A/N: Please Read and Review...i'm always open to critism
In Angels We Trust
Theme Song: Phil Collins – You'll be in my heart
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. Lee Tristal, Steven Willows, Aunt Maud, Aunt Chrissie, Aunt Georgina, Kaara Willows, Rala and Aaron Burton however are my characters so therefore copyright only to me.
Please save the Tigers. They are endangered species. They are beautiful and are essential to the circle of life. Supporting the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) would be a good way to help keep them to stay in existence.
Years Gone By
Years had passed since Archer and Kaara fell in love with each other. Kaara proved to be a good officer and was promoted up to the rank of Lieutenant. The ranks of the old senior staff had gone up as well. Ensigns Sato and Mayweather were now Lieutenants along with Kaara, Lieutenant Reed was now a Commander, Trip was made Captain of the Enterprise and Admiral Forrest had retired so Captain Archer was offered the job of Admiral and he took it.
Admiral Archer was still on board and commanding the vessel Enterprise. It was no different then when Kaara first came to Enterprise.
Kaara and Archer were now engaged and nearly to wed. Trip would be the officiator of their coming marriage. Trip was thrilled when he was asked though he was slightly put down when he found he couldn't be the Best Man. That went to Malcolm who teased Trip about it quite a lot.
Today was no exception.
"Mal, I thought I told you not to tease me about that!"
"Yes Trip' Malcolm had finally given in to calling Tucker 'Trip' and Trip had wondered what took him so long 'but it's fun all the same"
"Meh"
Malcolm and Tucker had become very good friends even before the Xindi attack that happened a few years beforehand. Their friendship had strengthened and both knew when the other's point was soon to be breached.
The wedding was to be in two weeks time. The Willows family had arrived via Vulcan transport and they had been introduced to all the Bridge crew. Sub Commander T'Pol was still with them going strong. She had grown her hair longer since Kaara had joined Enterprise. She kept it tied up in a ponytail. She sometimes plaited it on occasion.
Kaara was enjoying every minute of her life so far and was overjoyed that her husband to be was now the Admiral of Starfleet Command.
Kaara was in their room when Steven, her father walked in.
"So how's my princess?"
"Dad! I thought I told you to stop calling me that. I'm not five any more," Kaara protested whilst tying her hair up.
"Yeah but you're still my little princess however old you are. Congratulations with the promotion by the way"
"Thanks Dad. So, do you like him?"
"Yes I do like him. He'd make a very good husband"
Kaara smiled and hugged her father. He was now sixty-three years old and was still going strong. His hair, which used to be black, was now a dark gray. It fell over his face at the front and was long at the back. He was shorter than Kaara and he spoke in a thick West Country Man's accent. He had a hooked nose, which Kaara had inherited. He was quite muscular due to his youth and keeping fit ever since.
Kaara looked at her Father and smiled. She loved Steven more than anything in the world save her new lover. He was the main person in her life and she was happy that he and her family were attending Archer and Kaara's wedding.
The swish of the door opened yet again and this time three women walked in. All had smiles on their faces the moment they saw Kaara.
"Kaara. It's great to you. You look well"
"Thanks Aunt Maud"
Aunt Maud was slightly plump but had a wonderful character. Kaara liked being around her because Aunt Maud was generally so positive towards life and rarely had a bad day.
The other two smiled and the tallest of the three spoke.
"We've brought some materials for your Wedding Dress. We'd like to make it. Your ship's Quartermaster is also helping out with it. We just need you to pick out a design and material. We'll also need to take your measurements"
"Sure Aunt Chrissie."
"I'll leave you girls to it" Steven chuckled as he left the room without a sound. The woman laughed
The third, Aunt Georgina who carried some samples of the material and the dress designs came forward and spread the design papers across the bed. She put the material samples above them, towards the pillows.
"Go on. Choose the one you like dear" Aunt Maud cheerily asked. Her blonde wavy hair bouncing up and down with her extravagant movements.
"All right" Replied Kaara as she moved towards the bed. She looked at the collection of designs of the dress. There was one that stood out to her. It was snow white and had long sleeves. It had a veil to go with it. It was simple and she liked it. "I like this one" as she held up the design. Aunt Chrissie took the design and looked at it.
She nodded in agreement.
"Excellent choice Kaara. What do you think Maud, Georgina?"
"It's beautiful."
Georgina agreed. She was shyer of the three and rarely spoke.
Kaara then went to the materials and lifted one of the ten that were there. It was smooth as a Cat's belly fur but strong as rope. She gave it to Maud for her comment. Maud nodded whilst smiling.
"Kaara dear, you definitely have a good eye"
"Thanks Aunt Maud. I can't believe I'm getting married," Kaara said in amazement.
"You should dear, and it's going to be the best day of your life."
"And the man you're going to marry is ever so sweet and gentle" added Chrissie with a smile.
"In the middle of the room please dear" Aunt Maud told Kaara. Kaara did as she was told; she also held her arms out. Aunts Maud and Georgina took the measurements and Aunt Chrissie noted them down
"We're all done" Aunt Maud said as she rolled up the measuring tape. Aunt Georgina collected up the materials and dress designs and silently left the room
"Is Aunt Georgina all right?"
Aunt Maud and Aunt Chrissie looked at each other. Maud gently nodded.
"Her husband, Frank died of a Heart Attack a month ago. She still hasn't gotten over it. Poor thing"
"Oh."
Silence went past and Maud clapped her hands.
"We should move on from these things. Being miserable doesn't solve anything. Come on. I want to see the man you're marrying."
Kaara smiled and nodded. She led them out of their room and towards the Observation Lounge where Archer was most likely to be found these days. He mentioned being there gave him plenty of contemplation.
They eventually got there and as Kaara thought. Archer was slumped in the relaxing couch facing the window filled with stars.
"You okay love?" Kaara went up behind him.
Archer turned his head in surprise and smiled, his green eyes twinkling.
"Oh hello Kaz. Yeah, I'm fine. Didn't realize you came in"
"I can see. I want to introduce you to my Aunts. This is Aunt Chrissie and Aunt Maud" Kaara spoke as she gestured to who was who.
Archer stood and went towards the two women. They shook hands and Archer greeted them.
After a long-winded chat the Aunts left Archer and Kaara. Archer and Kaara remained where they were just staring at the stars. Their hands holding each other.
"Being Admiral has its disadvantages," Archer stated suddenly. Kaara looked at him whilst stroking her lover's thumb.
"All jobs do love," She replied knowingly.
"I know. It's just frustrating at times"
Kaara moved behind her lover and massaged his neck region.
"Uh...oh yeah...that's feels good...I can't believe in two week's time you and I are getting married"
"I'm looking forward to it" Archer nodded in agreement. "Why not go to bed and get some sleep. Hmm?"
Archer paused and thought about it. He then nodded and stood. Together they left the room. They went past many crewmen's quarters on their way to their own. It had originally been Archer's but Trip's engineering team had enlargened it to accommodate them both.
They entered their room. But the ship suddenly jolted and Kaara would have fallen to the floor if Archer hadn't caught her in time.
They looked at each other and ran out of the room and towards the Bridge.
When they got there, there was smoke everywhere and small fires. One started near T'Pol and Kaara helped to put it out. Reed and Trip stamped out most of the other fires with the exception of Travis stamping out one at the front near his and Lieutenant Sato's desk.
"What just happened?" Archer asked hurriedly whilst having to grab onto the rail as another shot hit them.
"We detected a ship comin' towards us. They just opened fire and did not hail us beforehand." Trip reported back. The firing ceased
"Admiral, they're hailing us," Hoshi told the Admiral holding onto the rail behind the Captain's chair.
Archer turned back to the screen. His face full of anger but he gave a nod
"On screen"
A woman appeared on the screen. Her eyes were mint green and her skin was a dark green. When she opened her mouth, the Enterprise bridge crew could see that she had elongated canines.
"You have someone of great importance to us."
"Why did you fire without provocation?" Archer spat out.
"I thought you knew. Most do. It's a custom," She told him as if it were nothing
"So. Who's of great importance to you?" Archer asked, calming down slightly.
"Kaara Willows. We know she's on board your vessel. If you do not hand her over you will be boarded."
The Bridge went silent and the woman grew impatient with the humans.
"Hand. Her. Over." The woman ordered, eyes flaring.
"I'm afraid I can't do that," Archer told her.
"Why not?" the tone this was said in was not at all pleasant.
"She's a member of this crew and my friend," Archer returned exactly in the same tone.
"You have made an unwise decision Captain," the woman hissed and the view screen went blank. The bridge went into silence until Trip interrupted the silence.
"Do you know her?" Archer asked Kaara. She shook her head
"Father would. He went to ceremonies that included Mother's presence. That woman may have gone to one or more of them"
"Sir, they're boarding" Malcolm warned, his voice full of anger. He hated unwanted visitors.
"Do you know where they're headin'?" Trip asked T'Pol.
T'Pol nodded quickly. She had already run a scan.
"Yes. They are heading to the bridge," She replied, looking up at the Commander.
"Meaning they think she's here, which she is. Any ideas"
Kaara spoke up. An idea came into her mind but it depended on the aliens not being able to see in the dark.
"I might have one. If they know their way here turning off the lights may help to confuse them"
Archer nodded, catching onto the idea. He knew that sometimes never to argue with your fiancé.
"Let's just hope they can't see in the dark," Archer said whilst nodding for someone to turn off the lights.
The Bridge crew got out torches save Kaara who just changed her eyes into cats eyes, which were very equipped to seeing in the dark. They waited nervously for the unwanted aliens to arrive. The plan seemed to have worked; it was an hour before a sound could be heard in the dark. The noise was instantly recognized as the turbo lift doors.
Kaara saw the woman and ten men who looked different to the woman enter. Each had a gray patch attached to his or her arm. Kaara figured that was either a transportation device or a communicator. Or both. She moved to the front of the Bridge knowing she was vulnerable where she was.
A shot was fired and Trip fell, hitting his head on the front of the Engineering consol. Malcolm fired back; he had removed the weapon from under his consol.
Kaara decided to change. She knew the enemy wouldn't expect it and she hoped to God it would surprise them. She shrank towards the ground,auburn fur grew and black stripes appeared at the same time. Her head grew bigger and wider. The animal's muzzle now formed. The process took one minute to complete. Kaara was now a full-grown Siberian Tiger.
She growled and everyone, including the aliens jumped and shouted in their own tongue.
Trip was now regaining consciousness. He heard the second growl and knew it was Kaara. The others knew it was Kaara and made sure they didn't shine their torches upon her. Ambush and stealth were essential to the Tiger when hunting.
The woman that was on the screen earlier turned to the closest human she could make out.
"What was that noise? If you do not tell me I shall kill you all"
"We're not sure exactly' answered Archer, his voice in command mode. 'We're new to this sound as well"
"You lie!" the woman retorted
"I assure you. We're not lying," Archer said calmly.
There was a pause. The woman seemed to have been convinced at what Archer just said.
Kaara extended her claws and got herself ready to pounce at the nearest alien, which happened to be the woman that spoke earlier. She waited till she had a good opening.
"Why don't we just calm down and settle this"
"Where is Kaara Willows?" the woman demanded
"She could be anywhere on board" Archer retorted softly.
"Turn on the lights" she ordered, anger flared in her eyes and her muscles tensed.
"I'm afraid we can't. We're having technical difficulties at the moment," Archer shook his head as he spoke.
"Do you know what it might be?"
"An animal most likely."
"Hmm," The woman appeared to be thinking but Archer couldn't be too sure "We'll lower our weapons if you lower yours"
Archer looked at Malcolm, making sure he kept his light on the alien woman. He nodded at Malcolm who didn't look too best pleased but he gave a small nod. Archer turned back to the woman.
"All right. We'll lower them at the same time on my count. Okay?"
The woman gave a grunt of annoyance but agreed. Archer nodded.
"Now."
Precisely when Archer said it the aliens placed their weapons on the floor, Reed did the same.
"You care a lot about Willows don't you?" the woman asked, her voice full of curiosity.
"How can you tell?"
"In your voice. The look in your eyes when I inquired about her back on my own ship," The woamn said softly.
"Why do you want her?" Archer asked, shifting his weight.
"We need to tell her something in private" the woman told him
"You can do that here."
"We also need to give her something that is back on our ship. She is the only one who can touch it. Her father will know of it as it was his wife's"
"Hoshi. Is communications still online?"
A female voice came over from the far corner, near to where Kaara was crouching, ready for the pounce. They were all still acting on the role-play that had suddenly formed.
"Yes Sir"
"Can you ask Steven Willows to come to the bridge?" Archer asked, not taking his eyes off the woman.
"Yes Sir"
Hoshi did as she was told. Even though she was used to aliens by now, these ones freaked her out a little.
Moments later Steven entered the room. He stood absolutely still when he saw the strange figures in front of him, but as his eyes adjusted to the new surroundings he started to recognize one of the strange figures.
"Rala?"
"You know this woman Mr. Willows"
Steven came towards Archer and turned towards the Aliens and faced the woman, now known as Rala.
"Please. Call me Steven. Yes, she was at Kaara's christening." Kaara in question gave a small grunt and lay down on the floor, but listened at the same time. "Rala here is Kaara's Godmother. Their way of life is far different to human ways and judge everyone in the universe to be hostile."
Kaara's jaw dropped. This alien was her godmother and her Father didn't tell her. She was going to have words with him.
Archer listened. Then thought of something.
"Have you told Kaara before now?"
"No. It was Rala's wish not to tell Kaara. She knew Kaara wouldn't really understand but she would meet her sometime in the future and explain it then. Something along the lines of that"
Steven looked Rala in the eye for a confirmation and she gave a nod.
"Something like that."
"T'Pol, is the lights working again"
T'Pol didn't say anything but turned the lights back on. All the beings on the bridge blinked their eyes to the sudden white light but switched off their torches.
Rala looked round the room and saw the Tiger, licking its long muscular arms and smiled. For she now knew who it was and she was proud. Of course, she had her hunches. She turned back to Archer who was still looking her at but obviously was not sure of himself.
She bowed slightly.
"I must apologize if we seemed aggressive and non negotiable. Most of the races we have met have been hostile and have maliciously killed our people."
"Apology accepted. May I offer a suggestion?"
"Of course. A friend of Steven is a friend of ours"
Archer nodded and smiled. Having Kaara's family around certainly helped.
"Talk first, shoot later"
Rala thought first and saw the logic behind it. She nodded. She told one of her men who had a good memory to note that down.
"We shall change the way we meet people. Obviously, the way we go about things is not the best way"
Archer smiled in agreement and looked at Kaara. Rala also looked at Kaara at the same time.
Kaara was now sitting, her tail twitching.
"May I?"
Archer and Steven looked at Rala. Steven understanding that Rala wanted to speak to Kaara nodded. Rala nodded in thanks and carefully approached the Siberian Tiger before them. Archer turned to Steve.
"Why hasn't Kaara changed back into her normal self by now?"
"It takes an hour before she can. Her organs have to get used to one organism before getting used to the other"
"Can she speak whilst she's like that?" Archer asked Steven.
"Nope. But she can understand languages. I should have told her about Rala before she went to space"
Rala sat in front in front of the auburn Tiger. She knew it would be better to show she was not harmful to the Tiger that she knew to be Kaara.
Kaara yawned and stood. She looked at Rala who knelt carefully before her and stretched. Her muscles twitching and rippled beneath the skin. She drew out her claws and tapped them on the deck.
Reed knew he didn't want to know what those claws could do. The muscles said it all. These aliens on their bridge made him uneasy but they made no move to grab their weapons at their feet. The alien males stood to attention whilst the female was trying to make conversation with Kaara who just looked at her. It seemed, whatever race they were, they had equality just like the human race.
"Kaara. I know this is hard for you to understand. Your mother made me your Godmother when you were born" the Tiger blinked so Rala continued. "There's something I need to show you back on my vessel. It belonged to your mother therefore you can only be the one to touch it"
Kaara couldn't believe she had a godmother after all this time of not knowing. Her father was always mysterious as to who it was and now she knew.
"I'm sure I have to ask your Captain for permission but with you consent…" Rala left off. She could say more than that. Without warning the tiger that was Kaara leapt past them, when she reached the turbo doors she reared up and pressed the right button. The doors opened and she walked in. The doors closed behind her.
"Did I say something I shouldn't have?"
"No Rala. I don't she quite got to terms with the fact you're her godmother just yet"
"I'm going to find her"
Archer left through the door in the Situation Room leaving Rala, Steven and the ten alien men on the Bridge.
Trip leaned against thr chair of command, rubbing his head slightly. He guessed that he hit his head pretty hard. It was painful, as he had hit his right temple.
"So, what is thing that Kaara can only touch?"
"It's a Southern Cräyu Oryx" Rala informed him
"A what sorry?" Trip said slightly baffled.
"Southern Cräyu Oryx" she repeated.
"What is that exactly?"
"You'll see soon enough Captain. What is your full name?"
"Captain Charles Tucker the Third"
Archer searched everywhere for Kaara but was finding it hard. He had studied Zoology in school for a term as a side study then gave up on it. He had learned that Siberian Tiger grew to 4.6-3.6ft and weighed as much as 220-330lb. It was the biggest of the Cat family and its Canines were huge. How hard could it be to find a Tiger of that size?
He went to the launch bay. He didn't find her there. He went to the Cargo bay. He didn't find her there. He then went the Observation Area but again she wasn't there. He thought for a moment and thought of their quarters. She had proved she could easily reach buttons and such like. He ran to their quarters and went inside. Porthos was nowhere to be seen.
"Kaara?"
Silence.
"Kaara? It's me. Jon. Where are you?"
A small quiet mew came from a corner of the room. Archer switched on the lights and went in the direction of the noise. He soon came across Kaara, lying on the floor with Porthos huddling next to her. He knelt down and gently laid a hand on the huge paw. It twitched but it didn't move away.
"I suppose you're annoyed with your Father. For not telling you about Rala"
Kaara nodded growling slightly. Damn right she was annoyed with her father. He could have told her and now she wouldn't be in the form of this tiger that she now had to wait an hour to change back into her normal self.
"He did say that Rala wished for no one to tell you about her until you met her."
Kaara lifted her head and just looked strait at Archer. She rested it again on her arm. The muscle squirming against her leg bone.
"Okay. I get your point there.' Kaara blinked 'Perhaps he forgot or couldn't think of how to tell you. Whatever the reason, now you know you have a godmother. She doesn't look that bad. And she generally seems worried and to care about you Kaara. Come back to the bridge with me Love."
Kaara thought about his point and lifted her head. She trusted Archer with her life as she trusted her life with Enterprise and Starfleet. She stood reluctantly and licked Porthos who was now sleeping. Archer stood but fell onto his backside in the process. Kaara cocked her head and Archer got the gist she was laughing. She came over and offered a shoulder so that he could lever himself up again. Together they walked out of the room.
They walked through the corridors making crewmembers look at them along the way. They knew by now about Kaara's abilities but it didn't stop them from looking when she did turn into something else. They made it to the bridge and exited the turbo lift.
"Where was she?"
"Our quarters."
Rala looked at the Tiger standing resolutely at Archer's side. The love she saw in the Tiger's eyes shone through to her. That was her gift. To be able to guess what people were feeling, feelings for at the present time. She of course, was Tonaren.
"Kaara, I meant no harm by coming here today. It is important you take this gift. It was your mothers' and now it is yours to keep. Will you accept it?"
Her father now spoke, feeling Kaara wanted an explanation to why she hadn't been told about Rala before now.
"Kaz.' The tiger looked at him 'I'm sorry about not telling you. I should have told you before you went into Starfleet I should have known that Rala would try and contact you once she learned you were going out into space. I guess I couldn't form it in the right words. Can you forgive me?"
The tiger remained looking at him for some time and then slowly nodded. She then looked at Rala and nodded. Rala seemed to understand that Kaara was saying yes.
Archer nodded giving his consent. Rala smiled wanly.
"Four of my people will need to touch her so she can be transported onto our vessel. The same method will be used to get back. No one else can come"
"All right"
Four of the Tonaren men fell out of line and touched Kaara on the back and shoulders. Archer stepped back to give them room. They slowly faded and disappeared. Rala also went and the crew anxiously waited.
Time went and Archer grew impatient how long was this taking? Come on. He shifted his feet and leant onto the railing behind his command chair
On the Tonaren cruiser things were going well. Rala led Kaara to a large room. Seeming as the hour needed had gone by Kaara changed back into her normal self. The pips on her collar had dropped on the floor so she re-attached them whilst Rala was showing her to this thing she was meant to have. The walk was annoying but she couldn't change that.
They eventually came to a large room. It was adorned in reds, silvers and blacks. In the middle stood a stand. It looked remarkably like some form of Deer. Amazingly carved from the darkest of woods. The horns, the legs and face could be clearly seen.
"This is the gift that was meant for you Kaara"
Kaara inspected it closely
"What is it?"
"It's a Southern Cräyu Oryx"
"What's that?"
"Touch it and see"
Kaara carefully extended a hand. She took several seconds before she placed her right hand on the statue's shoulders. Something went through her arm and throughout her body, filling her with power and love. A blinding light filled the room and both Rala and Kaara lifted their arms to shield themselves from the light.
It died down minutes afterwards and when Kaara put her arm down she was touching a living-breathing animal.
"She will help you in times of need and great peril."
"I see. Uh…thanks"
Kaara looked at the 'Southern Cräyu Oryx'. Its fur was a light purple with lilac undersides. Its horns were dark blue. Demented or what Kaara thought as she neared the fairly sized Deer. It made no notion to move away from but it shook its head indignantly and grunted.
"Does she…uh…have a name?"
"She hasn't been given one. Perhaps you can name her"
"Yeah. I'll call her Abbey."
"Abbey?"
"Short for Abigail. My friend is called that but she got transferred to another ship closer to home"
Rala nodded and sighed. Kaara was certainly an interesting creature. The way she worked and the way she talked.
"We should be getting back to your vessel Kaara. Your love is anxious for your return"
"Yeah…hey wait a minute! How do you know he's anxious?"
"I'm Tonaren. I have telepathic abilities"
"Oh. So, you can sense things huh?"
"Yes. Come on. I need to make sure you and Abbey have the necessary gear"
"Uh. Right. Come along Abbey"
The Oryx nodded its head and followed Rala and Kaara out of the room and towards the Tonaren version of a storeroom.
Trip sat in his chair and rested his head in one hand. He thought of home and remembered Bedford, his dog. He looked around the room from where he was sitting. Malcolm was sitting at his post, alert but also relaxed. He sometimes couldn't understand Malcolm at times but he learnt to get along with it and they were the best of friends. They had their arguments now and then but they became less frequent and less loud.
Hoshi was looking at the view screen. She looked like she was far away. Probably reciting some alien text. Her hair was tied back save a partition that fell over her face at the front. Trip thought she looked pretty like that.
Travis looked extremely bored for a Boomer. Even from the back of his head. His head was in his hands and was slumping in his chair.
T'Pol, well, T'Pol remained as the way she always looked. Nothing-different there.
He saw Archer pacing short distances behind his command chair…Trip could understand why
Half and hour had gone by without a further note of Kaara. He knew there was something deep going on between Archer and Kaara and was happy his best friend of more than ten years was finally falling.
They appeared on the bridge. One of them, Archer didn't recognize. No one knew what this strange figure was. The fizzling ceased and Kaara flexed her fingers.
"Is that the Southern Cräyu Oryx?" Archer struggled to pronounce.
Kaara nodded. Smiling now that she was safely back on home ground. To be honest, the Tonaren ship freaked her out a little.
Rala turned to Kaara.
"I hope you have a good life and I look forward to seeing you again. Soon"
"Soon" Kaara replied.
"I shall be going now. Take care of her"
"I will Rala"
With that Rala disappeared. Silence grew and the Oryx grew impatient, it hated long uncomfortable silences. It stamped which made everyone jump.
"So what's the Deer for?" Trip asked, curious as to what the Deer for, not realizing it was the gift for Kaara that Rala was bringing.
"It's the gift that Rala gave me. Passed onto me from my mother"
"She often spoke of that" Steven now spoke. Glad his daughter had returned safe and sound.
"I called her Abbey"
"Hmm. Your mother called her Snok'te. Meaning light one. She loved it to pieces."
Kaara looked at the Oryx, which in turn looked at her. It brushed its head against her leg. She looked up again.
"Doctor Phlox is gonna get a kick out of her, that's for sure"
Most people laughed. Archer and Kaara left the bridge along with Steven and Abbey. The bridge talked about the new arrival.
A/N: Please Review and let me know what you think.