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Another Way Home - Part III

Author - TLR
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Another Way Home

By: TLR

Rated PG: Mild Language
Summary: This story picks up where part 2 left off. The Two lovebirds just got together, now they simply have to keep it from momma T'Les and the Vulcan Tribunal. Warning.... This ones a tear jerker, so get the tissues out first so you don’t have to stop reading to get one. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: Enterprise is a product of UPN and Paramount Productions
March 25th, 2005


Part III (Chapters 1-12)

Chapter 10

Our resident lovebirds managed to get dried and dressed a whole ten minutes before Mom got home. They moved to the kitchen and began preparing the evening meal. When T’Les did return, she found them working as a well practiced drill team, cutting and mixing different blends of vegetables into a vibrant multi course spread.

Kelmouth, who usually stays in the room of the person most in need of his services, was suspiciously in the living area, with it seemed nothing to do. He greeted her with a strange exuberance and stuck to her like glue.

T’Les moved to the kitchen and watched from the doorway. This time Trip was watching for her and was across the room from T’Pol, maintaining a respectable distance. Both moved with ease, nothing warring within them. Trip even managed a curt “Ma’am” as he walked past her and carried a pastry basket to the table.

The older Vulcan could feel something was amiss with these two, but couldn’t put her finger on it. She honed her senses and tried to pick up any emotions from the Human since her daughter was being unusually controlled tonight.

Oddly enough, other than a steady happy hum, Trip offered no outward evidence.

He passed her again on his way back to the kitchen. “Excuse me,” He uttered trying to squeeze past her in the doorway. Secretly Trip was holding his breath. Any emotional slip and this Vulcan would be pulling out a Phase Cannon and blowing his Human butt off this desert rock. He occasionally eyed her as she stood in silence.

T’Les seemed distracted...... then she whiffed the air. Trip grew increasingly nervous. Her eyebrows furrowed a second and she whiffed again.

(What’s she smelling? Is T’Pol burning dinner or has mom discovered their afternoon past time?) Trip grew more anxious and was afraid T’Les would discover his changing emotions. He excused himself to his room for a moment.

(Damn Vulcan sense of smell !) He thought as he made his way to his room. Trip entered and went immediately to the bathroom. He shuffled through the bottles on the shelf. Unable to read the Vulcan wording, he had to sniff at each of them to find the one he needed.

(What did T’Pol say?....Citrus cuts any smell...) He finally found the burgundy glass bottle that smelled of oranges and lemons. He splashed it liberally on his chest and about his neck. He considered a moment then slipped a well drenched hand down the front of his pants. As he came out of the bathroom, he stopped a moment. Whiffing he looked over to his bed, already made. He went to it and whiffed some more.

(God.....What’ll happen when she goes to do the laundry?) He wondered.....then went back into the bathroom. He came out with the burgundy bottle in hand and began drizzling small droplets about the room, pulling back the covers and sprinkling heavily the sheets and comforter. Feeling a bit more assured, he returned the bottle and made his way toward the living area.

As he came through the door, there stood Kelmouth wondering what the young Human was doing. The big cat sniffed him up and down, finally paying heavy attention to his nether regions.

(Yikes if that cat knows.....) he grew worried again.

Kelmouth snorted abruptly then sat down in front of him. Trip bent down to have a heart to heart with his furry friend.

“Listen Keller, old boy, not a word to T’Mom....okay...besides you owe me. Remember I’m the first person to play with you in over 60 years.” He scratched his head and Keller snorted again at his hand.

“Oh you don’t like citrus.” Trip smiled. “Thanks Boy.”

He stood and returned happily to the kitchen. Dinner was just about complete and the puzzled look T’Les gave him upon his return told him his mission was successful. However when T’Pol walked past him, she eyed him as if over whelmed by the odor. He returned her a bashful grin and picked up the last of the serving dishes.

That evening drew on and grew into night. Neither Trip nor T’Pol slept well, both wanting secretly to join the other. They knew T’Les wouldn’t approve. T’Pol didn’t want her mom any more headstrong on her staying on Vulcan. T’Pol had the tribunal in the morning, knew if her mother came along, there would be new turns in logic that wouldn’t best suit her. Trip tossed and turned in his little citrus heaven. The smell even got to him after a bit and he got up intermittently to walk about the room, and in and out of the bathroom for relief. This would be a long night.


Chapter 11

04:00 hours. Trip was up and dressed awaiting the gong. He knew once more T’Pol would come to the door and wanted to steal just a brief moment alone with her before the morning meal. He waited for the knock and stood behind the door.

“Come in.” He uttered low.

“Good Morning” she opened the door again but was surprised to find him behind it. He grabbed her wrist and eased her inside.

“Good Morning darling.” He pulled her into a hug.

“How’d ya sleep?” He asked but felt as though he already knew.

“I didn’t” She admitted and was relieved to know her urges were returned.

“Me neither.” Trip kissed her lips softly.

“Anyway we could ditch your momma and go make love on a mountain somewhere?” He asked half heartedly but saw T’Pol eyeing the room curiously.

“What?” He asked and saw her whiffing the air.

Trip realized what she smelled and retrieved the burgundy bottle from the bathroom. He looked at her a bit embarrassed than admitted.

“I didn’t want your mom to get a whiff of....Well you know when she did the sheets.” He shrugged his shoulders and raised the bottle to eye level.

“My mother doesn’t do sheets...”T’Pol shook her head.

“And I doubt she’ll be smelling anything for a very long time.” She returned him a whimsical look.

Trip chuckled realizing he’d gone a little overboard with the cologne.

“Yeah it’s kinda strong.” He put down the bottle on the dresser and sauntered up to her. Wrapping his arms around her, he breathed warmth about her neck and shoulders.

“The essences are highly concentrated... A little goes a long way.” She admonished him then relaxed feeling his ministrations taking away all her thoughts of the day.

“So... What times the tribunal?... I want to be sure to be properly dressed.” Trip moved back and eyed her seriously.

“You will not be there.” She stated.

“Why not....I can be a witness. I can attest to everything you’ve done.” T’Pol winced a bit at that thought, Trip noticed.

“Well ...I mean relating to Enterprise.”

“Trip...Humans are not allowed in the High Command Council Chambers. You wouldn’t even make it though the door.” T’Pol brushed his cheek with the back of her fingers.

“But I wantta help.” He reminded her earnestly.

“Then keep my mother way from the proceedings.” She mumbled softly but Trip caught every word.

“What do you want me to do Hog tie and sit on her.” Trip said joshing... T’Pol contemplated his words, wondering how he expected to capture a Vulcan much less restrain her. He had to know T’Les was much stronger than any Human. “How do you purpose...” She started and was cut off.

“Kidding.... Kidding...” Trip shook his head defeated at trying to get T’Pol to understand Human humor.

(This is something we’ll have to work on.) He thought.

“How ya gonna keep her here... Does she have classes today?” Trip asked hoping.

“She has taken off her teaching today for the proceedings.” T’Pol was less than thrilled in saying that.

“Well if she’s got her mind set, how ya gonna stop her?”

“By convincing her that it would look better, if I address the tribunal myself.” T’Pol held some conviction in her voice.

“All right?” Trip said not sure that would work. “I’ll do anything for you.”

“We’d better get to the kitchen. She’ll miss us soon.” T’Pol started to leave but was pulled back into his arms.

“One for the road” He stated and took her mouth in an unyielding kiss.

T’Pol allowed this knowing it would have to sustain her through the long day ahead.

When he finally let her go, she eased out of his room after checking the hallway was clear. Trip waited a respectable amount of time then followed. They greeted each other in the kitchen as if they were just seeing one another. Kelmouth growled and lay down in the corner.

After morning meal, Trip helped T’Les begin cleaning the dishes. T’Pol had slipped into her room to decide on the attire she would wear. A knock came on the inner door of the dwelling. Trip was closes and T’Les nodded her request. “Would you mind?”

Trip walked over and opened the large wooden door. There in the doorway stood a very tall, handsome Vulcan male. He was fine featured, with dark hair and eyes, and something inside Trip knew that he hated him right off.
(KOSS)

Koss looked blankly at the blond humanoid, then over to T’Les. She greeted him plainly.

“Koss?”

He looked only at her and stated “ I need to speak with T’Pol.” T’Les nodded and left the room to call her daughter.

Trip moved aside and allowed him entry. He sat down on one of the cushions, straight backed, hands steepled with his eyes facing forward. Trip took the cushion across from him staring daggers at the man. Koss paid him no mind.

T’Pol entered the room followed by her mom. She saw Koss and Trip having a staring contest and clearly knew this wasn’t a good thing. Trip’s face was flushed in some spots and pale in others. She could feel his rising anger and decided to break the two of them up before the fighting began.

Koss and Trip rose upon seeing her.

“T’Pol it is agreeable to see you..” Koss put on his best polite manner which only made the Human see red. T’Pol shot Trip a telling look and motioned for Koss to join her in the courtyard to continue their discussion. They left, T’Pol followed Koss and closed the door securely behind them. Trip wanted to jump up and listen, but saw momma T’Les watching him curiously from just inside the room. He remained seated and craned his ear to hear.

Kelmouth came over and sat beside him. He growled trying to get the young man’s attention, but became an impediment to his real task.

“Keller, Hush, will ya?” (T’Pol’s gonna tell this guy to go packing and I want to hear it.) Keller seemed to understand for his growling ceased.

In the courtyard, T’Pol followed Koss at a noticeable distance. He stopped and tried to bridge some of that gap. She halted too.

“I want to hear about your life aboard the human ship.” Koss started with small talk hoping to ease T’Pol’s angered feelings toward him. “You must have many fascinating stories.”

A long silence passed then. “Why are you here?” T’Pol asked bluntly.

“The answer should be obvious” He returned with a bit of surprise

“You received my letters...You know I’m not interested in marriage.” T’Pol kept her hands clasped tightly behind her back.

“The decision isn’t ours alone. My parents believe in the old traditions. For them... a betrothal cannot simply be dismissed.” He was even toned and somewhat superior.

“You have the option of choosing another mate.” Her voice grew tired of covering this subject.

“I don’t want another mate.” He stated plainly.

T’Pol circled in place turning her back to him..... then started “ You should be aware, I have been ill recently.”

“Ill?” He said with slight concern.

“It could take some time for me to recover, assuming it is even possible.” She continued playing a bluffer’s hand.

“I can help.” He called and raised as he continued. “My father’s a man of influence. He knows the finest doctors in the province. I intend to go through with this.” He straightened with hands clasped in a similar fashion.

“What if I declared the Kali’fi?” She wheeled around and stared him directly in the eyes. ( I see you and raise you) T’Pol knew she was reaching.

“Is that what you want.....a fight to the death?” He started almost patronizing. “Perhaps your Human friend would make a suitable challenger?”

“You find this amusing...” She held a hiss to her voice.

“No... Call a challenger if you wish....I’ll do what ever is necessary...” ( It was “all in” time) T’Pol knew she had the weaker hand.

“It’s best if you leave.” She declared looking at the coble stone to avoid his gaze.

Koss turned to go.... He stopped just in the doorway to the street.
“I may be able to help you.......The Tribunal and all...”

“I do not require your help.” She almost spit at him.

“What about your mother.... can you help her too?” He continued looking out at the street.

“What do you mean?” She asked annoyed.

“I can keep them from bringing her to Tribunal too.”

“She’s done nothing wrong.... There is no logical reason for her to be brought to tribunal...” T’Pol thought he was bluffing.

“She’s under suspicion...it is only a matter of time.” He looked at her from the door way and walked back toward her.

“Why?”

“I’ve said more than I should.” Koss walked right up to her.

“If we were to marry, you’d only have to live on Vulcan for one year. You could resume your career with Star Fleet after that.” He went to touch her and found she jerked back from his advances.

“Is that what you want.....an absent wife?” She shot daggers at him and his dishonorable proposal.

“I want you to be happy.” He reached out an arm again, still not reaching her.

“You should go.” T’Pol stated looking down to the ground and bringing her arms to wrap around herself for comfort. Koss saw her dismayed demeanor and left the courtyard.

T’Pol knew that if she returned into the house, Trip would be all over her. During this interaction, Kelmouth scratched at the side portal and T’Les let him out. He waited patiently for T’Pol to sneak out the side gate and together the two of them walked the hot desert sands.

When they returned, T’Pol entered the dwelling. As expectant ,Trip was right to her side asking all kinds of questions. T’Les saw the interaction and left the room to afford them some privacy.

“Well.... What did that son..of..a..bitch want?” Trip’s anger was made only greater by her disappearance for the long period of time.

T’Pol told him some of what was said, leaving out the blackmail. She told him that she asked him to leave, but that his words upset her. That on top of the tension she was feeling about the tribunal, she needed to walk the desert to get her emotions calmed again. That seemed to calm Trip down a bit. He slipped her a brief touch when he was sure Momma Vulcan wasn’t around. T’Pol excused herself to begin getting ready for her court date. Trip went into the kitchen to break down her mom’s food synthesizer as he promised yesterday.


Chapter 12

The trip to the Vulcan High Command was unusually quick this morning. T’Pol dressed in her standard Sub Commander uniform, was able to make the meeting in record time. She waited in the empty Council Chamber for what seemed to be hours. It was long a psychological ploy of the Vulcans to keep their opponents waiting to help improve their position in logic. Delays often created frustration, which the Vulcan’s could then capitalize on the emotions by remaining calm and unaffected.

T’Pol knew this from her time at the Embassy and didn’t allow her nervousness to take control. The appointed time was 10:30 hours and it was already. 11:10AM. T’Pol thought of leaving but knew it would not solidify her position by not being present. She sat unyieldingly straight backed with fingers steepled, trying to meditate. The door slid open and she brought her attention back to the proceeding.

Instead of the usual council board of 12, a single councilman made his way through the door. He walked directly up to T’Pol and addressed her in an informal manner.

“T’Pol....” The older Vulcan stood before her.

“Councilman Kelmir.” T’Pol remained straight hands to her sides.

Kelmir was a tall man like his son with strikingly handsome older features, silverish gray hair in cropped military style. He wore the brown leather robes of a diplomat, the embossed Vulcan symbols on the lapel.

T’Pol awaited his explanations, the councilman stayed silent. After a moment she broke.

“Councilman... I was under the assumption I was to be here for my tribunal at 10:30 hours. Have these proceedings changed?”

“I have requested a delay in the proceedings to investigate the accusations further.” He looked at her evenly.

“Why was I not made aware of the change?” She folded her hands behind her to give the air of relaxed confidence.

“I wished to speak with you about a matter.” He stated and T’Pol knew she didn’t want to hear it. She remained quiet.

“Despite the accusations against you, T’Pol... I still feel a union between you and my son would be a logical one.” He shuffled a bit and looked to the floor under T’Pol’s unyielding stare.

“In fact I could use my influence to make this whole tribunal matter go away if you would simply honor your father’s agreement with my family and go through with the marriage.”

T’Pol looked at him disgusted. It was very illogical for the High Command to resort to blackmail. But remembering P’Jem she knew it wasn’t beyond their methods either. She wasn’t about to take it.

He continued...”I would even see your commission with the High Command be reinstated without demotion. You could pick up where you left off 3 years ago.” He straightened waiting for her response.

“I’ve been offered a commission with Star Fleet..... I am considering it. It would allow me to continue my exploration with the Human ship.” She lifted her chin in a defiant stance.

“Yes....I have heard you are exploring many things with the Humans....” He said quite riley. “You have been seen about town unescorted with your Human colleague. This is against our customs and does not speak well for one of noble blood.

T’Pol turned to him. “It is illogical to assume, that if I have been allowed to serve with Humans for the last 3 years, I would require an escort now when I am on my home world. My colleague, Commander Tucker, and I have worked for many years closely together. He has never disrespected my heritage, or me, so I see no reason why I should put him through that embarrassment.

“You do not see any reason?” He asked quite astonished.

“Your heritage is your reason. You are a descendent of Surak, T’Pol. You of all people should know that acting correctly is a must in a well ordered logical society.” He straightened as if trying to be superior in his judgments.

“I have not acted inappropriately.” She blinked slowly as if tired of hearing the same old argument. My work aboard Enterprise, also my work with the High Command has been for the betterment of my people.” She regained her intensity and took a step forward toward him entering his personal space.

“If we hadn’t destroyed the Spheres, then Vulcan would have been one of many worlds destroyed by their devastating effects.” She continued with renewed fervor.

“We in a sense saved Vulcan from its own short sightedness. The High Command was unwilling to help the Humans in the expanse.” T’Pol took it too far.

“Pride....Is that what you have learned from the Humans?” He raised an upswept eyebrow.

“I am merely stating fact. Command Tucker and I were the ones assigned to destroy the spheres. We work hard, created a plan and enacted it. It was successful.”

“Yes but all the other crewmembers on that ship....they did nothing?” He was playing a game of psychological logic. A game he knew all too well.

“The entire crew of the Enterprise worked valiantly in this endeavor” She corrected.

“Yes, but you only stated yourselves.” (Check) “That is pride.”

“Call it what you will Councilman, I do not feel my actions inappropriate during my time aboard Enterprise.”

“And the destruction of the monastery at P’Jem, that was not inappropriate?” He was trying to make her defensive... it was working.

“Going against the treaty with the Andorians and hiding a highly sophisticated spy station beneath a cherished sanctuary was dishonorable, let alone illogical. Some one would have eventually discovered it. In the meantime, the monks there were being abused by frequent raids, because of the Andorian’s suspicions and the High Command did nothing to stop it.” Fire burned in T’Pol’s eyes as she recounted the matter.

“So your Human friends helped them.” He continued. “By exposing the spy station and getting the monastery destroyed.”

“My Human friends were under attack... They found a door and thought it was a possible means to escape. They hit the button, and imagine their surprise, that the Vulcans of all people, lied about the monastery’s true practices.” She raged at him, more frustrated by his lack of honor.

“You are very close to being emotional, T’Pol.... I suggest you meditate long into the evening to regain your control.” His voice became even and condescending. “Yet another reason you should consider honoring your father’s agreement and marrying my son. You have spent far too much time with these Humans, it would appear.”

“I have told Koss that he is free to choose another mate. I do not intend to marry. As for my commission in the High Command, it is no less important than a commission with Star Fleet. I feel I would be better served assisting the Humans in their endeavors. The fact that we are allies makes it of the greatest importance that we assist them. That would further relations between our two peoples.”

“And being removed from your home world is that what you want?” He added a bit of pressure.

“If you choose to do this, Councilman that is your choice. It would not bode well with the public for you to remove a royal and ban them from their home world, but you do have that authority. I stand behind my logic, as did my ancestors before me.” He eyed her with bemused interest.

“My work is crucial for the betterment of Human Vulcan relations. I am merely doing my job. I have not acted dishonorably or disrespectful. It is illogical to see it any other way.” He remained silent as she spoke.

“Now if there is nothing further......” T’Pol turned to leave but was called back by his words.

“But what of your mother?” He stated, just above a whisper.

Turning, her voice grew dim with the increasing dread that was building inside. “Meaning.”

“Will her actions fair as honorably?”

“What actions are you referring too?” T’Pol was taken aback.

“Your mother’s investigation is not open for discussion, however it would behoove you to think of the shame she will have to face being that she is a queen to her people.” He turned away playing his trump card.

“Her actions have been under surveillance for quite some time and I am afraid it won’t favor as well for her... She has no Human ship to run off too.” He added rudely.

T’Pol grew silent....Her head reeling with a mixture of confusion, anger and disgust. Kilmir saw this and moved into take the pot.

“I could slow down this investigation....possible even quell it completely, if I were to know you were honorable in your marriage agreement.” T’Pol looked at him in horror. Was he really trying to blackmail her?”

“I see no logic in this marriage.” She stated plainly.

“I see a great deal of logic.... This marriage would solidify our two families. You noble blood line and my family’s political stature would enhance both our family’s futures. An offspring from this union would be virtually undefeatable in any form of Vulcan society. You must look at things logically. Break them down, not follow the Human’s emotional way of getting caught up in sentiment.” He turned and looked at her from behind the judicial bench for effect.

“Are you saying you plan to convict my mother if I refuse this marriage?” She asked, her eyes to the floor frantically searching for an escape.

“I am implying nothing...I simply feel you both are being unfairly judged and wish to lend some assistance, that is if you can prove to me that you are truly honorable enough to warrant it.” He tipped his head and raised his brows slightly. This gave him a sinister look that chilled T’Pol to the marrow.

T’Pol fell silent, Kilmir knew she was not yet convinced.

“If you choose to marry Koss, you may continue with your work for now. You can return to the Human ship until Koss enters his first Plak'tau, then all ties with the Earth vessel and the Humans must end.”

T’Pol swallowed the scream she felt threatening her throat.

“I feel this, an honorable bargain for the safety and security of your family’s name. But I must have your answer now.” T’Pol looked at him in shock.

“If this marriage were to take place before the tribunal convenes in 3 days time, I would be forced to rethink its validity. Disparaging my extended family’s name would be illogical to both our futures.” The councilman could feel his victory coming. He simply had to wait for it.

T’Pol turned to leave... She was again stopped by his words.

“T’Pol....I am in need of your answer.” He commanded.

T’Pol simply nodded softly then exited the room. Her heart was drowning in the sadness that enveloped her. She knew she would never love Koss, but could not let her mother pay the price for her illogically falling in love with a Human. T’Pol returned home and instead of entering the dwelling, she walked the desert once again, a familiar kitty at her side.

End Part 3



Part IV (Chapters 13-16)

Part II (Chapters 6-9)

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Nine of you have made comments

OMG....

I see it all ending the same way... Koss just needs to die.

NOOOOOOOOO!!!! Don't do it, don't let her marry Koss!

Can't wait for the next part!

PLEASE don't let it end the same way!!!!!

Nooooooooo! Come on, this is supposed to be ANOTHER Way Home! You can't let it happen AGAIN, that would just be cruel! BTW, excellent story, liked the citrus touch! :)

Wow, and the Vulcans don't see anything wrong in their logic? They truly are just as lost as the Humans once were... and the sad part is they don't even seem to care. Great story, can't wait for the next part!

And the citrus just cracked me up big time!!!!!! LOL

no, no. don't ruin my day, it cannot be true, I rely on you, please , I love haaappyyyyyy endings, so you know what to do, btw. thanks a lot, I know how it ends, love will win.,

You are so mean. It better be true that what we are all waiting for is good.

The story ran long, so I had to break it up. Don't worry, I have never split the two before and I am not about to start. I even added an Epilogue that will leave you rolling in the isles. I promise, you'll love it. T.

Ok Now youve gone and pissed me off. Bugger, Cant that Koss guy and his grab ass family keep their crappy genetics away from Polly? I still say a smart,intelligent, resourcefull, and well trained Human Starfleet officer could take out a Vulcan if they used Illogic agaisnt the said Vulcan in the Kali’fi Have Trip cut Koss right up the middle or atleast cut of a certin part so he can never threatin Polly with his crappy genetics again. Please updat soon and solve this problem soon!!!!!!