In Angels We Trust
Theme Song: Manasthan – Angels – Raasa Raasa Unnaivachu
Has References To: TLK 2: Simba's Pride. "Love will find a way", Hollyoaks,
Disclaimer: If Enterprise and it's characters were mine I'd be rejoicing but I'm not I don't own them and there is no profit being made on this what-so-ever. Leanne Tristal, Cano Ran, Kaara Willows and Aaron Burton however are my characters so therefore copyright only to me.
Fallen
Kaara hadn't met Sub Commander T'Pol properly before now. She seemed far off from the others, confined within her. Not able to break free. But that was because she was Vulcan and Vulcan's repressed their emotions.
She slowly ate her meal, which happened to be meatloaf. She knew, of course, that it was the Commander's favourite along with the Pecan Pie that he had told her about and vouched to get her to try it.
She knew she was falling in love but who she was in love with she didn't know. She felt she was climbing a never-ending stairway.
Archer looked at Kaara. She was toying and eating her food occasionally. She looked lost and he wanted to comfort her and tell her she wasn't lost and he would always be there for her. He knew what it was that he was feeling and pondered on them. He looked at Trip who was trying to get T'Pol to show some emotion and as always he failed.
He saw Trip throw his hands in the air and sighed. He laughed a little. He took a mouthful of his meatloaf and looked up. Precisely when he did so, Kaara looked up and their eyes met, caught in a trance. Everything in the background was drowned out. All that mattered was them looking at each other.
Tucker saw the two staring at each other and clicked his fingers. The sudden noise made them both jolt upright. The cheery Engineer grinned and set down his fork for a brief moment.
"You two were catchin' flies," he said openly, laughing a little.
"Ah" Kaara uttered
"Well. That was one fine meal of meatloaf. Chef is a fantastic cook," Trip said happily, placing a hand on his stomach
"I'm sure he'll be pleased to know that Trip" Archer replied, looking at his best friend with a large smile.
"Well, I'm gonna hit the haystack. Night." Trip stated and got up, pushing the chair that he was sitting on, in behind him.
"Night Trip" Archer said with a quick flick of his head.
Kaara slowly nodded and smiled. T'Pol replied with no emotion in her voice what so ever.
"Good night Commander"
Tucker laughed slightly and left the room. T'Pol also made her excuses and left. Kaara and Archer looked at each other again.
"It's getting late" Kaara suddenly stated
"Yeah. It is" Archer said softly
" I'd better go. Thanks for the dinner" Kaara smiled at him
"That's ok." Archer said, slightly disappointed. He didn't want her to go just yet.
Archer looked into her eyes again. There was something hidden behind her blue iris'. Something she was trying to convey but couldn't do it vocally. Kaara stood and slid her chair under the table. Archer also stood.
Kaara smiled.
"Goodnight Jon. Sleep well" Kaara murmured looking at Archer.
"And the same to you Kaara" He smiled in return
"Thank you"
"Night."
Kaara smiled and nodded. She gracefully left the room and Archer sank back into his chair and ran his hand across his face.
"I'm screwed"
Some of the chef's men came in and cleared the plates from the table. Archer smiled a little. He left them to it and retired to bed. When he reached there, he sat on his bed.
Porthos came up to him and whined. Archer smiled and lifted him onto the bed. Porthos lay down and rested his head on Archer's thigh.
"Oh Porthos. I think I've fallen in love." He said to his dog, whilst scratching him behind the ears
Porthos just looked at him and sighed in his little doggie way.
"Kaara. Man, is she something? I think I'm in love with her"
Porthos lifted his head and cocked it to one side. Archer laughed and patted him.
"Come on. Let's get you some cheese"
Porthos watched Archer rise from the bed and go to a cabinet in the wall. He leapt off the bed and barked knowing what was coming
"All right. All right. Hold your horses"
Archer laughed as he got two small pieces of cheese from a plastic container and gave them to Porthos. Porthos chewed on the pieces of cheese merrily and left Archer to get changed and climb into bed. Porthos finished his snack and stepped on his plush blanket and nodded off. Along with Archer.
Kaara looked up at the ceiling, which wasn't actually the ceiling. It was the bottom of the top bunk where snoring could be heard. Kaara tutted and rolled onto her side. She soon fell asleep.
The next day proved to be a busy one. They were attacked by the ever-troublesome Suliban that morning and the Armoury team were very busy. People weren't talking, some shouted among the crazy-ness of it all. The Armoury was alive with activity, so was Engineering. The engineering team was trying to make sure that the engine stayed at her best.
The Bridge was noisy from Archer's shouting and returned answers by the various bridge crew. Malcolm fired three more rounds before the Suliban gave up on their attempt and fled. Everything fell silent on the bridge.
But soon a cackling sound came through over the COMM for which Hoshi succeeded in clearing up.
"Tucker to the Bridge"
He sounded rather annoyed and very peeved.
"Archer here."
"What the hell just happened? One minute it's all calm then the next minute, hell broke loose"
"The Suliban paid an unwelcome visit. They've gone now" Archer informed his best friend
"It had to be them, didn't it?' Tucker didn't wait for an answer 'Well, take it easy on going to warp. The engine's pretty stressed out righ' now"
"Will do Trip"
The connection was cut.
"Any casualties? Damage reports?"
T'Pol's fingers ran across the science panel at an alarming rate.
"Minimal damage was done." She reported
"Where was it directed?" Archer asked, looking at T'Pol.
"The Armoury" T'Pol stated
"Casualties?" He asked.
"3. They are presently in Sickbay" Was his answer and he sat back in his chair
"Least that was minimal"
They cleaned up the small messes around their stations and changed shift so they could eat. Archer was expecting to see Kaara down there but she wasn't to be seen. Instead he saw her friend, Leanne Tristal and decided to chat with her. He sat the opposite end of the table. Leah didn't appear to have noticed.
"Sorry. If I'm disturbing you"
Leah looked up and saw the face of their trusted Captain
"Not at all Sir."
"You work in the same department as Crewman Willows don't you?"
Leah took a moment before she responded.
"Yes Sir. She does."
"Anything wrong?" Archer asked, very concerned.
"There was an accident in the Armoury. 3 people were injured"
"And Kaara was one of them?" Archer stated, knowing he was correct by the look on Tristal's face.
"Yes Sir. She's unconscious at the moment"
"How did it happen?" Archer asked.
"One of the weapon lockers wasn't locked properly and Kaara saw it. Also two Ensigns were going past. She rushed to get them out of the way. She could have shouted but the Armoury was inaudible of hearing at that precise time. She lunged herself at them just as the lockers doors broke off and the weapons fell out. The doors hit Kaara on the head. She was unconscious but the two Ensigns she saved were fine."
"I'm gonna go and check on her" Archer said softly. 'I'll let you know if she wakes okay?" He knew that Leanne and Kaara were the best of friends and cared a lot for each other.
Leah only nodded
"She'll pull through it Crewman. You'll see" Archer said, trying to reassure the Crewman sitting at the table, picking at her meal.
"I hope you're right Sir" She said silently, not looking up at him.
Archer nodded and smiled encouragingly. He left quickly and hurried to Sickbay. He eventually got there. Phlox saw him and smiled gravely.
"Is she ok?" he said, knowing Phlox would understand who he was talking about.
"She's recovering but very slowly. Thanks to her abilities she didn't die. Those doors would hit her at a force that would have normally killed a normal human being"
"That's good to hear" Archer said, quite relieved at the news.
Archer moved towards the bio bed Kaara was resting on. Her breathing was shallow and when she exhaled, it came out as a slight growl. Three of her fingers moved. He thought he didn't see it at first but Kaara repeated the movement. Whether she was conscious of doing it was another matter
"Doctor, her fingers moved"
"That's a good sign. She may be coming round although I didn't expect her to so soon" Phlox said with one of his usual smiles.
And Phlox proved to be right. Kaara's eyelids fluttered and slowly opened her blue eyes. After several blinking actions Kaara moaned slightly.
"Kaara?"
Kaara's head turned towards the turned, face wincing at the pain.
"Sir?"
She managed to speak his name. But her voice was very hoarse and almost inaudible
"How are you feeling?" Archer asked her softly
"Like hell"
Archer chuckled. Exactly what Reed would have said. He looked to see where Phlox had gone. He was busy in his office
"There's something I think we need to discuss." He said slowly, he looked at the ground.
"Can it wait Sir? I mean, I am tired and I'm not thinking strait"
Archer smiled. Kaara smiled in return
"Course it can" Archer nodded.
Kaara nodded weakly. Her eyes closed and she fell asleep again. Archer remained looking at her for several minutes before leaving. Noting how serene she looked. He returned to the bridge and sat in his chair.
"Sir, is Crewman Willows all right? We heard what happened"
Archer looked up to see where this question came from. He saw Hoshi looking at him.
"Doc says she'll recover. Had she been a normal human being she would have been dead but because of her Tonaren abilities she survived the impact of the locker doors"
Hoshi's eyes closed in relief. She hated it when bad things happened to new crewmembers. But she had also noticed what was going on between their Captain and Kaara. And she was happy for them.
A week went passed before Phlox released Kaara from sickbay. She was very much relieved. But it was the end of the day so she had nothing to do. She remembered the conversation with Captain Archer when she first woke up. He'd been there just as she woke and she knew he was the one. She felt he knew as well.
Those green eyes of his were full of understanding but there was something else when she looked. But at that time she couldn't place what it was. Now, she felt she knew.
She decided she would sort this out and pay Archer a visit so she went to her quarters, had a shower and got changed into a new uniform. She brushed her hair before she left her quarters.
She wandered through the gray corridors towards the Captain's quarters. It was a long way to go. She eventually reached his quarters. She brought her hand to the button but paused.
Did she really want to do this?
Could she do it?
Could she tell him of her love for him?
She had to. She knew she loved him. His brown short hair, his deep green eyes and his positive character. She knew it classed as fraternization but she knew love would find a way. She pressed the button and his voice came though.
"Come in"
She pressed the button for the door to open and stepped through when it did.
Archer looked up at her and smiled. His green eyes twinkling.
Porthos on the other hand bounded towards the crewman, sniffing her.
"It's all right Porthos. She's friend not foe. What can I do for you?" Archer laughed.
"You said we had something to discuss when I first woke up from that accident. As I had nothing to do, I felt now was a good time as any Sir"
"It's Jon."
"Jon" Kaara corrected at the rank statement
"Have a seat" Archer gestured to one
Kaara smiled. She looked at the Beagle before going to sit down opposite her Captain.
The Beagle in question followed and reared up onto her knee. Kaara laughed and bent to pick the happy Beagle up and gently put him on her lap. Porthos yawned and rested his head on her legs, lying down to accommodate.
"There was something I wanted to talk to you about, concerning the both of us
Kaara's heart leapt. This was it.
"There's something I've been feeling inside for a good number of days. It was annoying me slightly and realized it had started soon after a certain somebody arrived on this ship. I hope you see what I am trying to tell you"
"Yes Jon. I think I do but Starfleet Regs don't allow it to happen"
"I'm going to put a word to the Admiral about that law. We'll be out in space for extended period of time and you can't expect not to fall in love with each other in a confined area with opposite genders"
"So…" Kaara left it open.
"So, what I'm saying is…. that…. uh…. damn"
"That…?"
Archer had this conversation planned out and yet he couldn't find the right words. His legs had gone to jelly and his stomach felt weird.
"Jon? You all right?"
"I…err…I'm fine" He lied
"You don't look it" Kaara said softly
"I'm fine. Kaara…"
"Kaz." Kaara interrupted.
"What?" Archer looked at her.
Kaara had caught him off guard.
"Kaz. Short for Kaara. Keep saying Kaara is getting long winded."
"Right. Kaz. Um…guess what I'm trying to say is that…fuck" Archer left off.
Kaara smiled a little. She decided to save him before he lost his speech altogether.
"Let me guess. You're seriously in love with me, and you can't find the right words at this moment in time"
Kaara hit the right nail. Archer blushed and nodded; Kaara lifted the now sleeping Porthos and gently laid him on the floor. She moved over to where Archer was and sat beside him
"And you're okay with the fact I'm only half human?"
"Kaz! You're still human whatever end you look at.' He saw Kaara smile at him. Her eyes shining brightly 'Do you have a middle name?"
"Yes…I do. Violet" Kaara said slowly. Not many people knew her middle name.
"Violet' Archer echoed. 'Kaara Violet Willows. I'm in love with you and you alone"
"Jonathan Archer. I'm in love with you and you alone" Kaara repeated after him, she said it quite quickly.
Archer took a while to react to what she just murmured, and then it sunk in.
"Y…you do?"
"Jon. Whenever you first looked at me with those green eyes of yours I knew there was something. Maybe we're meant; it just took us a while to realize. Love always finds a way."
"I guess" Archer shrugged slightly.
"What do you mean 'I guess'? It does" Kaara grinned at him.
Archer was just about to put up a token protest but two hands reached up round his face and pulled him into a kiss. He broke it off and looked into Kaara's eyes. He knew they were doing the right thing. He put his own hand round Kaara and pulled her back into an embrace. She smelt nice, whatever perfume she used he liked it.
Kaara purred slightly as Jonathan pulled her into an embrace. He smelt nice and he even tasted nice. She was sure she finally found the right man. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.
They continued to kiss, caress and cuddle each other for another hour. They hadn't realized the time had gone by that fast. It was only when Leah called Kaara on the COMM that they stopped. At first they didn't answer but Leah continued to call. Her voice sounded quite urgent.
"I'd better answer that Jon. No use her worrying" Kaara broke off.
Archer smiled and kissed her on the forehead. Kaara smiled appreciatively. She stood and went over to the COMM panel. She hit the button.
"Willows here"
"You okay Kaara? You're usually back by now" Leah replied, sounding relieved
"I'm fine. Maybe even better than fine' she looked at Archer and smiled. He smiled in return and he stood. He lifted his Beagle and laid him on his doggie bed. 'I'll be back soon I promise"
"Okay Kaz"
Leah broke off and Kaara returned to sitting on the bed. Archer quickly joined her. Their hands intertwined with each other, caressing the other's fingers.
"She worries a bit too much but she's a good guy at heart" Kaara stated softly.
"Does she know about you?" Archer asked, stroking Kaara's thumb and index finger.
"About me being Tonaren?" Kaara asked.
"Yes."
"Yes. She does. She was the first person I told"
"Do you feel okay with this?" Archer asked slowly.
"With what Jon?"
"You know. Our relationship" Archer pondered.
"We're meant and we've seen the light. I feel this is right. I've asked that to myself and knew it is. You love?"
Archer smiled, the light catching in his eyes.
"Course I do. I had trouble saying it to you remember?"
Archer starred out the window. The stars "moving" by silently. Twinkling at all times.
"Something on your mind?" Kaara asked, looking at the stars also
"I just realized. What are we going to tell others? They'll find out soon enough" Archer murmured.
"Let's keep it discreet for the time being. Get used to being with one another. It wouldn't do us any good by jumping in too fast only to fall at the first hurdle"
"You're right. Did you know you're clever and smart?" Archer looked at Kaara smiling.
"Don't they mean the same thing Jon?" Kaara said, looking at Archer in a puzzled way.
"Who cares?"
Kaara smiled. She gently rested her head on Archer's broad shoulder and he put his arm round her body. They stayed like that for half an hour when Kaara slowly lifted her head. Archer smiled a little, sensing she'd be leaving soon, not that he wanted her to go. He wanted her company. He wanted her scent to be near him. He kissed her forehead.
"I'd better leave before Leah gets worried again." Kaara said sadly. She didn't want to leave him.
"I hope this works out Kaz" Archer said hopefully
"It will love. As I said, love will find a way" Kaara repeated herself.
Archer nodded in agreement. Then he thought of something.
"Do you like water polo?"
"Never seen it before but I'm willing to watch a game if the opportunity arises"
"Fancy joining Trip and me on Friday night? The next games in"
"Sure. What time?" Kaara asked
"I'll let you know love"
Kaara nodded and they kissed for the last time that night. Kaara left looking back once. She went back to her own quarters, entered her code and sneaked in.
"Where have you been?" a voice asked
"A stroll" Kaara replied
"You hate strolls" it returned
"I thought it was time I amended that hate. I'm tired. It's been a long day."
Leah didn't look all that convinced but she made no more comment. Kaara was grateful. The last thing she needed was a curious 4-year friend on her tail. She lay on her bed and looked at the bottom of the top bunk. She knew she was deeply and madly in love with Archer. She wanted to wait at least a month before telling people of their new relationship. She wanted to make sure they were both ok with it and not just a one off.
"Pretty long stroll" came a voice from the shadows above.
"So"
"Probably meant you visited someone" damn, she was smart Kaara thought.
"So what if I did Leah?"
"Who did you visit?"
"The Captain. He wanted to discuss something. And no, I'm not allowed to say what. Now, let it rest"
"So how many days off have you got?"
"None. I start again tomorrow morn just like everyone else." Kaara replied shortly.
"Oh"
"Time for sleep. Night Leah"
"Night"
Kaara sighed and rolled onto her side, facing the window. She suddenly found the stars very interesting. She adjusted her head on her pillow and slowly fell asleep.
Archer was finding it difficult to sleep. No matter how hard he tried he just couldn't fall asleep. He got up and put his dressing gown on. Tying the dark green ties together. He went to the cabinet to see if there was any drink left but found none. He ran a hand trough his hair, musing it slightly. He exited his room and headed for the Mess where he could get a drink.
When he got there he found Trip sitting in the corner, staring out the window.
"Couldn't sleep Trip?"
Trip's head turned sharply and saw Archer.
"No. Just can't sleep. You?"
"Same"
"Things on your mind?"
"I suppose' Archer got a cup from the cupboard and put it into the DPU unit. 'Coffee. Black. Hot" the DPU noisily made his order finished seconds afterwards. Archer lifted the cup and sat opposite Trip.
"Thought you wanted sleep? Caffeine keeps you awake"
"Hmm? Oh. Damn. Well. Can't waste it now" Archer said lightly
"You've been distant lately Jon. People are noticing" Trip informed his friend.
"So. I must have things on my mind"
"Hmm" Trip murmured, not buying Archer's excuse.
"Still on for Friday?" Archer asked, changing the subject
"Yep. Inviting anybody?" Trip asked, swirling his milk in slow circles.
"If you don't mind?" Archer smiled slightly.
"Course not. Because I was gonna ask ya if Malcolm could come along." Trip grinned
"Of course it's okay." Archer nodded, looking at his friend.
"Who are you bringing?" Trip asked after a while.
"Ah. That's my little secret." Archer said, smiling at his friend
Tucker smiled and they continue to chatter for a further hour, sipping their beverages before heading back to their quarters.
The morning came all too soon and Kaara was happy. She finally found love and knew it was right. I love him. More than anything save perhaps my father. Jonathan's so cute and thoughtful she rested in her bed for a few moments before Leah would wake.
She had brought this weird and wacky alarm clock with her from her home. She was from California. Kaara wasn't sure which state. She loved a song from an old soap series called Hollyoaks. She didn't know of anything about it but she loved the song and the series and Kaara had given her the complete set of the episodes for her 21st birthday. When she had her 21st a month after, she gave her a dog.
She had called the dog Laurie and loved her to pieces. She was a Black Alsatian puppy but she died from a disease that couldn't be cured for her. They had put her to sleep to stop the pain that was sure to follow. The alarm went off and its wacky tune sung out for all to hear. Kaara got up and stopped it continuing. She went over to Leah and poked her awake.
"Hey sleepy head. Wake up"
"Morning already?" Leah asked drearily.
"Yep"
"Great" Leah replied, a little heavy on the sarcasm. she got up and got dressed. Kaara disappeared into the bathroom to change. "So what did you and the Captain talk about?"
"I told you, I'm not allowed to say" Kaara replied dryly
"Yeah but still, what happened?" Leah asked.
"I'll tell you when I think it's appropriate" Kaara responded with a laugh.
"Touchy"
"Yeah whatever"
Leah laughed and brushed her hair. Her hair was dark blonde and unruly. It never did what she wanted it to. She was looking forward to lunch. It was a feeling she had inside the pits of her stomach. Kaara always used to say she had a bottomless pit for a stomach. She ate continuously. She had learnt to cut down on it though.
Kaara returned from the bathroom, hair tied up and out of the way. She sprayed a little perfume onto her neck and replaced the bottle on the desk. She looked at Leah and smiled.
"Well, I'm gonna go now. See ya later Kaz"
Kaara nodded slightly whilst rubbing face cream onto her face. She suffered from spots frequently and Clearasil did the job. She finished that chore and left the room for her shift.
Thirty minutes later she entered the Armoury. Lieutenant Reed wasn't there so she deducted that he would be on the bridge. She chatted with a few people whilst making sure things were working, as they should be. The morning went past without any incidents. She spent the first hour repairing the weapons locker. It hadn't been repaired since the attack, as the Armoury team was too busy repairing the torpedoes and the other things that were far more important at the time.
"I'm surprised that hadn't been fixed since the attack. My team is getting slow" Reed muttered behind her, handing her a tool which she gratefully took from him.
"I'm sure they've been worrying about other more important things Sir"
Kaara didn't have to turn round. The British accent was far too recognizable.
"How's your head?" He asked
"It's fine. Nothing but a bruise now. Cleaning up nicely as Doctor Phlox put it"
"That's good to hear"
Kaara nodded and screwed the screw holding one hinge in.
"I was just wondering. How many time have you changed into other beings so far?"
"Bout 12. 14 maybe. I'm not sure. I lose count Sir"
Kaara smiled. She liked it when people were curious about her. She found it quite amusing. She continued with her work, working fast but being careful at the same time. The lunch break came and she had finished repairing the locker. She went to the other side of the room and picked up the weapons that were supposed to be in the locker she repaired. She had to make two trips across the Armoury before all the weapons were safely inside the locker. She locked it and headed for the Mess where she could finally get a refreshing drink. She was also hoping Archer would be there.
She passed many crewmembers along the way. They smiled at her and she smiled back. She enjoyed being on a ship with so many friendly people.
She finally found the Mess and got some water from the DPU and sat down. It wasn't long before something was pushed towards her. She looked up, surprised. But she smiled to see who it was.
"Hey Jon"
"Hey. Got you something to eat. Hope you don't mind"
"Not at all."
"Let's go to my Mess. More private."
Kaara nodded and they stood carrying their plates with them. They went into the Captain's Mess and sat down. They sat eating and not talking for some time.
They looked at each other. Eyes full of love and want for the other. They talked about their new relationship and finding out more about each other. Their love increased as they knew more and they knew their love for each other was definite now. It definitely existed.
"I think we're definitely right for each other"
"Yeah. So, talked to the Admiral yet?"
"Not yet"
Kaara nodded. She took another mouthful of her lunch.
"So have you met new friends yet?"
"Not yet no"
"The bridge crew cares about you"
"Do they?" Kaara asked surprised.
"Hmm. Hmm."
"That's good to know. Already I feel like I'm back home. So many friendly faces although Phlox's bat was slightly disconcerting"
Archer laughed. He liked it when she joked. It lifted his mood. Days were far happier these days.
They finished their lunch and sipped what was left of their drinks. They had sat next to each other and now held each other's hand. Archer's was bigger then Kaara's.
"Wonderful day so far hmm?"
"Yes Jon. It's been a good day so far"
"So. Like working in the Armoury with Malcolm?"
"Lieutenant Reed is proving a great friend" Archer smiled.
They continued to sit in the Captain's Mess till lunch had finished watching the stars go by.
A/N: Please Review!