Forks In the Road

Chapter 7: Ah, Family

Genre: TnT

Summary: Family we all have 'em and somewhere I want to meet one that isn't dysfunctional. Wedding lovers will be disappointed. I don't do weddings or clothes. I do write receptions. I have stolen the "Eldest Mother" ideal from someone, thanks! Or my apologies. Oh yeah and TnT are front and center! Comments or criticisms are welcome.

Disclaimer (necessary): Star Trek: Enterprise and its characters are copyright CBS/Paramount. No copyright infringement is intended by the author of this story, which is solely for the purpose of entertainment and is not for profit.

DISCLAIMER (additional): see chapter 1

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Katie was in awe of the beauty of T'Pol's home. She was captivated by the courtyard scene, especially the colors and shapes of the sculptures. The way the red sky pulled it all together. She felt surrounded by a life's work, a long life's work. She moved slowly to the door of the house, contemplating what wonders might lay inside. As she took in the interior her hands went to her mouth amazed again at the dichotomy of the complex shades and hues, and the inherent functionality. Then she giggled. The house would not look this good after Trip moved in. She glanced around, looking for dropped socks.

"Your home is beautiful, honey," she said to T'Pol, who tipped her head slightly.

"Mom, you should see the sunsets," smiled Trip, oblivious to her musings, his mind clearly elsewhere.

Katie thanked the two Vulcans who had carried their luggage up the long steps and into the house. Trip had warned Charlie about the gravity and the heat, and Katie was glad that for once he'd listened. The four of them took seats in the living area, Katie watching impassively as Trip fidgeted.

"Mom, Dad, um T'Pol and I are kinda already married. We couldn't wait, aw damn, not 'cause we had to or anything, shit, no that's not it, what I mean is the doc and the priest said we had to." Realizing what he'd said, Trip stopped talking, and his bright red face fell into his hands.

Katie and Charlie burst out laughing, "Son, I'd a' thought you'd learned to quit digging when you're in that deep," Charlie chuckled, before losing it again. Katie noticed that T'Pol had remained silent but would have sworn she saw her lips curl upward for a moment.

"Jon told us, Trip. He had to do quite a bit of explainin' to get us on the shuttle. So there's another ceremony tomorrow? The official one?"

"Yeah mom. It will be very private and a lot shorter than you're used to. Normally there isn't a reception, but we're gonna have one."

"Do you need some help with it?"

T'Pol fielded this question. "No, Mrs. Tucker, my.."

Katie cut her off. "T'Pol, I am Katie and this is Charlie or Mom and Dad." Her look brooked no argument.

T'Pol tried again. "Katie, my family will bring food and beverages. Two of my cousins will be here later today to plan. I ask that you allow them to fit you for Vulcan robes appropriate for attendance at a bonding ceremony."

"So what happened, Trip?" asked Charlie. "Forgive me Miss T'Pol, but seein' that we missed out on the courting my boy sprung this on us kinda sudden."

"Dad, I love her. And she loves me. We had one hell of a time admitting it to each other, but when we lost Elizabeth, the time for denials was over." Trip paused, swallowed and went on. "We also share a telepathic connection." Katie looked at Trip strangely. "Mom, we can share each others thoughts, when we want to. That's the short version. We ain't got time for the long one."

"Charlie, Katie," said T'Pol, the names obviously uncomfortable for her. "The connection Trip and I share is extremely rare amongst Vulcans. It is spoken of in our sacred texts as something to be honored. I am extremely fortunate to have your son as my bond-mate, my husband."

Katie had been watching T'Pol closely, noting that her expression had taken on a serenity Katie had not seen previously. Somehow she knew everything was going to be OK for her son.

The four chatted amiably for hours. T'Pol didn't say much, but Katie sensed her discomfort with her new in-laws fading. Trip kept sticking his foot in his mouth, which kept Charlie in stitches. She was delighted they had come to Vulcan. Charlie hadn't laughed so much since they had lost their own Elizabeth.

The doorbell rang and Trip answered it. Five Vulcans, two male and three female were at the door. T'Pol stood immediately and approached the elderly female, raising her hand in the ta'al. "Live long and prosper, eldest mother." She nodded to the rest.

"Peace and long life, T'Pol, daughter of Sonek and T'Les."

T'Pol continued. "May I introduce Charles Tucker III and his parents Charles Tucker Jr. and Katherine Tucker?"

Nods were exchanged.

"May I present Eldest Mother V'Nin?"

"This is Vered and Marel," she continued, and paused while the males exchanged nods. "And this is T'Ann and T'Nek." She paused again while further polite nods were exchanged.

V'Nin spoke as soon as the introductions were complete.

"T'Pol, I would speak with you and your bond-mate."

"Mr. and Mrs. Tucker, would you excuse us?" asked T'Pol.

Katie, a bit put off, watched them disappear down the hall.

V'Nin allowed T'Pol to guide them to a sitting room. She had sensed a negative emotional reaction in the elder Tuckers, but was uncertain of the cause. Did humans get emotional about everything? She would need to study them more closely. After the door was closed, she began.

"T'Pol, Charles, are you well?"

Trip nodded while T'Pol spoke. "Yes, Eldest Mother. We both are. I have not explained to Charles who you are or what your title signifies."

V'Nin turned her gaze to Trip, wishing she had more experience reading human body language.

"Charles, T'Pol, I grieve with thee."

She paused, tipping her head down fractionally.

"I request permission to attend your wedding tomorrow. I make the appeal for two reasons. Firstly, I desire to be there; your bonding represents a bold step towards Vulcan's future, a future I support fully."

She was looking at Trip whom she noted seemed to be having difficulty swallowing and his mouth was wide open, puzzling her.

"Secondly, while I have no knowledge of any challengers, it remains a possibility."

She held up her hand effectively cutting off any response.

"I do not expect any; I will explain."

"Vodir has kept me completely apprised of your bond status and treatment regimen."

She watched as Trip's face turned white and he began sweating. She noted that T'Pol seemed unconcerned about Trip's reaction and decided to discuss these emotional responses with her at another time.

"I am the reason for the official ceremony on Vulcan. We do not wish to have to declare your previous bonding ceremony, but may if a challenger appears. We have arranged for T'Pau to be present; she does not support this bonding. It is necessary for T'Pau to accept humans and other species as equals. She must be made to understand the depth of the truth of the IDIC principle."

Looking at Trip now, V'Nin said, "Speak Charles, I believe your face shows confusion."

"Ma'am, how am I to address you?"

"Charles, if ma'am is proper for an elderly woman on earth, it is acceptable."

"Yes ma'am, um, I understand the challenge, but how would you prevent it?"

"It is too late to challenge, you are bonded. No one may challenge a completed mate-bond. However, your bonding is not known. It is hoped that my presence and tacit approval would discourage any interloper."

V'Nin saw that her attempted clarification only increased the look of confusion on his face.

"Charles, you are aware of our tradition of arranged marriages?"

He nodded.

"In these modern times they are handled by the parents. In times past it would have been my responsibility as eldest mother; however I still possess the authority to reject any arrangement."

She saw Charles' face change color again, this time green. She had never seen a human turn green before.

"Charles, I fully support the choice you and T'Pol have made. No other clan's eldest mother has initiated contact regarding T'Pol; had any done so, I would have rejected it. As I have said, my presence alone should discourage any potential suitor."

"Ma,am," Charles now appeared confused and uncomfortable.

"Yes, Charles?" V'Nin was having difficulty suppressing her amusement.

"Why is T'Pau's acceptance so critical?"

"Charles, it is important for you to understand, but we do not have luxury of time at present. Do you understand our expression 'all is silent within the clan."

"No, ma,am"

"T'Pol, you must explain this to Charles. With regard to T'Pau, her influence on the high council will be critical for Earth/Vulcan relations. Charles, there is much you need to know and we shall meet again in the coming days. For now, I believe we should return to the others." V'Nin led the group back to the living area.

"Mr. and Mrs. Tucker, I am certain Vulcan customs are strange for you. I believe I may have offended earlier. It was necessary to clarify some matters with T'Pol and Charles. It would be agreeable to speak with you in the future, however I regret I must now take my leave."

The Tuckers nodded, not knowing quite what had just happened.

"Uh, Mom, I think T'Pol and I can explain, but she needs to line out her cousins. Mom, do you know how many people are coming tomorrow?"

Katie responded. "How many invitations did you send out?"

"None."

Trip watched his mother's eyes roll and head shake. He was relieved that the presence of the vulcans prevented her from boxing his ears.

T'Pol came to the rescue.

"Katie, Vulcan marriages are extremely private. The ceremonies are brief and all guests immediately depart. The reception tomorrow was suggested by, ..." She turned to Trip in puzzlement. "Who did suggest the reception?"

Trip laughed out loud. "Honey, I have no idea. I think it was just assumed we'd be having one." He decided this was going to be another instance of the cultural norms of two worlds colliding. "I guess we better figure out how many people might show." All four Tuckers began discussing who was likely to attend.

Trip had quietly been peeking at T'Ann and T'Nek. If their mannerisms were the same as T'Pol's they seemed to be amused or maybe they thought their cousin was marrying an idiot. He had another thought. He sent through the bond to T'Pol, "Do your cousins speak standard?"

"No," came back from T'Pol.

"Aren't we being rude ignoring them?"

"No Charles, they are fine. Husband, while I am enjoying your discomfort today, please relax."

"I think I need some therapy, T'Pol." Trip finally did relax when he saw T'Pol's face go slightly green. "Gotcha!" he sent through the bond.

Sometime later they had decided that food and drink for 50 would probably cover it. T'Pol informed her cousins and turned to Katie and Charlie.

"Could you accompany them for the measurements?"

Trip waited for them to disappear around the corner, then launched himself into T'Pol's arms, who held him tightly. "I'm sorry for making such a hash of things."

"You have done no such thing Ashayam. I am proud of you. Please relax, we should prepare the evening meal for our guests, it is getting late. Charles, I desire therapy as well."

Trip smiled, comforted, until T'Pol's next mental suggestion started a reaction he was unable to suppress. And, judging by the day he was having he was certain his folks would be returning momentarily.

Yup, he could her them coming, Trip began to think of baby ducks, engine specs, the cup holder he still wanted to put on Jon's chair. Nothing worked. He saw T'Pol had a look of total satisfaction. She would pay. Determining that escape was his only choice, he bolted for the kitchen. "Anybody hungry?" He shouted over his shoulder.

The Tuckers had excused themselves following dinner. T'Pol had been confident they would, the heat and extra gravity having worn them down. Her cousins had insisted on cleaning the kitchen. She would have to explain that tradition to Trip as well, but not tonight.

T'Pol fairly pushed Trip to their bedroom, thankfully at the opposite end of the house from her in-laws.

"Ashayam, please disrobe and lay face down on the bed."

After removing her own clothing she carefully sat on his lower back. She pressed on the neural nodes she knew would unwind him.

"It is my intention to take unfair advantage of you. You have had a difficult day. Is it not always that way with parents?"

Trip merely groaned.

Excellent, she thought, now to relax him. She continued her ministrations and felt the tension leave his muscles.

She wanted to begin to explain Vulcan traditions, but changed her mind. No use in undoing what her handiwork had accomplished. She completed the posture and began to massage his back in the human fashion. Surprisingly Trip relaxed even more. T'Pol treasured the feel of her husband, and began to mentally chastise herself for her many missteps in their relationship. "Stop it." Came clearly through the bond. "I won't have it. I love you, babe." She allowed herself a smile. No one could see, she thought. "I can, up here," Trip said, touching a finger to his head.

Her smile widened and she changed her treatment again. A few minutes later when she felt Trip try to roll over, she clamped her legs together keeping him in place. Trip fought back sending all manner of desire through the bond, she shuddered but hung on. She felt Trip's attitude change. "Why am I trying to escape, T'Pol?"

"I do not know Ashayam."

His hips had begun to rock. "Do we have another bedspread?"

T'Pol had informed her cousins not to ring the 4:00 am gong. Humans did not awaken that early. She awoke to the sound of a snoring, well sated, smelly husband, pleased that the quilt had not been soiled; the sheets however were another story. She sniffed and noted that she too needed a shower.

After dressing she made her way to the kitchen, where she made her morning tea and prepared a pot of coffee for the Tuckers. Trip soon followed and she handed him a cup adding a bit of salt, navy coffee, Trip called it. T'Nek came in laden with produce from the garden and began to make breakfast. The Tuckers soon followed and the morning began.

################

That's it?, thought Charlie. That has to be the fastest wedding I've ever been to. Beat's hell outta cousin Ella's, preacher kept yappin' for an hour. Dang, I hope they can't read my thoughts. He glanced around and satisfied himself that no one could sense his musings. T'Pol had mentioned that Vulcans only read thoughts while touching or with that bond-thing. He took in the guests. The Vulcans seemed happy or pleased or whatever, 'ceptin' that T'Pau. She looked like she'd been chewin' on a lemon.

He hid a smile; Katie hadn't been able to figure out when to cry or if she should. Somehow that tickled him. His son was doing his best to maintain a stoic look, but was failing miserably. T'Pol was damn happy. She glowed, not surprising; the home's walls weren't that thick. She was drop dead gorgeous too. Trip had done well.

Charlie figured he could go see his son and daughter-in-law now. They had stood up and the priest Vodir had kinda presented them. He grabbed Katie and headed over to the kids. "Congratulations son." Charlie wrapped Trip in a rib-busting hug.

"Thanks, Dad."

"You too, T'Pol, welcome to the family." He figured he'd best leave her alone.

"Thank you Mr. Tuck...Charlie."

"Oh T'Pol, you look so beautiful," said Katie. Charlie noticed that she had finally got the eye faucets running.

Shaking his head he decided he'd best thank the parson. He maneuvered his way towards him and waited for him to turn around. He didn't wait long as Vodir rotated towards him as if he was on ball bearings. "Thank you, sir, for marrying my boy."

Vodir raised an eyebrow and nodded. "You are welcome, Mr. Tucker" then lowering his voice to a whisper he continued. "I doubt anyone else here could detect your 'musings'".

Charlie went white knowing he was busted, but when he looked at Vodir all he saw was twinkling eyes. Charlie excused himself and sought safer ground. He spotted Jon Archer and made a beeline. Jon saw him coming and shook his hand.

"What'cha think of a Vulcan wedding, Charlie? I guess if you're Vulcan and all goes well it'll probably last for 100 years so why stretch it out?" he said, and started laughing.

Charlie looked at Jon and said, "I could use a snort; you didn't happen to..."

"Got it covered, between the blue guy and apparently Chef we should be good."

"Nothing like well trained officers, eh Commodore?"

Vodir had carefully put his mental shields up. He needed to stay unreadable to T'Pau and she was perhaps the strongest telepath he had ever known. T'Pau was inexperienced however, her growth having been stunted by Syrran. Not his fault per se, he had done the best he could. Vodir was not sure what had brought the orphan under Syrran's guidance, but what was done was done. Her intrinsic belief of Vulcan superiority was in error, but that had been part of Syrranite idealism. Vulcans were superior and there was only one true path for Vulcans, thankfully Syrran had been a pacifist or the bloodpath he might have espoused could have been vast. Maybe if he had found and read the Kir'Shara he might have been more circumspect, no matter.

Vodir and V'Nin had calculated this bonding ceremony to be a coming out party for T'Pau. His eyes gleamed (quickly suppressed) and he hoped she would never figure it out. He watched as the unknowing debutante orbited around the gathering completely baffled by the goings on. He needed help, but whom?

He eye's stopped on Hoshi Sato and he moved toward her. She was conversing in Vulcan with T'Nek. Perfect, he thought.

"Lt. Sato?" said Vodir to get her attention. He saw relief cross T'Nek's face, clearly uncomfortable in this social situation. Hoshi turned towards Vodir's voice and raised her hand in the ta'al.

Vodir nodded before she could speak and Hoshi lowered her hand. "I understand you may be remaining on Vulcan for a while. I wish to offer you access to the library at Mt. Selaya."

"Commodore Archer has informed me of T'Pau's request. We haven't heard from Starfleet yet. Thank you, I hope to take you up on the offer." Hoshi was beaming.

"Have you met T'Pau?" Vodir asked.

"No, sir."

"Join me," he said, and they walked over to T'Pau's latest surveillance position.

"Minister T'Pau, this is Lt. Sato."

T'Pau turned, raising her hand in the Ta'al.

"Live long and Prosper," she said in standard.

"Peace and Long Life" Hoshi returned in flawless High Vulcan. Vodir noted a fractional upward movement in T'Pau's eyebrows. "Minister, it honors me that you have requested my service," Hoshi continued.

"It is a logical arrangement."

Vodir noted that Lt. Sato's wide smile caused another slight eyebrow elevation.

"Minister, your accent tells me you are from the Anononek district, am I correct?"

T'Pau's eyebrows continued their climb. "That is remarkable Lt. Sato. How could you know this?"

"Minister, I have always loved linguistics. Nuances of speech fascinate me. They tend to reveal much about people. I hear the desert winds in older Vulcan forms and the induced brevity as more dialects became urbanized," she continued in High Vulcan.

Before Hoshi could say another word an Andorian approached.  Hoshi recognized her as an aide to Shran. Vodir could not have been more pleased when Hoshi turned and addressed her in Andorian.

"Greetings, Brenour."

Brenour nodded at the two Vulcans and addressed Hoshi.

"Thylek Shran sent me to ask if you would join us. Priest Vodir and Minister T'Pau are also invited. He wishes to make a toast."

"Minister, Lt., join me."

Chef had overheard the crew talking about the marriage of the commanders and had forced his way here. Leaving the planning for such an event to amateurs was ridiculous. He assumed that the Vulcans wouldn't know beans about a proper party, and from what he had seen so far he had given them far too much credit. He had buttonholed Soval, who had been able to approximate the number of attendees. His staff had launched into action, barely in time by his reckoning. He had scolded Lt. Mayweather for poor piloting as he had watched one of his stewards maintain a death grip on the cake all the way to the Vulcan surface. Cmdr. Reed had managed to get his contingent past the Vulcans apparently guarding the gathering, from what he saw he wasn't sure they were guards but their weapons looked sharp.

He had been prepared to barter with the quartermaster at the embassy for champagne. Instead they had freely given him all he had asked for, no questions asked. Now he had a completely stocked mobile bar and an ample supply of hors d'oeuvres.

As soon as he saw the Vulcan priest stand-up he sent his men into action. Stewards in full dress uniforms began to circulate with filled flutes. The guests quickly discovered his delicacies and the word got around.

Chef was hovering over one of the food tables as Commodore Archer escorted a middle-aged human to the bar.

"What'll it be, Charlie?"

"Bourbon please," he said to the bartender.

"Make it two," Jon said as he saw Chef approach. "Thanks for putting all this together Chef. May I introduce Trip's dad, Charlie Tucker Jr?"

Chef grabbed Charlie's hand and shook it. "You have a fine boy, Mr. Tucker. It has been my great pleasure to serve with him. Please thank Mrs. Tucker for her blackened catfish recipe, I don't think the Enterprise would have survived without it." Out of the corner of his eye Chef saw Cmdr. Shran's signal and excused himself.

"So that's Chef, eh Jon? He and Katie have been exchanging recipes for what, four years now?"

Shran saw Chef return his signal. A steward approached the small gathering with a tray of fresh champagne glasses, another in his wake with a tray whose stylized glasses contained something icy blue. Another Andorian officer brought Jon and Charlie over, joined by Trip and T'Pol. As T'Pau, Hoshi, and Vodir arrived Shran directed the flutes to be distributed.

"Commanders I am informed that it is appropriate in human culture for a toast to be offered. I propose that you may 'Live Long and Prosper'." Everyone raised their glasses in approval before tipping back their bubbly.

"In addition I ask you join me in a similar Andorian custom. I liberated a few bottles of wedding ale from the embassy. The stewards quickly exchanged everyone's glasses." He looked directly at Trip and T'Pol. "May your love keep the cold outside your door." Shran tipped back his glass in salute and the others joined in. Shran moved toward Trip and firmly shook his hand. He turned to T'Pol and tipped his head towards her.

"Thank you, Thy'lek Shran. You honor us."

T'Pau was quite confused; Vodir saw it plainly. Earlier she had circulated the reception unwilling to engage in conversation. Now she had watched an Andorian use a human custom to offer a Vulcan blessing; and then add his own. Thankfully Lt. Sato had taken T'Pau in tow, introducing her around switching from language to language, and responding to T'Pau's raised eyebrows as if she had verbalized questions. He wondered if Hoshi had any idea how powerful her intuition was. This part of the plan was going far beyond his most optimistic expectations. He eased over to the newlyweds.

"It appears you have many friends, commanders."

"We thank you for your aid in our healing, Vodir."

He took in the couple, sensing that their therapy sessions had continued.

"T'Pol it appears you have found your balance between logic and emotion. The Kir'Shara truly teaches equilibrium, not exclusion. Each Vulcan must master both to fully live. Your growth is most agreeable to me."

T'Pol nodded. "It appears that Charles is my balance, or perhaps not denying Charles to myself allows me balance. I have resumed my normal meditation routine and am experiencing no difficulty with emotional suppression."

"Excellent. Vulcans must suppress their emotions. It is surprising and most agreeable that you have regained your control so quickly. Charles, we have ignored your emotional state. Are you shielding T'Pol from your own emotions?" Vodir looked hard at Trip.

"I'm not sure, Vodir. I have some sporadic memories of Elizabeth, not all painful, but I had the same after my sister's death. I think it is normal for humans, but you might ask Phlox."

"I will consult with Dr. Phlox. You have accepted new assignments from Starfleet. Do you believe you are ready for duty?"

Vodir watched as they looked at each other. "Perhaps it might be best if Dr. Phlox and I visited you here at the house in a few days. I understand he must certify you fit for duty."

"That would be agreeable," said T'Pol.