If you type "Star Trek Theurgy Andorian" into your search engine, you're going to see quite a few different styles of Andorians. The male bearded one, the younger one that looks like he is wearing a leather coat, and the long-haired one male will be inspiration for three of the OC Andorians you will meet in this chapter. The short-haired female and the long-haired female holding a gun across her chest will also feature in this chapter. Don't worry, Shran is here too (personal favorite of mine). I will be playing around a bit with certain events that took place towards the end of the series. Thank you for your continued support and interest. Leave a review requesting canon character appearances, or the return of OC characters. Appreciate your reviews. Cheers!

"Why would Andorians attack a Vulcan diplomatic transport ship?"

Elonat's question barely drew Soval's attention. He stood next to the locked door, his focus on the corridor just on the other side of the bulkhead. The takeover had been efficient and effective. No deaths, but the rest of the crew, as far as either Elonat or Soval could tell, were either incapacitated or equally secured in quarters and holding cells. The motives had not been indicated, and neither were they aware of whether a rescue operation was in order from Vulcan (or Earth)—should one of the bridge crew have managed to send a distress call before being taken over.

"In your studies while on Vulcan, did you find the time to review the history of Vulcan encounters with Andorians?" Soval left his post by the door and resumed his seat next to Elonat on her bed.

Elonat shook her head, "I was more interested in human-Vulcan relations. And I have to say I'm quite disappointed with what I read." Soval raised a single eyebrow, and Elonat smiled. "Remember, the only Vulcans I knew were more amiable to humans and emotions. To find that the majority of my grandfather's descendants are like Skylock has been most disheartening."

"That is understandable." Soval reached for her hand, and Elonat immediately gave it, still relishing each time he initiated physical contact. "I will not hesitate to admit that until circumstances forced us together, I was among those who, though not as militantly opposed as Skylock appears, still held humans in little regard or respect."

"I'm glad I could assist in your personal growth. Now," Elonat shifted on the bed to face Soval and squeezed his hand, "tell me why Andorians would do this? The only Andorian I've met was Ambassador Atharia. She was surly but not what I'd expect from a race consumed with bad blood for Vulcans." Soval nodded his head and stood, moving back to hold vigil by the door. "As far as I was told, or could tell, most of the ill-feelings between Vulcan and Andoria had already been dealt with, hence the proposed Federation Charter."

"I have no answers for you that would not be speculation. Vulcans have honored the agreement concerning…Weytahn. That was a point of contention not so long ago between our peoples. And I saw to it personally that the crisis of a possible invasion of Andorian space by misguided Vulcan officials was averted. Since that time, I have heard of no further negative incidents."

Elonat's next question died in her throat as the door opened and revealed a heavily armed pair of Andorians. One was female with short-cropped hair and svelte body form. The other was a much larger, muscular male with long hair severely pulled back into a bun. Having only met one other Andorian, Elonat couldn't help but be both surprised and fascinated at their appearance. She didn't mean to gawk, but the physical differences between Vulcans and Andorians, let alone between the two Andorians now standing before her, were more intriguing than threatening.

"You will come with us now." The male's voice was as deep as she suspected it would be, and he punctuated his sentence with a gun wave as he stepped back into the corridor to give them room to enter the corridor.

Soval held out his arm for Elonat and gently took her elbow when she joined him. He made no further move to touch her but kept the grip on her elbow as they followed behind the female and were tracked by the male. It was surreal to walk as a prisoner on a ship that had been a source of joy to Elonat. This had been her ticket back to Earth, back to the closest semblance of home she could claim in this time. Now…there was no telling where they were going or IF they were going anywhere other than six-feet under.

At the thought of possible death, Elonat felt her adrenaline spike. She would not let them harm her child, nor would she let them hurt Soval. Unless they had access to Enterprise's database or Vulcan's, they would not know of her Augment abilities, either of her hybrid nature. As far as a casual observer could tell, she was Vulcan with more pink-tints to her skin. She had thus far managed to keep her emotions responses in check and would continue to do so, so long as it seemed necessary to do so.

They entered the mess hall, perhaps the largest room on the ship with numerous seating arrangements, and found two other male Andorians waiting for them. The shorter of the two stood looking out the observation window while the taller one, surprisingly bearded, sat at the table closest to the window. At their entrance, the bearded Andorian stood, and the window-staring Andorian turned around. Elonat heard Soval take in a sharp breath.

"Shran." The name sounded more like a curse coming from Soval, and it surprised Elonat how much emotion was laced in the one word. The shorter Andorian's antennae drew inward and bowed in response. It made Elonat wonder if the antennae could detect emotions or pheromones. "What are you doing?"

Shran's eyes flickered to Elonat, his gaze straying down to her large belly before he stared her down again. A strange smile tugged at the edges of his lips, but he was quick to avert his eyes and look back to Soval.

"Aren't you going to introduce us, Soval?" The antennae flickered up and outward as a mischievous smirk captured Shran's lips.

"I do not see the necessity. Whatever it is you're up to has nothing to do with her. What do you want, Shran?" Soval shifted forward just enough to make a show of placing his body marginally in front of Elonat's. It was a display of ownership, and Elonat feared that it had not been the right thing to do, gaging by the bearded Andorian's knowing smirk.

"Before we move forward with this riveting conversation," the bearded Andorian spoke before Shran could retort, "Akihr," the long-haired Andorian stood straighter, "Pitte," the female also moved to attention, "return to the bridge and help Thov and Vylle. We will be nearing our coordinates soon and need all hands at their posts."

The other two Andorians quickly left, and the bearded Andorian stood, gesturing to the other seats at the table as he did so. "Please, take a seat." Soval stood his ground, and Elonat, not wanting to betray him, remained at his side. "I remember when my wife was near the end of her term." His eyes locked on to Elonat's, and it seemed his smile turned genuine for a moment, his antennae waving back and forth. "She found it difficult to remain standing for long periods. Said it put undue pressure on her lower back. I am not fully acquainted with Vulcan pregnancies, but from the looks of it," his eyes moved up and down the full length of Elonat, "I would guess that you feel similar. Please have a seat."

Elonat subtly tapped Soval's wrist, and at his look, she narrowed then opened her eyes wide again. Soval nodded and led her to the table. He helped her sit first before taking his own seat. Shran remained standing by the window while the bearded Andorian also returned to his place.

"I am Ch'orhihloss Tesil. I believe only the Ambassador is acquainted with Thy'lek Shran." Tesil's antennae drew inward and bowed at his introduction then shifted in Shran's direction when he introduced him. Introductions made, his eyes narrowed only slightly as he again studied Elonat, "I was expecting the Ambassador on this ship, and in fact, he is the reason we are here, however, I was not briefed regarding his spouse." Tesil's eyes briefly shot to Shran.

Shran's antennae narrowed inward, "I wasn't aware of it either."

"I am not his wife," Elonat spoke for the first time. "And before you believe you can use my child or me as leverage against the Ambassador, I am not pregnant with his child either."

At her confession, both Tesil and Shran's antennae moved upward and slightly back, like eyebrows raising on a forehead. It was almost distracting, paying attention to both their faces and their antennae.

"Who are you to him then?" Shran did join them at the table, thoroughly interested. "I've not known Soval to take much of an altruistic interest in anyone else."

"My identity does not appear to be the subject of your takeover." Elonat quickly replied, leaning back in her chair and indicating Soval with a chin point. "If I am not mistaken, you earlier confessed that the Ambassador was the reason for your being here. I suggest you not waste your time with me, and instead focus your energies on the Ambassador." Hoping that she managed to keep her emotions in check, Elonat folded her hands in front of her in the same fashion as her grandfather and Soval.

Tesil clapped his hands together sardonically and flashed her a broad smile, "Your ability to strike at the heart of the matter has me even more intrigued. However, you are correct. Shran," Tesil's antennae flickered towards Shran again, "this is where you take over."

Shran's antennae waved back and forth as he leaned his elbows on the table and shifted forward in his seat, "You may not have heard, but I have resigned my commission with the Imperial guard."

"How unfortunate for the Guard." Neither Elonat nor, it seemed, Shran could tell if Soval was sincere with his comment. Tesil found it amusing nonetheless and let his chuckle be heard. "It is comforting to know that the official government of Andoria is not behind your current course of action. But your lack of employment does not explain this." Soval nodded to the room in general as well as the Andorians across the table.

"I won't bore you with the details of how we knew this ship was yours as well as your schedule of departure." Elonat inwardly sighed. She'd actually been looking forward to that bit of information. "But what I will tell you is…" Shran rolled his shoulders and his neck. He appeared to be having trouble articulating his next words. "What I wanted to tell is…" his words stopped, and he clamped his mouth firmly shut, averting his eyes to stare at the floor, his antennae falling toward the sides of his head.

"What Shran is struggling to tell is that we require your help in our current predicament." Tesil offered, his voice relaxed and his expression mirthful despite Shran's discomfort.

Soval raised an eyebrow, as did Elonat. "I have had many encounters with your people and none of them have been logical or predictable. While I do not agree with your methods of request, I cannot say that I am surprised that this whole ordeal is a misguided effort to recruit my aid." Soval looked directly at Shran then. "Why should I help you after this kidnapping? Are you to make threats against myself or against this female?"

"Because you want this Federation Charter to be successful and for our peoples to finally be at peace with one another." Shran stood up and stalked over to the window. He took a few steadying breaths before turning around and facing them with his hands clasped behind his back. "My associates and I have discovered several ranking officials in the Imperial Guard, not unlike my old lieutenant Tarah. You may recall that it was she who shot down your ship on Weytahn."

Soval rolled his shoulder, and Elonat recalled a brief reference to a skirmish in past years to explain the pain he sometimes got in his shoulder.

"I will give you those names," Shran continued, his antennae bobbing up and down in his excitement, "after you help me retrieve something of value."

"I am still unaware of the reason I, in particular, am the one you came to. If I'm not mistaken, you consider Captain Archer to be a close associate. They have as much at stake for a failed Federation Charter as Vulcans."

Shran's antennae drooped, and this time Tesil spoke, "You resemble the individuals we will be dealing with shortly. Your ability to blend will help us ascertain the location of the object in question."

"Romulans." Elonat's blood froze as her spoken word drew attention from the other occupants in the room. "Vulcans resemble Romulans."

"You've had dealings with them before?" Tesil's antennae drew inward and nearly pointed directly at Elonat.

She felt Soval stiffen beside her, but he wisely remained silent and stoic. Elonat also made sure to school her features into a neutral expression and resisted the urge to shrug nonchalantly.

"All Vulcans are aware of the physical resemblances between our two peoples. We are distantly related after all, so it is to be expected."

Neither Tesil nor Shran appeared appeased by her evasive answer, but now was not the time to delve further into her backstory.

"These Romulans," Soval brought the attention back to himself, "they are allied with you?"

Tesil smiled, "Mere business associates. For the time being. We were to exchange items of value on equal footing. However, Romulans, being duplicitous in nature, have procured something additional of Shran's that puts them at an advantage. They are now in a position to demand more of us than we are willing or able to give."

"You will also refrain from regaling us with these details, either, I suppose." Elonat tried not to sound sarcastic with her interjection, but from the way Shran's antennae waved backward and forward, it seemed he detected hints of it. Shit.

"What do you expect me to do?" Soval shifted in his seat, making an effort to draw more attention to himself.

"When we reach our coordinates, we will need you to search for the valuable while we meet with our business associates. The item will undoubtedly be in a separate area from where our meeting is to take place. They do not realize, yet, that we know of their procurement." Tesil used his hands to explain the situation; his antennae mirroring his hand's movements.

"I will need to know what it is I'm looking for if I am to be successful in this endeavor."

Shran's antennae drew back in surprise, "So you will help us?"

"I cannot make that decision without further information."

"It seems to me," Tesil's easy smile was back in place, "that you have very little choice. We have your crew, your ship, you, this female, and the names of individuals who must be purged from our government if the Federation Charter is to be successful. What do you have that would LOGICALLY," he put added emphasis on the word, "allow you to refuse us? So far, we have asked nicely. Do not make us change tactics."

Soval fell quiet, and in the quiet, Shran pulled out a PADD. After clicking a few buttons, he placed the PADD on the table and pushed it across the table. Elonat was surprised to find the picture of a young Andorian girl where before she had expected a jewel or some sort of weapon. Looking back to Shran, she reframed her observations of his behavior. She could see now that he was nervous, nearly eaten up with anxiety, and she could only assume that this Andorian child was his daughter. Elonat decided then that no matter what Soval said, she at least would help them. Her empathy levels were skyrocketing with each moment that passed.

Soval looked back to Shran, "I was not aware that you had a wife or child. I was led to believe that the Imperial Guard left little time for such trivialities."

"Yes," Shran snatched the PADD back, "that is one reason why I resigned."

Tesil shrugged, "Myself as well. I would rather not be in the Guard than be busted down to private merely for taking the time to have a family." At Elonat's sympathizing look, Tesil smiled at her, "We hope that this Charter will help mellow the Guard enough to be lenient in such matters, but only time will tell."

The chiming noise of a communicator interrupted them. Tesil answered.

"Report."

"We are entering Rigel X's atmosphere. We should be at the station in fifteen minutes."

Tesil looked to Shran before his eyes traveled back to Elonat and Soval. "Very good, Vylle. Once we have landed, you and Akihr will accompany us to our meeting. Thov will accompany our Vulcan friend on his mission. Have Pitte remain on guard with the ship."

"Yessir."

Shran braced his hands on the table and leaned forward, "Soval, yes or no?"

Elonat spoke before Soval could, "Romulans are prone to emotional outbursts and do not hold themselves in as high of a stoic check as Vulcans. The Ambassador is quite," Elonat looked over to Soval, and this time allowed a smirk to touch her own lips, "how can I say this, Vulcan in his demeanor." Both Tesil and Shran's antennae had drawn back at her outward display of emotion. "It is doubtful that he will be able to infiltrate a group of Romulans successfully without being found out."

"What makes you think you are capable where the Ambassador is not?" Tesil leaned forward, thoroughly intrigued.

Elonat crossed her arms over her chest, shifted in her chair, tipped her head up proudly towards both Andorians, "I'm more acquainted with showing emotions than the Ambassador." She placed a hand over her belly and let her smile grow. "I'm also more intimately acquainted with Romulans than the Ambassador."

Both Andorians looked thoroughly shocked, and it took a breath for either of them to gather their wits together. Soval reached out and laid a hand on her arm, seeking to silence her.

"Now it is your turn not to tell us the details?" Tesil laughed, his antennae waving at Elonat's head shake. "I like you. What is your name?"

Soval interrupted, "She is not your concern. I am the one you have recruited."

"Elonat Madsen." Soval's grip on her arm tightened, but not painfully so.

Shran frowned, "Not a very Vulcan sounding name."

"Elonat." Soval's voice held warning, but she ignored him. He did not like the turn this conversation was taking, but Elonat would not back down. Yes, she wanted to live, and she wanted her child to live, but it was still true that Soval held more sway in this century than she. He was by far more valuable to the machinations of events than she. So, like it or not, she and her child were the more expendable ones in this venture.

"I'm only a quarter Vulcan."

Tesil looked to Shran before turning back to stare between Soval and Elonat, "How is that possible?"

"I believe we have already wasted nearly five minutes with this," Soval leaned forward in a desperate attempt to divert attention from Elonat, "what level of the station am I to go to retrieve your daughter?"

"It would be faster if we both go," Elonat also leaned forward, glaring at Soval for a moment. "The Ambassador can stick to the shadows and out of conversation range of the Romulans while I draw their attention. You said one of your men would join us?" Tesil and Shran both nodded. "He stays with the Ambassador. It wouldn't help matters much to have a supposed Romulan running around with an Andorian while this meeting is taking place."

"I forbid it." Soval stood and glared, first Elonat, then at the Andorians for even listening to the plan. "I will not allow you to risk your life or your child's life for this endeavor."

Elonat also stood and would've gone toe-to-toe with Soval, but her belly pushed into his torso before she could. "It is my life and my child's life. Not yours. I can't control very many things about my existence, Soval, but I can at least control when and where I offer my help." She turned to face Shran and Tesil, the latter of which had stood. "I'm helping regardless of what the Ambassador says. I may not be a mother yet, but I empathize enough to understand why you'd go to such dire straits." She waved to the room. "I am like Soval in that I don't agree with the methods, but I can respect them. Just as I can and will respect your request. Now, what level are WE going to on the station?"

Tesil clapped his hands together and let out a quick laugh, "I really like this woman."

"If only all Vulcans were like you." Shran muttered, his antennae flickering back and forth.

Elonat could feel Soval's glare boring into the side of her head. She knew he disagreed wholeheartedly with the plan. She also knew that his worry could possibly be distracting to him during their "mission," but she wasn't about to let him get killed. Not even for this Andorian father. As Tesil and Shran led them from the room to the docking bay, Elonat reached out and took hold of Soval's hand. He tried to pull it away, but she overcame his strength with her Augment one and insisted. She pushed as many reassuring feelings as possible through their contact, willing him to at least accept that this WAS going to happen and that their chances for success increased with her help.

By the time they reached the bay, Soval's stance was marginally more resigned. And before he let go, Elonat felt him push a whispered word through their contact. T'hy'la. Elonat smiled and nodded.