Snapshots - Part IV

Snapshots

By: Valleygirl

Summary: Key moments or ‘Snapshots’ from Trip & T’Pol’s relationship, starting on the trip to Vulcan
Spoilers: All aired episodes (thru Divergence); the overall idea from Bound; any other similarities to spoilers real, imagined, speculated or made-up is purely coincidental.
Rating: PG-13 (mild language, and suggestive stuff…)
Disclaimer: Paramount owns it all; I just wanted to fill in some of the gaps and envision a possible future...
Genre: Romance/Humor
A/N: I tried to stay true to aired episodes, but Admiral Forrest being dead just didn’t work for me…

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PART IV (Chapter 7)

Chapter #7 - Choices

Enterprise – June, 2160

Commander T’Pol was not well. For the past 3 weeks she had been fighting what appeared to be a virulent strain of the flu. When she had first gotten sick, Dr. Phlox had given her a basic examination and a course of antibiotics. But being who she was, she neglected to return to him after the 10 day dosage expired with little relief of her symptoms. Instead she stoically went about her duty shifts, no matter how miserable she felt or how tired she was by the end of the day.

Enterprise was in the home stretch, heading back to Earth for the first time in 5 years. Trip Tucker was determined that Starfleet get Enterprise back at the same or higher efficiency levels than they had shipped out at five years ago. Maybe it was stubborn pride or a feeling of nostalgia that kept him in his engine room until long after his wife was asleep in their quarters most days. He knew she understood. After all, when Enterprise returned home, the Tucker family would be disembarking permanently.

It was however the insane schedule Trip was keeping that kept him from noticing his wife’s deteriorating condition. She could barely keep any food down and as such was weak and dizzy most of the time. She was often absent for long periods of time from her bridge shift, making excuses to Captain Archer about final research data and reports she was catching up on. She made the same excuses to Kara Mayweather, who although was highly suspicious, picked up much of the slack in the care of T’Lissa Beth without comment. T’Pol’s off duty time was mostly spent collapsed in bed thinking desperately that if she could just get enough rest, all would be well.

Doctor Phlox himself was busy, too. He had to update every crewman’s medical history and complete comprehensive physical exams, before they could transfer to their new assignments. It was perhaps for this very reason, he had failed to check up on T’Pol, whom he assumed was feeling better as she was back performing her active duties.

Trip and T’Pol shared breakfast together for the first time in 10 days. They had a joint appointment with Dr. Phlox that morning to complete their required physicals. Kara was already on duty and undoubtedly had T’Lissa and Nikolai playing happily together in the corner of the hydroponics bay.

T’Pol made a valiant attempt at eating her whole breakfast while Trip perused Engineering diagnostics and juggled work schedules on a data padd. He glanced up near the end of the meal and noticed his wife quietly sitting across from him, looking much greener than usual and failing miserably at a breathing exercise.

“Honey?” he asked, his eyebrows furrowed in concern.

The only response he received was her quickly excusing herself to head for the bathroom. After several minutes she reappeared and washed her face, taking a careful sip of water. She turned to face her husband who was obviously waiting patiently for her to return. The worry was clearly written on his face as he immediately jumped up and helped her back to her seat.

“Well, good thing we have that appointment with Phlox this morning, looks like that flu bug you had came back.”

“It never really left,” she finally admitted. She was too tired at that moment to argue, and she knew he would see right through any pretense.

Trip head bent to the side slightly as he looked down at her in amazement. He mentally kicked himself, as he realized it was the first time he had really looked at her in days. For the past two weeks even if he hadn’t physically been in Engineering, he was there mentally, and felt like he had dropped the ball, when it came to caring for his family.

Now as he came to really see her, she looked awful. “Oh, Honey, I’m sorry. Why didn’t you say anythin’? Or go back to see Phlox?” He was crouched by her chair and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand.

“Everyone is busy preparing to return to space dock. I don’t have time to be sick…I thought if I got a little extra rest, I’d be fine in a few days” she wearily replied.

“T’hy’la, I am never too busy to care about your health, and you shouldn’t be either…But I should have noticed something was wrong…I’m sorry.”

“We are due in Sickbay soon. Perhaps you would care to escort me there?”

“Absolutely.” Trip smiled and gently pulled her to her feet. He immediately saw how weak she was. Had they been headed anywhere else, he would have insisted they stay put. Instead, he placed a strong arm around her waist supporting most of her weight as they made their way down to the lower decks of the ship.

***

It took only a quick glance at the woman who walked into sickbay, leaning heavily on her husband, for Phlox to mentally kick himself as well. He should have known T’Pol well enough to follow up with her himself and not count on her complaining again. He sighed heavily.

“Commanders.” Phlox greeted with a slight frown. “T’Pol, may I assume you are still not fully recovered from the flu?”

“I just noticed her myself, Doc.” Trip tried to sound apologetic.

“Well let’s get her up on the bio-bed and take a look, hmm?” The fact that T’Pol passively allowed Trip to gently lift her on to the exam table spoke volumes to the two men.

Phlox completed a much more thorough examination of T’Pol than he had 3 weeks prior. His eyebrows rose as one red flag clearly presented itself as a probable cause of her flu-like symptoms.

“Well, T’Pol you’ll be happy to know you do not have the flu.”

“Doctor?” she queried.

“Yeah, Doc? What else could it be?” Trip asked in surprise.

The Doctor eyed the couple suspiciously as his frown deepened. “I thought you two understood the importance of coming to me if and when you wanted to try again. After the problems you had the first time, I believed the two of you realized the dangers and the odds against you doing it completely naturally. I really do wish you had talked to me first.”

As Phlox stopped his tirade for a breath of air, the two Commanders stared at him in confusion.

“What on earth are you talkin’ about, Doc?!” Trip managed to get out before the lecture started up again.

Phlox realized he would have to spell it out for them. “T’Pol is 6 weeks pregnant,” he finally disclosed.

“What?!”

“Doctor, there must be some mistake.”

“Mmm…I’m taking it, this wasn’t exactly planned then.” He took in the look on their shocked faces and relented a bit. “I thought you were practicing an appropriate form of birth control.” His expression was still one of a caring Doctor, but also one who wanted answers from his slightly disobedient patients.

“We were—I mean are…” Trip glanced sheepishly at his wife. “Well mostly,” he admitted recalling a particular instance or two where passion may have overruled logic. Phlox stifled a disapproving grunt.

“But, Doc…the baby?” Trip had finally dared ask the real question running through both his and T’Pol’s minds.

Phlox nodded realizing perhaps he hadn’t started off the conversation well. But however much he respected both Commanders professionally and personally, as patients, they both drove him up a wall.

“I will have to do a complete genetic analysis, but on the surface, it does appear that you got very lucky this time. Perhaps the hormone treatment Commander Tucker was on before T’Lissa was conceived had more permanent affects than we anticipated. T’Pol is really the one I’m most concerned about at the moment. I fear this pregnancy won’t be easy on her since we’ll be managing symptoms after the fact.”

“What do you mean?” T’Pol asked quietly from her reclined position on the bio-bed.

He replied. “Your Vulcan system has had difficulty trying to integrate the human DNA, and come up with the proper internal balance between the fetus’ needs and your own. Perhaps now that we are aware of the real issue, we can help things along, making the womb a more hospitable environment for him.”

“Him??” Trip Tucker glanced up quickly, still grasping his wife’s hand in his own.

*Oh, dear.* Phlox quickly thought. “Um or her…just using the term generically.”

“Come on, Doc…Spill it.” Trip grinned, starting to process the current information being thrown at him. “I’d like to know. Honey?” T’Pol nodded in agreement.

“Yes, Commanders. If all goes well, you should be expecting a son about February of next year.”

Phlox excused himself for a moment to prepare a hypospray for T’Pol. Trip grinned sheepishly at his wife again, his free hand lightly grazing her belly. *Oops! Looks like we’ve got some explainin’ to do.*

T’Pol grimaced slightly at his last remark. *So I am correct in assuming this news pleases you?*

*Of course, Darlin’! As soon as we get you feelin’ better, I’ll be pleased as punch! What about you?*

*I fail to see how you can assign an emotion to a party beverage, but I believe I could get used to the idea very quickly...I wonder what T’Lissa Beth will think.*

Trip chuckled. *Probably that we’re bringin’ home the best toy ever!*

By the time Phlox returned, T’Pol was sound asleep under the watchful care of her husband.

“Commander, I’d like to keep T’Pol in Sickbay for a few days, until we get her rehydrated and more stabilized.”

“Sure, Doc, whatever you say. I can’t believe I didn’t notice something sooner.” Trip said dejectedly.

“I think we’ve all been busy and preoccupied,” the doctor offered.

“Yeah, I guess. Well I should go talk to the Captain. Tell her I’ll be back later.”

***

“Come in.” Archer looked up as the door to his ready room swished open revealing Trip Tucker.

“Hey, Cap’n. Got a minute…it’s important.”

“I’ll take any excuse to get away from reading all these damn reports.” Archer grinned. “What’s up?’

“Well...um…now that I’m here I’m not really sure how to say this…” the Engineer began nervously.

Archer frowned. “You didn’t blow up the engine room did you?”

Tucker gave him an incredulous look for a moment then laughed, “No! Nothing like that, Sir.”

“Then it can’t be all that bad can it?”

“Actually in the long run...it’s pretty good…I mean…How’dyoulikeanephewtogoalongwiththatniece?” He rushed the last part of his sentence, grateful to get it all out.

Archer just stared at him. *What?! Did he just say what I think he did??*

“Trip?”

“Yup. T’Pol’s pregnant. Turns out that flu virus was really a severe bout of mornin’ sickness.”

“Wow. I didn’t know you two were planning…” Archer was losing the battle to keep on his Captain face in lieu of his amused friend face.

“Well we weren’t…exactly…I mean eventually, maybe…but it came as a surprise to us, too.”

“And everything seems okay?” Archer asked carefully, aware at least to some extent of the genetic troubles they had had in the past.

“Seems to be with the baby and all, just T’Pol’s not feelin’ too well still. Doc’s got her in Sickbay for a few days and probably bed rest after that. We wanted to tell you, but we’re not makin’ any big announcements just yet.”

“Well I guess that explains a lot...”

Trip listened in dismay to the obvious, at least in hindsight, signs that something more was wrong with T’Pol than a bad case of the flu. “Seems like everyone knew more than I did…Kara pretty much said the same thing when I stopped by to check on T’Lissa…” he sighed heavily before continuing.

“Anyway, I know everyone’s busy, but I was hopin’ between the two of us, we could pick up the slack in T’Pol’s duties. I think she’s done all the Science team evaluations; we’d just need to review them and the other department reports. And Engineerin’ will be fine without me for a few days if I reign in my perfectionism…”

The Captain face immediately showed up again. “Actually I wanted to talk to you about that. It seems Enterprise isn’t going back out. She’s being decommissioned.”

“What?! Why? She’s still got a lotta life left in her! Damn! I’m sorry, Cap’n…I’m sure you feel just as bad as I do.”

“It seems the negotiating teams are getting close to the formation of a ‘Federation of Planets’. I’m being asked to oversee the development of the charter treaty. That and teach a special deep space class at the Academy.”

Trip smirked, “Sounds more like the duties of a Commodore.”

“Yup…That too…I guess life stands still for no one. They said maybe in 5-10 years Enterprise will be refitted for short interplanetary assignments.”

“I hope so, Cap’n.”

“Me, too, Trip. She’s been a fine ship.”

***

Two weeks later

Admiral Forrest was eager to welcome Enterprise home from her 5-year mission and catch-up with the crew in person. So much so, that he cited the privileges of rank when arranging for himself to be aboard the Phoenix when it was scheduled to meet up with the NX-01 still 10 days away from home. He was currently enjoying a tour of Engineering hosted by Captain Archer.

“She’s held up pretty well, Jonathan, as has the crew. A credit to your fine leadership.”

“Thank you, Admiral, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I had a lot of help.” Archer smiled at Commanders Tucker and T’Pol, whose extraordinary example of the power of teamwork had saved the ship and crew on more than one occasion.

The Captain started down the stairs from the upper level of Engineering, followed closely by the Admiral and then Trip.

“I’d love to hear some stories over lunch, Captain,” Admiral Forest began with a smile. “You know, the stuff you left off the official reports.”

Archer’s attempt to feign innocence didn’t go over well, as he let out a chuckle. “I think I could come up with an interesting tale or two. Commanders, will you join us?”

“Sure, Cap’n. Just let me-” Trip stopped dead in the middle of his sentence at the bottom of the stairs, and quickly turned back to look up at his wife. The action didn’t go unnoticed by the two older men.

T’Pol had started to step down the first stair when a wave of dizziness overcame her for the first time in nearly a week. She quickly moved to the side and tightly gripped the steel railing.

Although fighting to keep her serene expression, T’Pol spoke. “Actually, Commander Tucker promised to help me organize my research notes as the Vulcan Science Academy is expecting several reports. I apologize, Admiral, I still have several quads of data to go through and I wish to complete the project before we return to Earth.”

Archer, knowing full well it was another hastily concocted excuse, decided to cover for his first officer. “Admiral, I’m sure there’ll be plenty of time to catch up. Meanwhile…I have a few stories I would want to get back to the Vulcans.” He grinned evilly at T’Pol, while surreptitiously tossing her an understanding wink. He knew whatever the situation, Trip had it well in hand.

Upon turning around, Trip had immediately jumped up the stairs two at a time, to stand protectively by his wife. He knew it was important to her to maintain a certain demeanor in front of the Admiral if at all possible, so he stood stoically behind her, nodding in agreement to her apology. He was receiving very little through their bond, but what he was getting didn’t make him worry any less.

When he was sure the other two men had left, he turned his entire attention on T’Pol. “Honey?”

“Perhaps, we could meet in your office,” she implored him, eyeing a couple of nearby crewmen.

“Right behind you.” Trip furrowed his eyes in concern as they made their way to the service elevator…this was not good.

As the office door shut behind them, T’Pol’s carefully constructed mental shields collapsed, as she physically nearly did the same. Trip caught her easily and led her to his desk chair where he gently sat her down. He left her only long enough to hit the button on the Com panel.

“Tucker to Dr. Phlox!”

“Go ahead, Commander.”

“You think you could come by my office? I’ve got T’Pol here with me and …somethin’s not right.”

“On my way.”

T’Pol was curled up in Trip’s chair holding her arms close to her body. It was then that he realized she was shivering.

He sifted through a few things as he quickly made his way to the tall storage container in the corner. He pulled out his flannel away mission jacket and wrapped it closely around her. He returned to a squatted position in front of her reaching up to rub her arms vigorously. It was this scene that Doctor Phlox walked in on, armed with a tricorder and med kit.

“T’Pol,” Phlox said, frowning. “Your body temperature is over 5 degrees below normal.”

“Well that’s weird,” Trip offered. “Last night I woulda sworn she was havin’ hot flashes.”

“And why didn’t I hear anything about this?” the Doctor queried.

“’Hot flashes’ as Mr. Tucker likes to call them are a normal symptom of pregnancy,” T’Pol wearily stated. “I was tired and felt it more important to rest.”

“What’s this all mean, Doc?” Trip turned his worried expression to Phlox.

He shrugged. “I have a theory, but I’d like to get T’Pol back to Sickbay and run a more comprehensive scan.”

Trip saw the look of defiance starting to form on his wife’s face. *Uh-uh! You’ve got two options, Darlin’. You walk with us to Sickbay or I carry you there. What’s it gonna be??* Trip matched her look for look until T’Pol knew this was one battle she was not going to win and gave up.

They had only walked a short distance when T’Pol nearly doubled over, groaning as a wave of pain swept through her abdomen. As Trip carefully lowered her to the floor, Phlox hurried over to the couple.

“Have you felt this sort of cramping before, Commander?” he asked, quickly scanning her again.

Unable to speak, T’Pol shook her head slightly as she shared a horrified glance with her husband. *Perhaps the time has passed to maintain proper dignity,* she finally admitted. Needing no more encouragement than that, Trip wrapped her securely in his arms and quickly headed back down the hall with the doctor following at his heels.

A short while later in Sickbay, Phlox was ready to confirm his theory. “I believe your body is still struggling to find a balance between your needs and that of the fetus. It’s causing you to go through rapid temperature changes.”

“But Doc, her body temperature now is even lower than mine.” Trip interjected.

“Her body is overcompensating each time it tries to adjust. She’s too cold now, just like she was too warm last night. It should stabilize over time, but...”

T’Pol winced in pain again, immediately garnering the attention of the two men. Trip though worried to death, tried to set aside his fears to comfort his wife, gently rubbing her back and arms. She was sitting wrapped in blankets, but was still shaking slightly as if deeply chilled.

Phlox continued gently. “For now, the concern should be stopping these contractions.” Trip nodded in agreement as T’Pol closed her eyes in a concerted effort to relax and concentrate on her breathing.

“So what do we do?” Trip looked at Phlox like the medicinal miracle man he was.

I think a dose of Chlorodaxil will be the best shot, but it could make her extremely dizzy and groggy. She shouldn’t be left alone.”

“Well, no problem there. Wouldn’t getting her body temperature back up help, too?”

Phlox considered the statement carefully. “I’d agree, but the only option would be putting her in a decon chamber set at an elevated temperature. I wouldn’t want to risk any other medication interacting with the Chlorodaxil, but she can’t go in there alone.”

Trip nodded, “Let me go with her.”

“Commander,” Phlox sighed, “I’d have to raise the temperature well past your comfort level. Are you sure? You getting heat stroke won’t help matters any.”

“Doc, just set us up with plenty of water, I promise I’ll stay well hydrated. Let me do this.”

“All right,” the Doctor acquiesced, knowing he was fighting a losing battle, “I suggest getting changed into some light, loose fitting clothing. Oh, and I can’t give you a timeframe, so you’ll need to be prepared to be in there for several hours.”

“Be right back…I’ll ask Kara to take T’Lissa overnight, if you’ll talk to the Cap’n?”

Phlox nodded in the affirmative as he watched the Commander hurry away, and then busily set about preparing the medication for T’Pol and stocking the decon chamber with water and extra supplies.

***

“I really ‘ppeciate this, Kara.” Trip Tucker told the young exo-botanist.

“Don’t mention it, Trip. I’m sure you and T’Pol would do the same for us.”

Trip nodded at her and watched his napping daughter for a moment. “Poor girl…she spends so much time here, she probably thinks she’s got a new family.”

Kara smiled at the man sympathetically. “Now that’s not true and you know it! Nikolai has spent just as much time at your place. Although the two of them together probably think they’re brother and sister. Besides in a few weeks…you’ll have her all to yourself.”

“Yeah, well I’ve got to get back to T’Pol…give Babygirl a kiss for me…and thanks again.”

“Everything will be okay, Trip. I know it.”

Trip smiled his appreciation as he quickly left the room.

***

Several hours later Trip found himself sweating in decon with a groggy Vulcan, who obviously didn’t think very much of him. The Chlorodaxil had done its job in stopping the contractions, but as Dr. Phlox had warned, it made T’Pol very confused. She knew where she was, but remained unconvinced that they were no longer on their first mission. Hence she believed she was in command of the ship and that Enterprise was attempting to recapture a Klingon prisoner by the name of Klaang. Needless to say she was quite distressed to find herself pregnant and conversing with Commander Tucker through a telepathic bond.

“If I had mated with you, Commander, I am quite certain I would recall the incident.” She glared at him with distaste.

“Actually, we’ve mated several times in the last four years…” Trip shot back, wondering why exactly he was bothering to argue with her

“Several?” she asked, dubiously.

“Hundreds.” Trip couldn’t help smirking as he watched T’Pol’s eyes grow wide. She fell silent, apparently at a loss for words and retreated to the opposite side of the decon chamber.

***

< b>Two days later

Trip Tucker picked up T’Lissa from the Mayweather cabin late one afternoon and took her to the mess hall for supper. During their meal he had a long talk with her about why Momma was so tired lately and how Dr. Phlox was helping her feel better. He tried to impress upon her that T’Pol still needed a lot of rest and that T’Lissa couldn’t be running, jumping and climbing on her like usual. The little girl nodded that she understood.

When the pair returned home, T’Pol was awake, but resting on their bed. True to form, T’Lissa, who hadn’t seen her mother in 2 days, started off at a run to greet her enthusiastically. She soon discovered however that although her feet were moving, she was not headed anywhere. She immediately shot a displeased look at her father, who had his hands grasped firmly around her waist and was holding her up in mid air.

“What did I just get finished tellin’ you?!” he asked, somewhat impatiently. He got a shrug in response.

“I wanna see Momma!” she yelled at him.

“Only when you promise to settle down…I mean it!” T’Lissa matched the scowl her father was giving her.

T’Pol sat up and reached her arms out for her daughter, whom Trip placed gently on the bed. He remained poised to pick her back up if she got too exuberant again.

“Momma?” T’Lissa snuggled against her mother.

“Yes, Daughter?”

“Daddy mean ta me,” she put on her best pouting face.

Trip threw up his arms in frustration and grimaced at her.

T’Pol looked at him slightly amused, before turning back to their daughter. “Would you like to know a secret?”

The little girl nodded eagerly. T’Pol reached down and undid the bottom several buttons on her blouse, revealing a slightly rounded belly. T’Lissa looked wide-eyed for a moment, before raising a questioning eyebrow at her mother.

“There’s brand new baby in there.” T’Pol said taking the child’s hand and allowing her to feel her stomach.

“In there?” T’Lissa pointed to the spot. T’Pol nodded at her.

“’Lissa see?”

Trip had moved and climbed onto the bed beside T’Pol so he could watch his daughter’s face. His mood had calmed some what as he observed them interacting. He answered her, “No, not yet. You see he’s gotta stay safe and warm in there until he grows big and strong enough. Then you can see him.”

T’Lissa was quiet for a moment, then frowned. “Baby make Momma sick?” she asked.

“It’s an adjustment…with a little rest, I will be fine.” T’Pol assured her.

Trip smiled at T’Lissa. “You know what this means?” he asked her. She shook her head. “You get to be a big sister and teach him all sorts of things!” Her face brightened as if she liked that idea.

“When is baby here?"

“A long while, several months.” T’Pol told her.

Trip tweaked T’Lissa’s nose causing her to giggle. “You know what you can do in the meantime?”

“What?”

“Help me take care of Momma. Make sure she and the baby get lots of rest.” The little girl nodded solemnly and gently patted her mother’s stomach.

“G’night, Baby,” she whispered. “Sleepy time.” With that she snuggled back up to her mother and contentedly closed her eyes.

Trip smiled and let out a sigh of relief and a small chuckle. *Oh, I’ve missed havin’ you home, Darlin’.*

*It feels good to be in my own bed,* she answered him, cuddling their daughter next to her.

*Well, if you two are okay, I need to head down to Engineerin’ for a while…*

*We are fine, Husband…I have no intention of moving,* she answered him, nodding.

With that, he planted a kiss on her forehead and patted her arm as he reluctantly stood. The thought crossed his mind that he, too, would rather be snoozing right there with them, as the past week had taken its toll on him as well. But duty called, he lowered the lights in the cabin as he quietly left the room.

***

The next thing T’Pol was aware of was the sudden loss of body heat, close to her side. She stirred in muted alarm until she heard a comforting voice, his voice.

*Ssshh, Darlin’…It’s just me. Go back to sleep, I’m just tuckin’ T’Lissa into her own bed.*

T’Pol sighed and drifted back into a not unpleasant state between awake and asleep, until she felt her bondmate return and wearily settle in beside her.

*Sorry I woke ya.*

She felt his emotions rolling off of him in more disarray than usual. He was obviously frustrated by a problem in Engineering.

*You have not meditated recently.*

It was more of a statement than a question, he knew. He also knew that if she mentioned it, it must be having a much greater than normal affect on her, too. *Yeah, sorry about that, I’ve just been too tired to focus. Besides, it’s just not as much fun without you there with me.* He grinned, even in the dark seeing the raised eyebrow he knew he was getting.

*Perhaps we can attempt a short session before your shift begins tomorrow.*

*I’d like that a lot, Darlin’...’Night* He kissed the side of her head as he snuggled up next to her, engulfing her in his arms. He sighed contentedly.

Trip began to drift in the same ethereal dreamlike state as his wife, when he suddenly felt her nudge him awake. He groaned. *What?*

*Keep your warp equations to yourself…I am in need of some rest.* she requested adamantly.

T’Pol had long been fascinated by the human subconscious, particularly her husband’s, and the way it organized information. Trip often worked out engineering problems in his sleep, the brilliance of which astounded her in the daytime. It was like a ball full of knots; he just kept pushing, pulling and poking at it until the entire solution had unraveled itself. On many nights she had enjoyed working on the problem along side him, but tonight was not one of those nights.

Trip chuckled guiltily as he pulled her closer. *I’ll do my best, but no promises...*

***

Enterprise - July, 2160

Enterprise returned to Earth in grand style with welcome home parties, a decommissioning ceremony and multiple layers of debriefings. Most of the crew was given at least 3 months of shore leave before being required to report to their new assignments and had quickly dispersed throughout the solar system and beyond.

Malcolm Reed was being promoted to Commander and being given the 1st Officer’s position on the Columbia. Captain Hernandez was returning to San Francisco and Columbia’s current executive officer was replacing her as Captain. Lieutenant Hoshi Sato was also transferring to Columbiaas their new Communications Officer. They expected to ship back out sometime in October.

The Mayweather family was leaving Starfleet. Travis was offered a second in command of a boomer ship with the expectation, he would be its Captain within the next five years. It was an offer he couldn’t refuse and a better atmosphere in which to raise young Nikolai. However, the Tucker family was saddened to part ways with their close friends, and knew T’Lissa would greatly miss her playmate.

Doctor Phlox was unsure of his future plans, but in the short-term decided to return to Denobula for a long overdue visit to his wives and extended family. He made a solemn promise to Trip and T’Pol though to return in plenty of time for the birth of their new baby and also thoroughly debriefed the doctors at Starfleet medical.

Newly promoted Commodore Archer uneasily settled into his new life on Earth, determined to find some way to finagle himself back out into space one day. Meanwhile, advising the new Federation council and planning his Academy class, kept him busier than he had ever wanted to be. But with Erika Hernandez also settling in town, he decided maybe life wasn’t all that bad after all.

Trip accepted a newly created position on Jupiter Station and was scheduled to transfer with T’Pol and T’Lissa in early November. Meanwhile, Starfleet was able to put them up in temporary housing nearby the other members of the old command crew in San Francisco. While T’Pol remained behind to rest and regain her strength, Trip took T’Lissa and went to visit his brother in Ireland and his parents in Mississippi. Seeing their son safely return home, and meeting their newest granddaughter, seemed to do wonders for the aging couple, still grieving for their daughter, Elizabeth. Eventually, Trip even coaxed them to visit San Francisco to meet T’Pol. After a somewhat awkward first meeting, the elder Tuckers began to warm up to their daughter-in-law and welcomed her into the family. However, they had yet to forgive their son for not inviting them to his wedding.

San Francisco – October, 2160

Commander Tucker and Admiral Forrest were 3/4ths of the way through their tour of the Yosemite when Trip finally asked the question that had been running through his mind all day.

“Ya know Admiral, I appreciate the special tour and all, but I’m tryin’ to figure out why exactly you brought me here.”

“Let me cut to the chase. The Yosemite’s the best in the fleet- warp 6.5 on paper, new shielding technology and state of the art weapons and sensors. Her crew has to be the best in the fleet as well, starting at the top.” He paused for dramatic effect. “She’s yours for the taking.”

Trip stared at him in shock. “You’re joking!”

“Oh, I think Captain Tucker has a nice ring to it, don’t you?” he asked with a hopeful eyebrow raise.

“Wow.” Trip sighed trying to take it all in. “It’s just T’Pol and I had pretty much decided to take our careers planetside - it’s better for the kids.”

The Admiral looked confused for a second. *Kids. Plural?* He decided to let that slide for the moment. “I know what Commodore Archer told me, but I was hoping to tempt you anyway. Given your deep space experience, you’re the best man for the job.”

Trip grinned. “Ya know there were days when I’m sure you never thought you’d say those words, Sir...”

He was graced with a smile. “Everyone’s allowed the inexperience of youth, Commander. What’s important is that one learns from their mistakes.”

“I’ve already committed to heading up the warp 8 project on Jupiter Station.” Trip protested.

“I’ve spoken with Admiral Neilson. He’d hate to lose you, but there won’t be any hard feelings if you accept this commission.”

Admiral Forrest looked at the man standing before him silently gazing at the shiny, new warp engine. He was not the same man he had met over a decade before. He had been surprised that Captain Archer had insisted on him as Chief Engineer and First Officer of Enterprise, but had ultimately trusted his judgment. Now, the Commander was not only older and more experienced, but he was calmer, more centered and self assured than Forrest had ever thought possible.

The Admiral was adept at reading body language. “Just be sure you know what you’re giving up, Trip. There are a lot of up and comers nipping at your heels ready to pass you by. An offer like this may not come around again.”

Trip nodded thoughtfully as the Admiral continued with a last ditch effort. “Do me a favor. Think about it. At least over night, we can talk again in the morning.”

Trip turned to walk away. To his surprise, his mouth started moving before his brain activated, a habit he thought he had grown out of. “Ya know I’d only consider it if I could steal Sato and Reed...” *Damn! Where’d that come from?!*

The Admiral grinned in surprise. *Aha! I’ve got him!* “I think that could be arranged...”

***

Thoughts racing, Trip made his way to the temporary San Francisco apartment he shared with T’Pol and T’Lissa until they were officially transferred in November. He took a deep breath and walked inside.

He was greeted by the raised eyebrow of his wife and a small figure who charged at him the moment she saw him. “Oof!” he let out as T’Lissa’s body made contact with his and tiny arms wrapped around his legs. He bent down to pick her up and planted a big kiss on her forehead.

“How are my girls?”

“You are later than I expected,” T’Pol mildly said.

He sighed, “Yeah, sorry about that, I went for a walk down by the Bay after we got back to Headquarters.” T’Lissa was wriggling out of his grasp her attention already focused on something else.

“I see.”

Trip walked over to his wife and gave her a light kiss. “Think I’ll go get changed, now. I’ll be back to help ya with dinner.”

T’Pol watched her husband leave the room. *He has become as adept as I at putting up mental shields* she thought in surprise. Not being able to query him further at the moment, she went about starting preparations for the evening meal after checking that T’Lissa seemed sufficiently occupied.

A short while later Trip joined her in the kitchen as promised. “Somethin’ I can do?”

“These vegetables need to be peeled and chopped before I steam them.” She handed him a knife and cutting board. “How was the tour?”

“The Yosemite’s a fine lookin’ ship. They’ve gotten her to 6.15 in a test flight and expect to see 6.4 by the time they leave space dock. The new shields are impressive, coulda used those in the Expanse! And the weapon’s system is one Malcolm would die for.” Trip grinned absently.

“They’ve asked you to become its Captain.” It was more of a statement than a question.

Trip looked at her in surprise, stopping what he was doing. “How’d you know that?” He was leaning back against the countertop now arms folded across his chest. He looked nervous and almost guilty.

“You are the logical choice.” she said plainly.

He smiled at that. It was a huge compliment from a Vulcan and from her as well. “Thanks, Hon.” he sighed.

“You have not made up your mind.”

Trip’s lips twisted into his half-frown, half-smile expression as he regarded his wife. “Would ya quit doin’ that?” he teasingly rebuked her. He sighed again, wrapping his arms around her backside. “I dunno, I guess I just want to enjoy the idea of it for one night.” He pulled her against him and relaxed when she returned the gesture.

“If you have even the smallest doubt, you should seriously consider the offer.”

“What?!” he pulled his head back in surprise so he could look at her. “We already discussed this, decided on Jupiter Station. Besides,” his hand moved to rest on her belly and his voice dropped to a whisper, “I have every intention of bein’ there when this little one arrives.”

“The Yosemite will not launch until at least next spring. There is plenty of time for the baby to be born and us to get settled on Earth.”

“Ya know, I don’t know why we’re even talkin’ ‘bout this...”

“I ask you to think about it T’hy’la.” was her pointed reply. “I do not wish for you to look back and have regrets about not following a dream. Besides, the Yosemite will most likely be used for special projects, not extended missions. You will be able to come home, and that will make our time together that much more meaningful.”

“This is crazy ya know...What do you think?”

“I can not make your decision for you, nor would I try. I will support you whatever the outcome.”

“What did I ever do to deserve you?” He gripped her tightly again.

She raised a delicate eyebrow at him. “I do not know...but it must have been substantial.”

Trip grinned, shaking in silent laughter. “Baby, I don’t think I tell ya often enough, how much I love you.” He leaned in to kiss her passionately.

After a few moments, T’Pol put her hands on his chest and gently pushed him away. “Go. It is obvious dinner will get prepared faster without you.” Trip stole a handful of raw vegetables and one last kiss before retiring to the study to make a few calls.

***

“Trip, it’s only been 2 days, you missed me that much already?”

“Jon, I need ya to tell me I’m not crazy.” Since Trip was no longer in his direct command structure, Archer had insisted they be on a first name basis. It had taken a bit of getting used to, but no harder than Commodore would have been.

“Ah, so this is about the Yosemite?” he surmised.

“T’Pol’s encouraging me to consider it. I don’t know, we had decided on Jupiter Station and then...” he ran his hand through his hair in frustration.

“The call of the Captain’s chair.” Archer smiled at his long time friend.

“Yeah, that and a 6.5 warp engine, shielding technology, shiny new weapons...Hell, even the galley’s decked out to the nines. I can cherry pick the crew...Everything I could ever ask for except...This is all your fault ya know!”

“Me? What did I do?” the former captain was aghast at the sudden accusation.

Trip continued venting, “I know you talked to Forrest. Either planted the idea in his head or encouraged him in some way...”

Archer held up his hands in mock surrender. “All I did was agree you were the best man for the job. I told him you probably wouldn’t accept, but that he should ask you himself.”

“And a fine job he did butterin’ me up first! What do you think?”

“The decision has to be yours, Trip. I can’t make it for you. You’ve been out there, you know what to expect. You also know what you have back here on Earth. It’s a choice we all make at some point in our careers, not always consciously, but we make it none the less.”

Trip nodded thoughtfully, taking in his words. “Thanks” he said gratefully. “You know you are about as much help as T’Pol.” he added teasingly.

“What can I say? Great minds think alike!” He grinned and quickly continued before Trip could come up with a retort. “So how’s my niece these days. Staying out of trouble I hope?”

An exasperated chuckle escaped her father’s lips. “She’s turning into quite a little escape artist. Last week, T’Pol found her in the attic, and yesterday she made it halfway down the driveway before I caught up to her. At least on the ship, there were only so many places she could go and everybody knew her.”

“Ever the explorer…must be in the genes. Well I gotta go. Erika has dinner ready.”

“Uh-Huh. Hey, Jon.”

“Yeah?”

“Maybe that choice isn’t made all at once, ya know? Or maybe it’s not as permanent as it seems?”

Jon caught the sly grin on Trip’s face “Good night, Trip.”

“‘Night.”

Trip sighed as the connection ended. He was really no closer to an answer than he was before. He wanted to call Malcolm too, but didn’t want to promise the weapons specialist something that he wasn’t prepared to deliver on. What was this all about anyway? He knew what he wanted, but there was an annoying little tickle in the back of his mind...

***

The dinner dishes were cleared from the table and washed. With the leftover food stored in the stasis unit, the Tucker family was playing a Vulcan matching game on the floor of the living room. Trip was being predictably silly and T’Lissa was engulfed in giggles. T’Pol was patiently trying to keep control of the game which was designed to teach even very young children the basics of logic. She had almost lost the battle when her husband took pity on her and attempted to redirect their rambunctious daughter’s focus.

“It is time for your bath and then bed” T’Pol announced a short while after the game had been finished and put away. T’Lissa immediately frowned at those words, obviously intent at putting up a fight.

“I’ll do it.” Trip volunteered. The little girl was caught off guard at this sudden change in tactic. Her father easily scooped her up and headed up the stairs bouncing her in his arms.

“I’ll warm up some milk,” the relieved mother called after them.

If T’Lissa had been surprised, she recovered quickly. Like most Vulcans, she was not fond of standing water and seemed ready to unleash a full scale tantrum on her father.

“How can a child of mine not like the water?” Trip wondered aloud. “You know before starships, people explored the oceans on Earth on ships made of wood.” He continued to spin a tale of pirates, mermaids, and hidden treasure that kept her sufficiently distracted for him to accomplish his task.

He was feeling pretty proud of himself until the final rinse. As the hand sprayer was gently washing the rest of the baby shampoo from her hair, T’Lissa batted his hand away. Trip grasped the sprayer even tighter and before he knew it, his face, hair and the front of his shirt were soaked with water.

“Hey!” he cried in mock anger which melted immediately as T’Lissa gave him her best innocent baby face followed by a kiss on the tip of his nose. He knew he was sunk. “Ya know bein’ cute isn’t gonna get you outta everything!”

Dry, clean and dressed in her night clothes, the little girl rejoined her mother in the kitchen for warm milk and 2 small cookies. After about 15 minutes, Trip joined them looking freshly showered himself.

At T’Pol’s eyebrow raise he stated. “I decided to finish what she started...Are you smirking at me?!”

“Vulcans do not smirk.”

“Of course not,” he wearily replied. “All right, Babygirl, teeth then sleep.” The little girl tried to unsuccessfully stifle a tiny yawn.

Teeth brushing went without further incident and father and daughter were back in her room tucking her into bed. T’Lissa reached up to the shelf and grabbed a book, which she promptly handed to Trip.

“Read.” was her emphatic order.

“I already told you a story, all about the ships and pirates and stuff.”

“Read.” she repeated.

He sighed. “All right, a few minutes. Scoot over.” The happy girl complied as her father settled himself on the bed and opened up the old-fashioned picture book.

T’Pol passed by her daughter’s room on the way to her own. She stood in the doorway and listened to the animated voice of her husband. *I am content in the here and now,* she thought. *I wonder if it will always be so.* From across the room Trip caught the stray thought, but when he lifted his eyes to meet hers, she was gone.

He looked back at his daughter whose droopy eyes looked up at him wondering why he had suddenly stopped. He resumed reading in a muted tone as the little girl drifted off to sleep. After a final kiss and careful blanket tucking, Trip made his way to his own bedroom.

As he quietly entered the candlelit room, he wasn’t surprised to find his wife meditating at the foot of the bed. He took up a similar posture across from her and soon was deep inside his own thoughts. T’Pol recognized her husband’s presence and made note of the fact that he had chosen to meditate alone this evening, rather than join her in the joint exercise that was very often their practice. When she finished her session approximately an hour later, he was already in bed asleep.

She joined him in their bed, but sleep did not claim her as quickly as it did on most nights. She knew that even in sleep, the Yosemite decision was weighing heavily on Trip’s mind, what she couldn’t determine was how he felt about it. It was as if her own emotions were clouding her view of his feelings. Clearly this would require more meditation.

Her sleep was fitful; she tossed and turned, dozing for only short periods of time. She had finally found a comfortable position on her side when she felt a jab. Not pain exactly, but it was enough to make her sit up and gasp.

It was enough to wake Trip up as well. “Honey?” he groggily asked. “Everythin’ okay?” When she didn’t reply he looked over at her. Concern turned to worry as she gasped again and held the right side of her swollen belly.

“T’Pol. What--” She grabbed his hand and placed it in the same spot hers had been a moment before and pressed it into her stomach slightly. Then he felt it, a tiny bump against his hand. A grin spread over his face. “Is that what I think it is?”

“Your child seems to have quite a strong kick.”

“My child?”

“When he is keeping me awake he is your child.”

“Oh.” He snuggled up next to her placing his cheek next to their hands. “I could do this all night,” he breathed in wonder as he felt another kick.

“You have an early meeting with Admiral Forrest, as I recall.” she reminded him.

After thoroughly kissing, caressing and talking to her belly, his arms snaked around her. She relaxed against him and both fell into a blissful sleep, far from the questions that had plagued them just hours before.

***

The next morning Trip’s answer was the same. “I’m sorry, Admiral. I know I’ve always talked about becoming a Captain one day, but my priorities have changed. Exploring deep space just doesn’t have the same allure anymore. Being there to watch my kids grow up is more important to me now.”

“You sure, Trip?”

“You don’t want a Captain whose heart is back on Earth. And I think we’ve proven what a disaster having senior officers have family aboard can be.”

Forrest nodded in understanding. “Well, I had to try. I’m sorry that’s your answer, Commander, but maybe I can do one thing for you. I spoke with Admiral Neilson again and he agrees. You deserve the promotion; you’ve more than served your time.”

“Sir?” Trip asked in surprise.

“May I be the first to congratulate you, Captain Tucker. I wish you all the best on Jupiter Station. I know our warp program is in good hands.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Trip breathed with delight as the two shook hands. A grin then crossed his face. *I can’t wait ta go home and tell T’Pol I outrank her!*

Then as if reading his thoughts the Admiral added “She still outranks you in every way that counts, Tucker!”

Trip laughed. “I know, Sir. I know.” And he wanted it to be that way for the rest of his life.

***

“Congratulations, Captain Tucker.” T’Pol greeted her husband formally when he walked through the door.

Trip was crestfallen. “Who told?”

“You have four pips on your uniform.” she replied flatly.

“Oh, logic got me again, huh?” Trip immediately sensed the worry (and was that disappointment?) in his bondmate as she turned away from him and focused her attention on T’Lissa.

Trip stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms gently around her expanding waist. With his chin resting lightly on her left shoulder he said, “You do realize that it’s Captain Tucker, head of the Warp 8 project on Jupiter Station, don’t you?”

Her head turned sharply to look at him. Eyebrows raised, she barely dared to ask “You didn’t accept the Yosemite commission?”

“Nope, told Forrest first thing this morning. He and Neilson decided to give me the promotion anyway. Time served and all that. It means I can take command of a test flight whenever I want, but no extended missions for me.”

T’Pol turned to look him in the eye and could feel the confidence he felt that this decision was indeed the right one for him. She released a deep breath. “I must admit I am pleasantly surprised. What changed your mind?”

“Oh, I don’t think I really changed my mind in the first place, but last night I realized all the little things I would miss if I was away. Readin’ at night to T’Lissa, all the firsts this new baby will have, kissin’ you.” He paused for a moment to demonstrate his last reason. “Ya know everyone kept tellin’ me I was the best man for the job. And I realized the only job I wanted to be best at was husband to T’Pol and father of T’Lissa and baby boy Tucker.”

“Trip, we really do need to agree upon a name.”

“I know, but not tonight. I talked to Hoshi today. She and Malcolm are leaving next week on the Columbia. They wanted to spend some extra time with T’Lissa. We’ve got the entire weekend to ourselves, Ashayam.” Trip smiled, glad he could bring at least one surprise home to his wife.

T’Pol slowly processed this new piece of information. “I am grateful for the respite. I could use the extra meditation time.” Her eyes twinkled at him playfully.

“Oh, I’ve got plans of my own Mrs. Tucker, and they don’t involve meditatin’…at least not entirely...”

***

Jupiter Station – November, 2160

Having spent many years aboard starships, Trip and T’Pol were both experts at traveling light. Therefore most of their possessions consisted of basic necessities and a few small personal items. Their daughter it seemed had not learned the same lessons yet. T’Lissa Beth had certainly collected a lot of stuff in her short lifespan Trip mused, having to pack it all in the Starfleet issue crates. When all was said and done, she had twice as many crates as her parents combined. The extended Tucker family had not been stingy, when it came to welcoming the little girl to Earth for the first time. Left out of the boxes was her favorite toy, a gray stuffed sehlat, a mysterious and anonymously given gift. Although if you asked Trip and T’Pol, Ambassador Soval was at the top of a very short suspect list.

Jupiter Station family quarters consisted of one large empty room with a large bathroom and minimalist kitchen facilities off to one side. But once furniture had been requisitioned, and removable panels were erected to wall off two bedrooms and a small study, the place began to look like a real home.

As the drafted crewmen helped their new boss move his family’s belongings into quarters and unpack, they took a fascinated, but cautious glance at the obviously pregnant Vulcan woman reigning like the queen of the small but comfortable castle. She was calmly giving directions where things should be placed and astutely watching that proper care was given to her possessions. In truth, she was under strict orders from her husband to “just sit there and not lift a finger”. While T’Pol was feeling much better than she had in the first 3 months of her pregnancy, she begrudgingly understood Trip’s cautiousness and complied with his wishes. The work was completed efficiently, much to her satisfaction and her husband had left to treat his new team to a much deserved round of beer.

***

“We have a message from Sickbay.” T’Pol informed her husband when he returned a short while later. “The Doctor has heard of our unique situation and requested that we stop by this afternoon to meet with him.”

“Oh, okay.” Trip nodded in agreement. “By the way, what’s his name?”

She frowned slightly, “He didn’t say, just signed it Chief Medical Officer.”

“Huh…well, I guess we should go meet him, then.” Trip collected his daughter and followed his wife out the door.

The couple found the medical bay and walked inside, only to be greeted by a widely grinning Denobulan physician.

“’Lox!” T’Lissa squealed in delight as she launched herself across the room.

Dr. Phlox bent down to pick up the young girl, returning her embrace. “Commanders,” he greeted. “Oops, excuse me…Captain…I hear congratulations are in order.” He was still grinning from ear to ear.

“Doc!” Trip was just as delighted to see Phlox as his daughter was and reached out to shake his hand vigorously. “What on Earth are you doin’ here?!”

“Well Jupiter Station was in need of a new Senior Medical Director so I jumped at the opportunity. Besides, who else knows as much as I do about Vulcan-Human children?” He said the last statement almost bashfully as he smiled down at T’Lissa.

T’Pol was finally getting over her initial shock and spoke quietly. “I am extremely pleased at your decision, Doctor, not to mention…relieved.”

Trip smiled at his wife and nodded in agreement. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Well it’s a fairly recent development and I thought it would make for a nice surprise.”

“We couldn’t be happier, Doc.” Trip smiled gratefully, just as relieved as T’Pol was.

Part V (Chapters 8 & 9)

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A whole mess of folks have made comments

I like this story! More, please! :)

I love this Story also! I wish this was the final
show !!!!

I love this story. I can't wait for more!

wow, what a great story. Thank you.

Wonderful! I loved it that Admiral Forest still made Trip a Captain even though he refused the new post and chuckled out loud at Soval being top of the list of suspects for giving their daughter the toy Sehlat. Look forward to the next part, Ali D :~)

I have to say, this story is awesome! I seriously hope it never ends! I was so excited when I saw two different links up and then I was so disappointed when I realized the second one was the same as the first.

THANKS!!!

Excellent story! It's often very difficult to make an interesting story about the really ordinary things which truly constitute a happy life, but you're doing extremely well. Home, spouse and children are the things that really matter and both Trip and T'pol come across as wise enough to know this. That's exactly how they should have matured in themselves and their relationship. Way to go!! MORE OF SAME!!!

Yay Trip made the right choise!!!!! :)
Like it should of even taken him that long to think about it. Lovin/Logical/and beautiful wife Polly, adorable little daughter that takes right after her parents(But hopefully got her Momma's nose) her dads sence of hummor and her Momma's good looks and smarts, And a brand spankin new son on the way to. With all that no guy should ever even want to consider to leave for a deep space assignment that would take him away from all of that goodness. Love this story! Cant wait to meet the new bouncin, pointy eared, baby boy
soon.

I love that we are seeing a normal family homelife for these two characters. They deserve it, and frankly so do we!! The angst was KILLING me. LOL.

Let the good vibes continue. Please sir I want some more!

I love this story!!!
It's so cute!!!!
Write more soon!

Love this story! Very cute, refreshing to have "normal" problems, a nice counterpoint to all the angst of this season. Please write more.

Thank you!