Chapter 4
Trip and Jon had their meeting with Admiral Burke and was told that they would be contacted when a decision was made. Directly following, Trip went to his parents in Mississippi.
He spotted David in the yard laying on his stomach studying something in the grass and laid down on the grass with him. "What are you looking at there?"
"Ants. You know they have an interesting pattern of walking in single formation, one behind the other, and they always take the same path? Even if I put something in the way to block their path...they just go around it and then get themselves back on the path."
"Yeah. They each have a place in line too. Watch this." Trip got a stick and captured one of the ants on it. He placed the ant in a different place in line and they watched as the ant hurried along the line to return to its proper spot. "Cool, huh?"
"Yeah. So um...have you decided where my place in line will be?"
Trip sat up. "What would you think about living on a starship?"
David's eyes got wide. "You mean on the Enterprise? Really?"
"Well...Starfleet has to decide if they'll allow it or not, and maybe not Enterprise. I spoke with an Admiral this morning and there were a few options on the table. One option is, of course Enterprise, another option is the possibility of a transfer...something less dangerous but, there is always a danger with any Starfleet vessel. I'm not saying it will happen, it's up to the powers that be, but if it comes down to a 'yes'...I just wanted to know how you might feel about living in space."
"Well...there are a lot of rules to living on a starship...and I'll probably be the only kid..."
Trip grinned. "Yes, there are rules, but it's for your safety, and most likely you would be the only kid. Just think about ok. No matter what you decide is ok...I won't get upset if you'd rather we stay on Earth. It's completely up to you, I'm just letting you know that there may possibly be another option. Ok?"
"Ok. I'll think about it...dad."
Trip's heart practically busted through his chest when he heard the word 'dad' and tears welled in his eyes. He grabbed David in his arms and engulfed him in an embrace. "I'm glad to hear that...son." He gave David a kiss on his head. "Come on, let's go see what grandma is making for lunch."
XXX
It was early afternoon and Trip got a tingling in his head. He suddenly sat straight up, startling his mother. "What's wrong, Trip?"
"Nothing, T'Pol's talking to me. Just give me a minute."
I apologize for the way I reacted yesterday. It was an illogical and emotional response.
No love, I'm sorry. I know you're not ready for children yet and I shouldn't have said anything. I didn't mean to make you feel like I was pushing you.
I know you want children...a lot of children, but...
I know...you still can't get past Elizabeth. T'Pol...I love you and I do want children...with you and hopefully before I'm too old to enjoy them, but if it's something you don't want...I'll still love you.
Will I see you back on the ship later today?
No. Starfleet gave me approval for a week shore leave. I'm going to stay here with mom, dad and David.
Oh. I see.
T'Pol I'm not leaving you again. Don't start thinking that. I just need some time to get to know David and he needs time to get to know me.
Yes. You are correct. Has Starfleet said if you can bring David back to Enterprise with you?
Pending decision.
I see. See you soon?
As soon as I can. I love you t'hy'la.
I love you too.
Through the bond Trip felt a light kiss on his lips and she was gone from him.
He looked over and saw his mother staring at him. "What?"
"I don't understand all this Vulcan mind talking stuff...but if she makes you happy."
"She does mom. She infuriates me sometimes, but she really does make me happy. I really do love her."
XXX
Trip took David around to show him the sights then they had dinner at his favorite Cajun resturant. At the end of the night he took David home and tucked him into bed.
"Dad?"
"Yeah."
"What if Starfleet says no? What then?"
"Well...I've already decided about that. I'll leave Starfleet and take a job in the private sector. I don't know where we'll end up, just depends on what offer I accept but, I promise it will be the two of us together." He started to leave the room.
"Dad?"
"Yeah."
"What about T'Pol? Don't you want her to be with us?"
"Yeah I do but...she might have different ideas. We'll just have to wait and see what she decides about that." He started to leave again.
"Dad?"
"Yeah."
"Will she be my new mom?"
Trip let out a sigh and went to sit on the edge of the bed. "Nobody will ever replace your mom, not even T'Pol. Yes, I care a lot about T'Pol, she's very special to me and I hope to make her my wife someday. She may be your stepmother, but your mom will always be your mom. Ok?"
"Ok. Goodnight dad."
"Goodnight son." Trip got up to leave.
"Dad?"
"Yeah."
"Can I have a glass of water?"
"Now you're pushing it. Go to sleep." He heard David giggling as he walked out the room.
