This Woman's Work (Chap 10)
By vandiver49
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters associated with Star Trek, I'm just borrowing them for a moment. Please don't sue; people in the Navy don't make that much money.
All parenthetical statements in Vulcan are denoted by (*)
Please forgive me if the date doesn't correspond exactly to the series.
_________________________________
1100 23 Aug 2151
"Bridge to Sickbay."
"T'Pol here, go ahead Mr. Reed."
"Ambassador Soval is hailing us again; he is waiting to speak with you. Sub-Commander, I can't keep delaying him forever."
"I understand Lieutenant, I shall be there momentarily."
"Sub-Commander, you said that twenty minutes ago, but I will relay your message."
"Thank you, T'Pol out."
T'Pol walked back from the intercom over to Kelis, who was resting peacefully on the operation bed. She could no longer deny the maternal instincts that were coursing through her, and no matter how illogical it might be, she somehow knew that being at Kelis' side was right thing to do.
*T'Pol?* Questioned Kelis as her eyes fluttered open.
*Hello Kelis, how are you feeling?*
*T'Pol, where is Hoshi I saw her hit her head on the wall and I tried to wake her up but she would not and I went to try and find some help for her but no one would listen to me and…*
*I know Kelis.* T'Pol calmly replied. *It was a very logical thing that you tried to do. Hoshi shall recover.*
Kelis attempted to sit up, but her injuries proved to be too much to overcome.
*Be still Kelis, you must rest.* After visually confirming Kelis would be fine, T'Pol felt secure in leaving her alone. *I must go now, but I shall return shortly, understand?*
The little Vulcan nodded in response and slowly fell back to sleep.
T'Pol made her way back to the Bridge, finally ready to deal with Ambassador Soval. She had not eaten, slept or meditated in over forty hours, leaving her nerves slightly frayed. T'Pol was determined to end her mental ordeal and had every intention of giving Soval 'a piece of her mind' as humans would say.
*Sub-Commander T'Pol, I was informed by the Surok that you were engaged by a Romulan Bird of Prey. Did the humans witness this?*
*No Ambassador, its destruction was total before the cloaking device deactivated. I intend to include the battle in my report to Starfleet Command.*
This wasn't exactly what Soval wanted to here. *Sub-Commander, you will not include anything about this engagement to Starfleet. It would only serve to make a delicate situation more fragile.*
*More delicate for whom Ambassador, I am sure that Starfleet would be interested in knowing about Romulans, our relationship to them and exactly why the Enterprise was manipulated into proceeding into harm's way to encounter them.*
*What is your point Sub-Commander?*
*My point is that I was assigned to this position in order to guide and aid humanity in their ascension into the unknown. I cannot effectively do so if I am constantly placed in a position that compromises my authority and my loyalty to the crew.*
*Am I to understand that you value your position aboard Enterprise more than your commission in the Vulcan High Command?*
Soval's question gave T'Pol a moment of pause. Normally, she always followed the instructions of the Vulcan High Command. But she now found herself developing a loyalty, not to humanity as a whole, but to the humans she lived and worked with on Enterprise. They had come consider her a member of the crew, some she even considered friends, as illogical as that seemed. It pained T'Pol every time she was forced to betray that trust.
*I value my position aboard Enterprise as a representative of the Vulcan High Command. I do not believe the two are independent of each other. That only occurs when I am forced to hide vital information from the crew.*
*Very well T'Pol, I understand your wish to not have to deceive, it is not our way. But it is a necessity because of our strength as a galactic power. Humanity is not prepared for the dangers that lurk amongst the stars.*
*With great power comes great responsibility.* T'Pol said as she nodded in agreement. Soval's eyebrow immediately shot up in confusion. *It is a human saying that I believe accurately captures our conundrum.* T'Pol clarified.
*It is curious, how such an illogical race can create such brilliance to the contrary.*
*I have also found that to be an interesting dichotomy. They have great potential Ambassador, they need only to realize it.*
*Indeed. Sub-Commander, how were you able to detect the Romulan ship?*
*I was able to expound upon the Sendrini scientists research and utilized the deflection of neutrinos by the cloaking device as a means of detection. Are you any closer to finding the Romulan informant?*
*No, we are not. We are only certain that the informant is somewhere on Vulcan. We suspect that when Enterprise was contacting Vulcan, the spy relayed a message to the Romulan ship that was lurking in the area. What exactly were you contacting Vulcan for?*
*I was making arrangements for guardianship of the lone survivor, a child. I was unaware that my actions would put the ship in danger.*
*Your actions did not. Do you require any assistance in transferring the child back to Vulcan?*
*It will be necessary for a Vulcan ship to ferry the child back as Enterprise is scheduled to return to pick up Captain Archer.*
*Very well, I will make arrangements for the Surok to pick up the child in four hours and escort her home. Is there anything else Sub-Commander?*
*No Ambassador, that will be all.*
*Very well, Soval out.*
As the conversation ended, T'Pol felt as though an overwhelming burden had just been lifted from her. She found herself relieved that the Captain would be back within a few days and she could go back to her role as science officer and Vulcan advisor. But as T'Pol walked out of the ready room she was suddenly struck by a stray thought; she only had four more hours to spend with Kelis.
T'Pol spent the next four hours in sickbay with Kelis just talking. They discussed everything from T'Pol's life, to what humans were like to if Kelis would ever see her parents again. Kelis had so my questions that T'Pol occasionally found herself without answers. T'Pol was somewhat surprised though by the tranquility and peace she found within the passing hours, silently wishing she had more time. But as the chronometer soon revealed, it was not to be.
After collecting what few personal affects Kelis had, T'Pol walked with her in hand towards the airlock and the waiting Vulcan shuttle.
*T'Pol, where are we going?*
*I am taking you to a shuttle which will take you to your grandparents.*
*Are you coming with me?*
*No Kelis, I must remain here.* T'Pol wished she didn't have to disappoint the child so.
*Do you not miss home?*
*I do all the time Kelis.*
*When you return will you visit me?*
*I will make it a point to do so.*
The doors to the airlock opened as both Vulcans prepared to exchange their final goodbyes. *Live long and prosper Kelis.* T'Pol said as she knelt down to Kelis to extend the traditional gesture.
*Live long and prosper T'Pol.* Kelis replied as she placed her tiny hand in T'Pol's palm.
The two starred into each others eyes for a brief, heart-wrenching moment, before T'Pol finally stood up and ushered Kelis through the airlock. Even though T'Pol had only known Kelis for a day, the little girl had a profound impact on her life. For the first time, T'Pol entertained the idea of having a family, of having children, of living the life her own mother desperately wanted her to, a life which T'Pol had adamantly avoided. As she walked back down the corridor, T'Pol was so engrossed in her thoughts that she failed to notice the silhouette against the wall.
"Always hard to say goodbye isn't it?"
"How long have you been standing there Commander?"
"Long enough, I was just passing through actually."
T'Pol thought that she would naturally have to fight her displeasure with Trip's eavesdropping, but instead it was her happiness to see him which she strove to suppress. "Where were you going?"
"To the Mess Hall actually. Care to join me?"
"I believe I will, I have not eaten since we arrived at Sendrini."
As the two walked towards their destination, Trip decided to alleviate his conscience. "T'Pol, I umm…I wanted to apologize to you."
"For what Commander?"
"Well yesterday I said that you were compassionless, you weren't around when I said it or anything but…you just proved to me that Vulcans are as caring as everyone else."
"I accept your apology Commander. Though I see how one could reach such a conclusion."
"Anyway, I'm sorry."
T'Pol decided to share her thoughts with the Chief Engineer as well. "Commander, have you ever thought about having a family?"
"Yea, but since I don't have any prospects for a wife I figure that's a long way off."
"What will you do with your career when you do find a mate?"
Trip pondered carefully before answering. "I don't know T'Pol; it'll be a difficult choice."
Trip could see that his answer wasn't quite to her satisfaction. "What about you?"
"I do not know either."
"Oh well, I guess that's why we play the Game of Life."
"I do not consider life a game, Commander."
"T'Pol, it's just a…never mind, let's just go eat." Trip answered in gracious resignation.
"Agreed Commander."
~~FINIS~~
_______________________________________
I would like to thank everyone who enjoyed and reviewed this story and patiently waited for its updates.
Just a couple of notes to tie together some loose ends:
This Woman's Work is a song by Maxwell, which gave me the inspiration for the piece.
As I tried to show in my story, I believe T'Pol's central problem is trying to reconcile her desire for a career with her obligations as a Vulcan woman. I mean how many Vulcan women have you seen? While the Vulcans may have had warp drive for 2000 years, I think socially they are somewhere around the 1950's and 1960's in their view of women (a la June Cleaver).
Secondly, a lot of people complain that the Vulcans in ENT are far shadier than their TOS counterparts. I believe that this plausible because in TOS the Vulcans are members of the Federation, alleviating them of the need to enforcers of their corner of the Galaxy. Keep in mind violence is distasteful to Vulcans, but in ENT they have one of the most powerful warships in the known galaxy. This turn of events is similar to US' relationship with the UK. As our nation started out, we needed protection from the tyrants on the seas, which was rendered by the UK. After WWII, the situation was reversed, where UK needed the protection and through NATO we offered it.
I really enjoy the series all well as all the fanfic here. Everyone keep up the good work and thanks for reading my little interpretation of Gene's dream.
By vandiver49
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters associated with Star Trek, I'm just borrowing them for a moment. Please don't sue; people in the Navy don't make that much money.
All parenthetical statements in Vulcan are denoted by (*)
Please forgive me if the date doesn't correspond exactly to the series.
_________________________________
1100 23 Aug 2151
"Bridge to Sickbay."
"T'Pol here, go ahead Mr. Reed."
"Ambassador Soval is hailing us again; he is waiting to speak with you. Sub-Commander, I can't keep delaying him forever."
"I understand Lieutenant, I shall be there momentarily."
"Sub-Commander, you said that twenty minutes ago, but I will relay your message."
"Thank you, T'Pol out."
T'Pol walked back from the intercom over to Kelis, who was resting peacefully on the operation bed. She could no longer deny the maternal instincts that were coursing through her, and no matter how illogical it might be, she somehow knew that being at Kelis' side was right thing to do.
*T'Pol?* Questioned Kelis as her eyes fluttered open.
*Hello Kelis, how are you feeling?*
*T'Pol, where is Hoshi I saw her hit her head on the wall and I tried to wake her up but she would not and I went to try and find some help for her but no one would listen to me and…*
*I know Kelis.* T'Pol calmly replied. *It was a very logical thing that you tried to do. Hoshi shall recover.*
Kelis attempted to sit up, but her injuries proved to be too much to overcome.
*Be still Kelis, you must rest.* After visually confirming Kelis would be fine, T'Pol felt secure in leaving her alone. *I must go now, but I shall return shortly, understand?*
The little Vulcan nodded in response and slowly fell back to sleep.
T'Pol made her way back to the Bridge, finally ready to deal with Ambassador Soval. She had not eaten, slept or meditated in over forty hours, leaving her nerves slightly frayed. T'Pol was determined to end her mental ordeal and had every intention of giving Soval 'a piece of her mind' as humans would say.
*Sub-Commander T'Pol, I was informed by the Surok that you were engaged by a Romulan Bird of Prey. Did the humans witness this?*
*No Ambassador, its destruction was total before the cloaking device deactivated. I intend to include the battle in my report to Starfleet Command.*
This wasn't exactly what Soval wanted to here. *Sub-Commander, you will not include anything about this engagement to Starfleet. It would only serve to make a delicate situation more fragile.*
*More delicate for whom Ambassador, I am sure that Starfleet would be interested in knowing about Romulans, our relationship to them and exactly why the Enterprise was manipulated into proceeding into harm's way to encounter them.*
*What is your point Sub-Commander?*
*My point is that I was assigned to this position in order to guide and aid humanity in their ascension into the unknown. I cannot effectively do so if I am constantly placed in a position that compromises my authority and my loyalty to the crew.*
*Am I to understand that you value your position aboard Enterprise more than your commission in the Vulcan High Command?*
Soval's question gave T'Pol a moment of pause. Normally, she always followed the instructions of the Vulcan High Command. But she now found herself developing a loyalty, not to humanity as a whole, but to the humans she lived and worked with on Enterprise. They had come consider her a member of the crew, some she even considered friends, as illogical as that seemed. It pained T'Pol every time she was forced to betray that trust.
*I value my position aboard Enterprise as a representative of the Vulcan High Command. I do not believe the two are independent of each other. That only occurs when I am forced to hide vital information from the crew.*
*Very well T'Pol, I understand your wish to not have to deceive, it is not our way. But it is a necessity because of our strength as a galactic power. Humanity is not prepared for the dangers that lurk amongst the stars.*
*With great power comes great responsibility.* T'Pol said as she nodded in agreement. Soval's eyebrow immediately shot up in confusion. *It is a human saying that I believe accurately captures our conundrum.* T'Pol clarified.
*It is curious, how such an illogical race can create such brilliance to the contrary.*
*I have also found that to be an interesting dichotomy. They have great potential Ambassador, they need only to realize it.*
*Indeed. Sub-Commander, how were you able to detect the Romulan ship?*
*I was able to expound upon the Sendrini scientists research and utilized the deflection of neutrinos by the cloaking device as a means of detection. Are you any closer to finding the Romulan informant?*
*No, we are not. We are only certain that the informant is somewhere on Vulcan. We suspect that when Enterprise was contacting Vulcan, the spy relayed a message to the Romulan ship that was lurking in the area. What exactly were you contacting Vulcan for?*
*I was making arrangements for guardianship of the lone survivor, a child. I was unaware that my actions would put the ship in danger.*
*Your actions did not. Do you require any assistance in transferring the child back to Vulcan?*
*It will be necessary for a Vulcan ship to ferry the child back as Enterprise is scheduled to return to pick up Captain Archer.*
*Very well, I will make arrangements for the Surok to pick up the child in four hours and escort her home. Is there anything else Sub-Commander?*
*No Ambassador, that will be all.*
*Very well, Soval out.*
As the conversation ended, T'Pol felt as though an overwhelming burden had just been lifted from her. She found herself relieved that the Captain would be back within a few days and she could go back to her role as science officer and Vulcan advisor. But as T'Pol walked out of the ready room she was suddenly struck by a stray thought; she only had four more hours to spend with Kelis.
T'Pol spent the next four hours in sickbay with Kelis just talking. They discussed everything from T'Pol's life, to what humans were like to if Kelis would ever see her parents again. Kelis had so my questions that T'Pol occasionally found herself without answers. T'Pol was somewhat surprised though by the tranquility and peace she found within the passing hours, silently wishing she had more time. But as the chronometer soon revealed, it was not to be.
After collecting what few personal affects Kelis had, T'Pol walked with her in hand towards the airlock and the waiting Vulcan shuttle.
*T'Pol, where are we going?*
*I am taking you to a shuttle which will take you to your grandparents.*
*Are you coming with me?*
*No Kelis, I must remain here.* T'Pol wished she didn't have to disappoint the child so.
*Do you not miss home?*
*I do all the time Kelis.*
*When you return will you visit me?*
*I will make it a point to do so.*
The doors to the airlock opened as both Vulcans prepared to exchange their final goodbyes. *Live long and prosper Kelis.* T'Pol said as she knelt down to Kelis to extend the traditional gesture.
*Live long and prosper T'Pol.* Kelis replied as she placed her tiny hand in T'Pol's palm.
The two starred into each others eyes for a brief, heart-wrenching moment, before T'Pol finally stood up and ushered Kelis through the airlock. Even though T'Pol had only known Kelis for a day, the little girl had a profound impact on her life. For the first time, T'Pol entertained the idea of having a family, of having children, of living the life her own mother desperately wanted her to, a life which T'Pol had adamantly avoided. As she walked back down the corridor, T'Pol was so engrossed in her thoughts that she failed to notice the silhouette against the wall.
"Always hard to say goodbye isn't it?"
"How long have you been standing there Commander?"
"Long enough, I was just passing through actually."
T'Pol thought that she would naturally have to fight her displeasure with Trip's eavesdropping, but instead it was her happiness to see him which she strove to suppress. "Where were you going?"
"To the Mess Hall actually. Care to join me?"
"I believe I will, I have not eaten since we arrived at Sendrini."
As the two walked towards their destination, Trip decided to alleviate his conscience. "T'Pol, I umm…I wanted to apologize to you."
"For what Commander?"
"Well yesterday I said that you were compassionless, you weren't around when I said it or anything but…you just proved to me that Vulcans are as caring as everyone else."
"I accept your apology Commander. Though I see how one could reach such a conclusion."
"Anyway, I'm sorry."
T'Pol decided to share her thoughts with the Chief Engineer as well. "Commander, have you ever thought about having a family?"
"Yea, but since I don't have any prospects for a wife I figure that's a long way off."
"What will you do with your career when you do find a mate?"
Trip pondered carefully before answering. "I don't know T'Pol; it'll be a difficult choice."
Trip could see that his answer wasn't quite to her satisfaction. "What about you?"
"I do not know either."
"Oh well, I guess that's why we play the Game of Life."
"I do not consider life a game, Commander."
"T'Pol, it's just a…never mind, let's just go eat." Trip answered in gracious resignation.
"Agreed Commander."
~~FINIS~~
_______________________________________
I would like to thank everyone who enjoyed and reviewed this story and patiently waited for its updates.
Just a couple of notes to tie together some loose ends:
This Woman's Work is a song by Maxwell, which gave me the inspiration for the piece.
As I tried to show in my story, I believe T'Pol's central problem is trying to reconcile her desire for a career with her obligations as a Vulcan woman. I mean how many Vulcan women have you seen? While the Vulcans may have had warp drive for 2000 years, I think socially they are somewhere around the 1950's and 1960's in their view of women (a la June Cleaver).
Secondly, a lot of people complain that the Vulcans in ENT are far shadier than their TOS counterparts. I believe that this plausible because in TOS the Vulcans are members of the Federation, alleviating them of the need to enforcers of their corner of the Galaxy. Keep in mind violence is distasteful to Vulcans, but in ENT they have one of the most powerful warships in the known galaxy. This turn of events is similar to US' relationship with the UK. As our nation started out, we needed protection from the tyrants on the seas, which was rendered by the UK. After WWII, the situation was reversed, where UK needed the protection and through NATO we offered it.
I really enjoy the series all well as all the fanfic here. Everyone keep up the good work and thanks for reading my little interpretation of Gene's dream.