Andorian Gathering

Posted on Tue Dec 17th, 2024 @ 9:21pm by Captain Shran dh'Klar

Mission: Family
Location: USS Washington

Shran waited stoically in the transporter room, only himself and the transporter chief currently in the room. "They are signaling they are ready for transport sir" the chief said somewhat suddenly.

"Bring them aboard chief" Shran replied simply.

The transporter activated and the standard blue hue came aglow before five forms took shape, and suddenly a quintet of Andorians stood on the transporter pad, three females and two males. The youngest female ran to Shran. "Father" she squealed affectionately as she embraced him in a loving hug.

Shran squeezed his daughter tightly. "Talla. I have missed you my sweet girl" he said affectionately.

Releasing his embrace, he looked at the two young males, "Archer, Thy'lek, you both have grown since last I saw you."

"I've missed you father" Thy'lek, the younger of the two said in a solemn tone as he embraced his father.

Archer was very much like his father, stoic and dutiful. "I have news father. I have been accepted to StarFleet Academy, pending your approval."

Shran was surprised and overjoyed to hear this news. "I was unaware of your desire to follow me into StarFleet. I was under the impression you wanted to join the Andorian Guard like your uncle."

"It was my original consideration, but I have come to see what you do not only serve Andoria and make a name for the family but also do a great deal for the entire Federation. I think serving the Federation is what will do the most honor for the family" Archer replied.

"He has become just like you" Jhamel said proudly as she approached her husband.

"So it would seem" Shran replied with a smile. "Have you seen StarFleet Academy or been to San Francisco?" he questioned.

"Not yet" Archer replied.

"Then you shall see it on this visit. You will find the Academy challenging, both academically, but also socially. You must learn to work with other species, especially humans and Vulcans, as well as Betazoids and Trill. Bajorans are beginning to become prominent at the Academy as well. Working with each race will challenge you to put aside preconceived beliefs and learn to understand their various strengths and faults, as well as your own."

"I understand father. I have human friends, so I know how the pink skins can be. My friend James is very good at engineering. I think I am more in line with the tactical aspects" Archer replied.

Shran kissed Jhamel and then kissed his second wife Talas. "You both have done excellent work with the children in my absence."

"You have important work that honors our family husband" Talas responded. "The difficult part is being separated from you, but the children growing up on Andoria is important."

"Father, what is this Christmas season the humans all seem to talk about" Talla asked innocently.

Shran looked to his daughter, "It is an ancient holiday of the humans. It originates from one of their primary religions and has lasted despite the religious aspects becoming minimized. It is a holiday about joy, family, and includes the giving and receiving of gifts. You will get to see much more about it when we visit Earth."

"Presents? How wonderful!" Talla exclaimed.

"I was unaware we would need to get you a gift" Thy'lek said nervously.

"You are my gift" Shran replied simply as he hugged all his children once again. "Now come, I will show you this vessel before we go down to the planet."

TBC