Chapter 14: Final one!
“We ready to go?” Archer stared at the image before him. A multitude of colours, pulsing and mixing creating more colours. That was their doorway home, that was the way back into their universe. T’Pol checked her consol one last time. This was made difficult by the fact that one arm held Soval as the child screamed if his new mother put him down when he was awake. So far this hadn’t been a problem since she’d spent the last day simply becoming acquainted with her new son, but she was the only one Archer trusted with this anomaly hence the reason for the first ever baby on the bridge.
“We are ready.” She informed him. He nodded and pressed a button on his chair,
“All hands prepare for a bumpy ride.” He then took his finger off the button and said to Travis, trying to hide his anxiousness, “Take us in Travis.”
“Aye sir, engaging at one quarter impulse.” The young man’s knuckles were changing colour as he gripped the consol’s controls. Their success and survival depended on him getting them through this thing without a mistake. Without meaning to he glanced over his shoulder at Commander T’Pol, and the baby in her arms. This was the first chance he’d gotten to see him even though he like the rest of the crew had known of his arrival within the hour of it. He couldn’t let that little boy down if nothing else. Isn't it weird how children can affect an adult’s mind? He turned back and focused on his consol again. He guided the Enterprise slowly and carefully into the anomaly. Suddenly Lieutenant Reed’s consol began to beep.
“Malcolm?” questioned Archer while Travis tried with all his might to ignore it.
“It’s not us sir, it’s the Resistance base.” Malcolm looked up with anxious eyes, “It’s under attack.” Hoshi drew in a sharp breath and all eyes moved to the baby. If T’Pol hadn’t taken him he could be there now. They were all unaware of what the parents of the Resistance children had done for their babies.
“Sir, we’re entering the anomaly now, it’s gonna get a little bumpy.”
“Understood Travis, you can do it.” Archer encouraged him but Travis could hear the underlying, ‘You have to do it!’ Beads of sweat were forming on his brow as the ship began to tremble in the turbulence.
“Hold on!” he increased the speed to full impulse to give the final punch. A few consoles sparked and exploded but he ignored it and concentrated
Almost there…
Almost…
Almost…
Almost… Got it!
He grinned as they pushed their way into their own universe.
“All stop.” Archer commanded as soon as they were clear. “Bring us about Travis. Nice job.”
“Aye sir.” The ensign let out a sigh of relief and grinned at Hoshi who smiled proudly back.
“Malcolm, bring the forward torpedo launchers online.”
“With pleasure sir.” Malcolm did as he was bid and said, smiling, his trademark phrase, “Torpedoes ready.”
“T’Pol?” Archer looked to her for confirmation that they were indeed in their own universe. She checked her consol with one hand and then nodded. She didn’t need to say a word. They were home! “Thank God.” Archer spoke the words they all thought. “Malcolm, fire.” The torpedo shot out of the ship and into the anomaly, T’Pol nodded to Malcolm and he detonated the torpedo with a grin. It exploded and the whirl of colours seemed to ripple violently as it began to collapse on itself. Like water down a drain it whirled around and around until it was just gone. They all smiled in relief. Soval began to cry again and T’Pol reflexively rocked him in her arms. She looked quite awkward doing it but Soval seemed satisfied with it as he soon quieted. The turbolift’s door opened and Trip came in.
“Did I miss the fireworks?” he asked smiling.
“Sorry Trip.” Archer grinned at him shrugging lightly. “The engines all right?”
“Ah they’re a little bruised but I think they’ll live.” Trip threw T’Pol a look and then Soval who was making a strange noise, like a whinge but different. He seemed to want something. T’Pol was staring at him obviously unsure just what he was asking for. “Maybe the little guy’s hungry.” Trip offered helpfully. She looked at him and then nodded,
“Perhaps. Permission to leave the bridge captain.” She stood up, settling Soval in her arms a little more.
“Of course. Will we see you at dinner?” Archer smiled at her affectionately.
“I believe so.”
“Bring Soval, I’ve got a surprise for him.” Trip said grinning. She looked at him questioningly and then nodded, departing the bridge. As soon as she was gone Trip said, “Damn that little guy’s cute!”
“Isn't he?” giggled Hoshi, “Oh those tiny antennas are adorable!”
“Every time I looked at them I tried to imagine Shran being that small but every time I just went into fits.” Malcolm grinned leaning on his consol. The relief of their safe return made them all high on adrenaline. Travis sniggered as he turned his seat around to face them all. Archer pulled a funny face and then said,
“I can't! I just can't see it!” bursting into laughter. They all chuckled and then quieted as one, their smiles fading as they suddenly remembered the lives that were no doubt ending as they sat there, laughing and joking.
“There was nothing we could have done.” Trip said softly, saying the only thing he could.
“There is something we can do though.” Archer said suddenly, remembering the words, “Just before he… the last time I saw Shran, he told me that we were to get home, to keep doing what we were doing. That’s what we will do.”
“What are we doing?”
“Exploring, opening negotiations between us and other species, and above all maintain peace. We have to maintain peace.” They shared looks as Archer’s words, the Captain had a habit for going off into speeches but this one was so significant because he was telling them what a desperate and broken man had begged of him before he went to his death. They all nodded silently agreeing to continue their work to maintain peace for the Resistance. Suddenly Hoshi’s consol beeped and broke the moment.
“It’s Starfleet, Admiral Gardner.” she informed them.
“Put it through to my ready room.” Archer ordered, “Maintain position here until I say otherwise.”
“Aye sir.” Travis nodded. Archer sighed, hovering at the door,
“What the hell am I supposed to say though?” he asked aloud, then his voice change to a fake cheerful tone “Hey Admiral sorry we disappeared off the face of the universe for a few days, we were in an alternate universe where humans are selfish, cruel, enslaving bastards!” He shook his head as he walked into his ready room, “He probably wouldn’t even believe me.”
“So what did you tell him in the end?” Trip questioned as they ate their dinner,
“Pretty much the truth.” Archer answered shrugging, “Took a while to convince him I wasn’t lying but I left out a few of details.”
“Such as?” T’Pol raised an eyebrow curiously.
“I didn’t tell him about the Terran Empire, I’d rather not tell him at all but I might tell him in person, I didn’t want to risk it over a comm. channel, just in case there were any species out there listening, don’t want them to get the wrong idea. I also didn’t tell him about Soval.” As he spoke of him he gestured with his fork at the baby. Soval sat in a special high chair Trip had built for him and was trying to chew on a softened piece of plomeek root. He wasn’t having much luck, all he was achieving was getting drool all over his chin and fingers. T’Pol looked at her captain,
“Why did you not speak of him?”
“I thought it would be better if you did, he’s your son now.” Archer shrugged, “Sorry if you’d rather I’d have mentioned him.”
“No, actually I am relieved you didn’t. I wish to inform Shran first.” Archer’s fork halted in its journey to his mouth.
“Shran?” he repeated blankly, unaware that he was reacting the same way Trip had. She nodded, taking a sip of water before continuing.
“I believe it is best if I tell him first and then see how I shall proceed.”
“You wanna tell him in person?” Trip asked curiously. Archer lifted his head again in questioning.
“I believe that would be best.” T’Pol nodded, “However I shall understand if you’d rather we didn’t go so far out of our way.” she added to Archer. Archer stared at her for a minute and then stood up. He went to the comm. and pressed the button,
“Archer to the Bridge!”
“Bridge here sir.”
“Set a course for Andoria, best speed.”
“Aye sir.” He then pushed away from the comm. and sat down. She nodded her head in gratitude to him.
“Thank you sir.”
“No problem. And, if you want, I’ll come with you when you go to speak with him.” He smiled at her warmly.
“I would appreciate it, you do seem to have a… knack for controlling his temper.” Archer and Trip chuckled,
“Well now that’s debateable.” Archer laughed, he didn’t think he had any knack for ‘controlling’ Shran, he just knew how to appeal to the man’s common sense, it didn’t always work, but Shran was a good man, and he knew how to control himself if it was required. Archer found himself eager to see his friend, and a little apprehensive. They’d have to tell Shran everything about where Soval came from. He wasn’t going to like learning about the things his counterpart had been through and Archer couldn’t even imagine his reaction to the idea that he was married to T’Pol, with a son.
‘This could get ugly.’ he thought nervously as he imagined Shran shouting and turning T’Pol and him and Soval away. Then he suddenly remembered something that made him feel less nervous.
(Flashback)
Shran was sitting on the floor in the sickbay, unaware that Archer was watching him. His brown eyes were flying from each of his surviving crew, most of which were being treated for injuries, to the next. The man had a bruise on his cheekbone and a cut on his temple but he refused to be looked at, insisting his crew went first. Some were lying on the beds in obvious pain, waiting for Phlox to care for them. Shran’s face was carefully blank, but his eyes betrayed the pain he was feeling. Archer felt his heart thump painfully for him. The Andorian suddenly stood up and walked over to a man who was moaning softly in pain, it looked like he had severe burns and a broken leg. Archer shuffled closer while trying to stay out of sight. He was surprised to recognise the man as one of the three other men he’d met at P’jem. Shran reached out and gently stroked the man’s cheek, a surprisingly affectionate gesture. Then again there didn’t seem to be anywhere else he could touch without causing pain. The man opened his eyes and looked at Shran who gave him a weak smile.
“Thy'lek?” he asked softly.
“Easy Tholos, you’ll be alright.” Shran told him softly, Archer was straining to hear them.
“Are you?” Tholos questioned worriedly, despite his pain. Shran’s smile widened slightly,
“Just a few bruises. I’m fine.”
“And, and Keval? Thon?” The other two of the foursome team from P’jem.
“Thon’s being treated now, and Keval’s asleep. He’s fine. They both are. I’m more worried about you.” Tholos raised his hand slowly and Shran gripped it tightly.
“I’ll be fine my friend.” Tholos promised, “Don’t worry, you need someone to keep your ego down.” He gave a weak smile and Shran chuckled softly. He held the hand in his grip tight and pressed it to his chest. Archer was able to see how much Shran cared for this man by the fact that he was obviously terrified of loosing him, the way he held his hand so tight in his, the way his voice held the slightest hint of desperation. Archer watched as Shran reached out again and pushed some of Tholos’ hair out of his face so gently.
“You need to get better Tholos, I can’t loose you or Keval or Thon on top of everyone and everything else. You're like my brothers, I need you.” he said, so passionately that Archer felt overwhelmed.
“I will, don’t worry, I’m a member of the Imperial Guard, and I survived Senai with you and the others, I’ve no intention of letting this beat me.” Shran flinched at the alien word and Tholos looked remorseful. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to remind you again.”
“It’s alright, don’t spare it a thought, just get better, please.” The desperation and the pure love behind that final word was something Archer had never heard before. Tholos grinned at him and promised he would and then his eyes closed as he lost consciousness. Shran stayed where he was for many moments still clutching Tholos’ hand tight against his chest, he seemed to be just watching Tholos’ chest rise and fall erratically as he fought to stay alive. Finally he slowly pried his hand away and carefully laid Tholos’ arm by his side. He gave him one last look and then turned away to talk to the other members of his crew, encouraging them, talking to them, he even played a game with one that was a lot like ‘I spy’ just to keep him conscious. The care and love Shran displayed was so powerful that Archer wondered why he wasn’t in pieces over the loss of so many people. He realised he was waiting until he could be alone and grieve, that he was being strong for them. Yet he still showed emotion and tenderness to them that Archer had never seen in him. When one was dying and Phlox could do nothing Shran held her hand and told her it was alright, promising her he’d make sure her family was alright. He spoke so gently and caringly, acted with such care. She died with Shran stroking the top of her head to sooth her.
(End Flashback)
Archer thought about that nightmare of a day and knew that even if Shran refused to believe them, he wouldn’t turn them away. It wasn’t his way. If he did believe them… he’d be a good father, Archer was sure of it. He looked at T’Pol and knew that she would be a good mother too. She was awkward and obviously disgusted by the mess Soval had created but she dutifully cleaned him up before taking him into her arms and bidding them goodbye. She walked out with the baby in her arms, his head resting on her shoulder. Archer smiled and then looked out the window, watching the stars wiz by. No matter what happened, things would be all right, he knew it and he believed it. This universe could be cruel, but the majority of people within it were kind, and good, and that was enough to keep it from shattering into a thousand pieces like a broken mirror.
Meanwhile, a tall, dark Terran stepped onto the base soil.
“Find the main computer and download all the files.” he commanded.
“Yes sir.” They split up and began searching through the Resistance compound. The Commander strode through the area, looking for any survivors. Hoping to find someone to kill. He wanted to punish these slaves for thinking they were more than they were. Suddenly he paused. There stuck in the ground were two simple crosses, each bearing a name. There was only one mound of earth. He leaned forward and read the names.
T’Pol T’les Shran.
Thy'lek Shran
“So it is true. Damnit! I wanted to be the one to kill that son of a bitch!” In anger he kicked the cross, splintering it. His comm. device chirruping at him prevented him from uttering more curses. “What?”
“This is Lieutenant Yates, sir, the computers have been wiped clean.”
“WHAT!”
“There’s nothing left, no logs, no data, nothing. They were ready for us.”
“Well we’ll have the technology that they left behind, that’s something.”
“A moment sir.” There was the sound of shuffling and then the Commander heard it. A beeping. A regular, countdown, beeping…
“GET OUT OF THERE!” he screamed, running for the beaming coordinates. “GET OUT NOW!” Too late there was a bang and he was flung into the air, and then he knew no more.
The garden was different than the last time. It seemed smaller, sadder. Her plant’s leaves were drooping and it seemed to be loosing the strength to stay bound to the blue tree. Thy'lek's tree. She pressed her hand to her completely flat stomach and closed her eyes as the realisation truly hit her. Her child was gone. Her mate was gone. She was alone. She sat under her tree and wrapped her arms around her legs, breathing deeply to remain calm.
“You can try that but it never works.” Her eyes flew open and she stared in shock at Thy'lek as he stood before her, hands shoved into his pockets, a small, sad smile on his face. “I tried that, it didn’t help me.” She stood up, relief coursing through her.
“Thy'lek.” His smile widened slightly,
“T’Pol.” He held out his hands to her and she instantly took them with her own, feeling the bond that unites mates strengthen at the touch. Yet his smile fell.
“What is the matter?” She asked, concerned. He swallowed and bowed his head.
“Oh T’Pol, I’m so sorry. This is all my fault. I should never have left the base. Then maybe we’d all still be alive.” So they were dead. She hadn’t really wanted to accept it. Thy'lek fell to his knees all of a sudden and looked up at her, tears flowing down his blue cheeks. He wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his face in her stomach. “Forgive me my mate. I never wanted any of this to happen. I just…”
“You just wished to escape for a time. I understand.” she told him softly, “You are hurting because of the loss of your sister, the betrayal of the Tholions, and you are tired of war.” She tugged him into standing. “That is all over now. As your people say, ‘Things are what they are, no sense in wishing they weren’t.’” He wiped his face slowly, and he smiled at her slightly, pressing his forehead to hers and pulling her body closer to his. She obligingly wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She could admit to feeling contentment as she’d never known it as he held her in his arms. Unconsciously she ran her fingers through his hair slowly. “You were right.”
“In what?”
“You promised we’d be together again.”
“I did, didn’t I.” he chuckled softly, “But where is our daughter? Soval is still alive, I’m sure the other T’Pol did as I asked.”
“Perhaps she is somewhere in the garden.” She pulled away slightly from him, “Shall we search for her?” She held out her hand. He slipped his into it.
“Yes.” They wandered through the garden slowly, Thy'lek’s eyes were constantly flying around, hoping to see maybe a small bundle lying on the soft sand. But soon they were back where they started and he sat down under his tree, whose leaves drooped with his mood. He pressed his hands together and rested the bridge of his nose against them. He was obviously greatly upset. She knelt beside him and stared at him questioningly. “I thought we’d all be together when I finally died. You, me, my family, Soval, everyone joining us as they too passed on. But they’re not here T’Pol. Where are they?”
“I do not know.” She held out her hand, first two fingers outstretched, offering comfort to him. He held his own out and they lightly stroked each other’s, feeling familiar sparks fly between them. He stared at them rather than her eyes, and she saw how much pain he was still in. He blamed himself for so many deaths, and he’d firmly believed once death had taken him he’d be able to apologise and perhaps be forgiven. Now it would appear he may not be able to. “I wish I could end your pain.” she told him softly. He looked up in surprise, and then smiled, his antennas curling in happiness.
“I know that my ashaya.” He reached out and stroked her cheek softly. “But I don’t even know myself how to stop it. But thank you.” She looked at him carefully, then leant forward and tentatively pressed her lips to his. He hooked his hand around her neck and pressed back more firmly, parting his lips slightly. She kissed him softly, letting his responses guide her movements. Finally they parted, breathing a bit heavier and stared at each other. She put her arms around his shoulders and drew him to her, letting his head rest on her chest, hugging him close, feeling the warmth of his skin compared to the iciness of her own. He gripped her arm and she could feel him struggle to control his tears. “I miss them.” he said softly, brokenly.
“I know.” She rocked him carefully, musing on how only recently they’d been in this same position. Suddenly a movement made her look up. Standing a good few feet away was an Andorian woman. Her blond hair was down to her waist, her face held a sensuality to it and a kindness. In her arms she held a bundle and as T’Pol watched a tiny, aquamarine star-like hand appeared, reaching out for a lock of hair. The woman had deep brown eyes that T’Pol knew so well, and a small smile. She silently strode forward and knelt down beside them. Thy'lek only noticed her now. She smiled at him sweetly, a sisterly smile and he stared in awe and shock.
“Lissiel?” he whispered, reaching out to touch her face but pulling away before he made contact. She nodded,
“Yes baby brother, I’m here and look, so is she.” She held out the bundle to reveal a beautiful baby girl. Her brown eyes, that matched her father’s perfectly, looked around blearily, like a newborn’s. Her skin was a shade greener than Soval’s and her hair was lighter, a mixture of blond and brown. Her ears were elegantly pointed and her eyebrows were strong and straight. Her forehead bore a single, soft crease and her two antennas squirmed curiously as her eyes focused for a moment on Thy'lek. T’Pol and Thy'lek stared in utter disbelief at their daughter. Lissiel held her out and carefully placed her in Thy'lek’s arms. Thy'lek held her close and smiled down at her. Then he looked up at his older sister.
“I wanted to call her Lissiel for you.” She smiled and kissed his brow.
“Always a soft one aren’t you.” He beamed at her and then looked at T’Pol, holding out their daughter.
“She’s so beautiful, isn’t she?”
“She is very aesthetically pleasing.” Thy'lek laughed and then swooped over and kissed her on the lips. Lissiel stood up elegantly,
“Come, everyone is waiting for you.” she pointed into the distance where a massive group of people was waiting patiently. At the front were, among others, Telev, Sten and Gral. And standing beside them was a tall, sallow skinned Vulcan with a small beard. Soval nodded to them and his eyes, even from a distance seemed to smile at them. Thy'lek stood up and carefully secured the blanket around the little baby he held. T’Pol rose to her feet and they made to follow Lissiel, but they both paused and looked at each other, thinking the same thing.
“Soval will follow us some day.” Lissiel promised, “Come.” Thy'lek held the baby close and bit his lip hard, T’Pol squared her shoulders and then let out a slow breath. She looked at Thy'lek who was staring down at the baby again, fiddling with the blanket.
“We will see him again. I’m certain of it.” He looked up and met her eyes. Slowly he smiled and nodded.
“Yes, we’ll see him again.” He held his hand out and she took it, wrapping her fingers around his. They followed Lissiel and the others into the horizon, towards eternal peace at long last.
The End
To be continued in Broken Family