REFLECTION
By: Wolfa Moon
**************************************************
"Mmm," The Muraren began to sit up.
"Hold on miss."
"Miss?" It said and looked over at the person who spoke. It was alien but one that never encountered before but looked familiar. It was a greenish alien with purple ring of horns around its head.
"Yes." The creature came over toward the other.
"Sorry, you must be mistaken." Then it hit. "What's wrong with my voice?"
"Calm down, calm down. Tell me what is the last thing you remember."
"No. Where am I?"
"You are at my medical facility on Tanvin."
"So we haven't left yet. I have to go."
"Wait." The other creature put a hand down to stop but the other jumped up. When it reached the door a mirror stood there. It caught it's reflection for the first time. It was female. Purple skin in color with a circle of gold horns around her forehead.
"What the hell?"
"As I was trying to tell you?"
"What have you done?" She tried the door. It didn't open. "Let me out!"
"Miss?" She banged on the door forcefully. "Miss?"
"My name is Lt. Malcolm Reed of the starship Enterprise."
"Oh." The Lt. Banged on the door again. "That explains a few things." He/she stopped and faced him.
"What explains a few things?" he settled down and stood at ease.
"Your neuron charges don't match that of the original owner."
"So she took my body?"
"What where you doing before waking here?"
"I was, talking to," he looked into the mirror. "Her. We helped her ship reach dock here. They offered to show us around."
"And what a time she did."
"Can this be changed?"
"Yes it can." Malcolm looked down to the ground as if a scolded child. "What is wrong?"
"I want to apologize for earlier."
"Don't worry about it. But we need to get you back into your body."
"Yes. Who knows what damage she can cause."
"How can I help, and my name is Dr. Ti'Karth."
"Pleasure to meet you," She extended his hand to him. The alien smiled. He extended his hand. Lt. Reed took it and shook it. " And thank you."
*
"So Malcolm what did you think of the movie?" Ensign Maryweather asked the Lt. Reed/Alien.
"It was alright. Not enough explosions."
"Come on." And the two walked off.
*
The doctor sat still while the Lt. twirled infront of him.
"Not bad."
"Well plastic surgery is not really my first line of practice but I think I did an okay job." Malcolm needed a way to get onboard Enterprise and not be recognized by the person who was he. So he suggested a body change or plastic surgery.
"Well it does look human." Black hair to the middle of the neck with some gold highlights. Pale human skin with purple tintish, which the doctor had observed from the humans walking around. The eye color was a little off. It turned out to be a brownish blue color. The outfit was just simple black pants and a purple vest top with white sleeves. "Not bad."
"Tinta Tuta."
"What?"
"Not bad. You will have to learn the language if you are to pose as my assistant."
"You got us onboard Enterprise?"
"Yes."
"How?"
"I asked politely for transport from the captain as you suggested and he accepted."
"Wonderful."
"Yes, but there is one more thing." Malcolm looked at him in confusion. "You're a female. Act like one." Malcolm looked at him in shock.
*
They would be departing in two days with Enterprise. The doctor had taken him cloths shopping and made him get a dress. And he had to learn the basic of languages, Ti'Karth's language and the species he was, Muraren, A close cousin to the doctors. He learned some medical techniques and also some advantages of his form. They could see, hear, smells, taste, touch, better then anything, A perfect assistant. He also got to learn the weapons of some of the following systems and their ships. He was delightfully happy. And the necessities of acting like a woman.
*
"Are you ready Lt.?"
"Almost. You bought me so much stuff and so many data pads I can't fit it all in." Finally gets satchel closed after a struggle so things wouldn't come out.
"Then this should help." Malcolm turned around to come face to face with a beautiful dress, it was a silk like fabric and flowing with a cape. It was colorful of rainbows.
"It's beautiful. Do you spoil you daughters like this?"
"Yes, when they were children. But they are all grown up now. So what do you think?"
"I can't fit that in my bag." Looking over at the over plump bag.
"Don't worry I'll bring it." He turned away for a moment and turned around again "One more thing. Here." He held out a crystal like pendent with a circle around it with an engraving on it.
"Another gift?"
"No, a locator. So if I'm in danger it will glow purple. If I am in wounded."
"Red."
"Yes and if you are."
"You will know."
"Very good. That outfit looks good on you."
"It's just the average assistant outfit."
"Yes." It was a pair of pants with a no sleeve short skirt shirt of a bluish color. Malcolm went over to the mirror to put the pendent on. "Well I have to call you something else beside Malcolm, don't you think?" the doctor called the attention of the pondering thought going through his head.
"You do have a point." Malcolm smiled at his new reflection. "Telarsa"
"Yes, indeed." The doctor said looking into the mirror. "Very beautiful. So any idea?" Malcolm looked around the room then back to the mirror.
"Mirror." The doctor looked at it in surprise.
"Mirror? Tredfas." He translated to him. Malcolm smiled at him but nodded no. " You wished to be called mirror?"
"Why not?" Looking back into it.
"Truly." The doctor handed him his bag. "Then let's go, Mirror." Malcolm checked his hair that was up in a simple ponytail.
"Coming Doctor." She took her bag and they exited.
*
"So T'Pol have Vulcans encountered this species before."
"Yes several times."
"And?"
"They are intelligent. They normally keep to there own species. They have a close cousin called the Muraren. They isn't a lot about them though."
"Really."
"They are just docking now sir" An ensign informed the captain.
"Thank you" Capt. Archer and T'Pol went down to the craft and watched the two new arrivals come out.
"Hello I'm Captain Archer. This is my second, Sub-Command T'Pol."
"Tusana, Captain. I'm Doctor Ti'Karth this is my assistant Mirror. I hope you don't mind that I brought her along."
"No not at all. This way."
"We thank you for taking us to Yavin."
"No problem." The two of them stepped away from the shuttle and toward the Captain. The captain extended his hand. Ti'Karth looked to Malcolm/Mirror then to the captain. He put out his hand and shuck it.
"Welcome aboard. If you will follow us we will show you to your quarters."
"Thank you Captain." They followed out the door. Something shimmered against the wall as the exited. Mirror/Malcolm stopped and starred at it. The others walked on.
"I didn't know humans had come out this far Ms. Mirror?" The Captain began.
"Well Mirror is…" They all looked back. Mirror was outside the bay looking at the spot and down the corridor. The Doctor came over.
"TiTa?" {ok?}
"Yes. Theles." {Shimmer.}
"Oh. Come on." The two walked up to where the Captain was.
"Is something wrong?"
"No." Mirror began. "Just a very pretty ship."
"Thank you. This way."
*
They dropped their belongings in their quateres and began a tour of the ship.
"And this is engineering." The captain announced as they came down the ladder stairs deal. When Mirror came down Trip offered a hand. Malcolm/Mirror just ignored him and took a leapt from the 3rd step landing next to the doctor. The doctor smiled at her but gave him a glare that said. 'Not lady like.' Mirror just shrugged her shoulders. Trip came around to infront of them. Everyone was looking over at the new arrivals. Malcolm/Mirror had to admit the body wasn't that pretty but it was pretty enough to catch some people's eyes.
"This is my chief engineer, Commander Charles Tucker the third."
" Tusana Commander the third." Mirror/Malcolm laughed at the doctor's greeting to Trip.
"Actually people call me Trip."
"Trip, alright. Tusana, Trip."
"Um, Tucana to you." Mirror raised her hand to her mouth.
"No.Tu-Sa-na." The doctor corrected.
"What did I say?"
"Mirror care to inform him."
"Not really." Malcolm backed up to the statement.
"Why not? Is it something bad?" Trip looked like a sad puppy and took a step closer to her.
"Mirror inform him."
"You screamed at me last time."
"By accident."
"It's a curse word relative to the um, bad word." Trip look of 'how bad.' "Real bad." Dr. Tt'Karth had bellowed at him/her for saying it. He treated him as if the girl he possessed or one of his daughters. He had 3 of them. He later apologized and told him what it meant.
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright Trip." The Dr informed. "A very impressive piece of machinery. Don't you think Mirror?" Malcolm/Mirror had seen the shimmer again and was along the side of the engine. "Mirror?"
"Here." The Doctor, Trip and Captain came over to her.
"Impressive."
"It's nice." She squatted down. Her knee high boots squeaking as she came down.
"Something wrong?" trip asked."
"No." Mirror reached under the plate infront of her and pulled something out. It was a golden device. She came back over to the group.
"This way," the captain said. "See you for dinner Trip."
"Count on it."
"Doctor?" Mirror showed him the device.
"Is this suppose to be there?"
"No, I guess she's been busy."
"How did you know it was there?"
"Tarlo." Mirror pointed to her ears. Hmm, was the doctor's only response.
*
The Captain gave then a full tour of the ship when they reached bridge. Lt. Malcolm Reed or rather his body sat at his post attentively. It looked normal. It was a short round of introductions. Didn't want to arouse any suspicion. After then they were shown where they would be eating.
*
"So what is this we are eating?" The doctor held the fork up in the air. The captain sat at on end The Doctor at the other. T'Pol and Mirror on one side and Trip on the other.
"Chicken parmesan."
"Very tasty."
"I tell the chief."
"Thank you."
"So doctor what is it you intend to do on Yavin?" The captain asked. The Doctor ate his bit of Chicken.
"Oh, Teach new students, create new things, put old things back in their place." He smiled over at Mirror.
"So Mirror how is it you came to be on Tanvin?" The captain asked. Mirror looked down at her food then to the captain.
"Sir?"
"Well, a human, so far from home all the way out here."
"It's a long story sir. Probably to long for a dinner discussion."
"Well then how about a short one?" Trip enquired. Mirror looked at T'Pol then to the Doctor. Mirror released a sigh.
"Ok," Short story. "Spaceship, crash. Lone survivor. Doctor rescued. Been with him since. Still here." She told them dryly and took bite of her food.
"Sorry."
"No that is okay." She took a sip of her drink. " Captain, there is a security guard posted on us, correct." The captain choked.
"Yes, for your protection."
"I don't mind. Just can you have him not travel so far behind. It's hard to keep an eye on him. And he keeps missing the lift and losing us."
"Lt. Reed thought it might be better to keep it discrete."
"Keep it that descrete and I will be dead before the guard reaches me. May I be excused?"
"We haven't had desert yet?" Trip announced.
"I have work to do. But the doctor will stay and relax. You will enjoy it."
"Alright. Telandsa." Mirror stood up and kissed him on the forehead. To keep appearance.
"Telandsa." She turned to the group. "Telandsa."
"Good night." The captain said.
"Don't let the bed bugs bite." Mirror exited.
"She turned out fine?" The doctor asked more on appearance than quality.
"Yes she did." The captain said. " Maybe we should have our doctor check her out."
"No, she doesn't trust anybody else."
"She's very formal." Trip noticed.
"Yes, she's very protective. A trait I very much admire."
"So why didn't you contact Earth when you discovered her?" the captain inquired.
"We never knew much of Earth. And I was such a small town practitioner that we never looked into it. My family took her in and raised her as our own. She is a magnificent assistant."
"But why Mirror?"
"Pardon?"
"For a name?" Trip asked.
"She was fascinated with it and besides that was all she spoke in human was mirror so we called her that. So what is desert?"
*
Doctor returned to the quarters and opened the doors. A security officer was outside the door. All the lights were out.
"Mirror? Mirror?" His hand reached for the lights.
"Don't" He heard her voice. "The lights hurt my eyes."
"What did I tell you?" The door closed. "You have to concentrate and it will adjust."
"I was practicing."
"May I?"
"Sure." When he turned on the lights she was standing only but 2 feet from him. He looked over at the table. A bunch of other devices lay on the table.
"Where did you get these?"
"They were scattered through out the ship. Some where even in this room." She backed up a seat and sat down. " Don't worry I deactivated them all."
"So it's are other you?"
"Yes I think?"
"What do you mean?" He picked up a golden disk.
"They don't look like your technology. Of all I studied. It doesn't compare. But some does so it looks like someone is trying to stop it though."
"So this person is trying to stop someone."
"That's what I'm thinking now."
"But you're not sure?"
"No. So how was desert?"
"Excellent. They asked a lot of questions."
"I've never eaten dinner in there before." Picking up one of the devices.
"Really. I asked to speak with Lt. Reed about his security and thank him."
"When?" Looking up at the doctor in shock.
"Tomorrow. You need rest. I'll leave you."
"No. I'll go with you." Stands up to go with.
"No, you need rest. You had a long couple of days and besides. You need to stay healthy and in perstien condition in order to switch. So rest."
"Yes, Ti'Karth." He kisses her on the head.
" Telandsa Mirror."
" Telandsa."
"I'm across the hall." He exits.
*
Mirror sat in the mess hall eating her breakfast.
"May I join you?" Mirror looked up at Trip.
"Sure Commander."
"Trip."
"Trip."
"Trying the eggs. A personal favorite."
"Yes they are good."
"So where is the doc?"
"Speaking to yours? He told me to eat something."
"Smart man. Hey Lt. Reed." Lt. Reed looked up from his pad. "Why don't you join us?"
"Sorry I'm busy."
"Please join us Lt. the eggs are delicious." Malcolm/Alien looked Mirror/Malcolm up and down.
"No thank you I have a lot of work to do today."
"Lt.?"
"Yes."
"Thank you for the security."
"Tel, Welcome." He exited. Mirror recognized the error. Telrescop {welcome}.
"He sure is busy."
"Yes a true workaholic." The two doctors walked in. They gathered some food for themselves and made their way over to them.
"So how are you today Mirror?" Dr Phlox asked.
"I'm very well and yourself?"
"Excellent." He began to dig into his food. A smell filled the air. Nobody around the room seemed to notice, except for Mirror. Mirror smelled for it.
"So Doctor Ti'Karth tells me you're a master with studies. What have you studied so far?" Mirror wasn't noticing. Trip and them all looked at her. She looked at Ti'Karth then to his tray. He raised the fork to his mouth. Mirror flew like a flash and flipped everything into the air. The food fell to the ground.
"Mirror what is going on?" Ti'Karth questioned. Mirror picked up a piece with a napkin and ran out of the room. "Excuse me." Ti'Karth stood up and exited. Phlox looked to Trip. Trip responded.
"I guessed she didn't like the eggs."
*
When Ti'Karth entered the room he Found Mirror/Malcolm at a table analyzing the egg.
"You better have a good explanation for doing that." He came over to her.
"I do." She moved away from her scanner. "Tramazeen." The doctor looked down at the scan. "If you would have eaten that one single bite."
"I would have been dead." He finished the thought.
"There is more going on here then simple sabotage and body switching." The doctor looked over at her.
*
"The child interfered with the plot." The shimmer said to the communication device.
"Then annihilate them both but annihilate the main target." Then the shimmer faded back into the wall. And a crewman passed by not even noticing.
*
"Good morning Lt. Williams." Mirror greeted the security guard outside the Dr quarters.
"Good Morning Mirror."
"He still in there?"
"As far as I know?"
"Good." Mirror ran her hand over the door panel and it opened. She walked in.
"Dr Ti'Karth!" There was no answer. "Doctor?"
"Here." He said from behind her. She turned around and faced him.
"Jesus."
"I scared you."
"Yes. The captain asked us to join us on the bridge."
"Alright." Mirror scanned the room. She picked up another necklace identical to hers.
"You took it off?"
"Oh sorry." He took it from her. "You look nice." Mirror wore a nice purple shirt skirt but halved with white sleeves, and with black pants.
"You're changing the subject."
"So what if I am. Let's go." The two exited the room. When the two exited the room the shimmer entered the room.
*
"Good morning captain?"
"Good morning Doctor, Mirror."
"Sir." They looked out at the view screen. There was a purpled planet infront of them.
"Do you know what planet that is?" The captain asked the doctor. The doctor looked over to Mirror. She looked up at him then to the viewscreen. She took a few steps forward.
"Since we're heading toward Yavin and this one has no rings and is purple in color. I would say its, Garvinsa?" She looked over to the doctor.
"Correct. Much prettier in person then in a text padd you agree."
"Yes. But dangerous."
"I'm picking up no transmissions from the planet." Hoshi informed the crew.
"You won't." The doctor informed. "It's inhabitable. It's a destructive planet. It's basically used for spiritual rituals."
"Tulcalanmashaca Tulshera." The doctor bowed his head at the mention of the words. He raised his hands to his chest as had Mirror. The crew focused on them so they didn't notice Malcolm/Alien following along. "Tyramus Tahna Tolak Teram Terotsh Terfroge." Mirror continued. They moved their hands out then to the side and back in. "Terosa." Mirror's head popped up and turned around. She slightly blushed. The doctor nodded his acceptance of what she/he did. Mirror/Malcolm looked over at Himself. His head was bowed but noticed how he had moved his hands across his panel to participate in the prayer. Malcolm nodded to her.
"What was that? That was beautiful." Hoshi asked. The doctor turned to Hoshi.
"It's an ancient prayer. This is where we bring our dead. Our spiritual place. Mirror well done." Mirror bowed her head. Thinking how unlike him but how honorable it was for Ti'Karth after so much he has done for her/him. Mirror walked over to the doctor's side. "Thank you for calling us up her to see this captain." The Doctor put a protective arm around her. "Not many stop to see and respect. Thank you." The two began to exit.
"Where are you going?" The doctor was already on the turbolift, he patted her arm. Mirror stopped to answer her captains question.
"With respect to the dead we reflect and meditate on them. So thank you for telling us that we have passed." The turbolift had closed and the doctor had left. Mirror looked down at her necklace it was turning a blue. He was sad. He had lost a daughter recently. And that he was here not long ago. He/she finally remembered. "Thank you."
"Don't mention it." The blue finally faded. He musta taken it off to stop it from glowing. Mirror bowed and exited the bridge. Archer looked over to Hoshi.
"Do you have any idea to what she said?"
"No captain. I still can't figure out the Tatantic language. Luckily she understood English."
"Alright."
"But did you see her necklace. It shined." Hoshi informed them.
"Yeah I noticed." Archer said.
"Taklas." Malcolm said. Everyone looked over at him. "That's what they're called. A woman tried selling me a set. Two wear them and they know what the other is feeling."
"So what does blue stand for?" Archer asked.
"Sadness." Malcolm informed.
*
Mirror was going to enter the doctor's quarters but stayed against it. Out of respect for faith. She looked down the hall. The security guard musta gotten something to eat. Mirror shrugged her shoulders and went inside her quarters. When her doors closed the doctors opened and the shimmer came out leaving a smear of purple along the doorframe.
*