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Another Way Home - Part IV

Author - TLR
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Another Way Home

By: TLR

Rated : PG mild language
Disclaimer: Enterprise is the property of UPN and Paramount Productions
Summary: This story picks up where Part 3 left off. Sorry gang about the tears, but when a story gets past 20 pages, it is better to cut it up. Not to mention, I kept you on the edge of your seats for 2 days. A little payback for the sore fingers and red eyes this story is causing me. (Ever had a charlie horse in your pinky finger, very painful.....)

Anyway... It’s looking grim for our lovebirds. T’Pol has agreed to the wedding and that it needs to occur before the tribunal convenes in 3 days time. Trip doesn’t know yet and T’Les is in danger of being convicted of a crime if T’Pol were to back out of her agreement and run off with the more handsome Human of her dreams. That about covers it...lets get back to the show.....

Date: March 25th, 2005

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Part IV


Chapter 13

When T’Pol came back to the dwelling, she wanted to see Trip. Needed his arms about her but found him resting. Her mind still reeled and she needed the council of someone right now. T’Pol sought out her mother who was meditating in the atrium. She stopped in the doorway and silently awaited her chance to speak.

“It’s very difficult to meditate with you standing there.” She stated eyes still closed and hands steepled atop her prayer-witz that lay on her lap.
T’Pol entered the room and took a cushion beside her.

“I am told you are under investigation by the High Command.” T’Pol wanted to know if the accusations Councilman Kelmir stated were real.

“That’s not exactly true.” T’Les clasped her hands and placed them quietly on the pillow.
“I was under investigation from the Security Ministry. They claimed that I had taken restricted data from the academy archives.” T’Pol looked shocked.

“Did you?” She asked

“No” T’Les turned her head hiding her shame from her daughter.

“I don’t understand?” T’Pol looked around the floor in desperation.

“Their accusations were fabricated.” Her mom was still not looking her in the eye.

“Why would the ministry do this?” T’Les shot her daughter a telling look.

“It’s because of me...” Came the haunting realization. “They blamed me for the incident at P’Jem.”

“After the monastery was destroyed, the first minister was dismissed. You’ve made many enemies here.” She turned to look at T’Pol who had circled nervously behind her.

“They couldn’t reach me on Enterprise, so they’re trying to punish you.” T’Pol’s anger was showing. “It’s criminal !......How could you let them do this?”

“You’ve changed....your emotions were always close to the surface, but you managed to suppress them..... I don’t believe it has everything to do with the Trellium.....It’s because of this Commander Tucker isn’t it? He’s the reason you refused to bond with Koss.” T’Les was now sensing the thing that was puzzling her early this morning.

“Do you really believe that a Human and a Vulcan can have a future together? Imagine the shame your children would endure,....assuming that the two of you can have children.” T’Pol’s mom was scathing in her admonishment, not seeing the overwhelming sadness her daughter already carried from this morning’s decision.

“That wouldn’t be your concern.” T’Pol returned, now more angered that she had to give up her life for a parent who clearly didn’t care about her daughter’s happiness. She walked off, clasping her hands tightly about herself imagining they were Trip’s and she was once more in his arms.


Chapter 14

When Trip awoke... he immediately searched the house and found T’Pol sitting in the courtyard, curled up with Keller. She sat squat legged with the huge kitty leaning heavily up against her. She rested her head deep into his fur and looked blankly ahead. Something in Trip knew that things didn’t go well, but wondered if she’d be in any mood to talk about it. T’Les was in the other room, cleaning fresh picked produce from the garden. Trip slipped out the door, eyeing behind him, and made his way over to where she sat.

She still didn’t hear him... (that’s not a good sign) He thought. He sat down on the slab beside her. “T’Pol” He called softly. No response.

“T’Pol” again he spoke her name, this time lightly touching her on the shoulder. She jumped in a start.

“Woe” He stated putting both his hands on her shoulders. “It’s just me...”


“Trip” She returned as she eased herself back onto the floor.

“Boy, are you wound.... Things must not have gone well at the Tribunal.....They gonna kick you off the planet?” He asked wanting to take her in his arms, but knowing that T’Les was probably watching their every movement from the doorway.

“The Tribunal has been postponed for 3 days.” T’Pol wasn’t willing to let her news out just yet. She needed to be alone to tell him and this wasn’t the place to do it.

“Nice of them to let you know..... You went all the way into town, to find out that you got 3 more days...” Trip had had it up to here with Vulcan political game playing. “What’s that some more of their flawless logic, to make sure you got the message.”

T’Pol looked up at him tired and saddened. Trip saw it in her eyes and now didn’t care for his safety from the older Vulcan matriarch. He laid a hand on her shoulder and leaned down to brush a cheek to her hair. He lingered knowing he was loosing all hopes of making it right with her mom, but didn’t care.

“What’s ya say we get outta here..... Still wantta go sightsee’n?” He asked a bit of smile on his lips.

She nodded, then indicated her need to go get the necessary equipment. In a few moments, they were on their way to the far end of the province outside the city of Te’Rikh. There they left their land transport for an elevation one. Normally the steps to Mount Seleya numbered in the several hundreds, and Vulcan’s would simply walk them as a practice in physical control. But with the advent of Humans touring the planet, elevation craft were incorporated to allow Humans access to a few areas of the ceremonial center. The actual ritual grounds remained off limits. But the view from the top was breath taking by all accounts, and Trip just couldn’t leave Vulcan without seeing it.

They exited the transport and finished up the last 2 dozen steps on foot. At the top, they made their way over to the edge of the plateau. The scene was magnificent.

(It looks like you could see the entire planet), Trip thought....A lot like the view of the Grand Canyon, but to a much greater extent.

Different rings of color formed as the elevation increased. They seemed like a giant rainbow below them. They started at white, to yellow to orange, to blue and even violet as they climbed higher into the sky.

“This is gorgeous. I’ve never seen anythin’ like it.” Trip was in awl of this site, but T’Pol just wanted to hurl herself off the cliff. This was a place of solitude for her... in the past she found the answers to what warred within her here, but today it would not happen.

“What is this.........., a place of meditation...contemplation?” He asked and T’Pol nodded.

“It is also a place to pay respects to our honored dead. The color bands were said to be a stairway to the afterlife where they would meet Kwohk’a, a mythical guardian spirit. She fell silent again while Trip digested the information. He held an amazed smile, but she looked as though her world was coming to an end.

Her mind was in pain, knowing the news she had to tell Trip would break his heart. He would never recover. She felt torn between her two worlds. One, which held a wonderfully caring man who would be devastated if she left. The other where her mother stood alone and defenseless. T’Pol slowly died more and more inside with each passing moment. Her silence caught Trip’s attention back from the scenery. He looked around for any onlookers and found none. Slowly he eased behind her and brought his arms about her waist.

“This help’n those worries of yours?” he whispered in her hair, brushing a kiss on her uniquely pointed ear. T’Pol shivered, as if brought back to life by this wondrous gesture.

Trip looked around again, the coast was still clear. He turned T’Pol in his arms and brought her into a warm hug. She eased enjoying all that his warmth offered.

“Wantta tell me about it?” He asked. “You and your mom okay?” Trip wondered if something other than the tribunal bothered her, knowing the conversation he had with T’Les the other day in the kitchen.

T’Pol lingered in his arms a few more moments, savoring what she knew would be the last time there. Then slowly she eased herself out of them and brushed her lips to his.

“I must speak with you about something.” Trip didn’t like the sound of that, but listened intently. He kept a hand on her arm as she turned to face away from him.

“I spoke with Koss’ father today.... in the Council Chambers. He is one of the judges.....”

“God...not them again..... How in the hell ya hope to get a fair trial with him on the jury?” Trip was getting mad, and knew it wasn’t helping her.

“He is the chief justice on the case.” She corrected him which only made him angrier.

“What did he have to say.... Or don’t I want to know?” Trip was feeling an insurmountable dread building within him and fought to keep it under control.

“He wanted to speak to me about measures to end this tribunal.....” She stated trying not to let her feelings show.

“Now he wants to end it?..... Wait... What does he want to end it?” Trip grew more anxious.

“He wants me to honor my father’s contract and marry Koss.”

Trip exploded. “Gees...will these guys ever give up..... I hope you told him what he could do with it.......” Trip came round to her and glared at her face for answers. T’Pol remained silent.

“T’Pol.....you did tell him he could go to Hell didn’t you?” Trip was going from anger to astonishment. Again her silence held.

T’Pol closed her eyes as Trip circled, standing with his back to her, looking out into the amazingly brilliant sky. His eyes grew watery in anticipation. After long moments more she started.

“I have decided to marry Koss..” She said with tears threatening her voice.

“Marry Him?” Trip was too hurt to speak above a whisper.

“If I join his family, his father will see to it all charges against me are dropped. His father is a senior Councilman with a great deal of influence.”
T’Pol managed to get the words out of her closing throat.

“I don’t get it.... Are they forcing you to do this?” He asked looking back at her, as she stood in the distance.

“The decision was mine... My mother could be dishonored because of my actions.” She tried to explain, but Trip was getting angry.

“You told me three years ago, you didn’t even love this guy... I thought we had something.... that we were getting closer.....” He fell off wanting to cry, but his stoic male side fought to keep it in.

“You just gonna leave Star Fleet and move back to Vulcan..?” He continued.

“I’ve been negotiating with Koss’ father...” She started and was cut off.

“Negotiating...?” Trip said, somewhat hurt.

“He’s agreed we won’t have to reside together.....not right away... I’ll remain on Enterprise for the time being.....” She continued defensively and was cut off again.

“That real generous of 'em...” Trip returned in sarcasm, shock settling into heartache.

A long silence passed.... “Trip I have to do this.......for many reasons.”

“And how am I supposed to take this.....?” He asked shakily.

“I’m sorry....” She tried to ease his pain without result.

“You’re sorry....” His anger was building being fed by the pain.

“You brought me 16 light years just to watch you get married to someone you barely know......And if you knew you were marrying him.... Than why the hell did you let us....... What was that supposed to be.... a going away present?” Trip turned again toward the cavern, his hands on his hips....He too was contemplating the jump, but more over was wondering how the woman he loved could hurt him so badly.

T’Pol’s eyes overflowed with tears. She had tried valiantly, but her sadness was too great even for her finely honed Vulcan controls. She’d long since stopped trying to wipe them away. She thought a moment and felt that Trip at least deserved the truth......She took a long breath.

“I have to do this Trip....... They are targeting my mother...”

Trip looked back at her as she turned to face him. He saw the long streams of tears and wanted nothing more than to kiss them away. Even from a distance, he could feel the waves of depression that emanated from her.

“They are planning to put your mom on trial?” He asked... T’Pol simply nodded. He went to her and took her in his arms. His own pain lessened, now he had hers to contend with.

“Why is this guy so hot to get you to marry his son?” Trip murmured in pure frustration.

“Because our union would increase his political powers...” She uttered back clinging to his chest.

“How?” Trip was desperately searching for a way out of this for them both.

“My family is of noble heritage, Koss’ is of high ranking political stature. A marriage would improve Kelmir’s standing in the public. Any offspring from the union would be virtually undefeatable in any realm of Vulcan society.

“It’s a power struggle....?” Trip’s anger was growing uncontrollable.

“Trip” she whispered trying to quell his raw emotions, right now this was too much for her to handle.

He shook his head and hugged her harder.... “I can’t believe I’m gonna loose you to a political play...” He thought a moment. “What have they got on your mother?”

“The security ministry has fabricated charges that she stole restricted data from the academy archives. This is a much more serious charge which could end with her serving time for treason.” T’Pol’s tears were beginning to drench his shirt. He rubbed her back trying to sooth her. Trip knew this was a much more serious matter than simply being booted off your home world. He now began to understand what pressure drove T’Pol to make this decision. They stood together for the longest time, not minding whoever saw them there.

When the air became cold, they turned to leave. The ride home was a quiet one, Trip took the controls of the transport and T’Pol simply peered out the window feeling as hopeless as she looked. When they arrived, both went to their respective quarters and didn’t return for the evening meal.
*******************************************************************

Chapter 15

By mid morning the next day, T’Les had seen neither Trip nor T’Pol. Both held up in their rooms refusing all contact, even from Kelmouth. The cat paced nervously between the two quarters trying to gain entry and help at least one of them. The older woman had her morning meal in silence and was done her meditation when the first of the two mopers appeared in the main living quarters.

“Good morning Commander.” T’Les tried to open, but fell silent when she saw his features. His eyes were puffy and reddened. His face was pale in comparison, and his expression exuded the great distress he held inside.

“Yeah..” He offered heading for the courtyard. Kelmouth ran behind him.

T’Les thought of giving him his privacy, but clearly the young Human was in distress. She felt he could benefit from her logic and followed after a short period of time.

Trip sat on his favorite bench with Kelmouth there trying to get his attention by rubbing its head to his hand. The Human wasn’t taking the bait...He sat there motionless, looking much like a statue.....One that reflected great pain.

“You are disturbed by my daughter’s plans to marry Koss?” She asked him, Trip just kept staring forward.

“T’Pol told you huh...” he replied.

“No... I haven’t seen my daughter... The communiqué’ came from Councilman Kelmir advising me on the date and time.” She offered, getting little response out of the man.

“When..” His voice was weak.

“Tomorrow.....Mid day.” T’Les felt a bit uneasy relaying this to the Human. It seemed to make him wince when she said it.

After many moments of silence, T’Les hadn’t moved, Trip decided to address the source of the problem.

“Aren’t you bothered by the fact that T’Pol doesn’t even care for this guy?” He asked her astonished that a mom would allow her daughter to be bought like a piece of real estate.

“She’s fulfilling her family obligations.” T’Les straightened as if uncomfortable with the line she just told the Human.

“I met my husband only once before we were joined.... In time we developed a deep connection to each other.” She tried to educate him on the Vulcan custom.

“Yeah........well maybe she’d rather make a connection with someone else.” Trip looked up at her, his agony was overwhelming and T’Les had to turn away.

She turned back after collecting her thoughts. “Have you informed T’Pol?”

“Informed her of what?” He asked.

“You’re in love with her.....” she stated quickly noting a surprised look from the young engineer.

“Vulcan’s may not express their emotions, but we are sensitive to them.”
She watched as he tried to form the answer to her question.

“I don’t think I knew it until we were standing on that mountain and she told me she was gonna marry Koss.” He searched the ground. “That’s when it hit me...I was gonna loose her. I wanted to tell her right there, but ....I couldn’t.” He breathed a defeated sigh.

T’Les started for the door way to give him some privacy then stopped. “There’s still time.” she added.

Trip looked surprised. “I thought you didn’t approve?”

“I may not condone your relationship, but it is important for her to have all the facts.” T’Les strode up to him. For a moment she looked as if she was going to put a hand on his shoulder, but restrained herself, staying very close though.

“If I say anything, T’Pol might call off the wedding...Or worse not call it off. The Council would go after you for treason. She’s got enough pressure on her as it is.” Trip looked deep into her eyes, and for the first time saw a loving mother standing before him. T’Les was overwhelmed by this man’s selflessness. (He would truly allow himself this heartache, to ease the pain on her daughter......Amazing.....Human.)

Trip got up and left the courtyard. He walked through the back gate and T’Les motioned for Kelmouth to guard him on his journey. She then retrieved a few items and headed for the transport.


Chapter 16

Trip came back to the house with Keller at his side. The cat had been relentless, keeping him from falling into gorges, holes and loose sand pits. Trip thought he was trying to play, but when he realized that this planet held dangers he was not aware of, the cat’s insistence to return home seemed a good idea.

He walked back into the gate, his skin was sun burnt, his lips cracked and his throat feeling like sand paper. One would think by his appearance that he’d been out there for days, instead of just a few hours. T’Pol had been right about needing to keep water with him, but in Trip’s state he wasn’t thinking about preparedness training.

As he arrived in the kitchen, he saw a familiar form beside the portal. T’Pol stood staring out into the desert sunshine. She looked gaunt, small and quite a bit defenseless. He was drawn to her immediately.

He hugged her, not caring anymore about correctness. She wasn’t married yet....

“At least we have until tomorrow.” He whispered...and felt her shaking.

He turned her toward him and held her tighter. Her eyes bore the scars of a thousand tears, never to be the same warm brown again. He rocked her gently as if he could make anything better. He knew he couldn’t.

“I never meant to hurt you....”she managed, her throat tight and words difficult.

“I know...... This wasn’t your choice...” Trip squeezed her tighter.

She looked up at him and noticed his appearance. With care, she traced the cracks of his lips with a single elegant finger. “You need water...” She moved from his embrace and began to get it.

T’Les entered the room.... They both looked to her.

“I would speak with you both...” she announced and returned to the living area. T’Pol gave Trip some water and he followed her into the other room.

They sat beside her on a long cushioned bench. There was a long silence, as T’Les took in the great waves of sadness emanating from the children.
She watched as Trip took T’Pol’s hand unafraid of doing so anymore.

She spoke. “I have arranged passage for you both on an Arillian Freighter. It leaves from the port of Han’shir for Jupiter station this evening at 2200 hours. From there you can manage your own transportation back to Earth.”

Trip and T’Pol both looked at her in astonishment. “Mother....” T’Pol whispered. T’Les raised her hand.

“It is not logical what the High Command is doing....I will not be apart of it, but if you don’t leave Vulcan now, you may not have a choice.” She shot them both a telling gaze. They sat in silence, unable to bring their thoughts into words.

“After you board the freighter, I will send a message to Koss’ family that you were called back to Enterprise emergently......” She looked straight to Trip.

“Commander it would help matters if someone might send a message verifying that.”

“I know just the gal....It’ll be done.” Trip added with a hint of hopefulness. Hoshi could always say it was a mistake.

“Thank you” she returned much to his amazement.

“Also keep my daughter away from the Vulcan Consulate. Although I know Soval would be trustworthy, the other members may be in league with the High Command.” Trip nodded.

T’Pol looked at her mother, tears forming again. “Mother, they are targeting you... I can not leave you like this....”

T’Les eased her features to that of warmth and reassurance. “Don’t worry daughter....I will be fine. I will not allow them to do to me what they are trying to do to you....”

“How ya gonna avoid a trial?” Trip asked.... “This is your home world....Where would you go?”

“I will not leave my people... It’s doubtful that they will pursue me once T’Pol has left.... I have done nothing disrespectful and they would be hard pressed to prove otherwise.” T’Les held conviction in her voice, but Trip knew this was an act to get her daughter onto that freighter. Trip also knew that the High Command wasn’t past fabricating and persecuting anyone that angered them. He looked at T’Pol who was returning his skeptical look at her mother. T’Les continued.

“Regardless,.....I have friends who will help me.” She threw back her head and stared defiantly down her nose at the young one’s doubt.

T’Les leaned in near T’Pol. She took the young one’s face into her hands and looked directly into her eyes. They remained quiet for a long moment and Trip watched this unusual communication in awl.

(I’ll be fine....Mhy’all (my little one).....) came the message of love through their bond. (do not worry about me......follow your heart.) And with that she removed one hand. T’Les brushed her daughter’s cheek with the back of her hand. She then took two fingers and placed them to T’Pol’s forehead much the way a Human mom would place a kiss there.

Mom now looked at Trip...”You will take good care of my daughter.” She said charging him with the most precious thing in her life....

“Yes...Ma’am.” He returned solemnly. “I’ll protect her with my life.”

T’Les nodded her understanding.

“Ma’am.....you run into trouble.... You know you’ll always have a home on Earth... with us....” Trip started wanting her to know they weren’t deserting her.

“Human’s don’t do this kinda thing.” He added to make her feel safe. “They are very receptive people.... I’m sure you’d be okay there.” Trip was starting to worry about her safety as well. This T’Les couldn’t let affect their leaving.

Mom nodded softly...”I have somewhere to go Commander.” She said reassuring him that his job was to get her daughter safely away from here.
“I’ll be fine. I just want to know my daughter will be all right.”

“Yes Ma’am.... she will be.” He said earnestly.

T’Les took two fingers and placed them on his cheek. He felt a vibrant sensation run through him, a warmth much like he felt in T’Pol’s arms, but this one an acceptance of sorts.

T’Les looked one last time to her daughter. T’Pol’s eyes were full of tears, they rolled down her cheek and bounced off the fabric of her top. Mom wiped them away once more then got up and left the room. Kelmouth ran after her in haste indicating that she too would not be able to control her sadness much longer.

Leaving the room, the last words she spoke were. “You’d better hurry, you have a long journey.... there is little time.....Mhy’all”

Trip watched T’Pol sit there, tears replacing the ones her mom had wiped dry. He placed a protective arm about her shoulder, still in total disbelief that her mother had instigated their escape. He pulled her into his arms and held her shaking body until it stilled.

“We’d better hurry” He whispered in her ear and pulled her back a bit to look into her face.

“Don’t worry.... She’ll be okay...” He smiled softly....”She’s a tough lady.... Just like her daughter...”

They stood, and Trip returned to her room to help her pack. Once done, he left her there to gather his things hastily. T’Les never came out of her quarters, as the two left to catch a transport to the remote port city.

Late into the night aboard the freighter, T’Pol lay in Trip’s arms crying opening. He soothed her with his touch and his words. “ I love you, T’Pol”

They remained in their accommodations for the 4 day trip to Jupiter. Once home, Trip borrowed his Uncle’s small place in Arizona. He and T’Pol laid low until it was time for them to reboard the Enterprise.

Weeks of communiqué’s trying to track down the wayward Vulcan were rerouted by an expert communication’s officer...sighting comm difficulties. All, except one that found its way right to their hideout. It read simply:

I’m all right........Am among friends.... and Keller sends his regards........Mom...

The End Part 4

Don’t forget the Epilogue.
(See I told ya it would be okay....)

Epilogue.



Epilogue

Return to Part III (Chapters 10-12)

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