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Little Lizzie - Part 6

Author - TLR
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Little Lizzie

By: TLR

May 25th 2005

This part picks up just as part 5 is ending. Trip has just let his parents know about their new grand daughter, about them having to stay aboard Enterprise and about his plans to get them out for a visit. Naturally Trip is nervous about his folks meeting T単ol, especially since he's never been able to hide his feelings for the young Vulcan from the matriarch. Enjoy.

Enterprise is the property of UPN and Paramount Pictures.

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Part 6

After the live link with his parents, Trip felt a bit nervous about their meeting T単ol. He spent the remainder of the evening with her and Lizzie. They discussed how they'd go about introducing Elizabeth to the rest of the crew. It was decided that the senior staff would get first look at the child and even then only two at a time. This plan relaxed a lot of the science officer's frustration at having to share her infant with outsiders. Trip was astonished at how protective T単ol had become. Even their daily visits with Phlox were tolerated with a certain amount of trepidation on the Vulcan's part.

Intermittently, Trip would talk with his bondmate about his folks, their likes and dislikes. He hoped it would settle her concerns, but from what he could tell it only seemed to increase the level of tension he could feel through their bond. The evening drew on and Trip was now faced with an unanswered question. Where would he sleep tonight? Last night had been an innocent mishap, but deep down he didn't want to be away from them, not even while asleep. But to ask to stay for no good reason might start up the same old misunderstandings. He tried the same circumstances as last night and offered to hold Lizzie during T単ol's meditation, but this time she wanted the child with her.

"Do you really think a six month old can accomplish advance meditation techniques?" he asked a bit frustrated.

"No....... I will do the meditating. She will simply be with me while I am there. This is to get her used to a quiet place in her mind. Eventually she can then focus on this place when she becomes uneasy." T単ol took Lizzie from Trip's arms. He felt a bit empty and moreover for the lateness of the hour, Trip didn't really have any reason to remain. Except of course, he wanted too...... really bad.

"Well then I guess I'll........"His voice betrayed his broken feelings.

"If you'd like to join us that would be acceptable." T単ol flashed him a deadpan but not so innocent look.

(God bless this bond thing.) he thought and answered quickly "sure".

T単ol pointed to the cushion opposite hers then moved to set herself on the remaining one holding Elizabeth. Trip came up quickly to take her arm and helped stabilize her balance while sitting then hastened himself to flop down quite clumsily on his own. T単ol rested Elizabeth's bum in the fold of her legs, relaxing the child back against her flat abdomen. Her right arm came up and around to anchor the infant, her left she reached out to Trip. He accepted it and awaited further instructions. The flame played before them, illuminating the beautiful faces of the ones he adored.

(Close your eyes.) T単ol instructed mentally and did so herself. Trip watched a moment longer as Lizzie's eyes were glued to the dancing light of the candle. This concern Trip a bit but as he watched her, he noticed the child did not make a move for the flame. Instead it relaxed her and through their connection, the young engineer could feel almost a soothing balm overtake the child's usually energetic mind. When he was comfortable, Trip did as he was instructed. The two parents took several cleansing breaths in unison. Suddenly there they were, in T単ol's safe white space. They were standing, hand-in-hand with Elizabeth in T単ol's arms between them.

"Neat......" Trip looked around at this all too familiar place. T単ol glanced at him questioning.

"I never got here by choice before...... is that all it took?" T単ol nodded then looked at Elizabeth. She too was fascinated by the endless white area. Trip came over and looked deep into her eyes. She wasn't scared...... wasn't even affected by the change in scenery. When she caught sight of her father's face, the little girl let out an excited coo and grabbed at his nose.

"She really likes it here." Trip was amazed that a plain white space could hold so much fascination for these two women.

"Her mind is processing information so quickly, it can become cluttered....It takes time in this blank space to regroup thoughts and relieve tension that has built through the day." T単ol tried to get Trip to understand the importance of this time for her and Elizabeth.

"So you're saying this is almost like a pacifier for her." He asked and T単ol thought a moment.

"Perhaps..... it works more to decrease any pent-up tension she's come upon through the day but can be used to decrease an overly fussy time too."

"So if she's fussy, I can just meditate with her and she'll settle?" T単ol looked at him with a bit of amusement at that statement.

"I mean if she's fussy,.....you can just meditate with her and she'll.......well you know what I meant..." he flashed a sheepish smile then it hit him they were still holding hands. Trip almost wanted to comment, but thought better of it, just enjoying their time together.

"Is there any other place you go?" he asked relaxing in their family time.

"Any where you want to go....... You simply think of it and you're there. The white space is merely to provide a stress free zone to help relax." T単ol looked around not seeming to be interested in meditating within the space this time.

"Where else do you go?" Trip asked looking at her watching him. The scene suddenly changed to a garden patio on Vulcan. It was as he remembered it including the running water urn and light orange hue.

"Wow.... this is familiar." Trip smiled brightly......"Hey Lizzie...... this is Grandma T's house." Trip started then caught a hint of sadness from T単ol. He immediately pulled her close and hugged both her and the child softly to him. (It's okay.)

Trip was patting the young Vulcan on the back in an attempt to comfort her when a large white furry catlike creature came into the garden. It resembled a prehistoric saber toothed tiger and it growled lowly as it came up to them.

"Yikes!!!!......." The engineer yelped and swung his bond mate and child behind him all the while backing toward the outside gate.

"Trip....... this is Kelmouth, our pet sehlat." he looked at her still unsure and protective.

"Your what........ T単ol I was at your house for three days...... there was no tiger there." Trip continued to block the cat's advances.

"It is his memory..... Kelmouth passed away many years ago..... he is here only in memory." T単ol reached out an understanding hand to his shoulder.

"Well memory or not..... I don't think Lizzie should be exposed to him..... she may be scared." Trip took the child from T単ol's arms as the Vulcan stepped around him toward the cat.

"She'll be welcome by him and him by her. That's what Sehlats are for, to protect the child and help her with her bonding process." T単ol sat down on a nearby bench and pulled Trip down next to her. The large kitty sat down, beside the pair and waited for the child to approach him. Within seconds, Lizzie was smiling and cooing and reaching against her father's embrace to get to the animal. The baby's fingers tangled in the massive white fur and tugged playfully. The animal began to growl and Trip was becoming nervous.

"Why's it growlin'." he asked leaning back to get Lizzie away from it.

"It's happy..... Kelmouth makes that sound when he is happy." Trip gave her yet another unsure look.

"Trip....... this is all in our minds, I would not allow any harm to come to either of you." the blond hair gentleman relaxed a moment.

"Nor... would I" ....the voice came from the doorway of the home. Trip looked up aghast........ There stood T'Les in her formal blue and gold robes. She stared back at them betraying no knowledge of her own demise. In the distance, stood a tall Vulcan male, dressed in the darken outfit that Trip wore at T単ol's wedding. He was silent, but seemed to hold the same reverence in T単ol's heart. He followed T'Les at a distance, as they both came out from the doorway.

T単ol stood with Trip close behind. She took a couple of steps to the center of the garden and met her parents just before the urn. T'Les eyed the child and Trip could feel a bit of tension coming up in his bondmate. The elder Vulcan reached out two fingers to the baby. Lizzie smiled openly and grabbed them. She shoved them into her mouth and started sucking.

(Great.....Now you start teething....) Trip thought wondering what reaction this would bring in T'Les. Lizzie's foremother smiled softly and reached out her hands to the child. The young engineer relinquished Elizabeth to her and as he did so, the tension drained from their bond. Trip eased up behind his mate and wrapped his arms about her waist. He absently rested his head on her shoulder watching the exchange between past and present. The matriarch stared long and hard at the child and Trip could sense the two were having their own private conversation. The male came up and placed a light hand atop his wife's shoulder. He too, held a silent interaction with the little girl and his mate. This continued several more moments then her parents reached out to T単ol and brought her into their bond. Trip released her and she stepped close easing into their open arms. He felt an overwhelming happiness coming from her and his eyes began to water realizing this was how Vulcan's dealt with their grief and loss.


***

Their meditation complete, Trip and T単ol were preparing Lizzie for bed. Trip fed her a bottle while T単ol changed out of her uniform into her night time lounging clothes. Trip was once again faced with the dilemma ...to go or to stay.... He stretched out the time hoping to be included once more. But as T単ol took Elizabeth from him and climbed onto her bunk, Trip figured he'd been opted out tonight.

"Well then... I guess I'll see ya both in the morning before shift." Trip started for the door.

"You are sleeping in your quarters tonight?" T単ol asked almost surprised...at least for a Vulcan.

"Well I ....I mean....that is, if you don't want me to go....I can..." Trip was fumbling over his words but happy none the less. He moved over to the bunk.

"It's just that...your shift begins early. Staying here will allow you more time for rest." T単ol eased over as Trip lay down beside Lizzie, who rested, as yesterday between them.

The little girl's eye lids were heavy and her arm activity slowed to a mere crawl. Trip wrapped the blanket once more over the exposed limbs and watched T単ol lay a light hand on the child's chest.

(She's dreaming.) Trip could hear her thoughts but couldn't see the dream. He placed a hand over T単ol's and suddenly his mind became a whirlwind of images. Faces of him, T単ol, T'Les and her mate played foremost, followed by the large cat and fuzzy bunny. Trip's heart warmed and he felt the same in his bondmate.

T単ol leaned forward and laid her cheek lightly against Elizabeth's hair. Trip did the same which made their foreheads meet. They both relaxed into the warmth that was their bond. Trip absently leaned back and kissed T単ol's temple. This sparked in them the frenzied electricity they felt this morning. He looked into her eyes, now turned to him. T単ol came up to meet his lips with her own. The kiss was soft but held tremendous unspoken passion. She felt his need hit her squarely in the heart. T単ol looked at Elizabeth then looked over to the bassinette. Trip lifted the calmly sleeping baby and tucked her safely in the crib, swaddling the blankets close about her. He returned to the bunk and lay beside his bondmate.

T単ol curled up to him, resting the whole of her body against his. She nuzzled her nose into his neck and wrapped her left arm up and around his abdomen and rib cage. Trip encircled both his arms around her, easing his hands up beneath the back of her lounging top. Her warm skin felt like satin to his touch. He could feel his arousal taking hold and hoped his bond was good enough to readily know her wishes. (She seems to want this.) He thought half knowing she could hear and half hoping for a confirmation before he went and wrecked their new found closeness. T単ol began kissing the nape of his neck....she continued, sending insanely powerful impulses into his brain. His hands grew bolder but still they held back. T単ol came up to lie atop him. She looked closely into his face. He searched their bond desperately for an affirmative response. He couldn't deal with another mere exploration.

(I am in need of you......Ashayam...) There it was....and Trip began releasing his pent up needs. His hands roved wildly, pulling at material, caressing curves and tantalizing flesh, both hers and his. The confines of their clothing were quickly lost, as the two rolled violently back and forth in the bunk. Thoughts of Lizzie, all but lost to him, Trip found his mind totally fixed on the beautiful woman now making passionate love to him. Her eyes were smoky, fixed on him and him alone. She grabbed vigorously at his body, forcing his motions to the fullest extent of their power. The waves of arousal and pleasure that played between them heightened their actions even more. Trip found himself unable to maintain the slightest of thoughts, save that of making love to her. He gasped intermittently, fending off the inevitable release, trying to make this moment last throughout all time. He was in pure bliss, and didn't want to wake to find it all a fantasy.

T単ol knew of his fear.... she continued to send waves of need and desire through their connection, forcing his ecstasy to an even higher level. She rolled him onto his back and took control of the pace, bringing his excited senses to a calmer level. She moved against him, heating the fire between them more and more. With cat like movements, she bent down and began stimulating arousal points on his face, neck and chest, all the while still keeping him within her grasp. This was making him insane, needing a release and wanting it for her as well. With a desperate move, Trip managed to right himself back atop her and began moving at a frenzied pace. He felt her needs increasing and he deepened his motions to quench her thirst for him.

Both exploded in a fiery release, as pure exhaustion took over their sweat drenched bodies. Trip collapsed against her, trying to brace some of his weight on his side. T単ol pulled him to her and accepted his substantial frame on hers wanting to share further in his climatic feelings. They rested there several moments, content not to speak or even think beyond the pleasures they were feeling. Then suddenly a thought crossed Trip's mind.
(Could Lizzie feel that.) that thought gave him a sickening uneasy feeling. T単ol picked up on the change and put his fears to rest.

(Elizabeth feels, only what I allow her to feel.....All she knew of this was that we were both very content.)

"That's good....she sure does give new meaning to finding a quiet place away from the kids" Trip murmured low as he began planting brief kisses on her shoulders, neck and cheek. T単ol returned him an understanding glance.
They snoozed briefly only to start up on their frenzied playfulness an hour later. Throughout the night, they made up for lost time, each giving into the others needs and desires. It wasn't until early morning did they manage a full 3 hrs of sleep.

Trip woke first, looking at T単ol who was tucked beneath his shoulder, her head resting on his chest. Her calm features and relaxed closeness made the young engineer overcome with joy. He wondered how she would accept their activities in the cold light of morning. Last time she called it an exploration, and truthfully that hurt him more than her indifference, but for some strange reason, this time he felt none of that in her. This time he felt acceptance, devotion and something so strong, he could call it no other word but love. This time he could almost say for certain, there would be no morning regrets from the young Vulcan.

Just as he thought, when T単ol did awake, she was calm, relaxed and from what was coming through their link very, very happy. She gazed into his eyes, and for a moment, Trip thought there would be a repeat of last night's activities. Then a soft movement crossed both of them through their bond. (Lizzie....she is stirring.) T単ol looked over to the bassinette and gauged the time frame they had to work with. "We need to get cleaned up." She whispered and rolled over him and out onto the floor. Gracefully she stood then looked back at him to join her.

"A shower does seem like a logical idea right now." He replied with a hint of whimsy and picked up the bassinette gingerly so as not to wake the sleeping child. He followed T単ol into the bathroom and stepped into the shower right behind her, leaving Lizzie just inside the door. As the water warmed, Trip encircled his arms about her from behind, pulling her into his body and his awaiting lips. They danced lightly over her neck and shoulders, his hands coming up and caressing her feminine curves. Her hands drew back behind her and grabbed a substantial portion of his derri鑽e, pulling him closer into his ministrations. She turned in his grasp and backed both of them under the water stream. The heat of it only intensified what was building between them.

"We are here to get clean." she whispered into his ear...

"Great idea." he mused back to her grabbing the flask he'd used the day before and palming yet another handful of the goop. Trip then went to work, rubbing the creamy bubbling liquid over every inch of T単ol's body, repeating and lingering over the areas he felt gave her the most pleasure. He smiled, a deep heady smile as he watched her eyes close and head tilt back, now knowing that she was taking great pleasure in his attentions.

Trip backed her up several steps to the nearest wall. He leaned her against it hard and began taking her mouth to his with predatory aggressiveness. He felt an added tingle from her, making him realize his hypothesis was correct. If their nature was to be predatory...then logic or not in some aspects, they would still respond to such advances, and respond she did. For no sooner than his aggressiveness started, T単ol took his hands and forced them down about her bottom. With little effort, she jumped up and wrapped her limbs about Trip's torso. This took the young man by surprise for a brief second. But once he realized that's what she wanted, Trip went about satisfying her needs. Although at their heated pace, his knees started to buckle and both tumbled softly to the floor of the shower stall.

T単ol clung to him, releasing just one hand to help him brace their fall. Even though the tumble had halted their movements, it didn't stop their need within and T単ol rolled onto her back bringing Trip along with her. She stared deeply into his mind sending piercing commands that he couldn't help but obey. Once more Trip began his movements, picking up right where they'd been moments earlier. Finally spent, the two lay humped over in the stall while tingles of warm water danced off their bodies. Trip was amazed at the level of aggressiveness he showed and wondered if it was truly with in him or had she sparked him to go beyond his own ability. They breathed heavy, and Trip pulled her close to him wanting nothing more than time to cuddle following their obviously carnal interlude.

"Gurrrr.....Gurrrrr......" a sound from the area of the bassinette brought them both out of their haze. Trip was surprised that Lizzie resorted to speaking at all. Usually she got through on their connection, and only went to the other when she was unsuccessful.

They looked up and saw several playful fists coming up and back, while the whole crib shook from her actions. "She is hungry..... I will tend to her...you rest." T単ol moved to get up and rinsed herself quickly before exiting the stall. She dried off briefly then donned her satin robe. Taking the bassinette out of the room, Trip lay there still too weak in the knees to get up or even to shut off the water.

****

T単ol changed Lizzie's diaper and was just about to feed her when the door chime rang. "Come in" she responded absently and the door swooshed open wide.

"I hope I'm not intruding....?" Captain Archer asked as he entered. "I know it's early, but since Phlox said the baby could have visitors starting today,.....Well being Captain does have it's advantages...." He gave her a bemused grin.

"Yes Captain." T単ol held Elizabeth toward her superior officer for a better view.

"Geez..... she really is something.......You know I think she's grown in just the last two days." Archer held up a few fingers to play with the child's.

"Indeed Captain....the doctor has informed us that she has gained a pound since she has come aboard.... He seems quite pleased since she was a bit underweight from her ordeal." T単ol reported as clinically as if she'd been on the bridge giving him status updates.

"How's my little girl doing with breakfast?" Trip stumbled out of the bathroom with only a towel about his waist. He was stopped in his tracks at the sight of his friend standing there staring back at him equally surprised.

"Cap'n......ah....goodmornin'........I didn't know you had ....I'll just go and get dressed......" Trip backed up into the desk as he aimed for the bathroom door. He chuckled nervously and hastened his pace to the other room.

T単ol stood their a bit speechless. Archer however began to grin rather loudly and fought to keep from embarrassing the Vulcan too much. "Well I see the Commander is being a big help in caring for her.....That's good.. I knew he would..." Jon continued to stifle his smile.

"Indeed........He has been extremely helpful." T単ol's voice betrayed little than the facts.

"Well...I was thinking you might be able to take a look at some sensor data Hoshi collected. It's relating to the Terra Prime investigation...I will have her send it to your cabin..... I'd like a report as soon as possible." Archer turned to go.

"Aye Sir...." T単ol swiveled to face the captain as he headed for the door. He stopped briefly and saw a very sheepish commander Tucker slipping out from the other room.

"Nice work commander........." He said with a smirk. "The baby seems to be getting along nicely. I'll see you in engineering later for an update on our new protocols." Archer left and Trip finally released the breath he'd been holding since he walked in on his friend minutes ago.

"How did he get here without me knowing.....Couldn't I have sensed him through you?....I don't understand." Trip was a bit flustered.

"It is probably for the same reason Elizabeth had to resort to using her voice.......Both our senses were too wrapped up in what we were doing to hear." T単ol sat down on her bunk, the bottle braced between Lizzie's two hands.

"Yeah....but we weren't doing anything when he came." Trip sat down beside her, his hair still dripping from his lack of drying it.

"Even human males need time to recoup after a sexual encounter. Since so much of intimate relations with Vulcans is through their bond, it only stands to reason, there would need to be a time to regenerate the connection." T単ol observed yet another heavy droplet falling onto the shoulder of his uniform. She picked up an extra blanket of Lizzie's and placed it atop his head.

Trip took the hint and began rubbing aggressively at his hair, still a bit upset. "Yeah... well.... You weren't the one in the towel..... You have no reason to be embarrassed by the whole thing."

"True however....I am an unmarried Vulcan female, caught in my quarters with a lower ranking Human male, and by my superior officer no less." She looked at him evenly and he relaxed.

"I see your point." He looked over at his daughter watching as she chowed down on the bottle. "Well you finally decided to do more than just coo?" Trip remembered the funny noises she made this morning.

"Gurr.....Gurr...." They came again only slurred some with the nipple in her mouth.

"What is that.....Are Vulcan baby's first words Gurr...?" Trip laughed at her persistence.

"No.... I believe she is imitating Kelmouth.....He growls when he is happy, remember." T単ol handed the empty bottle to Trip and began burping the child.

"She learned that fast?.......How?" He reached over and took the child so T単ol could begin dressing.

"Her touch with him was obviously a bond.......she is in a phase of imitation and learning. Reasoning will come later......right now she will simply try to repeat what she sees." T単ol dropped the robe and stood before him without shame. She began rubbing the ointment from the purple jar about her body.

(Hope she doesn't start imitating anything like that too soon.) He thought with a mixed leer. Part of him wanting, the other part the protective dad. He turned Lizzie away from the sight of her mom dressing before him.

(Learning body image doesn't usually start until age 2.) T単ol didn't even turn to look back at his reaction.

***

Trip reported for shift several hours ago, and T単ol remained in her quarters. Lizzie was beginning to be comfortable making her own past time with the bunny Ping. She explored it as she sat in her mother's lap. T単ol worked at her station one handed, occasionally staring down at the child every time she found something new about the toy to be fascinated in. As she was instructed by her bondmate, the science officer tried to keep her explanations to the child brief and relative to the question, believing this would decrease the need for Lizzie to meditate on a regular basis.

It was just before lunch time, when Lizzie grew tired and needed a nap. T単ol placed her on the bunk, flanked by a pillow on one side and Ping on the other. The little girl turned to face the creature and grabbed a hold of one of its ears, while she sucked madly at her protruding thumb and fist. T単ol went back to work, cataloging more data, awaiting the download that was promised by Hoshi.

The chime sounded and T単ol moved to the door to activate it by hand. She stood in the frame, not allowing for instant passage by anyone. The door opened quietly. There stood Hoshi, dressed in standard blue jumpsuit, looking a bit nervous as she saw only T単ol standing before her.

"Commander......I brought the data the captain asked me to give you." she started awaiting an invitation in.

"There was no need for you to hand carry the data. You could have merely downloaded it to my comm." T単ol replied and took the disc she held out to her.

"I know commander, but Commander Tucker told me I might have a look at Elizabeth this morning.....I assumed he'd be here by now." Hoshi admitted sheepishly and waited for the obvious deadpan dismissal. Instead, T単ol nodded and stepped back from the doorway allowing the young woman entrance. She smile back at her superior and walked inside. Hoshi realized for the first time, she'd never seen past the doorway of the officer's room. It was elegantly decorated, much more so than what she thought a Vulcan's would be. Steeped in many artifacts, yet neat and orderly, overall a very homey atmosphere.

T単ol pointed over to her bunk. The communications officer stepped softly toward the sleeping figure. She clutched her hands to her chest and sighed heavily at the precious site before her. The child was still curled up with the toy and smiling intermittently at what ever dreams she was enjoying with her friend.

"She is incredible." Hoshi gushed just above a whisper. Her eyes filled with tears and she couldn't get enough of the little girl's features. T単ol watched in amazement at how much this Human felt of a child, not her own. On Vulcan, a child was precious, it was true, but held little other meaning to an outsider than that of a protected life.

"Oh my god......she is adorable..... Congratulations Commander..." Hoshi lost herself and absently placed a celebratory arm about the Vulcan's shoulders. Smiling, she realized moments later her breach of Vulcan etiquette and dropped it back to her side immediately.
"Sorry Commander.....You must be very pleased to have her safe with you and Trip." Hoshi whispered trying to distract the Vulcan from her faux paw.

"Yes she is much more content aboard Enterprise and the commander and myself are more at ease having her here." T単ol turned to place the disc on the desk. The door opened and in stepped Trip carrying the noon tray of food for he and T単ol.

"Hoshi.... Ya beat me here." Trip smiled setting the tray over on the table between the cushions.

"Yeah well I knew how important the data was T単ol needed, so I decided to hand deliver it." She shot him a knowing smile.

"Right..... your carrying it here was faster than just downloading it." The engineer giggled at the woman.

"Well......" she smiled back.

"What ya think." He asked coming over to talk with Hoshi beside the bunk. "She's really sumpin', isn't she?"

The dark haired woman just nodded. "That she is......Congratulations..." she offered him a great big hug, that didn't go unnoticed by his bondmate. Trip could feel her steely eyes upon them and quickly eased back.

"Thanks.....we think she's just the best little thing we've ever seen.....and smart too......Damn is she smart..." Trip continued to gush. T単ol went over and began setting the table for the afternoon meal.

"Well can you blame her....You two are about the smartest people I know." Hoshi turned to find T単ol busy with her preparations.

Trip gave her a look of apology.... "I wish she was awake....so you could see how interactive she is. Maybe later you could come by when she's not napping." The young engineer gave Hoshi an out of this uncomfortable situation.

"Yeah....I'd like that......Well, I have to be getting back to the bridge. Again congratulations to you both." Hoshi smiled at T単ol and took her cue to leave. When the door closed behind her, Trip turned around to look at T単ol who still didn't meet his gaze.

"You know....this protective streak you have, has gotta lighten up a bit. These are our friends, and none of them would ever think of harming Lizzie." Trip came to sit down next to her. His voice was even, not angry, but demanded that his opinions be heard.

"I know the Ensign would not harm our child." She returned to him as he lifted her eyes to his.

"Well then....what was that dismissal thing you just pulled?" Trip was questioning the wall he felt between their bond.

"It is inappropriate for a bonded male to be embracing another female, especially in the presence of his mate." Her voice betrayed a bit of hurt.

"What...the hug.....Hoshi and I have been friends for many years....But we are just friends... Her actions meant nothing....there is no need for you to be jealous." Trip reached out to take her in his arms. He found a stiffness to her frame that made him a bit uneasy.

"I do not get jealous..... I am merely pointing out bonded etiquette. It is not appropriate to elicit questionable loyalty with in the bond. You would not like it, if I were to act that way with Koss." T単ol responded reaching to uncover the plates before them.

"Your right.... I wouldn't.....but it's because I know you hated Koss..... Humans hug...it's just a habit of ours to show friendship...... I'm sorry if it was inappropriate....I didn't know.....I'll try to be more sensitive to your needs next time." He flashed her, a truly sorry pout. T単ol's frame relaxed and she suddenly forgot about the meal, now growing cold as she and the commander spent a half hour exploring another human custom, kissing & making up.

***
Malcolm & Travis followed Trip toward their quarters. This time he was taking no chance that T単ol's feelings would be hurt by any human customs. He'd already communicated his intentions to bring the two by and obtained a hesitant approval. They met Hoshi in the hallway, and the commander decided to get her into the invitation, which might be cushioned by the presence of the other two males. She agreed and took a spot next to Trip as they made their way toward the lift.

"What was up with the Commander this morning?" she whispered wondering now if her visit would be welcomed.

"She didn't appreciate the hug." Trip returned softly.

"I didn't mean to hug her..... I didn't realize she took that much offense to it." Trip looked back truly stunned, then began to chuckle at the thought of T単ol with Hoshi's arms wrapped around her.

"What?" Hoshi couldn't understand the humor.

"I didn't know you hugged her, that's all....." Hoshi was perplexed.

"Then what hug are you referring too?........OOOOHHHHH" it suddenly hit her remembering the morning visit.

"Yeah.....motherhood has made her a bit protective.......and it would seem that it extends to me too......" Trip grinned massively back at her.

"Congratulations......" Hoshi was truly happy for him. Malcolm and Travis stood silently smiling at the interaction that wasn't meant for them to hear. As the lift doors opened, Trip simply showed her a whimsical brow movement then led the group down the passageway to the door. He pressed in the code absently. This wasn't lost on the ship's security officer.

(It would appear, that he has moved in too.) Malcolm jabbed Travis in the ribs smiling. The boomer returned him an understanding grin. The group, now led by Hoshi entered the room. The communications officer looked nervously at T単ol who clearly wasn't aware of her coming. She stepped aside to allow Travis and Malcolm to span the distance between her and the engineer.

"Commander..." The two gentlemen addressed their superior officer with great courtesy.

"Lieutenant, Ensigns...." she responded stepping up to the side of her mate. Lizzie was in her arms, wide eyed and playful. She burbled and cooed at the sight of her father. Trip came up and took the child from her mom.

"Hey there Lizzie girl.....did you discover anything new in the cabin today....I bet your mom explained to you about metal forging didn't she..." He shot T単ol a playful smirk. The rest of the group was puzzled and he afforded them only a playful head shake. "Elizabeth Tucker... I'd like you to meet some of mommy and daddy's friends....." T単ol winced a bit at being called Mommy.

Trip approached the group. He called them out in order of closeness to the child. "This is Uncle Travis.....Uncle Malcolm and Aunt Hoshi...." Trip pointed to each, holding out the child's open fingers for each to touch as he introduced them.

(They are not of her bloodline?) T単ol questioned his teachings of the child within the confines of their bond.

(Humans use the term to show to the child who she can trust. They only give that name to relatives and really good friends. When she is older, confused and can't reach us, she'll know to seek out one of them for help.)

(Quite an intelligent system, assigning one name to all the people responsible for her safety....Very efficient.) T単ol watched as he smiled at her acknowledgement.

Trip began to offer the child for Hoshi to hold, then realized he'd better check it out first. (Is it okay with you if Hoshi holds her? I didn't want to offer without askin'.) T単ol, impressed by his consideration nodded briefly.

"Wanta hold her?" He offered up to the very obviously eager Ensign.

"Sure....If that's okay." Again T単ol nodded and the communications officer gently accepted the girl from her dad.

Lizzie looked at her intensely. She reached up and grabbed at her brows, realizing some familiarity in that they too were arched. Missing her target, she touched the young woman's face and awaited some form of communication from her. When none came, Lizzie looked to her mother for answers.

(She is not part of our bond... She is human like your father and is not able to communicate in our way.) Elizabeth turned back to the young woman and stared at her a moment longer....then. "Gurrrr.....Gurrrr.." she sounded spitting little bubbles out as she tried to convey her feelings to the young Ensign.

Hoshi began to laugh, seeing the child so obviously animated. She could feel a sort of communication being given, but was unsure what language this child was using. She looked to T単ol for clarity.

"She found she was unable to communicate with you as she does with us...." T単ol began her explanation. "So she used the only language she knows right now.......Shot." Trip laughed realizing her daughter's first word in her baby book would be Gurrrr.

"Sehlat.....I am not familiar with that....Is it an obscure Vulcan dialect?"

"Yeah....for a fuzzy saber toothed tiger that walks around growling when he's happy...." Trip mused and found even more humor in his friends' total puzzlement. "I'll explain that one to ya later."

"Well, aren't you the pretty one." Malcolm inched up beside Hoshi and put out a finger to the baby. His thick British accent caught the child's ear and she whipped around to study him more intensely. She looked him right and left, trying to identify the ears, then stared at him even more directly checking for any similarity in the shape of his brow.

"What's she staring at me for?" Malcolm became nervous feeling that the child seemed to see right through his pretend ease. Actually the Brit was trying to make a good impression on the communications officer who was obviously taken by the child in her arms. This prompted Lizzie to concentrate harder on his face.

"She thinks your accent is funny." Trip mused reading the child's query almost immediately as his friend spoke.

"My accent....look who's talking....I am not the one with an accent so thick at times, that I'm asked to repeat what I just said." Malcolm seemed a bit miffed at the child's insight. Hoshi laughed along with the group, at the security officer.

"Yes...but to her....I don't have an accent......" Trip continued his jibe.

"Actually....you do....but she seems to enjoy the difference in our dialects." T単ol added, trying now to become a part of this human bonding ritual.

"See.....so there....." Malcolm said defensively pointing at T単ol for backup.

Lizzie cooed at him, reaching out for the man to hold her. Hoshi placed the child into the nervous man's arms and watched their interactions carefully. The English male was stiff, and watch with great concern as the child continued to study him. She reached out and touched his nose, then smiled and cooed as she saw his ears peeking out from the side of his face.

"I'm impressed..." Hoshi offered and the security officer relaxed a bit watching the little girl's further display. Travis reached his arms out for the child and Malcolm handed her over, happy to be through that uneasy part.

When Lizzie saw Travis, a big puzzled look came to her face. She turned to her mother for details and found the explanation a bit harder to believe. She stroked at his skin, attempting to wipe off the coloration that made this male stand out so from the others she had encountered. "Is there a problem, Miss Elizabeth?" he asked her smiling brightly. Lizzie reached out for his teeth and found them as illusive as the previous male's ears.
"I think she likes your tan." Malcolm offered with a sly smile. Travis looked back at the child studying him so. "It's amazing....how astute she is." He offered and smiled once more in response to her babbling and arm gestures.

T単ol took Elizabeth from the helmsman. Both males added their congratulations to Hoshi's. They hugged and patted the engineer on the back. Trip felt certain this move wouldn't offend T単ol, but noticed the whole time Hoshi kept the rest of the group between herself and dad.

"Oh by the way," Malcolm started. "There has been a revised time for your parent's arrival. Star Fleet has requested that they be brought aboard sooner, to decrease the publicity seekers. They are to leave from the Star Fleet station earth time 18:00 and be arriving at Jupiter station by 21:00. Travis and myself will be there personally to shuttle them back to Enterprise. They should be here no later than 21:30."

"Tonight.....Yikes...that was quick." Trip didn't mean to let his nervousness about T単ol meeting his mother show. "Why so fast?"

"Well Terra Primers aren't the only ones interested in this little girl. The news media is chomping at the bit to get any word on her. Star Fleet security feels it would be safer for all involved to get your parents here quickly before anyone finds out about the meeting. I got a couple of my friends at MI6 to guarantee their safe passage to Jupiter station, and we can take it from there." Reed smiled knowing he'd made a very tense time for Trip easier.

"Thanks....Malcolm. I appreciate the extra consideration." Trip placed a friendly hand upon his shoulder.

"It's nothing...besides I've been dying to meet them." He started.

"You have?" Trip wondered why.

"Yeah....so I might tell them what an insanely brilliant engineer they have raised." Reed's lips turned up in that sly British smirk.

"Well.... I don't think my Pop's gonna argue that point with ya." Trip returned.

"Nor I expect your mother to have a different opinion." T単ol said, again trying to fit in.

"Well just be at the airlock at 21:30 sharp...." the security officer took one more look at the content little girl. The group remained another 30 minutes or so, and watched as Lizzie put on her best show. They laughed and admired the little child's antics and wondered just how much she'd change during her time aboard Enterprise.

****

20:56 - Jupiter Station - Charles and Catherine Tucker stood at the docking port awaiting clearance to board the Enterprise shuttle. The two MI6 agents that had accompanied them from their Georgia home to the station remained at opposite ends of the room, keeping the other station traffic out of the area. Malcolm was just beyond the glass door of the lock, finishing the necessary paperwork to gain them security clearance to board the Enterprise. The transport had been uneventful, but long and you could tell both Trip's parents were a little on edge from exhaustion.

Catherine stood up from the chair she'd been sitting in just beside her husband Charles. She paced a bit about the area, feeling somewhat caged under all this scrutiny. "What's taking so long?" she asked nervously.

"Now mother.....you know there is a lot of paperwork to getting on a star ship." Charles Jr. offered out his hand to get her seated again.

"I know, but it never took this long before." she accepted it and sat down pulling her oversized purse into her lap and anchoring it with great frustration.

"Yeah....it took longer, because we were the one's doing the paperwork instead of Lieutenant Reed." He rubbed her shoulder a bit. "I guess you can't be too careful out here in space.....all these aliens."

"That's true enough." She returned, her true frustration showing.

"Now Catherine Elizabeth.....we talked about this... twice.........You are to treat Trip's T単ol nicely. He tilted his head and shot her a determined stare.

"I know......" she relented, but he could tell she wasn't happy about it.

"Look....Trip and T単ol have a baby now....They have to work things out to be there for the child. It is up to us, not to interfere with their efforts in any way..... Now, I plan to welcome her into this family and I expect you to be behind me in that...."

"I understand.....I want nothing but the best for Trip and the child.....but you read that stuff about Vulcans......They don't have emotions......they don't like touch........How in the world can you believe that our son can be happy giving his heart away to someone like that?" She looked at him almost pleading.

"Well..... Obviously he has and it's his business...." Charles Jr. returned the protective arm to his side seeing as how she was being more stubborn then his middle child ever was.

"You saw the way he spoke of her in his messages.....You know what she's done to him lately.....going off and marrying another when he so obviously loved her....How can you be so calm about this?" Catherine fumbled in her purse for a hanky.

"Because mother.....this is what he wants.......You saw how happy he was on the link last night.....Something must have changed.....I can't believe that glow he was wearing was all about his child......Now you promise me, Catherine Elizabeth that you're gonna try and give this woman a chance.......Promise me.."

"All right......I promise..." She relented and won his protective arm back in its proper place.

Malcolm Reed stepped back through the glass and came up to the couple. He told them of the clearance activation and escorted them toward the port where Travis awaited them in the shuttle.

"Mr. & Mrs. Charles Tucker Jr., I'd like to introduce your pilot for the evening, Ensign Travis Mayweather." The Ensign lent out his hand to them.

"Pleased to meet you both. Trip has told me so much about you, I feel like I already know you." Travis took the baggage they had from them and began loading it as he spoke. Malcolm offered a gentlemanly hand to the lady, helping her into and over the arch of the portal.

"Yeah... our son has spoken of you as well.... Boomer I believe he called you.... Why is that?" The elder man followed his wife into the shuttle and sat down beside her.

"Cause I grew up flying around space and got pretty good at it too. All pilots from the crib are boomers...." Travis sat down and reviewed his controls. Warming up the thrusters, he completed a final check of systems.

"I'm really looking forward to seein' this ship Trip is always ravin' about..... I didn't get to tour it before she left outta dock and this is the first time in 4 years she's been back." The silver haired man started making pleasant conversation.

"Yes....she's quite a ship...and fast.....Trip really out did himself on her...." Boomers were notorious for their love of vessels.

"This Commander T単ol......I hear she is quite good at her job." Catherine started with what she thought was pleasant conversation, but got a quick stare from her hubby.

"Yes...Best in star fleet...." Malcolm answered wondering what kind of change in subject just took place.

"She is very efficient....is she?" Catherine continued unabated by her husband's looks.

"Yes...very....." Malcolm was beginning to sense something in the wind.

"I guess it's difficult for her to be a full time mom and a Commander." Reed was sure things were not too happy in the Tucker Jr. camp.

"Not for Commander T単ol. Right now she is working from her quarters, but is able to tend to Elizabeth and her duties without missing a beat." Malcolm did what he could to bolster Trip's side with his parents.

"She must be a remarkable woman...." Catherine started to say a remarkable Vulcan, but edited herself at the last minute.

"That she is..." Travis joined in. "The baby is so happy and intelligent.... I don't think she's cried once since she came aboard. Trip tells me she communicates her needs through empathic connections that allow T単ol and him to know her wants before she knows she wants them herself. We saw her earlier today......An amazing little thing.... You'll just love her to bits."

Charles Tucker Jr. flashed his wife, a satisfied smirk and Catherine simply relaxed back against the cushions in silence. She remained that way until they made their final approach toward the Enterprise's landing bay.

****

Trip paced the corridor in front of the landing bay door. He was there with Archer who chose to meet his parents as they came on board, rather than wait for them in the conference room as T単ol and Elizabeth opted to do. The captain could tell his old friend was nervous but knew in his mind that he wasn't scared about his parent's reaction to the baby, but to T単ol.

"Settle down Trip.... you're wearing a hole in the deck plate." Jon placed a steadying hand on his shoulder.

"You're right Cap'n.....I don't know why I'm so nervous......I'm just anxious to see my folks...that's all." Trip ran a hand through his blond strands and rechecked his uniform. He pulled at it again, straightening the collar and hitching up the zipper an inch or so more.

When the bay doors closed and the light indicated green, Trip burst through the doors to open the shuttle. The captain followed behind and watched as the engineer eased the port out and open in a clean move.

He reached his hand into his mother, who stepped out quickly and gave him a vigorous hug. "Trip....my son...." She looked him over with a dutiful eye and pulled him back to her in a repeat hug. "Hey mom....." he returned smiling.

Then out stepped Mr. Tucker Jr. The silver haired man looked to almost be his son's spitting image. Same height, same facial features, other than the fact that his father had green eyes, Archer felt he was looking at a future portrait of his old friend. "Hey Pop....." The two men stood in silence for a moment, just hugging tightly as if they hadn't seen each other in decades.

"How was your transport?" Trip asked as his mom continued to brush light fingers through the wavy mop she so adored from his childhood.

"Long....but not too bad..." Charles offered and watched as Malcolm and Travis exited the shuttle. "but these guys were the best....I have to say."
Both officers just smiled back at Trip's father's old style southern graciousness.

They turned to see the captain standing just a few meters away. "Mom...Pop...I think you know Cap'n Archer....." The couple quickly stepped to his side.

"Of coarse we do......How are you?" Catherine extended her hand first.

"Cap'n" The older man did likewise.

"It's Jon.... I only go by Captain when it's official business." He returned a smile to them.

Malcolm and Travis left the bay carrying the couple's luggage, and the rest of the group turned to Trip. "Well son....where is that precious little girl I saw you with last night?" Charles Jr. was eager to meet his grand daughter.

"She and T単ol are waiting for us in the conference room, one deck down. Come on....let's go get you guys acquainted." Trip motioned for his mom to go before them, then allowed Archer to lead the way as he hung behind, arms wrapped about his parent's waists. They entered the turbo lift and the air grew silent as the engineer's tensions started to build.

***

In the conference room, T単ol had been pacing with the child. Her anxiety about this meeting was growing as she detected Trip's fears through their bond. Lizzie was getting restless at the feelings she could sense in her mother, and was unsure of their nature. T単ol, dressed in her blue form fitting cat suit of a uniform began rocking Elizabeth back and forth, as she fought to get control of her own outward emotions. She could feel them coming nearer and began running meditation techniques through her mind to try and settle herself even further.

The door swooshed open and in stepped the older female. She was shorter than T単ol by a few inches, 70-75 kg the Vulcan estimated and had a fair skin complexion like her son. Her hair was dyed, a soft brown blond and her most striking feature was the brilliant blue eyes that were right now staring down the alien that held her grandchild. Behind her came a taller man, silver haired and very much resembling the overall appearance of her mate. He walked up with the others wearing his son's familiar smile and seemed quite happy to be here. Unfortunately, as they came closer, T単ol could sense an extreme uneasiness coming from the matriarch and knew instinctively it was directed at her. The Vulcan took a cleansing breath to steel her senses from the onslaught.

Trip came up and around to get between the two groups. Mom...Dad...this is T単ol..... he started awaiting the courteous return that was custom from those of true southern breeding.

"Miss T単ol.....it is so good to finally meet you.....My son has told us so much about you..." Charles Jr. started to hold out a hand to shake then pulled it back obviously not trying to insult the Vulcan.

"Yes.....My son speaks of you often.." His mother added, in her best southern way.

"Most kind......" T単ol nodded graciously back at them. "He as told me much about you as well. May I express my sympathies for your loss." She added not wanting to forget that his parents had lost a beloved child.

That statement seemed to spark something in both of them, as the mood turned a bit more somber for a moment. "Thank you.....I understand you too have lost someone close....You have our sympathies as well." Charles Jr. spoke for his family.

"Most kind...." She returned and watched for Trip to introduce the child. He scooped her from T単ol's arms and stepped between them. "Mom....Pop....this is little Lizzie." He held her to him and watched as tears started to flow from his parent's eyes.

"Oh my god.....she's gorgeous." His mother got up into the child's face and was rewarded by a frenzied arm display.

"She's magnificent son...." His dad pulled out a handkerchief and began dabbing his reddened and watery eyes.

Catherine held out her arms insistently wanting her son to hand the child over. Trip flashed a quick look to T単ol who stepped back further behind him as she nodded. Trip eased Lizzie into his mom's arms. He watched as his parents played with the child.

Lizzie occasionally looked in her mother's direction, something she hadn't done this morning.... Trip could feel the tension in T単ol and wondered if he was making it worse. Although nothing untoward had happened yet, this wasn't the warm and fuzzy introduction he'd hoped for. Only time would tell if his mom would give up her preconceived notions and accept T単ol into the family. Meanwhile, Lizzie went about examining the two new people in her life. She saw the blueness of her foremother's eyes and blinked steadily studying them. This she found familiar and reached out to touch her face. Still no communication, the little girl seemed puzzled and reached out once more.....Nothing. "Gurr....Gurr...." she burbled wondering why she wasn't getting through to this woman.

"Isn't that cute...." Charles said, lifting the child out of his wife's arms. "Hey there cutie... remember me from the screen last night. I'm your Poppy...." he nuzzled her close and when he pulled back, Lizzie recognized many of his features to be that of her fathers. She saw the ears and notice they were exact. She cooed and babbled harder, flailing arms and legs in a playful motion.

T単ol still hiding behind Trip could feel the increasing scrutiny of his mother. The tension level was building and she wondered why the older woman had come all that way not to be paying attention to her grand child. Trip could sense her discomfort as it traveled past him to Elizabeth.

(Hey....it's okay...relax.....you're scaring Lizzie.) he sent reassurances, he didn't have through their bond. T単ol noticed the child starting to fidget in the older man's arms now. She took another cleansing breath and steeled her emotional control once more.

Catherine noticed the change in the child and went to take her back from grandpa. As she reached, her thoughts still contained many uneasy doubts about the woman her son wanted to be with.

The tension increased and T単ol was having a hard time ignoring it. ( Hey...relax will ya....you're getting her upset....Look.....my mom is cool...it's not as if she's gonna bite ya...)

At that exact moment, Catherine held Lizzie out before her and said. "Oh Lizzie...you're so sweet, I could eat you all up."

Panic shot through Trip's brain into the child's, ripping a gaping hole in his mask of confidence he had been trying to show T単ol. Lizzie squealed, frightened and started pushing back at the older woman, looking desperately at her mother for protection. Trip realized, as the baby started crying frantically, that his mother's statement somehow triggered in T単ol her protective maternal instincts. Even though the Vulcan didn't leap over and rip the child from her arms, her reaction did about as much damage in the little girl's heart. He eased Lizzie from his mother's arms and when she wouldn't quiet for him, Trip handed her back to T単ol.

"Sorry Mom.... she's had quite the day... meeting a lot of new people...She's probably just tired." As T単ol took her, Lizzie quieted immediately and looked back at her grandparents with a hurt look, sniffling and hiccupping.

"I'll take her to meditate....that will calm her...... You may see her again before she turns in for the evening....." T単ol nodded her goodbyes and hastened with Lizzie out of the room. Trip was left to make amends with his parents.

"She gets a bit overwhelmed sometimes....She'll feel better after meditation... Why don't we take this time to get you settled." Trip was trying his best to quiet his mother's disapproval as they left the captain and turned down the passageway towards the guest quarters.........



Part 7

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A whole mess of folks have made comments

Nice! ... it's getting nicer!! and nicer!! ;) Really good work!

Ah, Mothers-In-Law...how much fun they can be!

Wonderful post! Cute parts where toweled Trip gets caught by Archer and when you have Mal/Hoshi/Travis meet Lizzie. Only one more post? Say it ain't so!

I don't like Trip's mom in this one. Hope you find a way to make her more likeable and less xenophobic towards T'Pol. After all if Trip is happy that should be the ice breaker not the maintenance of his mother's prejudice. I like the fact that his father went out of his way to warn Catherine, you can see where Trip gets his nature from. Ali D :~)

Another excellent installment! Especially loved the shower scene, T'Pol's jealousy, and T'Pol introducing Lizzie to her parents via meditation. That was cool. Can't wait for more and I hope you're teasing about the next part being the last. I don't want it to end.

Loved it, as always. The meditation scene was gorgeous, nice idea. I'm looking forward to the next part (next, not last, pls!!).

It's a lovely story, but with one quibble. A sehlat is, IIRC, a teddy bear with really big teeth. (According to Spock in Journey to Babel). I think the cat creature is a L'mataya (sp?)

really like this series, and I would like it to become a continuing one, if you can do it!! I do think Lizzie's a little too precocious for a 6 month old (if I remember correctly) but she is written adorably.

My only problem?? I can't believe Archer (or anyone) for that matter would be 'surprised' that Trip is living in T'pol's quarters, or that she would even feel it necessary to explain his presence there. They're adults for gods sake, with a child they both have to raise!!

Really? I get to be first? Sweet! Dude! Sweet! Okay, I'm done. Such a good story, I can't wait for the next chapter! Here's to a happy ending! (*Lifts glass of champagne*) :)

Trip's mom reminds me of the stereotypical bigoted southern belle... polite on the outside and truly unpleasant on the inside. I've met a few, being from the south, but I can't see Trip growing up with a Mom like that and ending up as marvelously openminded as we know he is. Will Mom Tucker have a change of heart? Please tell me she's just having a bad day!

Can't wait for the next chapter!!

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Although it is true that for Journey to Babel, Sehlots were fat teddybears, on the series, they showed the wild ones as sabertooth tigers in the episode "The Forge." and I think for the importance they played, the tiger was a much more appropriate companion. As for Mrs Tucker being a xenophobe...she's not...she's just a very protective mother....remind you of anyone else in the piece.....That's why there is another chapter...It wouldn't be an interesting story if they just up and got a long, now would it...Next part out hopefully sooner than Friday....It's almost done.....Thanks again......T

This is fantastic! I can't wait for the next installment (though I wish it wasn't going to be the last part). Thanks for writing such an awesome series!

Nez just loves Malcolm's having some chums in MI6. Nez is being sarcastic. apart from that, I really love this whole story!

TRL,I really LOVE your story. I've read it from the beginning several times. Listen, everybody's a critic when it comes to stories. I'm just happy that you and other skilled writers keep churning out stories since the demise of ENT. I don't think Elizabeth is too precocious...she is part Vulcan, for goodness sakes!

I don't know how you will end the series, but I do hope for a sequel or an addendum. Keep up the excellent work!

I like this story, even if I do have something of a problem with meditation for a six-month old. I have a nephew, 3 nieces, 2 daughters, 1 great-nephew and 1 great-niece and a granddaughter and I can tell you definitely that six months old babies don't meditate. Ever. They do sleep and dream and that avenue might have been a better one for the learning that the meditation scenes produced. Lizzie is just too precocious.

WOW,,Ok feelin weird here.
Lovin the smutty bit ya put in,, an lovin the ever cutness that is Elizabeth,, all at the same time. LOL that never happened to me in a FanFic before. I know some of us readers dont like Catherine bein all prejudice twards T'pol,, ont get me wrong I hate it to when people dont fall in love with Polly right away for who she is,, But I think this is a great touch to the story have in Catherine this way. Hell If I was in Trips shoe's Id have to go through the same thing,, only with my dad. This make's it seem much more real an less fairtailish. Hope every thing works out in the next chapie,, an T'pol knocks some sence in to that pesky Mother In Law.
Oh yeah Loved it,, an hope for a sequal to. :)