Chapter 21
"It's gonna take months to grow back!"
Threv examined the stump where his right antenna used to be in the bedroom mirror. Now bandaged properly, it was still an eyesore.
Sherene wrapped her arms around him from behind. "Doesn't make you any less of an Andorian." She turned him around to look up into his eyes. "Nothing could. I'm proud of you."
He smiled and leaned down to kiss the petite shen. After his heroics in Ops, there was no doubt about Threv's courage, not even from himself. He had been terrified, and in agony when Skaal cut off his antenna, but he had still done what needed to be done. And he had fled Ops when necessary, so it wasn't another death wish. He had tackled danger in the line of duty, but not recklessly so. He knew he already had the love and support of his bondgroup no matter what, but it was reaffirming nonetheless.
"Even though I'm in Starfleet now?" he said teasingly.
"Well I thought I didn't mind that anymore, until I realised you'd have to wear that uniform."
They both looked at the dark blue jumpsuit with red piping around the shoulders, laid out on the bed. It was the morning of Federation Day, but all personnel were already required to change to the Starfleet uniform.
Threv chuckled. "They're going to roll out a new one in a few weeks, to reflect the all-new unified Starfleet."
"Here's hoping it goes better with Andorian skin-tones," Sherene said, holding up the uniform against Threv in exaggerated disgust.
The door chime to their quarters sounded, and they both made their way into the living area.
Azhri was cooking in the kitchenette and Chalmos was engrossed in a book on the couch, so Threv answered the door.
He was stunned to find Shi'una Charal on the other side, wearing a Starfleet jumpsuit with gold piping.
"Commander!" he cried, standing to attention. There was a clatter behind him as Azhri dropped whatever utensils she'd been holding.
Charal grinned. "It's Captain now." She tapped the pips over her right breast. "Still getting used to this new ranking system."
Threv stammered. "Uh, uh, yes, of course. Sorry, Captain. Come in, come in, please."
"Thank you, Guardsman," she said, entering. "Sorry, Crewman. See what I mean?"
"Please, have a seat!" Azhri said, quickly coming over, rubbing her hands on her apron. "Can I get you anything, Captain? A drink? Something to eat? A blanket?"
"Precious jewels?" Chalmos quipped, lightly mocking Azhri's fanaticism.
Charal politely smiled, holding up a hand as she sat on the couch. "No, thank you. I won't stay long." Threv still stood at attention by the couch. "Please, Threv, at ease." She gestured to the armchair opposite her.
They all took a seat, the other bondmates quickly introducing themselves.
"What, um, what brings you here, sir?" Threv asked, nervously.
"I came by to personally thank you for your actions during this crisis, Threv, and to commend your bravery."
Threv perked up at this, his lone antenna shooting straight up. He looked around at the others, who were beaming at him.
Charal continued. "If you hadn't interfered with Skaal's plans, he'd have succeeded in discrediting me and my ship. The Loknar crew owes you a great debt."
"Thank you, Comm- Captain," said Threv, trying to stop his voice from breaking. "I was just doing my duty."
Charal nodded, then took on a more serious expression. "I also heard about your treatment from Major Kyzo."
Threv's face fell, his antenna drooping again. "Uh, yes, sir."
"I apologise for that. It's no excuse, but he took the loss of his bondmate quite badly. I knew the Major's bondmate. I was at their shelthreth. Although she was also a guardsman, she knew she was fighting for progress. I have reminded him of that, and that he considered Lieutenant Rophec 'one of the good ones,' so he may not be the best judge of character. I'm sure he'll re-evaluate his opinion in time."
Threv nodded. "Thank you, sir."
Sherene leaned forward. "Captain, I write for a newsnet-"
"The Icebreaker," said Charal, surprising everyone. "I know it."
Now Sherene was the star-struck one. "You... You do?"
"You're the only Andorian journalist out here, Sherene," said Charal. "Lots of us are interested in your take on events. Your articles are quite popular back home."
Sherene's antennae were twitching in delight. "Wow... Well, uh, in that case, how about an interview?"
They all chuckled.
"Why not?" said Charal. "In fact, I can give you an exclusive."
Sherene leaned forward. "Oh?"
The tall captain sighed. "I'm going to be taking early retirement in a few months."
Threv blinked. He knew many guardsman were quitting rather than join Starfleet, but Charal, with her legendary career, hardly seemed the type.
"You don't want to continue in Starfleet?" he asked.
"It's not that. I just think it's time to leave this new world in the hands of you youngsters." She smiled at Threv. "Besides, I'm settling down."
This perked up Azhri. "Ooh! Who're the three lucky bondmates?"
Charal smirked. "Actually, it's one man. A Vulcan man."
Four sets of eyes widened at her and three-and-a-half sets of antennae shot forward.
"How did that happen?" Chalmos asked, grinning.
"You remember when the Vulcan Reformation happened?" Charal started to explain. "And V'Las sent a High Command fleet to attack Andoria over some lie about 'weapons of planetary destruction'?"
They all nodded. It was back before they had been bonded, but they each separately remembered where they'd been when it looked as though Andoria and Vulcan would be plunged into war. A scary time, even for proud Andorians.
"After the brief battle," Charal said, "the Loknar had taken heavy damage, and several of the crew were wounded, including me. A Vulcan cruiser helped us out with repairs and medical support. I made a point to thank their captain personally. I was reluctant at the time - even I succumbed to our old prejudices - but I considered it the honourable thing to do. We got to talking and... hit it off.
"Neither of us had gone through with our arranged marriages, as we were both career-orientated, and we stayed in touch. We let our work and cultural stigmas keep us apart. Lately though, we both agreed that it's time for old soldiers like us to lay down our arms, put aside the past, and start a new life together, no matter what anyone else thinks.
"You see, intolerance always gives in to love."
Sherene and Threv locked eyes.
"You're right about that, Captain," Threv said. They smiled at each other. "You're right about that."
