The
Cultural Addition
a Star
Trek: Enterprise - based fan fiction
by: Joycelyn
Solo
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Summary: An unexpected pregnancy has some interesting consequences
for Trip, T'Pol, the Enterprise and the future of Humanity.
Author's note: This story takes place Season Three, so
expect general episodic references, but with definite AU qualities.
Disclaimer: Star Trek: Enterprise and associated
characters are property of Paramount Pictures. I mean no copyright
infringement, this story is for entertainment purposes only.
Special Thanks: To Stub, the super beta
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Trip/T'Pol Romance; Mystery
Chapter Eight - Spunky, the hairless rat
When the commander offered to accompany her to Sickbay, T'Pol had the distinct impression there was something he wanted to talk about. She knew there was something on his mind, having sensed the weight of his thoughts even before he'd entered his office in Engineering.
T'Pol had remained quiet as they walked to Sickbay, giving Commander Tucker opportunity to broach the discussion she was sure he wanted to have, but he remained uncharacteristically quiet.
When she entered Sickbay with the commander in tow, Dr. Phlox had seemed quite pleased. Despite the fact that T'Pol was the one carrying the child, the two men talked as though she hadn't been in the room. Even when she emerged from behind the privacy screen, clad in garb more suited for a thorough examination, Phlox had continued speaking to the engineer and barely paid any attention to T'Pol as he attached the fetal monitor to her exposed abdomen.
If she'd thought about it logically, it was understandable that Phlox would take the time to discuss the pregnancy with the child's father. Commander Tucker had not been to Sickbay since the discovery of the child and it was natural for the doctor to apprise him of the hybrid's progress.
However, T'Pol was not feeling wholly logical or understanding and, in fact, found herself irritated that both males acted as though she wasn't there. For as non-communicative as the commander had been moments before, he seemed at no loss for conversation as he questioned Phlox about everything from the supplements she was taking to other species' gestation periods.
Despite her irritation at being ignored -- and her irritation at being irritated -- T'Pol found the engineer's curiousity and concern gratifying. No matter how many times she told him she did not need or expect his involvement with the pregnancy, Commander Tucker reassured her that he had every intention of being a part of it.
But what about after?
T'Pol did not expect that the commander would want to leave Starfleet to raise a child, misplaced sense of responsibility or no. He was at the prime of his profession -- chief engineer of the first warp five engine. Even she was impressed by his knowledge of warp theory and knack for working around the laws of physics. Commander Tucker was a truly gifted man with a promising career. He could not -- she would not allow him to -- give that up.
With that decision made, T'Pol focused on what she was going to do after the child was born. Despite Captain Archer's assurance that Enterprise needed her, the sub-commander's time aboard the Human vessel could not last forever. With the completion of the Xindi mission, she would have to leave.
Where she would go was another matter.
By herself, T'Pol was a blemish to Vulcan society. With a half-Human child, she would most likely be promoted to outcast. It was difficult to determine if she would even be welcome on her home planet; by her own family. Breaking her engagement to Koss...resigning her commission...having a Human's baby...Pa'nar...Even if she tried, T'Pol doubted there was more she could do to bring shame to her family.
Not that shaming them had been her intention. Maybe Soval had been correct about the Humans. They were a bad influence on her.
T'Pol was pulled from her thoughts as the comm sounded for Dr. Phlox.
Stepping to the wall unit, Phlox answered, "This is Sickbay."
"Doctor? It's Isley in Botany. We're having trouble with that Orcanian ivy you donated. Can you come up here?"
Phlox frowned. "I'm with a patient. What seems to be the problem, Crewman?"
"Well, sir, the ivy keeps...uh...well, it bit me, sir, and now it's intimidating the rest of the plants."
The Denobulan gave the expectant parents a helpless look.
"Commander Tucker and I can wait, Doctor. It sounds as though Crewman Isley's problem is more...serious."
Phlox pressed the comm once more. "I'll be right there, Crewman. Please do not make any sudden movements."
After Phlox left, Trip became fascinated by the creatures that lined one wall of Sickbay and decided to study them intently.
Though his intention for joining T'Pol for her appointment had been to discuss their -- his, hers and the baby's -- future, he hadn't quite figured out how best to bring it up.
As he frowned at the hairless rat-looking thing in one of the larger cages, Trip sensed T'Pol's impatience -- an improvement over the irritation she'd sent his way while he'd been talking to Phlox.
When the doctor had started explaining T'Pol's progress and the baby's health in such detail, Trip had welcomed the distraction from discussing more pressing matters. He hadn't intended to exclude the sub-commander from the discussion, it just sort of happened.
Now, with the doctor gone, silence descended upon Sickbay like a heavy blanket. Trip sure as hell didn't want to be the one to break --
"Is there something on your mind, Commander?" T'Pol asked.
Figures she wouldn't leave it, Trip thought, turning to regard her before turning back to the rodent -- whom he'd named 'Spunky' in Phlox's absence. "What makes you say that?"
"You seemed intent on joining me for this examination. I doubt it was simply because you enjoy tormenting the doctor's menagerie."
"I'm not tormenting them," Trip denied, leaving Spunky with a sigh and moving to take a seat on the stool next to the biobed. "I just find them fascinating."
"I was under the impression you found them disturbing."
"Fascinating. Disturbing." Trip shrugged. "They're just interesting."
"And easier focal points than whatever it is that is occupying your thoughts."
"Yeah," he agreed reluctantly. "There's that, too."
The engineer shifted uncomfortably on the stool, stood abruptly and began pacing in front of T'Pol. After a few laps, Trip stopped and ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "Look, T'Pol, I guess you could say I had a bit of a revelation today. I've been saying from the beginning that I plan on being there for you and the baby, but we haven't really said where there is going to be."
"I do not understand." T'Pol answered, though she had a feeling she did understand.
Trig resumed his seat on the stool. "Have you given any thought to what we're going to do after the mission? If we survive this mission?"
"As a matter of fact, I was just thinking about that."
Trip didn't like how that sounded. "And did you figure anything out?"
"If this mission is successful, I will most likely return to Vulcan."
"You can't go to Vulcan," Trip protested, standing so quickly the stool was pushed back several feet.
"It is true I do not have the most favorable of reputations for Vulcan society, but my family would not turn me away. I doubt I could resume my post with the High Command, but perhaps I can apply for a position at the Science Academy."
Trip stared, openmouthed, at her. "Just like that? You're gonna run home to your family and become a teacher?"
"It seems the most logical of plans. There is little else I am qualified to do, especially with a child to support."
"And where do I fit into all this?"
"I have already told you, Commander, that I do not require or expect your assistance. I am grateful for all you've done so far, but you --"
"I'm not letting you or this baby get away that easily, T'Pol. I said I'm in this for the long-haul and I mean it."
"That is noble, but foolish, of you, Commander. You have a promising Starfleet career ahead of you, possibly a command of your own someday. You should not obligate yourself when there is no need."
"This isn't about obligation, T'Pol. This is about me, you and our baby."
"Commander --"
T'Pol stopped abruptly and both turned as Phlox returned to Sickbay. "I'm terribly sorry about that. I've warned Ensign Isley that Orcanian ivy can be territorial."
Noting that neither the sub-commander or commander seemed to be paying attention to his explanation, Phlox switched back to OB-mode, picked up his scanner and moved to the biobed. "Now, where were we? Oh, yes, I believe I was about to tell you the hybrid's gender."
"You were?" Trip asked, his attention drawn from frowning at T'Pol's stubborn Vulcan-self to the Denobulan. "You can tell already?"
"I believe so. You must remember that there is no exact obstetric science where hybrids are concerned, but I am relatively certain the child is female."
"Female?" Trip repeated, locking eyes with T'Pol and feeling the tension of their debate slipping away. "We're having a girl."
"Yes, Commander. That is what the doctor said." Though her face remained impassive, Trip could sense the same wonder he felt welling up inside the Vulcan.
Phlox smiled widely at parents-to-be. "To keep this little girl as healthy as possible, I want you to continue with the supplements I provided, Sub-Commander, and I would suggest that you endeavor to find more time to rest. I can speak with the captain if you would like --"
"That' okay, Doc," Trip interrupted, his gaze still locked on T'Pol's face. "I'm taking T'Pol to lunch and then her quarters as soon as we're done here."
"Then by all means," Phlox said, removing the fetal monitor and placing it on the table behind him. "I expect to see you in two days, Sub-Commander."
~~~
A couple of notes from the author:
1) I know next-to-nothing about babies, pregnancy or childbirth.
The only experience I have with any of these is from television
and the various discussions with women at work I really wish I
hadn't walked in on.
2) There are several of us out there who, though it's never been confirmed in canon, believe that Ambassador Soval is also T'Pol's father. For the sake of the universe this story takes place in, I'm going to treat this belief as fact.
3) Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this story. Your enthusiasm for The Cultural Addition helps me to stay on schedule with posting a chapter every week, give or take a couple of days. Please keep the comments coming and I will endeavor to reward your kindness with timely updates.
