A/N I still don't own anything.
Thanks to Mojo01, EroSlackerMicha, LoErneBraska, and aria1210 for their reviews. I really do enjoy reading them and appreciate your input. Thanks also to all the rest of you who are staying with me.
The next four days were a flurry of activity. First notifying Lester, who was of course delighted. They then flew to Mississippi to share the news with Trip's parents. They were of course quite surprised, but saw how happy they were together. Natalie decided she didn't want to be separated again, and announced she would go back to San Francisco with Trip.
After spending a little time with her brother and his wife, they traveled to San Francisco. After getting Natalie settled into Trip's apartment, Natalie accompanied him as he went to report back for duty. As Enterprise was mostly just a shell, waiting for all the new enhancements, Starfleet had set up a small compound near the Shuttle pad. It contained an eating area, a game room, bathrooms, and a few beds. They found that Natalie could not go up to Enterprise but was welcome at the compound.
Trip and Natalie found their way to the mess hall. He was gratified to see that Chef was back in charge. After introducing Chef to Natalie, they grabbed two cups of coffee and found a table. The mess hall was practically empty, with just a few workmen, who Trip acknowledged with a nod.
Just after they settled in, Malcolm, Travis, and Hoshi came through the door. Excited to see each other, the others joined them at the table, looking inquisitively at Natalie.
Trip spoke up, "Natalie, this is Malcom Reed, Travis Mayweather, and Hoshi Sato. Guys, this is Natalie Warren."
Natalie smiled, "Nice to see you, but of course I recognized all of you at once. It is an honor to meet you."
Seeing a little trepidation on their faces, she continued, "Don't worry, I promise not to engage in any hero worship."
Then there was a slightly awkward silence, as no one knew exactly how to proceed. Then Trip broke it, "Natalie and I go way back. Do you remember that Dear John letter I got soon after we started on that first mission?"
Malcolm, looking a little stunned, "This is…"
Trip continued, "Yes, Natalie from Pensacola."
Hoshi joined in, "Appears you got it straightened out."
Natalie could no longer resist, "Yeah, in fact," as she showed the ring, "We're engaged."
To say everyone was shocked would be a huge understatement. Hoshi was the first to recover. She rose and went over to hug Trip, "Congratulations, I am so happy for you." Then she hugged Natalie as well. "Congratulations to you too."
As Natalie and Trip thanked her, Malcolm and Travis had recovered enough to give their congratulations as well. Before anyone could comment further, Trip changed the subject, "How about you guys? How were your leaves?" Then remembering where Malcolm had gone, he looked a little embarrassed.
Malcolm saved him by saying, "After my Father died, I came back here. I have been studying the specs for everything for the new ship."
Travis spoke up, "Hoshi and I took our walking tour. It was great. The views were amazing."
Trip and Natalie noticed that Hoshi seemed to be blushing a little, and they decided they would have to follow up on that later. Trip continued, "How about the Captain? Do we know what his special job was?"
Malcolm spoke up, "Yeah, it's really kind of exciting and interesting. He was put in charge of setting up a series of what they are calling Fairs on Earth, Andoria, The Teller, and Vulcan. They want to let each of the planets meet some regular citizens of the other planets. In fact, the one on Earth is going to take place in just a few days. When I got back, Captain Archer had me work with him on developing Security plans."
Hoshi went on, "Gral, Shran, and Soval are heading up the groups from their respective planets. And, oh, Shran and Jhamel got married and she is accompanying him. Gral and Soval are bring their families also."
Before Trip could ask further, Travis spoke up, looking at the entrance, "Speaking of Captain Archer, don't look, but he just came in."
Of course, everyone looked. Captain Archer saw them and with a big smile, headed for their table. As he arrived he said, "It's great to see you all." Then noticing Natalie, he smiled and said, "It's good to see you again, Natalie, it's been a while."
Natalie smiled warmly, "It's great to see you again, Jon." Then she smirked, 'I know I said I wasn't going to do any hero worship, but I can't help it." Looking up at Archer, she said, "I just need to say that I and the whole world owe you our gratitude." Then she smiled, 'Ok, now your just Jon again."
Archer smiled and said, "Thanks Natalie, that was the most heartfelt and quickest moment of adoration I have ever received."
He continued, "I was hoping to find you all here. Hope you are ready to work, there is a lot to be done. I wish I could do it with you but will have to spend time on this Fair thing for a while. Trip, you're in charge. I'll be checking in with you as much as I can."
Trip answered, "Yes, Sir. Malcolm was telling me about these Fairs. Sounds like a lot of work. But, sounds like it will be very interesting as well. Would love to see Shran in action again."
Archer smirked, "Yeah, think he will be a handful. Will be interesting to see if he has changed at all now that he is married."
Then Trip turned more serious. "Captain, is it possible I could have a few minutes of your time alone, I have some things I'd like to discuss with you."
"Actually, Trip, I have some time now. They have a meeting room, why don't we go there?"
Then Archer turned to the others, "Will you excuse us?"
Hoshi answered, "No problem. We were all planning to go the 602 club. Do you guys want to join us when you're done?"
Archer answered, "I wish I could, but I have a meeting with Admiral Gardner."
Trip spoke up, "That sounds good to me, how about you, Natalie?"
"I'd love to."
Travis, as they got up to leave, "Okay, see you there. Good to see you, Captain. Good luck with your fairs."
Archer joined Trip and Natalie as they rose. "Thanks, will be staying in touch."
Everyone said their goodbyes as the group headed out and Archer led the way to the meeting room.
Entering the room, they sat around the table as Archer closed the door.
Archer spoke first, "Well, Trip, what's up?"
Trip smiled and had Natalie hold out her hand, "First of all, Natalie and I are engaged."
Archer was stunned, but hid it reasonably well, "Well, congratulations to both of you. I am really happy for you two." Archer was also surprised at another reaction. He realized it made him happy because it meant it was apparently definitely over for Trip and T'Pol. It made him realize how much he missed her and what she did mean to him.
Trip went on, "I wanted to talk to you about when would be a good time for the wedding. I know we will be tied up for some time with Enterprise." He hesitated slightly, "Also, I would want you to be my best man."
"I would be honored, Trip. But, that means you will have to wait until these Fairs are over. The date is up to you of course, but I think it would be better to wait until at least December."
"That's about when we were thinking. We'll get in contact with everyone and pick a date." He hesitated again, "Captain, do you know what is going on with T'Pol, is she coming back?"
"I don't know, Trip. I talked to Soval and he told me she is living in her Mother's house. He said she is meditating and fasting, preparing herself for this ritual she is planning to take. He said it could take months. I asked if he thought it was possible I could see her when I am on Vulcan for the last Fair. He said he didn't know, but would send her a message to ask her if she was willing to meet me. He said she probably wouldn't even read it until she was done with the ritual."
Natalie held out a card, "We prepared a special wedding invitation for her. We really hope she can come. I would really like for us to have a chance to be friends; to let her know how much she meant to Trip and how she helped him."
Archer felt a quick tinge of jealously, then dismissed it. "If I get to see her, I will give it to her, and do my best to have her attend and come back to Enterprise."
Trip, holding Natalie's hand, 'Thanks, Captain."
"Is there anything else?"
"No, that's what I wanted to discuss."
"Well, I had better go see the Admiral. Congratulations again, I am really happy that you two have got together. After the Fair on Earth, maybe we can get together before I leave for Andoria."
Natalie, as they rose to leave, "Thanks again, Jon, and I hope we can."
As they went out the door, Trip turned toward Archer, "Thanks for agreeing to be my best man. It wouldn't ever be the same without you there."
"Thanks for asking me. And if it is humanly possible, I will be there. See you later."
Trip and Natalie arrived at the 602 club and Trip received waves and hellos from the patrons that were there. Ruby came up and gave Trip a hug. "It's great to see you, Trip." She looked questioningly at Natalie.
"Hi, Ruby, you remember Natalie, she came in a couple of times with me when I was still in training."
"Of course, it's been a long time. Glad to meet you again."
Natalie smiled, "Thanks, Ruby."
"They're waiting for you at that table over there."
Ruby followed them to the table where the rest had a beer in front of them. As they sat down, Ruby asked, "What can I get you. As I remember, Trip, you usually just have whatever's on tap."
While Trip nodded his okay, Natalie asked, "Do you have a Coke?"
Ruby nodded, and said "Sure, will be right back."
The others looked quizzically at each other but let it go.
Malcolm, taking a drink from his mug, asked, "Well, Natalie, we know you knew Trip back in the day. How did you guys meet?"
Natalie answered, "I was a senior at USC and they used to send some of the Starfleet guys down to take certain engineering courses. Trip and I were in the same class. It's strange that we both came from Florida and met in California."
Travis asked, "So, you were interested in Engineering? You and Trip end up in the same field?"
Natalie laughed, "No, actually, I was more of a party girl in those days, but my Dad insisted I take some engineering courses."
Trip smiled warmly at her, "She may have been a party girl but she and I constantly competed to be the best in the class. I beat her out, but just barely."
Natalie reached out and touched his hand, "That was one of the few courses I took seriously, because I wanted to impress you."
Ruby arrived back at the table and gave Trip and Natalie their drinks.
Malcolm raised his hand, "I got those. I bought the first round." He raised his mug, "To the happy couple!" They all took a drink.
Ruby looked a little bewildered, "What's going on? What's the occasion?"
Trip, as Natalie showed Ruby her ring, "Natalie and I are engaged."
Ruby smiled broadly, "Well, congratulations." Turning to Natalie, "You must be something special, never thought anyone would get this one to the altar." Looking at Malcolm, "Keep your money Malcolm, this next round is on the house." Turning back to Trip and Natalie, "When's the date?"
Trip answered, "Not exactly sure. Have to see what my orders are going to be. Will probably be back in Florida."
Ruby started to leave, "Well, I'd better get back to work. Good luck to both of you."
Both Trip and Ruby thanked her.
Travis spoke up, "So, Natalie, you liked Trip right away. How about you Trip, was it love at first sight?" Then he smiled, "Looking at Natalie, I am sure there was something at first sight."
Natalie smiled back at him, "Thanks Travis, but actually, I think he was more attracted to my last name and the fact my father had the contract for the new Warp drives."
Looking as if something just struck him, Malcolm asked, "Wait a minute, Warren? Your father is Lester Warren?"
Natalie answered as she took a drink, "That's him."
Malcolm shook his head, "Beauty, brains, and billions. Damn it, Trip, what the bloody hell is it about you that you deserve a woman like that?"
Trip smiled and looked at Natalie, "Just lucky I guess," and then grinned at the others, "And my southern charm."
Malcolm smirked, "Well, Natalie, if you ever get tired of that good old boy façade and are looking for a more sophisticated type, keep me in mind."
Natalie smiled and caressed Trip's cheek, "I will Malcolm, but I'm afraid I'm hooked on this good old boy."
Then, Travis looking a little puzzled, asked, "Okay, I know I'm always out of the loop, but who is Lester Warren?"
Hoshi looked at him tenderly, "Boy, you Boomers really were kept in the dark. He just happens to be the owner of Warren Enterprises and one of the richest men in the World. Right now, he's involved in the process of creating the next level of Warp drives." She thought ruefully to herself, 'That explains the Simon Borman jeans and I guess that shoulder bag definitely isn't a knockoff'.
Just then, two men came up to the table. Both were obviously drunk, and one seemed to be trying to hold the other back.
Refusing to be held back, Parker spoke sarcastically, "Well, here they are, everyone's heroes, the mighty crew of Enterprise."
Trip looked up at him, "Parker, I think you've had too much to drink, why don't you call it a night?"
Parker, still resisting the other man's attempt to drag him away, "Easy there, COMMANDER, Ruby said you got engaged and I just had to come over and see the lucky woman."
Malcolm rose a little in his chair, "Okay, Parker, you've seen her, now maybe you should go with your friend."
Parker ignored Malcolm, "She sure is a pretty one. What's the matter, Tucker, did that Vulcan dump you? Or did she just freeze your prick off when you stuck it in her?"
Trip got to his feet, "You better shut it, Parker."
Parker pushed his friend back, "Or what? I hear she wanted to get away from you so bad, she had to go home. Too bad she didn't get involved with a real man who could satisfy her, instead of some second-rate engineer, who had to suck Archer's dick to get on Enterprise."
Trip started to take a swing at him, but a Bouncer stepped between them as Ruby came up, "Cut it out! You know I don't allow fighting in here." Turning to the man who'd been struggling with Parker, "Ron, get him out of here. Parker, maybe you should stay away until you learn to handle your booze."
When Parker continued to resist, Ruby said, "Mike, help Ron get him out of here." The Bouncer took his arm and the two walked off with him.
Ruby turned to Trip, "Damnit Trip, you should know better that letting that idiot get to you. Now sit down."
Trip sat down, "You didn't hear what he said,"
Ruby smirked, "Hell, everyone heard what he said. We all know he hates you Trip. No one is going to put any stock in what he says. And, don't worry, I'll put a word in with his commanding officer about what happened tonight. Believe me, he'll live to regret it."
Trip ran his hand through his hair, "I guess you're right, Ruby, but he caught me off guard, saying those things about T'Pol."
Ruby nodded, "It's okay, Trip, I guess it would be pretty hard not to want to knock his block off. How about another round?"
Malcolm looked concernedly at Trip, "That sounds fine. Trip, are you okay?"
Trip looked at Natalie, "Yeah, I'm fine."
Then Hoshi interrupted, "I need to go to the Lady's room. Want to join me, Natalie?"
Natalie, still looking at Trip, "Yeah, sure."
As they entered the room and Natalie saw they were alone, asked, "What the hell was that all about?"
"I thought you might be curious and wasn't sure how much Trip wants to talk about it. Parker was in training at the same time Trip was, but he was about a year ahead. He was considered quite a whiz of an engineer, and everyone kind of assumed, including Parker, that he would be the Chief Engineer on the first Warp 5 ship. Well, then Trip came along and I assume you know how he stuck his neck out for Captain Archer when he and A.G. practically stole that test ship."
"Yeah, I thought they were crazy."
"Well, Parker thought they would kick them all out, including Trip. But not only didn't they do that, when Jon was named the first Warp 5 captain, he chose Trip for his Chief Engineer. You can imagine what Parker thought of that. He screamed it was just friendship and he was twice the engineer Trip was. I guess he did have a point that they were friends, but I know how Jon felt about being the first Warp 5 Captain and he picked Trip because he thought he was the best one for the job."
"So, Parker blames Trip for not being on Enterprise."
"Yeah, but then it got worse for him because he just wouldn't let it go. He started to drink too much and got sloppy. If he had kept his cool, I'm pretty sure they would have picked him for Columbia. But they passed over him again. He of course blames it all on Trip. Since then he's been in one mess after another. They broke him down to Ensign a few months ago. If Ruby does tell his commander, this could be the last straw."
"Do you think he would try to hurt Trip, or me?"
"I don't know. He has never been really violent, any damage he has done, he's done to himself. But if he is completely kicked out… I would suggest you guys just avoid him. It's not like you will be traveling in the same circles. Now, excuse me, I really do have to go."
As Hoshi came back out and washed her hands, Natalie asked quietly, "Hoshi, do you think Trip still has feelings for T'Pol?"
"You can probably answer that better than I can, but no, I don't think so in the way you mean. You have to understand, we have all been through a lot together, especially in the Expanse. We literally had only each other to count on. You add that to the fact we all thought we were going to die, and you have some pretty strong bonds of friendship formed. I think they can sometimes cause confusion as to exactly how you feel about someone. I'm sure it contributed to how Trip felt about T'Pol. I'm kind of confused about Travis and me myself. I do know that each of us would do anything we could for any of the others. I think we're especially conscious of when anyone attacks T'Pol because she's a Vulcan. To us, she is much more than that. She would probably say it is illogical, but we kind of feel protective of her. I guess, you can say, we're like a family."
Natalie smirked, "Didn't realize I had so many in-laws."
Hoshi smiled back, "At least none of us is a mother-in-law." She hesitated, then looked Natalie in the eye, "Don't worry Natalie, we're all just thrilled for Trip. Believe me, you're the most important thing to him. But, if you guys ever need us, we'll be there."
"We gave a special wedding invitation to Jon to give to T'Pol if he gets to see her. I really hope she comes back and we can be friends."
"Yeah, we all miss her. But, if I know Jonathan Archer, he'll do whatever he can to bring her back."
"Well, I suppose we better get back, they're probably wondering what the hell happened to us."
Hoshi grinned, "Tell you what, I'll bet you a credit that one of them says, we were afraid you fell in."
"No one says that anymore, I'll take the bet.
As they returned to the table, Travis looked up, "About time you got back, we were afraid you had fallen in."
Hoshi rolled her eyes as she and Natalie laughed.
Travis, bewildered "Now, what did I say?"
Hoshi laid her arm softly on his shoulder, "Nothing, Travis, just don't ever change."
Travis, still confused, "All right."
