Ok, this chapter is finally up, and I'm fairly sure this will have some people (Amelia I'm looking at you! ;-)) come after me with a knife. I'm sorry, but this had to be done. I'd just like to thank Amelia Mangan, firebirdgirl, and Gemellaockenfels for reviewing this story.

Enjoy!

Chapter 10

She bit on her lip as she wandered through the palace, nervously playing with her hair. Had the message gotten through to him? Would he be able to decode it? If he did, would he be able to do something about it? She believed he could, she needed to believe he could because he was the only reason she hadn't ended her life long ago. She smiled sweetly as she suddenly remembered when they were younger, when she was only ten and he was nearly seven.

(Flashback)

"Lissiel where are you?" Lissiel looked up as the small voice reached her ears.

"I'm here Thy'lek." she called

"Where's here?" he called, sounding scared.

"Around the corner, in our bunk." This was indeed where she was seated, cross-legged, sewing. There was the soft patter of small feet and then she saw him appear from around the corner where the eating tables were. He was a small boy, with thin arms and legs, and he had so little meat on his body that you could count his ribs. That wasn't his fault, he was a good boy and always ate everything he was given, but the food wasn't the best for anyone. The shirt and trousers he had were mere pieces of material sewn into body shapes and hung shapelessly off him. Still he was bright eyed and he smiled for her when she asked him so there was some life in him. His sweet brown eyes lit up as he spotted her and hurried over to her.

"I found you!" he said delightedly, his little fingers curled around the metal of the bunk and he lifted himself up so he could climb into the bunk and sit beside her. She smiled at him fondly and then bent over her work again. "What are you doing?"

"I'm fixing the hole in our blanket; I know it caused a draft for you last night. You should have told me earlier."

"I didn't want to bother you." he muttered meekly, his lower lip sticking out slightly. She smiled and pressed her forehead to his for a brief moment. "Lissiel?"

"Yes?"

"What happens to people when they go through the Dark Door?" Lissiel's head snapped up and she bumped it on the bunk above her.

"Why do you ask?" she asked warily.

"Because, everyone who goes through the door comes out and their eyes are… its like they're not alive anymore Lissiel. What could do that to someone?" She stared at him and debated her options. Either she lied or she told him the blunt truth. She knew exactly what happened in there, but her younger brother didn't understand what the things the guards said meant. He still wasn't old enough to understand that anyone who entered the Dark Door as the children called it, was violated and used by the guards. He wasn't old enough to understand what rape was. She looked at him and found herself fearing that he'd be picked to go through that when he was older. Andorians were very popular for two reasons. One, their bodies were more… responsive to intimate touches, even if their minds weren't, due to their uninhibited sexual nature. Andorians weren't Orions, far from it, but they were nowhere near as restrictive as Vulcans, Tellerites, Rigillians or even Betazoids. Two was actually the bigger fear for her of him. This campsite, and indeed from what she'd heard, many of the campsites where slaves lived were very cold, snow and hail were common. And for a Terran that was bone cold even in a lush room, there was nothing better than a warm skinned Andorian. With their higher body temperatures, Andorians were always popular in these camps, and because males had a slightly higher body temperature, they were even more popular. Thy'lek hadn't really noticed yet, but half of the people who went through the Dark Door were young Andorian males, like he would become. Lissiel feared that he would fall prey to their sick lust when he became older.

"Well?" he asked her, looking at her with his wide brown eyes. He had such innocent eyes, although he was no innocent, not after seeing Trenach being shot, not after seeing Sakrana wither away with sickness, not after seeing so many people being hurt, being beaten by the Terran guards. No child in this camp was innocent. Physically, yes they were innocent, but mentally? Emotionally? No. And yet… there was such a naivety to them too, they were simply still too young to understand some things, and what Thy'lek was asking of her was one of them. She set down the blanket and reached out, hugging him tightly to her, feeling his bony shoulder dig into her breastbone, but she didn't care.

"You don't need to know baby brother. Just rest assured, it's bad."

"I don't want to go in there, and I don't want you or our brothers to go in there either."

"None of us will. I promise you, none of us will end up like them."

"Lissiel?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sleepy." She bit her lip and wondered what time it was. The slaves were only given an hour a day to do as they wished, and many used the time to rest, or converse, or try and get extra blankets or whatever. She fancied that it was only about ten minutes out of the hour gone so it should be safe.

"Alright, go to sleep, but only a light sleep Thy'lek, you'll have to wake up soon."

"Mmm." he mumbled already nestling against her and falling asleep. She wrapped an arm around his shoulders, feeling his skin warming hers through the fabric of their shabby clothes. She smiled down at him as one small hand reached up and curled around her shirt, holding her to him in an iron grip, a baby's reflex. She leaned down and kissed the top of his head. He snuffled cutely and then fell silent again. Her sweet little baby brother.

(End Flashback)

Her sweet little baby brother who used to curl up against her crying because of his nightmares or because of the guards that picked on them. He was so innocent and pure then, and now he was a hero in her eyes, her baby brother was a hero. He was a true Andorian, unlike her. The guards came around a corner and they saw her straight away just like every other day. She reflexively switched to her seduction mode and her hips began their familiar sway. Today was different, they headed straight for her. She smiled at them sensually, believing that they were just going to try a little harder to get her. What happened instead was they drew their weapons and pointed them at her their eyes narrowed and cruel. She froze and her heart chambers seemed to stop. He knew! They were upon her before she could think and grabbed her arms, dragging her along to the balcony where the Emperor made all his speeches to the Empire and where he liked to conduct his executions.

'Oh spirits protect me!' she pleaded in her mind as they pulled her roughly into the sunlight, which made her shut her eyes to protect them. The monkey stood there looking as hairy as ever, but now she saw him in a more deadly light, a light under which she would die. She was forced to her knees and she tossed her hair over her shoulder and stared up defiantly at him, if he was going to kill her, she would show him just how she felt about him. She absolutely loathed his very existence.

"I wish I could say this comes as a total shock to me, but I'd be lying." he said conversationally. "Oh Lissiel you underestimated me, you silly little Andorian. Then again arrogance always was the biggest flaw in your kind. I knew you were lying to me about your brother. I've known all along that he was alive. I knew if we found him we'd find the main base for the Resistance, the one that was creating all this new technology. So I made a deal with the Tholians, help them get back at the man that destroyed the Defiant in exchange for their help annihilating the Resistance. All they needed to do was bring a ship from our time in the other universe here and your brother would take it in and try to send it home. I'd heard about his way of thinking, and I could guess that he would try to send it home. I knew if you heard me talk about slaughtering the other slaves you'd send a message to your dear baby brother." She flinched at the mocking tone he used with the words, she couldn't believe it, she couldn't believe she'd been played like that. She'd been a complete fool. "We traced the message, we know where it went." Her eyes widened in horror. The monkey was presented with a weapon, a Usshan-tor, her people's ceremonial weapon. He admired it for a minute, checking that it was sharp enough. He walked up to her slowly and held it against her elegant neck. She swallowed and felt the sharp edge prick her skin. "I suppose I should thank you my sweet, you've just helped us destroy the Resistance." She felt a stabbing pain in her soul as she realised the depth of her failure. Still she held her head high and said spitefully

"You may destroy this Resistance, and it may take centuries, but humanity will pay for its actions." She smirked unaware she had echoed her sister in law's words to Archer, "Personally I hope it happens in your lifetime, monkey." There, she said it. He snarled, baring those horrible yellow teeth and drew the weapon high. She closed her eyes and bared her blue skinned neck with pride. Her only thoughts were of her brother and the hope that he would survive. He would, he'd survive. He had to. She heard the whistle of the wind as the weapon came down and then sweet release finally came.

"We'll let you know when the area is safe to enter." Telev finished. Archer nodded gratefully. The Andorian returned the gesture and made to leave.

"Do you mind if I ask…" the words halted him. He turned back "Where's Shran?" Telev hesitated and then said

"He's got other things to worry about apart from you Captain." Archer nodded and Telev stepped out. Archer didn't believe him for a second, he'd heard the guards whispering to each other and knew something had happened. From what he'd pieced together Shran had had some kind of fit. Somehow his sister was connected, some said she'd just died. It didn't make much sense to him, but Archer felt worried. He'd seen the despair in Shran's eyes and wondered if he'd contributed to the man's sudden disappearance. He hadn't seen the other T'pol either, which may make sense if they were really married, she'd probably want to stay with him, especially since she wasn't needed on Enterprise any more now that all they were doing was waiting around. He'd been talking to his T'pol who'd mentioned that her counterpart and Shran had a son already. Archer had been trying to picture him, it was proving impossible, but he had little else to occupy his time, with the guards around it wasn't easy to find any amusement. Porthos whimpered and jumped onto his lap and looked up at him sadly, his ears drooping, just like Andorian antennas. He petted his beloved beagle and stared out the window forlornly. He couldn't wait to get home, it felt like just being in this universe removed your joy and hope. Yet Shran had hope, T'pol had hope, so that had to count for something, right?

T'pol studied the man before her and at times wondered just how she'd ended up married to him. Right now was a very good example.

"You should be resting." she said for what must have been the tenth time. Thy'lek looked at her, pausing in his packing.

"I told you T'pol I'll get as much sleep as I can on the Freedom Fighter, but I have to go."

"You collapse only a day ago."

"I'm fine!" he exclaimed irritably. He didn't look it. He looked exhausted, dark blue circles under his eyes, while the rest of his face was frighteningly pale. She repressed a shudder as she thought of the cause of his condition. He'd collapsed in the control room because of the suddenness of his sister's death and their telepathic bond being severed, which he'd tearfully compared to loosing a limb. Only the next day they'd received a transmission from the Klingons. They wanted to become allies. The catch was that they'd only talk with Thy'lek. T'pol believed this was a trap, so did Telev, Thy'lek wanted to believe it was safe. He was going against his wife's, his pregnant wife's, wishes. He was endangering himself foolishly and unnecessarily as far as she was concerned. They'd argued for over an hour about it and he was still going. She didn't think he was in his right state of mind anymore, he'd muttered concerning things in his sleep that only increased her convictions and there was an almost frightening spark in his eyes. Her inability to truly reach his mind was another reason she was concerned, he was blocking her, something she was unaccustomed to. He didn't seem to be aware of what he was doing; he merely thought she was worrying over nothing, assuring her he was fine. He suddenly paused in his movements and sighed then looked up at her. His brown eyes were as much a storm of emotion as they were two days ago but there was something else that made her wonder what he really thought now. She stared at him blankly but her desire for him to stay was obvious and she knew it. He set down the bag and came up to her, stopping when they were less than a foot apart.

"Ashaya, I don't want to go if we're fighting."

"Then stay and there won't be a problem." she responded, the words seemed to catch in her throat; she didn't care how childish she sounded.

"I can't, the Klingons are expecting me."

"I need you here!" she growled before she could stop herself. "I need you here with me! Your children need you to stay here!" She looked away, fighting her emotions that bubbled within her. He gave her a helpless look and she knew that her desire would not be fulfilled.

"I have to go T'pol." he whispered, "This alliance with the Klingons could help us to win this fight swiftly." He reached out and touched her face. She found herself leaning into it. "I want to be with you, in fact I wish I could take us, you, me, Soval and our unborn daughter somewhere where we could be together and happy, but I can't, the Resistance needs the both of us. Look at me T'pol!" She did so, seeing his fierce devotion to her in his eyes "I love you with every fibre of my being. You are my bond mate, my life and death partner. I need you to know that."

"You make it sound like you'll never come back." she gasped, overwhelmed. He didn't answer at first then simply stroked her cheek softly.

"We'll be together again." he answered and leaning in he brushed his lips against hers. She was surprised, having not expected it at all in the real world. He had tears in his eyes and hugged her tightly. He then went over to the crib and took Soval out. He held his son tightly against him and buried his face into the tiny body. T'pol joined him in a family hug. With Soval still in his arms he knelt before her and kissed her stomach, stroking it softly. "We'll be together again." he promised again. They jumped at a knock on the door. Thy'lek sighed and whispered "Probably Telev." He rose to his feet and passed Soval to her. He picked up his bag and went over to the door, opening it. She followed, Soval resting in her arms; he began to cry as if he knew his father was leaving. Thy'lek gave them both a pained look and shared it with Telev who looked unhappy.

"The Freedom Fighter's waiting." he said stiffly. Thy'lek nodded and looked one more time at his family. T'pol felt tears suddenly spring into her eyes and knew that they weren't his, no, they were hers. She let them pool and then a few fell down her cheeks. She was tired of struggling with the feelings. He moved his hand as if to wipe them away but then pulled back. He hesitated and then dropped the bag and wrapped his arms around her again, burying his face in her neck, his own tears wetting her skin.

"I love you T'pol." he whispered so softly

"I love you Thy'lek." she answered honestly. He kissed her neck softly and then her ear, then he pressed his mouth to hers. She thought Telev may have gasped but she was oblivious to all but her mate, her love, her life. Her life was bound to his; if he died she'd go with him. She clung to him all the tighter and he had to gently pry her off so that he could leave her. She held his hand as long as she could, stretching the limb in order to make the connection last that little longer. He finally pulled away and grabbed his bag and hurried out the door before he could look back again. Telev threw her an apologetic and sympathetic look and then left her with her crying son.

"Are you-"

"Don't ask me if I'm sure Telev!" Thy'lek snapped angrily, glaring at the younger man. "I wouldn't have been able to do that if I wasn't." He paused and sighed, then pulled a PADD out of a pocket in the bag. "Here!" he held it out to him. As Telev took it Thy'lek said quietly, "If the worst should happen, give this to T'pol."

"But if the worst-" Thy'lek shushed him and said,

"Promise me you'll give this to T'pol."

"But… it won't happen so I… I mean it can't can it you…" he sighed and halted his pathetic and desperate ramblings. "I promise." he swore solemnly. Thy'lek nodded and then hugged him tightly for a moment and then rushed on, no doubt to make sure he actually made it to the transporter. Telev looked down at the PADD and mused, 'If the worst should happen…? What does he mean?'

"Blue skin gone?" He jumped and turned to see Gral and Sten coming up behind him.

"He is."

"He didn't say goodbye!" Gral grumbled but it was obvious he was hurt.

"Believe me when I say I don't think he could have faced another goodbye, not after leaving T'pol and Soval."

"I gave him my assurance we'd keep an eye on her and attempt to keep her relaxed, in order to ensure a profitable pregnancy." Sten said quietly, even he seemed deeply troubled by this. Telev looked at them and then said darkly,

"And then there were three." They looked at him quizzically, "We started out with five, two are now gone. We need to be careful in our decisions, we won't have Thy'lek to outline all the consequences for us for a while." Two of them chuckled slightly, but then fell quiet as they realised just how badly things seemed to be going, their rock, Thy'lek Shran was now gone, what's more, he'd collapsed and shown that he was not invincible as many soldiers believed and hoped, they were in danger of being found by the Terrans and they were all exhausted. They needed to end this fight, preferably as the victors, but any way would be welcome at this point. They shared looks that were beyond words. Finally Telev said softly

"We'd better get going. We have work to do." They all nodded and walked slowly towards the control room. Telev sighed as he sat down in his chair and brought up the latest information on the Terran fleets, and he tried to concentrate on what he was seeing but he couldn't stop worrying about Thy'lek. He found his mind travelling back to two years ago, when he'd been suspicious of everyone and a man had arrived and helped him to trust.

(Flashback)

Telev was practising his shooting and with each shot he imagined he was shooting one of the monsters who'd pulled him into their bed. He felt the pain he'd felt so often, he wanted to scream as his emotions clawed at his insides.

"You be careful or you might just hurt someone you'll regret hurting." A voice told him thoughtfully. He nearly dropped the phaser and whirled around to meet a pair of brown eyes that stared at him curiously.

"What?" he panted, lowering the phaser slowly.

"I said, be careful." repeated the new arrival. "You could do some pretty nasty damage with that, namely to me at the moment since I'm the only live target." He chuckled at his own joke, and leaned back against the wall, wrapping his arms loosely around his body.

"I know how to handle a phaser!" Telev snapped,

"I never implied that you couldn't, but even the best of the best can make mistakes." The easy smile was still on his face and it was beginning to annoy Telev. "I know I make mistakes, in fact I may have just made the biggest mistake of my life."

"Really?" Despite himself Telev was curious about what the mistake could have been. "What did you do?"

"I murdered a whole crew of Terrans, betrayed my best friends, managed to save one but she doesn't trust me anymore, and blow up a ship from a hundred years into the future from an alternate reality." The stranger told him airily.

"Sounds like you did some good things too."

"But at what cost?" he wondered aloud, "I may have just pointed the phaser at my only surviving family member, and if I lose her… it was because of her I lost my closest friend."

"I don't understand." He did however realise who he was talking to. Thy'lek Shran, the Andorian who single-handed out-witted a whole ship of Terrans and destroyed a massive threat to the Resistance and brought so much new technology to the Resistance. The scientists were in a frenzy over it all. Shran chuckled and shook his head,

"Never mind me. What about you? What was upsetting you?"

"Nothing." Telev said quickly, shaking his head.

"Pretty upsetting nothing." Shran observed, studying him curiously again.

"Fine! I was… imagining that I was shooting people who… hurt me." Shran cocked his head to the side and then said softly

"How did they hurt you?" Telev bowed his head shamefully. He couldn't say it to this man, couldn't admit the truth of what he'd been through. "You know you are very attractive." Shran observed carefully, "I've never seen a face as attractive as yours." Telev's head shot up in alarm as he heard words that he'd heard too many times. Yet there was no lust or desire in Shran's eyes, only comprehension. "You don't have to tell me. I think I know how they hurt you." Shame burned through his veins and anger coursed through after it like sandpaper. He clenched his free hand into a tight fist and willed the pain to go away. He could feel Shran's eyes cutting into him yet he couldn't feel any malice in the intensity, just watchfulness. That was more distressing than anything else.

"Stop staring at me!" he snapped sharply, looking away.

"Sorry." Shran whispered, "It's just… you remind me of someone."

"A whore you had fun with?" he spat venomously, even though he knew that was unfairly cruel to say.

"No." said Shran simply. "Just someone I know, someone I miss." Telev couldn't help but look at him again. His eyes were looking at the ground with a soft sadness in them. He didn't look like the kind of man who could find the courage to destroy a whole ship. Yet, looking at the mutated ridges on his forehead, and then at the very emotional eyes, maybe he had the courage and just didn't let it show. There was something about this Andorian that made Telev trust him. Maybe it was the way he seemed so open, or maybe it was the way he seemed so calm. "Now you're staring at me." he smiled letting his eyes rise off the floor and back to Telev's face. "What's your name?"

"Telev."

"I'm Thy'lek Shran. Call me Thy'lek." Thy'lek smiled at him warmly, pushing away from the wall and letting his arms drop to his sides, "You missed one by the way." He pointed at the targets. Telev looked and saw he was right, he had indeed missed one. He raised the phaser and fired at it, hitting the target dead on. He smiled, but only felt a slight satisfaction. He set the phaser down on the ground after powering it down and looked for Thy'lek who was walking away.

"Wait! Wait up!" he called, jogging over to rejoin him. Thy'lek smiled at him again, "Where are you going?"

"I'm hungry, I was going to see what I could find to eat."

"I'll come with you, I know the way."

"Alright." Thy'lek nodded his head and patted Telev on the shoulder. For once Telev didn't flinch away.

(End Flashback)

Telev had had one friend before he'd met Thy'lek and that was Sten, but he wasn't comfortable around anyone else, which was why originally Thy'lek and he had shared quarters, before Thy'lek fell in love with T'pol, after which Telev lived with Sten and still did. Thy'lek was often busy, and so was Telev once Thy'lek put him in charge of Tactical with Sten and Gral, but he would make time, often at night, to talk to Telev, and listen to him. Sometimes they talked about trivial things, and other times they spoke of deeper matters.

(Flashback)

"Who do I remind you of?" Telev asked one night as they were clearing away the dinner.

"Hmm?" Thy'lek asked distractedly, "What?"

"Who do I remind you of? You said I reminded you of someone but you never told me who."

"I didn't?"

"No."

"Oh." Thy'lek set down the plates and turned on the water, his back was to Thy'lek. "Well, you remind me of my sister."

"Your sister?"

"Yes, she's on Earth. In the Emperor's palace. She's… his favourite concubine." It took a long time to get all those words, Thy'lek's voice hitched several times and he'd stop and start, telling Telev it wasn't easy for him to talk about his sister.

"And I remind you of her?" Telev asked, feeling oddly hurt that he reminded his friend of his sister because he too had been a slave of that kind. Thy'lek drew in a deep breath and turned around, Telev noted the fading bruises on his skin, the only evidence of his recent encounter with T'pol during her pon farr. He hadn't spoken of it but Telev couldn't help but wonder if he harboured some feelings after the experience for the female Vulcan.

"You remind me of Lissiel, because you still have your fire even after what happened to you, and that's the same as my sister. She's firey, and a fighter, like you. That's why you remind me of her." Telev looked him in the eyes, not hiding his surprise that that was the reason Thy'lek was reminded of his sister. He wanted to ask more questions but, oddly, Thy'lek turned away and began to clean the cutlery and plates, indicating that the conversation was over. Telev stared at the back of his head for a few moments before saying softly,

"I'll, I'll get ready for bed then."

"Mm-hm." Thy'lek hummed as he set the last wet plate to the side and put it in the rack to dry.

"Right then." Telev walked away and quickly changed into his sleeping trousers, leaving his torso bare. Thy'lek came into the bedroom and changed as well, also only wearing trousers. With his back to him Telev could see all the scars that criss-crossed over his friends back. That was the only thing that was good about being a pleasure slave; the Terrans liked their toys to be undamaged so he didn't have many scars, unlike many Andorians. Thy'lek got into his bed and Telev did the same with his own. There was only a small amount of walking room between the beds but it was nice having a bed to oneself. They both fell asleep fairly fast and soon the only movements were from their antennas as they dreamed.

"No! Please don't!"

"Hold still Pretty Boy!"

"Please, it hurts!"

"Shut up you stupid-"

"Telev!"

"Please, no, ah!"

"TELEV!"

He was slapped sharply across the face and woke up, his eyes wide and his body shaking. Thy'lek hovered above him, his own eyes wide in worry. Telev couldn't help it, he burst into frightened tears.

"Shh. Telev, it's alright." Thy'lek soothed, gently rubbing the cheek he'd had to slap to wake him. Telev tried to stop the tears but he couldn't help it, he'd felt the fear again and he started to have trouble breathing. "Telev, calm down." Thy'lek tried again, and this time he shifted and before Telev knew it, he was sitting in Thy'lek's lap and being rocked like a child. He knew this was stupid, that he was a fully-grown adult, but he felt so safe in the strong arms that he just hid his beautiful face in Thy'lek's neck and cried even harder. "I'm here Telev, you're safe." Thy'lek whispered softly rocking him slowly, and rubbing his back like he really was a baby.

"I, I, I-" Telev tried to speak, but his sobs made that impossible.

"Don't try to talk; calm down first, nothing can hurt you here." He nodded into his neck but didn't try to speak again until his sobs had subsided. "There we go. You're safe here. No one will touch you."

"But they did!" Telev cried, "They touched me everywhere. I tried to stop them but that made it hurt more. I didn't want it! I didn't want it!"

"I know, I know, no one ever wants that kind of treatment Telev. But you're here now, and you're safe." Thy'lek repeated, then he reached his hand up and stroked Telev's cheek soothingly, seemingly thinking. Telev peeked out to watch him, his eyes blue and puffy from crying. He drew in a deep shuddering breath and whispered

"Can it be nice?" Even to his own ears his voice sounded child-like. Thy'lek looked at him questioningly. "Can it be nice to do that?" Thy'lek looked a little embarrassed but finally he nodded

"Yes, it can be nice. Very nice in fact. Once both people want it."

"So you wanted to be with T'pol?" A faint blue blush crept up Thy'lek's cheeks and he tilted his head in embarrassment.

"Well, she wanted me to be with her, and I knew if I said no, and she didn't find another mate she could die. So… well I did it out of friendship, I mean I care about her."

"You care about me don't you?"

"Yes, of course I do, we're friends."

"Then…" Telev raised his head and leaned closer to Thy'lek whose eyes widened slightly, "Will you show me?"

"Show you?"

"Show me it can be nice." Telev let his antennas gently rub against Thy'lek's and then leaned over and carefully pressed his lips to his neck, right over a bruise T'pol had made. Thy'lek's whole body stiffened and Telev took that as an indication of interest, so he let one hand stroke the nape of his neck and the other press against Thy'lek's chest. His lips moved down the blue neck, kissing each bruise left by T'pol's fingers. Suddenly Thy'lek shifted and he grabbed Telev's wrists and pushed them away, along with his lips.

"Stop it Telev." he ordered sharply, "I won't do that. You're not ready."

"I think I know when I'm ready." Telev snapped, suddenly not appreciating being treated like a child, unlike a few moments ago. "What's the problem?" Thy'lek seemed to consider his answer and Telev jumped to conclusions. "You don't want me." he whimpered, amazed that this thought could hurt so much. "You don't want me. Why not? Is it because of what they did to me?"

"No." Thy'lek said firmly, "That's not it, you're jumping to conclusions, the wrong ones."

"Then why won't you show me? I want you to show me."

"No you don't, not really, it's just the shock of the dream Telev, you aren't used to being comforted after such an experience."

"I don't want a psychology lesson!" Telev snapped, trying to free his wrists. "I'm not asking you to be in love with me, Andorians can sleep with friends, you told me yourself, and not have to expect anything more than friendship. That's all I'm expecting, friendship from you."

"I am your friend and as your friend I'm telling you this is a bad idea. You're not thinking."

"YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M THINKING! YOU DON'T DECIDE WHAT I THINK OR FEEL SO STOP TELLING ME!" Telev screamed and struck out, hitting Thy'lek across the face. Thy'lek's head snapped to the side and he lost his grip on Telev. Telev, furious now, his blood boiling and his heart chambers pounding in his ears, lunged at him and pinned him down onto the bed. Thy'lek's eyes widened in shock and the fear Telev suddenly saw made him freeze. What the hell was he doing? He flew away from Thy'lek, and he felt tears suddenly come into his eyes again. What had he just done? Thy'lek sat up and stared at him, his eyes were unreadable. They stared at each other both shocked at what had just happened. Telev's antennas were drooping down to his eyes, and Thy'lek's were likewise lowered. Finally Thy'lek stood up and walked over to him, looking up into his face from his smaller height. Telev often forgot that Thy'lek was shorter than him. Thy'lek studied his face carefully and then suddenly hugged him tightly. Telev stood stock still in shock, but then wrapped his arms around him and rested his head on Thy'lek's shoulder.

"It's alright Telev, you'll be all right." Thy'lek promised him before releasing him and giving him a slight push to his own bed while Thy'lek moved to his. Both men lay down on their respective beds and closed their eyes, both silently agreeing not to speak of this night.

The next week Thy'lek told him that he and T'pol were considering beginning the courtship stage of a relationship.

(End Flashback)

Telev had never told anyone about that night, and as far as he knew neither had Thy'lek, not even to T'pol. It was their secret, Telev's secret moment of weakness. Yet since then he'd found his memories easier to handle, and although he still had nightmares it was easier to just wake up, roll over and fall back asleep.

"Telev?" He jumped and looked up as someone called his name and realised that they had been for some time.

"Jal! Er, sorry, I was just…" he fumbled as he felt colour rushing into his cheeks.

"Worrying about Thy'lek?" she guessed, smiling at him.

"Y-yes. Yes." It wasn't a lie, he had been thinking about Thy'lek. "I was."

"It was a very bad choice to let him leave." she agreed,

"Well, Jal, we didn't exactly let him leave. You know what Thy'lek's like, once he's set his mind on something there is no going back."

"Doesn't it bother you that you let him leave after not one, but two breakdowns in one day?" she asked as if he hadn't spoken, "Doesn't it bother you that he's heading into an obvious trap?"

"Yes, of course it does, but Thy'lek believes it's safe."

"Thy'lek may be the leader but even leaders can be wrong. It's nice to pretend that's not the case, but one of the problems in the Resistance is that it relies too heavily on Thy'lek. You all rely on him to come up with new ideas, and negotiate with other species. While you may work hard Telev, doesn't it bother that all the pressure you put on Thy'lek attributed to his breakdown?"

"I don't see-" Telev tried to get a word in but it looked like Jal was on a role,

"It takes more than a betrayal to cause an emotional breakdown in a man as strong as Thy'lek." she snapped, her dark green eyes flashing, her arms folded across her chest. "What about T'pol? She's so heavily relied on in the science department that it's a miracle she hasn't broken down herself, or worse suffered a miscarriage. The whole Resistance is leaning on them, can't you see that?" Telev looked at her with a creased brow and anxious eyes. She was voicing the very things he'd been worrying about before. He wasn't fool enough to see how stressed out Thy'lek was and how tired T'pol was, even if she believed the others were fussing over her.

"Well what can we do, Thy'lek's long gone by now."

"Call him back! Tell him we're not meeting with the Klingons. Lie! Say that they cancelled, just do something, and get him back before he gets himself killed."

"She's right." Sten said softly, nearly giving Telev a heart attack. He hadn't known he was there, he'd been so intent on Jal. "We have to call him back now! We've been foolish." Telev quickly brought up the comm. and keyed in commands to open a channel to the Freedom Fighter, hoping they wouldn't be too late.

Hmm, this chapter either ruined or improved the characters. I'm not sure which it is. I like the relationship between Shran and Telev but what do you guys think? Good idea, bad or just plain nonsensical?

But little Shran, you know that he'd be adorable. :-)

Night's Darkness