A Tryst for Two (Chap 3)
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.
Flashbacks are between the ////////////////////
__________________________________________
T'Pol eased into her chair as the Vulcan transport prepared to enter Earth's atmosphere. Even though her people had long since perfected the art of space travel, transitioning from space always remained a problematic experience. The crimson shuttle shuttered as it pierced the atmosphere, blazing a fiery streak across the sky. The ship descended further through a stratum of clouds before the planet below revealed itself again. T'Pol briefly glanced out her window, recognizing the azure expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, and the rapidly approaching Eastern Seaboard. The transport continued to race over the North American continent as it headed towards the Pacific Coast. The ship slowed gracefully as it approached the spaceport in San Francisco, beneath the shadows of the Golden Gate Bridge.
It turned out that T'Pol and Miranda had arrived on a picturesque Thursday morning, with whips of cirrus clouds dotting an otherwise gorgeous day. The two took a hover-taxi through the rolling knolls of the Presidio to their temporary residence in Forge Hill, a relatively new neighborhood surrounding the Vulcan Compound. Their new home was one of the fabled Victorian painted ladies, its teal and lavender colors a dynamic contract to the tan, beige and olive colors to which both women were accustom. The stained glass door creaked open slowly, revealing the mahogany hardwood floors and vaulted cathedral ceilings of the old house. After settling into their new surroundings, Miranda managed to convince her mother into doing a little sightseeing after all.
The two took San Francisco by foot, starting at Nob Hill, strolling through Little Italy and Little Tokyo. Currently the two were perusing the streets of Chinatown, where Miranda was thumbing through the weathered pages and scrolls of a Chinese bookstore. T'Pol decided to take a break at a sidewalk café to enjoy a cup of mint tea and relish in the beauty of the day. She watched the teaming masses of humans and Vulcans stroll by her table, the choir of their voices blending harmoniously with the din of everyday life. T'Pol was about to indulge in another refreshing sip when the drawl of a particular conversation tantalized her ears.
"What do you mean you don't have sweet tea?"
"Well sir, there is sugar on the table."
"Nah, that's not even the same thing. Look, just gimme a glass of lemonade and a big slice of that pecan pie you got back there."
T'Pol closed her eyes and let her ears drink in the inflections and intonations of the gentleman's voice. She was fully aware of its familiarity, conjuring up a name and a face instantaneously, but it was still hard for her to believe it could be him. She glanced upwards through her lashes as he left the café. T'Pol assumed that he would continue on his way, but for some unknown reason he turned his head and their eyes connected.
"T'Pol, is that you?" It was more a statement of fact than a question.
"Hello Commander Tucker." Her deadpan reply lacked any hint of the surprise that she felt.
"I don't believe it, T'Pol of Vulcan, as I live and breathe. How have you been?"
"I have been well Commander, and yourself?"
"Well first of all call me Trip or Charles at least, I got out of Starfleet a long time ago, and I'm doing great. So what brings you to 'Frisco?"
"My daughter is enrolled in an internship at the Vulcan Consulate here. I decided to accompany her since she is scheduled to be here for a month." T'Pol watched as Trip tried to stifle his laughter. "What is so humorous Commander?"
"Nothing, I just find it hard to picture you as a Mom. But I imagine it's no more of a stretch than me being a Dad."
T'Pol couldn't argue with his observation, the thought of Trip being a father caused her to render a curious glare. "So I am to understand that there is a Charles Tucker IV?"
"Was there any doubt? Far be it for me to break a long standing family tradition."
"So Charles, what brings you here?"
"Oh, my boy starts his first day at Starfleet Academy tomorrow. I guess he's tryin' to follow in his old man's footsteps." Trip looked down at his watched and realized the day was slipping away. "Man T'Pol I gotta run. Look maybe we could get together tomorrow evenin' and catch up on old times?"
T'Pol wavered slightly at Trip's invitation. "I am unsure if I will be available, but I will let you know."
"Well, here's the address and number of where I'm staying, just give me a call if you can OK?" Trip said as he scribbled the information down on a napkin.
T'Pol only nodded in response.
"Well, if you don't have the time, it was nice seein' you again." Trip said as he departed.
T'Pol's eyes remained trained on the former Engineer as he walked down the street. Her focus remained constant to the exclusion of everything else, including her own daughter as she walked up to the café. Miranda watched as her mother solemnly closed her eyes, as if she was trying to regain her composure.
"Was that Commander Tucker?" Miranda inquired as she sat down at her mother's table.
"Yes it was. He has invited me to dinner tomorrow night." T'Pol replied, unsure of exactly why she chose to volunteer that information.
"So do you plan on going?"
T'Pol mind faltered as she still hadn't reached a decision. "I do not know."
Miranda was mildly confused, for she had never known her mother to be indecisive. It was also quite evident that this human had endeared himself to her mother in a very unique way. "Mother, if he was your best friend, why wouldn't you want to see him?"
T'Pol believed she had a very legitimate reason for avoiding Trip, but she chose instead to answer her daughter's question with one of her own. "Miranda, do you know what happiness is?"
Miranda's curt response was typical of most Vulcans. "Happiness is one of but many emotions."
T'Pol shook her head in disagreement, her daughter's trite answer reminiscent of her own naïveté. "I once used to be of that same opinion, but a wise engineer once told me that happiness is not an emotion, but a state of being." With some degree of trepidation she continued. "The only problem is that you never realize how truly happy you were until it's gone."
Miranda always loathed her mother's seemingly cryptic musings, as they tended to be more confusing than enlightening. "I'm afraid I don't understand Mother."
"I hope you never do."
. . .
After enjoying a light dinner, T'Pol and Miranda walked back to their new home. But the elder Vulcan's focus had waned; too enthralled by her chance meeting and the possibilities it held. Seeing Commander Tucker again had opened a door of repressed memories and feelings she thought long since closed.
//////////////////////////
T'Pol stood in the Mess Hall, staring out the window at the red planet below. The place was still a disaster from her going away party earlier, but the camaraderie that was enjoyed just hours before had quickly evaporated. T'Pol's gaze remained so transfixed on her home that she failed to notice the Chief Engineer's approaching footsteps.
"Looks kinda like Mars doesn't it?" Trip said as he reached her side.
"Yes, the two planets do share similar hues."
The two stood in brief silence as Vulcan rolled on its belly before another word was exchanged.
"You know you have to go." Trip offered, as if he knew what was plaguing her thoughts.
"Were you not the same person whom preached to me about freedom of choice?" She retorted.
"Yea, but this isn't about freedom of choice, it's about your happiness."
"We are talking about my obligation to tradition versus my commitment to duty." T'Pol said defiantly. But her gazed descended sheepishly as she continued. "But if I were to indulge in such as emotion, I would contend that I am happy here."
"But you won't be if you stay."
"To, the contrary, the Enterprise's mission is not yet complete, and as such is still in need of a science officer."
"Just as Koss is in need of his wife."
T'Pol pursed her lips in exasperation as Trip's words echoed that unavoidable truth. "Commander, why do you always choose the most inopportune moments to be logical?"
"Because it's the only surefire way I can get you to listen." Trip said as he lightly draped his arm across T'Pol's shoulder.
T'Pol turned her head and eyed Trip's hand and the rectangular package held within. "I take it that is for me?"
"Nothing gets by you huh?" Trip said as he offered her the gift.
T'Pol took the present and unwrapped it in seconds.
"You like it?" Trip asked, curious if his present was sentimental enough.
T'Pol offered a simple nod in response as she looked at the captured image, just one of the many memories that she would surely miss. "Thank you Commander." She said, turning to face him and his outstretched arms. T'Pol, in uncharacteristic Vulcan fashion, stepped into his warm embrace.
"Live long and prosper T'Pol." Trip said whispered softly into her ear.
"Peace and long life Charles."
//////////////////////////
T'Pol always thought it ironic that Commander Tucker knew her better than Koss ever did. She suspected that was the reason why Trip chose to hide his letter instead of confessing his feelings for her directly. She realized that placing herself in such a vulnerable position again would be illogical, regardless of the momentary bliss that she would certainly find in his company. With her mind made up, T'Pol slowly balled up the napkin in her hand, as she and her daughter stepped through the door to their house. She glanced at the crumpled paper one final time before tossing it into the trashcan by the door, much to Miranda's dismay.
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.
Flashbacks are between the ////////////////////
__________________________________________
T'Pol eased into her chair as the Vulcan transport prepared to enter Earth's atmosphere. Even though her people had long since perfected the art of space travel, transitioning from space always remained a problematic experience. The crimson shuttle shuttered as it pierced the atmosphere, blazing a fiery streak across the sky. The ship descended further through a stratum of clouds before the planet below revealed itself again. T'Pol briefly glanced out her window, recognizing the azure expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, and the rapidly approaching Eastern Seaboard. The transport continued to race over the North American continent as it headed towards the Pacific Coast. The ship slowed gracefully as it approached the spaceport in San Francisco, beneath the shadows of the Golden Gate Bridge.
It turned out that T'Pol and Miranda had arrived on a picturesque Thursday morning, with whips of cirrus clouds dotting an otherwise gorgeous day. The two took a hover-taxi through the rolling knolls of the Presidio to their temporary residence in Forge Hill, a relatively new neighborhood surrounding the Vulcan Compound. Their new home was one of the fabled Victorian painted ladies, its teal and lavender colors a dynamic contract to the tan, beige and olive colors to which both women were accustom. The stained glass door creaked open slowly, revealing the mahogany hardwood floors and vaulted cathedral ceilings of the old house. After settling into their new surroundings, Miranda managed to convince her mother into doing a little sightseeing after all.
The two took San Francisco by foot, starting at Nob Hill, strolling through Little Italy and Little Tokyo. Currently the two were perusing the streets of Chinatown, where Miranda was thumbing through the weathered pages and scrolls of a Chinese bookstore. T'Pol decided to take a break at a sidewalk café to enjoy a cup of mint tea and relish in the beauty of the day. She watched the teaming masses of humans and Vulcans stroll by her table, the choir of their voices blending harmoniously with the din of everyday life. T'Pol was about to indulge in another refreshing sip when the drawl of a particular conversation tantalized her ears.
"What do you mean you don't have sweet tea?"
"Well sir, there is sugar on the table."
"Nah, that's not even the same thing. Look, just gimme a glass of lemonade and a big slice of that pecan pie you got back there."
T'Pol closed her eyes and let her ears drink in the inflections and intonations of the gentleman's voice. She was fully aware of its familiarity, conjuring up a name and a face instantaneously, but it was still hard for her to believe it could be him. She glanced upwards through her lashes as he left the café. T'Pol assumed that he would continue on his way, but for some unknown reason he turned his head and their eyes connected.
"T'Pol, is that you?" It was more a statement of fact than a question.
"Hello Commander Tucker." Her deadpan reply lacked any hint of the surprise that she felt.
"I don't believe it, T'Pol of Vulcan, as I live and breathe. How have you been?"
"I have been well Commander, and yourself?"
"Well first of all call me Trip or Charles at least, I got out of Starfleet a long time ago, and I'm doing great. So what brings you to 'Frisco?"
"My daughter is enrolled in an internship at the Vulcan Consulate here. I decided to accompany her since she is scheduled to be here for a month." T'Pol watched as Trip tried to stifle his laughter. "What is so humorous Commander?"
"Nothing, I just find it hard to picture you as a Mom. But I imagine it's no more of a stretch than me being a Dad."
T'Pol couldn't argue with his observation, the thought of Trip being a father caused her to render a curious glare. "So I am to understand that there is a Charles Tucker IV?"
"Was there any doubt? Far be it for me to break a long standing family tradition."
"So Charles, what brings you here?"
"Oh, my boy starts his first day at Starfleet Academy tomorrow. I guess he's tryin' to follow in his old man's footsteps." Trip looked down at his watched and realized the day was slipping away. "Man T'Pol I gotta run. Look maybe we could get together tomorrow evenin' and catch up on old times?"
T'Pol wavered slightly at Trip's invitation. "I am unsure if I will be available, but I will let you know."
"Well, here's the address and number of where I'm staying, just give me a call if you can OK?" Trip said as he scribbled the information down on a napkin.
T'Pol only nodded in response.
"Well, if you don't have the time, it was nice seein' you again." Trip said as he departed.
T'Pol's eyes remained trained on the former Engineer as he walked down the street. Her focus remained constant to the exclusion of everything else, including her own daughter as she walked up to the café. Miranda watched as her mother solemnly closed her eyes, as if she was trying to regain her composure.
"Was that Commander Tucker?" Miranda inquired as she sat down at her mother's table.
"Yes it was. He has invited me to dinner tomorrow night." T'Pol replied, unsure of exactly why she chose to volunteer that information.
"So do you plan on going?"
T'Pol mind faltered as she still hadn't reached a decision. "I do not know."
Miranda was mildly confused, for she had never known her mother to be indecisive. It was also quite evident that this human had endeared himself to her mother in a very unique way. "Mother, if he was your best friend, why wouldn't you want to see him?"
T'Pol believed she had a very legitimate reason for avoiding Trip, but she chose instead to answer her daughter's question with one of her own. "Miranda, do you know what happiness is?"
Miranda's curt response was typical of most Vulcans. "Happiness is one of but many emotions."
T'Pol shook her head in disagreement, her daughter's trite answer reminiscent of her own naïveté. "I once used to be of that same opinion, but a wise engineer once told me that happiness is not an emotion, but a state of being." With some degree of trepidation she continued. "The only problem is that you never realize how truly happy you were until it's gone."
Miranda always loathed her mother's seemingly cryptic musings, as they tended to be more confusing than enlightening. "I'm afraid I don't understand Mother."
"I hope you never do."
. . .
After enjoying a light dinner, T'Pol and Miranda walked back to their new home. But the elder Vulcan's focus had waned; too enthralled by her chance meeting and the possibilities it held. Seeing Commander Tucker again had opened a door of repressed memories and feelings she thought long since closed.
//////////////////////////
T'Pol stood in the Mess Hall, staring out the window at the red planet below. The place was still a disaster from her going away party earlier, but the camaraderie that was enjoyed just hours before had quickly evaporated. T'Pol's gaze remained so transfixed on her home that she failed to notice the Chief Engineer's approaching footsteps.
"Looks kinda like Mars doesn't it?" Trip said as he reached her side.
"Yes, the two planets do share similar hues."
The two stood in brief silence as Vulcan rolled on its belly before another word was exchanged.
"You know you have to go." Trip offered, as if he knew what was plaguing her thoughts.
"Were you not the same person whom preached to me about freedom of choice?" She retorted.
"Yea, but this isn't about freedom of choice, it's about your happiness."
"We are talking about my obligation to tradition versus my commitment to duty." T'Pol said defiantly. But her gazed descended sheepishly as she continued. "But if I were to indulge in such as emotion, I would contend that I am happy here."
"But you won't be if you stay."
"To, the contrary, the Enterprise's mission is not yet complete, and as such is still in need of a science officer."
"Just as Koss is in need of his wife."
T'Pol pursed her lips in exasperation as Trip's words echoed that unavoidable truth. "Commander, why do you always choose the most inopportune moments to be logical?"
"Because it's the only surefire way I can get you to listen." Trip said as he lightly draped his arm across T'Pol's shoulder.
T'Pol turned her head and eyed Trip's hand and the rectangular package held within. "I take it that is for me?"
"Nothing gets by you huh?" Trip said as he offered her the gift.
T'Pol took the present and unwrapped it in seconds.
"You like it?" Trip asked, curious if his present was sentimental enough.
T'Pol offered a simple nod in response as she looked at the captured image, just one of the many memories that she would surely miss. "Thank you Commander." She said, turning to face him and his outstretched arms. T'Pol, in uncharacteristic Vulcan fashion, stepped into his warm embrace.
"Live long and prosper T'Pol." Trip said whispered softly into her ear.
"Peace and long life Charles."
//////////////////////////
T'Pol always thought it ironic that Commander Tucker knew her better than Koss ever did. She suspected that was the reason why Trip chose to hide his letter instead of confessing his feelings for her directly. She realized that placing herself in such a vulnerable position again would be illogical, regardless of the momentary bliss that she would certainly find in his company. With her mind made up, T'Pol slowly balled up the napkin in her hand, as she and her daughter stepped through the door to their house. She glanced at the crumpled paper one final time before tossing it into the trashcan by the door, much to Miranda's dismay.