Nolfian Chronicles Part 5
It took 3 days before they reached Nolfia.
"Visual?"
"Yes sir"
Soon the planet came on the screen. Green land with mostly blue for the oceans around them. They saw what looked like sailing ships on the oceans. huge white sails billowing in the wind that the crew couldn't hear.
"Looks rather like Earth colour-wise. Archer to Kunama"
"Kunama here. What can I do for you Sir?" Replied Kunama, she sounded exhausted.
"Could you come to the bridge? There's something you might just want to see"
"I'm on my way. Kunama out"
"Sir, they're hailing us" Hoshi reported to her CO confidently.
"Open a channel" Archer asked her. Smilinga little
"Yes sir"
A Nolfian appeared on Enterprise's screen. His fur was jet black with a white streak across the forehead and he was dressed in white clothing with a design running along the sleeves. In the background, further Nolfians could be seen, carrying plates and packages.
"This is Senator Cruzan of the Ku'Sar tribe. State your name and business" He said
"My name is Captain Jonathan Archer. We're from earth. A crewmember of my ship has come to collect a child"
As Archer was speaking to the Senator,Kunama entered and as soon as she did the senator's face lit up, instantly recognising his old friend and General of his Legions
"Du General Kunama. Co sie nien ta?"
Kunama bowed to the Senator and equally replied
"Ge un ta Seskan Cruzan. Co sie nien ta?"
"Ge un ta. Wieno ma sche miesta col nantu nunto Enterprise?"
"Tan Seskan. Kaptin Archer fro'wa dien vema."
"Tan. Tan. Me trun meano gun de a pup?"
"Tan Seskan"
"Tra meano Kaptin Archer gunwa te jun ja ono jem tanto crea ka yu Nolfia fo banquo"
"Me lo Seskan"
"Bu General"
The screen went back and everyone just stared at Kunama. Archer smiled and turned to her.
"I heard my name being mentioned"
"Yes Sir that you did." Kunama replied with a smile
"So what did he say?" Archer asked, placing a hand on the back of his chair and slightly leaning on it.
"He invited your bridge crew and yourself for a banquet down on Nolfia so we can talk about what we came for"
"I see. How many speak English?"
"A few. Most of the Senators have learnt it. If you ask me Sir, I think everyone on Nolfia should learn the language." Kunama slightly laughed. Reed smiled slightly and Travis had grinned.
Archer nodded and smiled. "Let's go crew."
Archer, T'Pol, Reed, Hoshi, Travis and Kunama left the bridge one by on being replaced by other members of crew. They went to the launch bay and entered shuttle pod 1. They had visited Engineering to invite Trip along and he went along. They barely fitted in the small craft.
Travis took the helm and flew the craft out of the launch bay, once it was depressurized, and flew down to the planet that was called Nolfia.
"So, is there anything that should and should not be done?" Archer asked
"Yes. If a senator bows to you, you must bow back or he may see it as being rude."
"I see" Archer nodded in understanding. He didn't want to offend Kunama's people.
"And always ask how they are?"
Trip looked up. "An how do we do that?"
"Co sie nien ta means how are you. Nien and ta is pronounced as one word. He or she will answer Ge un ta meaning she or he is well or Ne un ta is unwell."
"Right" Trip acknoledged whilst others gave a small nod or smile.
15 minutes later and the craft landed safely in a nearby clearing next to a large building. Archer was the first to depart from the small craft, the rest followed with Kunama bringing up the rear.
Archer looked at their surroundings. Trees littered everywhere, growing strait and strong. Flowers cheerings up the sidewalks and could be seen in what looked like balconies on the windows of buildings nearby. The sky was blue and hardly a cloud in sight. Brightly coloured Birds could be seen flying at high speeds towards the buildings or to trees where they were nesting.
"Beautiful" Archer exclaimed
"That was the general idea but to my taste, I think the architecture is poor. This way Sir" Kunama gestured, moving in front of the group.
"Right" Archer acknoledged, nodding his head slightly.
They followed Kunama to a square to which was immaculately covered with green planting and incredulous stonework. The square was filled with Nolfians of all shapes and sizes. Kunama led the small group to a large building to the south.
They entered through the double doors where several Nolfians in white dress greeted them. They looked smart and all had a sword in scabbard attached to their waists. The oldest of the seven there stepped foreword and bowed. The crew and Kunama bowed back.
The Elder smiled, went up to Kunama and shook hands withhers profusely, which eventually ended in a mutual hug. both of them clapping each other on the back. Archer and T'Pol looked at each, and Archer smiled. To him, this was very Roman like. If he had his histroy facts right that was.
"General Kunama. Daughter of Kiro and Kre'Endo. It is good to see you again. Are you well old friend?"
"I am well Senator Cruzan." Kunama smiled, nodding. Her tail swifting side to side gently. Flowing with the wind that was thrusting old leaves around.
"And are your friends well?" Cruzan asked, looking at a few of them, Travis in particular.
"Yes they are Senator."
"Well, I already know one of them and that's Captain Jonathan Archer. May I know the names of the others?"
"Of course."
Kunama motioned for the small group to come foreword. Cruzan shook hands with Archer warmly.
"It's good to see you in the flesh Captain. We rarely get visitors from different homeworlds these days. I'm glad you came"
Archer smiled whilst shaking Cruzan's hand. "I'm glad we did come." This earned him a hug from Cruzan and he stepped back from Cruzan a little surprised. He said nothing, it wouldn't do to offend Senator Cruzan.
Kunama and Cruzan moved on to T'Pol.
"This is Sub Commander T'Pol. She's the Science Officer" Kunama said, smiling.
"Welcome to Nolfia, Sub Commander T'Pol. May I ask what species you are?" he asked, very politely
"Of course, I am Vulcan" T'Pol replied. Cruzan noted she spoke tonelessly.
"Vulcan? We have heard of them from the Romulans who come here. Oh well, I'm glad you've come Sub Commander"
T'Pol nodded.
"This is Commander Charles Tucker the third. Chief Engineer of Enterprise" Kunama gestured.
"Delighted to meet you Commander" Cruzan said, warmly.
"An' the same to you Senator" Trip heartily replied, his southern accent thickening. Cruzan, being true to himself, liked people with accents. It made conversations more interesting. he shook hands with Trip vigourously. He moved on to the next person to be introduced. Like himself, he had dark hair, nearly black. his eyes were a stormy blue, interesting colour he though as he shook hands with the man.
"This Lieutenant Malcolm Reed. In charge of Weapons and Security."
"You're department Kunama.' Cruzan laughed 'Charmed to meet you Mr. Reed."
Malcolm nodded and smiled. Cruzan Smiled in return as he went to another. This one being female and did have black hair. Her nose, he noted was shaped differently to the others but he thought this normal for their specie, whatever it was. He had yet still to ask.
"This is Ensign Hoshi Sato"
"It's a pleasure to meet you Ensign"
"Thank you Senator Cruzan" Hoski replied, smiling. Her smile was genuine down to the last wrinkle around her eyes.
"And last but not least Ensign Travis Mayweather" Kunama gestured once more
"Good to see you and what race are you may I ask?"
This caused the young man to laugh and grin.
"I'm not a different race, we have different colours for humans"
"Ah. I see. Not unlike our own coloured variations then?"
Travis nodded and grinned once more. Cruzan did the same. Cruzan turned back to Kunama.
"I think we'd better go to incert hall and have that chat about what needs to be discussed. The child speaks perfect English according to the family. Follow me"
Kunama nodded and they followed Cruzan to another room. The room was finely decorated with engraved stonework and carved woodwork. They were offered chairs at a long wooden table that could easily sit two to three dozen people. The chairs had holes in the lower backs of the seat, obviously for the tails of Nolfians. They sat at the table.
"Now I can now tell you Kunama, that the pup's name is Den'ik. He's at an age where he doesn't really understand things."
"How old is he?" Kunama inquired.
"He's five going on six a week on Tuesday" Cruzan answered
"I see" Kunama acknoledged, nodding slightly.
"Captain Archer. I hope you don't mind having Den'ik on board?" Cruzan inquired. He hoped it wouldn't be.
"Not at all Senator." Archer smiled.
"That's good. Well, I'd better invite the little tyke in shouldn't I? I'll be back General"
Kunama gave him a nod and the man exited the room.
Archer looked around him; the woodcarvings were immaculate and stunning to see.
"Was all this done by hand?" Archer gestured to the work
"Yes. I believe it's a Co'nam design but I'm not sure" Kunama answered looking around at the design plastered along the huge walls
"It looks beautiful" Archer said, awed by the quantity
"I'm glad you approve"
Just then Cruzan entered with a young boy. The boy's fur was brown and his right ear was pierced. He looked unsure of himself, as if he didn't know what to make of things. He missed the company of his mother. A tear fell down his face.
"Den'ik. This is your new mother" Cruzan said softly, whilst gesturing to Kunama.
The small boy only nodded to show he understood and cautiously went up to Kunama. His eyes twinkled but the face was full of sorrow.
"He's upset" Cruzan told Kunama.
"I understand"
Kunama stood from her chair and bent down to the young boy, her eyes meeting his.
"Dry those tears son, you'll be okay."
Den'ik looked hesitant but then he thrusted himself into Kunama's arms, crying forlornly. Kunama comforted him back letting him cry out his pain and loss. She gently rocked him back and forth.
"You know your parents' Kunama nodded 'They're curious to know about Enterprise and who's in command of it. I hope you visit them. They are a little anxious to meet you, Captain"
"I'm sure they would and we're more than happy to oblige"
"General, do you mind them seeing your parents?" Kunama shook her head.
"Not at all Senator. I'd be more than happy to show them where they live"
"Then it's settled."
Just then another Nolfian, smaller in size and in different clothing to the senators before. The Nolfian went up to Senator Cruzan and whispered something in his ear. Cruzan nodded solemnly and told the rest of the group that dinner had to be postponed.
"I am sorry Captain"
"Don't be Senator. It's nice to be here anyway"
"You're right. Now would be a good time to see Kunama's parents. I bid you a good journey Captain"
"Thank you Senator"
Kunama lifted the young boy from the floor and stood. She took the extra weight with ease. They left the hall and went to the square, where animals, similar to horses awaited them.
"What about the pod?" Trip enquired
"The land near my elders is very rugged and has no landing facilities," Kunama explained, "My Elders seem to think living in the city is a bad thing. Shalak is the only means of getting there"
"They look like Horses" Trip commented.
"I suppose. Except these are a lot faster. You'll see. You're riding female Shalak." Kunama returned the comment
"And the males have the horns?"
Kunama turned to see Archer standing by the head of a black Shalak who had a majestic set of antlers.
"Yes. Only Generals are allowed to ride them and whoever the General allows"
Kunama lifted Den'ik ontothe Black Shalak then lifted herself up behind him. The rest followed suit.
They followed Kunama to a little mansion in a green field. Two pots of flowers stood at the entrance of the pathway for which they rode along. They reached the mansion and dismounted from their elegant steeds to which tossed their heads.
Kunama took the young boy's hand and led them to the front door and knocked twice. Soon, a solemn young face peered through once she had opened the door slightly but it was quickly opened once the girl recognized the face before her.
"Kunama. You're home. Mother's been so worried"
"Can we come in. I have some friends that Father and Mother are anxious to meet?"
"Of course Kun. It's your home as much as it is theirs you know"
The girl let them through, tail wagging excitedly. Kunama went through the grand hallway but changed the course towards a doorway where an emanating light was shadowing the frame of the door.
She crossed through and saw her mother and father sitting by the hearth, their faces turned towards the noise of the sobbing child.
"Kunama. My fair. It's great to see you again"
"If only if it could have been sooner Father. Father, Mother, I have some friends whoI have been toldyou have been anxious to meet"
Just then the child tugged at Kunama's hand. Kunama bent towards him as her father introduced Kunama's Mother, Kiro, the youngest of three daughters, Cora and himself to Captain Archer and the rest.
"Kunama. Is he your daddy?"
"Indeed he is Den'ik and a charming one at that. You'll like him Den'ik, he's part of your family now, as is my Mother and three sisters"
"I never did like my mum but I like you" Den'ik looked at Kunama and gave her a small hug.
"Now don't let her friends and relatives hear that from you. It wouldn't be done."
"I know, Mum" Den'ik said quietly.
"Well, Kunama who is this young one?"
"This is Den'ik father, his mother died a few days ago and left him to me in her will."
"Den'ik of Truna?"
"I don't know"
"If so, I feel sorry for the lad. She wasn't a kind spirit mind. Well, how about something to eat, I bet you're a tad hungry. Kiro."
"I'm already on it love"
Kiro left the room, with Cora following behind her. The door closed silently behind them
"So, you're a Captain of a Starship?"
"Yes sir, I am. She's a wonderful vessel and has proved on many times her best"
"Yes and by the way. I may be a retired Admiral but you don't have to call me 'Sir'. You will call me Kre'Endo. What warp does your ship go up to?"
Tucker smiled and answered for his Captain who in turn smiled.
"Well, she can go up to warp 5.0 but we're trying to make her go to 5.3 to 5.5"
"I see. Ours can go up to 5.5 but if we need to we can push them to 6.0"
"wow"
"I see have your approval' Tucker merely nodded 'our weapons are somewhat better, with an accuracy of 9/10 hits. Though the design of the actual vessels are a little crude. I have tried profusely to get the Senate to change the design but they babble and squabble and never look at my suggestions so in the end I thought to hell with it."
"I can imagine."
"Can I offer you anything to drink? Our beverages may be a little different to yours I bet, though I managed to get a bottle of bourbon off a trade. An Arkonian dared to place a bet with me, and of course, I won"
They said they would love a drink and Kre'Endo disappeared from the room, closing the door gently behind him.
"An Admiral?" Archer asked Kunama, intriged
"Yes. He was in the great wars. That was before my time" Kunama replied, proudly.
"Ah"
"I love the style of this house. It's very interestin' "
"Thank you Commander. Again a Co'nam design. Co'nam is a very renowned sculptor and architect."
"His work is wonderful" Reed murmured
"I'm not sure if I like it or not. As a young sub-adult I was always used to the bare corridors of ships or tents depending on the battlefields on Nolfia's high hills. Décor wasn't important on the battle field"
The group smiled and Kre'Endo re-appeared from the kitchen area carrying a tray of glasses and one bottle filled with a brown substance. He set it on the table and started to fill all the glasses. Once he completed the task he set the bottle back on the tray and stoked the fire to gain more warmth from the smoldering embers.
"Help yourself if you want some. Kiro should be in shortly with some food."
"Thank you Kre'Endo"
All the enterprise crew picked up a glass save T'Pol, Hoshi and Den'ik. Kre'Endo took one up for himself and held it up. The others did the same.
"To new friends"
"New Friends"
They drank the bourbon down and put their glasses back on the tray.
"Help yourself if you would like more."
Cora entered with a large tray of food.
"Hmmm. My favourite" Kunama looked at Cora.
"Always was and always will be Kun."
Cora set the platter on the table after Kunama moved the drinks from there and placed it on the mantelpiece, or what Archer thought the Nolfian equivalent.
"Where's Sunte and Cana?" Kunama asked
"Oh. They got boyfriends now. So they're spending the night with them." Cora replied, smiling.
"Cana's got a boyfriend? You have to be kidding" Kunama laughed.
"No. I'm not kidding. She finally gave in to his pathetic pleas, after five long months. I bet she was torturing him for the fun of it." Cora laughed in return, having to sit to save herself from falling over in fits.
"You two girls can stop arguing over Cana. Her private life should remain private. That, I believe what private means."
"Yes Father" His two daughters replied in exactly the same tone of voice, as they always had done when they were pups.
Archer smiled at the two women's ranting. It reminded him of home. The door opened and Kiro walked in with another platter. This one was smaller than the first. She placed it on a side table near Archer and Travis. She smiled and sat next to Kunama.
Den'ik, who found his new surroundings rather comfortable and relaxing sat in between the two and fell asleep, his head resting against Kunama's arm. He snored softly.
"He suits you Kunama. You look like Kiro when she had Cana and Sunte when they were his age. They used to do that"
Kunama looked at the sleeping pup and smiled. She then looked at her mother who wasn't smiling but looked like she wasn't with it.
"Mother. Are you all right?"
Kunama had to repeat it three times before having to gently prod her mother to respond.
"What dear?"
"Are you all right? You don't seem with it today Mother"
"I…I'm fine. No need to worry about me dear."
"Kunama"
Kunama looked at her father, who looked very grave at this point
"Can I talk to you in private?"
"Sure." Kunama nodded.
Kunama nodded lightly and lifted Den'ik's head gently and replaced it on her seat. She followed her father out of the room.
"So. Has Kunama been a good officer on board your vessel?" Cora asked.
"Yes. She has. Ever since we found her she has been helping with odd bits round the ship."
"Do you have children?" Kiro asked, interested now to find out about these so called humans.
"No. I don't. I plan to one day"
"They're wonderful. They give you question an adult wouldn't have asked. They're not afraid of anything. Well, most of them. Sunte was a shy child. Cana was completely the opposite. Cora was a bit of both…."
"Mother! I don't think they need to know"
"I'm only saying things. Do help yourselves to the food."
The crew nodded and took a few choice morsels of the food.
Kunama returned and her father entered shortly afterwards. Kunama sat down after lifting the pup's head and replacing it on her arm. Cora gave her some of the meat, which hadn't been touched yet to which Kunama gratefully took and started to nibble on it.
Her teeth and jaws made short work on the morsel. Archer was amazed how fast the piece of food that Kunama was eating went so quick but he quit the staring and tried something he hadn't tried before on the small platter near him.
"Enjoying the food Captain?"
"It's lovely. Thank you Kre'Endo"
"So. What's the décor like on your ship?"
"It's gray mainly. With the odd touches of silver and light metallic blue"
"Hmm. I must say I prefer those colours. We have brown, black and white. It's like sitting in a gigantic Casô bar" Kre'Endo laughed smiling as he resumed in his chair.
"Casô?" Trip asked
"It's like one of your chocolate bars" Kunama raised the answer and Kre'Endo nodded.
"I must get our senate to change the colour arrangement. Brown, Black and white is most displeasing"
Archer nodded in understanding. He looked at Kunama and smiled. She had her head laid back, her mouth was open and her tongue was hanging out slightly. She was slumped in the sofa, if Nolfians called it that. Den'ik was snoring softly on her lap and her hand was laid across his small chest. Their breathing was in rhythm with each other.
"She must have been tired. She doesn't usually sleep this early"
"She looks so peaceful" Cora added.
Archer looked at Cora, not having heard her speak for a long period of time. She was quite short and had black fur. Both of her ears were pierced and wore very girly clothing.
Cora noticed him looking at her and smiled, cheekily. He smiled in return and diverted his attention.
He rested his eyes upon the large window. It overlooked vast open moors. He kept staring out of the window, the background noise drowned out as he watched. As minutes passed he saw a figure coming, quickly towards the house. As it came nearer he saw it was a Nolfian on a Shalak. The man dismounted as soon as he reached the house. The Shalak started to feed.
He knocked on the door, which woke both Den'ik and Kunama.
"I wonder who that could be?"
Said Kre'Endo as he got up to answer the knock. Seconds passed until Kre'Endo returned into the room with the Nolfian who had been riding the Shalak. Kre'Endo was again looking grim. So was the strange man.
"General Kunama?"
Kunama woke with a start and looked at who had called her name.
"Yes?"
"I have some bad news to tell you. May I speak with you alone General?" The man asked, dipping hismuzzle lightly
"Of course. We can speak it out in the hallway"
Kunama rose as Kre'Endo slowly sat and followed the strange man into the hallway where a faint murmur came.
"That was Dera. He serves in the army. He's been there for a long time and is a great friend of the family. Except he comes bearing bad news for Kunama. It is by luck she's here to hear him." Kre'Endo explained.
An hour went by and Kunama still hadn't returned into the room. Den'ik was getting worried.
"Where's Mum gone to?"
Cora looked at the young pup and smiled weakly.
"She's gone to speak with that man. He is called Dera. He serves with the army."
"Will she be okay?"
"I don't know Den'ik. It depends on what news she hears" Cora said sadly.
Den'ik didn't make any more comment and fiddled with his fingers.
Kunama entered looking forlorn but she just sat next to Den'ik and sighed.
"Mummy, what's wrong?"
Kunama looked at him and gently hugged him to her.
"Nothing is wrong Den'ik"
"You're lying. There is something wrong"
"I'll tell you later. I'd rather not talk of it now"
Den'ik snuggled into her and she nuzzled his head. Kiro and Kre'Endo looked at them both worryingly. The strange entered.
"I apologize for disturbing you Kre'Endo."
"It wasn't a problem. More of a surprise" Kre'Endo bowed
"I will take my leave. Thank you. I'm sorry General" Dera bowed.
Kunama only nodded.
"Good evening"
And with that he left closing the door behind him. Archer watched him mount his steed and ride off cross the green moor.
"It will be dark soon so if you want to return to your ship today, now would be the time" Kre'Endo supplied. Archer nodded in acknoledgment.
"Thank you for having us Kre'Endo"
"It's my pleasure and whenever you're near Nolfia do pay us a visit. We love to hear from you again." Kre'Endo smiled.
"We'll let you know"
The Enterprise crew rose along with the rest of the people in the room. Kunama lifted Den'ik onto her hip.
"Out of curiosity Kunama, have you run into that young fellow Shran again? He was certainly a nice fellow" Kre'Endo asked, thoughtfully.
"Yes. He's currently on Enterprise" Kunama said slowly. She noticed her mother and knew she didn't approve of Shran, just because he was an Andorian. She hugged her father the best she could with Den'ik in her arms.
Chapter 6 coming soon! Please R&R!
