A New Life - Part 6

A New Life

By: TLR

Rating and Disclaimer: See chapter 1

June 30th, 2006

Chapter 6: Finale

I know guys, it's been a long while so let me try and bring you up to speed. Trip and T'Pol had their son Lorian at the end of "And Baby Makes 4" and realized after a battle with the Klingons that raising two children aboard a star ship wasn't the smartest thing to do. So Jon and friends took them home to Vulcan to begin their new life. It's a hectic one, full of changes and surprises, and yet Trip is feeling the lone fish out of water. In an effort to get him to feel more at home, T'Pol uses her influence, not to mention her new position as Head of the High Council, to get him the job as head of the Vulcan Human Warp 7 project, getting ready to be built. In the meantime, he begins to learn more about T'Pol's heritage, and what it means to be a true Vulcan. V'Las was brought to trial for his crimes and T'Pol showed her extraordinary powers as leader and as a direct descendant of Surak, in front of a very astonished mate and friends from the Enterprise. Now all are at the Vulcan's ancestral home awaiting her return to have a pleasant dinner before their shipmates return to their orbiting vessel. Hope that catches you up. If you want to relive the story, I suggest you start from chapter one, it's a real page turner in spots. I backed up the dialog a bit to get you a running start. Enjoy.

Enterprise is the property of UPN and Paramount Pictures.

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Meanwhile in the back garden, Trip and the Captain stood admiring the engineer's handy work. They watched as the water trickled past the vegetation and went toward the center of the room. It collected into the urn and disappeared. Jon marveled at the sheer simplicity of it. He saw the smile come across his friend's face and began to chuckle. While they were there, Elizabeth entered. She ran up to her father and yanked on his pants leg. He lifted the child into his arms and saw the huge smile she had for him and the Captain.

"You like it here Lizzie?" Jon reached out and touched the little girl's curls. He got a shy grin and hearty head shake. The child pulled at her shirt and began chewing on the edge of it. Kamute and Keller circled the men, pacing and growling the entire time. This unnerved the captain, remembering his first encounter with this particular breed of animal.

"Do they always growl like that?" Archer asked his nervousness showing.

"Yeah, it's when the growling stops, you have to be worried." Trip felt the animals nudging at his leg. They bumped it over and over again indicating they wanted the child back into their care. He finally caved, easing Lizzie down to her feet. "Alright, …..alright already."

Upon the Human doing so, Trip watched Kamute begin to push at the little girl's bottom, inching her in the direction of the house. Archer came up to stand beside his friend and observe the curious act as well. "What's that all about?"

"I don't know, maybe my mom's looking for her and only Kamute can hear it." The men watched as the child was quickly whisked into the house. The two large creatures stood in the doorway and began screeching at the top of their lungs, blocking the child from coming out with their bodies.

"What the…?" was all Trip had time to say when the sky turned pitch black and a wall of water in the form of heavy raindrops began to fall. It was like a tropical storm in a rainforest only twice as heavy. The water began to gather in huge puddles on the floor. Stunned the two Humans stood looking up, their faces as well as their bodies soaked to the bone within seconds. From the doorway, a rather stunned V'Lmir stood watching the aliens. She puzzled their staying out in the rain and wondered if they knew about the accompanying magnetic storm that was to follow.

"I believe that Kamute was calling for you to get out of the storm." She stated loudly over the roar of the falling water.

"Oh really, you think." Trip's words were sarcastic, having just been caught in his first down pour.

"Perhaps you might come in before the magnetic lightening begins." The young Vulcan pointed to the even blacker clouds that were now spouting long bolts of wicked energy discharges. This got both the men's attention as they headed through the foliage and puddles toward the door. A huge splash of blue lightening cut off their path then receded before it could reach them.

"That was close." Trip murmured holding onto his friend's shoulder for stability.

"A little too close, lets get inside fast." Archer returned and within moments they were pushing past the crowd at the door and leaving puddles of their own on Catherine's clean kitchen floor. They stood astonished that the once quiet evening could erupt so violently without warning. Then as quickly as the storm came, it blew off into the distance, leaving all the Humans in the house to wonder just what the blond haired engineer had gotten himself into.

***

After a brief time, T'Pol returned to the dwelling. She seemed a bit tense and Trip suggested she change her clothes and meditate a bit until dinner was ready. He took charge of keeping their guests entertained until she was ready to rejoin them. Hoshi and Malcolm were still out on the patio watching the child and her pets, while Admiral Gardner joined the group of mostly Humans in the living area rehashing the amazing events of the afternoon. Soval was the lone Vulcan amongst the group, while Catherine Tucker and V'Lmir busied themselves in the kitchen. Lorian remained in his father's lap, watching the gathering, attracted to what everyone else was interested in. He glanced back and forth studying the faces of the men and trying to connect empathically with those, other than his father. Occasionally he would look up to have his paternal parent explain that which confused him the most.

The Captain and Trip, now dressed in some of Trip's old sweats and tees, felt comfortable in the company they were keeping. Even the tension between Archer and the good ambassador had retreated to the point where a pleasant evening among friends could include the scholarly Vulcan. It was the Admiral who felt a bit like the odd man out, as the Vulcan's home was strangely alluring to him.

"You say you've lived here before Commander?" He asked Trip still looking about the collection of Vulcan symbols and relics.

"Yes Sir, briefly when we were here for our marriage ceremony." The Human smiled seeing that his comfort with the place had come just like his mate said it would. "I also visited here once when Lady T'Les was still alive. A very nice woman, and smart too. I really enjoyed getting to know her." Archer watched the Admiral's curiosity growing. Lizzie, who to this point had been playing on the patio with her Aunt, Uncle and companions, now rode through the room on the back of the largest, Kamute. She hobbled and bobbled about, giggling and full of laughter as the big creature circled the room twice then headed for the back hallway.

No one in the room, save the Admiral thought anything of the sight. They continued talking unfettered by her subsequent return and departure again. The smaller of the two creatures, Keller ran behind his father watching the child's placement on his parent's back. He noted at what point the big furry creature stopped and allowed the child to readjust herself and when it was okay to take off again. The Admiral, who by now was noticeably stunned, sat with his mouth agape and eyes open wide, not blinking a bit.

"Admiral, is there something wrong?" Archer asked taking another sip from the glass of Kentucky bourbon he brought to toast the family's new home.

"Is she safe with that thing?" He asked still too amazed to take his eyes off the creature that so lovingly took charge of the young tot.

"Sure she is…." It was the elder Charles Tucker that stepped up to answer before Jon could. "You should see how gentle those things are. I know when I first saw them, I might near had a heart attack as well, but once I saw him with her, I knew he was never gonna let anything happen to our Lizzie." The graying Tucker took another sip from his square shaped glass.

"How does it know what to do?" Gardner asked almost loathed to take his eyes off the creature.

"Empathic connection." Trip spoke up. "All creatures on Vulcan are born with some level of empathic connection…… Watch." Passing his son to Charles, Sr, the commander sat very still and called out mentally to the creatures to bring his daughter back to him. The large wooly mammoth stopped in its tracks, looked over its shoulder into the main dwelling and turned on a dime. Within seconds it was depositing the child into Trip's lap and sat down just beside them both. The littler creature looked to his parent and mimicked his gesture, learning quickly that obedience was rewarded. Trip fluffed the head of both animals and was rewarded with some extra loud growling. He chuckled when he saw the Admiral back up a bit.

The large glowing red eyes of the beasts unnerved both Archer and Gardner, and Trip could tell what made them so edgy. He leaned over and talked in a low voice. "If you think they look scary now, you should see them first thing in the morning before you've had your first cup of Ther'is" He chuckled at that, knowing the Humans wouldn't have any idea what he was referring too.

Being still for a moment, Lizzie finally sensed her mother's return to the house. She started to climb down from her father's lap and was halted immediately when Trip sensed what she was going for.

(Lizzie, honey, Let's give your mom a few minutes peace. She's meditating.) Trip checked through his bond and found indeed that was the activity his mate was in the midst of. The child reached up and hugged her father all the while repeating in his head the word…..Ko'mekh……….
(Vulcan for mom). The Human let out a slight sigh seeing his daughter had inherited his wife's stubborn streak. At the mental barrage of Ko'mekhs, the baby Lorian turned in the direction of the east wing and began to squirm in his Poppy's arms.

"What's wrong little fella?" The elder Tucker watched the upheaval with great interest.

"Sweetie, I said NO." Trip stated out loud and got the attention of the rest of the group. "Let your mother be alone for a bit. She will be out soon. You are getting your brother all upset."

The Admiral turned a puzzled look to Archer who kinda knew what was going on, but still was amazed to see it. "What's wrong commander?" Gardner asked not getting any answer from the Captain.

"It's nothing Admiral, she's just wantin' to have her own way and I have to be firm with her sometimes." Trip watched the curly haired nymph slide from his lap and head in the direction of the main bedrooms. He got up and called to her again.

"Elizabeth Catherine Tucker, I said no." now the Human's voice was more forceful and it triggered a very pouty look on the little girl's face. Lizzie had long known how to play her father, her way of pulling at his emotions with her little bag of tricks. This trick was a sure fire way to get what she wanted or at least make her father feel really guilty if she didn't.

"Honey. Your mom needs a little peace and quiet. She'll be out soon. Come on now, don't get upset." The rest of the group watched the grown parent become the child in this interaction. "Why don't you go and see what Grandma and V'Lmir are doing?"

Admiral Gardner took Lady T'Pol's need for rest as a sign their presence was an intrusion. "Perhaps if Lady T'Pol is feeling tired, we could do this another day." Trip was quick to jump on that one as he hauled the little girl (now sucking her fingers) back into his lap.

"No Admiral. It is T'Pol's habit to meditate for a few minutes upon returning from her meetings. It helps her clear her head, so to speak. She'd want you to stay, really. She was so looking forward to this." The Admiral watched as Trip's thoughts were taken away from the pathetic looking teary child in his lap. She looked up to him, hoping to regain his attention. It didn't work as Trip decided to ignore his child's temper tantrum so it would go away. She sat within his arms trying to come up with another plan of action.

There was a brief silence then the admiral started. "I guess you're excited about starting your training in two weeks, commander. I certainly hope you're up to the challenge of both school and committee work." All the faces in the room lit up in surprise including the Ambassador.

"I start training for….?." Trip strung it along only hoping this was the Warp 7 design training he wanted to get into.

"The interspecies Warp 7 project. Didn't your wife mention that you were a candidate for the training?" The admiral played along with the joke knowing full well he must have known something of this magnitude.

"Really Admiral, we're building one of those factories here?" Trip put on his best surprised face, followed by a large smirk that told everyone he knew much more about it.

"Yes, you begin classes in Warp 7 theory at Shir'Kar under the instruction of Stevok, the hardest teacher of the bunch." The Admiral knew that name would ring a bell with the young engineer. Even Archer knew the name from the years of instruction this particular Vulcan gave his father in primary Warp theory.

"Stevok……that's impressive. Trip did you know he's the one that …"Archer was cut off by a very speechless Trip finishing his sentence.

"That helped your dad build his warp 5 prototype." The human was aghast and the older admiral knew he was making this man's year with this news.

"I thought your wife would have informed you by now. I hope I didn't ruin her surprise." Gardner knew it was the Vulcan's idea for him to spill the beans. This information coming from his mate may seem as though she'd got him the position. Coming from the admiral, it was more satisfying news and T'Pol knew it.

"I sure hope you can do both the classes and committee meetings." The Admiral repeated the news again because it clearly didn't sink in the first time.

"The committee meetings, sir?" Trip's voice was showing the haziness was clearing, but was puzzled none the less.

"Yes, I told Lady T'Pol I thought it a lot to put on you, but she was adamant." Trip took the admiral's words out of context.

"You didn't feel me acceptable for the position in the Warp 7 program?"

"On the contrary, you were the only one I wanted. But for the assembly design of the plant, I felt it best to leave it up to the Vulcan architects. They know the lay of the land and have a better understanding of what it takes to work in this environment, but Lady T'Pol insisted you be a part of the committee deciding the plant's design. She said it wouldn't be logical not to have you on it." He smiled a bit when he remembered their long discussion on the matter.

"Something about the lag time it would take while you stopped work on the engines to rebuild the factory to your own specs, not being logical." That comment struck a cord with all the humans in the room, knowing very well the engineer's need for a comfortable work environment. Not only did T'Pol know her husband all too well, but she even made her observation of Trip's 'set in his ways' behavior appear logical. There was a strange homey feel that came across the room's inhabitants as they all began to chuckle at the expense of their blond haired host.

"Yes Sir…it certainly wouldn't be logical to build the place the wrong way." Trip's grin was larger than the rest.

"You've got a lot ahead of you commander." Soval spoke up. "Learning Warp 7 theory is difficult enough, but getting the plant up and ready for production in less than nine months is going to be a feet. Are you sure you are up for the challenge?"

Trip thought long and hard on that one. In one way he was thrilled to be given so much responsibility, but on the other he wondered how he would fair against a room full of Vulcans. "I hope so sir….. I think so." Trip changed his phrase as a bit of confidence returned to his mind.

"Nine months, why so soon?" The engineer asked taking another sip of his bourbon.

"That's when Enterprise will be back for the refit." Archer announced, finally being let into the club.

"What?" Trip nearly choked and the surprise on his face topped the one he had when he first learned of the project from his mate.

"Yes… Since you're familiar with the engines aboard Enterprise, it seemed only logical that it be the ship that would test the first prototypes to come off the assembly line, after field testing in a smaller vessel of course." Soval enjoyed this man's glee. He was feeling very at home amongst these particular aliens and started to understand the satisfaction T'Pol felt among them for so many years.

"You're kiddin me right….. You guys are coming back to let me refit Enterprise….!!!' His voice grew louder and it surprised even the females in the other room.

"What's going on out here?" a slightly bewildered Catherine Tucker entered from the kitchen and looked to her son for an explanation.

"They're gonna let Trip work on Enterprise again, mother." Charles senior spilled the beans.

"What?" The woman's voice was mixed both with surprise and a bit of dread.

"No, he's not going exploring with them again. The Enterprise is gonna be the first ship with Trip's new engine in it. Ain't that great, darlin?" Catherine looked back and forth between the faces of her husband and son. She couldn't decide who had the bigger grin.

"Well, that's just wonderful. I'm so happy for you, darlin." Her eyes began to tear as she thought of how much joy her middle boy was experiencing at this moment. She wiped her hands on the towel that was tucked into her skirt top and came over to hug the blond child.

"I can't believe this……Pinch me, I gotta be dreaming." Trip was speechless and wanted to turn right on heel and tell his wife what news he had. But something in his mind told him she already knew and was staying out of the room long enough for the Admiral to give him the news personally.

"Nope… we have our orders to be back here for a six week layover in 9 months. I even get to help out, if I want. That is if I can get along with the head of the program. I hear he is a bear to work with." Archer jabbed at Trip's side.

"Yeah, I hear he's a real slave driver." The thick accent of the Brit was heard from the door. Reed and Sato entered the room and took a seat across from their old friend. "It's gonna be hell working with him integrating the new power systems we're getting for the weapons too."

"What?" Trip wanted to cry he was so happy. "You are coming to Vulcan to live for 6 weeks? Now I have died and gone to heaven." Trip was being sarcastic.

"I don't know what you're so happy about. I don't know how I will survive this heat and let's not mention the thin air around here." Malcolm joked feeling free to even in the presence of the Ambassador.

"Hey, I'm wondering how you're gonna do without being around women for 6 weeks." Trip quipped back kidding the Lt about his women chasing past. Hoshi just gave her clandestine lover a smirk.

"There are women on Vulcan…." The Lt jibbed back ignoring the look she gave him.

"Yeah, and they're all betrothed… They are not gonna give you a second look." Trip was feeling very loose and wondered if the booze had something to do with it.

"It didn't stop you…" Malcolm started then realized the Ambassador was studying this interaction with great interest. Archer, Trip and even Charles senior simply fought to keep their grins under control. Hoshi spoke up to get the foot out of her lover's mouth.

"I got the okay to study at the Ta'Vistar Academy while we are here. Did you know there are 7 ancient dialects of Vulcan that aren't even used anymore?" Her voice was more excited than her friend's at the prospect of being here for the layover.

"Geez…it's gonna be like old home week. You know you all can stay here." Trip offered without thinking to ask his mate.

"That's great Trip, but the High Council has offered to put us up in the Human corridor. Do you know anything about it?" Archer was both pleased to not be a burden on his friends and curious if these accommodations would be as nice as this home.

"Yeah Cap'n…. It’s a great place. It has some great restaurants. The houses seem as nice as those around it, although I haven't seen the inside of them. There's a bowling alley and a movie theater, at least 10 places to eat, everything from Italian to Chinese. They also have a great tour service that will arrange to take you anywhere on the planet you want to go, except of course the restricted areas. Best of all, the whole place has a dampening field around it, so your emotions don't affect the communities that border it." Trip was very positive and for the first time Archer was thinking this assignment wouldn't be so bad after all.

"So you stayed there?" Gardner asked confused when he could have done so.

"No, just got a tour one day after returning from Mount Tarhanna. By the way, you gotta let T'Pol show you that place. It is an engineering feat of such magnitude, it'll make your head spin." Now Jon knew why his best friend fell so hard for the alien female. She talked his language and evidently kept him very, very happy.

Catherine Tucker started back for the kitchen. "Trip, honey….is T'Pol about finished with her meditation, dinner is almost ready." She looked back and waited to gauge his answer. Trip connected to his mate and found her finished with the important stuff. He turned to Lizzie, who had finally decided to be a good girl and mind her daddy.

"Hey honey, would you go get Mommy and tell her dinner is ready?" He gave the child a soft smile and saw the grin coming back to her face. Lizzie hopped down happily and started to run, but stopped short. Quickly she turned and planted a fumbled kiss upon her parent's cheek and then resumed her trot, with two wooly beasts chasing after her.

"You really showed her…" Archer added smirking at his friend for the soft hearted pushover he was.

"Hey, you try saying no to those big blue eyes of hers. Yikes it's like being cruel to a kitten." Trip offered up in his defense.

"Now you know how your mother and I felt when you were that rambunctious." Charles senior got up and handed off his grandson back to Trip. "I think I'll help your mother and V'Lmir get supper on the table. The graying Tucker walked off chuckling low as Charles Sr. finally had a chance to see the frustration his child caused him, coming back in spades to haunt his boy now. (It is what all parents live for.) The elder male thought and continued his quiet stride out of the room.

***
(Three weeks Later)

Trip came through the door of their Vulcan home. He was beat after a full morning of arguing with a less than agreeable alien architect. Unlike Kentif, who seemed to go out of his way to please, the designer of the factory was a renown Argellian that studied Vulcan design for many years at the Vulcan Academy. The Argellian's way of ventilation was found to be far superior to anything the green hued natives had. With the increased chance of environmental and personal exposure to toxic materials during warp design, it was agreed by all that the factory's ventilation system would have to be the most sophisticated available.

However, the architect himself was far less desired. He was arrogant and self centered, putting down any and all suggestions for changes to his design. Even the Vulcans in the room seemed ready to confront him on his less than negotiable attitude. That compiled with the heat of midday, made the young engineer very disagreeable. As he walked into the front garden area, he was accosted by his daughter and her two companions. Lizzie clung heavily to her father's legs while the two wooly mammoth creatures paced circles about their charge. The heat from their bodies just magnified what the engineer was already feeling. Trip pulled the clingy child away and forced her to stand alone in front of him.

"Hey honey, Daddy 's really tired. Sweetie can I get a shower before we play a little?" The frown that crossed her face made the Human pick Lizzie up and carried her into the dwelling. He searched out through their bond and tried to get T'Pol to come get the little girl. He found her less than quick with her response. He tried again, concentrating harder, but still without success. Finally he tried the old fashioned way, calling out to her like his father would have his mother.
"T'Pol…..Where are ya?"

V'Lmir was quick to enter the main living area from the kitchen. She looked at him, somewhat surprised by the racket, and somewhat perturbed that he'd disrupt things so. "Lady T'Pol is in a meeting in the west wing of the home. I am preparing the midday meal. Is there something I can do for you?" Trip wasn't sure, but he thought he'd just been reprimanded by the help.

He took a deep breath, not wanting to mouth off at this woman for her abruptness. "I guess not…. I just wanted to get a cool shower before we ate but….." He pointed down to the little girl, now clinging once more to his leg. He saw the young woman shoot a look to Kamute and the big cat quickly started plucking at the little girl. Before too long, she was being nudged into the kitchen by the smaller creature who was now trying to take over performing some of the duties by himself.

Trip was impressed. He looked to the young Vulcan. "Thanks." His voice was sincere and somewhere V'Lmir could sense his struggles with the inner doubt he was feeling. She turned quietly and went back to preparing the meal. Trip exited the room and headed for a cool shower. The white cotton cloak he took to using was cooler than the more elegant ones T'Pol wanted him to wear. He also didn't feel too bad about getting that one dirty in his classroom time.

Stevok, the instructor was a formidable male to deal with. First he didn't always speak full English. He would often replace many of the engine part names for their Vulcan equivalent. Like the first time he used the word 'Leshek' Trip had to scratch his head and look at what the others were focusing on to realize he was talking about the Nacelle. Or 'Tchas'tviyian', who knew that meant warp core, not the young engineer. He had to start evening sessions with T'Pol to get his Vulcan up to snuff. He did however impress the somewhat menacing male when he pointed to a part of the specs and properly pronounced 'Tchas'yeturek'. He was promptly rewarded with the teacher's dry humor as he replied. "Yes commander that is the Warp Drive". Between this humiliation and the arguing in committee with the less than helpful Argellian, Trip wondered if nine years wouldn't be a more appropriate time frame to get the factory up and running. The cool feel of the water on his back helped to ease some of his frustrations.

He was taken a bit aback by the sound of his mate's voice in the shower stall doorway. "Having a difficult day Thy'all?" Trip jumped then straightened when he realized it wasn't his daughter back for some play.

"The usual. I am two steps behind in my Vulcan and four when it comes to getting a certain stubborn Argellian to see things any way but his." The Human's frustration was palpable as he felt the soft hand of his wife starting to work on his back. "I thought you had a meeting…. What happened?" He relaxed and allowed her ministrations, all the while enjoying her tender touch.

"I asked for a break. The council members are in the kitchen getting some refreshments." Her hand started making lazy circles about his back. "Are the other Humans in the class having a hard time as well?" T'Pol knew this trick of getting his mind to reveal the facts without the frustration.

"Well Johnson is having a bit of a time with it, but it's mostly Warp theory that is giving him the trouble. Actually his Vulcan is pretty good. If he were aboard the Enterprise, he would probably be functioning at the level of a crewman in training." Trip's head was back and his eyes closed.

"Perhaps you could assist him with the technical items and he could help you with the language problems. I feel he could benefit much from your vast knowledge." T'Pol allowed the solution to be in the form of a suggestion.

"You know that's not such a half bad idea. He seems like a very friendly guy, I bet we could workout something to get us both through this with a minimum of embarrassment. Thanks, Hon." He turned and looked over at her standing there. The sight of his daughter in the bathroom doorway broke this tender moment. "We have a guest." Trip turned back hiding the specifics from his little girl. T'Pol looked over her shoulder and commanded the child go back to the kitchen. Lizzie left without protest and T'Pol went back to washing her mate's back and bottom.

"You know, it was easier when her grandparents were here. Any chance we can get them to relocate for good?" His weary smile was met by her soothing glance. Perhaps they will return with the Enterprise and we can enjoy their company again for a longer stay. Trip looked around wondering if his mate knew something he didn't then decided to be surprised instead.

***

"I said that won't work. If we put that part of the plant over here, than we'll have to be doubling back. That's simply not logical." Trip's voice could be heard from outside the doorway as T'Pol entered the building. Her two guards flanked her as usual, keeping stride for stride. She walked up to the scheduled meeting and wondered if this was a time for some displaced lateness, hearing the argument that was taking place. After listening a moment longer, she realized that nothing about this architect would allow this meeting to ever come to pass. The plans for the plant were already two weeks late and by all accounts, it was the designer that was holding up the works. T'Pol and Soval had meetings with all the members of the committee, including the designer. The overwhelming reason for the disharmony was the Argellian's stubborn ways. Little had been accomplished and it was now time for the council to intervene.

Knocking first on the large wooden surface, the war of words halted abruptly. T'Pol awaited the opening of the doors. She was met by a gray haired Vulcan committee member that bowed at her appearance in the doorway. He backed aside as T'Pol and party entered.

"Good day Gentlemen…. It is agreeable to see you again." She started a somewhat less formal tone to help ease the Vulcans in the room. They bowed and responded in kind. She nodded to her husband, standing to the left of center. The long wooden table they sat at had a high gloss finish. It reflected the images of the room's occupants as they sat along it. The two guards that flanked the small woman now stood watch from the door. They remained upright, hands clasped behind them in what the Human's would call being 'at ease.'

"Have we made any progress with the plans? As you know we are delayed in the start of the factory and are in need of a resolution to begin construction." T'Pol waited for someone to speak up. When no one was forthcoming, the Argellian architect, Jarrell began to list his grievances.

"Madame Councilwoman, it is impossible to come to an agreement with the members of this committee. Their ideas are not clinically sound and I fear that they will bring devastation to the whole project if they are not corrected." His short punked-up nose disappeared into his face as he scrunched it up further in distain.

"Hey wait a minute fella…." Trip stood up and began expressing freely what every other Vulcan member of the committee wished they could let themselves say. "Your plans are not logical. They have got us moving half finished parts from here to there. We are doubling back in many cases and the space allotted for some of the work areas wouldn't house a knat."

T'Pol watched her husband finish his rant and then allowed the human to reseat himself before she started. The look on the other Vulcans in the room was that of true surprise at her lack of reaction to his emotional display.

"May I see what you have so far?" She asked and Trip brought her over the specs. He stood behind her as T'Pol reviewed the schematics. "See what I mean… Here …. And …..Here" Trip pointed out the areas of concern that the other members of the committee had been trying to get the designer to see. The Argellian came up to defend his position, standing right beside Trip and reaching down over the Vulcan's body.

"If we change this and this, it wouldn't fit on the lay of the land aesthetically. What they purpose would be a shambles and would disgrace the Vulcan government and its people for centuries to come." His breath was that of rotten meat, part of the diet this species found a particular delicacy. T'Pol had to steel her nerves to work so closely with this rather disagreeable fellow.

"I see your point, Jarrell, but I also see the Commander's. Esthetics are desired in any building, however this plant must be practical, and efficient. The Commander is quite correct that moving unfinished warp reactor parts long distances can lead to mechanical errors, errors that may or may not be detected before the engine is completed. It is those errors that could lead to many Humans and Vulcans being killed. That must take precedence in design consideration. Perhaps we can come to a compromise." The Vulcan female swiped the stylet from the alien's hand and began to draw on his original design.

The padd that housed the design responded, as she straightened and lengthened the plant in some areas and shortened it in others. A separate supply area to the left of the plant grounds afforded the actual assembly areas more room, while a collapsible hinged roof was added to make for easy access to ventilation during times of emergency. When she extended the plant past its warp plasma containment tanks, the designer started to bulk.

"You can't do that. Where are they gonna store the Warp plasma then. The grounds are only so big." His tone was arrogant considering he was addressing the head of the council herself.

"Underground storage units. Commander Tucker is quite adept at installing and maintaining such units." T'Pol replied answering his rudeness with pure even logic.

"Underground storage? What if there is a leak? You risk contaminating the communities around the plant for centuries." He looked now like he'd beaten the young woman at her game of superiority.

"Not if we encase the tanks in Lattinum and use a reinforcing containment field. Earth's been doing that type of underground storage of Warp plasma for over 70 years now and never had one accident." Trip was quick to point out, deflating the man's ego a bit more.

"Well then, please review the changes I have suggested and see if this helps you on your way to a compromise. I will leave you to your work." T'Pol got up and saw her husband escort her to the door.

"Thanks Honey"… He whispered quietly, a big smile crossing his lips.

"I will see you at home for dinner?" Her words were half question, half command. Trip just nodded. The Vulcan left as quietly as she came with her two watch dogs following close behind. Her mate went back to the table and found the Vulcans and the Argellian hard at work reviewing the changes she made. When he reached them, Trip found his knowledge of underground storage would be put to the test, as each committee member wanted to know more about Earth's containment protocols and procedures.

***
(Two Weeks Later)
Trip came home to find things there were very quiet. Usually once he'd enter the front courtyard, Lizzie and her two rugged playmates would be hanging on his leg. The day had been long, the young engineer depending heavily on Johnson for his communication skills in class. Though Trip knew the components and the basic theory, his mentor's constant insistence on using Vulcan to communicate was becoming a bit annoying.

(Or was it making him feel guilty, using such a devious method to fool his instructor.) The Human thought realizing he was still the odd man out here, even with the engines he so loved. To maintain his position as head of the project, Trip would have to keep up this pretense until he could learn the parts names by heart. That thought brought a slight anxious feeling to the young man's already troubled soul. He noticed once more the conspicuous lack of upheaval and decided to investigate further.

As the human walked through the dwelling, he noticed no one was there. Reaching out through their bond, Trip tried to gauge where his family might be. T'Pol made no mention of taking the children anywhere, so the fact that they weren't where they should be was a bit disturbing.

Through their connection, all was calm but quiet. Trip knew this to be T'Pol's way of wanting to concentrate on what she was occupied with. No sense of trouble or even emotion came through. He went to their room and began to get a cool shower before trying to prepare the family some dinner. Finally emerging from the back hallway, Trip was feeling a bit better than when he went in. As he rounded the living area and entered the kitchen, the male spied the cloaked figures of his family entering through the back garden gate. He opened the kitchen door in time to see his mate removing the white linen coverings from the children and then from herself.

"Hey, where you guys been?" Trip asked a bit surprised by his family's return from the desert wasteland. He concentrated on his wife to catch her explanation for this dangerous outing.

"We have been learning about Vulcan's environment. It is important for the children to know what is out there. It will improve their chances when they are to take the kahs'wan ritual. " T'Pol checked the hair on her young ones' heads, making sure the curls lay in neat patterns once more. She was even and unfettered by her husband's obviously uneasy tone.

Trip, on the other hand was disturbed, knowing full well what the young alien was speaking of.
"The kahs'wan .....isn't that that 10 day survival test your parents put you through?"

"It is expected of all Vulcan children. It's a right of passage." T'Pol's voice showed no change as she watched her children cling to Trip's pants leg, their faces full of smiles, and their skin a bit warmer than usual.

"It may be expected of other Vulcan children, but not mine." T'Pol looked up at that, it being the first time her mate referred to the children as anything other than theirs. The Human saw the questioning look and let out an exhausted gasp.

"I mean ours." He picked up a wobbly Lorian who'd only been walking for about two months now.
"Look, I know you had to go through this kahs'wan ritual when you were little, but you said so yourself, it was very hard for someone so young. You didn't even pass the first time, something about being hurt?" Trip put a loving hand on Lizzie's back as she clung to his thigh.

"The kahs'wan is difficult, but I took it when I was 7 my first time. Normally children don't attempt it until they are 8 to 10 years of age. If I hadn't stopped to help another child that was injured, I would have successfully passed it on my first attempt." T'Pol was totally missing the point of his argument.

"It's not that you didn't pass it when you were seven, or even that you stopped to help another injured child, I just don't think they are ready to be doing something that dangerous at such a young age. Maybe when they are older, say in their 20's or so." The young engineer turned and started to walk his brood into the center of the home. He set Lorian down where Keller could once more take charge of him and encouraged Lizzie to go off with them and play. T'Pol followed close behind still quite perplexed by his reasoning.

"Waiting till their twenties would not be logical Thy'all. How will they get to school if they don't know what to avoid?" She rode him on the issue, knowing full well Trip's fears for his children were making him emotional.

"We'll drive them there. Just like my parents did me and their parents did them." Her mate seemed unwilling to discuss the possibility of negotiation.

"So they will be limited to the front and back gardens then. There is no play area at their place of schooling." Now the young alien was getting her dander up. This annoyed Trip since he had no good argument to come back with.

"Alright... you can take them for walks outside the gate. But with Kamute or Keller and only so they can know the area around here.... Not for that damned kahs'wan ritual. This discussion is closed." With that he went out onto the front patio and sat down across from the urn. He watched his young ones play happily with their furry critters, but somewhere deep inside, Trip felt his decision wasn't the best one for his offspring. Right now though, their cherub faces were far too young to be put in harms way for a silly test. This he felt down deep in his soul.

***

(Four Months Later)

Trip stood at the front area of the training tank. He toiled happily tweaking the parts before him. Having worked closely with this particular design, the language problem was long gone. In fact with T'Pol and Johnson's help, the young commander was even able to use his knowledge of Vulcan to tell a few jokes now and then. In return Trip's helping his cohort, moved the crewman in training, to a very knowledgeable engineer. Though not at Trip's level of expertise Johnson was now impressive enough to be considered as a possible plant manager. The facility was so large, and the need for so many workers, made having a few really gifted engineers as plant managers necessary to help Trip keep things running smoothly. Besides Johnson, there were 5 other Humans in the project's training program. Of them, only one, McKennie was good enough to also be considered for the position. The other 3 slots were already filled by Trip's pick of Vulcan personnel. They were more familiar with the basic Warp 7 technology. The changes to the design that were needed to make it compatible with Human systems, was something the Vulcan trainees were here to learn. Trip having come up with these modifications, was now playing the role of teacher, beside his professor and he couldn't be happier. He watched his now close friend begin to assemble some of the dilithium injector relays.

"Nice work Johnson," Trip walked past the human and came upon his Vulcan equivalent. "Very nice Skieck., Rom ar'cada.( Good job)" The heady feeling he got from now being the instructor more than paid for the many months of hell he went through learning to speak Vulcan. He looked over to see his mentor's face turned toward him in a strangely satisfied smirk. Trip walked up to the white haired man and waited to hear his thoughts. As expected, Stevok didn't take long to speak his mind.

"You've become more at home dealing with your staff. Your accent is hardly noticeable now." The Vulcan paid him a very evident compliment by this world's standards.

"Yep... I think I'm gettin the hang of it." Trip allowed his southern drawl to twang a bit louder to further exaggerate the man's point.

"There was a time I thought you'd have to depend on Johnson forever." This statement shocked the human not realizing the instructor had long been privy to his subterfuge. "It is easier when you know how to do things on your own and don't have to rely on others."

Trip grinned shyly and started to turn a bright shade of pink. He brought his eyes back to the man and nodded his agreement to his obvious wisdom.

"It is also safer... Imagine the problems that could arise if you attempted to do something you were not properly trained for." Stevok began to fumble with a near by part that was being assembled. He turned it over and over again in his fingers meticulously inspecting every nook and cranny as he continued. "Your understanding of the systems was the easy part. Your ability to handle yourself with a mixed staff will be the true test of your abilities, wouldn't you say?"

Trip thought long and hard and decided the elder man was right. "That is very true sir. You can't know how well you've learned something until you put it to the test." Suddenly it hit the young man he wasn't speaking of his management position at all. As Stevok walked off, he continued to contemplate the sage words the elder male left him with.

Trip stayed at the plant only another hour then excused himself to go home, citing family obligations as his reason for not staying late as usual. He got home just as V'Lmir was leaving and Trip wished her a safe journey and a pleasant evening. He removed his white linen cloak and draped it over his arm while searching the house for his family. The human found them in the back garden preparing for yet another short foray into the desert world beyond the gate.

"You are home early." A very surprised T'Pol looked up to find her mate standing there admiring her tender care of the children. She had been placing her children's cloaks about their shoulders, but seeing her mate was home, T'Pol started to remove them once again.

"Planning another walk in the woods?" Trip had developed a sarcastic tone when talking about the subject, his uneasiness still noticeable.

"We were going out to study, but since you are home early, I will begin to prepare the evening meal instead." T'Pol bent down and began untying Lorian's cloak.

"That's not necessary…. I'm not hungry yet." He came up and redid the bow on his daughter's white hood covering. T'Pol watched him somewhat confused. She'd tried to keep these outings for when her mate was at work, so they were less worrisome for him. His actions now were totally different and the young woman couldn't figure out why.

Trip looked down into the smiles that were his daughter and son's faces. These outings were what they needed to grow and learn, just as his learning Vulcan was the only way he could master being an affective leader. It was then he remembered the words of his instructor pointing out the fact that 'to only know a little would not be the safest for all involved.' Now he could see what T'Pol had been talking about. As he redid the tie of his son's cloak, Trip stood up to meet his wife's lovely eyes.

"Lets go…." These two simple words were delivered with a soft kiss upon her lips. She remained frozen in her tracks. "Well, you gonna go out there all unprotected?" He smiled and hoisted the hood of her linen cover up over the delicate points of her ears before putting his cloak back on.

T'Pol gave him a very questioning look, as she searched their bond for any clues as to the sudden turn around. (Wouldn't want them to fail the Kahs'wan, now would we.) was the only return. The Human bent down to pick up his son and stepped up close to the big furry creatures. Placing Lorian on Kamute's back, he leaned down and spoke to his little girl.

"Hey Lizzie….you gonna show daddy what mommy's been teaching ya?" Trip took her hand and led the child toward the gate. T'Pol eased up to them, as the entire Tucker clan stepped out into the blinding white sands of the plateaus just beyond their lavish home. As they walked, dad listened intently as the little girl pointed out the things he'd need to be aware of.

"Sand pit? What's a sand pit?" Trip could be heard to ask from a distance. There came a quick "OH" in response to the child tossing a rock into the soft mound and seeing it quickly disappear. The little girl then went on to explain to her father how she could tell it was a sand pit. Lizzie's squeaky little voice was music to her father's ears as she demonstrated just how well equipped she was for their little 'walk in the woods'.

The End

*******************************************************************************

Sorry it took so long guys. Between school, work and house hold obligations, I just had to take a breather. The finale of "The Dilithium Mission" should be out next week, but I got a paper to write first. Also this series is continuing with the next set called. "Warp 7: The Enterprise Trials". So don't miss it. T.

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A whole mess of folks have made comments

Nice ending, will be waiting for the next part of a very enjoyable series.

One small thing the jump from "two weeks later" to "four months later" did seem a little disjointed and broke up the flow of the story but that was only a minor thing.

Nice story. Glad to hear you'll be writing a next one. I enjoy your writing very much.

Very cute. I like the domesticity of it all. Makes a nice change.

Thanks for keeping up with the series. I've enjoyed it throroughly and I'm eager to see what comes next.

I am really enjoying your series on Trip & T'Pol's domestic life. It also like your take on Trip's professional life and his efforts to fit in on Vulcan. I hope you continue the stories.

Glad you all like it. The Warp 7 project is set to be a lot of fun to write. I will begin it at the end of my current class, in 10 days. Meantime, I am putting the finishing touches on "The Dilithium mission" as we speak. ....T

Nice ending, the interaction was simply great, definitely worth the wait. Can't wait to see what come next, and especially The Dilithium Mission. Simply awesome stories!

Nice ending, the interaction was simply great, definitely worth the wait. Can't wait to see what come next, and especially The Dilithium Mission. Simply awesome stories!

Thanks god , I finally can read all this story!
Waiting for continue

Nice ending. Looking forward to the next story.

YEAY! TLR's back!!! Darn school. Darn responsiblities. They're getting in the way of our TnT goodness. ;) Glad you're back and all is well. And even more glad you're continuing this story. Could you remind us how old the kids are now - I've lost track, sorry. Thanks for continuing to write!

Lizzie is 4 1/2 and Lorian is just about 19 months at the end of A New Life. For Warp 7, Lizzie will turn 5 and start Vulcan schooling and Lorian will be in the midst of his terrible twos. T.

I love this series. It is realistic and interesting.I just hope you find Captain Archer a nice Vulcan girl. Sorry I think he should have one after all why waste Suraks lessons? Maybe a nice Widow or something. He needs someone to keep him in line.

Lisa

oh gosh i am so glad you came back i have missed your stories and i think it is great that you, all you guys still write fancfiction for Enterprise , and it is still great to read this stuff so plese keep up the great work and don't stop, stuff like is what startrek needs to survive, hey TLR are going to the creation convention in Vegas this summer ?

No, wish I could go, but I have to work and I have school. I get one week off between each class and it is usually filled with working extra OT and writing TnT stories, what an interesting life I lead. I just turned in the finale to "The Dilithium Mission" It came out really cute, so I know you will love it. Please read the caution message at the top so you will be prepared. LOL. I will be starting "Warp 7 : The Enterprise Trials" next week when I am off from school. It looks to be a 6 parter by my outline. Hope that is okay with everyone. LOL.....Till then, thanks for all the love and support.....T.

I loved this story, especially the time you took to sort T'n'T's problems. I just felt that the time jumps kind of made it seem as though things were moving too fast, but I really did like this, and the 'The Dilithium Mission,' was great. I look foward to reading more of your work, and good look with school.

Tlr U Rok I Need More Fics By U Keep It Up :-D

O love the way T'Pol is so caring f Trips emotional needs. I also like that he is learning to adapt as well. I look forward to the next series. You made these characters alive and real but not overly roantic or overly stuffy. The balance is just right and it works really well. I would love to see more of Soval and the crew. I hope you tie up the lose ends with Captain Archer. The poor guy needs someone too. Oh yeh the Reed Sato mix was wonderful.Esspecially liked how Hoshi saved him from makeing an idiot out of himself.

Lisa

I'm glad Trip's finally becoming used to his new home, and the last bit was a nice familly scene. I can't wait to read the next part! :)