Disclaimer: I don't own "Star Trek Enterprise" or any of its characters, wishful thinking aside.
Authors Note #1: This is a Soval x Amanda Cole fic, the first in a series of drabbles titled: "Hearsay," this one inspired by the following prompt: "Her first thought as she walked into the room was- I do not get paid enough to deal with this."
Warnings: mild language, canon appropriate violence, drama, mild flirting, look at these clueless idiots, reference to racism, zenophobia, and related topics.
Turn the tide (on me)
Her first thought as she walked into the room was- I do not get paid enough to deal with this. Her second thought wasn't much different, save for being laced with silent profanity.
It was the third inquest hearing in less than a week since the Enterprise had returned from the Expanse victorious and with a decent peace treaty with the Xindi under their collective belts. So, obviously, it was time for a bunch of graying, election-minded assholes to start hen-picking everything from crew deaths to the amount of chocolate cake Chef had whipped up during the entire damn saga.
"So, Corporal Cole," Senator Gulliani started, voice like nails to a chalk board as far as she was concerned. Picking up where they'd left off two days ago as he shuffled his stack of data pads and looked down his nose at her from his seat on the high table. "Concerning the period of time inside the Delphic Expanse. It says here the Enterprise was approached outside the Kovaalan nebula by an identical version of the Enterprise. Now, I'm no scientist, I can only read the words in front of me. Hell if I know what a sub-space corridor even is. But in short, it seems pretty clear you're suggesting time travel. Interesting. Imaginative. I have to say your account of this period in your personal logs was a compelling read. If not a bit salacious, shall we say? Ahem. It says here that upon docking with this mirror ship, it was discovered to be populated by the descendants of the original crew – many of them unmistakably… mixed."
The corner of her lip twitched at the emphasis.
Did he seriously just-
"I bring this up, Corporal, because it appears that you and Doctor Phlox were largely responsible for this particular…variety in the crew. Apparently, a large segment were your direct descendants. Now, as preposterous as this is to believe – time travel and nonsense - I am told it is our current understanding of the events that took place. So, as a matter of record, considering this mission was originally humanities first focused effort of spatial exploration, do you think this was an appropriate action from someone who is supposed to be representing the...best Earth has to offer?"
Fucking asshole.
The other MACCOs looked furious, murmuring angrily amongst themselves in solidarity. Captain Archer stiffened from his seat at the lower table. Phlox looked like he wanted to feed the man to his Pyrithian bat. Meanwhile, Trip had fixed the man with a glare that could melt a warp core. And frankly, they could all get in line as far as she was concerned.
"Objection!" one of the other senators responded, jumping to her feet hotly the moment the shock wore off. Seeing the same expression mirrored on close to half of the council. Many obviously disturbed by the insinuation lurking in the backdrop of the question.
She didn't blame them.
This was being broadcasted live.
Apparently there was hope for humanity yet.
"Objection noted, but the question is sustained," the speaker of the council returned flatly. Barely looking up from his data pads. Waving a distracted hand for them to continue.
Or not.
Senator Gulliani smirked.
Ambassador Soval, however, looked almost-
"Well, Corporal?" Senator Gulliani prompted. Looking pleased with himself as he leaned forward in his seat pompously. Oblivious to the frowns and angry muttering. "Are you refusing to answer?"
Her tongue dragged across her teeth. Forcing herself to calm before she answered. She'd known something like this was coming and she'd had time to prepare. She might not have been expecting exactly this, but she was ready for things to get a little messy. This was about politics. Senator Gulliani was trying to appeal to his base. People like Paxton and Colonel Green. Desperately trying to hold onto his seat by stoking tired xenophobic sentiments in whatever limelight he could scrounge up. It wasn't new, it was just disappointing.
Still, that didn't mean she wasn't going to let him off scott-free.
There was a price to pay for her patience after all.
"Not at all, Senator," she answered carefully. Using that same unperturbed, mildly bored tone she'd practiced in the mirror at the barracks. "I am prepared to answer any intelligent question presented by this council. That is why I'm surprised this one would be included or even relevant."
The awkward pause was worth the momentary anxiety when the Senator's lips pursed like he was sucking on a god damned lemon. Timing it so that she started talking again about a half-second before he did. Cutting him off smoothly as she looked up at him without blinking.
"As the Senator would know if he'd read the documents, I am obviously not the Corporal Cole who started a family with Doctor Phlox on the Enterprise when it became clear the crew would be spending the rest of their lives trapped in the past. I'm afraid if you want to cross-examine her for her personal choices you are about a hundred or so years too late."
Senator Gulliani looked down at her with hatred glittering in the back of his eyes. Like he could tell he'd misjudged her and was pissed about it, but had no choice but to keep going.
"Be that as it may, you are responsible for this line of questioning, Corporal. What do you have you say for yourself on this matter?"
Her eyebrows rose at the rising volume. Letting the crazy speak for itself as the muttering in the room rose up another notch. Making the speaker finally take note and look up at the room with a furrowing frown that nearly swallowed his eyebrows in sun-tanned wrinkles.
She cleared her throat. Strangely aware of the rustle of robes from the Vulcan section. Knowing if she turned her head, Ambassador Soval would be staring down at her. It had been the same during all the hearings. Maybe it was just her imagination, but he didn't seem to watch the others with the same intensity. So, what was his deal? They barely knew each other. She'd been on his guard detail about a half dozen times on and off the Enterprise. There had been a few polite exchanges - the "hello, how are you's" - but nothing more than that. Nothing to equal this kind of interest anyway.
Or maybe she was just getting worked up over nothing?
A grating "hem-hem" from the Senator brought her firmly back into the moment. To the crowd of reporters watching her every word and expression. To her fellow MACCOs. The Enterprise crew. Senator Gulliani. All of it.
What the hell did he want her to say anyway?
It was so reminiscent of John Frederick Paxton and Terra Prime it left a bad taste in her mouth.
They were supposed to be beyond this.
Better than this.
If they weren't they had no business being out there.
Period.
A more diplomatic reply was on the tip of her tongue before she abandoned it and went with her gut. She didn't owe this sexist, xenophobic bastard anything. That other Amanda Cole had made her choice. She'd obviously made a connection and fallen in love. She didn't envy their situation, where the two of them were looking at the rest of their lives on a starship. Not able to go home. Not able to turn back the clock. It made sense that people had started pairing off. Human? Denobulan? Vulcan? Ikaaran? It didn't matter. It never had. At least not to the people who were worth a damn.
It was the same close-minded, bigoted shit, just a different damn decade.
"Nothing," she answered flatly, aware of Phlox's silent support radiating from the left side of the audience. Hoping he'd forgive her as she plowed through any lingering misgivings and let the words come without filter. "Nothing save for the fact that considering the other Amanda Cole had nine children with Doctor Phlox, I can only assume he was quite good at it and she enjoyed herself immensely."
The reaction from the crowd was a mixed bag. From gasps, frowns, dead silence, smiles and even muted laughter. Already deciding the pissy debrief she was going to get from her superiors would be worth it so long as someone sent her the clip of Senator Gulliani being forced to eat his own shit back cold on live broadcast. Keeping an unaffected expression firm on her face as the entire room devolved into chaos until the speaker had to call for order.
She wasn't brave enough to catch the look on Ambassador Soval's face this time around. Not even when the Council adjourned for the day and Trip sent her a hidden thumbs-up from across the room. Waiting until the CO dismissed her before she finally allowed herself to relax. Getting out of her seat with a groan as the other MACCOs streamed down with open grins.
It had been a long week.
For all of them.
She sighed, exhaling in a slow rush as she exited the building and stepped into open air. Shrugging her shoulders to get rid of the kinks as she rolled her neck and rubbed at the sore muscles. Relieved her part of the hearing process was finally over. And not a moment too soon. One more day of that crap and she was liable to go postal. She stretched, pulling her arms over her head and rocking from side to side. Wondering if all the missions on the Enterprise were going to end like this, or if it was just in the spotlight because of the Xindi attack.
Either way, she needed a damn raise.
She was seriously considering walking over to the coffee shop across the street when a familiar face holding a coffee cup and a bright smile caught her eye.
"Dad!" she greeted, giving him a kiss and a lunging half-hug. Forcing the skimmer parked behind him to steady them. Making sure he didn't lose his balance with her enthusiasm. "What are you doing here?"
Her father grinned, silvery hair catching the light as he handed her the coffee with a knowing look.
"Hey peanut, all done?"
She nodded.
"Yep," she answered, tossing back her hair and cracking a yawn that actually twinged something in her jaw as she took the coffee gratefully. "I hope you weren't watching. You promised."
"I wasn't," he grinned, hands up in mock surrender before dropping the bomb. "But your Mom was. She told me it was done for the day."
She winced.
Oh boy.
"Look peanut, I'm sure I'll get the details from your Uncle later on, but whatever happened I'm sure they deserved it. If you came out of that shark tank still breathin', you did fine in my book. What you have to worry about now is your Mother. She wants you to bring that Denobulan of yours over for dinner. She kept pestering me about what they ate while I was trying to get out the door."
She snorted. Trying to picture Phlox at family dinner and nearly sending coffee shooting out her nose.
"He'd love that," she admitted, licking a bead of coffee from the rim before it had a chance to fall. "But he isn't mine. We are just friends, remember?"
Her dad gave her a look.
A genuine Cole family special.
But she stuck to her guns.
"Honestly, Dad. We barely knew each other until we found out our other selves got together and had a buttload of kids. Which were super cute by the way, or at least the great-grand kids I saw. It was only then we started talking. And he's still just a friend. You do know he has like- three other wives, right? Somehow I doubt that would end well. You know how I like being the center of attention," she pointed out jokingly.
"Alright peanut, I get it," he hummed, grin wider than anything she'd seen in a long time. Infectious enough that she found herself grinning right back. Happy to see him happy as the shadows of the Xindi attack seemed to get just a little bit dimmer. "I was just teasin' anyway. Your mother is home all but planning your wedding and I couldn't resist."
She rolled her eyes. Being a shit disturber ran in the family, apparently.
"Hey, I thought you were supposed to be in Bali by now? Don't you have a transport to catch?" she asked, remembering something about a late afternoon departure from his daily data transfer.
"I'm on the way," he admitted, leaning behind him to push a button on the skimmer's control panel. "But I figured you could use a pick me up and a friendly face. Speaking of which..."
There was a pause as the hatch of the skimmer clicked open and-
"Donk!"
That was all she had time to shout before she was knocked clean on her ass by a wriggling, excited mass of grey and white spotted Pitbull.
"Someone wanted to see you!" Her dad explained with a grin. Extending a hand to help her up as Donk pranced around happily. Trying to pile into her lap like he had when he was a pup. Tail a lethal weapon as it hit the back of her knees in a series of stinging slaps.
"Ow! Donk! Geeze. Hey boy! I've missed you! Oooh you're a little hippo. Grandma and Grandpa have been feedin' you under the table again, huh? Com're love bug, give me some sugar."
She nearly got a tongue on the mouth for that one. Saved when her dad hauled her up and Donk proceeded to weave happily between her legs, huffing for kisses and pats.
"He always misses you," he commented quietly. "You were gone too long this time, peanut."
She sobered, knowing this wasn't just about Donk. Or bribing her parents to pet-sit for extended missions that she always felt guilty about. It was about being away from family. And yeah, she'd had her reasons for why she signed up, but she also understood the feeling. Especially after everything that'd happened on the mission. The perspective it had given her on life and everything in general was something she was going to have to think about seriously for the next few months.
"I know. It isn't fair," she started, shaking her head as Donk cocked his head and whined for ear scritches. "But I'm not planning on signing up for duty on the Enterprise anytime soon. I want to stay planet-side for a while. Catch up with everyone. Honestly, I've had enough of deep space for a while. We lost a lot of good people."
Her father nodded, patting her shoulder silently. Understanding that it was the job. The good, bad and ugly of it. He'd been in the Special Forces himself and knew better than she that victory never came without cost.
"Happy to hear it, peanut," her dad replied, looking down at his smart watch when it chimed. "Looks like my transport is five minutes out. I better get in line. Is it alright if he stays with you? I didn't get a chance to ask you, but his stuff is already at your apartment."
She shook her head, leaning in for a warm hug. More grateful than ever to be home.
"That's fine, dad. Have a good trip. I'll see you when you get home, alright?"
She was still brushing herself off when a familiar voice rang out into the city air. And while she recognized it immediately, she was too surprised to do much more than blink before turning around, Donk's leash tight in her hand.
"Corporal Cole, are you injured?" Ambassador Soval inquired, looking at Donk warily as he approached in a swirl of robes. His staff hurrying down the path after him. Almost comical in their attempt to do it gracefully. As though the Ambassador had caught them completely off guard.
"I'm fine," she smiled, quickly dusting off the knee of her uniform. "Donk was just happy to see me."
Soval's eyebrows made a brief bid for his hairline before smoothing again.
"It did not appear that way from a distance," he remarked slowly, lips pursed. Giving her the impression he'd actually been worried. "Are all Earth canines so...exuberant in their greetings or is that a habit reserved to this one?"
She wasn't a hundred percent sure what the Vulcan was getting at, but she decided to go for full disclosure.
"He caught me by surprise is all. He has a lot of tork to him, sure. But he wouldn't hurt a fly and he's lazy on top of it. The breed was originally used for hunting and fighting, I mean, look at that muscle in the chest, right? But most of that has been bred out. I was lucky to get a pup from his litter at all, his lineage is really good. I know the breeder, she's an old academy friend. He's been staying with my parents during the mission. With the hearings it didn't seem fair to show up and then have to leave again the next day so this is the first time he's seen me since we got back."
"I see," Soval answered, in a way that made it clear he obviously didn't. Straightening slightly as the cold ocean air ruffled his hair. "Admittedly, I do not understand the fascination humans have for this species. I am aware of the cooperative history, however-"
He trailed off when Donk tugged forward on his leash and sniffed curiously at his robes. Looking down the same moment his aids reached his side. Staring from her to Donk and then back to her in quick succession.
Oh Jesus Christ.
"Donk, sit." she commanded, slapping her hand to her hip. Relieved when Donk immediately circled around to her side and planted his butt. Just like she'd trained him. "Sorry, I don't think he's ever been face to face with a Vulcan before. He was probably trying to figure you out. I know you smell different then humans, and dogs have a really keen sense of smell."
The younger Vulcan of the bunch – L'Ras she thought – caught her attention by taking a discrete, but obvious photo with his data pad as she finished. She couldn't figure out if was aimed at her or Donk, but either way it put her back up a bit. She was about to comment on it when the Ambassador spoke again.
"Might I inquire about its name? I don't believe the translator has a proper definition."
She grinned, coasting between embarrassment and amusement. She was literally having a conversation with an alien Ambassador about her dog's silly name. Maybe she should pinch herself and call it a day.
"Oh, it probably does. It's exactly how it sounds. I think you're used to Captain Archer and Porthos. A name that actually has a meaning and a history. Porthos was the name of one of the Three Musketeers - from a really old French novel. Donk is- well- believe it or not, when he was a puppy that was the sound he made when he ran into stuff head first. Pitbulls have thick skulls, so he was fine. But it was so funny it stuck."
The hilarious part was that she could actually see him struggling to come to terms with the explanation in real time. Surprisingly restraining himself from pointing out the obvious. That humans were illogical and strange and apparently named their dogs on the basis of Earth humor.
"Ambassador," L'Ras piped up, stepping forward with his data pad upturned. "I recommend keeping your distance. This breed of canine has been known to be aggressive."
She had to fight not to roll her eyes as Donk whined and lifted his paw to shake unprompted. Somehow managing to make the accusation that much more ridiculous as all of them looked down at him. Tail whipping back and forth like a dust-buster as he caught on to the fact he was the center of attention.
Oh yeah, a real killer here.
She fixed the younger Vulcan with a glare. Giving zero shits about being rude about it either as she looked him up and down and took a step towards him. Self-satisfied when Donk followed her and sat at her side immediately. Panting up at her happily.
"Oh yeah, because Selats are such toothless little cuddle bunnies," she cracked sarcastically, completely ignoring the confused head tilt from all the Vulcans save for Soval. Who, to his credit, actually looked contemplative. "But you guys allow your children to crawl all over them. Any animal can be aggressive. Pitbulls have a complicated history, sure, but it's because of the actions of people. The breed itself isn't anymore naturally vicious than a poodle. Besides, how is it logical to assume an animal is aggressive or dangerous when it's displayed no signs and is obviously well-trained?"
She had to hold herself back from letting the point-earred prick really have it.
This was her baby he was talking about!
"It would be illogical not to warn of the potential dangers," L'Ras pointed out. Quick on the mark in a way that stank like wounded pride. Proof enough she'd probably succeeded in embarrassing him. Good.
"You think I would put the Ambassador in danger?" she replied harshly, dead serious as her eyebrow rose like a knife slash.
L'Ras didn't say anything as the tension mounted. Seeming to realize he'd made a serious error. It was the first intelligent thing he'd done all day, as far as she was concerned.
"My apologies for any offence, Corporal," Soval broke in smoothly clearly turning on that diplomatic charm as he held up his hand to forestall any comment from the aids behind him. "It was not L'Ras' intention. You are all dismissed. I will return to my quarters shortly. Please prepare for tomorrow's meeting."
She waited until the other Vulcans bowed and walked away before she looked up at him with a frown.
"I've had pitbulls all my life and I have never had a problem," she told him firmly. "The breed used to have a bad reputation because of dog fighting rings. But the truth is, they were originally the 'nanny' dogs. People used to get them as pets and protectors because they were so good with children. Hell, the only dog I've ever gotten bit by was my Aunt's teacup poodle. She was a nasty piece of work and weighed barely two pounds."
Soval inclined his head.
"L'Ras is young, and new to my staff. He takes my safety quite seriously. Perhaps too seriously. Again, I apologize for his behavior."
But it still brought her back to the same sticking point.
"And so do I," she returned hotly. "I would never put you in danger!"
There was an awkward pause. Realizing had come out far more violently than she'd intended. It made her cheeks heat. Though she wasn't sure why. Something about how much the idea of something thinking she'd put the Ambassador in danger actually bothered her. Or maybe it was just the way the he was looking at her. Head cocked like she was simultaneously the most confusing and interesting person in the world.
She shivered.
"I mean. I've protected you before. It's my job. That doesn't change just because I'm off the clock," she explained. Wondering if she was imagining the way he shifted just a little bit closer as the words aired out.
"I understand," he told her, voice as calm as ever, but deeper this time, especially when he continued. "And your service honors me."
Could this day get any weirder?
The answer was yes, obviously.
"Sorry, was there something you needed?" she finally asked politely when he made no move to finish the conversation and move away. Left with the awkward task of trying to figure out what the hell was going on as Reed and Hoshi did a double take on the other side of the sidewalk. Stopping dead to stare.
Soval didn't seem to notice.
"It is nothing pressing if you have other engagements. I simply wished to discuss the hearing with you. I require clarification on a number of points regarding your testimony," he answered smoothly. Hands posed behind his back as Reed eventually towed Hoshi away. Knowing she wasn't going to hear the end of that anytime soon.
"That sounds fine, when were you thinking?" she returned, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as the wind picked up. Leaning down to pet Donk's velvet-grey fur.
"Now, if that is agreeable?"
"Sure," she answered, figuring it was the perfect time to get it over with. "But do you mind if we go to a park where I can run him a bit? He needs to work off some energy. There are certain parks around the city where dogs are allowed off leash to play and run around- there's one about a half block from here, I think. If you don't mind?"
He inclined his head in agreement, gesturing for her to lead the way.
"That is acceptable, please lead the way."
She wasn't sure how it happened, but they ended up talking for over two hours about the hearing and - in a very Vulcan way - how much of a shit stain Senator Gulliani was. They decided to agree to disagree about the idea of time travel, and Soval's communicator went off at least a half dozen times, but Donk had fun and strangely enough, so did she.
Who would have thought?
It was the most normal thing she'd done in years.
Which she figured was saying something considering she was doing it with a Vulcan.
A/N: Thank you for reading, please let me know what you think. There will be more to this series.