A Hidden Truth

Posted on Friday, 22 January 2021 - 12:05pm by Commander Soral & Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali

Mission: Operation: Trail of Tears
Location: T’Lanna’s quarters
Timeline: 2394

{ON}

Having returned to her quarters T’Lanna made a very important call to her father. Uncertain whether he was on Vulcan or aboard ship she tried his ship first, relieved to get in contact relatively quickly. “Father” She offered a smile. “I have news and something to ask you, but news first ... you’re a grandfather!”

He raised an eyebrow. "Yes I know. When is the baby due again?" He wanted to be there for the birth. He wondered briefly if something was wrong. She'd told him of the pregnancy long ago, they'd discussed it.

“I’m sorry what I meant to say was ... your grandson is born.” She paused to let it sink in. “It’s a long story, short version .. I was kidnapped by aliens who sped up my gestation period. It triggered off early labour at just seven months.”

He blinked as she finished talking. There was so much to unpack in that little bit. "I...is the child alright?"

“His name is Jayce, he’s amazing!!” She smiled warmly before her smile faded. “There’s been a problem father, Jayce has a genetic condition and Doctor Alexander tells me I did too.” She gave her father a stern look. “Why didn’t you tell me I had a repair procedure when I was a baby?”

He pressed his lips together. "It was so very long ago. The doctors assured me that it would have no bearings on your life."

“Maybe no bearing on mine, but it has every bearing on my son’s life!” She reigned in the need to shout. “If I’d have known, I could have told our doctors to monitor Jayce for problems” She sighed. “I’m too tired to get angry but I wish you’d told me.”

He was silent. "I did not think about it after it passed."

T’Lanna nodded. She’d spent so long disagreeing with her father in years past, now they’re relationship was on a more even keel it felt wrong to be angry with him. “Fair enough. He’s a fighter and he has the cutest pointed ears you’ve ever seen!” She smiled. “Hold on ...” She moved to grab the PADD she’d used to take a few pictures of Jayce. “This is your grandson” She held up the picture so her father could see.

He studied the child. There was much of T'Lanna in the child but also he saw shadows of his beloved wife. "A handsome child."

T’Lanna nodded. “That he is, Commander Soral has offered to help me teach him about his Vulcan heritage.” She hung her head. “I was never much of a daughter to be proud of after the Borg, but I understand how important that heritage is now. I will teach him what it is to be a Vulcan, I’d be proud to have you help me.” She smiled warmly. “Speaking of which when will I see you again?”

"Indeed. I will be honoured to assist." He studied her. "Why do you feel that you were not to be proud of?"

"I wasn't the ideal Vulcan daughter!" T'Lanna sighed. "I refused to learn about my heritage and I didn't purge my emotions even though it was what you wanted for me."

"You must form your own path T'Lanna. Your choices have not made my pride in you any less. To do so it would be illogical."

“Indeed” T’Lanna nodded in agreement. “I will continue to make you proud of me father. I didn’t tell you Captain Stillwater has decided to allow families aboard ship. I can keep Jayce with me! I was at one point considering leaving the ship to be with Jayce but that would have meant leaving Raith and I couldn’t face doing that. At least now I don’t have to choose.”

"A ship is no place for a child. Perhaps when he is older you will allow him to come to Vulcan?"

T’Lanna nodded. “Of course, I’d like him to spend time with you. I want Jayce to get to know his grandfather.”

"Indeed." He studied her. "I wish you to meet T'lar."

“T’Lar?” T’Lanna looked at her father curiously. “Is she ... special to you?”

"She was selected for me as my mate by the Priestesses of the Forge."

“Is she to be your wife?” T’Lanna looked at her father already knowing the answer but wanting to hear it from him anyway.

"Indeed. I will be meeting her soon myself. I have not met her since she was selected for me."

T’Lanna nodded. “Then I hope she is everything you would wish for. I would very much like to meet her.”

"Good. You will come home and I shall see my grandson."

T’Lanna hung her head. “I’m not sure when I’ll be able to get home, the ship is on its way to a new assignment. Once I get a chance I’ll be there and that’s a promise!”

He gave a nod. "I understand. Duty must come first."

“Indeed” T’Lanna nodded and offered a smile. “Perhaps we could meet over subspace? Just for the initial meeting? I won’t feel such a stranger when I meet her in person.”

"I will make the arrangements myself. I have yet to meet her as well. I am told she is quite suitable."

“So how soon will the two of you ... will she become your wife?” T’Lanna looked at her father curiously.

"The ceremony will be held when our schedule permits." He said. He paused. "She is not your mother, T'Lanna." He said looking away. "She is a means to an end. A widow as I am a widower."

“I know” T’Lanna nodded and offered a smile. “As your wife she will become my step-mother as Humans call it. “All I want is for you to be happy.”

"That would require your mother to be back." He studied her wondering how much to reveal. Should he tell his daughter that he'd slept at her grave in the family mausoleum many a night?

“I wish mum could come back but I know she can’t” T’Lanna hung her head. “I know how much you loved her, when I was little I didn’t understand. I thought you not showing emotion meant you didn’t care, I know differently now.”

"Indeed." He sighed. "Well do not think of the past. Focus on your son and mate. Things will be better."

“I will father that I promise you” T’Lanna smiled. “Oh and I love you.”

A small smile played on his lips. "And I you." It had been the first time he'd said it. He gave a nod and turned off the communications.

T’Lanna smiled before getting up and heading to the bathroom to freshen up. She needed to get back to Jayce, and visit Raith as well.

OFF: