Reversal {Star Trek Enterprise Mirror Universe fan fiction}

Gaslight

Doug made his way through the halls the following morning, a bit more of a spring in his step than before. A little distracted, perhaps. He heard crying.

That could only mean one person. Well, really, two. He turned around.

"Jun!" he called out, kneeling.

A toddler ran to him. "Unka Duck!"

The toddler was followed by a young, tired-looking woman with a fresh black eye.

"Crewman Cutler,” Doug said, straightening up after the toddler had hugged him.

"Lieutenant Commander Hayes,” she said, “C'mon, Jun." she held her hand out to the toddler, who was bending over to check out some unseen thing on the floor.

"He's getting better with his words,” Doug said.

"Yes. Well, he's the Empress's son. Wouldn't expect anything less,” she said, “Jun, put that down!"

"Nuh-uh!" he called out, holding up a tiny broken-off dagger tip as his prize.

"How'd you get the shiner?" Doug asked.

Cutler nodded her head slightly in the child's direction. "Jun, put that down!" she repeated, getting exasperated.

"You've gotta tell him 'no' more often, I think."

"You don't have children. Unless you're his father." Cutler said.

"Ha, no, I'm no one's father, so far as I'm aware,” Doug said, “Still a mystery, eh?"

"From his mannerisms, I'd say Torres or Masterson." Cutler said, “But you didn't hear that from me. Y'know, I think you're one of the only people Jun here actually likes. You should quit Tactical and become his babysitter. Get me a little peace,” she said the last sentence barely audibly.

"What, and leave all this? Look, I've gotta get to the Bridge."

"We're going there, too." Cutler said, “It's his first birthday."

"Then I'll walk with you. Halls aren't a good place to be when you've got distractions."

"Yep. Big target there." she admitted. "And when the Empress has the next one, that'll only be multiplied."

"She's pregnant again?" Doug asked quietly.

"I don't think so, not yet. I think she's looking for suitable candidates."

"So, not Travis?" he asked.

"Ha, nope. Good for fun, not for breeding." Cutler sniffed.

"Here we are,” Doug said, getting the door to open.

=/\=

Lunch meeting. Main conference room. Lili was again catering for the Executive Team.

"We have Thai Panang Curry today,” she said, “Tofu for Commander T'Pol, in that smaller bowl over there, and chicken for everyone else, over here. Help yourselves to basmati rice and extra coconut sauce if you like. Enjoy."

"Ensign, why don't you stay. This may concern you a bit." The Captain said.

"Sir, I think Chef needs me to work the regular lunch rush."