip had given her before he’d left the reception the night before. It was several minutes before a face appeared on the screen.

“Why, T’Pol!” Charlie Tucker’s face appeared on the screen. “This is a pleasant surprise. How are you?”

“I am well,” T’Pol said, inclining her head towards the screen. “I trust you and Mrs. Tucker are well?”

“As good as we can be. Joyce is cooking up a storm in the kitchen. I suppose you wanted Trip?”

“If he is available. I can call back if you are in the middle of your meal,” she offered, noting the furnishings of the office behind Charles Tucker, comfortable and lived in.

“Not at all. Let me go get him.” He rose from his seat, and the screen was empty. His voice called out, at a volume he probably thought couldn’t not be picked up by the comm. “Trip? That pretty Vulcan friend of yours is on the comm.”

Her friend appeared in front of the comm within seconds. “Hey, T’Pol. Are you out of your debriefing already?”

“The ambassadors had other duties to attend to this afternoon. I am scheduled to continue tomorrow morning,” she explained. She hesitated—she hadn’t called to talk about herself, although the commander was the one person most likely to distract her from her current situation. “I saw your picture on the news a few minutes ago.” The words would not come, the phrases either too familiar or too clinical.

It didn’t matter, because he understood. “And you called to see how I was doing?” She nodded.

He glanced over his shoulder, rose, shut the door, and came back to his seat. “I’m doing fine, T’Pol. Thanks for calling.”

“Your parents did not attend the memorial?” she asked.

He shook his head. “I don’t think they’ve dealt with it. It’s kind of disturbing, actually. I mean, I was finally able to let go, and I just don’t understand how my parents haven’t.”

“Elizabeth was their child,” T’Pol said. “The dynamic was quite different.”

He sighed. “I know. But I can’t wait to get out of here. I was glad to see them, but I don’t think I can handle this.”

“When are you returning to San Francisco?” she asked.

“Tomorrow morning, early,” he said, a grin spreading over his face. “Want to cancel your debriefing and hang around with me tomorrow? We can go to the museum, go to a jazz club. I can even buy you that drink I promised.”

The possibility circled her head. “I believe that Ambassador Soval can wait an additional day for the rest of my report.”

His grin, if possible, widened even more. “That’s great. How about I meet you outside the consulate at nine?”

She nodded. “That would be acceptable.”

“Good,” he said, turning towards the door. “Mom’s yelling for me. Take care, T’Pol. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow,” she said, as the screen blanked out. The picture of him reappeared on the screen. “Trip.”

TBC

Continue to Chapter 4

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A whole mess of folks have made comments

Oooh, this is getting really interesting. I wonder what T'Pol plans to do with her new information.

I'd like to see them test that old fart Soval for the gene and have him freak out. Muahahaha.

This is getting better as it goes! I want to slap Soval and hug V'Lar...yet again...Please update soon!

“Because we do not question our authorities." Wow, does that ring a bell in today's society. What a great way to explain the Vulcan mind meld mystery as well! I can't wait to read about their museum and jazz club outing! More soon please. :-)

T'Pol having to deal with fustrating Vulcan politics!!! At least she appears to have allies within the Vulcan High Command. This is great! Please continue!

Beautiful, I've been waiting for this one. T'Pol has been given alot of new information, it will be interesting to see how she handles it. Love this story-- please post soon.

oh this story is just getting better and better... continue and please do so more quickly.

the image you drew of trip at the memorial... goose bumps!

I loved V'Lar on the show and continue to do so with your story.

Well done.

Great chapter! I soo loved

“Tomorrow morning, early,” he said, a grin spreading over his face. “Want to cancel your debriefing and hang around with me tomorrow? We can go to the museum, go to a jazz club. I can even buy you that drink I promised.”
The possibility circled her head. “I believe that Ambassador Soval can wait an additional day for the rest of my report.”

YES! Soval should wait forever! Please post soon!

I am so enjoying this. I loved V'Lar, really want to shake, rattle and roll Soval until we can get some sense into him and love that T'Pol is going to skip the next day's meeting in favour of being with Trip. Way to go, T'Pol! Can't wait to see what happens next, Ali D :~)

You're doing a terrific job with this fic. You took a vague idea and have breathed life into it. Bringing in V'Lar and the Pa'Nar syndrome was genius. I love it.

^This plot idea was witchie's contribution to the summer challenge!

Witchie, this was a great plot! I'm so glad you've let me have use of it!

~Rogue

YAY! I got to read this part. LOL I've had a really rough day and when I came to T/T'Ps and saw the next chapter up for Time and Again I got excited! thanks! ;)

Super chapter! I can't wait to read more!

I like this chapter... it was very well written and I really enjoyed hearing about the lies being put in Vulcans everywhere. Interesting ideas in this. And of course I loved the end of this chapter... who wouldn't love the conversations between Trip and T'Pol?

Nicely done. V'Lar! Yay! I like your connection about all Vulcans having the ability to meld, just being unaware of it. It explains what's going on in the 23rd and 24th centuries. ::sigh:: TPTB just don't pay attention, though what else is new?

I liked the Trip/T'Pol scene. Portrayed excellently. I do hope that Mr. and Mrs. Tucker can deal with their grief. What a great scene that would make.

Superb chapter! Interesting contrast between high-level politics (the lies told to the Vulcan people) and the minor details of everyday life (Trip's father calling him to the comm to talk to his "pretty Vulcan friend" while his mom cooked up a storm in the kitchen). You made everything so real! And I did enjoy the reference to Lorian -- nice to think that he's still real to T'Pol.

Rogue, you make me blush. You're doing all the work. I'm basking in it along with everyone else. Superb writing!

i agree with everyone keep it coming but im not sure by this bit "The picture of him reappeared on the screen. “Trip.”. did she say trip or was it some kind of picture on her monitor?

I think this is my very favorite story from the Summer Challenge stories. Please hurry with the next part!

Thank you, everyone!

And Jenna, I'd never really considered Soval an old fart until now...but it seems to fit. :)

~Rogue