Ok! This is the third part of the Mirrors Series… wow, I have a series! O.O It's all about Shran and T'Pol and Soval! Plus a heavy dose of Andorian culture that I've made up. Lol! Enjoy! And don't forget, reviews make me update faster! ;)
Chapter 1
"Captain's personal log, October 12th 2151. We're less than an hour away from Andoria. T'Pol's getting nervous I think, she's distracted a lot, although that could be because she's exhausted from learning how to care for Soval this past week. I'm feeling a little anxious myself; I really couldn't guess how Shran will react. He could take this brilliantly or not take it at all. I'm hoping he'll take it well, Soval needs a father and Shran, by a technicality, is his biological father. Oh he's gonna love this." Archer sighed and ended the recording there before dropping his head into his hands. "This is gonna be hell." he half grunted.
Porthos gave a soft whine of sympathy. He reached out and ruffled the short silky fur of the dog. "I guess I need to go to breakfast." he said once more out loud. He then realised what he was doing and quickly headed to the captain's private mess. T'Pol was already there, awkwardly setting Soval into the makeshift high chair that Trip had made for him. Despite it having been four days since T'Pol had brought Soval aboard and had done this and many other things like feeding and changing diapers several times a day, it was obvious she was still uncomfortable with the child. The crew was also having trouble getting used to him as well, especially at night when the residents on C-deck were all disturbed by the screams coming from T'Pol's quarters. Soval wasn't doing very well adjusting to his new life. It was too strange, and too different for a traumatised baby to handle. He no longer found comfort in T'Pol's appearance; he wanted the mental connection between parent and child back. T'Pol was at a loss of how to give him this. Their only real hope was that Shran would be able to show her how to form the bond, that is, if he even saw Soval.
"Morning T'Pol." Archer greeted as he entered.
"Good morning." she answered half distracted as she tried to settle Soval into the chair. He was having none of it. He squawked and stretched and pushed away from the seat. T'Pol was having difficulty holding onto him.
"Here let me help." Archer offered and he put his hands under Soval, supporting his back so T'Pol could rearrange her grip. This made Soval begin to scream. He must have massive lungs to be able to produce that kind of noise as it felt like the walls were shaking with it. His fists were clenched, his little face was scrunched up and his antennas were flying around before coming to rest on the back of his head. Archer fought a sigh,
'This kid is so like his father.' he thought to himself, Shran would always kick up a fuss if he was in the mood; he seemed to enjoy making things difficult. It then occurred to him that he was thinking of the Shran from this universe. Soval's father was from an alternate universe, and he'd been calm, collected and wise. Archer resisted the urge to shake his head, lest T'Pol misinterpret it, to clear his thoughts.
"I think he wants you to hold him." he said over the screams.
"I must concur." she said equally loud. She resettled the boy in her arms and sat down before her plate. She rocked the baby, trying to quiet him, but to no avail. His face was turning a deep aquamarine and his cries reached a new pitch. As Archer was about to suggest a bottle the door behind him opened and a crewman bearing a tray entered. On the tray, among other things was a bottle full of the formula that T'Pol had brought with her. The crewman held out the tray and T'Pol nearly snatched it in her desperation to sooth the child. She popped it in his mouth and he began to suck at once, silence descended much to the relief of all. The crewman smiled at her and then set down a bowl of plomeek soup, and a smaller bowl of pureed plomeek root in front of it. He then put a plate of pancakes in front of Archer's chair. Archer nodded in thanks and then began to eat his meal.
"Are you nervous about telling him?" T'Pol looked up from watching Soval feed and after a hesitation said
"I am… anxious. He has made his feelings about Vulcans quite clear."
"Yeah, five years ago, he's changed T'Pol, you know that, I know you do. Think of the Shran we met at P'jem, and then think of the man we dealt with last time we met. You can't deny he's not half as aggressive towards Vulcans."
"Perhaps, but I am concerned he will not want anything to do with him. Soval should have his father, even if it is through a mere technicality that Shran is he."
"He's gonna have a real problem getting his head around this, I know I do, and Soval's not mine." Archer blushed as the words left his mouth, they didn't sound right at all. T'Pol twitched an eyebrow, she seemed amused by his words. He coughed lightly and stuffed his mouth with pancake to save his dignity.
"We're entering orbit now sir." Travis informed him.
"Thank you Travis."
"We're being hailed." Hoshi piped up as her consol chirruped at her. Archer took in a deep breath, and shared a look with T'Pol who gave him a brief nod. Soval was with Phlox, taking a nap, they thought it best to tell Shran first before letting him see the child.
"On screen Hoshi." She complied and an Andorian man appeared on the screen, sitting behind a desk. He had a uniform on that Archer was fairly sure was a government uniform of high level. There was something familiar about his gaze.
"I'm Captain Jonathon Archer of the Starship-"
"Enterprise." cut in the man with a small smirk. "Yes I know who you are."
"Then you have the advantage."
"My name is Sanakral. To what does Andorian owe this pleasure?"
"Actually it's of a personal nature. I need to speak with Commander Shran, in person. Could you be so kind as to put me through to him."
"Commander Shran," he said this with an amused face, "is at present no doubt sound asleep, it is early enough in the morning where he lives captain."
"Oh." Archer gave him a sheepish look. "I didn't realise."
"Never mind." Sanakral said with a smile. "Is this urgent?"
"Well I suppose in a way it is."
"Then beam down to these co-ordinates and I shall meet you there and bring you to him."
"Now?"
"Yes."
"But you said it was very early."
"Maybe, but I do not mind waking my baby brother, if anything I love any excuse to do it." Now Sanakral was grinning mischievously, and Archer realised why he looked so familiar. His eyes were the exact same as Shran's.
"There's really no need-"
"I shall see you in a moment captain." And with that he closed the channel. Trip sniggered from behind his consol.
"Shran is gonna kill you."
"I know, I know." Archer moaned. He then turned to T'Pol, "Ready to go?" She drew in a breath and then nodded, standing gracefully and following him into the turbo lift. They were silent as they descended, both shifting slightly on their feet. They were equally silent as they went to their respective quarters to don coats and gloves and warm clothes in general. When they met again at the transporter pad, T'Pol said
"Thank you captain, for assisting me."
"Hey, what else are friends for." he chuckled, feeling bashful. They stepped onto the pad and they beamed down to the surface.
Archer winced as his face was hit by a burst of freezing wind. He pulled his jacket up higher to cover his chin and cheeks. He muttered choice words about the cold before he looked around. He had to admit that Andoria still held its mystical beauty, reminding him of winter wonderlands and the stories of the Ice Queen and other things like that. The gas giant, Archer could never remember the name even though Shran had told him before, loomed overhead in the dark sky, displaying its majestic beauty and proud rings. The moons hovered around it, seemingly still in the darkness. The land before him was covered in white and blue, catching the moonlight and reflecting it like billions of diamonds and crystals, matching the stars up above.
"I always think Andoria is a very beautiful place." he told T'Pol as he pulled his hood up as his ears began to hurt from the cold already.
"It is aesthetically pleasing." she agreed, also pulling up her hood.
"Captain!" called a voice. They both turned to see Sanakral hurrying to them. Unlike they, who had dressed with many layers, he was dressed in what seemed to be a single layer of fur and silk over his uniform. He stopped as he reached them and held out his hand, "I'm told this is your customary way of greeting." Archer smiled and gripped the hand in his own. Sanakral had a very strong grip, very like Shran's actually. "Welcome to Andoria."
"Thanks, it's nice to be here again under less pressing matters." Sanakral chuckled and then turned his attention to T'Pol. "This is Commander T'Pol, my first officer." Archer introduced. Sanakral looked her up and down curiously and then nodded to her in greeting saying
"Nice to meet you as well Commander, my brother was right, you are attractive, for a Vul- non blue skin." he caught himself and smiled at her brightly. T'Pol raised an eyebrow,
"Thank you."
"My brother also said you are a competent scientist, and believe me, that is very high praise for him." Archer fought the urge to roll his eyes; he could believe him.
"Thank you." T'Pol repeated, "Your brother is a very honourable man, and a competent Commander." Sanakral grinned broadly at her and then said
"Well we don't have all day I suppose. Come on, let's go find that baby brother of mine." Archer shook his head, smiling as he followed Sanakral. He led them to an automated transport station. There was a little activity but it was relatively quiet. Sanakral motioned for them to join him on a free pad; it was like an elevator Archer noted, with glass walls all around to allow a view. Sanakral pressed the button and the elevator began its descent. "So may I ask what this personal issue is with my brother?"
"You may, however it is best we discuss it with Shran before we do anything else." T'Pol answered. Sanakral seemed surprised she was answering him.
"I suppose he'll tell us eventually. He always does." he said finally, shrugging. Archer was only half listening; he was staring out at the beautiful city below them. It was a little like the Aenar city, only it was brighter, and bigger, the cave itself made of ice. Many buildings were suspended in the air, attached to natural pillars, with bridges between buildings. He could see a few people walking around and on the bottom of this massive cave was what looked like a park. Trees and bushes and what may have been blue grass all spread out below him. He wondered how they'd managed that. He noticed that in contrast to human cities, which were full of lines and corners, this city was full of curves and circles, a nice change. There was ice and snow everywhere. He hoped he'd get a chance to explore the city a bit, maybe find somewhere to purchase some Andorian Ale, he'd given his last bottle to the alternate Shran, or Thy'lek as Archer was more likely to call him. "Like it?" Sanakral asked as the elevator slowed its descent and came to a halt.
"It's very beautiful." Archer answered truthfully. T'Pol nodded her head in agreement. The door opened and they stepped out.
"Do we not have to check in with your government to announce our presence?" T'Pol wondered. Sanakral chuckled and waved his hand in the air to dismiss the question,
"Nah! Not as long as you're with me. I'm one of the heads of government, I answer directly to the Emperor. I gave you permission to come down, that's all you need." Archer regarded him in surprise, he hadn't expected that at all even though he'd recognised the uniform.
"I thought Andoria was a democratic planet."
"We are, the Imperial Family is more symbolic than political, but to say you answer directly to the Emperor means you are a high ranking government official." Sanakral smirked.
'That smirk has to be genetic.' Archer decided, it was just like Shran's.
"What is your occupation specifically?" T'Pol wondered.
"I'm head of the education department. It's my job to make sure our schools are continuously at their best, which they always are. No school better than an Andorian one."
'Ok, even Shran doesn't brag that much.' Archer shook his head behind Sanakral to stop the sarcastic thoughts.
"Here we are. This is our family house." That had no impact on Archer or T'Pol, since neither knew what a family house could mean. Still it was an attractive building. Relatively large, with a small, elegant artificial garden in the front, that held real vines of closed flowers that climbed up the metal walls. The shape of the house and door and windows was rounded, like the rest of the city, and all of it was silver in colour, although Archer didn't know what the name of the metal was. If he was honest with himself, with the shape and being only one story tall, he had in his mind an image of a futuristic Fred Flintstone's house. There were no lights on, which made sense since it was still very early morning. Sanakral strode forward and unlocked the door, entering and gesturing for them to do the same. Hesitantly they did and Sanakral switched on some lights, illuminating what was clearly a living room.
It was neat and tidy. The walls were white with elegant spiral designs around the borders in silver, blue, purple, yellow and a hint of red, adding a dash of colour to the otherwise pale room. There were two large couches, with fur covers and cushions, facing each other in the centre of the room. Leather armchairs were set near these couches, suggesting a large gathering was commonplace. On the walls and shelves hanging from the walls were pictures of many people, no doubt family and friends. There were paintings and drawings, some were children's doodles while others were far more impressive. A few Ushaan-tors hung on the walls along with some wicked looking swords and a bath'leth? Where'd he get that? There were a few potted plants with sweet smelling purple flowers that permeated the room lightly. There were also what looked like two musical instruments hanging from the wall. A modern sparkling kitchen was cut off from the living area by something reminiscent of a breakfast bar. There were also about seven doors surrounding them, all shut. Two doors were made of clear glass that was frosted around the edge, led to a large artificial garden, covered in blue grass, with a few trees and plants growing within. A railing surrounded this, and the garden had a full view of the city that curved around the rock, fused to it like it was a part of it.
"You two wait here. I'll get Thy'lek." Sanakral said softly, grinning mischievously. He walked to a door that was furthest away from the front door, and opened it carefully. "Thy'lek? Thy'lek, wake up."
"Ngh!" came the responding moan. There was loud rustling of sheets and blankets and then they stilled. Sanakral smiled and stepped into the room more, although the light spilling from the living room kept him visible to Archer and T'Pol.
"Get up you lazy brute." he called insistently.
"Nu uh, nnn!" was Shran's answer and there was a light 'thunk', as if he'd thrown something light at his brother half-heartedly. More likely half-sleepily.
"Up! Now!"
"Nnn go away Lissiel!" Shran groaned.
"Do I sound female to you? Am I jumping on your head?" Sanakral disappeared into the dark room and they could hear more rustling and a surprised, wordless exclamation and then a 'thump'. "Get up now. Sleeping in every day is such a waste." Shran spoke, sounding much more alert,
"First off, ow. Second, this is the first time I've had a chance to sleep in in months and since it's 0834 you've actually woken me up at a cruel hour and thirdly if you don't mind I'm going back to the bed you just dragged me out of."
"Oh no you don't, you have guests."
"Did you let them in?"
"Yes."
"Then you deal with them."
"They want to talk to you, and you only."
"Then tell them to come back at a reasonable hour." Shran's voice was now fairly muffled, as if he was burying it into his pillow, which seemed like quite a possibility.
"Come on baby brother, get your backside into action, your pink-skin and Vulcan didn't travel light years to hear you moan about a few missed hours of sleep."
"A few? I was up most of the night being driven mad by the noises from Lissiel's room. She needs to start going to these peoples' houses, I need to sleep and- did you say pink-skin?"
"I did. Took you long enough."
"As in pink-skin, Archer, and T'Pol? Here. In our house?"
"Yes, yes, and yes!"
"Oh I don't believe this." Shran exclaimed, "You're not joking are you San?"
"Nope, sorry baby brother." There was more rustling and a triumphant Sanakral came out, followed by a much slower, sleepy, half naked Shran.
He was dressed in simple plain, white bottoms, rather like tracksuit bottoms, and his upper half was devoid of any clothing. His antennas were drooping as if they too were sleepy and his hair, which had grown out a bit since they'd last seen him, was messy. Shran yawned like a lion, leaning his head back and then shaking it lightly, blinking tiredly. He focused on them and sighed wearily.
"This had better be good." He told them calmly, leaning against the frame of his door, loosely crossing one leg over the other and folding his arms over his chests in a relaxed manner. "And I mean really good." Despite his irritated words, Archer could tell he wasn't overly upset, at least not anymore, he seemed actually quite happy to see them, but typical of him, he hid it under irritation.
"This is important." T'Pol said quickly, "But I think it's best if we discuss this in private."
"That's your queue to leave San." Shran said to his brother lightly. Sanakral pouted slightly and then shrugged.
"Alright. Oh and will you tell Lissiel it's her turn."
"Will do, when she wakes up. She had a busy night." Shran grimaced as he spoke.
"Ever heard of ear plugs Thy'lek?" Sanakral asked lightly.
"You know I don't like anything in my ears." Shran said this so seriously Archer wasn't sure if he was joking or not. Sanakral rolled his eyes at him and ruffled his messy hair like he was a child. Shran scowled like a boy, an expression that just looked wrong on him.
"I guess I'm gone. Nice to meet you two, I hope we can meet again." Sanakral gave them a lazy two-fingered salute and a smile before walking out. Shran motioned to the couches.
"Please sit down. I'm just going to get a shirt." and he stepped back into his room, but he switched on the lights before closing the door. Archer and T'Pol both sat down, T'Pol a little more hesitant, clearly not pleased to be sitting on animal skins. A minute later Shran came back out, pulling a simple t-shirt over his head as he walked. He then plopped himself down on the couch opposite them and leaned his elbows on his knees. "So, what in the name of all the spirits is so important that you had to come all this way, and get me up at ridiculous hours? Is it the Romulans again?"
"No, it's nothing like that." Archer assured him.
"Earth hasn't been threatened again?"
"No."
"Negotiations haven't fallen through?"
"No."
"Then what the hell is it?" Shran asked irritated. Archer and T'Pol shared a look and he gave her a nod of encouragement. Shran watched them suspiciously, his eyes narrowed and his antennas slinked forwards as if he was trying to pick up any kind of deception. T'Pol licked her lips and began to speak.
"I have something to tell you, but you must understand I did not do it to cause you any trouble or pain." Shran sat up a little straighter. "A few days ago, we were pulled into an anomaly, that took Enterprise to an alternate reality."
"What's that?"
"It's a reality a bit like our universe, but different. Same people, just different situations." Archer explained trying to keep it simple.
"So in this reality there was another Archer?"
"There was, but uh, he was killed before we arrived."
"Really?"
"Yes, by you. Or rather the other you."
"ME!" Shran exclaimed sharply, before lowering his voice, "Me? Another me killed another you?"
"Actually you had a hand in killing my whole senior staff, except T'Pol."
"Why did I kill all the humans?" To Archer the question Shran really wanted to ask was why he didn't kill T'Pol. This could get ugly very fast if they didn't find a way of keeping things calm.
"Well, you see, in this alternate universe, there was this Empire that had enslaved many species, Vulcans and Andorians included. The empire was run by humans." Shran sat back, looking a little winded.
"Humans?"
"Well we're called Terrans over there."
"So you're telling me that you were pulled into an alternate universe where there was an enslaving Empire, run by humans, and what? Andorians were slaves to this empire?"
"Along with Vulcans, and Denobulans, Orions, Tellerites, and a lot of other species too." Shran stood up, his antennas rearing back.
"I don't believe you." he hissed.
"It is the truth, but I can assure you humans in this reality don't feel that way. They don't have any objective like that." T'Pol tried to calm him down. Shran glared at her warily and then slowly sat back down. Once she saw he wasn't going to blow up she continued, "Your counterpart, that is, the other you-"
"I get the idea!" he snapped,
"-was head of the Resistance, a rebel base that was fighting back against the Empire." Shran nodded, he said nothing, but he seemed pleased by this information. "He was using data from a ship from a hundred years into the future-"
"Don't ask." Archer quickly jumped in when Shran looked at him questioningly.
"-to create defences for the Resistance, improving shields, phasers, tactics and the like. He was also married." Now Shran sat up in shock. "To my counterpart."
"Whaaat?" Shran asked slowly, staring at her like she was mad.
"Your counterpart and mine were married and expecting their second child."
"Second?"
"They already had a son, named Soval."
"Soval?" Shran pulled a rather amusing face at that fact, and Archer had to fight a smile. "So why are you telling me all this? It can't be for the benefit of my health."
"Both our counterparts, indeed the whole Resistance base, has been destroyed, but I was asked by your counterpart to take Soval with me to our universe. By a technicality I am now his biological mother-"
"Which makes me his biological father." Shran finished softly his eyes wide and staring at the floor. Archer felt a little sorry for him, this was a lot to dump on the Andorian. There was silence for a few minutes while Shran sat perfectly still, absorbing this information. Finally he said, "The child is on Enterprise?"
"Yes, Dr. Phlox was kind enough to look after him while I told you of the situation." Shran stood up and paced slowly around the room, his arms crossed over his chest tightly, head down, thinking. Finally he whirled around and faced them. He was clearly very confused.
"You tell me I have a child, with you. I can't believe it."
"It is true." Shran shook his head.
"It makes no sense!"
"How so? We've explained the situation." Shran screwed up his face,
"Yes, but, he's biologically my son, a test would confirm my paternity, correct?"
"Yes."
"But I can't feel him." Shran exclaimed, "I can't feel his presence like I feel my siblings, my nieces and nephews, like I felt my parents when they were still alive. This doesn't make sense. If he's of my blood I should feel him!"
"He's not yours really, but he is technically." Shran shook his head sharply. Archer had a feeling he was only confused because it was a shock, otherwise he would have understood.
"But I-"
"HEY!" a feminine voice called out from behind one of the doors. "Keep it down Thy'lek, some of us are trying to have a pleasant morning."
"Four times in a night is enough Lissiel!" Shran snapped irritably. "I've got bigger things to think about than your frisky morning habits!"
"Oh really." The door opened to reveal a goddess. At least she may as well have been to Archer. Long elegant hair, clear, smooth blue skin and sharp, clever eyes. This woman was gorgeous. She was also only wearing a sheet wrapped around herself. "Well what exactly is going on out here anyway? All I can hear is your muttering." Her eyes swept over Archer and T'Pol. They went as sharp as a dagger upon landing on T'Pol.
"None of your business Lis. Go away." She somehow managed to fold her arms without the sheet even slipping a little.
"Why don't you make me?" she smirked, confirming Archer's thoughts that it was indeed genetic. Shran snarled irritably at her, stepping forward threateningly. A third door opened and a sleepy head poked out.
"Why don't we all just calm down for a moment and Lissiel, you have a guest so deal with her."
"Him." Lissiel corrected calmly.
"Oh, he's got a really high voice." The newcomer commented thoughtfully. He could easily have passed for Shran's twin they looked so alike. Yet his features were a littler softer than Shran's, who had a strong jaw and broad shoulders. He was a little thinner, and taller and his eyes were softer, gentler than the harder and sharper ones of Shran.
"I know, I like it." Lissiel smiled lightly.
"Could you both go away for a while this is important." Shran asked irritably, although the arrival of the third person seemed to have calmed him down.
"But I want to hear." Lissiel smirked.
"I'll tell you later, just go back to bed now Lis. Please." She sighed and her smirk softened, but didn't disappear.
"Alright. Later." She stepped back into her room and the third person, Shran's brother, gave him a smile and a brief wink before disappearing too. Shran then turned back to Archer and T'Pol who'd watched the conversation in silence. He pinched the bridge of his nose and then folded his arms again.
"I don't know what I'm supposed to say or do." he told them, he looked a little lost. T'Pol stood up,
"I'm telling you because I believe it unfair to let you find out through hearsay or rumour. What you do is up to you. You may see him if you wish."
"See him?" Shran looked at her carefully.
"Yes, actually I require your assistance with him at the moment."
"What's the problem?" Shran looked worried, his face a picture of fatherly concern. Archer relaxed.
"Soval has no bond with anyone, he's beginning to refuse food and comfort, I was hoping you might know of a way to help him." Shran sighed and nodded,
"This is common of young children. How old is he?"
"Five months."
"Alright then…" Shran looked at the wall thinking carefully. "At his age he should be recognising people, but he'll only trust those he shares a bond with. Without a bond he's probably not only frightened but he may be in pain. He'll be straining himself to find the bond, and overdoing that can cause pain." T'Pol looked down, obviously taken aback at the idea that Soval was in pain. "A bond doesn't just form like that. When it comes to adoption it's done over a matter of weeks, months, maybe even years depending on the child."
"Adoption?"
"That's the closest way I can explain it. There's no such thing as illegitimacy, or… what do you call it? Divorce? There's nothing like that among Andorians. The only thing that comes close to what this is, is adoption. There the parent or parents have to interact with the child and see if they respond to them. If they do they spend as much time with the child as possible slowly forming the bond with care and trust."
"And that can take years?"
"It depends on the people involved. Sometimes it can take years."
"Is there a time limit to when one can form a bond with a child?"
"Not until they're mentally adults, and that can happen between… seventeen and twenty-five and then the need to form a bond if it is lost is nullified. The bond lasts until death though once it's formed." Shran's brow creased and then he said slowly, "Look, I want to help him, I'd help any child in pain, like any other Andorian, but I need to think for a while." That was obviously a hint that he wanted them to leave. Archer stood up and headed to the front door. Then he paused and asked T'Pol,
"Do you know the way back to the lift?"
"I believe so." she nodded.
"I'll contact you." Shran told them. "I'm not sure when, but I will."
"I understand." They bid him goodbye and then left. Looking around Archer saw that the cave, although it was so massive 'cave' was certainly not the right word for it, was beginning to brighten, almost like the sun itself was rising. Maybe that was the idea. Archer suddenly remembered that Shran had told him that he hadn't seen the sun until he was fifteen. It seemed like he'd told him that a million years ago.
"That went better than I expected. I thought he would yell his head off at us."
"I believe he was too stunned to yell." T'Pol commented as they walked through the city, over precariously high bridges. It made Archer feel a little dizzy, and he'd blown himself into space, sans ship. At least there were railings on the bridges, no doubt to stop children falling off it. "Do you think he will accept Soval?"
"I think he will. Didn't you see the look on his face when you told him there was a problem with Soval?"
"He did seem… concerned." T'Pol agreed. She hesitated a moment, looking at two separate paths and then headed down the one on the left confidently. Soon enough they were at the lift and ascending.
"I'd say Shran will be ok with this. Just give him a chance to get his head around it."
"Agreed."
Let me know what you think so far! Review!
Night's Darkness