Disclaimer: See Part One

Part 9 (Meeting the Family) G

Jonathan Archer cursed as he cut himself. Damn it! Just what I need a cut to show how uncoordinated I am. He wiped the blood away and put on some nu-skin. Well looks better. He wiped his face off and then washed it quickly. He applied some light scented aftershave aware of the sensitive noses of his dinner companions. Soval already disliked him enough without being deliberately offensive. He grabbed a bottle of Sandal wood spice and slapped it on. T' Pol had given him this and it was pleasant. It reminded him of Vulcan and he actually liked it. He dressed in a pair of dark tan slacks and a cream colored shirt. The coat he pulled on was of the finest linen and he had to admit he looked ok. He was dressed as a civilian and he hoped it would make him seem less warlike to his future father- in - law.

He was still having a hard time believing that Soval was T'Pol's father. It was he knew against the traditional Vulcan roles or so he thought. The fact was T'Pol was actually adopted by Soval. She had been adopted to give her the protection of his clan. Her own father had been highly respected and from a powerful clan but his position threatened others in power. His death was questionable. To protect the young child T'Pol had been and T' Les. Sudan's good friend Soval Adopted her. Removing her from being a threat to members of her father's family. Soval had lost his only son in the war and he was single. It gave him an heir and protected T'Pol to some degree. She was already his protégée or Metee and it was simple for him to accept her as his child. A confusing political fiction. Then again given Earth history Jonathan was not certain he could say they been much better. The fact that a lot of the manipulation had been caused by V' Las was only now coming to light.

Smoothing his coat he left to meet them. He could deal with the family / clan stuff latter. T'Pol or her father could explain it better. Now he had to go or be late.

"Porthos you be a good boy." Jon said as he tossed him a piece of cheese before leaving.

Porthos caught the treat and went to lay downc content.

Soval was a little surprised to note that Archer was in civilian clothing. Yet he seemed well groomed and he was not as overly covered in scent as many humans were.

"Live long and Prosper Sir." Archer said "It is agreeable to see you and T'Pol."

"Pease and Long life." He replied. "Join us Captain."

Archer took his seat across from the two Vulcans. So far so good.

Perhaps he is capable of learning? Soval thought. "His Vulcan has improved. Then again he did have Surak in his mind. I wonder if that still affects him?"

TBC...