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Another Way Home - Part IIAnother Way Home By: TLR Rated: PG mild language ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part II (Chapter 6-9) Chapter 6 Trip sat in his room resting. He had gone there after he and T’Pol cleaned up from lunch. T’Les was still meditating at the time and he wanted to wait until she returned to work before he confronted T’Pol about this Tribunal thing. It was getting hotter in the house and the lack of humidity caused a slightly uneasy feeling for Trip. He went to the bathroom and splashed cool water on his face. It was then he realized that he wasn’t sweating the way he would be if he were on Earth. He took a washcloth and laid it on his neck and shoulders a moment to relieve the feeling. Once cooled, he replaced his light cotton shirt and moved back to the dimly lit room. When he heard the transport pull away, Trip went to seek out T’Pol. He found her sitting cross legged in the atrium where her mother had sat just an hour ago. She was meditating now and Trip knew better than to disturb her. (Her mom’s words must’a really gotten to her.) He thought easing quietly back from the room. (she doesn’t usually meditate mid day like this) Trip made his way out into the main living area. He could feel a slightly cooler breeze coming from the courtyard, so he stepped out there to take advantage of the refreshing air. He sat on a smooth slab like surface opposite the large urn fountain. He watched it bubble water lazily over its sides and wondered in passing where the water source came from, typical engineer stuff. He was so lost in those thoughts, that he didn’t see Kelmouth lumber out onto the patio. The large cat strode up to him and began rubbing it’s head on one of Trip’s hands. This took Trip by surprise. He jumped then fell frozen in place. He was trapped. Trip held his breath and remained very still. The feline watched him a moment then made the same move again, as if trying to elicit a response from the strange eared man. “Nice kitty..... Nice kitty...” Trip’s voice was shaky as he watched the creature’s teeth move close to his skin. He didn’t know what to do. If he called out to T’Pol that might excite the beast and that was the last thing he wanted. (What was it T’Pol said this morning..... They only attack if their tail was.....) he searched his memory... (Still.....) Trip looked to the back end of the beast and found its tail gently swaying back and forth. He exhaled unable to hold his breath any longer and tried to pry his nerves off the modified ceiling. The cat continued to rub his hand then look for his response. “You want me to pet you?” He asked hesitantly and moved his hand to touch the feline’s head. It dipped down and held still for this touch. The growling sound it made increased and Trip was for a moment unsure that he’d made the right decision. Slowly, but surely, the cat tilted his head beneath the young man’s hand guiding it to the desired destination. Trip began to relax as his hand slid behind the creature’s furry ear. “You wanted your ears scratched, didn’t you?” Trip felt more comfortable and began adding a bit of pressure behind his movements that only made the growling grow louder. “You’re noth’n but a big pussycat.” He said with a smile that now replaced the fear he held moments ago. “Kelmo...” He tried to remember the cat’s name..... “kemm..” Trip became frustrated. “Ah you look like a Keller to me... That’s what I’ll call you. Keller.... Is that okay with you?” The cat’s repeated growling let Trip know he was okay with the name change. “Had a dog named Spanky once...” Trip started conversing with the big cat. Kelmouth moved off and went back into the living area. This took Trip by surprise, thinking they had been getting along so good. “Hey.... what did I do?” The cat then returned holding a book sized fabric covered item. It was purple with gold symbols stitched all over it. The feline placed this item gently in Trip’s lap then sat looking at him expectantly. Trip looked at the item. It wasn’t like a usual dog toy, all goopy or dirt ridden. It also looked too nice an object for a cat to play with but Trip figured with all the other nice things in T’Pol’s house, why shouldn’t the pet have nice toys too. “You wantta play?” He asked and saw the cat eyeing the item with great interest. Trip tossed it across the courtyard and Keller bounded quickly after it. He returned and again gingerly placed it on Trip’s lap. “Oh so you do know how to fetch. Okay then.... ready boy?” Trip once more chucked the item a few feet away. The beast ran happily it seemed after it, bringing it back every time to the man. Finally after a few minutes, the cat decided play time was over. This time instead of bringing the item to Trip, it took it back inside the house. Returning to the courtyard, he sat down next to the Human. “Tired of play’n fetch old fella.... That’s okay... You must be getting up there in age and can’t play as long as you could when you were a little...” Trip trailed off not knowing what a baby sehlat would be called. He went back to scratching its head behind the cat’s ears. T’Pol entered the courtyard and found her friends had made nice. “You are more comfortable with Kelmouth?” She asked amazed at the 180 degree turn about. “Yeah... Keller and I decided to be friends. He’s really a sweet animal. Loves to play and likes his ears scratched too.” Trip demonstrated his skill at making the cat very happy. “Meditation went okay?” He asked watching her move to the bench beside him. “It went well. I was in need of some relaxation after the discussion with my mother. She is quite determined when she has it in her mind to speak about something.” T’Pol absently stroked the cat’s back. “Like mother like daughter.” Trip returned a smile and got an even look. “What’s this Tribunal thing?” He asked trying to take advantage of their time together. “I told you... I must document my time aboard Enterprise and give them detailed accountings of my actions. It is merely routine in these matters.” T’Pol clearly didn’t want to talk about it now. “Tribunal are trial..... It means you’re being judged for something. Are they really so mad that you disobeyed them that they’d bring you to trial over it?” T’Pol sighed slightly. Trip could tell she was tired of having to think of the matter let alone talk about it, but wanted to help in any way he could. “I know you’ve probably got a lot on mind, but I just want to help.... if I can.” “Trip... I appreciate your concern, but I’m fine.... If you truly want to help in this matter, then let it rest. I have had nothing else to think about since I received the order to return home. I am in need of something to help ease the tension this matter has caused.” She looked at him with deep feeling, a look that Trip had only seen a few times before. Those times were always very intense and he realized to what extent this matter was plaguing her. “I’ve tried meditation....contemplation and even debating it out with my mother, but to no avail. I have noticed that Humans tend to forget about things that disturb them for a while and are able to come back to them clearer for having done so. That is why I requested a 3 day delay. I wanted to relax so that I might collect my thoughts and prepare my defense properly.” Trip put his hand on her shoulder in sympathy. “How can I help?” “Your presence here could be very helpful in this matter. My efforts in assisting you to tour my home world would no doubt take up considerable time. So by assisting you, I will be in essence assisting myself.” Her words were very clinical but Trip got the gist of the message. “All right, but after a day or two of sightseeing, you need to start rethinking this Tribunal thing. Promise.....” He rubbed her shoulder blade as if trying to smooth out all the stress he found there. T’Pol didn’t move away from his touch. Normally a Vulcan would cringe at this attention, but strangely T’Pol found it soothing and pleasant. “Agreed...Thank you....” She added understanding the earth custom better than most Vulcans did. “My pleasure Ma’am... So what’s on the agenda for tomorrow?” He asked with a renewed sense of adventure. “Where would you like to begin?” “Well that Mt. Tar...” “TarHana” She assisted him. “Yeah.... that one sounds interesting. How about starting there?” “Very well. We will leave after morning meditation to avoid the heat of mid day.” Trip nodded his understanding. He and T’Pol spent the rest of the day till the evening meal talking about her home, its history and about things in each of their respective childhoods. Trip was intrigued at many of the fascinating similarities and differences between earth and Vulcan. ******************************************************************* Chapter 7 It was night, or to Trip it was still night. He was comfortably enjoying the feel of the silken sheets. The room was dark, the temperature had cooled considerably and he now dreamed happily about a life among these new people. He even dreamed about Keller, who had downsized greatly in his mind, but still had the features of a saber toothed tiger from the old earth cartoons of the early 20th century. A knock on the door and the sound of a distant gong awakened him. The door cracked open and the light from the hallway streamed in. “Good Morning” She spoke softly realizing she had woken the commander much earlier than he’d been accustomed to rising. “What time is it.?” Trip started to wipe the sleep from his eyes. “04 hundred.” Trip groaned. “You’re Kidding.” “We have to prepare the morning meal, as guests it is expected of us.” She felt guilty waking him up so early, and would have gladly made the meal herself, but knew if Trip didn’t seem to help he would loose favor with her mother. For this reason, she awoke him in the first place. “Oh” Trip nodded his understanding then eased out of bed. He showered and changed quickly, stumbling over everything in his path. (Geez.... My dad didn’t even get me up this early to go fish’n) he thought, trying not to mumble, since he was in a house with two sharp eared women. Trip leaned up against the cabinets in the kitchen while T’Pol prepared the meal. His eyes were heavy. Occasionally his head tilted forward springing him awake by the feel of his body following it. He groaned aloud, when he learned that Vulcan had nothing a kin to coffee. T’Pol brewed him a hot cup of burgundy colored tea. Its aroma was that of cinnamon, but it tasted more like cherries. He sipped on it slowly, holding on to the square shaped container with both hands. The morning was still a bit chilly, and the warmth of the mug felt soothing to him. Within moments, his eyes shot open wide. His mind became alert and energy was flowing through him like a warp reactor. “I thought you said Vulcans didn’t believe in stimulants?” He asked quite amazed at how good he felt. “They do not..... That is not a stimulant.... It is an herb that acts like a neuro blockade release.” T’Pol explained while preparing the last of the fruit for breakfast. “Yeah....right.....all I know is that you could put a shuttlecraft in orbit with some of this stuff.” He sipped at it again. “And I thought Chef made his coffee on the strong side.” “If it is too strong I can.....” T’Pol mistook his humor as a criticism. He stopped her putting up a hand. “It’s fine... I was just kidd’n....” Trip picked up some of the serving dishes and carried them out to the table for T’Pol. He arranged them neatly between the place settings then returned to the kitchen. “Your mom’s going into work this morning?” He asked innocently. “Yes but I will be taking her in, so that we may use the transport to get to our destination.” Trip walked over next to T’Pol and leaned into the counter. His arm was within a hair’s breath of hers and it occasionally brushed up against her when she moved. Neither seemed to notice, however mom did from her view point standing in the doorway of the room. She watched them interact for a moment or so then moved in to break up the two lovebirds. “You look rested, commander.” She opened nodding her welcome. “You as well, daughter.” “Yes Ma’am... I slept like a baby... thank ya.. and you?” Trip moved away from T’Pol as if seeing her mom eyeing them. His movements reflected somewhat the guilt he felt inside. “I rested most comfortably...” She replied dryly. T’Pol remained silent as she continued to stir what looked to be a scrambled egg dish, but in reality was a milled grain mash. It tasted good, with kind of a cheesy flavor, but was filling and savory. Breakfast proceeded without incident or argument, Trip noticed. T’Pol made a comment about the short in the stasis unit and was interested to learn that it had been without repair for more than a week. Trip took this time to offer his services in kind for her generously allowing him to stay. T’Les was a bit skeptical that an engineer aboard a star ship knew anything about house hold appliances, but was willing to let him attempt it. After breakfast, T’Les went to meditate, while the others cleaned up. When she finished, it was T’Pol’s turn to use the atrium and Trip set about pulling the stasis unit apart to see the problem. He was alone. T’Les was in the garden picking fresh vegetables for the evening meal. Trip leaned both elbows against the counter as he tweaked at a transistor type item with what looked to be a long needle nosed tool. He was deep in “fix it” mode, enjoying himself and the quiet as well. T’Les came through the main door carrying a small basket of green and yellow vegetables. She took them to the counter and removed her gardening gloves after loading them into the sink. She replaced those gloves with a pair of large scrubber ones and proceeded to wash the items. “I just wanna thank you for lett’n me stay here.” He started a bit nervous by her silence. “Expressing gratitude is an earth custom.” She corrected him bluntly. “T’Pol says thank you all the time.” He countered “ I’ve noticed...” She snapped evenly. After another awkward silence he started again. “T’Pol’s lucky,..... Its nice to have a place to go home too.” Trip didn’t know if T’Pol had told her mom about Lizzie or his home town. She didn’t reply as she continued to wash off the long tuber like vegetables. “I know that you’re romantically involved with my daughter.” It was a statement not a question, Trip knew that but his eyes still looked at hers for any signs of doubt. He opened his mouth and no words came out. “There’s no logical in denying it.” She continued and looked Trip right in the eyes. “How long have you been attracted to her?” Now he had to respond. Shyly he admitted. “I knew.... we had..... some kind’a chemistry the first time we got into an argument..... I never had fun arguing with anyone before.” Trip looked down at what he was tweaking to keep from her steady gaze. “I got the impression T’Pol wasn’t gonna say anything to you.” Trip then looked up to catch her answer. “She didn’t” Trip looked away again... (Busted) “I’m her mother.” T’Les went on to finish washing the last of the vegetables. Trip made one final tweak and put down his pointed tool. He walked the part over to the stasis unit in silence under T’Les’ watchful eye. He replaced the module and turned a few knobs. The unit came up with a hum and looked like it was ready for warp trials. “You’ve repaired it?” she asked impressed. “Yeah... the field generator just needed a little adjustment. It’s good as new.” Trip offered her a faint smile. She nodded her thanks....... then “Maybe if you have the time, perhaps you could repair my food synthesizer?” Her voice grew sheepish for how she had been speaking to him earlier. “Sure.....” Trip’s smile grew wider. T’Pol came from the atrium, her meditation over. Her mom gathered a few items and proceeded with her to the street. Trip stayed behind playing fetch once again with Keller who by now had become his sidekick.
The ride from T’Les’ home to the science academy provided T’Pol’s mother with the time and privacy to talk with her daughter. Much to the younger Vulcan’s dismay, she could not keep her mother from discussing matters. “You still haven’t told me how you plan to defend yourself at the Tribunal tomorrow.” T’Les cut right to the chase. “I plan to answer the questions put to me with logic.” T’Pol stared straight ahead. “You will need a better plan than that daughter if you’re hoping to regain your commission with the High Command.” “If you do not properly defend yourself, you may not be able to return home at all.” T’Les’ usual even demeanor was showing ware. “Daughter....you’ve always been fascinated by alien worlds. You were all too eager to finish your schooling and leave Vulcan.” “As I recall, you encouraged me to leave.” T’Pol returned sharply. “A mother is expected to push her young out of the nest... At some point they are supposed to return. I am told that on earth a human child chooses their own path in life. They put their own wishes ahead of their families.” “From what I have observed, that is essentially true.” T’Pol was feeling a bit defeated. “You’ve learned much from them haven’t you.” T’Les’ tone was accusing. “A Star Fleet posting is no less important than one with the High Command.” T’Pol returned evenly. “I’m sure father would have approved.” “Your father believed that our work should enrich Vulcan society.” “Earth is supposed to be our ally.” T’Pol’s voice was growing more angered. “What’s happened to you.....?” T’Les was concerned at the gross show of emotion her daughter displayed. T’Pol hadn’t told her mom about the Trellium or the Pa’Nar syndrome. Now it looked like she would have to come clean. As they rounded the turn into the academy, T’Pol was finishing her story of the attack and of the Trellium exposure. She conveniently left out the fact that she main lined trellium for months, seeing as how she was already out of favor with her mother. T’Les seemed to understand, but when T’Pol suggested bringing Trip by the academy to share the afternoon meal on campus, T’Les came up with an excuse and suggested instead that she take him to the Human corridor. There she would be less likely to be seen by any Vulcans, unescorted with a Human. T’Pol grew angered at her mother’s brash disapproval of Trip. She waited for T’Les to exit the vehicle then returned home quickly to begin her down time. *******************************************************************Chap Chapter 9 Mt TarHana was an intriguingly beautiful place with 12 gigantic statues. Trip would learn each were different periods of Surak. They were erected during his later years to symbolize the twelve great Clans he had to overcome to bring logic to Vulcan. Each faced in a slightly different direction indicating the Clan’s homeland but once erected, they seemed to form a corridor of sorts. They loomed large over the land, lining the inside of the crater. The journey there was a long one. Trip realized it was a good idea that they got started early. The temperature outside was already starting to hit intolerable as they enterer the caves to make their way along the last portion of the journey. The cave opened up as a rim along the far side of the crater. The lava was hot and red, it moved slowly in one direction totally engulfing the base of each statue, but oddly enough not touching the statues themselves. Also Trip noticed that the lava flowed from north to south, but instead of making its way over the crater rim and down toward the surrounding villages, it seemed to abruptly halt and disappear. T’Pol explained the folk lore to him. She also went into great detail as to what studies had been done to determine the scientific reason for the phenomena. The fact that Vulcans couldn’t discover any way that allowed for its physics impressed Trip. The lore was that Surak promised endless prosperity for those who followed his vision of logic. The volcano first erupted 100 yrs after Surak’s death, and the people believed they were doomed. As they saw the villages and even the statues being spared, it only reinforced their belief in Surak’s promise. At the end of the row of images, there seemed to be an aquifer of sorts. It drains the lava and returns it to the ground system to become a part of the spectacle all over again. Even though the lava flow has cooled and reheated countless times over thousands of years, this duct system has never gotten clogged. The villages below the mountain have never once been in danger of any kind. The priestesses again attributed it to Surak’s promise of prosperity through logic. Trip took in the sight riveted. The warmth of the lava flow and dust burned a little at his eyes and throat but he didn’t seem to mind. This was an engineering feet of outrageous proportion. When they left, T’Pol watched as Trip kept looking back at the site. He was truly intrigued by the spectacle. They made their way in her mom’s transport to the Human sector. An area set aside for visiting professors and students of the Vulcan’s exchange program, this a service of the Science Academy. It was a neatly spaced community of similar housing units, but with large pillars erected at all four corners of the compound. T’Pol explained that the structures were part of a dampening field set up by the Vulcan’s to provide the Human’s a place to relax their guard on their emotions. This field was magnetic in nature and it jammed the aberrant waves of emotions that would normally bombard the Vulcan communities surrounding the compound. These emotions would make life difficult for the Vulcans there. It was a most effective system. The scientists had long worked on some kind of portable device the Humans could wear on their belts to assist them in their daily interactions, but to this point a working prototype had not been accomplished. Trip made a mental note to try his hand at it. The cafe’ they choose had a mixture of Humans from all walks of life. They came and went in and out during their lunch breaks from the Academy. T’Les was right in assuming that no Vulcans would see them there, since during the whole time T’Pol was the only one present. This fact angered T’Pol a bit, but obviously made Trip feel a little more at home. They ordered some vegetarian Italian, since on Vulcan it is forbidden for anyone to eat meat. Trip was surprised at how good the proprietor’s food was. He was a stoutly olive skinned man, older into his late 50’s. After the passing of his wife, he came to Vulcan with his son and daughter-in-law who were instructors- in- training at the Academy. The man, name of Nemos, made an effort to greet each of his customers personally and see to their needs. Noticing a Vulcan in his midst, he made a point of pulling up a chair and getting to know this unique visitor. After the mid day meal Trip and T’Pol returned home. They were tired, warm and their skin was covered in soot. T’Pol suggested each return to their quarters and shower to relieve the discomfort. Trip was happy to slip into a cool shower and felt like a million bucks afterward. He returned to the living area before T’Pol and made his way to the courtyard to take advantage of the cooler breeze. He was tired, having gotten up so early. T’Pol had suggested he rest during her afternoon meditation, and Trip was thinking that was a pretty good idea. He just waited to talk a moment with her before retiring. Sitting on the slab that afforded him the best breeze, Trip’s head started to droop. It wasn’t until a familiar growling sound, that he knew he wasn’t alone. There stood Kelmouth, velvet toy in mouth, looking expectant at the young engineer. “Ahhh..” he groaned wishing he’d never taught this kitty a new trick. “Ya wannta play fetch do ya?” Keller just placed the pillow lightly in his lap and sat down. “All right, but just a few throws....I’m beat...” Trip picked up the fabric and began their daily ritual. They played for several moments. T’Pol came out of the main living area wearing a wrapped front top and stretch pants. They accented her figure greatly and would have made Trip’s head spin had he been paying attention to her. Instead he was standing by the bench at the opposite side of the yard. He jumped up several times trying to reach the outlying rafter area, but to no avail. He stood a moment, scratched his chin and began leaping again. Kelmouth sat suspiciously beside him watching his actions with great interest. “Damn...” he swore not reaching the area. Trip moved over and tried to pick up one of the benches, only to find they were part of the patio. “Son of a bitch.” He seemed almost agitated by his inability to move the furnishings. “Damn Keller old boy... I’m sorry.” He looked down at the cat who was still looking to the rafters with great earnest. “May I be of assistance?” T’Pol asked with equal interest. Trip came up to her hastily. “You got a ladder.....a step stool... somethin?” T’Pol returned him a puzzled gaze. “I was play’n fetch with Keller here and he jumped at the toy when I started to throw it. I got scared and over shot my mark. The thing went into the rafters and I can’t reach it.” Trip put his hands on his hips in a disgusted fashion. He looked to T’Pol for assistance. “What toy?” (Instead of being helpful she just wants to be difficult) he thought. “You know... His favorite purple..... That fabric thingy..” His words only brought a more puzzled looked to her face. “C’mon, you know.... That purple velvet toy of his....” Trip got a sinking feeling and grew more defensive. “He plays with it every day.....He likes to fetch it... He brings it to you and puts it in your lap?” Trip didn’t like the look he was getting. “This purple velvet toy... does it have gold stitched Vulcan symbols on it?” She asked wearily. “That’s the one” He perked up then his sick feeling returned as he saw her face grow sullen. “That isn’t a toy...is it?” He asked the realization setting in. “Hardly.... It is my mother’s prayer’witz.” T’Pol turned her eyes to the rafters. “Her what?” Trip’s heart sank knowing he’d messed up. “Her favorite meditation pillow.” She shot him a telling glance. “Damn.....” Trip paced the area a bit. “Then why the hell did Keller have it.” “Why the hell didn’t she put it up out of the animal’s reach...... Why was Keller able to get his paws on it.” “Kelmouth doesn’t play with things.” T’Pol started evenly but was cut off. “The Hell he doesn’t. I’ve played fetch with him for the past two days. Every time I come out here, he is always bringing me that purple... prayer.... thing.” “Yes” T’Pol stated evenly.... “He sensed you were nervous and was suggesting you meditate.” Her eyes were wide, hiding the hint of humor. “He what.....?” Trip couldn’t believe her interpretation “All creatures on Vulcan are born with some sort of empathic or telepathic abilities. No one knows why, they just are. Domesticated Sehlats are brought into a home with children to help wean them from their parent’s bond. They afford an emotional outlet for the child while he or she is trying to build their controls. This is the parent’s role while the child is very young. Sehlats are incredibly sensitive creatures and take their jobs very seriously. They are the guardian’s of the household, both physically and mentally looking out for its members.” T’Pol looked to him for understanding. “So he wanted me to meditate......Then why did he run after it and bring it back so many times.... Tell me that?” Trip still was unsure of her explanation. “He was just being persistent. When my mother is troubled by something, if she doesn’t go immediately to meditate, Kelmouth will continue to bring her the pillow until she does. I suspect my mother has never thrown the pillow away before. This probably frustrated him into acting the way you said he did.” Trip broke into a defeated laugh that grew into hysterics. “God... is anything on this planet what it seems to be... All this time I thought I was play’n fetch with an oversized kitty.... And in actuality he was just try’n to get me ta ......” He broke out laughing louder, bending some at the waist. T’Pol stood there in silence regarding him puzzled. (Does he not know my mother will be quite upset by the loss of this heirloom) “I do not know what is so funny about loosing a pillow that has been in my mother’s family for 8 generations.” T’Pol watched as his laughter eased a bit, but didn’t stop. “I’m not laughing at the pillow, T’Pol.... I’m laughing that I could be so dumb as ta ....” Trip’s demeanor changed abruptly as her words sank in. (8 generations.....Mother’s favorite..... I lost her mother’s favorite....) “T’Pol.... we gotta get that thing down from there..... You got a step ladder...a chair anything?” He grabbed her by her shoulders and his face now reflected the true angst he felt. “No....we don’t....” She didn’t move out of his hold, just looked concerned at his ever growing ruby blush. “What about the furniture in the living room....?” He asked hopeful. “It is built into the floor. Vulcan has a number of fault lines. Quakes are common in this area, so furnishings are usually secured for safety.” “Yikes...Your mom’s gonna kill me! “ Trip went back to leaping at the area. He stood on the nearest bench and found it woefully out of reach. “I could give you a boost.” T’Pol offered and was shot down by Trip’s southern gentleman ways. “No way... but I could boost you..... Here.” He moved over closer to the wall just behind the urn. “Give me your foot.” Trip cupped his hands and T’Pol placed her foot squarely into them. She held his shoulder and reached with her other hand. With his assistance, T’Pol was within a meter of the item. She stretched in his hold attempting to reach it. Her foot turned and slipped from his grasp. Trying to break her fall, Trip grabbed instinctively for her legs and caught them just above the knees. T’Pol grabbed his head tightly to her body trying to regain her balance. He pulled her hard against him and found his head buried interestingly in her lower abdomen. A rush of warmth entered his body, as did hers and they both took a moment to collect themselves. His warm breathing sent shivers through T’Pol’s soul. She shook her head a bit to regain her control, but it was hard. Trip finally turned his face so that his cheek was now supporting her pelvis instead of his lips. He too felt a wave of arousal coming from this innocent slip and fought it. “A little higher.” T’Pol suggested and for a moment he was wondering what she was thinking of... “I’ve almost got it.” Trip hoisted her up a bit more in his arms, standing on tip toe to gain her the added inches. His face was flushed, her body warm and smelling of citrus. His mind was having a hard time keeping on the task at hand. “A little more...” T’Pol’s fingers were just now brushing the object. She jolted herself forward a bit and knocked the item loose. She grasped the outer corner when Trip lost his footing and both fell to the floor in a heap. The prayer’witz fell onto the ground, but so did the couple. Trip fell onto his back still clinging to T’Pol who had slipped a bit in his arms. When they landed, she was atop him and his face was now nestled within her cleavage. Again they froze, dazed and a bit aroused all at the same time. T’Pol could feel his arms about her body, his breath warmed the now excited skin beneath her shirt. She raised herself slowly on her arms and looked down to see if he was injured, although she knew he wasn’t. His hands created waves of passion within her, and she tried hard to fight for her control. Trip by the same token, wanted nothing more than to scoop her up and make mad passionate love to her, but thought she may not be ready for this. T’Pol rolled off his body and onto the stony floor. Trip watched as Kelmouth stepped up and took the meditation pillow once more into the living area. “Hey wait a minute... come back here!” He shouted then turned his eyes to her. Standing, he grew concerned when T’Pol remained on the pavement. “You okay... he reached down a hand to help her up.” His look was warm and inviting. T’Pol could sense the arousal in him as well. She turned her eyes toward him, not lifting her head. This sent a haunting chill through Trip’s spine. T’Pol held him in her glance for several seconds before accepting the hand he offered. He pulled her up with ease and found her body interestingly close to his. He didn’t move watching as her features grew more and more shadowed. Trip was facing her, but she held her gaze to the floor trying desperately to control the overriding tide of passion within her. His breathing grew heavy. Her scent was overwhelming every sense he had. She too could feel his distress and wanted nothing more than to relax in the strength she knew she’d find in him. Slowly she turned her eyes to his. Her hand slid up his chest and came up to his cheek. She leaned in and kissed him seductively. Softly and slowly her pressure grew on his lips and Trip was forced to place his hands around her more to steady his own growing disorientation, then to stabilize hers. He pulled her close, melting his arms about her back and shoulders. T’Pol moved her other hand to caress his hair and bring him fully into the kiss. Their lips played a joyous game of tag as their hands began to explore each other’s bodies. (Oh please let this be for real this time) a growing concern entered Trip’s mind.... He fought to keep from breaking the mood, but knew he couldn’t handle another brush off like last time. He eased his beloved’s body back a bit and searched her smoky eyes. “This......its not another exploration.....is it?” He asked in a whisper showing her just how hurt he’d been by their last encounter. She returned his gaze warmly and shook her head. His eyes were large and full of love, as a smile grew from within. He pulled her in slow motion, back into a passionate kiss. She relaxed in his arms and found the release she needed there. After many more moments the two went back to the guest quarters. There they would make love well into the afternoon. Trip took pleasure in watching his beloved sleep, finding a peace in her expression he rarely saw, but longed for anyway. He took great pride in knowing it was he who put it there. After their third or fourth time, both fell into a deep sleep. Trip was the first to awaken. Noticing the time, he gently shook T’Pol from her slumber. “Hey sleepy head........Oh sleepy head...” He watched her large brown eyes flicker open. “Afternoon darlin....Sleep well...” He leaned in and kissed her cheek, then began nuzzling her neck. T’Pol’s head was spinning from the onslaught of emotions her lover had felt. As before, she was a bit frightened by them at first, their intensity seemed overwhelming. But different from then, this time she knew what to expect and that, it seemed was what made her less apprehensive. Trip could see her less than alert gaze and grew concerned. “You okay..?” He asked staring deep into her sultry eyes. “Yes... just a bit dizzy.” She brought a hand up and wiped at her heavy lids. “So I make you dizzy, huh?” Trip’s smile grew as he brushed a bit of tousled hair from her face. “Yes...Human emotions are very disorienting....” “You really feel my emotions?” He questioned having always thought that the hype about Vulcans feeling emotions was more than it really was. “Yes.... The stronger the emotions, the harder it is to block them out.” “You want to block my emotions?” She could sense a touch of hurt with that question. “I don’t want to, but the onslaught Humans feel during...... Well they can be overwhelming....even frightening to Vulcans.” Her eyes held much information that Trip hadn’t till now realized. “Did my emotions frighten you today?” He asked hesitantly. “I was better prepared for them....” T’Pol nuzzled into his chest to steady the whirling she still felt in her head. “But you weren’t last time?” He continued, knowing the answer already. “No....” She whispered almost ashamed of her own fear. “That’s why you’ve been avoiding me....The emotions were frightening and you were scared by them.” T’Pol just sighed her response. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Trip pulled her tightly to him, rubbing the tension he felt away with his warm gentle hands. “Talking about it would not excuse my laps in logic. I allowed your emotions to provoke fear in me.... That is something no Vulcan would allow.” “Vulcans hide their emotions, but they do have them and that includes fear.” Trip brushed the top of her head with his chin. “When Humans are extremely emotional... like when they are afraid... they talk it out with someone. Then the fear has no hold on them.” He leaned his head down and looked into her childlike eyes. “Like when I was so upset bout Lizzie.... The longer I held it in, the worst it got. It wasn’t until I talked with you about it, that I could let her and the pain, go a little. T’Pol measured his words and found them to hold merit. She knew he didn’t understand the Vulcan way, but hoped that he could understand why she resisted talking with him. “When I first joined the service.... I looked forward to meeting and studying all sorts of new life forms. But no matter where I went, I was still bound by my teachings and that meant I would not be able to open up to those other than my own kind.” Trip listened wanting to know everything about the woman he loved so. “Even to Vulcans, closeness is something that is reserved for one’s parents or bondmates. A friend on Vulcan is merely an acquaintance. Every where I was stationed, I was surrounded by my own people, protecting me... guiding me. When I was then assigned to Enterprise alone, I took with me those teachings to shield myself from the harmfulness of your people’s emotions.” T’Pol lifted her head and looked into his eyes. “As I worked with the crew, I found added resentment because of my practices.... Once again I was alone here....But the Captain felt that if I got to know the crew, I would perform more efficiently. So he ordered me to fraternize.” Trip’s eyebrows raised at that. “a little” “I watched the Humans interact with one another, and tried to mimic their actions. In some cases it worked, but in most I was in error. Everyone judged me for not fitting in,....... but you.” Trip’s smile warmed at the memory. “You were interested in my culture, and tried to accept my differences. You also tried to help me fit in... Including me into situations that would have been awkward for me alone.” “Movie night..” He answered “Movie night.....” She returned with a hint of a smile. Trip noticed and his face warmed even more. “You have been a great friend to me.... more over you have been my teacher and I am indebted to you for that.” “You don’t owe me anything.” Trip brought his hands up and caressed her shoulders. “But I do.....I owe you an explanation....” Trip settled and listened intently. “Before we traveled into the expanse.... I had learned to integrate my control with some measure of variation that would allow me to better interact with the Humans on Enterprise.” She looked down at his chest somewhat ashamed of the next part. “Ambassador Soval noted my adjustments and commented on them several times, the last time being right before we left earth. I knew that I was not ready to go into a situation like that, but I felt that Enterprise needed me. The stress of the mission along with the spatial disturbances made control extremely difficult.” “It was hard on everyone T’Pol” Trip eased her embarrassment. “I leaned on you.... Allowed you to be there more than I should have... After the Trellium exposure.... my control was drastically impaired. Although the damage was slight, I never fully recovered and it frightened me. I gave into my feelings for you.” Trip brought her face to his. Her eyes were full of shame and he couldn’t for the life of him know why. “I’m glad you did....” He smiled “When the emotions hit me with such force, I realized I wasn’t able to handle them and I retreated....................... I’m sorry.....” “It’s okay.... Hey.... If that alert hadn’t come on when it did, then maybe you could have told me. Maybe if we had talked this out then, we wouldn’t have had to spend so many months alone.” T’Pol’s eyes turned hopeful. “Were you scared today?” He asked again better understanding the problem. “A bit, but I know the emotions are there and I can anticipate their presence if not exactly what they will be.” “I don’t understand....?” Trip wanted to help “Humans feel many emotions all at the same time. The stronger their emotions, the more of them there are. When intimate with someone, the emotions are of all types... Happiness, sadness, love compassion, passion, excitement. It becomes a whirlwind that can hit you hard.” “Can I control them somehow? I don’t want to hurt you in any way.” Trip almost felt remorse for his genetic deficit. “No, but I can become accustom to them much like I have with other Humans’ emotions. I can anticipate their coming and prepare myself. I can also understand them better so that I will not be frightened by them.” “How can I help?” He asked pulling her close and drawing her into a big hug. “Be understanding.... as you always are.... I can get through this with a little help from my friend....” She eyed him from beneath his chin. “Okay...now that I can do....” Trip was content. He wanted nothing else but to remain with her in his arms forever, but spying the clock, he knew they had little time for that now. “Honey... there is noth’n more I’d like right now than to stay put, but you’re mom will be home in less than an hour and I don’t think she’s ready for this.” Trip watched as T’Pol lifted her head and looked him in the face. She realized his correctness and began to get up. He stopped her, pulling her back into a passionate kiss. “Now remember.... from now on we talk things out,....... no shutting the door on each other... Promise!” T’Pol nodded softly. “Good,..... Last one to the shower is a rotten egg.” Trip started to move, but saw her perplexed look. “I don’t understand.... how is being last to the shower make you spoiled poultry embryo....?” Trip fell out laughing, never once able to answer her query. They got up and went into the shower. Together they washed and played for several minutes. T’Pol had to keep reminding Trip of her mother’s arrival to keep him from starting things all over again. She was successful, but received a.....
THE END Part Three will be out soon. Part III (Chapters 10-12) Return to Part I (Chapters 1-5) 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 commentsTee hee hee! I like your version of "Home" better. I can't wait to see what T'Mom will do about Trip, and that Tribunal sounds... interesting. Great, hope you update soon! :) Very nice version of Home. I really look forward to part 3. Thank you. Thank you very much, you made my day, i love it, when they are happy. Jipii! Part 3 will be up by Sunday. Warning it's a tear jerker, so buy a lot of tissues for the weekend, but you'll like the ending. Thanks T. I like this version of Home. Can't wait for part 3. Oh dear, shower or no shower, the room now reeks of what they were doing. No way T'Les is going to miss that. Love it, love it, love it - and I have to tell you - I really, really like the sehlat stories. It's funny. I have to watch the Forge - like everyone recommended. How on Earth - oops, How on Vulcan are they going to hide the fact that they slept together from T Mom??? This gets better and better :). I also like the sehlat and prayer pillow part :D...! I loved it and i liked the sehlat info you provided. It was great I loved it! I'm anxiously awaiting for the next installment! :-) This story is just amazing! I'm eagerly awaiting Sunday for part 3!!! I loved this and chortled out loud when Trip found out the plush item he had been throwing for Kelmouth to fetch was in fact a treasured heirloom of T'Pol's mother. Um, way to go Trip! I wish Home could have gone like this... Ali D :~)
Gee I think T'pols stress over her tribunal has gone out the window by now. ;) |