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Chapter 2

Starfleet's reaction was pretty much as Archer had expected. Admiral Gardner's was at any rate. First he'd been disbelieving, then he'd been angry at the fact it had been kept a secret, then angry at the threat it posed to the political development between the planets. When he'd calmed down and accepted the information, he told Archer he'd need to speak with the Starfleet Council. They both agreed to keep this information as secret as possible.

Now Archer was reviewing the Laws of Andoria, specifically those regarding children. After an hour his brain was beginning to hurt, there were so many laws and sub-laws and sub-sub-laws and exceptions, that eventually he gave up and switched his consol off.

His anger had subsided a bit by then. It was becoming clear that Shran couldn't have told him, even if he'd wanted to. Andorian law had prevented him.

His door chime beeped.

"Come in."

The door slid in and Ambassador Soval entered the ready room. Archer stood up,

"Soval."

"Captain."

"Please, sit down."

Much to Archer's surprise, Soval did. The Vulcan regarded the Human carefully, before speaking,

"Have you had time to absorb this… revelation?"

"A little."

"You were quite distressed by it."

"You could say that. You were there when the news of the Andres family became public. You saw the way Earth reacted. When it comes out that their worst fears are truths and it's a species we're trying to make friends with-"

"The Ambassador made it clear she was not abused, which was the greatest concern of Earth at the time. And you are attempting to involve the Xindi in the Coalition. It may not be as violent a reaction as you expect."

"I don't know about that. I mean, yes, what the Xindi did was far worse, by an unfathomable degree, but I have this feeling Earth will react to this badly because… because it was the first time it happened, you know?"

"I believe I understand. It was your first experience and it remains fixed in your minds and its strength of effect has not diminished in the passing time."

"Exactly."

"I do not doubt it will disconcerting for Earth, given the upset it caused, but it must be remembered that this not a tragedy or a negative revelation. Raizel Andres is not only alive, she has been raised and cared for-"

"Allegedly! The medical records could be false."

"Captain, do you really think Shran would harm her?"

Archer sighed, sitting back in his seat. "Probably not. Although I can't help but recall my first meeting with him."

"A rather memorable first contact."

"Archer gave a huff of a laugh, "Indeed." Then he sobered again, "Even if Shran didn't harm her, he's probably been in space for most of her life, working for the Imperial Guard. Who did she live with? Did they treat her well? And what about other Andorians? They're all xenophobic, they're even hostile to the Aenar. I find it hard to believe that they would have just accepted her."

"It does seem unlikely. However, I have become quite familiar with Andorian laws and policies. They do seem to be very strict in their handling of all children, alien or otherwise. They don't involve them in anything political, and in theory don't allow their prejudices against a species affect their treatment of a child. As they see it, if the child has no choice or involvement in the politics of their people, then it is not justified to punish them for their species actions. They place great value on maintaining this policy. Even during the height of Vulcan-Andorian hostilities, if the Andorians happened upon a Vulcan child, they would return it safely to us. I believe it was the same with the Tellerites, and even with the Orions, their traditional enemy. Had first contact with humans occurred before she was found, no doubt she would have been returned to you."

"So it's bad timing for all."

"So it would seem."

They were silent for a moment, then Archer held out the PADD to the Vulcan.

"Take a look."

Soval took the PADD and looked at the small screen. On it was a digital image of a young human adolescent.

She was dressed in dark blue silk, with fur trimming on her hood that draped elegantly on her shoulders. Her skin was incredibly pale, quite literally white, rather than the pink Shran enjoyed commenting on. Her hair, which Soval recalled from the picture of the Andres family as being brown, was now white blond, with silver, darker blond and white highlights. It was thick, wavy and long. Like most young Andorian females, she wore it loose about her shoulders. It was clear she wasn't posing, she was in mid step, looking over her shoulder, as if someone was calling her back. She had the cool, dignified expression that Soval had seen on many Andorian females, and she held her head high, like a noble.

Soval noted with some fascination that her eyes, despite being green rather than brown, were incredibly similar to Shran's in terms of their strength and intelligence.

Setting the PADD down again, Soval said, "It does not appear that she has suffered at their hands. If it were not for the difference in humans and Andorians physically, no doubt there would be no way to tell the difference in her."

Archer nodded, he too had been struck by the way she held her herself in the picture. Her almost haughty expression made her look older than 15, and there was no sign of childhood puppy fat. Archer could remember the toddler in the pictures had been rather chubby, brown haired and Bambi-eyed. He barely recognised her in this Andorian-styled girl.

"What do you think Starfleet will tell you to do?"

"I'd say they'll order Enterprise to Andoria to meet her, and have Phlox confirm her health and maybe bring her to Earth."

"Bringing her to Earth against her will could be construed as an act of aggression on the part of the Andorians, as Ambassador Thoris said."

"We can try to reason with her, and she may in fact want to come with us and just not want to say it to the Andorians."

"You think she is afraid of speaking her mind?"

"Afraid, or maybe just reluctant to seem ungrateful for their care. We won't know until we meet her. But I can't do anything until I hear from Starfleet."

"Of course."

"I'm sure I don't need to ask you to keep this information to yourself for the time being."

"I suspected that you would ask that of me. I will not inform the High Command just yet, but I cannot deliberately deceive them."

"Thanks. I just don't want this news getting out until we've determined how it's to be handled. The Andres extended family has a lot of public support."

"Indeed."

Archer pushed the PADD aside, "Let's talk about something else. You said you had something you wished to discuss with me?"

"I did. Although perhaps now is not the best time."

"Well, we're here now, may as well say it."

Soval nodded, "Very well. I have been planning to submit a petition to the Imperial Council, regarding Commander Shran."

Ah, now Archer understood his reluctance. "Petition for what?"

"Despite the fact that he can be… trying at times, I have found Commander Shran an agreeable diplomat in matters of interplanetary cooperation. I am going to request that he be made a full time Ambassador, since he no longer has a vessel to command."

"Do you think the Imperial Guard will allow it? Shran gave the implication that he would not be seeing any kind of promotion after the destruction of the Kumari."

"True, however, I believe that if enough support can be garnered for him, the Imperial Guard may relent."

"Ah… you want me to add my support to the petition."

"Yes Captain. Ambassador Gral has agreed to assist as well."

"Do you think that would be enough?"

"I understand that Shran does have some supporters in his government, who have been pleased with his work thus far in maintaining peace for his planet and people. Ambassador Gral is also speaking with the Coridians, and I believe they too will vouch for him. That should be enough to convince the Imperial Guard that it is the logical course to take."

"Well… I'm not sure Shran will necessarily appreciate it, he is a military man first and foremost, not a diplomat. Still, he is pretty good at it. And, even though right now I'm still annoyed, I'll give my support."

"Thank you, Captain."

Archer inclined his head, "Well, I can't let this get in the way of what's best for all the planets. And Shran does seem a better choice than others."

Soval stood up, "I shall return to my ship. If you would inform me when Starfleet gives you new orders?"

"Of course." Archer stood up as the Ambassador left. He was just sitting down again, when the door chimed. "Come in."

T'Pol entered, carrying a PADD. She regarded Archer with a knowing expression, "I take it you wish that the information we received today is kept secret from the crew for now."

"Yeah, it's for the best, although Phlox is comparing the DNA analysis to be sure. The likelihood of this being a trick of some kind is low, but not impossible. Although why the Andorians would do it is beyond me."

T'Pol nodded, then glanced down at her PADD, "I've been reviewing the records regarding the Andres family. It was quite a traumatic experience for Earth."

"It was."

"It would also appear that Raizel Andres and Ensign Mayweather have something in common. They were both born in space."

"That's right." Archer smiled, "The parents were scientists. They were doing what Enterprise was launched to do. Explore. Too bad it cost them their lives and their children's."

"Except one child it seems."

Archer sighed, looking at the picture of Raizel Andres –or was it Raizel Shran now?- again, then showing T'Pol. T'Pol examined it, quirking an eyebrow as she did.

"Fascinating."

"What?"

"Despite the fact she is not Commander Shran's biological daughter… her eyes are remarkably like his."

"I thought so too. Maybe his personality has rubbed off on her."

"Perhaps, although the idea of another person like Shran, coupled with the arrogance Andorian women possess is… alarming."

Archer laughed. "It is actually."

"Do we know who she lived with on Andoria. Shran no doubt spent all his time in space."

"I just said that to Soval. It'll have to be found out."

"I find it strange. I had understood that unbonded Andorians could not have children. Yet Ambassador Thoris claims Shran bonded with Raizel."

"Hopefully Shran will be able to explain himself."

"He may be perfectly able. But will he want to explain himself?"

"Hrm, good point."

Archer decided he didn't like Thoris, the next time he met the Ambassador. He had all the arrogance of Shran, but none of the appeal.

"What says your government Captain?"

"Starfleet has ordered that Enterprise go to Andoria and establish that your claims are true, and ensure that Raizel Andres has been well cared for. They wish for a dialogue to be opened with her to suggest that she return to Earth where her biological family is."

Thoris' antennas squirmed and he scowled. But he inclined his head and said, in that same oily voice,

"Very well. My ship shall escort you to Andoria."

"Thank you very much."

"Ambassador Soval, in the interest of ensuring a… neutral party, the Imperial Council requests that you too travel to Andoria."

"Of course."

Archer saw the tension in Soval's jaw and could imagine him thinking 'Anything to keep the peace!'

'That'll be a tough job, knowing Shran.'

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Night's Darkness