Second Chance

Chapter one: Lost Love

T'Pol activated the locking mechanism on her door the second she entered her room. She had just returned from her meeting with Trip's parents. It was so hard to watch the Tuckers weep so openly, and be unable to join them. After all, she was a Vulcan. Emotions are to be suppressed, not displayed for all to see.

No matter how many times she'd tell herself that... No matter how many times it worked in the past... This time it held no solace.

"Yer gonna have to get over me sometime..." She turned to face the intruder, intent on hastening their exit. Only, she couldn't see him. "I thought you said you'd miss me..." That voice... It wasn't possible. Trip couldn't be alive. "True. But I did make a promise. I told you I'd see ya again. Can't let a silly thing like death make me break it, now can I?" She could almost see his grin even though she knew he was gone.

"That is illogical. There is no scientific proof that ghosts, or any other such entity can exist. Therefore, you are obviously not Commander Tucker. So, please kindly take your leave." Her voice was thick with restrained anguish. Her vision was fading, tears filling her eyes. She didn't even trust her own voice enough to finish.

A cold chill fell over her, even as a pair of warm, strong, familiar arms wrapped around her waist. "'M sorry. For causing ya to hurt... I panicked. John's life was a higher priority than mine." A cool, damp tear landed on her shoulder. "T'Pol?" At her silence, he continued. "I Wish I could do it over... I wish I could undo a lot. But I can't. And dead is dead."

She felt as though her chest was about to implode. Salty trails spilled from her eyes, defeating her self-control. "Trip..." His name came out as almost a croak. This time, she really did break down. Her strength left her, forcing her to her knees. Uncontrollable sobs racked her body. All the pain... All the sorrow she'd accrued over her seventy-six years of life... Came crashing down upon her. 'So much loss...' The words were in her mind. Though whether they were Trip's or her own, she couldn't be sure.

"I love you... And if I had any way to go back, I would... I swear it." A soft movement of air caressed her cheek.

'I wish I could see you. One last time...' She used their bond, not even trying to speak.

"Oh, how touching." A new voice resonated through the air. Moments later, the voice's owner materialized before her. "It truly is the modern-day Romeo and Juliet, isn't it?" Who he was talking to, neither could ascertain. "You really want him back that badly?" His voice... His posture... His whole demeanour oozed arrogance. He was dressed in a Starfleet issue uniform, but she didn't recognise him as one of the new crew. "That's because I'm not one of your little shipmates."

"Then who are you?" Trip voiced her question. The distraction gave her something to concentrate on besides her pain. However, she was still shaking slightly, sniffling from her prior outburst.

The stranger laughed, as if his identity should be obvious. "My name is Q. And I am here to solve your little problem." His smile could be matched only by the Cheshire Cat.

"Yeah? An' what problem would that be?" Even though he was invisible, T'Pol could tell exactly the expression on Commander Tucker's face.

'Q' took a moment before answering, pretending to ponder something. "Oh, I don't know... Perhaps the fact that you're dead? Unless you prefer the afterlife to your Vulcan girlfriend over there." As an afterthought, he added. "And I'll even be really nice and bring little Lizzy back, too."

-.--. . -. -.. --- ..-. -.-. ... .- .--. - . .-. .---- -.--.-

Short, I know... But, this is only part one. I've already got part two done and it'll be up soon. I just saw this as a reasonable ending point. I know I have this labelled as Chapter One, but you can think of it as a prelude if you wish. It was going to be a one—shot, but you know how I am with those (Or not, since this isn't my usual fandom). I've been a Trekkie my whole life... With the end of the series, I was moved to actually write something for it. I normally just fantasize and act out the stories when I'm alone (Or bored in public and just beyond caring if people think I'm skitzo).

Rereading it now, I've noticed that most of my -big- words (as my sister calls them) begin with 'a'. It looks like I just whipped out a dictionary and put in the first word I see that fits what I was trying to say. I assure you, I've known all those words for awhile now. It just ended up that way... A strange coincidence, that's all.

cue X-Files theme-

Fox Mulder: The truth IS out there, Scully... You just have to look hard enough and want it bad enough...

Dana Scully: Is that before or after Tinkerbelle sprinkles fairy dust on you?

Fox Mulder: Oh, Before. Definitely before. The first step is to believe. Then you look for it because you want it so bad. Only after you find the Truth, can Tinkerbelle sprinkle fairy dust on you.

Dana Scully: ' ' -' -( anime sweat drop)

Dana Scully: Mulder, you're incorrigible.

Fox Mulder: Thank you. Encouragement is always welcome.

Dana Scully: (Slap)

Fox Mulder: I don't think I deserved that.

Jack Sparrow: (Rather drunkenly) First, tha's my line, mate. Second, You pro'ly did deserve i'. An' third... Got any more rum?...

Anamaria (Jack's first mate): (Slap)

Jack Sparrow: Now THAT was undeserved...

Anamaria: Get your drunken arse back to th' Pearl, now. 'R we're leaving without you.

Jack Sparrow: Alrigh'. Alrigh'. -Mumbling- Bloody hellcat.

Anamaria: (Slap)

Sorry for that randomness... On to the next chapter?...

Oh, and R&R. Like I said, this is my first Trek fic. (And even if you just want to complain about the end skit thing, any review is welcome. Even constructive criticism. Especially nice constructive criticism).

(PS. Some of the stuff looks kinda weird because document editor is acting up on me, sorry.)