Disclaimer: No, I don't own most of these characters, just K'Vel. I'm
not making any money, so don't ask for any rights.
Prologue: In my alternate universe, T'Pol was never engaged to Koss, but instead she was engaged to K'Vel. In their earlier lives, they were amiable towards each other, but after T'Pol joined to Vulcan Space Program, they lost touch. This begins after Shockwave II, when the wedding day draws near and T'Pol has to come out with her secret and decide what to do.
15 Days. 15 days until the most important day of her adult life. T'Pol gazed into the flickering flame, rather disturbed with the recent events of her life. It seemed so long ago that she had first sat in this room, disturbed with the events that were shaping her life even then. She had not wanted to be assigned to this mission. If she hadn't been Vulcan, she would have protested the post to the very end. But not only was she Vulcan, she was also an officer in the space program. It was completely against protocol to complain. So she had taken the assignment and borne the humans.
When Captain Archer asked her to stay, she had been completely surprised. Yet, she didn't refuse. This was a rare opportunity, though it would not be an easy one. Her fascination with humans outweighed her dislike of dislike of them, at least for the most part.
It had been a year of trial and tribulation, and adjusting to the circumstances and the crew had been difficult to say the least. The rows with the captain and commander were too numerous to remember individually, but somewhere along the way she had earned their trust, and developed a respect for them both.
She slowly blew out the candle and carefully stood. It took a moment for the spinning to stop in her head. The drugs pumped into her by the Suliban were still circulating. Though Dr. Phlox had told her they would wear off with no lasting results, she still felt weak and sick. Had it been hours or days since she was interrogated?
Climbing into bed, her thoughts returned to their original path: K'Vel. It had been so long since she had thought of him, much less seen him. Receiving a letter from him had been a shock and had brought on much anxiety. She wasn't prepared to give up her post on the Enterprise. But likewise, she wasn't prepared to call off her impending marriage. Warm memories permeated her sleepy mind. She remembered meeting K'Vel for the first time, at their betrothal ceremony. He had looked so serious at seven years old, but his eyes twinkled with a hidden light that made her want to learn more about him. As the years went by, she felt close to him like she did to no one else. There was a kind of intimacy they shared, and she always felt comfortable around him, almost as if they were siblings.
They had met twice a year until she joined the Space Program. She remembered telling him of her choice, and asking for his opinion.
"I have decided to join the Space Program."
He didn't look surprised in the least. "I'm happy for you."
"You are not surprised?"
"No."
She looked at him quizzically across the table.
"May I ask why?"
He took a sip of his plommek broth, choosing his words purposefully. T'Pol waited in silence.
"You have never been . . . completely comfortable here. You have always desired to serve a greater purpose than the traditional wife. Serving in the Space Program will allow you to use your scientific expertise and get you away from this environment, without damaging your reputation."
Her relief was almost tangible. She would never admit it, but his opinion mattered more to her than anything.
"You will stay here?"
"I am pursuing a career in diplomacy. Perhaps we will meet again on another planet."
She fought the urge to fidget.
"I will leave next month, but my assignment is . . . indefinite. I'm not sure when I will return."
His eyes slightly narrowed in concern.
"Surely you will be excused from duty for our marriage."
"Yes, of course." She amended quickly
"Or," he corrected, "Perhaps I will travel to join you, if you wish it at the time."
"Perhaps."
She was touched by his offer. He always put her comfort before his own. That was the last time she had seen him, or heard from him. Once she reached her post on Sarab 4, she had been too busy to write. As years went by, he also advanced in his career, and was unable to write. Until now. Now their wedding day approached, and he had contacted her; reminded her that his offer still stood. But what was she to do? She couldn't ask him to live with her aboard Enterprise; she wasn't even sure if the captain or the High Command would permit it. Such were the troubling thoughts that plagued the Subcommander late that night.
Two days later, T'Pol stood outside the captain's quarters. Squaring her shoulders with deliberate purpose, she patiently pushed aside the feelings of doubt and apprehension. She pressed the doorbell, and waited to be invited in.
Archer was surprised to see T'Pol so early in the morning, but he smiled. He still couldn't get over how she had challenged Soval and backed him up just a few days ago. It still warmed his heart. But today, something was wrong. He could almost swear she was . . . uncomfortable, or maybe even unhappy.
"Is something wrong?"
T'Pol was appalled at his ability to pick up on her mood. Was it really that obvious? Fortunately for her, decades of strict Vulcan discipline took over as she responded without missing a beat.
"Yes, in a manner of speaking."
Archer gestured to a chair.
"Have a seat and tell me about it."
She did, and carefully chose her next words. Archer waited patiently, somehow knowing that this was important and that it would require his full attention.
"How much do you know about my personal history, Captain?"
Wow, that was a shocker! Definitely didn't see that one coming! He thought to himself as he struggled to recover.
"Uh, well . . . not that much." He offered helplessly
"What does this have to do with your personal life? I thought you were always a private person, being a Vulcan and . . . well, . . ."
She cut him off, wanting to get this conversation over as soon a possible.
"It concerns my marriage plans."
Again, Archer was shocked. Why the hell was she telling him this? Then it hit him."
"You want leave to get married?"
"I didn't say that."
"Then why are we discussing this?"
"My marriage is supposed to take place in 14 days, and my situation is . . . difficult. As per Vulcan custom, my husband and I must live together for at least one year after we are married. I trust you understand the nature of my problem."
Archer's brow furrowed as he considered what she was telling him.
"I wish you'd told me sooner." He said, getting up to look out the window.
"How long until you leave?"
She also stood, steeling her nerves for the request she was about to make.
"That was what I wanted to discuss."
He turned back to look at her, not quite sure what she was up to.
"Go on."
"If you would permit it, I would like to request that he join me here."
"Here? Why?"
"I . . . do not wish to terminate my post. The logical course of action would be to have him join me. As a diplomat, he will gain experience here and be useful in future encounters with aliens"
Archer had to hide a smile. This time last year she would have given her right arm to get off his ship. But hey, why not? If having another Vulcan onboard would end her troubles, he'd do it without a qualm, despite his previous experiences with other Vulcans. Hell, if she could make it sound logical and make it look like a good deal, he'd do straight away.
"How does the High Command feel about this?"
"They agree with me and have given their full consent."
Of course, he thought wryly, why have only one Vulcan on board when you can have two?
"Well, why not? When will he be here?"
"In 8 days. We will be married on his ship on the set date. Afterwards, the ship will return to Vulcan."
He smiled. "I'll inform the crew. I assume he'll share your quarters?"
"Yes."
Again he smiled, wondering how she would react to a human style reception. He nodded, signaling her dismissal. As she turned to go, she added,
"Captain, . . . thank you."
"Anytime Subcommander, anytime."
The next 7 days flew by as the crew was informed of their superior's marriage. T'Pol was surprised at the amount of smiles she received. Crewmembers she didn't know offered their congratulations with anxious anticipation. Captain Archer and Commander Tucker had already pumped her for information, wanting to know how long she and K'Vel had known each other, how they fell in love, and what he had recently been doing. While they were disappointed to learn that Vulcan marriages were arranged, they were still obviously excited. And the surprise plans for a reception were already underway. All they had to do was wait for the wedding party.
Finally, the Vulcans arrived.
"Captain, we're being hailed."
"Put it up, Hoshi." Archer stole a glance at T'Pol, who looked as calm and collected as always.
An older male Vulcan face appeared on the viewscreen. Archer gave him his best "Captain's face" while the rest of the senior crew sat a little straighter. Nobody wanted to embarrass T'Pol in front of her family.
"Captain Archer, I presume."
"That's right. And who might you be?"
"I am Meniv, father of K'Vel."
"Pleased to meet you. I understand you will be with us for some time, so we've prepared a meal for you and your family, if you'd care to join us?"
The older Vulcan appeared to deliberate for a moment, than answered,
"We accept. When would you like us to board?"
"How's 6?"
"Acceptable. We will see you then."
Archer (and for that matter nearly everyone on the bridge) turned to their science officer, who was pointedly ignoring their looks. Trip finally asked the question on everyone's lips.
"Wait a sec, why didn't he say 'hi' to you?"
"He was addressed by the Captain. To address me would be rude."
Hoshi grinned, Archer tucked his head to hide a smile, Trip shook his head in wonder, Malcolm wondered what weapons a private Vulcan vessel had, and Travis simply smiled. Pretty much, everything was normal; they still didn't understand the finer points of Vulcan manners.
Later that night, T'Pol was heading to the Captain's mess. She couldn't help but feel slightly nervous. After all, she was going to see her fiancé, her parents, and her future in-laws for the first time in years. How would they respond when they saw her? She knew it was illogical to think she would evoke emotion from them, but she couldn't help it. As she rounded the corner and accessed the private room, she almost ran into her soon-to-be husband.
Standing mere centimeters from K'Vel, T'Pol's gaze slowly made its way from his chest to his face. She was greeted by his familiar kind hazel eyes. She noticed his face had become more sculpted. His trademark jaw was still strongly pronounced, but the new hollows under his cheekbones strangely fit him. A surge of an unrecognized emotion surged over her, rendering her rooted to the spot and oblivious to all other activity in the room.
Hello, T'Pol."
His voice was warm and kind, just as she remembered it. She found it hard to look away. In fact, it was hard to speak as well. Her vocal chords simply wouldn't make any sounds.
Jonathon and Trip exchanged looks that were a cross between bewilderment and barely contained laughter. T'Pol was actually at a loss for words. Trip desperately wished he had a camera, and Archer couldn't wait to bring this little incident up on some boring rainy day. It was nice to see their cold Subcommander caught off guard once in a while. And their chemistry was almost tangible. At last, K'Vel stepped back and faced the others in the room, breaking T'Pol out of her trance.
She stepped out of the doorway and gave the traditional split-finger greeting.
"Good evening." She said respectfully to the adults. K'Vel's parents responded with equal respect, but T'Pol's parents couldn't remain aloof. In two strides, her tiny mother crossed the threshold and lightly embraced her daughter, to the obvious shock of the other Vulcans. The older woman released her daughter just as quickly as she had hugged her.
"Forgive my display. I have missed you." She said quietly. Her voice was the same as T'Pol's, as were her eyes and nose. Streaks of gray shot through her cropped chestnut hair, but it did nothing to diminish her beauty. Her husband came to stand beside her, and he fixed his daughter with a typical fatherly assessing stare.
"You are well, I hope?"
The humans seemed a little out off by this. How could a man be so cold to his own daughter? It didn't daunt T'Pol in the least.
"Yes, I am well."
Next, she greeted K'Vel's parents, and they all sat down to a vegetarian dinner. Conversation was slow (Vulcans typically don't speak when eating) but eventually they discovered mutual interests. T'Pol and K'Vel's mother discussed the latest scientific research being done on Vulcan, Trip was talking plasma coils with T'Pol's father, and Archer discussed various alien cultures with K'Vel's father. The humans were surprised at how amiable these Vulcans were. Was it genuine, or just a one time thing for T'Pol's sake?
The week flew by between more covert planning on the reception and various meetings with the Vulcans. By the end of their stay, Archer was almost sorry to see them go. The night before the wedding, he came down to Sickbay to get an injection for an ache in his neck. He was surprised to see T'Pol there.
"Shouldn't you be asleep? Tomorrow's your big day." He said with a grin.
"I was unable to sleep."
"Nerves, huh?"
"Perhaps."
Archer didn't know whether to laugh or sigh. Poor T'Pol was getting cold feet. And why shouldn't she, his mind argued. She's about to marry a guy she hardly knows and bring him to live among humans!
"Anything I can do?"
" Actually, I was wondering . . . if you and the senior crew would like to attend the ceremony."
She had caught him unawares again. She seemed to be doing that lot lately.
"Well, um, sure. I'm sure they'd--we'd-- love to come."
T'Pol's eyes screamed gratitude, and it touched him. She had come so far and done so much for them, the least he could do was indulge her now.
"I'll see you at 0800. Now try and get some sleep."
"I will. Goodnight Captain."
Prologue: In my alternate universe, T'Pol was never engaged to Koss, but instead she was engaged to K'Vel. In their earlier lives, they were amiable towards each other, but after T'Pol joined to Vulcan Space Program, they lost touch. This begins after Shockwave II, when the wedding day draws near and T'Pol has to come out with her secret and decide what to do.
15 Days. 15 days until the most important day of her adult life. T'Pol gazed into the flickering flame, rather disturbed with the recent events of her life. It seemed so long ago that she had first sat in this room, disturbed with the events that were shaping her life even then. She had not wanted to be assigned to this mission. If she hadn't been Vulcan, she would have protested the post to the very end. But not only was she Vulcan, she was also an officer in the space program. It was completely against protocol to complain. So she had taken the assignment and borne the humans.
When Captain Archer asked her to stay, she had been completely surprised. Yet, she didn't refuse. This was a rare opportunity, though it would not be an easy one. Her fascination with humans outweighed her dislike of dislike of them, at least for the most part.
It had been a year of trial and tribulation, and adjusting to the circumstances and the crew had been difficult to say the least. The rows with the captain and commander were too numerous to remember individually, but somewhere along the way she had earned their trust, and developed a respect for them both.
She slowly blew out the candle and carefully stood. It took a moment for the spinning to stop in her head. The drugs pumped into her by the Suliban were still circulating. Though Dr. Phlox had told her they would wear off with no lasting results, she still felt weak and sick. Had it been hours or days since she was interrogated?
Climbing into bed, her thoughts returned to their original path: K'Vel. It had been so long since she had thought of him, much less seen him. Receiving a letter from him had been a shock and had brought on much anxiety. She wasn't prepared to give up her post on the Enterprise. But likewise, she wasn't prepared to call off her impending marriage. Warm memories permeated her sleepy mind. She remembered meeting K'Vel for the first time, at their betrothal ceremony. He had looked so serious at seven years old, but his eyes twinkled with a hidden light that made her want to learn more about him. As the years went by, she felt close to him like she did to no one else. There was a kind of intimacy they shared, and she always felt comfortable around him, almost as if they were siblings.
They had met twice a year until she joined the Space Program. She remembered telling him of her choice, and asking for his opinion.
"I have decided to join the Space Program."
He didn't look surprised in the least. "I'm happy for you."
"You are not surprised?"
"No."
She looked at him quizzically across the table.
"May I ask why?"
He took a sip of his plommek broth, choosing his words purposefully. T'Pol waited in silence.
"You have never been . . . completely comfortable here. You have always desired to serve a greater purpose than the traditional wife. Serving in the Space Program will allow you to use your scientific expertise and get you away from this environment, without damaging your reputation."
Her relief was almost tangible. She would never admit it, but his opinion mattered more to her than anything.
"You will stay here?"
"I am pursuing a career in diplomacy. Perhaps we will meet again on another planet."
She fought the urge to fidget.
"I will leave next month, but my assignment is . . . indefinite. I'm not sure when I will return."
His eyes slightly narrowed in concern.
"Surely you will be excused from duty for our marriage."
"Yes, of course." She amended quickly
"Or," he corrected, "Perhaps I will travel to join you, if you wish it at the time."
"Perhaps."
She was touched by his offer. He always put her comfort before his own. That was the last time she had seen him, or heard from him. Once she reached her post on Sarab 4, she had been too busy to write. As years went by, he also advanced in his career, and was unable to write. Until now. Now their wedding day approached, and he had contacted her; reminded her that his offer still stood. But what was she to do? She couldn't ask him to live with her aboard Enterprise; she wasn't even sure if the captain or the High Command would permit it. Such were the troubling thoughts that plagued the Subcommander late that night.
Two days later, T'Pol stood outside the captain's quarters. Squaring her shoulders with deliberate purpose, she patiently pushed aside the feelings of doubt and apprehension. She pressed the doorbell, and waited to be invited in.
Archer was surprised to see T'Pol so early in the morning, but he smiled. He still couldn't get over how she had challenged Soval and backed him up just a few days ago. It still warmed his heart. But today, something was wrong. He could almost swear she was . . . uncomfortable, or maybe even unhappy.
"Is something wrong?"
T'Pol was appalled at his ability to pick up on her mood. Was it really that obvious? Fortunately for her, decades of strict Vulcan discipline took over as she responded without missing a beat.
"Yes, in a manner of speaking."
Archer gestured to a chair.
"Have a seat and tell me about it."
She did, and carefully chose her next words. Archer waited patiently, somehow knowing that this was important and that it would require his full attention.
"How much do you know about my personal history, Captain?"
Wow, that was a shocker! Definitely didn't see that one coming! He thought to himself as he struggled to recover.
"Uh, well . . . not that much." He offered helplessly
"What does this have to do with your personal life? I thought you were always a private person, being a Vulcan and . . . well, . . ."
She cut him off, wanting to get this conversation over as soon a possible.
"It concerns my marriage plans."
Again, Archer was shocked. Why the hell was she telling him this? Then it hit him."
"You want leave to get married?"
"I didn't say that."
"Then why are we discussing this?"
"My marriage is supposed to take place in 14 days, and my situation is . . . difficult. As per Vulcan custom, my husband and I must live together for at least one year after we are married. I trust you understand the nature of my problem."
Archer's brow furrowed as he considered what she was telling him.
"I wish you'd told me sooner." He said, getting up to look out the window.
"How long until you leave?"
She also stood, steeling her nerves for the request she was about to make.
"That was what I wanted to discuss."
He turned back to look at her, not quite sure what she was up to.
"Go on."
"If you would permit it, I would like to request that he join me here."
"Here? Why?"
"I . . . do not wish to terminate my post. The logical course of action would be to have him join me. As a diplomat, he will gain experience here and be useful in future encounters with aliens"
Archer had to hide a smile. This time last year she would have given her right arm to get off his ship. But hey, why not? If having another Vulcan onboard would end her troubles, he'd do it without a qualm, despite his previous experiences with other Vulcans. Hell, if she could make it sound logical and make it look like a good deal, he'd do straight away.
"How does the High Command feel about this?"
"They agree with me and have given their full consent."
Of course, he thought wryly, why have only one Vulcan on board when you can have two?
"Well, why not? When will he be here?"
"In 8 days. We will be married on his ship on the set date. Afterwards, the ship will return to Vulcan."
He smiled. "I'll inform the crew. I assume he'll share your quarters?"
"Yes."
Again he smiled, wondering how she would react to a human style reception. He nodded, signaling her dismissal. As she turned to go, she added,
"Captain, . . . thank you."
"Anytime Subcommander, anytime."
The next 7 days flew by as the crew was informed of their superior's marriage. T'Pol was surprised at the amount of smiles she received. Crewmembers she didn't know offered their congratulations with anxious anticipation. Captain Archer and Commander Tucker had already pumped her for information, wanting to know how long she and K'Vel had known each other, how they fell in love, and what he had recently been doing. While they were disappointed to learn that Vulcan marriages were arranged, they were still obviously excited. And the surprise plans for a reception were already underway. All they had to do was wait for the wedding party.
Finally, the Vulcans arrived.
"Captain, we're being hailed."
"Put it up, Hoshi." Archer stole a glance at T'Pol, who looked as calm and collected as always.
An older male Vulcan face appeared on the viewscreen. Archer gave him his best "Captain's face" while the rest of the senior crew sat a little straighter. Nobody wanted to embarrass T'Pol in front of her family.
"Captain Archer, I presume."
"That's right. And who might you be?"
"I am Meniv, father of K'Vel."
"Pleased to meet you. I understand you will be with us for some time, so we've prepared a meal for you and your family, if you'd care to join us?"
The older Vulcan appeared to deliberate for a moment, than answered,
"We accept. When would you like us to board?"
"How's 6?"
"Acceptable. We will see you then."
Archer (and for that matter nearly everyone on the bridge) turned to their science officer, who was pointedly ignoring their looks. Trip finally asked the question on everyone's lips.
"Wait a sec, why didn't he say 'hi' to you?"
"He was addressed by the Captain. To address me would be rude."
Hoshi grinned, Archer tucked his head to hide a smile, Trip shook his head in wonder, Malcolm wondered what weapons a private Vulcan vessel had, and Travis simply smiled. Pretty much, everything was normal; they still didn't understand the finer points of Vulcan manners.
Later that night, T'Pol was heading to the Captain's mess. She couldn't help but feel slightly nervous. After all, she was going to see her fiancé, her parents, and her future in-laws for the first time in years. How would they respond when they saw her? She knew it was illogical to think she would evoke emotion from them, but she couldn't help it. As she rounded the corner and accessed the private room, she almost ran into her soon-to-be husband.
Standing mere centimeters from K'Vel, T'Pol's gaze slowly made its way from his chest to his face. She was greeted by his familiar kind hazel eyes. She noticed his face had become more sculpted. His trademark jaw was still strongly pronounced, but the new hollows under his cheekbones strangely fit him. A surge of an unrecognized emotion surged over her, rendering her rooted to the spot and oblivious to all other activity in the room.
Hello, T'Pol."
His voice was warm and kind, just as she remembered it. She found it hard to look away. In fact, it was hard to speak as well. Her vocal chords simply wouldn't make any sounds.
Jonathon and Trip exchanged looks that were a cross between bewilderment and barely contained laughter. T'Pol was actually at a loss for words. Trip desperately wished he had a camera, and Archer couldn't wait to bring this little incident up on some boring rainy day. It was nice to see their cold Subcommander caught off guard once in a while. And their chemistry was almost tangible. At last, K'Vel stepped back and faced the others in the room, breaking T'Pol out of her trance.
She stepped out of the doorway and gave the traditional split-finger greeting.
"Good evening." She said respectfully to the adults. K'Vel's parents responded with equal respect, but T'Pol's parents couldn't remain aloof. In two strides, her tiny mother crossed the threshold and lightly embraced her daughter, to the obvious shock of the other Vulcans. The older woman released her daughter just as quickly as she had hugged her.
"Forgive my display. I have missed you." She said quietly. Her voice was the same as T'Pol's, as were her eyes and nose. Streaks of gray shot through her cropped chestnut hair, but it did nothing to diminish her beauty. Her husband came to stand beside her, and he fixed his daughter with a typical fatherly assessing stare.
"You are well, I hope?"
The humans seemed a little out off by this. How could a man be so cold to his own daughter? It didn't daunt T'Pol in the least.
"Yes, I am well."
Next, she greeted K'Vel's parents, and they all sat down to a vegetarian dinner. Conversation was slow (Vulcans typically don't speak when eating) but eventually they discovered mutual interests. T'Pol and K'Vel's mother discussed the latest scientific research being done on Vulcan, Trip was talking plasma coils with T'Pol's father, and Archer discussed various alien cultures with K'Vel's father. The humans were surprised at how amiable these Vulcans were. Was it genuine, or just a one time thing for T'Pol's sake?
The week flew by between more covert planning on the reception and various meetings with the Vulcans. By the end of their stay, Archer was almost sorry to see them go. The night before the wedding, he came down to Sickbay to get an injection for an ache in his neck. He was surprised to see T'Pol there.
"Shouldn't you be asleep? Tomorrow's your big day." He said with a grin.
"I was unable to sleep."
"Nerves, huh?"
"Perhaps."
Archer didn't know whether to laugh or sigh. Poor T'Pol was getting cold feet. And why shouldn't she, his mind argued. She's about to marry a guy she hardly knows and bring him to live among humans!
"Anything I can do?"
" Actually, I was wondering . . . if you and the senior crew would like to attend the ceremony."
She had caught him unawares again. She seemed to be doing that lot lately.
"Well, um, sure. I'm sure they'd--we'd-- love to come."
T'Pol's eyes screamed gratitude, and it touched him. She had come so far and done so much for them, the least he could do was indulge her now.
"I'll see you at 0800. Now try and get some sleep."
"I will. Goodnight Captain."