Title: Eternal Linkage

By: Bether6074

Rated: R, I guess only because I would be a little uncomfortable if my 13 year old read this, but nothing major here. Mild language, some suggestive scenes and graphic imagery.

Genre: This is a tough one. Overall, I would have to say Fluff, but there is definitely some Drama, a bit of Action/Adventure, some Angst and, of course, Romance is sprinkled throughout.

Archive: Take it if you want, but please let me know.

Email: All characters belong to Paramount. No infringement intended here.

Summary: Taking the timeline from TATV, six years following Terra Prime, Enterprise is being decommissioned and returning to Earth for Archer's big speech and the signing of the charter. Trip and T'Pol have many issues to confront and deal with due to these events. A disaster aboard the ship has huge ramifications for the two.

Author's Notes: My finale fix and it got way more involved than I intended it to. I'm going to have to ask for a little leeway from readers here because action/adventure is not my strongpoint. I hope the scenario I created isn't too implausible, but I figured it had to be better than what aired. It was extremely difficult imagining where T/T would be six years in the future, but I played with it a bit and this is what I came up with. I hope you enjoy it.

------------------------------------------------------------Chapter One----------------------------------------------

Starlight danced through a small window and blanketed the sleeping forms upon a nearby bed in a delicate blue hue. The phosphorescence illuminated along the peaceful features of Commander Trip Tucker's face. His golden eyelashes glistened slightly from the lucent rays, tracing the curve of his resting eyes. Errant strands of blonde hair pressed against his forehead in a tousled disarray. His lips pushed together ethereally, a tiny gap emerging between the upper and lower one as the air softly escaped them with each delicate breath.

T'Pol felt the warmth of Trip's body against hers. The soft thumping of his heartbeat pulsed against her chest, its slight vibration resonating along the slope of her breasts. The two lay intertwined, his arms wrapped firmly around her, skin gently upon skin. The Vulcan lifted her head slightly, gazing quietly at her dozing mate. He was aesthetically pleasing in this manner, tranquil, uninhibited and very human. T'Pol searched his face and focused unflinchingly upon his eyes. She pushed a finger gingerly onto his shoulder in a benign poke. The chief engineer stirred, grunting faintly and then slowly opened his eyes. He smiled sweetly at the recognition of the face before him.

"Mmmm…hey," Trip whispered, still beaming at her.

"Good morning," T'Pol returned politely. She pushed away from him temperately, breaking their embrace. "There is something we should discuss."

Trip rubbed a hand along his forehead and squinted up at her. "Sounds serious…"

"Have you given ample consideration to our current situation?"

"Situation?" Trip looked puzzled.

"Well…with the ship's upcoming decommission," T'Pol hesitated momentarily, her voice trailing off.

"You're wondering what's gonna happen to us?" Trip finished her thought instinctively.

"Yes. It's quite possible we could be given different assignments. I…I do not wish to experience the absence of your companionship. The bond we share…"

"I've been thinkin' about that too, T'Pol and…and I'm thinkin' maybe," he stammered, "Maybe, we should make this thing permanent." He winced faintly, carefully gauging her reaction.

T'Pol raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "Permanent? What exactly do you mean by permanent, Trip?"

The handsome engineer dropped his head bashfully, flashing a sheepish grin. He looked back up and locked eyes with T'Pol. There was a quick flutter from within his chest, followed by an abrupt, pulsating throb. A lump formed tightly in the back of his throat and his mouth felt suddenly parched and devoid of all moisture. Trip gulped, sliding his tongue roughly along the inside of his cheek in nervous tension. He stared earnestly into the dark, hazel tinged eyes before him, trying to gather some courage. "I mean…how would ya feel 'bout tyin' the knot?" The young engineer's accent grew noticeably thicker with his heightened apprehension.

T'Pol glared back, her head cocked slightly in interest. "You mean…"

"Bein' the missus, ya know?"

"Are you proposing that we…"

"That's exactly what I'm doin', T'Pol… proposing," Trip interrupted yet again. He sensed the blood rushing to his face, as the skin of his cheeks took on a noticeably pink tint in a shy blush. His pale blue eyes sparkled energetically with wonderment. "We could wait 'til the Cap'n gives his speech and then…"

"I had actually been considering returning to Vulcan," T'Pol stated flatly.

Trip's face sank, dejectedly. "You mean, leave Starfleet? And move to Vulcan?"

"Perhaps. I have been living with humans for over ten years."

Trip's eyes fell to the crumpled sheets beneath them. He fidgeted anxiously with the creases of the covers, his fingers skimming along the edges, smoothing out the ruffles. He glanced back up somberly, the pain evident in all his features. "Is that what you want?"

"This disturbs you," the Vulcan observed keenly, sensing the distress emanating from her bond mate. She turned and lifted herself from the bed, reaching for a nearby robe. "Naturally, I would request that you accompany me to my homeland, Trip," she stated, matter-of-factly. The Commander's face relaxed as he sighed deeply in relief. He stammered a moment, frowning slightly in realization.

"I appreciate the thought and all, but... give up my career? I don't know, T'Pol."

T'Pol finished tying the knot of her garment and sat down gently onto the corner of the bed. She twisted her body slightly and met eyes with her partner. "It would be difficult to raise children on a starship. With your experience, I have no doubt you would be placed on another vessel."

The Commander's lips pressed together in a tender, warm-hearted smile. "Children…" Trip rolled onto his back and cradled his head with folded hands. He stared wondrously at the ceiling in silent contentment. "I guess a change in scenery might not be a bad thing after all. And Vulcan sure is a beautiful planet." He released his hands and turned back toward T'Pol curiously. "Wonder how Vulcan would feel about me? About us?"

"The relationship between our two species has improved considerably over the last ten years. And I do believe that Ambassador Soval has a particular… fondness for you."

"Ya think he likes me? Really? Never thought I'd see the day…"

"We could be married in a traditional Vulcan ceremony."

Trip's smile broadened into an ear to ear grin. "So, you'll marry me then?"

"Yes. We are bonded. It is logical for our union to become formal."

"Look, T'Pol. I know you don't like to be hugged and all, well except when we're…when we…anyways, since this is a special occasion, do you think maybe just this once, I could…"

"You may embrace me if you wish."

The words hadn't fully escaped her mouth when Trip sprung up and tightened his hands around her, compressing their bodies together with a soft squeeze. T'Pol attempted to relax in his clutch, her hands still loosely hung to the side. His face gently touched hers as the warm skin of his cheek swayed lightly back and forth in a soothing motion. She closed her eyes in acceptance and permitted his tender nuzzling. A familiar scent permeated the air. It was masculine, vigorous and recognizable. It surrounded her, pervaded her thoughts, and bombarded her senses with a reckless abandon. The Vulcan raised a hand to the human's hair and ran her fingers through the flowing softness and waves. She gazed intensely into the sky blue eyes of Commander Tucker. His pupils dilated in arousal, as she stroked the back of his head genuinely. Lips crashed together abruptly, their fleshy softness colliding in dynamic fashion. Trip slid his tongue along T'Pol's mouth fervently and slipped inside, passionately caressing her in long, steady strokes. He moved his hands to her face, sensitively fingering the smooth skin along her jaw and neck. A hand pushed lightly into his chest, forcing Trip to take a wobbly step backward, breaking the kiss. His lips ached from the sudden absence. "Somethin' wrong, T'Pol?" Trip managed to utter, his breathing still rapid.

She shook her head faintly. "No…but perhaps it would be wise if I returned to my quarters, before we precede any further with…this act."

"Act, T'Pol? You're such a romantic! Do you always have to be so clinical?"

"I apologize if I offended you. I simply believe it would be best if we continue this at a more convenient time. The Captain will be expecting us on the bridge within the hour."

"Aw, c'mon Darlin', I could've finished by then."

T'Pol glared back at him and raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps you should shower before reporting for duty this morning. In very cold water…"

"Now there's an idea. Care to join me?"

"As I told you, I must return to my quarters. Meet me at 2100 hours tonight. I believe it would serve to be beneficial if you meditated with me tonight."

"Sure thing, Darlin'. Your place or mine?"

"We always meditate in my quarters."

"Right…if you'll excuse me Commander T'Pol, I believe I hear some cold water running."

She nodded in accordance, ignoring his sarcasm, and made her way toward the exit.