Little Lizzie - Part 5

Little Lizzie

By: TLR

Rate PG: mild adult content
Disclaimer: Enterprise is the property of UPN and Paramount Pictures.

Summary: This story picks up where “Little Lizzie part 4” left off. Our two resident parents are learning to work together at raising this special little girl. In the process they are learning more about themselves and each other. Meanwhile the rest of the crew are still chomping at the bit to get to see the illusive little Lizzie. Enjoy.
May 23rd, 2005

Part 5

Dreaming

Trip was in a play yard pushing his now 6 year old brown haired daughter on the swing. The day was full of sunshine and no one around noticed the obvious difference between father and daughter. She grinned up at him upside down each time he’d push her away and giggle widely at the height she was getting with his help. Lizzie was an adventurous one, as long as she had him there to protect her and dad could sense that. He smiled happily back at her as she learned not to be afraid of testing her boundaries.

***

Trip felt a tiny hand grasping at the end of his nose and opened his eyes to find the baby wide eyed and curious about her father's features. Still tucked beneath her mother's arm, where he'd returned her too last night after her feeding, Lizzie got her hands out from beneath the swaddled blankets and was busy going about another day of exploration.

(Morning Munchkin) Trip thought it rather than spoke, trying not to wake the sleeping Vulcan just beyond the child. (What are you doing up, I thought you were sleeping through the night already.)

Trip twisted to see what time it was. 04:45AM. (Well now we know you're an early riser, just like your mom.) He lay there a moment wondering if he could feel any hunger in her. There was none. Trip remembered how her desire to feed hit him like an uncontrollable need last night. He was a bit surprised that T'Pol didn't sense it too, but she was so fatigued, he was glad she was able to sleep on through. To his knowledge, the science officer hadn't stirred throughout the night from her original position.

Trip looked past the baby's head at the face of his bondmate. He never before saw such serenity in her features. She was at peace from what ever seemed to always be warring inside her and the young engineer was loving the view. Another tiny hand came up to try and capture his attention. Lizzie was aiming for his eyes this time. Their blueness caught her sight and she wanted to take them out for a closer look.

(Well what do we have here....... are you jealous I was looking at your mommy?......There is no need to be.....I got plenty of room in my heart for the both of you.) Trip was rewarded with a barrage of burbles and cooing he couldn't help but smile back at. He looked around again for the bunny, seeing it wasn't beside her anymore. While facing away from the little girl, Lizzie reached up and caught a good piece of the upper portion of his ear. She pulled at it then lost her grip as he jerked away in a start.

(Hey there snookems.... that's attached.) Again the babbling started and in his mind Trip could sense the faintest of giggles coming from the child. (What you laughing at now?) Trip was having a great time, for the earliness of the morning, fending off the little girl's roving hands.

(They are aesthetically pleasing...) came a low feminine voice through their bond. This brought on a round of hand and feet dancing by the child knowing now both her parents were awake and ready to play.

"I thought you were asleep?" Trip whispered over to her as T'Pol slowly opened her eyes. Her exhausted hue was gone, but the tension she usually seemed to exhibit around humans wasn't there either.

"I was until you two decided to play." T'Pol offered out a finger to the child and Lizzie grabbed it happily.

"What was that you told her? What are aesthetically pleasing?" He asked knowing the reference was most probably about him.

"Elizabeth finds your rounded ears amusing....she gets happy when she sees them. I believe she has learned to identify you by them."

"All humans have rounded ears.....How will she tell me from anyone else coming to see her...Is she gonna think they are me?" Trip looked into the little girl's face and watched her searching for his ears.

"She only knows yours and mine right now. She will be able to identify you from her bond, but at this time her rudimentary abilities are limited to sight first, then empathic connections." T'Pol ran a hand down the little girl's bottom and checked for wetness. She was dry.

"So you find my ears pleasing?" Trip decided to corner her on that point.

"As ears go, they are a positive feature. However I find most people choose your eye color to be your most fascinating." Trip couldn't believe that his trick to get T'Pol to admit her desire for him turned into a clinical debate on human characteristics.

"So you don't like my eye color?" He asked even more determined to get to her personal thoughts.

"On the contrary, I find the color of your eyes reminiscent of the water of many of earth's oceans..." She redressed the child in some of the blankets that were kicked off moments earlier.

"And that means....you like the color of my eyes?" Trip still wasn't sure if her statement was a compliment or a general fact.

"Yes....that color is a pleasant one." Trip thought he sensed a bit of bemusement coming through their bond. (So this is what is known as a Vulcan sense of humor?) he thought to himself, but found T'Pol's eyes turning up to his just after.

(Damn.....I keep forgetting she can read my mind.)
Trip eased back off the bunk. He reached in and took Lizzie so that T'Pol could get up. "How'd you sleep?" He asked rubbing noses with the little girl.

"Quite well.....I assume Elizabeth ate sometime last night?" She asked knowing all too well she had.

"Yeah.....I felt hungry and woke up....Turns out it was her and I just gave her a bottle. I didn't want to wake you. You were sleeping so well." Trip seemed to be apologizing for his taking the activity away from T'Pol.

"Quite all right.....I was more tired than I had originally realized. It was fortunate that Elizabeth was able to get through to you for her needs. Thank you." T'Pol went about the room gathering up the items she would need to change the baby.

"No need to thank me....I want to help with taking care of her. I just know how much you like the time you spend together....But you really were tired and needed your rest." T'Pol simply nodded her understanding.

"She's quite the early riser....I know I really should be tired but I'm not. Is that part of the bond too?" He asked now holding her against his chest, Lizzie's hands exploring the soft cloth of his tee shirt.

"Partly....your child is awake and could potentially be in harms way by her being unattended, it is natural for a parent to be more alert at those times."

T'Pol took Lizzie and laid her down on the cushions. Like a pro, she changed out her yet unsoiled diaper for a fresh one after re-applying the green goop to her bum.

"What is that stuff?" Trip asked looking a bit disgusted at the putrid looking salve.

"It is an emollient commonly used by Vulcan's who reside in a Human environment. Your atmosphere is much more humid than we are accustomed too, so we must protect ourselves from various forms of fungus and molds that could damage our skin." She handed him the flask and moved to finish dressing the child in warmer clothing.

"You use this stuff too?" He asked taking a whiff at the top of the bottle. It smelled of cucumbers, not her normal smell.

"Yes.... On occasion when I am going into a particularly moist environment, however for everyday activities, I use a less strong preparation." T'Pol pointed over to the purple jar that had elegant gold Vulcan symbols embossed on the side. Trip reached for that one and studied it. This one had a light citrus scent and he recognized it instantly as what always played with his senses whenever she was around.

"I can try and make your quarters drier if you'd like." Trip the dad turned into the ship's engineer again briefly.

"Not necessary....I have become accustomed to the difference, but thank you."

T'Pol stretched slightly and began rubbing at the back of her neck. Trip noticed as he rocked the baby back and forth. "You okay?" He could feel her tight muscles now through their bond.

"I must have slept hard." She replied again rubbing at her shoulders now.

"Well....why don't you grab yourself a hot shower....We got time before the mess opens up...I'll watch Lizzie out here." Trip took hold of the bunny, Ping and held it within the little one's range. T'Pol, unsure watched the two playing with the toy and decided that his recommendation would probably do her a world of good.

T'Pol set a bottle inside the bassinette. She looked at them again, sensing that her daughter was blissfully happy with her circumstances and all too engrossed in trying to grab the rabbit's fuzzy cheek. The first officer then went to her bureau and retrieved several items, one of which included a clean folded uniform. She picked up the purple jar as she passed the pair and headed into the bathroom. "If you require anything..." Trip just nodded.

Moments after T'Pol left the room, Lizzie began to search for her mom. Trip worried for a moment he'd have an all out riot on his hands, but was determined to handle it.

"Hey Lizzie......look at the funny bunny." Trip shook the item before her.
The infant would have nothing to do with it. Again she looked around and turned her head at the sound of the water being activated.

(Damn.....she's got T'Pol's hearing as well.)

Trip stood up and began to pace with the child. Hoping to distract her, he walked round and round the cabin. It didn't work, for every time he moved near the bathroom, the baby would get excited and every time he went past it, she would crane her head around to see it again.

(I know honey, but mom needs a break....play with your daddy for a while....please.) The little one didn't budge. Finally Trip decided that maybe being nearer to her mom was all Lizzie required.

He walked over to the bathroom archway and tried his best not to intrude on the Vulcan's privacy. But when his movements stopped, the little girl grew impatient and she began to physically fuss. "All right...All right" Trip edged closer...which won him a momentary reprieve, but just a moment.

Finally, Trip was standing in the bathroom doorway. Lizzie suddenly caught sense of her mom's presence and calmed. Trip wondered if the bulkheads made it hard for the child to sense T'Pol, cause it was clear she couldn't see her from this position, but he could. Through the frosted glass of the shower, Trip caught sight of her posterior. Her head was beneath the water and he could feel her eyes closed in pure relaxation. She was enjoying her time, and so was he.

She stepped closer to the glass as she backed out of the direct stream, and her definition became more evident. Trip knew in his mind, he shouldn't be watching this, but found that he couldn't help himself. He was mesmerized. Lizzie was completely content, as she sucked on her fist and looked up into her daddy's face.

T'Pol, still relaxing in the warmth of the water began to sense her voyeur but didn't let on like she knew he was there. She continued to wash at her front then turned around to let the water hit her back. She leaned her head back into the water stream to decrease the fear of his being discovered, and just continued to savor the feelings she was getting from him at the sight.

Lizzie squealed distracting both of them from their intimacies. She giggled holding a handful of tee shirt and began sucking on it. Trip realized at that moment, T'Pol was aware of his presence.

"Sorry....Lizzie missed ya." He felt he had to apologize for his transgression.

"It is all right....I feared she would have a hard time sensing me from the other room. If you'd like, you may bring the bassinette into the bathroom, so she can be nearer." T'Pol belayed no outward signs of embarrassment and Trip was grateful he hadn't started a problem between them.

"That's okay....I can just hold her." He returned.

"Actually...I am in need of your assistance......My shoulder is quite stiff and I cannot reach parts of my back. I wondered if you would mind..." she left her statement unfinished and awaited Trip's reply.

Trip was a bit stunned. Was she really asking him to get into the shower with her. While it was true she was stiff....That he could feel through their bond...was she really so set on washing her back she would have him.... He wasn't sure.

"Trip?" she questioned his silence as perhaps she misread his emotions earlier.

"AH....yeah....sure.....one minute....." He went into the other room and retrieved the standing bassinette. He placed the little girl into it and watched as she relaxed into the soft pastel blankets. Then Trip inched his way closer and closer to the shower entrance. T'Pol was turned away from him, and had backed up enough so he could reach her without having to get wet. She indicated with a head nod, that the flask of soap was on the ledge just inside the door.

Trip palmed out a small quantity and began rubbing lightly. His hand caressed her skin softly, feeling the almost electric return coming through their bond. Just like their time in decon, his mind wondered into a blissful state, lost in the shear pleasure of her skin. T'Pol stood very still, just enjoying the feelings from his touch and through their connection. She could feel herself becoming even more hungry to have him, but knew he still had many issues about resuming their physical relationship. (This they would have to take a bit more slowly.) She allowed him to do and redo her back, as his hands slowly inched there way lower. This was allowed too, and Trip gradually found himself working on the back of her thighs with great pleasure.

When he deemed himself finished, T'Pol turned before him. She took the flask from his hands and smiled gently as she backed into the water stream to wash off the bubbles. "Thank you" she whispered a bit more husky then she would have like too. Trip however didn't notice, for his eyes went right to reading her body like a piece of elegant Vulcan script. They ran up and down several times, and for what seemed an eternity, Trip didn't recall breathing. T'Pol did not turn away from him, but instead tilted her head back and enjoyed both the physical and empathic pleasures she was experiencing.

After the forth trip along her body, the young man's eyes met hers. She was looking directly at him and from what he was sensing, she was just as interested in him as he was in her. Trip's eyes locked in a dead stare, his body feeling electricity tingling every nerve ending. His breathing grew short, and his face became flushed. T'Pol could sense his heart rate increase and wondered if he'd be able to resist her invitation. Suddenly an excited squeal came from just beyond the frosted glass. Trip snapped back to the present and realized a bit sheepishly he'd been caught ogling the woman, yet he could tell no displeasure from it. He started to back out of the doorway, making his way to the bassinette and the baby inside.

"Whooo.....I.....ah.....guess I'd....... better...." He stuttered as he backed away and pointed in Lizzie's direction. Clearing the glass, Trip shook himself to calm some of the heady feelings that her display had stirred in him. He walked over to the child and watched as she smiled and burbled, arms and legs flailing.

(My thoughts exactly little girl.......what the hell was that all about?) Trip stopped his considerations, remembering that T'Pol could easily hear every thought. He picked up the child and held her close. The water in the stall shut off and out stepped T'Pol wrapped in a single towel. She walked over to her family and touched the child's face with two fingers. This elicited a huge smile and more excited movement.

"She is growing hungry.....I will....." T'Pol stepped over to where she'd piled her clothing and began to unwrap the towel. Trip grew nervous and started for the doorway to the main cabin.

"Take your time....I'll feed her." And with that he bid her a very hasty retreat, before the cloth covering her could hit the floor. T'Pol noted with a bit of amusement, the very nervous man that just left her boudoir. Trip was concentrating very heavily on feeding the child when T'Pol came back to the room. It was 05:35AM, just about time for early mess to open.

"While you are feeding her,....I will retrieve us some breakfast." T'Pol felt Trip could use some time to relax his uneasy thoughts. He nodded his approval and she left with the door swooshing closed behind her. Trip exhaled heavily....(This is new.) he thought and went back to caring for his young one.

***

T'Pol entered the mess hall. The room was still dimly lit, having only the barest of crewmembers starting to file in. In the corner next to the beverage dispenser, Hoshi was sitting trying to wake up with her first cup of the day. She saw the first officer and called her over.

"Commander" Hoshi motioned for T'Pol to join her.

"Good morning Ensign." T'Pol stood and ordered herself up a cup of green tea hot.
"So....How's the baby.....I hear she is absolutely adorable." Hoshi leaned in close as T'Pol came to stand before her.

"Elizabeth is adjusting quite nicely. She is less apprehensive than when she was in sickbay." T'Pol took a sip of tea as she sat down. Chef had not appeared from the kitchen, so the first officer presumed she had a bit of time to spare.

"I'll bet Commander Tucker is being a big help." Hoshi could hardly keep the hint of sarcasm from her voice. T'Pol noticed a bemused air coming from the young woman, but chose to play it off.

"Yes...the commander has been wonderful with his daughter. She has become quite attached to him, and I believe he has to her as well."

"Well what do you expect......Trip is a big softy when it comes to kids.....and who wouldn't love those beautiful blue eyes of his." Hoshi sipping on her coffee, looked only sideways at the Vulcan female.

(Why is the Ensign noticing Trip's eyes......does she have romantic ideas for him?) T'Pol wondered and decided to be more cryptic when discussing her bondmate with this particular young woman.

"I bet she's a real daddy's girl." Hoshi continued.

"It would appear at time she is.....other times she chooses to be with me." T'Pol didn't mean to sound clinical, but Hoshi wondered what kind of warmth any child could get from a Vulcan, if her words were any indication. Again T'Pol could sense her discomfort and decided to change the subject.

"You are up early.....problems with your sleep patterns?"

"No.....on the contrary...I could've slept another hour or more, but the Captain wants us in an early pre-shift meeting and I wanted to make sure I had my coffee before I went." Hoshi wrapped her hands around the mug and allowed it's warmth to penetrate her stiffened joints.

"An early meeting....what is the subject of this meeting?" T'Pol asked, very much the first officer now.

"About the continuing investigation into the Terra Prime threat. I thought you or Trip would've been informed."

"Apparently not.... What time is this meeting set for...?"

"06:30AM..." Hoshi sipped again from her cup.

Chef came out from the kitchen and began setting up his food line. T'Pol stood to put in her order for her and Trip. As she left, she addressed Hoshi.

"I will pass on the information to Commander Tucker and one of us will be at the meeting...." T'Pol began walking away.....then stopped. "And thank you for the toy......Elizabeth is fascinated by it......I believe she enjoys it almost as much as her father's ears..." This brought a broad grin to the communications officer's face. She simply nodded back and T'Pol was gone to put in her request.

****

Upon returning to her cabin, T'Pol informed Trip during breakfast about the scheduled meeting. Deciding that he would be the best suited to go, he hurriedly ate, bit a brief goodbye to his daughter and then went to his quarters to shower and change. It was just about 06:40AM when he burst into the conference area.

"Commander Tucker." The captain announced, as the man's entrance was so abrupt that it disrupted the current discussion.

"Sorry Cap'n..... I didn't find out about the meeting until half hour ago." Trip eased past his friends and took a seat that normally T'Pol would be using, just to the right of Archer.

"Glad to see you could make it.....Everything all right with the baby?" Jon asked momentarily noticing his flushed features.

"Never better...Cap'n. Phlox will be coming by this morning for another examination, but so far she seems to be healthy and happy about her new surroundings." Trip's smile told the group his mind was really still on the other side of the ship with his daughter.

"Wonderful....I was just filling in the senior staff about the current investigation of the Terra Prime threat. It would seem that the factions have become disorganized however there are still isolated groups that are causing mild disruptions." The captain's words seemed to generate moderate concern in those gathered, but mostly in Trip. (Lizzie really isn't gonna be safe down there....is she?) He wondered remembering his father's wish for them to come home to live.

"There have been isolated bombings on the outskirts of the Vulcan embassy in London.... Water contamination at the new Andorian embassy in San Francisco and death threats made to the Tellerite facility in San Diego. No one was hurt however these outbursts are not sitting well with the delegation. Enterprise has been asked to remain close by, but for obvious reasons, we are to remain at Jupiter station for security purposes." Archer's eyes went to Trip and so did everyone else's.

"Are the Terra Primers blaming me and T'Pol for the colony's destruction?" He asked almost not wanting to know the answer.

"Let's just say you both are not too popular right about now." the captain put it nicely. "And for that reason, you...the baby and T'Pol are to go no where near earth at this time."

"Understood...." (my folks are gonna be furious.) he thought then wondered if he could make amends with them in another way.

"Cap'n....would it be possible if my folks could come aboard to see the baby? I am sure they'd make the trip to Jupiter station and from there it would be a simple matter of security to have them shuttled aboard." Trip looked at Malcolm knowing his friend would see to the safety of his parent's transportation.

"I'll clear it through Star Fleet, but I don't see why not." Archer replied ending abruptly the personal part of the conversation. He stood and began to pace the room as he took the meeting onto its true purpose. "Now while we are on security alert status, all departments will be responsible for stepping up their surveillance efforts. We can't have another Ensign Masaro on our hands. I want intruder alert status until Star Fleet has had a chance to weed out more of these factions. This new protocol will include....." The captain went on outlining the new security improvements and the meeting ran on about another 40 minutes. Finally the senior staff was allowed to leave and Trip remained just briefly to talk with Hoshi.

"Hey Hoshi... wait up." Trip called to her as she left the conference room and entered the hallway toward the bridge.

"Yes Commander?" she turned to face him.

"I gotta favor to ask.....I was wondering if you could set up a live link with my parents for later this evening....say around 17:00. I need to talk to them about their grand daughter and couldn't bring myself to do it in a recorded message.

"Sure thing... With these new security protocols, I'll have to reroute the link through Star Fleet London, but I'm sure that won't present too much of a problem. Give me until lunch time to work out the details." Hoshi laid a light hand of understanding on his arm and turned to leave. Trip smiled back at her then remembered.

"Oh and Hoshi....Ping is doing great.....Lizzie just adores him."

"I know Commander.....just about as much as she loves your ears..." she teased and went about her way to her duty shift.

"My ears?" Trip questioned not understanding the reference. He shook his head then went on his way to Engineering. There he spent a few hours checking over the added security protocols and updating his staff on their new tasks. After he was sure things were running smoothly, Trip decided to spend his last day off shift with his family. He still had to speak with T'Pol about his parent's possible visit and knew also that by now Phlox would have been by to check out the child. He hastened his pace as he rounded the last corner toward T'Pol's quarters.

****

Trip reached out to press the chime and heard the response from inside, before his finger made contact with the button. "Come in"

He stepped in to find Phlox standing beside T'Pol who was seated on her bunk with Lizzie.

"Hey Doc....everything okay?" He asked being the immediate dutiful dad.

"Everything's fine commander..... Elizabeth is in perfect health and has even gained another pound in the last two days." Phlox flashed him that over the top Denobulan smile of his.

"That's good isn't it....I mean it's not too much." Trip didn't mean to sound concerned, but thought that maybe he and T'Pol could be over feeding the child.

"That's excellent....she was a bit under weight from all the experiments she'd been put through by Paxton...Now she is just about at her proper weight....In fact I would like to see her gain another pound in the next four weeks to be sure she is adjusting to her diet properly." The doctor ran a slight finger over the baby's cheek. Lizzie squirmed a bit, but didn't give off any outward signs of displeasure. Phlox seemed not to take offense realizing how much this little one had already been through. "You two are doing a marvelous job as parents."

"Well with her appetite....that pound won't be too hard to get.....What about her quarantine.... Do ya think she's.....? Trip stopped short feeling T'Pol turning a bit protective through their bond.

"I think she can begin limited visits with the crew starting tomorrow. But start slow commander..... She has her whole life to meet everyone....Don't let them all try to get to her in one day."

"Understood Doc...." Trip picked up Lizzie from T'Pol's arms. The baby once more went for his ears and dad was amazed at how much fascination they held for her.

"What is this with her and my ears?" Trip asked....."Does she really know the difference?"

"Why yes....I believe she does.....It's instinctual." Phlox offered up his own interpretation.

"What...she knows her ears are Vulcan and wonders why mine aren't?"

"Perhaps....Different species are aware of their own characteristics, and are quick to spot those characteristics on others that aren't like their own."
Phlox looked fondly at the child who began noticing his rather unique eyes.

"She knows she's Vulcan?" Trip rephrased.

"Not in word, but in feelings.....in her senses....yes I believe she does."

"How?.....There is not that much difference between the two species....you told me as much, right after we found out about her." Trip noticed his child examining his ears again.

"I believe what the doctor is trying to convey is that though our species are not that much different.....the origins of each are...." T'Pol came up and took the child from him. Lizzie reached out and up at his face and Trip lowered his head to let her touch the ears she found so fascinating. She cooed with pleasure and this only heightened his curiosity.

"Okay....how do they differ?" He asked.

"Many Humans believe in the theory that your species derived from a less evolved primate. There are several tell tale characteristics that would support this theory." Phlox began clinically.

"Yeah... Yeah....we came from the apes... I heard that before......So?"

"Well Vulcan's evolved from an ancient ancestor of the Lanka-gar....., a large predatory Chiroptera." T'Pol began to tend to the spit bubbles drooling down the little girl's face.

"Chiro....what?" Trip was perplexed.

"Bats commander.....Vulcan's ancestral beginnings were derived from a large bat like creature....It was predatory....carnivorous...... and measured over 4 feet in length." Phlox assisted the science officer.

"Well... at least now we know where the ears came from." he mumbled still a bit in disbelief. He saw the young Vulcan flash him back an annoyed look.

"Yes... but also their empathic abilities, their improved hearing and the superior mental and physical coordination to mention just a few things. Even bats on earth, use a sonar/radar system to catch their prey.... That's what makes them efficient hunters." Phlox took the young woman's side.

"Yeah, but aren't bats supposed to be blind....you know....blind as a bat." Trip added.

"On Earth that may be true, but on other worlds, commander..... You must broaden your conceptions...... My people evolved from an aquatic based life form..... Even with our evolution....we still retain some of our baser characteristics. Our gills for instance.... Not fully functional, but they have not been bred out of the gene pool in countless centuries."

Wrenching around to see what the doctor was indicating as his gills,
Trip considered for a moment. "I guess you gotta point doc.... I just didn't realize that Humans had evolved out of so many of their baser characteristics."

"But they haven't commander... You still grow hair on much of your body.....Most of wish your species tries to rid itself of... You still maintain a protruding ocular ridge on your forehead and Humans still have a tail of sorts..."

Trip was confused by that one. "a tail?"

"A tail bone......Humans retained the last vestiges of what was once presumed to be a tail......Your coccyx." T'Pol added her analysis in. "The child must sense that those ears, are not like her own, and her superior mental abilities are working overtime to understand why."

"Is that so important for her to understand?" Trip looked at both of them.

"Why yes Commander....It is how she will be able to develop her sense of self. She has human characteristics as well..... The differences will undoubtedly bring up many problems as she learns to define who she is." Phlox made it seem like Lizzie was gonna have a terrible childhood.

"It is up to us both to show her the differences and how they can be combined to form a greater being than the sum of the two." T'Pol saw she lost him and continued. "The IDIC... rejoices in many diversities and how these differences come together to form beauty. That is what we must teach her, that though she is different than either of us, her differences only make her better, than either one of us alone."

Trip felt warmed by that...He knew in his mind Lizzie's life would be difficult for her and again was glad she was here aboard Enterprise. At least here, she would be surrounded with friends that would help her grow up, her self esteem intact. But when they would be forced to leave.... How would he be able to protect her from the cruelty that awaited her out there?

(I know.) a soft voice entered his mind. Like a hug it comforted him to know that he wasn't the only one plagued by the question of what was best for the special little girl.

Running a brief scan of the commander's ribs and shoulder, Phlox started for the door. "It seems you're healing nicely as well. Try not to overdo today and you may return to full duty tomorrow. I suggested to T'Pol that she work from her quarters until Elizabeth is ready to be exposed fully to the ship. Then we can work out a child care schedule." He opened his bag and produced another dozen or so prepared bottles. T'Pol nodded and Trip took them from the good doctor. Phlox smiled once more, stroking the child's arm, then disappeared through the door way.

****

Trip played with the baby as he filled T'Pol in on the new security protocols. She was pleased that both Star Fleet and the Vulcan High Counsel seemed intent on providing for the safety of her child. This was an encouraging sign she felt, but didn't go into it with her bondmate. Afterward, while the engineer fed Lizzie, T'Pol began catching up on some of her own duties, reviewing and addressing stacks of back logged data and updating the memory banks with the results she was getting. Trip watched in amazement at how fast she could accomplish her tasks. It was like the doctor said, her people had derived a superior mental ability from their ancestry.....he wondered what good characteristics Humans got from theirs.

His thoughts triggered a response in her, even though she didn't turn from her duties. (Humans derived their compassion....their sense of family...and their great sense of wonderment, for starters.) Trip was sure this time... That was a compliment. When she appeared to be done, the engineer decided to broach the idea of his folks.

"T'Pol.....can we talk about somethin?" He asked as she took Elizabeth from his arms. T'Pol nodded.

"My parents sent me a message yesterday ask'n if the stories were true...about the baby and all. They want to know......and they want to see her. I haven't answered their message because I wanted to talk with you about it first." Trip gauged her response. She remained silent.

"I know we have to worry about her safety and all....And I know there is a very good chance that Elizabeth may never be able to live on Earth, at least not during her childhood years, but I really need to let them know somethin.... They are after all, my folks."

T'Pol considered for a moment. "It is only right that you informed them of her existence. They are of her blood line and have a right to get to know her. I have no objections to them seeing her, as long as we can do it in such a manner to provide for her safety." Trip let out an audible exhale.

"I thought I might talk with them over a secured live link later today.... Phlox said that Lizzie's quarantine is over tomorrow, maybe we can set up something for my parents to come aboard in a few days or so?" Trip again awaited her approval.

"It seems a logical solution....." T'Pol nodded and from her, Trip knew that was as good as high praise.

"Great.....I'll set it up with Hoshi and Malcolm today.... How's 17:00?"
He asked and got a confused look back from her.

"For the live link.....You'll want to be there, won't you?" He asked starting to sense the trepidation she was feeling about meeting his human parents.

"Perhaps it would be best, if you talk with them alone... I feel our meeting shouldn't take precedence over the true purpose for the link. Lizzie can join you. This may lessen their impatience if they see her in your arms." T'Pol turned away picking out one of the bottles from the holder as she felt her child's hunger building.

(Was she scared to meet his folks.....or perhaps, is she picking up my fears about her meeting them?) Trip couldn't tell, but didn't force the issue. They spent a quiet lunch together just the three of them, then afterward both got a bit more work done from their remote location.

****

Hoshi had set up the link for exactly 17:15PM. Lizzie was ready for her bottle, which usually meant that he could distract her from the fact that mom wasn't around, for a few minutes at least. T'Pol had left for the mess hall to get their dinners. Trip ran his fingers through his hair and straightened the collar of his uniform. He went over and picked up the little girl, tidying her blanket and wiping back a stray strand of brown velvet.

Trip sat in the seat at T'Pol's desk in front of the view screen. Even though her controls were in Vulcan script, she had shown him what button's to push to activate the comm link. Hoshi beeped the commander and informed him she had the secured line established. He hit the appropriate buttons and quickly the screen lit up with the faces of his parents.

Charles Tucker, Jr. and Catherine both gasped collectively as their eyes went directly to the cherub little face on the screen. "Oh my god........she's adorable." His mom was choked with tears.

"Hey mom.....Hey dad.... I want you to meet your grand daughter Lizzie...." This brought on another round of tears from both his parents.

"Lizzie?" his father asked...

"Yep...Elizabeth Tucker.......We are still deciding on a middle name. Isn't she sum'n.." Trip's grin was ear to ear.

"That she is, my boy.... That she is..." His father wiped his face with a cotton handkerchief.

"Hey there Elizabeth...." Catherine Tucker's voice softened as she addressed the child and was rewarded with an excited arm display.

"She's a happy little thing." Grandma was now very excited as well.

"Yeah mom.... and she's healthy too..... Thank god for that... There was a while there, I thought we'd never get her to safety, but we did and now she's here with us." Trip watched as the little girl lost interest in the screen and began looking up at him, toward his ears he presumed.

"She's a real daddy's girl." Charles Jr. noted his grand daughter's love for her parent.

"Yeah..... She thinks I'm funny looking....." Trip bemused and saw a puzzled look on his parents faces. "It's a long story.....I'll fill ya in later."

"When ya bringing her home.... We can't wait to meet her." The patriarch continued.

"Well dad....that's not as easy... Ya see getting her back to Enterprise, we caused a lot of damage and the people who created her aren't all rounded up yet.... It's not safe for any of us on Earth right now....And for Lizzie....maybe never....." Trip could see the displeasure on their faces.

"I know.....but we gotta think of her safety first. She's a very special little girl and more over she represents a view of something that isn't too popular right now. I know you want to see her... and I have arranged for your safe transportation to the ship. The Cap'n has okay'd your visit and that way you can meet her and spend time getting to know her." Trip waited to see if they would be up for the journey.

"I know it's ask'n a lot, but I don't know what else to do.....I want you to get to know Lizzie and for her to get to know you.....but I can't risk her life right now.... You have to understand that." Trip seemed to be pleading and his father held up a hand to stop his son's torment.

"That's all right Trip....Of course we'll come.....We wouldn't miss it. Just tell us where and when.... We'll be there... right Catherine?" He laid a steadying hand on his wife's shoulder.

"That's right.... I'm not gonna miss seeing my grand baby...." She made another endearing face at the screen. "It is okay with the child's mother, our coming and all." She asked not sure of how to address her grandchild's mother.

"Of course... she suggested it.... Just like she suggested we name her Elizabeth..... and her name is T'Pol, mom......you know that." Lizzie squirmed in his arms.

"Okay....it's coming." Trip talked back at the child as he laid her back and began feeding her.

"She's hungry?" His mom asked wondering how her son knew. The child didn't cry at all, and yet that seems to be what she wanted.

"Yeah.... she has her mother's empathic abilities.... It saves the ears, but sometimes her thoughts can get quite loud." Trip chuckled seeing his parents were totally confused by his statement. "I'll fill you in when you get here. When I get the final security details, I'll contact you. Hopefully you can be here in a couple of days or so......"

"That'll be wonderful. We are looking forward to meeting T'Pol as well. From what you've told us, she is a very interesting woman." Charles Jr. answered for his wife, knowing that she hadn't been too pleased with the woman lately.

"All right.....look for my transmission sometime tomorrow and see ya both soon." Trip smiled and turned Elizabeth for a final glance at her grand parents.

"We'll see ya soon Miss Elizabeth....Love ya son...." His father was choked up at the beautiful creature in his son's arms.

"Love ya....both." His mom added and watched as their pictures faded from the screen. Trip turned back to his daughter who was still hungrily chowing down on the bottle.

"Well.... you certainly got them hooked, little girl.... Now if only your mamma can do the same......let's just keep our fingers crossed and this little conversation to ourselves....What ya say?" Quick excited movement came from the nymph and Trip took that to mean a yes.

Part 6

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A whole mess of folks have made comments

Woo, what a fantastic update.

I need the next chapter, please, this is an emergency, please, please...!!!!! Wonderful story !

OH! I get to be first this time! ;) LOVE this story, and hate the fact that I will have to wait almost a week for the rest! ;) Keep it coming!!

Love this family! It's so cool that Trip can commune silently with Lizzie on his own. I'm sure the Grands will love Lizzie - hope they click with T'Pol as well. That shower scene was purely evil - bad, bad T'Pol! Poor Trip... HaHa Too bad T'Pol is so efficient at sheilding her thoughts - Trip doesn't seem to know where he stands exactly. How much longer till your next? ;)

Great chapter. Can't wait to see T'Pol meet his parents.

I loved this chapter and I can't wait for the next one

Can't wait for Wednesday, you're doing this really great!!!

Wednesday can't come soon enough! This is such a good story, and I can't wait to see The Parent's reactions! Awesome! :)

Loved this to bits! I laughed at the baby's fascination with Trip's ears, makes a change from Trip's fascination with T'Pol's ears. Could it be payback? Ali D :~)

This is turning into a wonderful little story! Love the progression. Looking forward to your next chapter. :-)

your making me wait till wednesday what kind of monster are you!

Glad you love it so...Next chapter you'll absolutely adore, cause I am having fun just writing it. Will try and get it out for Labor day, only trying to be nice.

This is a fun fic; makes me wish more and more that we had seen even something remotely as good on the show.......ARGGGH.
I love the sense of 'family' that seems to be brewing here, although I don't think Trip would really be so hesitant to initiate a physical relationship with T'Pol if she showed any interest in him!!! ;-)

Well I always did think T'pol was a lil batty. ;)
That lil lizzie is just to cute. An works just as well as a bucket of cold water for her parents. But Im hopin when the Grand Parents show up TnT get some alone time. I wonder will lizze form some kinda bond with the Tuckers to? Loved this chapter, cant wait for the next one.

Ok,I'm so desperate for more I've read this twice!!

i also love it and have read it more then once it helps give me my fix between parts i need more soon with the long weekend comming up i would love to have somthing to read

SO SWEET! I sure wish my kids had been empathic as babies, though. "Saves the ears" HA! I'll bet it does! Trip needs to get crackin', though... She asks him to SHOWER with her and he does NOTHING? C'mon, now!

I read it again and again. I can't wait for the next chapter. What's going on with Trip? Is he afraid to reinitiate the relationship? T'Pol doesn't seem hesitant.

I LOVE it!!! I can't wait for the next installment! I love how you've created a realistic sense of family. Now to get T'Pol and Trip to declare who they really feel for each other.