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Little Lizzie - Part 9

Author - TLR
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Little Lizzie

By: TLR

Rated: R - adult.


Disclaimer: Enterprise is the property of UPN and Paramount Pictures....By the way have you noticed, UPN has already replaced the Friday night Enterprise spot with the Friday night movies series.... It wasn't bad enough that they replayed TATV a second time last week to plunge the dagger yet again into our hearts, now they have gone and buried us without a funeral or even a time for mourning....Ungrateful........Sorry, Just my method of venting.....
Summary This story picks up after Part 7. Ambassador Soval has just left to return to Earth.... The Tuckers enjoyed a quiet afternoon, playing with their grand child and T’Pol was able to leave them for brief periods of time to check in on her department staff, and the new security updates. The rest of the work she did from her cabin as the elder humans played with the girl. Enjoy.


June 2, 2005

*******************************************************************

Part 9


Dinner seemed to go quietly..... Trip had arranged with chef to set up a little private dining room in the first officer's quarters. It was the man's first look at the child, and he took great pleasure at hand delivering the strained applesauce to the new mom himself. He oooo'd and ahhhh'd over the little girl, noting that she was as strikingly beautiful as her mother. This comment surprised T’Pol, in that she'd never known this human male had thought of her in that way. The folded table and chairs they set up fit snuggly into the room and Lizzie spent the better part of dinner perched on her mother's lap, watching with great curiosity her family taking in their meal. The child sent puzzled looks and feelings through to her folks, and shot side looks to her grandparents, who had by now learned to read the little one without the benefit of the empathic connection.

"What's she ask'n?" Charles, Jr. looked to T’Pol.

"I believe she wants to know where our bottles are?" The science officer looked at the child knowing, that her watching the adults eat would peak her interest at attempting it herself. She turned her slightly and picked up the specially covered spoon Phlox had provided for her. Dipping the tip into the slushy mess, T’Pol raised it to the little girl's lips. Lizzie opened wide thinking it was yet another bottle, but then tasted the sourness of the mush. It had a thicker texture...and there were grainy bits that she solely didn't approve of. She gave a very obvious disapproving look, scrunching her face and protruding her tongue to get rid of the alien substance. Then came the spitting sounds, and T’Pol looked in fright at the sight of the child rejecting solid food. This was not in Phlox's instructions, and the Vulcan worried that due to her hybrid nature, her food conflicts would mean she'd choose to remain on formula for the remainder of her life. Trip saw as well as felt her fear, and moved to sooth her.

"It's okay...all babies do that...you just gotta keep scooping it up and shoveling it in until she gets used to it."

T’Pol looked at him questioningly, then did as she was instructed, running the tiny spoon up the baby's chin, and reinserting the now drool-laden fruit mash. Again the face and more rejection, but now more forcefully, spattering ample amounts of it all over T’Pol's uniform. T’Pol looked down at the mess her daughter had caused, wondering if Trip was as well informed as he pretended to be.

"That's okay.....they do that too.....Now Lizzie...it's not nice to get your mommy all messy...." He reached over and took the child to allow T’Pol a chance to clean up. Trip grabbed the spoon from her hand and began repeatedly re-feeding the same goop into the child's mouth until most of it had been taken. He then dipped the spoon in once more, and started the process all over again. For his troubles, Lizzie managed to get more food on him, on the table and down the front of herself, for which Trip placed his napkin over her outfit in lieu of a bib. T’Pol came back to the table cleaned with a change of uniform and a re-tidying of her hair. She watched with the grandparents as her mate continued to be persistent with the little girl.

"The doctor said just a taste now, son." Catherine kept reminding the boy, remembering her objections to the thought of food at this time.

"Mom...it hasn't even been 2 whole spoonfuls yet." Trip kept looking back at her.... "She's spit out more than she's eaten."

"Well...I think she's done enough for tonight." His mom held out her hands wanting to rescue the child from the most probable upset tummy due to this. Trip reluctantly put the spoon down and handed the child over to her. She licked the tip of her napkin and began dabbing at the girl's face to get the sticky mess off her silken little cheeks. T’Pol saw this gesture and offered.

"Would you like a wet rag to cleanse her?"

"No...this is fine." She replied, licking and dabbing several more times.

T’Pol went over and retrieved a bottle for her daughter. She set it beside the elder woman's plate on the table, knowing all to well that Catherine would relish the chance to feed her grandchild. However....instead she handed the baby over to her husband once she got her clean, and gave him the bottle. T’Pol flashed her, a puzzled look.

"I promised her Poppy...he could feed her tonight...." Catherine smiled shyly realizing she'd promised something that wasn't hers to promise. Charles, Jr. smiled up and in his eyes the Vulcan could see the magnitude of this gesture by his mate.

"Let me get the camera....." Trip announced, jumping up and retrieving the small square box off T’Pol's desk. Since Lizzie's arrival, Trip's camera hadn't left his mate's room, and the engineer had secretly wished he would have brought it today when Soval announced Elizabeth's citizenship, but knew that Vulcan's were not fond of picture taking. (It's good though, that the conference room had video tape.) he thought....(I'm sure Hoshi will be able to splice up a few shots for me....especially the one of Lizzie planting a big one on the old man.) Trip smiled and watched his parents huddle close with the child sucking away. *Click*

"Now you get in there Honey...." Trip used the term absently and noticed T’Pol didn't question him on that, but still wasn't too keen about the picture. Catherine held open her arm indicating that T’Pol should come, sit by her. She did so, straight and stiff, as the Gramma laid an arm about her shoulders and smiled brightly. *Click*

"Now let me take one of you three...." Catherine jumped up and grabbed the camera from her son's hand, hustling him over to sit between his dad and T’Pol. He raised his arms and slung them over each of their shoulders, grinning up in that ever popular Tucker way..... "Smile...." Catherine prompted waiting for the Vulcan to comply. The rest of the group held there poses for what seemed to be a lifetime awaiting the button's push, but the matriarch was holding out... "Smile."

"Mom.....!" Trip managed through gritted teeth. "Oh...Yes." Catherine remembered now she was dealing with a Vulcan..... *Click*

"Now how about one of you..." Catherine started and Trip stopped her, feeling T’Pol's tension level rising..... "I think that's enough with the pictures for today Mom, thanks." He took the camera and returned it to the desk.

"Well... you guys going to movie night..?" Trip asked his parents, wanting to spend a little alone time with his mate.

"No son.....we thought you and T’Pol could go and we'd watch Lizzie for ya." Charles, Jr. answered, as he and his wife had discussed this little ploy over breakfast.

"But dad....it's Casablanca......Your favorite..." Trip was astonished his father would miss a Bogart film.

"I have it at home son.....why don't you and T’Pol enjoy the evening out...We'll stay here as long as you like.....We got bottles, diapers....even a big fuzzy toy....and if she gets upset, then you'll know it... But she'll be fine with us." Trip and T’Pol looked down at Lizzie who by now was contented to lie in this man's arms. Her little hand played against the hair on his skin and her eyes gazed up and explored his familiar features. Trip turned to his mate...

"Well....you up for a movie...?" he asked knowing that T’Pol really wasn't but was now boxed into going. She nodded....

"Well okay......if you two need us, here is the comm button.....they can find us anywhere on the ship." Trip came over and planted a soft kiss upon the child's forehead. "You behave Munchkin......don't give your grandparents a hard time."

She cooed at that and went back to sucking the bottle. As T’Pol passed, she grazed two fingers over the area that second's ago Trip had kissed. She watched the little girl's arm display, as she walked behind her mate out the door.

***
The two walked side by side down the corridor. Trip could feel T’Pol's reluctance toward the movie and truthfully, he himself wasn't all that interested tonight for some reason. He gazed at her occasionally, as she kept her constant view on the floor. Turning the last corner to the mess hall, Trip started.

"You really don't want to see the movie......do you?" He placed a soft hand on her arm to stop her forward movement.

"I will watch it with you..." She replied, her words denoting her lack of interest.

"I'm not much up for it either....." Trip looked in the direction of the room.
He considered going back to T’Pol's cabin, and trying to relieve his parents, but knew that would be met with resistance. But where else could they go. He so wanted to be alone with her to talk about things that happened today, but knew if they went to his cabin, then there would be no talk. Suddenly, an idea clicked in his head. "I know...." he whispered, now taking her arm, he turned in the opposite direction and headed back the way they came.

T’Pol followed in silence, as they traversed the Jeffries tubes and maintenance shafts making their way to the center of the ship. He moved up the ladder, opening the heavy seal locked portal and climbed through. Once clear he helped T’Pol do the same and reclosed the hatch when they were through. The science officer looked puzzled. "Where are we?" she asked looking now at the solely white room.

"Travis calls this place the sweet spot." Trip stated and saw her confusion increase. "Take my hand and I'll show you why."

T’Pol did as she was instructed, grasping his left hand with her right. She saw Trip put up his other hand, palm flat above his head and he motioned for her to do the same. "Now just push off slightly..." he ordered and did so himself. As they did, both rose slowly, weightless to the ceiling. The hands they held up braced their ascent as they reached the other end of this circular space.

"You come here often..?" T’Pol asked adjusting her senses to the weightless atmosphere.

"I truthfully didn't know it had these properties, until Travis told me about it. Leave it to a Boomer to find the one spot on the ship where the grav plating doesn't work....Neat...huh." Trip looked at his mate, as she investigated fully their surroundings.

"It is reminiscent of the anti grav chambers at the Vulcan embassy." She stated, adjusting her self now upside down to sit on a flat spot of bulkhead.

"They have anti grav chambers at the Vulcan embassy?" Trip was stunned.

"Yes...for relaxation and retraining....Vulcans consider retraining a most efficient form of relaxation....." Trip came up to sit beside her. He placed his arm about her waist and looked at her looking around still.

He sensed in her some displeasure and wasn't able to read it fully, although he suspected he knew what the problem was. "Wantta tell me what's wrong?" Trip asked nudging into her softly.

"I am fine....." she replied calmly.

"You're not fine.....I can tell that much.....Come on....what about our promise to share everything, even if it's uncomfortable...." He asked looking into her soulful eyes.

"I miss our child....that's all...." She replied and Trip knew she wasn't telling the entire truth.

"I miss her too, but it's not like she's on Earth....she's just down the hallway.... and getting more attention from her grandparents, then she would get with us.....Now what else is bothering you........Is it what happened today?" Trip decided to go fishing.

"What...her gaining citizenship....That is what I was hoping to attain...you know this to be true."

"Ya...but you didn't mean for her to plant a big wet one on Soval's face... Are you upset that I taught her that?" he asked.

"Elizabeth needs to learn both Human and Vulcan customs. It is clear, as she grows older, it will be necessary to teach her when and where to use each, but for now she will just have to learn in her own way." T’Pol looked at the hatch, now the length of the room away and Trip could tell she was stating something that wasn't truly in her heart.

"It's true, the kisses are a human custom, but I didn't teach her so that she'd embarrass you in front of Soval....I know you hold great admiration for the man......Just like I didn't mean to tell Pop about your age......" Trip decided to get all the dirty laundry out at once and wash it.

"It was regrettable that our breakfast conversation...." T’Pol started but was stopped by her mate.

"T’Pol....I had no right to break your trust like that....In my defense.....I mentioned it to my dad a long time ago, just after returning from the expanse......I had no idea he'd remember it and was damn sure he wasn't gonna discuss it in mixed company, or else I never would've said anything. But it's true I did tell him.....I tend to share a lot with my folks,.... that's just how we are......but it's still not right and I want to apologize for the embarrassment it caused you today...." Trip sighed a bit feeling relieved he could get that off his chest finally.

"It is nice you share so much with your parents....however I did feel a bit uncomfortable with the shock it caused them...." T’Pol decided to admit some of her feelings on the matter.

"T’Pol....this respect thing....I want it more now than ever, but it's gonna take some time for me to understand it fully..... I think this will probably not be the last time I end up embarrassing you and I want you to be honest with me.... I want you to tell me when I do these things, so I can learn not to do them again.....I love you and Lizzie so much...I don't ever want to cause either of you any pain.......but I'm only human and can't read minds like you.....I need to hear it from you, and you can't be afraid to tell me...... It won't change the way I feel about you.... Nothing in this universe could do that." Trip pulled her close to him and watched as her eyes searched his to gauge the urgency he was feeling as he spoke.

She nodded softly...."I will do this, if you will help me understand what I do that hurts you as well....." T’Pol remembered his admission of hurt and frustration that caused his mother to have reservations about the alien.

"I don't understand human customs fully, and will probably inadvertently cause you distress in the future, but it will not be deliberate. I need to understand the things I do that hurt you, so I can adjust my practices to avoid them in the future." T’Pol was now trying to express something more, but still felt limited by her culture.

"Translation....you love me too....." Trip smiled, his blue eyes danced in her heart and she relaxed. T’Pol softly nodded, not wanting to betray her culture, but glad he'd said the things she had a hard time speaking.

"Well....I'm glad that's out in the open...." He pulled her weightless form into his arms and kissed her nose lightly. "Don't you feel better?" He asked her, already sensing the answer through their bond.

T’Pol checked her emotions and found them to be lighter, less in turmoil. She nodded again, wrapping her arms about him, as she straightened her legs. Now they lay against each other in this weightless space.... They kissed, planting soft ones on each other's lips, cheeks, neck... forehead. The tension was all gone between them now and a new type of feeling was replacing it. With a wicked smile, Trip looked down into her lovely face. "You know....mom and pop said they'd keep her for as long as we'd like.....Wantta make some good use of the time?" he stated his smile growing into a very adult one.

"In an anti grav chamber...?" she asked trying to compute the physics needed for such an act.

"No....but my cabin is free......It has a nice warm bed and an even nicer shower......I think I can scrounge up some candles if you'd like...." Trip pulled her in, nuzzling her neck and leaving hot steaming trails of his breath along her sensitive skin.

"The candles will not be necessary......I would most enjoy an evening in your cabin." She replied and brought her hand up to his face. T’Pol leaned her head back and closed her eyes relaxing her logical mind fully to the sensations that were now surging through her body......She broke from him, looking darkly into his eyes, then took his hand and pulled him back across the room toward the hatch. They made their way in silence through the corridors to C deck. There they entered his cabin in a hurry, waiting only a second after the door closed, to begin tearing at the layers of clothing that separated them.

Their mouths sought each other hungrily... their hands roving and pulling at zippers and buttons. The engineer slipped slightly stepping out of his jumpsuit sending him and T’Pol hard against the door. It didn't deter them, as they regained their upright stance, and managed to get T’Pol out of her skin tight uniform. Trip's hands traced the line of her skin. Her curves sent shivers through his body, as their silkiness played with the hairs of his chest. He lifted her in his arms and carried the Vulcan over to the bed. She lay there, looking up into his dark shadowed eyes....

Trip stood above her realizing his own fantasies were coming true once more. He laid his body down beside hers and began investigating fully the pleasures their bond now afforded them... As his hands made their third trip along her front, Trip could feel the waves of electricity entering him. He saw in her eyes the extreme pleasures his touch was causing and wanted desperately to never let this moment end. T’Pol moaned slightly, then turned to roll atop him. She began kissing his neck, while her hands got their time to explore. They trailed down his chest and abs, finding a particularly sensitive spot just above the short out cropping of hair at the base of his pelvis.....His breath quickened and T’Pol found great satisfaction at her bringing him so much pleasure. Her own desires lost to the need to fulfill his, T’Pol edged her way down along his body, letting her kisses replace the work of her fingers..... Her hands grabbed his thighs, as she reached his abs....and he gasped aloud..."Oh my god... T’Pol....."

The Vulcan looked up, her lips inches away from his skin. The heady feeling Trip got at this sight, made his desire for release all the more.....He reached down and grabbed her shoulders, pulling her back to his mouth. Slowly she crawled up his body, planting soft licks and kisses until her mouth took his forcibly. She positioned herself atop him and plunged down steadily taking him inside her with a fluid motion... Again he gasped beneath her mouth and she played with his lips, taking first the top, then the bottom into her mouth and gently sucking... She moved up and down slowly at first, allowing in her movements a lazy pace that brought more passion through their bond..... Trip's hands came up to her hips and began guiding the movement's rate. He was lost from reasonable thought, just content to let his other body parts take over for a while. T’Pol leaned up into a sitting position and eased her head back to enjoy the sensations more fully. She was aware of his eyes on her body and took great pleasure at the reaction his maleness had to the sight... The Vulcan clasped his hands and brought them to her breasts, indicating the sensation she desired, and Trip was happy to comply. The feel of them beneath his fingertips drove his mind into a frenzied whirlwind, a fact that T’Pol relished in. Her movements increased, and Trip now began to moan on a more regular basis....

As the pace grew frantic, so did the force with which he entered her. Trip began bringing his hips up to meet her thrusts and felt the sting of their flesh meeting each other....He didn't care, for now his mind was throbbing, much like the rest of his body....He needed release, but wanted nothing less than to give his mate the same satisfaction. He rolled her over, almost knocking her head into the wall, as arms and legs flailed to get a better grasp. He took her mouth this time, his hands on her hips, then placed her legs to lay against his strong arms..... Trip's feet were on the floor now, and with this leverage he could match the thrusts she desired to reach her peak. Through their bond, he could feel her cresting.... Her mind devoid of all logical thought, her passions flowing fully between them, making his own more intense. He pounded harder watching her fingers grip into the fabric of his bed sheets. Trip heard a soft moan escape her lips, knowing that for all her control, he'd been able to satisfy her fully... He relaxed his steel grip on his own release and allowed it to flow into the tidal wave that was hers.... He slumped down atop her....resting his head on her abdomen.....Their breathing came in gasps....their chests heaved at the shear magnitude of their passionate encounter.....Trip eased his way onto his back and pulled her close to him....They fell off to sleep for a short while, before either were able to move beyond a chest fall......


****

"Sure is taking a while......I don't remember Casablanca to be that long of a movie....do you mother?" Charles, Jr. asked with a knowing smirk on his face.

"Oh leave them alone......It's nice to see that they are getting along better these days...." Catherine said rocking a very awake little girl in her arms. Lizzie watched her Gramma trace the shape of her face with a finger and tried to grab it to connect with the older woman again. Her spouse came over to sit beside her...

"You think they'll marry?" he asked not really comfortable with the idea that his grand child was considered illegitimate.

"Of coarse....if they can...I don't know what the Vulcans' policies are about marriage between a human and one of their own.... They seem to be reasonable people though. I can't imagine they'd deny them that right." Catherine was now satisfied that the little girl was starting to fade.
She stood and handed her over to her Poppy, having already promised he could sing her to sleep. He smiled at the cherub, who began to yawn and suck absently.

"Hush little baby, don't say a word. Poppy's gonna buy you a mocking bird." The elder Tucker started and Lizzie recognized this instantly as the song her dad would sing to her at night. She relaxed and within a few moments the child was off in dream land. Catherine came to sit beside them. She leaned into her husband's shoulder and they both just enjoyed watching the little child dreaming......

Another hour or two went by before the commanders returned to T’Pol's cabin. They stepped inside to find Mr. and Mrs. Tucker huddled together on the cushions. Catherine leaned heavily against her husband's shoulder sleeping, in her arms an equally contented baby Lizzie lay dreaming away. Charles, Jr. looked up and saw the two enter....

"Hey pop....." Trip whispered walking up to them both. T’Pol followed him in and stepped over to the side of the room. The son patted his father on the shoulder and noted the serene look on his mom's face. He smiled seeing her so happy in her role as grandma..... Slowly he bent down and placed a soft kiss upon her cheek...."Mom...." Trip whispered even softer trying not to startle the older woman. Catherine's eyes fluttered open....

"Hey...sorry we are so late..." Trip started easing Lizzie from her arms and placing the infant into her mother's. T’Pol went over and laid the child in the bassinette, wrapping the blankets tightly about her shoulders.

The older couple looked up at their son. "You two like the movie?" The senior Tucker asked with a hint of whimsy that his son picked up on immediately.

"Ah....Yeah Pop...." Trip just grinned and glanced back at the unsure look on T’Pol's face at the lie.

"Weren't you wearing your uniform, son......How come you're wearing sweats now?" The southern gentleman nudged is wife and she smiled getting into the joke as well. Trip's face grew rosy, as he fumbled for a believable answer. The Tuckers noted the dampness of both their hair which made the smiles the two seniors wore grow wider and brighter...

"Well....It's getting late son....we gotta early day tomorrow...and we still haven't started packing....." Charles rose and lent a hand to his wife to follow. "We'll see ya for breakfast in the Captain's mess....right?" He asked inching his way toward the door.

"Yeah Pop....08:00."

"You're bringing Lizzie aren't you?" Catherine asked concerned she'd have limited time to be with her grand baby before they left for home.

"Yes....Elizabeth will be there as well." T’Pol reassured her and was rewarded with a satisfied smile. "Good....we'll see ya then." Catherine stepped out of the door and awaited her spouse. Charles was escorted to the door by his son, who stopped to thank him for the night out. T’Pol left them, for the bathroom, watched by the group before they exited.

"Thanks dad...mom...we really appreciated this." Trip stated giving them each a brief hug and kiss on the cheek.

"I bet you did." Charles returned his smile growing into a wicked one. Trip looked at him a bit embarrassed.

"One word of advice son.....Next time remember to come back in the same clothes and be sure you both dry your hair thoroughly...I mean your mom and I understand these kinda things, but you're both commanding officers, you have to keep up some sense of decorum." The older man chuckled and patted his son on the back. He then joined his wife, who was equally amused and started walking the empty passageways back to their cabin.

****

In the morning, Catherine rose well before the appointed time to meet for breakfast. She was filled with a nervousness she couldn't explain. Her movements about the cabin woke her husband, and he sat up trying to determine what his wife of 43years was up too.

"Hey...it's 06:20AM....what are ya doing up so early....?" He asked as he saw the woman he loved pacing the room.

"Sorry...did I wake you...?" she replied fumbling now with the folded clothes in the drawer. She pulled them out and sat them on the chair beside the bed.

"Yeah, but that's okay.....you getting an early jump on packing?" The gray haired man knew different, but wanted her to be free to express only what she wanted too.

"Yes....I guess so....... There's just not that much time left.....Where did these 3 days go.....I feel like I just got here...." Her voice trembled, which caused her spouse to get up and put his arms about her.

"It's okay....I'm gonna miss em too..." he offered as she buried her face into his pajama top.

"What if we never see em again.....What if they go to live on Vulcan and we never...." she began to sob softly.

"First off.... that won't happen....If they do decide to live on Vulcan, then we'll just have to travel there.... Trip told me that T’Pol has a very nice home with a guess room.... He says the air is warm, just like in Florida..... he says we'll feel right at home......"

"I know....but you are retired.... our credits are limited these days and interplanetary trips can't come cheap...." She sniffed and hiccupped not wanting to face the reality that his words may only be a dream.

"We'll find a way Catherine Elizabeth Tucker....I promise you that you'll see that grand baby again if that's the last thing I do...." His words were forceful and suddenly the woman remembered just what made her fall so deeply in love with this man, some 45yrs ago.... She looked up and kissed him softly on the lips, then rested her head on his shoulder, rocking in his arms all the while. They both lay back down on the bed cuddled together. Shortly, they fell to sleep feeling a bit more at ease about today's coming events.

In the Captain's dining room, 08:00 Lizzie sat on her mom's lap propped up trying to sample a bit more of the blended applesauce. She made face after face and her tongue danced wildly trying to put out what her father was shoveling in. T’Pol kept her hands on the child, as she rocked and flailed trying to get away from the magic spoonful of yuk. Archer walked in to see this exercise and began laughing almost immediately. Trip's face contorted trying to aim for the little girl's mouth in such a way to get the most in, in the least amount of attempts. He was unsuccessful and this show kept the captain of the Enterprise entirely amused.

Catherine and Charles Tucker entered the room. They saw the show their grand baby was playing and noted the less than thrilled look on the young Vulcan's face. "Are you still makin' my poor grandbaby try to eat that mess." Grandma went up and tapped her son on the shoulder.

"Now Catherine.....if the doctor wants her to try....then she's gotta..." Charles' words were cut off by his wife's famous, 'I know what I am talking about' look. Trip knew this look as well and gave way, dropping the spoon almost immediately.

Catherine held out her hands to the child and her mother turned her over without hesitation. "You see T’Pol.... that's what it takes to deal with the Tucker men......You have to let them know whose boss." She replied seating herself in the chair that Trip vacated beside the young woman.

"I believe your son already knows who his superior officer is." T’Pol returned dryly causing Trip, the Captain and his father to break out in laughter.

"No....I don't think you get what I meant." Catherine was the only one not getting it and Trip decided to translate.

"Mom...she understood what you meant....that's what is known as a Vulcan sense of humor." He watched his mom to gauge if she understood him. She still looked puzzled. "If T’Pol hadn't understood, she would have said that I am aware that her rank is above mine......get it....?" This time Catherine saw the difference. (Vulcans do have a sense of humor.) she thought with great satisfaction that her son would continue to be surrounded by laughter.

The group began to eat after three mess hall crewmen delivered the last of their meals. Elizabeth, contented to be on her Gramma's lap watched her mother take sips of Plomeek broth from a spoon with great interest. She opened her mouth, watching her mom do the same and began imitating her movements as best she could with a little fist.

"I think she wants a taste....." Trip noted the child's interest and could feel her wonderment through their bond.

T’Pol turned to look.....She spooned a small drop of soup and blew on it several times. Touching it to her own lip, she was confident it wasn't too hot. The Vulcan then touched the spoon to her daughter's and watched the little girl suck down the liquid, licking at her lips when the broth had cleared her throat.

"She likes it!" Trip was overjoyed and grinned largely.

"It would seem so, however she is too young for this preparation....I will discuss these findings with Phlox before we attempt to change her dietary requirements." T’Pol turned back to her bowl.

"No...just one more time... I wantta get a picture...." Trip stood up and pulled out the camera. "Come on.....just once more....." He poised ready to take the shot. T’Pol prepared another drop of the liquid and awaited the child's cue. After she sucked it from the spoon, Lizzie gave a huge toothless grin and Trip hit the button a second time to capture this ever precious moment. *Click*

"That's a keeper.....for the baby book." He crowed as he sat back down to his meal. This statement brought on some water filled eyes on Catherine's part. She watched the child, longing to pack her up in their luggage and take her home with them. Trip noticed his mom's emotions.

"What's wrong mom.....?" Trip's dad interceded.

"You know your mother....she's just starting to miss ya already."

"Well....I know how hard this is for ya, but right now Lizzie is safer here with us...." Trip reached across and laid a hand on his mother's.

"Any idea where you all are gonna go?" His father asked, hoping to start making plans for their next visit.

"Right now we remain on Enterprise....but it's look'n like we'll end up on Vulcan, most likely....Just as soon as they are sure that we can be safe there. The communiqué from Soval said that his declaration of Elizabeth as a Vulcan citizen wasn't challenged by the High Counsel, so we will be welcome there once the threat has passed." Trip patted his mom's hand as she began to sob more.

"You know... you guys are welcome to visit at any time...." The young engineer offered trying to comfort his obviously upset mother.

"We know son...." Charles returned him a half hearted smile.

"Indeed...it is only a 4 day trip...." T’Pol offered hoping to relax her sadness.

"It's a 12 day trip." The captain corrected his first officer knowing that freighters were only capable of Warp 2 at best.

"It is only 4 days at Warp 7, captain..." She returned to him and the group all looked at her confused.

"T’Pol, freighters only travel at warp 2." Trip offered trying to remind her of human transport options.

"Freighter....? Why would they travel by freighter...? A child of my families' blood line would not travel by freighter, nor would her extended family." T’Pol looked almost insulted by his inference.

"What do you mean? My parents are human..." Trip was as confused as the rest of them, and he was connected to the Vulcan.

"My family is of high influence on Vulcan....Elizabeth has been declared a legal descendent of that blood line. Your parents being her biological grandparents, would be given certain rights....One of which is immediate passage by Vulcan star ship to see their grand daughter. They need only contact one of the embassies and ask for it."

"Yes but we wouldn't be able to afford something so expensive... I'm retired and....." Charles started trying to make the young woman understand their financial situation.

"There is no cost for this....Elizabeth is a child of Vulcan....she is in need of her family around her to grow strong and healthy.... Her health and well being is foremost in the minds of her people. Therefore to deny you your time with her would not be fostering her best chance at advancement.... so it would be considered illogical......." T’Pol finished her statement and regally took another sip of hot tea.

Catherine looked at Charles, who looked back at her. They both shot a glance to their son and the captain, who were as surprised by this revelation as the elderly couple was. Catherine began to sob harder and she leaned over, pushing Lizzie into her mother's lap, and grabbed onto the Vulcan female in another gigantic bear hug..."Oh thank you.....thank you...." she sobbed and this time instead of pulling away, T’Pol simply patted her on the back until she had settled down. The little girl didn't know what to make of this and looked up in surprise at the cramped position she found herself in. Righted, Catherine gazed down at the child's wonderment and brought her up to look directly into her eyes.

"Did you hear that miss Lizzie....we are gonna be able to visit you....." Gramma started planting numerous kisses about the child's face. The sensation caused her to giggle repeatedly. Trip eased up from his chair and pulled out the camera once more, capturing for all time the happiness he felt so vibrant in this room. *click*


***

At the air lock, Trip and T’Pol stood watching the Tuckers have a last moment with their grand daughter. Lizzie was her usually bubbly self, reaching out to connect with them both, not realizing they were unable to return her efforts. She growled playfully at her attempts, and little beads of spit dripped down her chin and onto the front of her pajamas. The Captain had bid his goodbyes earlier and allowed the commanders to have the morning off to spend the most time with them. Archer was busy in his ready room in contact with Star Fleet command getting updates on the Terra Prime investigation and the Enterprise's new orders. Just beyond the lock, the transport vessel Endeavor stood ready to return the couple directly home. Inside, awaiting them were Malcolm's two friends from MI6, so Trip knew his parents would be in the best hands possible.

"Well....you two have a safe journey home....and record me a message when you get back there." Trip said hugging his dad, as his mom still had a hold of Lizzie.

"You guys do the same....Any idea where the Enterprise is off to now, son?"
Charles asked taking the little girl for one last round of hugs and kisses.

"Don't know yet pop...but don't worry....I've been working on some safety equipment for Elizabeth while she's in sickbay or in our quarters.... She'll be safe..... I promise you of that...." Trip hugged his mom furiously. Catherine squeezed into him tightly and the tears from her eyes wet the front panel of his uniform. She turned to T’Pol, who had to this point been standing silently watching the exchange of emotion between parents and child.

"I know you'll take very good care of them both.... I am so proud that my son has found someone so special to spend his life with.....I am even prouder to consider you as part of our family....that is...if you'd don't mind..." She asked hesitantly, not knowing if her statements would be considered too emotional.

"I am honored to be considered as part of this family...." T’Pol returned and bowed slightly at that honoring the elder female.

"Well that might be the way they do it on Vulcan...but this is how we do it in the south...." Charles Jr. replied and came up to the slight woman, arms open and outstretched. T’Pol eased into them and allowed this gentle touch, trying to respect the human's need for connection. She felt in this man, many of the things that appealed to her in her mate. His good heart and kind manner were foremost in the feelings connecting to her mind and she cherished the moment as one of healing for both sides..... Trip held Lizzie and T’Pol stepped over to join him... His parents kissed the child once more and headed for the airlock door. As they moved away, Trip stopped them.

"Hey wait....I almost forgot...." He shouted handing Elizabeth over to her mother. Trip ran up and gave his mother a small brown package..... I had Hoshi make extra copies...I thought we could both have a baby book... We'll send you updates.....and pictures....lots of pictures....I promise...." Catherine accepted the bundle and gave her beloved son another kiss. She looked to T’Pol standing there with her child...

"I want you to hold him to that promise....okay." She asked knowing how distracted her son could get.

"I will see to it that he keeps you updated regularly......" T’Pol returned as Lizzie played with the patch on the front of her uniform.

"Well then.....I guess this is it......" The door swung open and the two escorts stood waiting...

"We love ya son....." Trip's dad pulled his son's head down and gave it just one more kiss. "We love ya all....." His eyes watered as he took his wife's arm and helped her through the portal...

"We love ya too...." Trip replied as his parents disappeared behind the steel lined door. The green indicator light turned red, and the sound of detaching metal could be heard through out the passageway... Trip returned to his family, his eyes still damp. He took Lizzie from T’Pol's arms and kissed her gently on her brown velvet strands. He then leaned into his mate and placed a softer kiss upon her temple.

"You two are the most important things in the world to me.....As long as we are together.....I am the happiest man alive...." He sniffled a bit knowing the love his parents had to have felt for him and his siblings... It was an incredible feeling, one that was now his to share with the two women in his life. T’Pol rested a hand on his arm as they turned to make their way toward sickbay..... Today would be Lizzie's first half day in daycare, and both would be on pins and needles getting through the remainder of their respective shifts.........

*******************************************************************


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A whole mess of folks have made comments

Oh me first! Lovin' this installment! I guess just one more...hunh? Very enjoyable series...thanks!

Yay! I like happy endings! Can't wait for the last chapter, you don't disappoint! :)

i loved it cant wait for more

Saterday is years away! Nothin' wrong with the story but I think some of the ages were off.

Sweet, so sweet!


It's so fluffy it floats!! hee hee!! I love it, and since when is there daycare on the starship Enterprise??? This I gotta see!

I've really enjoyed this story. Thanks for writing. Can't wait for the next chapter.

:( Only one more chapter? :(
Im gona really miss these updates.. I really loved how they had their lil confession session about needin to be told when they hurt the other so they dont do it again,, Kinda sweet,,they are really on the same page.. LOL an havin T'pol actualy thinkin about havin their "alone Play time" in the sweet spot was great,,, ;) that make a good smutt Fic..an Lizzy is cut as ever eatin her broth,, an spitin apple sauce all over TnT,,, Cant wait for the final chapter,, and hope ya write a sequal for when they move to Vulcan,,we should get to meet T'pols extended family to.

Thanks for another sweet chapter - I loved the shoveling food bit! I also can't wait to hear the antics of daycare. :)

Will miss this one when it's done, I have really enjoyed it. Apart from the MI6 part, that's just silly. Whyt would a United Earth have MI6?

Yes there is gonna be a sequel, based on the addendum facts. Am writing it now.... Don't worry, Lizzie in other stories is far from over, she's just gotta get into a few more situations.......In the meantime, keep a look out for the addendum....You'll love it....I promise.......T