A/N Thanks again to noro for a wonderful review.
I still own nothing.
T'Pol awoke to find she ached everywhere including places she didn't know she had muscles. At the same time, she had never felt more content or more complete. She lovingly looked over at Jonathan, amazed at what had occurred between them. She had never imagined she would ever experience such intense emotions.
She tentatively reached out with her mind, but was disappointed when she felt nothing. Apparently, they had not formed a bond. She told herself that was to be expected, but still felt a sense of regret.
Archer awoke and immediately regretted it as every bone in his body ached. But then the events of the night came rushing back and he could not help but smile. He realized that his life and T'Pol's would never be the same again. He had already marveled at how much he loved her, how close he felt to her, but this was a whole new level. She was a part of him and he was a part of her. He knew they were joined forever.
Then he remembered they had talked about a bond. He of course didn't know what it would feel like but he felt no different.
Then he saw T'Pol looking at him and smiled broadly, "Good morning. I don't know about you, but as much as I enjoyed last night, I don't know if my body could take this on a regular basis."
T'Pol gave her smile, "Good morning, Jonathan, I share your feelings. I was quite impressed though. I was not sure a human would be able to participate so completely. Things should return to normal between us."
She had to add, "Not that our usual lovemaking is less gratifying."
Archer smiled and said, "I love you, T'Pol. Last night was amazing. I never imagined I would ever experience anything like that." He smirked, "I may even understand why Vulcans only do it every seven years."
"I love you too, Jonathan." She raised her eyebrows, "You may be right but I am very grateful that Humans are not bound by such restraints."
She leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. She was stunned as her mind was assaulted by a wave of thoughts and emotions as Archer's mind was opened to her. She instinctively utilized her mental shields to block her thoughts from him at the same time blocking his as well. She could see that Jonathan had experienced it as well.
As they both struggled to recover, Archer finally got out, "What happened? What's going on?"
"It appears that although do not have a Vulcan bond, we do exchange thoughts when we are in contact."
"You mean whenever we touch, we will exchange thoughts?"
"It seems so. Each of our minds will be open to the other."
Archer was stunned. He knew they had talked about the possibility of a bond, but he had not really believed they would be capable of forming one. He also realized he was not sure what he thought about it. The idea of T'Pol knowing everything he was thinking…
T'Pol watched him carefully. She imagined he was trying to process what had happened. She wondered what he thought about it. She knew humans were private people and it must be a little worrisome to him. She blushed to herself as she realized something similar had happened when they were joined, but that consisted of pure emotion and experiencing the other's pleasure.
Archer spoke up, "It seemed like it stopped quite abruptly while we were still touching. Is that how it will work, just a quick exchange like that?"
T'Pol took a deep breath. She knew she had a lot of information she needed to share with him. She answered him by suggesting they both do their morning routines and get dressed. It would probably be best if they refrained from touching until they had a talk.
Not sure exactly what was going on, Archer readily agreed.
After they were both dressed, they sat at the kitchen table, her with a tea and he with his coffee. After taking a sip, T'Pol began, "When our minds were joined, I raised my mental shields to block your thoughts and at the same time, hiding mine from you."
Archer was puzzled, "Why did you feel it was necessary to do that? I thought you would be glad we had formed a bond."
"It was not that. I am amazed and pleased that we do appear to have bonded, if only when we touch. You have to understand that it would be overwhelming to both of us if every time we touched we would be bombarded with each other's thoughts and emotions. You can see how it would be impossible for Vulcans with a constant bond between them. It would be impossible to concentrate. "
She hesitated, "It is also true that we may have certain thoughts that we would not want to share. From something as mundane as a surprise we are saving or something that was told to us in confidence. Even Vulcans do have some secrets."
"For those reasons, Vulcans are taught from birth how to control what is exchanged in the bond. We have what we refer to as mental shields, tools to control the flow of information and emotions. I have used mine in the past to protect myself from emotions I could sense from you and the others even when we did not have a bond."
Archer pondered what she was saying. "How about me, T'Pol, I am not Vulcan."
"No, but I hope that because you have proved capable of forming a bond, you can also be able to learn some techniques to control your thoughts and block mine if you would so wish."
She hesitated and then said sadly, "If it should turn out you are not able to do so," she hesitated again, "It would be prudent to break the bond."
Archer was shocked, but he felt he could understand what she was saying. But break the bond? He knew it meant a lot to her that they could be bonded and thus it was important to him as well. Even though he was still a little uncomfortable with it, he knew he needed to do what he could to make it work.
He went on, "What do we do? Can you teach me?"
"That could be possible, but I would recommend that we obtain the help of someone more trained in teaching, someone not emotionally involved." She thought for a moment, "We could ask Sartre. Even if he did not feel he should, he could recommend someone."
"Saying he agrees, how long will this take, assuming I can do it at all?"
"I am afraid I do not have the answer to that. It is possible you can learn some basic techniques that would enable you to gain time to learn more sophisticated ones."
Not wanting to refrain from touching, they agreed that T'Pol would completely stop the exchange between them until he could talk with Sartre.
After taking a day to recuperate, they got ready and took off for the Capital.
When they arrived, they contacted Soval and Trip. Not revealing what had happened, they told them they needed to talk to Sartre and it would be likely be necessary they would be staying on Vulcan for some time. Both Soval and Trip were of course curious, but didn't want to pry. Normally, Trip would not be so reluctant, but he knew a lot was going on between Archer and T'Pol.
It did turn out that the Shenandoah could not stay indefinitely. When its Captain informed them he needed to return to Earth, Trip decided he would ride back with them. Gardner was not overly happy when Archer informed him he would be staying on Vulcan, especially considering that he could not give him a specific reason why; but accepted Archer's word that it was necessary.
Trip, Archer, and T'Pol exchanged an emotional goodbye, with Trip telling them again how happy he was for them and wished them good luck with whatever was going on.
As it turned out, Sartre agreed to help them. It took over a month for Archer to get to the point where he was able to perform a rudimentary method of controlling his mind. It had been a struggle, with Sartre having to adapt Vulcan concepts with a human mind. Sartre told Archer he would have to keep learning and expanding his control. He gave him a series of drills and goals to enable him to progress.
Archer and T'Pol had to spend another three weeks on Vulcan before they were picked up by the Geneva. During that time, Archer found he could control his thoughts to the extent that they could explore the experience of their bond. T'Pol was impressed and it brought a great deal of satisfaction to them both. They also spent a great deal of time with Soval, discussing possible scenarios to move forward with the Alliance. They decided to keep the bond a secret for the time being. They felt It was personal and intimate and were also afraid it would be treated as a curiosity on Earth if it came out.
Before they left, they paid their respects to T'Pau. Remembering her last conversation with her, it reminded T'Pol why they needed to protect some information from each other.
While T'Pol and Archer were on Vulcan, large changes were occurring in the lives of many of their friends as well.
Hoshi left Starfleet Medical riding on air. She could not wait to share her news with Travis. She had kept her suspicions from him, not wanting to raise his hopes.
Travis gave a sigh of relief. As much as he enjoyed teaching, he was glad to see the week end. The next week the final exams would be given. Although he felt he had done as much as he could to get them ready, this was his first class ready to graduate. From experience he knew how difficult the final hurdle was. On the other hand, he envied them a little. Those that made it would be soon be assigned to Starships. He was happy with his life, but he couldn't help but miss those days on Enterprise. He didn't feel guilty because he knew Hoshi often had the same feelings as well.
He was so proud of her. In the time she had been working with Research, several important advances had already been made. He sighed, the only regret he felt was that they had still not been successful in having a baby. They had been checked out and the doctors had told them there was nothing wrong, they just needed to be patient.
Hoshi waited in the car for Travis to join her. She had thought of a lot of clever ways to let him know, but she realized she didn't have the patience to wait. She was just bursting at the seams to tell him.
Travis got in and leaned over and gave her a kiss. Getting the car started and pulling out into traffic, he asked, "Well, how was your day? I hope it was less stressful than mine. Just thinking of what could happen next week…"
"Relax, Travis, you are a great teacher. I am sure they will all pass with flying covers. As for my day, well, why don't we wait until we get home."
When Travis pulled into the parking lot of the apartment, Hoshi couldn't wait any longer.
As he stopped, and prepared to exit, she grabbed his arm. When he looked at her inquisitively, she smiled and said, "You asked me about my day." Then she just found herself smiling broadly and excitedly said, "We're going to have a baby!"
Travis's eyes widened and he was stunned for a moment. He finally got out, "A baby?"
When Hoshi nodded happily, he matched her smile and reached out and hugged her. "Oh, God, that is so wonderful." Then he pulled back, "Are you sure?"
"Of course, I'm sure. We are having a baby."
They quickly got out of the car and rushed up to their room. There they kissed passionately and made their way to the bedroom. Afterwards, lying beside each other, they thought about all they had to do, all the people they needed to contact to share their joy with.
Then Travis said, "I think we should look for a house."
Hoshi was surprised but then smiled, "I agree. In fact, I think we should talk to Starfleet housing on Monday."
Travis then asked, "Have you thought about a name?"
Hoshi smirked, "Don't you think it's a little early? You do realize it will be some time before the baby is born?"
"I know." He smiled, "I just want to do everything."
Hoshi looked fondly at him, "I know, Travis, but the time will go fast, we have a lot to do."
Travis leaned over and kissed her, "I love you, Hoshi, you will be a wonderful mother."
"I love you, Travis, and WE will be wonderful parents."
As I turned out, Travis and Hoshi were not alone in discovering they were to become parents. Many light years away, Shran and Jhamel found themselves in the same situation. Their joy was tempered though by the knowledge that the baby would be the first issue of the union of an Andorian and an Aenar. No one really expected there to be problems but as a first, no one really knew for sure.
But it didn't stop them from being excited and happy. It was no surprise to Jhamel that the first persons, even before her family, Shran wanted to notify were Archer and T'Pol. She did surmise that aside from their being his best friends, he also wanted them to hopefully take the hint and maybe want to do something themselves.
Malcolm and Penelope had spent two nights together at the hotel after the homecoming celebration, before she and the others returned to England. They had continued to express their love for each other.
Except for the time she had visited him and they had gone to the Admiral's open house, Malcolm had been kept busy in his new role at Starfleet Security. They had not even been able to follow up and visit Trip and Natalie.
He had come to realize two things. At some point he would be given a command and would be off on a mission. He also knew he did not want to leave without asking Penelope to marry him.
He had asked for leave to visit her and visit Madeline who was soon due. A couple days before he was to leave he received word from Edward that Madeline had gone into the hospital. It appeared the baby was not going to wait for him. He quickly arranged to leave early and was soon on a shuttle to England.
When he arrived at the waiting room, he found Penelope waiting for him. It apparently had been a long struggle for Madeline but Edward was in the delivery room with her now. After exchanging a long kiss, they sat down to wait. It was only about thirty minutes later that Edward emerged and after expressing surprise and pleasure that Malcolm was there, smiled broadly and told them it was a boy.
After offering congratulations, they were told they could see Madeline and the baby soon. When they were ushered into the room, they found Madeline looking exhausted but smiling happily. Penelope immediately went over and gave her a hug.
After releasing her, Madeline turned to Malcolm, "It is so wonderful to see you. I told the doctor I had to wait until my brother got here."
When she saw the look on Malcolm's face, she laughed, "Just kidding. At one point, I would have let them kill you, if it would make it be over."
Malcolm smirked, "I love you, too."
Then she held out her arms and he went to hug her.
He had just released her when they brought the baby in and put him in Madeline's arms.
Penelope smiled, "He's beautiful."
Madeline smiled lovingly at him, "He is."
Malcolm spoke up, "Edward here said he wouldn't tell us his name until we were all together. So, spill."
Madeline smiled, "His name is Howard Stuart Crowder."
Malcolm was pleased that they had used their father's name for his middle name. He asked "Is there any significance to the Howard?"
Edward spoke up, "No, we just liked it."
Penelope broke in, "Well, I for one think he looks like a Howard."
After a time, Penelope asked and was allowed to hold him. Malcolm suddenly remembered how he had been told how woman at this time began to have ideas of babies of their own.
He wanted to strangle her when Madeline smirked and said, "Penelope looks great with a baby, don't you think so, Malcolm."
Penelope smiled and said, "You can relax, Malcolm, I am not expecting you to get me pregnant." Then after a small pause, "Yet."
Malcolm blushed a little and everyone laughed.
They learned that Madeline would be at the hospital for one more day. Learning that Malcolm was on leave, she told him to go be with Penelope but to just promise her he would visit them at home before he went back to work.
Malcolm promised and told them to contact him if they needed anything. Again, offering their congratulations, they left.
They spent the drive back to Penelope's home discussing the baby and what Malcolm and she had been doing. It turned out she had been teaching full time but was off for the summer. She hadn't realized how much she enjoyed teaching full time. To really get to know her students. She hoped she would be able to do so again in the fall.
They both agreed that they could have never imagined Madeline and Edward dating, let alone getting married and having a baby.
When they got to Penelope's, they wordlessly headed immediately for the bedroom. Later, they returned back downstairs. After they shared a light meal, Malcolm surprised her by suggesting they take a walk on the dunes.
When they reached a point looking out over the sea, Malcolm took a deep breath, "Penelope, I know it has only been a short time since we got back together, but I have loved you for a long time. It scares me to realize I could have lost you."
Penelope stared at him, what was he saying?
She started to say something, wanting to tell him she loved him too, when he stunned her.
He took a ring from his pocket and knelt down, "Penelope Susan Crowder, will you marry me?"
She pulled him up and crushed him to her, giving him a passionate kiss. After a time, they broke apart. After getting his breath, Malcolm smiled, "Is that a yes?"
"Yes, Malcolm, Yes!"
He put the ring on her finger and kissed her a little more sedately.
Then he got serious, "This doesn't mean I have changed my plans for my future."
She put her finger on his mouth, "Shh. Don't worry, Malcolm, I know. That is one reason I love you. I will cherish the time we are together and always wait for you. I love you, Malcolm. You have made me so happy."
"I love you, too. But I am the lucky one."
Penelope suddenly said, "Let's go tell Jeremy."
When Malcolm looked surprised, she went on, "He really has been a great friend and I will always admire him for how he took care of your mother. Also, I think, in all the excitement, Edward might not have remembered to call him about Madeline."
Holding hands, they made their way back to the road and traveled to Malcolm's old home. After being invited in, they told him both big sets of news. Malcolm looked for any sign of disappointment when they told him they were engaged, but saw only joy for them. He felt a little guilty as he remembered the bad thoughts he had once had about him.
Penelope and Malcolm decided they would wait to tell Edward and Madeline in person. They spent the next two weeks setting a date, deciding they didn't want to wait. They sat a speculative date of August 22 and Penelope said she would handle the details of getting it set up. Malcolm would check with Starfleet and his friends. The last day, before they left to visit Madeline, they spent almost the entire day in bed. Penelope also stated she wanted to spend time with him in San Francisco. She agreed she would be down in about two weeks. She had to finish up some things with the school.
They drove back to London and arrived at the door of Edward and Madeline Crowder. After being greeted with smiles and hugs, Madeline let them in. She explained that Edward had gone back to work. Seeing the look on their faces, she quickly added, "It's not like that. He wanted more than anything to stay for a while with me and Howard, but I made him go."
"He and his team are really excited about a new line of research into a possible cure for Torrin Syndrome. I knew he needed to be there for me during the end of the pregnancy, but I also felt a little guilty. I was so proud of him being with me because I know how much his work means to him."
Penelope had taken off her ring so they could keep the surprise but now she nonchalantly took it out of her pocket and put it on her finger.
Madeline eyes widened, "Is that what I think it is?"
Penelope glanced at it, fighting to keep up the façade, "Oh this. Oh, we were going to tell you," she broke into a big smile, "Malcolm and I are engaged!"
Madeline sat stunned for a moment and then exclaimed, "Oh my God, that is so wonderful."
She rushed over and hugged Penelope, "I am so happy for you."
Then she turned to Malcolm, "It's about time. I wondered if you were ever going to wake up."
Then she rushed over and hugged him, "Congratulations."
For the next hour, Malcolm was largely ignored as the two women excitedly discussed plans for the wedding. Who knows how long it may have gone on but Howard woke up.
Medline immediately called Edward, who was as surprised as she was but offered his congratulations as well. Then they asked Malcolm about notifying his friends. They now decided they would wait until she joined him in San Francisco.
Then it was time for Malcolm to leave. He called for the Shuttle and Penelope said she would drive him to the Shuttle Landing. She told Madeline that she had to get back home for some school work she had been putting off while Malcolm had been there, but would call her.
Suddenly, all of the emotion of what had happened caught up with them. They realized they were emotionally exhausted. Saying goodbye, Malcolm and Penelope headed out.
Knowing they would see each other again in a couple weeks, they exchanged a passionate kiss at the Landing and Malcolm boarded the Shuttle. They exchanged a wave and she watched until the shuttle was out of sight, remembering how different she had felt the last time she did that.
Beth Williams couldn't believe what was happening to her. It was impossible. She was not a lesbian. She had tried to convince herself it was just an outgrowth of the emotional support Mary was giving her, but she could no longer hide behind that. She needed to face the truth and whatever came with it. She realized now that she had accepted it, she was excited and nervous about how Mary would react.
She was in love with Mary Robbins.
