May We, Together, Become Greater Than the Sum of Us

By WarpGirl

Rating: PG-13

Genres: drama romance adventure

Keywords:

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Chapter 1

Title: May We, Together, Become Greater Than the Sum of Both of Us

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Romance/Drama/Adventure

 

Author Notes: OK I just wanted to introduce myself because I've never posted here, or even written an "Enterprise" fanfic before. I am active in writing fanfic for the video game series, "Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic" I hope you all don't mind that I enjoy the "other side" but let me assure you Star Trek is my first and greatest love. That being said, I've only watched a handful of episodes. Although I am trying to watch more, it's not going so well. I start throwing things at my TV. Now please give me a chance to explain before you stop reading. I love the concept of "Enterprise" I just hate the execution. Before I get into what I hate, let me tell you about the things I love.

First and foremost, I love Trip Tucker. In addition to being gorgeous, and the Chief Engineer, he was truly one of the most unique human males in the entire franchise. His character was refreshing, and you really felt his wonder about exploring the galaxy. He had the most potential of any character of the series.

Second, I loved Malcolm. I like the fact that in addition to being a "true Brit" and being a spy, he was not a 'one note' security officer. How many Security Officers have been pyromaniacs with a passion for explosions? Malcolm was fascinating, and the way he interacted with the entire cast was awesome. I love his relationships with Trip and Hoshi and T'Pol.

Third, I like Phlox, mostly because he was an alien we'd never seen. And he was a sort of Anthropologist as well as a doctor. His point of view was completely unique.

Fourth Shran and the Andorians! I wish they had been a part of it more. I watch eagerly when my favorite "blue-skin" is on.

Finally I love the CONCEPT of T'Pol. While Vulcans have always been prominent in Star Trek there have been remarkably few prominent female characters. I was so looking forward to how they would incorporate this unique point of view. I was tragically disappointed at the outcome.

Now it's only fair I tell you why I hate the reality of "Enterprise."

First and most damning reason, I HATE Jonathan Archer! It was bad enough they cast Scott Bakula, (whom I don't like as an actor anyway) but to develop a Captain like him was inexcusable. The man was a bigot, something contrary to Gene Roddenberry's whole concept. The Captain has always been the moral compass of any of the series. In my mind Archer was a poor compass. Not only was he prejudiced, but while he was supposed to be full of wonder and curiosity about the universe, he came off as a spoiled brat that wanted to play in the universal sandbox, and shirked the consequences from his actions. Whenever a culture didn't measure up to his human standards he glibly enlightened them, converted them, and went on his way. The Suliban Camp episode rankled my nerves. Archer's actions were irresponsible and caused more harm than anything else. I know they tried to make him more of a heroic leader with the Xindi but he morphed into a genocidal maniac instead. He lost any chance with me when he took off on that "Rogue Planet" after his poetry girl without a phaser or a communicator. IDIOT! Don't expect me to play nice with him, but I won't stoop to bashing.

Second, the portrayal of Vulcans was nothing short of heinous. Soval was always yelling at someone. Especially after the P'Jem episode, he was screaming at Admiral Forrest! What is this? Vulcans viewing humans as little more than barbaric children undermines everything Roddenberry created. Not one Vulcan on that series behaved like one. Whatever their intentions the producers massacred a wonderful culture and a complex philosophy.

Third, this unfortunately leads me to T'Pol. I said before I love the concept of her character. But the reality of her makes me sick. The most obvious desecration was the whole "trillium D" fiasco. I tend to focus on something more subtle. The way her character was presented through the series could have been titled 'how to make a Vulcan human!' T'Pol should never have been "humanized." Whenever she had a "breakthrough" on getting along with humans, she adopted human perspectives and characteristics. She IS Vulcan, not human, she shouldn't act like one. Also her so-called development made her vain, fickle, at times. The sexual objectification of her character was very upsetting to me. The way she was presented as a woman was insulting. I'm not talking about the outfits, I'm talking about how ninety-nine percent of the human men on the show reacted to her. Trip was the only one not to automatically see her sexually. All the other men were like "ooh Vulcan sex kitten!

Fourth, Hoshi, I didn't start out liking her until I saw "Sleeping Dogs." My first reaction to her was 'how can they write such a whiny woman?!' Thankfully they took care of that. Then they screwed up again, this woman is supposed to be a genius linguist and code-cracker. Yet they barely focused on what she could accomplish. Instead she always needed rescued, even if she didn't whine. So much potential wasted! In "Sleeping Dogs" she comes up with the solution, and she did it with big explosions! That was worth more development. Poor Hoshi!

Fifth, they killed off Trip! I think that needs no elaboration.

Sixth, for a hot-shot ace pilot Travis Mayweather was as dull as dishwater. For god's sake, they should have given him moxie! All pilots have attitude, see for example Ro Laren, Riker, and Paris. Wesley Crusher had moxie. I don't care if he had a hot girlfriend, Travis had no moxie. I usually fall for the pilots but not him. He was so handsome too! Travis broke my heart.

Finally they screwed up the continuity so badly I barely know where to start. Suddenly some of the things I grew up with were twisted beyond belief. For example only Vulcan males have Pon Farr... Wait a minute no they don't women get it too. Sorry but I'm keeping with tradition in my fiction. If Enterprise contradicts anything out of the other series, continuity wins. I just have to make it plausible.

Now you're probably thinking, "OK how do you expect to write anything if you barely watch the series?" Good question, it's a perfectly valid concern. I've read episode synopsis's, a lot of reviews, interviews, and a heck of a lot of fanfic. The great thing about Trekkies is we do our homework. I want to write a story that is true to Star Trek. Hopefully I can improve where TPTB did the characters a great disservice. Thank you, for reading this. I am very grateful for your kindness and time. Now without further ado the summery, disclaimer, and the story.

Summary: Takes place after "Terra Prime" and is definitely AU. This story focuses on Trip and T'Pol's bond, healing after their loss, and the trials they face as they continue on their mission aboard Enterprise. There will be exploration, scientific discovery, engineering miracles, conflict with alien cultures, and an honest-to-god mission. I can't go into anymore detail. There will be spoilers, I know what happened even if I haven't watched them. Most of the spoilers will come from what I have seen.

The AU changes... The nature T'Pol's addiction, isn't what's presented in series. Hopefully, it makes more sense in keeping with her Vulcan heritage. Trip and T'Pol didn't have sex in "Harbinger" but don't worry too much because they did experience something jut as intimate. It did cause 'problems.' The Captain and Trip aren't really buddies anymore. Most importantly Trip doesn't die six years from now! Dr. "Bones" McCoy, got to tour Enterprise D! I think Trip can live long enough to see plans for Kirk's Enterprise. Hayes is still alive because, Steven Culp is amazing. T'Pol has grown out her hair. It looks better long, and as a Vulcan woman she can. At least she could have in Kirk's time. Anything Enterprise contradicts in TOS I ignore. I am going to put some gratuitous Paris loving in, (go P/T!). I prefer to think of it as speculation not AU. I think that's it. But if not I'll be sure to note it.

Disclaimer: I do not now, nor will I ever own any part of Star Trek. The Vulcan language, philosophy, and culture aren't mine. I got all my information off of the shows, and Internet. The Tucker family isn't mine, but since there isn't any clear picture of them the interpretation is mine. The title isn't mine it's a Vulcan proverb written by Surak, and has been used as a title in other stories. What can I say? Surak's sayings sums up a lot of stories. Some of my ideas come from other stories but I'm not plagiarizing. I've noticed a bunch of other authors playing with the same ideas in original ways. I can't remember them all, but to all of them I'm not stealing. The Paris name and family isn't mine.

What is mine? The plot is mine, the words are mine, and any characters that don't have famous names are mine. Basically if you don't know them, they are mine. If youwant to use anything just help yourself. I'm not picky, just say where you found whatever you're using.

 


 

Chapter 1



 

Anyone observing Enterprise as it glided gracefully in orbit over the majestic red planet of Vulcan, would see nothing unusual. But such an observer would not be privy to the private world confined behind her mighty hull. Over the last four years, the men and women who served aboard her had become more than a crew of colleagues, they'd become a close knit family who had triumphed under adversity humanity had never before dreamed of. Their bonds of fidelity ran deep, and now the ship resonated with the grief all felt for two of their own.

Commander Charles Tucker, and Commander T'Pol of Vulcan, had lost the most precious thing anyone could possibly lose, their child. A daughter created without their knowledge or consent, by humans who sought to undo everything that Enterprise stood for. The entire crew mourned the brief innocent life baby Elizabeth, and raged at the violation endured by her parents, who had sacrificed so much for the ship and crew, and also for the peace of their worlds. In them the crew of Enterprise saw the reasons why the continued with their mission of exploration. They foreshadowed the best of what could come as humanity began to take its place among the stars.

Lieutenant Malcolm Reed looked down from a large window in the mess, over Vulcan. He was in awe of its harsh beauty, and wondered at the juxtaposition of the planet and its people. Out of violent sands and harsh heat, a people once warlike and as dangerous as their surroundings changed into a people of peace, tranquility, and logic. Malcolm found something poetic in the contrast, but its beauty seemed out-of-reach. Sighing, he rested his head against the window and tried to organize his thoughts. Like all of the crew he was enraged and devastated at the actions of Terra Prime and the loss of little Elizabeth Tucker, but he was also wrestling with deep feelings of guilt.

As the Chief Tactical Officer it was his duty to protect the ship and her crew, the very fact that they were orbiting Vulcan right now was glaring proof of his failure. 'How could I not have seen this coming?' he thought to himself.

All of his years in Section 31, all of his training and skills, and he had been taken completely off guard. He felt disgusted with himself, with his lack of knowledge on Terra Prime, and the sympathizer aboard Enterprise. For the first time, he regretted severing his ties with Star fleet Intelligence. Despite the conflicts of interest in his duties at times, he couldn't help but wonder if he would have received information on Paxton, and his spy, if he had stayed connected to his former life.

'Masaro' That name even in his mind left a bitter taste in Malcolm's mouth. Not only because he had never suspected the Ensign's betrayal, but because of his suicide. 'Another failure,' his mind taunted. Justice could never be served now, he couldn't even give his friends that. 'What kind of Tactical Officer am I?'

Malcolm was suppressing the urge to beat his fists against the window. It simply wouldn't do to have the few crewman also in the mess to see a senior officer give in to his rage and breakdown in such a matter. A Reed was nothing if not a proper officer at all times. But that hadn't protect the people he cared about.

Charles "Trip" Tucker the Third, was the best friend he'd ever had in his life. At first, they had clashed with each other severely. In the beginning Malcolm would have said the person he was least likely to form a friendship with, was the outgoing and rather loud Chief Engineer. Then they had gotten themselves trapped in that bloody shuttle-pod and nearly froze to death. He still had trouble believing that they had formed their friendship in those circumstances. Especially because during most of the ordeal, he had to restrain himself from physically assaulting his superior officer.

But somehow beyond every law of probability, the obnoxious southern man had blasted away years of walls and defenses, that Malcolm had built around himself, as if armed with Klingon photon torpedoes. When he opened himself up, Malcolm saw the real Trip Tucker, instead of the obnoxious Yank who seemingly just wanted to tease and provoke him. He saw a man of superlative loyalty, honor and dedication, who was self-sacrificing to a fault. Thanks to Trip's tenacity, he gained a friend as dear to him as his flesh and blood.

T'Pol was someone he'd always respected and admired both as an officer and a person. Unlike both his Captain, and his best friend, Malcolm had no resentment of Vulcans, and he had felt a certain kinship as well as an attraction to T'Pol in the beginning. He understood her need to hold herself back from others, her dedication to rules and protocols. And he was intimately familiar with the feeling of being an outsider. Over the years, he had developed a superior working relationship with her and valued her loyalty and respect. While his attraction to her had thankfully dissipated, warm feelings still remained. His heart broke for her loss. Seeing her hold the tiny baby in her arms had left him with no doubts about her maternal attachment to her child.

'It isn't bloody fair!' Malcolm's mind raged. Out of the whole crew, nobody had endured more tragedies, and hardships, than Trip and T'Pol. Trip lost his sister to the Xindi, and T'Pol lost her mother to a Vulcan revolution. They each had been injured, captured, tortured. They had fought deadly illnesses, they had been violated mentally, physically, emotionally, until it seemed nothing more could be taken from them. Throughout it all no two people had sacrificed more for their ship and the people on it. There was no telling how many lives their sacrifices had saved. Now to be violated by one of their own, and to lose their daughter due to blind hatred; it seemed that there was no end to their suffering.

To say their relationship was a rocky one was putting it kindly. No two people had ever clashed as strongly as they had. On the surface they were polar opposites; quite literally coming from two different worlds, and each completely convinced their point of view was the correct one. In the beginning they agreed on nothing, and were in conflict on everything. Their disagreements became legendary as she clung to Vulcan logic; and he touted human instinct, emotion, and ingenuity. Neither one was willing to give an inch.

Slowly, as new discoveries were made and challenges overcome, they learned from each other and a deep respect developed between them. They began to let go of their prejudices produced by their different cultures, and their preconceptions about each other, and trust began to grow. After that they continued to grow closer and closer as they helped each other through the dark times they shared. It was inevitable that a romantic relationship would form. While Vulcans claim to be incapable of any emotion, Malcolm saw the depth of their relationship and never questioned it. Even though both Trip and T'Pol rarely spoke a word about it.

Still they were both their own worst enemies at times, and their communication skills were often faulty. Add a marriage where the bride was blackmailed, and a divorce in the aftermath of a cultural upheaval and the complications multiply. T'Pol was certain she had completely lost her way as a Vulcan and proceeded to cut Trip out of her personal life. At first, they both tried to remain the dedicated professionals they were, but the strain was too much. Trip fled Enterprise, to Columbia Starfleet's newer more advanced warp five starship. But it wasn't long before it became apparent that both Enterprise and her First Officer were in need of him.

Kelby, the new Chief Engineer while qualified, was a poor substitute for Trip's brilliance, and the entire ship's efficiency plummeted. It was if Enterprise was acting in defiance, stating in no uncertain terms that she belonged to nobody except Charles Tucker, and demanding her caretaker return. Trip's bond with the ship had been quick and deep. He knew every bolt and welding seam, nothing was beneath his notice when it came to the ship under his care. The engineers under his command said that Trip would be able to feel something wrong with the ship even if he were dead, and most believed it implicitly.

T'Pol's behavior changed drastically after Trip left. She withdrew into herself to a degree that surpassed her early days on board. She stopped socializing with the crew completely, steadfastly refused to attend movie night, and only attended dinner in the Captain's mess when ordered. Scuttlebutt said she had even stopped making small talk with the Captain during their meals. When she wasn't on duty, or sealed in her quarters, she was using the gym. Whenever she was there, she never spoke to anyone. Her workouts were brutal in their intensity, and soon the crew began to avoid the gym when T'Pol was there. Nobody wanted to watch the grueling routine she put her body through.

T'Pol had begun practicing suus mahna, the ancient Vulcan martial arts again during Trip's absence. She hadn't done so since assisting the mining colony they assisted from Klingon marauders. Malcolm had to admit the sight was extremely intimidating. For one thing it was disconcerting to watch such a dedicated pacifist preform such a deadly discipline. Another reason was that T'Pol would push herself to the limits of her very Vulcan physiology. Something that up until then, she had taken care not to draw attention too. She had done this so well that nearly all of the crew forgot that she was stronger and faster than nearly all of them. But what really set the crew on edge about T'Pol's behavior was the fact that they weren't used to seeing her immerse herself in a aspect of Vulcan culture publicly. She had always kept that part of her daily life as private as was possible on a starship. It was this change that told everyone that Trip's leaving had affected her deeply.

Of course Malcolm hadn't been focused on T'Pol after Trip left. It seemed that the entire atmosphere of the ship had been disrupted after his friend's departure. As much as that had weighed down on him, Malcolm couldn't have predicted the events that would bring Trip back. In the end, he had decided he owed both the Klingons and the Orions a debt of thanks, despite all of the trouble they had caused. Not even his confinement in the brig over the debacle of Section 31 had affected him as much as it normally would have, because Trip Tucker, his best friend, was back on Enterprise where he belonged.

'Yes this is where he belongs, but he's not safe here. They aren't safe here. I couldn't keep them safe. What if I can't keep this from happening again?' Malcolm wished he could shut his mind up. These thoughts were getting him nowhere.

"Beautiful isn't it?" A soft feminine voice said, as if coming out of nowhere.

Years of training kept Malcolm from reacting to be startled out of his thoughts. For a moment he was angry that anyone could have caught him unaware of his surroundings. But the annoyance passed when his mind registered the owner of the voice, and her question. "Yes Hoshi, it's very beautiful."

Hoshi knew she had startled him, she had seen the tightening of his jaw even if it was only for an instant. She had debated on whether to seek him out, but decided she had no choice. Malcolm Reed was notoriously private, and very few people made it into his inner circle of friends. She counted herself fortunate to be one of them, and she knew him well. She knew he blamed himself for not suspecting Masaro's treachery, and that he hated not being able to protect Trip and T'Pol from it.

She also knew that someone had to make Malcolm see reason, and help him to stop being consumed by guilt. Normally that would have been Trip. But she knew that even if Trip was aware of the situation, he was too emotionally strained to handle it. Hoshi knew that she had to step in, she was the one other person on board who knew Malcolm intimately. He would also listen to her, after all that was what her job was, to communicate, and make people listen. Malcolm had always respected that.

"I'm sorry I startled you, Malcolm. But you were so deep in your thoughts, and I know you've been torturing yourself. You know you can't help Trip and T'Pol by hurting yourself," her words were firm, but her tone contained both determination and deep compassion.

"Hoshi, I failed them! I failed in my duty to protect this ship and it's crew from every danger thrown at it. I can't just take it lightly or "get over it" I'm not made that way!" Malcolm struggled to keep his voice down, but his accent became more pronounced as the words rushed out.

"Malcolm you could not have seen this coming. Even if we had known about Terra Prime, we had no reason to suspect anyone on this ship would work for them, let alone Masaro. You couldn't have known he would steal genetic material, or kill himself. This is not your fault," Hoshi reached for Malcolm's hand and put as much force into her words as she could.

"Hoshi, I was trained to notice these things. I know about these terrorist groups, I even infiltrated them in my old life. After we got back from the Expanse, I should have seen this coming. I should have done a more thorough job of screening the new crew, Masaro should have never set foot on this ship. That is on my head Hoshi," Malcolm sighed.

"No it's not. Starfleet Command was aware of Terra Prime, it should have been screening for sympathizers. If anyone has been negligent in protecting us, it's them. Malcolm both Trip and T'Pol would be telling you the same thing. You know this, please stop doing this to yourself," Hoshi voice began to tremble slightly. She felt despair at the pain he was in.

"Listen to the lady Malcolm, you know she's a heck of a lot smarter than you are," this time Malcolm and Hoshi both were surprised by a warm southern accent.

"Trip! We haven't seen you in days," Malcolm stood and clapped a hand on his friend's uninjured shoulder.

"T'Pol and I have been meditating, it helps a lot. Now that we're in orbit, I had to come and find you both. You know it's not everyday I can sneak up on you two. Hoshi you've got the second best pair of ears on the ship, and you're usually much more paranoid Mal." Trip could see how much his two friends were hurting. Although he was emotionally fragile, he tried to comfort them with levity.

"How can we help Trip?" Hoshi asked. She knew that after the ceremony on Earth, T'Pol would need time in private to grieve, and she knew that Trip would stay by her side. So she was curious as to why Trip needed her and Malcolm. Vulcan death rituals were extremely intimate.

"Well, you both know we're here to bury Elizabeth," Trip choked on the word bury and his baby girl's name. "A full Vulcan ceremony is being held at mount Seleya and T'Pol and I want you to be there," he said quietly.

"Of course!" Malcolm and Hoshi said in unison.

"Thanks, I know it's a lot to ask. The first time was bad enough, but you both mean so much to T'Pol and I. It wouldn't be right for you not to be there. Especially since we were going to ask you both to be Elizabeth's en'ahr'at," Trip's words continued to get softer. He knew he was getting close to breaking down, and he turned to stare out the window.

"Trip what does en'ahr'at mean?" Malcolm asked, he had trouble pronouncing the unfamiliar word.

"It's similar to being godparents Malcolm," Hoshi answered, for Trip. She didn't know what shocked her more, the fact that both he and T'Pol had been prepared to bestow that honor on them, or the fact that his pronunciation of Vulcan was flawless. He was admittedly not a natural at languages.

Malcolm stood there in a state of shock. He loved Trip like a brother, but he would have never expected him to entrust his child to him. He certainly never thought T'Pol would agree to it. He was completely unqualified for such an honor, not to mention Trip was close to his family, and T'Pol must have some extended family as well. His pain at Elizabeth's loss intensified, but he welcomed it. He would endure for the memory of that beautiful baby girl. He looked at Hoshi and saw the same shock and awe mirrored in her luminous dark eyes.

"You two look so shocked. I don't know why, it made perfect sense to us. First of all, my family knows so little about Vulcan culture. I didn't think it would be fair to Elizabeth, or them, to make them entirely responsible for raising her if something happened to T'Pol and I. The same goes for T'Pol's family, because she is... Was half human. Not that there are many left. We both thought you two would be perfect to help out. You both understand T'Pol and I. Hoshi knows Vulcan culture and traditions. Malcolm you'd be the only one I'd trust to keep her safe, and besides you've got a lot of empathy for Vulcan behavior. I probably should have let T'Pol tell you, her explanation is much more eloquent and logical," Trip almost smiled at the blank stares on his friend's faces.

Hoshi could help herself, she lunged at Trip enfolding him in a fierce hug. She had been devastated not only for his and T'Pol's pain, but also the loss of an innocent sweet baby girl. Now to find out that she would have had such an important role in her life, made the pain twice as sharp. Yet she knew that she would gladly endure it. The memory of little Elizabeth Tucker, would always have a place in her heart.

Hoshi was stiff in Trip's arms, and he knew it was from the emotional bombshell he'd dropped. He could see from Malcolm's face that he was just as tightly wound up from the news. He cursed himself for not telling them sooner. All his energy had been focused on keeping T'Pol and himself sane. T'Pol had already begun to telepathically bond with Elizabeth, and when she died the broken bond began to wreak havoc. Because their mating bond was incomplete, the stress of losing Elizabeth, and two very different sets of emotional responses, were taking a toll on both of them. Still Trip felt he had hurt his friends, and made things worse.

"I'm sorry. I should've told you both long before this. But things have been so crazy, I guess I got overwhelmed. The last thing I wanted to do is make things worse, I know this has been hard on everyone," Trip whispered.

Malcolm rested his had on Trip's good shoulder, "Listen to me you didn't make anything worse. You and T'Pol are taking care of each-other, that's what you're supposed to be doing. As for your news, I'm honored by your trust and friendship. I'm here for whatever you need. Now quit worrying about it and take care of yourself and T'Pol," he ordered.

"Malcolm's right Trip. In fact I can't tell you how happy you've made me. Not even my own siblings wanted me to be a godmother for their kids. Listen anything you and T'Pol need just ask. Anytime day or night I'm here for you both," Hoshi said, even allowing a smile smile to grace her lips.

Trip sighed, he needed to get back to T'Pol. She was packing to go down to Vulcan and he would be going with her. The ceremony wouldn't be for another forty-eight standard hours, Jon had a diplomatic meeting with T'Pau, and since T'Pau would be overseeing the ceremony the delay had been unavoidable. Trip had decided they needed time to be truly alone, knowing that T'Pol couldn't be completely at peace on a ship full of humans and one Denobulan. So they agreed to depart the ship early and spend time at T'Pol's home.

"Listen you two, you're more than friends to us. You're apart of our family We'll see you in two days, but I really have to get back to T'Pol now," Trip said giving one armed hugs to both Hoshi and Malcolm.

"Get on then with you Trip. We'll be there when you need us," Malcolm answered.

Trip walked out of the mess hall, and Hoshi turned to Malcolm, "You know something Malcolm, they're reaching out to us. They'll need us for more then just mourning Elizabeth. I don't think the Captain is going to understand about them. I think they know it too. Terra Prime is just the beginning," her voice was soft and full of foreboding.

In spite of himself, Malcolm found himself wrapping his arm around Hoshi's shoulders, "I know Hoshi. But we'll be there for them, us and their rather large, and complex family."

"Have you met the Tuckers? I did once when I first met Trip and Jon," Hoshi asked brimming with curiosity.

"I have met them. When I went to Florida with Trip he introduced me, I felt like I was being adopted." he admitted blushing slightly.

"Yes, that's how they are. Do you think Starfleet will ever let them know about Elizabeth?" Hoshi asked, unable to keep a tear from escaping down her cheek.

Tenderly Malcolm wiped the tear from her face with the calloused pad of his thumb. "I don't know Hoshi, but I hope so. I truly do," he whispered.

Hoshi let out a long sigh and turned again to stare out the window. As the two of them stared at the beauty that was Vulcan, they were each absolutely convinced that little Elizabeth had changed everything in her short life. Each questioned where those changes would take them, and allowed themselves to be comforted by the fact that throughout every challenge they had faced since boarding Enterprise, they had faced them together. They each knew they would face these new ones as they always had, together.


Comments:

Kotik

Last time I read this chapter, you were still writing it, but the scene with Trip and Hoshi/Malcolm got it back into my ol' perforated brain. Brilliantly written and if you sense a but in there - here it comes :p

First of all, I have to agree with Dinah. Malcolm is punishing himself a bit too much. I think it would have been a 'truer Malcolm' if he had been furious at Starfleet Security for assigning a Terra Primer to Enterprise in the first place.

The second thing was the sort of conflicting and slightly confusing way in which Trip asked Mal and Hoshi to be godparents. Once he refers to Elizabeth as if she was alive, next sentence he's clearly aware that she's dead. It appears that he's in denial, but too many passages contradict that.

Overall, a nice start,though :D

KageOkami-Kogo

Beautiful beginning! I loved it :D the way you write the characters is so true to the series! At least, for the three introduced so far, well done! I look forward to the rest :)

Aikiweezie

I'm REALLY late to chime in on this - I hardly ever get the time to write good reviews.  I like where you're going with this.  I think you characterized all parties exceptionally well, especially Malcolm.  I DO think he's the type to beat himself up over a self-perceived error (even if it wasn't really his fault).  Well done.

Aquarius

Sorry I'm a bit late to the party!

First, welcome to WarpGirl!  :D

One of the problems of being one of the last to review is that it's hard to find something to say that hasn't been mentioned already, so I'll just say for now that this was a nice setup and I can't wait for the next chapter.  You've painted a pretty good picture of where Trip and T'Pol have been, so I can't wait to see where they're going!  :)

WarpGirl

Thanks for your thoughts. "Thorn and the Rose" had me bawling so much my mom was convinced something was wrong. Than again I was in the hospital when I read it so she might have been worried about something else. Anyway Archer, I admit I haven't seen every episode. But I just can't develop any sort of fondness for him. He just didn't cut it for me, I mean I was born and raised on Picard so my standards are high. I don't intend to make him a bafoon, or an object of malice, I just don't think I can write him as a sympathetic hero. Don't worry no bashing. Even Kirk was a bigot, but I must admit I have more respect for him and I hate him too.

As for Pon Farr in "Search for Spock" Savvik specifically says "Vulcan MALES must endure it every seventh year of their adult life." (Direct quote) If all Vulcans endured Pon Farr she would have said Vulcans endure it, not Vulcan Males. I know the movies aren't technically cannon but Spock's betrothed T'Pring wasn't in heat during "Amok Time." Either she and Spock weren't on the same seven year cycle (which I find unlikely) or that's proof.

As for Malcolm, I guess I just see him as more of a spy than the show developed. I think he would do background checks on the crew. I'll bet he did one on everyone as soon as he knew he was assigned to Enterprise. All those skills and he missed Masaro being a very bad guy. I think he'd take it personally. Like I said this was a one-time thing. I'm not saying anyone is wrong, I just wanted to be clear.

Transwarp

Warpgirl,

I particularly enjoyed your description of T'pol's reaction to Trip's departure--withdrawing from the crew, violent workouts in the gym--it's a nice insight that alludes to a depth of feeling that, as a Vulcan, she could not openly express.  Yet it is not at all out of character for the way I see T'Pol.  I look forward to the follow-on chapters.

I agree with Dinah that Malcolm's guilt was a tad bit overdone.  As Enterprise's tactical officer, I doubt that running background checks on new crewmembers would be part of his job description; that would most likely be handled by the Starfleet bureaucracy back on Earth.  (I must say I had a similar OMG reaction the first time Dinah reviewed one of my posts.  Her 'The Thorn and The Rose' is still one of my all-time favorites.)

I agree with Mary that Archer deserves a little respect.  He DID start out as a bigot in the series, but that was mainly a (somewhat contrived) plot device to create conflict between him and the Vulcan characters.  You were supposed to see him slowly warming to T'Pol (and to a lesser degree, other Vulcans, such as Soval) as the series progressed.  In my opinion, his initial dislike of Vulcans was mishandled and over-the-top, as were many aspects of the show.  I blame the writers for that; I don't think ANY actor could have convincingly uttered some of the things that Archer was forced to say...

As for female pon farr, I am not aware of any canon that says only males have pon farr.  True, it was not mentioned in canon prior to Enterprise, but not mentioned is not the same thing as not existing.

All-in-all, this was well written and thought-provoking.  You are off to an auspicious start.  Keep writing!

Mary

For a first time here, that was awesome. I feel most episodes and many writers skim over Malcolm.  Making him shallow almost one dimensional. You have portrayed him as deeply feeling but controlled so that most crew would not notice. I can see him agonizing over what he would see as a failure. Hoshi sees so much and would know what as afflicting Malcolm and try to help. Thank-you for showing Trip i n his true colours, hurting but still realizing his friend is suffering and try to alleviate his pain.  I really liked this.

 

A few issues though. Trip was best friends with Archer, I don't think he would be, if Archer truly were blindly self centered  and ineffective as a captain. Too often he is portrayed as a spoiled brat and this is a disservice. He is better that that and TRIP would be drawn to him as friend . because he is a good man Treat him better, he deserves it..  Just my humble opinion anyway Can't waait for more

bluetiger

Welcome to the fold. You will find this a very encouraging group of readers and writers. This was an interesting first chapter, I'm anxious to see where you take us.

WarpGirl

OMG I can't believe the author of "Briar Patch" reviewed me!!! I must have reread your stories 10,000 times, and by the time I'm done I still shake. Thanks for the comments. With Malcolm I just felt like he'd been repressing everything during the "Earth funeral," doing his job, and he hadn't had time to let everything hit him. This is his one and only moment of guilt, Hoshi won't let him get away with anymore. As for Trip talking about Elizabeth, I'm sorry I wasn't clear I'm not sure where I screwed up. OK I have to go faint now.

Dinah

I hope they were tears of joy.  Welcome, WarpGirl!  You'll find that people here are really very generous with their reviews.  And we're always happy to see stories from new writers.

Your first chapter is very good.  It sets up your story nicely.  There were only two things that bothered me a little.  I read the parts with Trip and Malcolm over a couple of times because it sounds like Trip is talking about bringing up Elizabeth -- a live child -- but then a few sentences later he indicates that she's dead; it was just a bit confusing.  Secondly, a little of "Guilty Malcolm" goes a loooong way.  Here he's wringing his hands a little too much over things which were completely out of his control.

I liked your explanation for what T'Pol went through while Trip was on Columbia.  Little has been written about that time.  I makes perfect sense that she would miss him, especially with the bond becoming a factor in their lives. 

You have a very nice writing style and you've certainly piqued my curiosity about the changes you'd like to see in the show.  I'm looking forward to reading chapter 2.    

  

 

 

WarpGirl

Asso I get what you're saying about "cannon" believe me when I say I don't have nearly as many problems with Star Trek cannon as I do Star Wars cannon. I get quite explosive on that subject. However Enterprise screwed up the entirety of Star Trek cannon in more than one way. My objective isn't to arbitrarily discard what I don't like, I'd rather bring harmony to what we knew and what the show gave us. The things that Enterprise just got WRONG, I intend to fix and I don't appologize for that. Anyway I hope everyone enjoys it. I cried when I saw these reviews.

Asso

Normally I prefer the stories which take their steps from the canon, maybe attempting to set it, someway. I think it is too easy, perhaps, to ignore it, reaching some outcomes in spite of it. But this doesn't mean I don't share some of your ideas about canon, and especially about Archer and about "The Abomination". Well! "The Abomination" is not canon, obviously, it's only a sort of nightmare with which bad people wanted to put to the test all of us.
Joking a part, I welcome you and I hope the following of this story  will keep the promising word, because the beginning appears very attractive.:p

Bubba Hendershot

Great setup! looking forward to next chapter:D

kattrek

I must say I agree with most of what you like and dislike about Enterprise.  TPTB missed the boat in regard to the potential of the show.  If the rest of the story is as good as this beginning, I can't wait to read it.

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