Shore Leave Destinations / andoria

USS Odyssey

Shore Leave Destinations / andoria

Dr. Rownan Ch’ranirh BOT 26-May-21 06:34 PM

*As the Aenar exited the shuttle he walked through the tunnel and out onto the large main room of the station. This place was built right on Andor’s surface. It houses many large windows that looked out into the snowy tundra landscape. His breath caught in his throat as he walked to the widows, looking out at the white snow while clutched his bag. Past memories and feelings came rushing through with such power that it nearly knocked him to the ground. He gasped, wiping a few tears from the corners of his eyes as he turned away from the window and heading to the place were his father told him they’d meet.*

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Dr. Rownan Ch’ranirh BOT 27-May-21 10:05 AM

*The designated meeting area was just outside the main shuttle transport building. Rownan walked through the central square, that was surprisingly above the surface of the ice. It was built to accommodate travelers who weren’t accustomed to the underground Andorian lifestyle. The above square, sheltered by force fields from the harsh elements, held a few buildings, mainly food courts and shops designed to sell thick clothing. A large frozen statue of a bear-like creature, it’s long teeth bared, stood in the center of the four way path. This was their chosen meeting location and Rownan glanced around the area carefully watching people come and go.* After a short while he began to wonder if he’d arrived too late, or maybe too early? Perhaps his father had changed his mind, and stood him up without saying a word. His hopes began to sink as he stood still in the square looking around like some lost child, desperately searching for their guardian. He was getting himself so worked up that he was ready to head out till he saw something, more like someone through the clear ice.\* *A distorted figure dressed in white with hints of light navy blue rippled along the ice’s surface. The figure was definitely Aenar and his father. He couldn’t explain how he knew it was him. Thinking fast he quickly walked around the ice sculpture and came face to face with a tall Aenar. Rowan stared at the other, emotions all over the place as he stood still, he himself became like an ice statue.*

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Tos Ch’ranirh BOT 27-May-21 10:21 AM

*Tos looked like an older, all white version of his son. The Aenar stood not far from Rownan, antennas slowly moving about, feeling the many people around him since of course he was blind. He felt Rownan’s presence and gave a smile.* “Hello my son.” *His voice was soft but loud enough that Rownan could hear it from where he stood.* “Did you have a pleasant trip?” *He could sense great anticipation and anxiety from his son so he stood still, hands resting, clasped in front of his body, waiting for Rownan to make the next move.*

Dr. Rownan Ch’ranirh BOT 27-May-21 12:29 PM

“Hi….ummm I’m Rownan well you already know that…” *He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly looking to the side at the sculpted bear. What was it that his father asked him?* “Yes! Yes I did have a good trip. I sat next to a Ferengi who offered be beatle snuff, well he didn’t right then and there but said if I ever asked for him on the Earth Space Station I could have a free….oh don’t worry I don’t ever plan on it that stuff destroys your sinuses.” *He stopped suddenly realizing he was rambling.* “...I’m fine thanks..the trip was fine.”

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Tos Ch’ranirh BOT 30-May-21 12:40 AM

*His kind smile broadened as Rownan tried to appear calm in front of him. Though he was blind he felt Rownan’s presence and knew, by the feel of his mother, that this was him. There was something endearing about watching his son try to start a conversation with his biological father. He knew first encounters were already awkward so he waited patiently till Rownan settled down and felt grounded.* “Don’t fret my son. We have much to discuss, but first, I’d like you to meet the colony and the rest of your siblings.”

Dr. Rownan Ch’ranirh BOT 30-May-21 12:46 AM

*Rownan followed as his father turned and walked down an icy path towards the underground travel system. He quickly caught up so they walked side by side, his father looking straight ahead while he glanced at him from the corner of his eyes.* “So...should I call you father Tos? Or...what do you prefer?” *They entered the travel system building, equally white like the snow on the outside, but blue designs and paintings adorned the inside. Many people, mostly Andorians, traveled along the system that connected the many underground cities. Tos took a travel system that took them far north to one of the last stops on route.*

Tos Ch’ranirh BOT 30-May-21 12:51 AM

*He blinked his sightless eyes and boarded the train like a contraption, choosing a seating arrangement in the back cart that was surrounded by clear plexiglas. These areas were all sealed off and could be used for private conversations. Once they entered the room like enclosure he shut the door and sat down opposite of Rownan.* “You may call me what you feel the most comfortable with.” *He smiled again.*

Dr. Rownan Ch’ranirh BOT 30-May-21 12:58 AM

*As they both entered the contraptions private seating rooms he sat down on the cushioned benches bag in his lap, hands gripping the straps tightly again.* “Alright...I’ll call you father Tos.” *Aenars did have interesting names, then again they were an interesting species. Until a few hundred years ago they were considered a myth, now they roam the surface at times (bit as often as Andorians) but still kept mostly to their colonies.*

Tos Ch’ranirh BOT 05-Jun-21 01:17 AM

“If that is what you wish. May I call you son?” *Even though he didn’t get to raise Rownan he wanted him to be a part of his life. Now that he was back in contact with Rownan’s carrier mother. As the passenger train sped on under the ice Tos kept to himself. Rownan was nervous, that much was obvious, and he wanted to give his son a chance to speak and ask anything he wanted.*

Dr. Rownan Ch’ranirh BOT 05-Jun-21 01:20 AM

*He froze for a moment, not yet sure if he wanted that or not. He’d just met the man, and of course had so much he wanted to ask and talk about. Instead of giving an answer he looked down at his lap and sighed.* “Before I let you, I need to know…” *His eyes came up to look at Tos.* “Why did you leave my mother? She talked about how much she loved you. Did you not want her anymore?” *Did Tos really understand the pain he put their family through?*

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Tos Ch’ranirh BOT 05-Jun-21 01:51 AM

*Now it was his turn to look surprised.* “Is that what she told you?” *He leaned forward in the seat, placing his elbows on knees.* “I didn’t want her to go. She decided to leave on her own...” *When he felt Rownan’s confused emotions he decided it would be best to explain.* “Your mother and I met at the Springwater Festival. She approached me first but we automatically felt a connection with each other after talking for a few minutes. Since the festival was a week long I decided to date her the whole time. After I took her to dinner on the last day she came to my place to meet the clan. They loved her and she stayed with us for 3 months.” *His antenna swiveled and Rownan looked out the window, blackness becoming light blue as the once again came close to the surface of the ice and snow.*

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Tos Ch’ranirh BOT 07-Jun-21 06:46 AM

*When Rownan didn’t say anything he continued.* “We talked about starting a family, I was planning on wedding two others for the unit and she’d be the fourth, completing us for children. They met her and approved of the bonding. After courting her for a month we were married and started the process of bearing children.” *His smile slowly faded as he continued on.* “That’s when things began to change. Your mother expressed that she didn’t want to stay in the colony forever, she desired to travel, and said being tethered to the colony made her feel stuck. As a unit we discussed how she felt and explained that since she was the one to physically give birth to our children we wanted her close by. I didn’t understand, she knew what the four of us had planned, we’d discussed it beforehand and she was fine. I don’t know what changed her mind but after two weeks of being implanted with you she was gone.”

Dr. Rownan Ch’ranirh BOT 07-Jun-21 06:48 AM

*Rownan remained silent, thinking over what was said. He’d obviously been told another story, but the more he thought about Tos’s version the more logical it became.* “She and I did travel a lot when I was really little.” *He finally said looking out at the window as they pulled into an underground station.* “But...I don’t know.”

Tos Ch’ranirh BOT 07-Jun-21 10:23 AM

*His father stood up from the seat and grabbed Rownan’s bag.* “Think about it, you know your mother best, is one to always stay I one place? No. She had a free spirit. I only wish I had seen that before we all bonded.” *With bag j hand he exited the train with Rownan close behind.*

Dr. Rownan Ch’ranirh BOT 08-Jun-21 07:11 PM

*They both didn’t talk much after leaving the train while walking through a maze of snow tunnels. Some pathways were dark and Rownan scooted closer to his dad for guidance so he didn’t bump into any walls. It made sense that some of the tunnels were dark, Arenar’s are blind after all. After an hour of walking the came into an open clearing, underground of course, with many connecting frozen bridges and buildings. The colony was small, a little under 800 lived here, but the frozen city was massive. Few lights only lit the main city square and bridges. It was probably meant for visitors.*

Tos Ch’ranirh BOT 08-Jun-21 07:12 PM

“When I brought your mother here we visited the center, but I want to take you to my house first. I’m sure you’re very tired, and the family wants to meet you.”

Dr. Rownan Ch’ranirh BOT 08-Jun-21 07:20 PM

“Okay then.” *He was in fact very worn out from traveling, and some food and a nice bed sounded heavenly. They both walked through a lit part of the city, up and down a few ice bridges before coming across a house-shaped block of ice mostly held together with other metals. Rownan stopped at the front entrance while wringing his hands.* “Are you sure they want to see me? I mean I didn’t know what to say...what if I mess things up for you?” *It sounded like Tos had really been anticipating his arrival and probably alerted his family unit no doubt by talking about it frequently.*

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Tos Ch’ranirh BOT 11-Jun-21 11:37 PM

*His father only smiled, not answering his questions as he opened the door. As soon as they both entered the house a tall half Andorian, Aenar woman came over to greet them.* “You much be Rownan!” *Her voice was strong, matching her height.* “I’m Jaranel, your biological mother.” *Her hair was cut shoulder length with bangs down to her blue eyes. She looked at Rownan with seeing eye and, not waiting for an invitation, went over and gave him a huge hug.*

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Dr. Rownan Ch’ranirh BOT 17-Jun-21 10:35 PM

“It’s...oh!”’*He blushed as she hugged him and beckoned him inside. Rownan looked back at his father then cautiously walked where led.*

Narrator BOT 18-Jun-21 12:42 AM

*Rownan was led by Jaranal to a large table where he met his three sisters and two other parents. This family unit was close knit, something he wished he could see in his own. A traditional Aenar dish called Halend that consisted of fish and green tubers, they all talked, well Jaranal and his younger sisters did most of the talking, but mostly directed the subject towards Rownan. He was bombarded with all kinds of questions, and he tried to directed the conversation back at them. Social situations in general, especially where he is the center of attention, makes him feel uncomfortable. As the evening wore on, meal gone and dishes cleaned his mouth began to run away with him insomuch that he found himself rambling and saying embarrassing things. Luckily his father and could sense his nervousness and helped him out of these situations. Rownan was happy to visit his father and the others but deep down he was starting to feel tired and extremely overwhelmed. Tos felt the emotion, excused himself and Rownan from the table, and led his son to the guest room.*

Tos Ch’ranirh BOT 18-Jun-21 01:05 AM

“I’m glad you’ll be staying for a week. Don’t worry yourself about your mother and sisters. They are a lively bunch, but their hearts are in the right place.\* “He set Rownan’s bags on the stone floor and took a sat himself on the bed.\* “Come here for a moment Rownan. I’d like to try something with you.”

Dr. Rownan Ch’ranirh BOT 19-Jun-21 04:21 PM

“I’m not worried about them..” *He finally took off his winter coat, folded it in half and gently set it on a desk.* “…I just…well…you all are always so happ and perfect….and..” *He sat down next to his father, stroking the furry blanket #s .* “I can see what Ive been missing. I wish my mom had never left..because if she didn’t I’d be here, with a real family, who all actually care about each other and I wouldn’t have grown up feeling so…alone.” *Repositioning himself to a more comfortable seating he looked atTos.*. “You know what I mean?”

Tos Ch’ranirh BOT 19-Jun-21 04:21 PM

*His father remained silent as his antenna faced forward.* “With your permission, I want to try and connect with you telepathically. I know you’ve had a surgery but I may be able to sense if there are remnants of the neurons trying to connect.” *Rownan’s eyes lit up with hope, not that Tos could see but he felt the hope rise in his son. Once Rownan agreed Tos closed his eyes and took slow deep breaths.*

Dr. Rownan Ch’ranirh BOT 19-Jun-21 04:22 PM

*When his father closed his eyes he kept perfectly still, feeling that doing so would give his father a better chance of finding the link. A few minutes passed and Rownan didn’t feel any different, nor did he hear anything like a voice in his head. Tos’s face scrunched occasionally then relaxed, the room was quiet except for the crunching of shifting ice. Rownan didn’t dare say a word but continued to sit still and when Tos opened his eyes Rownan scooted closer, eager for an answer.* “Well, did you feel anything?”

Tos Ch’ranirh BOT 19-Jun-21 08:02 PM

*The older Aenar sadly shook his head, disappointed that the surgery may have damaged Rownan’s neurons beyond repair.* “No, I sense nothing. I called out, but you didn’t respond. I only sense your emotions but can’t speak with you. I’m sorry Rownan.”

Dr. Rownan Ch’ranirh BOT 19-Jun-21 08:13 PM

*The news was disheartening, and his antenna lowered as he looked away.* “I researched my surgery, received and read all documents about my personal case…..perhaps there is some way?…”

Tos Ch’ranirh BOT 19-Jun-21 09:56 PM

“No Rownan.” *It was the first time since meeting his son that his voice sounded harsh. Obviously he was upset, not at Rownan but at the doctor who was so careless as to cut off the telepathic signals in an Aenar* “You’ve been wrongfully maimed. If you reverse this process you may do more harm than good. Now I don’t have any medical experience but I believe anything that alters the mind should be seriously thought out or avoided. If you succeed you’ll be able to hear, and feel things you wish you hadn’t. Only an Aenar can teach you how to manage and filter the information. If you do it alone, I’m afraid you’ll lose yourself permanently.” *He shook his head.* “No, I won’t let you risk putting yourself permanently into an institution.”

Dr. Rownan Ch’ranirh BOT 19-Jun-21 09:56 PM

“The room suddenly felt colder and less inviting and he listened to his father’s response. He knew trying to reverse the surgery would be risky, but he half expected his father to tell him to go for it. Tos had gone through the change, so any kind of advice on how to handle the process would have been appreciated. Instead of encouragement he received a flat out no. His eyes blinked in disbelief and his breath quickened with his emotions.\* “You don’t believe I can do it, do you?” *He pressed his lips together, having a hard time holding back his feelings.* “You don’t believe in me….” *He wiped his arm across his eyes* “Do you have any idea how terrible it feels to constantly pretend that nothing is wrong and hide the fact that you aren’t a telepath? I’m always…always so afraid that others will know, and treat me differently. I want this more than anything.”

Tos Ch’ranirh BOT 21-Jun-21 12:24 AM

*He heaved a sigh before explaining his reasoning.* “Rownan, you’re still an Aenar, with or without telepathic abilities. The way you see the world will change if you reverse the surgery. I know you can’t go back to the way you are now.” *He shook his head.* “Rownan you’re a great man just the way you are. Gaining telepathic senses won’t guarantee you’ll remain a kind, empathetic man. I don’t want you to lose what you’ve already gained. I don’t want to lose you.” *His eyebrows turned up as he reached out and set a hand on Rownan’s shoulder.*

Dr. Rownan Ch’ranirh BOT 21-Jun-21 12:25 AM

“You won’t lose me, not this time.” *He gave a half smile then yawned from exhaustion. Tos left the conversation at that and left the room, allowing Rownan to get a good night’s rest.*

Narrator BOT 21-Jun-21 12:33 AM

*Rownan stayed with his new family for a week, exploring the colony while getting to know each member better. After trying different dishes, games, and literature he was feeling more welcomed and a little less awkward around them. They each shared with him personal stories and Tos even told his own personal experience with the telepathically change. The days all ran together till it was time for Rownan to return to Earth. Vale and Jane’s wedding would be in three days, and he didn’t want to miss that. At the underground station he and Tos said their goodbyes and promised to write often. Rownan, feeling satisfied by the visit, hopped on the bus and leaned back in his chair, ready to made the journey back.* End

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