Disclaimers :See Part 1

Part XXII ( Socializing)

They arrived on Vulcan ahead of schedule and for once Soval was grateful for T'Pol's assisting the humans. He could not have stood much more company. It seemed now that he had adopted the crew they were all intent on getting to know him. This he could not understand. One revered one's elders you did not socialize or play games. He could not believe that the MACO"s had all wanted him to play that game basketball; he could see no purpose to tossing a ball through a hoop. It seemed like a relatively easy skill to master. He had, however, for Amanda's sake, attempted the game. The physical contact of the sport had surprised him. He did in the end have to admit it was a challenge. Yet he could do without the unguarded thoughts that had buffed his shields.

Amanda grinned. Soval really was cute in his shorts. He played basketball well for a man of his age and condition. Not that he was our of shape, in fact Amanda loved his solid form. She was pleasantly surprised that he was getting to know the crew. She knew that Vulcans were a reserved people and this action pleased her. Most of the crew were good people and she even counted a few as close friends.

Her disagreement with Sub-Commander T' Pol over Commander Tucker had strained her relationships with many of the senior staff but the lower ranks had stood by her. Many thinking as she had that Tucker was fair game. How was she supposed to have known? He could have said something. In any case it hardly mattered now because she had her own Vulcan and frankly she was certain she got the better deal. After all Soval was so distinguished and powerful. It was not his position but his presence. She was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Now however she could tell her flame was about at his patients limits. She stood up and went to his side.

"Ok, Everyone, I think it is time for the Ambassador to get some dinner. He has been a good sport and played four straight games, killing all comers."

"Amanda, come on. Just one more game," Private Jones begged. "I got a fifty that says I can beat him."

Amanda laughed. "Nope, not right now. Save your money Jones, I have seen your jump shot. I do not know about you all, but I am hungry. " She took Soval's arm much to his surprise and eased him off the court. He did not resist because he was in need of a break. Thank you for this. I know it was hard on you. "It was sweet of you to play them."

"It was good exercise," Soval said, pleased she approved of his attempt at socialization. He took a deep breath to center himself and walked with Amanda. He was enjoying their contact even though he knew he should correct it.

"Soval, we are with the family remember?"

"Indeed. I suppose we can relax among family," he said indulgently. He had a feeling he was going to regret this but he was relaxing now and oddly at peace. They came to his quarters and he opened the door. He entered and Amanda followed. Then he stripped out of his work out clothing and Amanda swallowed hard. It really was not fair. He was just too tempting. She moved to him before he could react and kissed him, passion flaring. Soval caught her and with swift efficient movement, stripped her. He carried her to the shower and it shocked her with the cold temperature. Both gasped, the mood broken.

"What the hell?" Amanda said, jumping out. She went to the com, grabbing a robe and pulling it on her dripping body." Cole to Commander Tucker."

"Tucker here."

"Commander, there is no hot water in Ambassador Soval's quarters."

Trip had been working on the hot water heaters and had shut them down to beta deck. "I am sorry, we had to shut down the hot water feed," he said.

"Indeed. A littlie warning would have been nice…, Sir," she added at the last minute.

Trip grinned but did not laugh, guessing how Amanda knew there was no hot water. But given how Vulcans felt about cold water he could understand why Amanda would be upset.

"I apologies, Corporal. I thought Commander Kelby left messages on the coms."

Amanda looked down and the light was flashing. "Perhaps, but we did not check the com, Commander. We came from the Gym. How long before the hot water will be restored?"

"Trip, you must not antagonize the clan matriarch, " TPol warned. "She has a right to worry for Soval's health."

"Give me 10 minutes," Tucker said, fighting a chuckle, knowing that he had to tread with care. He did not wish to antagonize the clan matriarch. He just looked at his wife and grinned. It was too funny thinking what had prevented them from checking the coms.

"T'Pol, hand me the spanner. I have to get the hot water back on before I am cooking in it," Trip said.

The Vulcan calmly handed him his tools and shook her head. She had warned them that just leaving a message might not be sufficient. Perhaps if Soval had still been single. However, now he was distracted by his mate and humans rarely thought logically. This she knew quite well from personal experience. Her brow rose as she listened to her own illogical mate's mental musings about how Amanda discovered there was no hot water. She wondered why humans males found sexual matters so amusing?

Soval shivered and wondered if this was Tucker's idea of a joke. He dried himself quickly and noticed Amanda was shivering. He picked up a blanket and went to warm her. He was concerned for her well being.

Amanda shivered and silently cursed Commander Tucker. She moved to Soval and let him wrap her up. " Well looks like that killed the mood."

Soval's brow rose with amusement. "We should get ready for midday meal. It would be discourteous to be late."

"I guess," Amanda said, resting against Soval to absorb his warmth. "I knew there was a good reason to keep you. You are like an electric blanket."

He stroked her hair, amused but not allowing her to know it. He pulled away and went to the bathroom and washed quickly while still shivering. Amanda followed him in and finished equally quickly. She made a mental note to return the cold shower favor one day to the Commander.

The couple dressed quickly and headed to find sustenance. Soval was growing hungry and hoped that the chef had made sufficient dishes for both he and T'Pol. He actually was hoping for some hot soup.

"I hope chef has some soup. I think it would warm me up nicely. I could really go for some broccoli and cheddar right now or maybe a cheese and broccoli baked potato," Amanda said knowing that Soval would enjoy his meal more if she to ate vegetarian.

"That sounds interesting. Does Chef have a vegetarian cheese?"

"I do not know. We can ask. Soval, I promise to try to eat better but do not expect me to change overnight. I can skip the meat easy enough I think but milk and cheese are another thing all together. I will actually need to eat more now.")

He looked at her not understanding.

"In humans the baby needs the nutrition. If I do not eat sufficient amounts then the child will draw it from me and that can be dangerous for us both."

"I would not wish you to endanger yourself. Perhaps we should speak to Dr. Phlox to find out what you will need nutritionally, " Soval suggested.

"That is a good idea, but after lunch. I am starving," Amanda said smiling. They entered the mess hall and noticed it was packed. It seemed that everyone on board was hungry.

"Perhaps we should take our meal in our cabin?" Amanda suggested knowing Soval to be uncomfortable around so many meat eaters.

Soval knew Amanda was trying to be considerate but these crewmen were now a part of his clan by his choice so he would need to grow accustomed to them and their habits.

"No we shall eat here. I find I desire to observe our clan members."

Amanda shrugged and allowed him to lead the way. She took a tray from Soval and followed him. He took a large bowl of soup and several raw vegetables from chef and he went to get a cup of hot tea for them both.

Amanda sighed wishing for coffee but had a feeling it would be a while. Damn Phlox for suggesting coffee could be bad for the baby. She found a place for them that was in a corner and semi private. She sat down and waited for him to join her.

She took the hot tea from him and sipped it. It was actually quite good. Not that she was about to admit that.

"I see you have found your baked potato," Soval said.

"Yes, I love these. I asked chef and he said that we have some vegan cheese. Maybe he could make you one for your next meal?"

"Perhaps. The tuber is nutritionally sufficient for Vulcans. I am told it was once a staple food on earth."

"Yes. In Ireland a few centuries ago. So much so that when the blight came millions starved or were forced to immigrate. It is how my family came to America," Amanda said.

"The authorities would not help feed the starving? Soval asked in shock.

"Soval, at the time they were trying to suppress the Irish Catholics. They were likely grateful that so many died. We were not a very enlightened species at the time," she said. "I think it was a dark period for all of humanity."

"Yes, I am glad your people have evolved past that," Soval said.

"So am I, though I do wonder sometimes," Amanda said. Her mind drifted to Terra Prime.

"Every species has its moments." V'las came to mind.

"Not Vulcans," Amanda said.

"Even Vulcans. We are perhaps more guilty because we find logical argument to support our errors in judgment. Like now I am speaking to you instead of consuming this soup while it is hot."

Amanda blushed at the subtle rebuke and went back to eating her meal. Sometimes he was just to Vulcan. She wondered how she had managed to fall in love with this cranky old Vulcan. Love him she did and oddly enough she had to admit he was right. She should eat while it was hot.

Part XXIII (Home?)

The Enterprise pulled into orbit around Vulcan and Amanda was excited. She could hardly wait to get off the ship. As much as she enjoyed space travel it had been months since she had set foot on solid ground.

T' Pol was pleasantly surprised when they were offered shore leave for the crew. She left the bridge and went to inform the Captain. She knew it would do the crew good to get off Enterprise for a while. She also knew that the Captain needed a break and hoped she could convince him to take time off as well.

Jonathan Archer stood at his window looking out. He could see the red planet below and felt oddly drawn to it. He smiled at that thought. A few years ago he would have locked up anyone who had suggested he grow to think of Vulcan as his second home; it had to be the result of having Surak in his mind. He wondered if he should find a small house, a place to relax and unwind? He made a mental note to see what was available then left his quarters to see how soon T'Pol and Trip would be disembarking. He knew that Ambassador Soval was planning to beam directly to his home. This made him wonder what would happen if all of the crew eventually settled on Vulcan and the thought made him smile. Surak, he knew, would have approved. IDIC was beginning to seem more like the way to move ahead with the federation because each race brought a unique strength to the group.

Jonathan entered the bridge and smiled when he heard that Vulcan was granting them permission for shore leave. Another first for his ship.

Amanda could hardly wait. She was so excited to see her new home. She would have Soval all to herself - no more worrying about someone lusting after her mate. She grinned. Ok, she would have to watch it in company but a house gave them far more wiggle room.

"Come, wife, we must go now," Soval said somewhat impatient to be home.

Amanda grinned and touched his fingers. She sent a mental image of them making love to show him what he was missing by rushing her. Soval looked at her and she blushed as he gave her his own image: a picture of a large bed with her tied to it. She assumed it was in his bedroom. "Attend, wife. We have much to do today."

Amanda followed him out respectfully three paces behind him. She had actually grown to enjoy the view. Besides she could watch his back this way and keep him safe and secure.

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They arrived at the house and Amanda was in awe. It was very large and intimidating. The walls around the house were at least twelve earth feet tall and they were about a foot thick. She could see small slits cut into them and could only assume that they were defensive in nature. Amanda could see four large turrets as they came to the gate. Soval hit a button in the flitter and it opened the large metal gates. Amanda had the impression that they were entering a castle.

"All this needs is a moat," Amanda said softly.

"Amanda, that would be a waste of water," Soval said, indicating he had heard her but not truly understanding her reference.

"It is not a house Soval!"

"Indeed it is, " he said almost affronted. "This dwelling has been in my family for 50 generations."

"Soval, this is a castle. An entire block could fit inside this house of yours," Amanda said, sounding fearful.

"It is a home, Amanda. Yes, it was once a fortress to defend our clan but it is still just a house. It may be large but it is my home and now yours. Consider it useful for when Enterprise's crew visits."

Amanda was surprised that Soval actually sounded like he was looking forward to that possibility. She hoped some of the crew did indeed visit or Soval would be hurt. Not that he would ever admit a fondness for the crew or even hurt feelings. She was getting to know him quite well and she loved him all the more for being willing to take on the crew as family.

T'Pol and Trip beamed down to her mother's house. The garden was overgrowing once more so T'Pol looked forward to attending to it. She led Trip inside and they set their bags in her room. She took a deep breath as he wrapped his arms around her.

"It will be alright, darling he said.

"I miss her."

"So do I. I liked your mom. We will always remember and honor her." He kissed her cheek. "Should I make you some tea?" He knew she needed a moment alone.

"That would be agreeable," T'Pol replied. "I will unpack for us."

"Ok, I will start the tea," Trip said. He went to the kitchen and began the tea. He just hoped his beloved could now get past her deep grief. He knew she was still feeling guilt over their long estrangement. Yet in the end Trip had no doubt T'Les had loved her daughter.

T'Pol felt sick and ran to the bathroom. She heaved several times. She was amazed that such a normal biological process could be so difficult. Yet she had been pleased to be ordered home for the next few months. She touched her stomach and knew she could no longer put off telling Trip that they were going to be parents in six months time. Soval was wrong. Amanda was not the first to conceive a human / Vulcan child naturally. In a way, she was pleased because now her child would have a playmate close by. She then realized how human that thought was and sighed. At least they would not be alone. She wondered if Soval intended to remain on Vulcan now or if he would return to earth? She and Trip would also have to make a decision because they really could not raise a child on a starship.

Trip suddenly felt uneasy and he went to T'Pol . "Darlin, are you alright?"

T'Pol wiped her mouth and knew she had to tell him the truth. She extended her hand to him. "Charles, we have to talk."

He knew it was serious and he went to her side. "What ever it is … We can get through it together," he said worry showing.

T'Pol almost smiled. "It is not a health problem, Charles. Come." She went to sit on the bed. As they sat down she leaned into him. "Charles, I am pregnant."

Charles S. Tucker III froze totally speechless. For a moment his brain refused to function. Then he hugged her and forced her back onto the bed kissing her with passion. "A baby? T'Pol, how did that happen? I thought…only in Ponn Farr?"

"I believe it was the false Ponn Farr I experienced. In any case Dr. Phlox confirmed it before we left Enterprise. I just was waiting to be here to tell you."

His face broke out into a grin that made him look ten years younger. "I am so happy." he Kissed her again. Then pulling back he chuckled. "You just had to beat Amanda."

T' Pol's brow rose as she considered his words. It was hardly a competition.

"I was unaware of any competition?" she said, sounding slightly annoyed.

Trip just laughed and held her close. "So when is the munchkin due?"

"In six months."

Once more Trip was stunned. He knew Vulcan pregnancies were ten months long.

"Six?" He looked at her.

"I did not realize." She blushed a dark green. "I have never been pregnant before." She said defensively. The truth was she had wanted to be sure the baby was viable before she told him.

"Well I guess it was unexpected," Trip agreed. He was grinning broadly.

T'Pol looked at him as if to say "You think?"

He grinned. "A baby. I hope she has your ears."

"Charles, what is it that humans find so fascinating about our ears?"

He leaned forward and traced hers with his tongue. "They are so cute. They remind us of elves. They just do not fit the staid image, T'Pol."

She grimaced slightly offended to be compared to a mythical creature that often created mischief.

Trip laughed as he held her, so happy he could burst. "A baby wow. I can hardly wait to tell everyone. Charles S. Tucker the IV."

"It may be a girl, Charles."

"Oh yeh, right. Well if it is, maybe we could name her T'Les."

T' Pol was stunned. "I would like that. My mother would have been honored."

"Well we can talk about it more latter. So where are we going to live? The High council is going to be shocked as will the Vulcan Science Directorate, " he grinned, recalling they had said conception was impossible.

"I would like to have the baby here, Charles. I think it would be safer." She looked afraid for a moment and Charles Tucker had to agree as both recalled Terra Prime and Lizzie.

"Nothing will happen to this baby, T'Pol," he said, holding her close. "I know they did something to Lizzie. I know it. They never intended that she live. This baby… It is different. We will be there to keep her safe so no one can hurt her."

"I hope so, Charles," She said, shivering.

The couple held each other and offered comfort as the old fears intruded for a moment. Trip stroked her back. "We have to tell the Captain soon."

"Yes, we do," T'Pol said. "And Soval."

Trip grimaced. "Do we have to?"

"He is the head of house," T'Pol said, "he should know."

"Alright, but after we tell the Captain."

"Agreed," T'Pol said. "The Captain must know as our friend and commanding officer."

Trip went to the com unit and called Captain Archer asking him to come over for dinner.

T'Pol left him alone and went to unpack their things. It seemed strange to be here alone with Trip. Somehow it felt right to have waited to tell Trip about the baby. Maybe T' Les would somehow know. T' Pol wondered when Charles's faith had started to become a part of her life and beliefs.