AN: (Updated 08-30-13 - minor changes and spelling/grammar corrections)
The meaning of the title will become apparent as the story unfolds...
The usual, not beta'd so mistakes are yours truly...
... and now onto the story so far...
Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco, September 21, 2155
Soval offered his hand to Admiral Gregory Logan Black in greeting as he entered the Admiral's private office.
Black shook the Vulcan's hand as he asked, "Can I offer you something to drink Ambassador?"
Soval responded, "I no longer hold the title of Ambassador. I am now a Minister in the newly formed Vulcan High Council. Ambassador Tos has assumed the duties as Ambassador to Earth in my absence. However, I could use a cup of tea if you have something appropriate available."
Black nodded, "My apologies Minister Soval. I'll have to get used to that. I've got mint or chamomile tea." He always kept an assorted supply on hand for politicians and Vulcans.
Soval inclined his head as he answered, "No offense where none has been taken Admiral. Chamomile shall suffice. I find the ingredients to be quite soothing."
"Certainly, please take a seat," replied the Admiral with a flick of his hand towards the mahogany table and chairs tucked into the far corner of his office. He'd billed the admiralty a mint getting the natural wood furniture rather than the more commonplace synthetic woods.
Soval nodded as he slowly adjusted his robes and sat carefully in the chair closest to the door. Years from his service in the Ministry of Security had taught him never to let his guard down even when he was among allies.
Black obtained a tea for the Minister and a strong black coffee for himself from his personal resequencer. He sat the drinks on the table as he asked, "So Minister what can Starfleet do for you today? I understand you wanted to see me about the contract we are currently drawing up for a fleet of Coalition Ships." He quickly joined the former Ambassador at the conference room table.
"It is a somewhat delicate matter I'm afraid," he began with an outward calm.
Feeling a tingle of trepidation at the minister's words, the Admiral encouraged, "Go on."
"As you are aware, Vulcan's position has become vulnerable with the discovery of the Kir'Shara and the dissolution of the Vulcan High Command. Much of the Vulcan fleet has also been disbanded as we clean out our facilities of potential hostiles that may have been in collusion with former Administrator V'Las," reported Soval. After a brief pause, he continued, "Vulcan finds itself in a bit of a predicament."
Black nodded with understanding, "Nasty business. The treachery of the High Command caught us all unaware. You know Earth is here to help its allies and we will of course stand by Vulcan in her time of need. But I'm not sure what this has to do with the Coalition Ships."
"Since taking over, the Vulcan High Council has determined that the initial offer of technological advancements will need to have some adjustments made before we can successfully barter with Earth," replied Soval evenly.
"I see," said Black as he took a careful sip of his hot coffee. He didn't want to jump to any rapid conclusions but it sounded as if the Vulcan's were already trying to renege on their earlier commitment to the Coalition. He winced internally as he remembered Forrest frequent complaints about the Vulcan government always changing their minds or adding on last minute requirements. Since taking over Forrest's duties, he had quickly learned never to trust what the Vulcan's offered until it was in an iron-clad, binding charter reached through lengthy arbitration.
"Apparently there are some legal aspects that the Vulcan High Council was initially unaware of," returned Soval.
"Legal aspects?" Black was confused. This was new. "Please explain Minister."
"The Vulcan High Council's Minister of Legalese, Tavak, has been pouring over old ancient texts and tomes since the founding of the Kir'Shara and ousting of V'Las... several of the works had been hidden from the true government. One such aspect requires that any ship bearing Vulcan technology must have a Vulcan Captain. Either by natural selection or marriage. Our previous agreement installed a human Starfleet Captain in the Coalition vessel."
Black blustered, "That's right. We're bearing the bulk of the building and maintenance and we've agreed that Starfleet was the most neutral of the Coalition Planets and was to remain in primary control, including the Captaincy of the initial ships."
"Exactly, which is why I'm here with a proposal from Head Councilwoman, T'Pau," returned Soval. "We also continue to believe that Starfleet is in the best position to control the project. Therefore, Vulcan proposes that the Captain of the first Coalition ship marries a Vulcan female who has ties to the Vulcan High Council."
Black looked dumbfounded, "Huh... married?"
"I realize, Admiral, that normally Starfleet vessels do not have married couples serving on them but most all Vulcan vessels do. Under the circumstances the Ministry of Security has taken the time to pull records on all of the Captains currently serving in Starfleet and we wish to submit our choice of Captain for the Coalition ship as set forth in our prior agreement."
"Do you really think a Starfleet Captain like Jonathan Archer could be ordered to marry a Vulcan on a whim?" demanded the Admiral.
"Fortunately, Captain Archer would never be Vulcan's choice. As a spearhead for the Coalition, he excels. But to this day, he still holds deep-seated emotional prejudices against the Vulcan Diplomatic Corps. He firmly believes that Vulcan held back his father, Henry Archer. Even seems to hold us accountable for his father's untimely death. His numerous outbursts of animosity is fully documented by the Ministry," explained the Vulcan.
Black dismissed Archer's shortcomings as irrelevant, "Forget Archer. You said you've decided on your preferred candidate. Who is it?"
The Minister reached into his robes and pulled out a file and handed it to the Admiral, "The Captain of the NX-03 Challenger has been approved by the Vulcan High Council to be the new Captain of the Coalition's first ship," replied Soval.
"But he's only been a Captain for a couple of months. The Challenger launched this past August," grumbled Black as he accepted the folder.
"Indeed. That was one of the many reasons we chose him. He also has displayed a singular talent of getting along with other races... even the Andorians and Tellerites have been known to listen to him. It has also reached my ears that Krios Prime was even considering joining the Coalition based solely on his recommendation," explained Soval.
"I'll have to present this to the Admiralty, the President and the other Coalition members before I can authorize your proposal."
"I understand. Ministers' T'Les and Kuvak have already made contact with the other members and they are in full agreement with Vulcan's proposal. Of course, Earth would have final ratification," said Soval.
Black sighed, "Just who is he supposed to marry? Providing I can get all the approvals and the Captain's agreement."
With downcast eyes, Soval admitted, "We have not selected the female as of yet. We want to ensure that we select a suitable mate for the Captain...one that will meet with all of our approvals. The only determination so far is that she must come from a prominent family within the High Council as we are still ferreting out traitors among the old Command. But as per Vulcan tradition, his mate must be allowed to serve on the new ship in a Senior Officer capacity. Vulcan couples have to reside together for the first year regardless of either of their positions in society."
Black stuttered, "I'm sure you'll understand Minister that this is a lot to take in. I'll have to table any further discussion with you until after I've met with the Admiralty."
Soval stood as he calmly agreed, "I understand. My ship returns to Vulcan within the next twenty four hours. I hope, Admiral, that you will be able to give me a favorable answer before I leave San Francisco."
"I'll be calling an emergency meeting today. I'll have an answer for you before you leave," promised Black as he raised his left hand in traditional Vulcan salutations. "Live long and prosper, Minister."
Soval returned the gestured, "Peace and Long Life, Admiral." He turned and swept out of the office with sure footed strides.
Black walked over to his desk and hit the intercom, "Williams get in here right now, we've got work to do." If this got through, they'd have to re-write the hold damn code of ethics and conducts book.
ShiKahr, Capital City of Vulcan, High Council Chambers
T'Pol stood as the High Council members entered the chambers. Once seated, the Head Councilwoman, T'Pau, banged her gavel and called the meeting to order. "T'Pol, daughter of T'Les, you have asked to speak to the council on a personal matter. What say you?"
T'Pol bowed respectfully as she answered, "I petition the council for the right of the position of Chief Investigator of the Ministry of Security. The appointment most recently held by the traitor Stel."
"I object," interjected T'Les.
T'Pau held up a hand for silence. She nodded to Councilwoman T'Les, who was seated to her right, "Your objection is noted. However, the petitioner must be allowed to support her request. Continue T'Pol, daughter of T'Les."
Sparing her mother a quick glance of consternation, T'Pol continued, "I have completed my required year of mourning at Mt. Seleya in honor of my husband, Koss. My former ship, the Seleya, was lost in the Delphic Expanse. Ambassador Soval is now Minister Soval and is no longer in need of my services. Therefore, I wish to resume my former duties with the Ministry but believe that my life experiences will benefit the position of Chief Investigator rather than a standard field agent or scientific technician."
T'Pau responded, "We grieve with you for your numerous losses. Your logic is sound and the council will give you the full attention your petition warrants. Please wait in the adjacent meditation chamber while the council discusses the matter thoroughly." She banged the gavel down in dismissal.
T'Pol bowed again before leaving the chamber.
"T'Les, please explain your objections, T'Pol gave a compelling argument and her prior service with the Ministry of Security is above reproach barring the one incident with the rogue agent which was resolved with the fullara," requested T'Pau once the chamber door had closed behind T'Pol.
T'Les took a deep calming breath as she unemotionally replied, "I believe that the Chief Investigator position would be too dangerous for my daughter. I have already lost my other family members and would not like to see my line ended by T'Pol's early death."
Minister Kuvak nodded, "There has been an ever increasing concern over the Orion Syndicate, the Nausicaan Pirates and the followers of S'Task, the Rihannsu. I too believe a more capable male Vulcan should replace Stel as Chief Investigator. One who has undertaken the rites of Kholinar and will not be affected by any unnecessary... ailments."
T'Pau inclined her head in acknowledgment of his wisdom as she replied, "T'Pol has been at loose ends since Koss' death and needs direction in her life to guide her on the true path of Surak."
T'Les said thoughtfully, "Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations indeed. I would like to formally submit my daughter's name for consideration as a suitable mate for the human Captain."
Tavak questioned, "Do you believe your daughter up to the task? Her own mate has only been gone for just over a year. "
T'Les answered, "She and Koss never bonded properly. T'Pol's emotions have always been close to the surface even as a child. I have little hope of being able to find another suitable bond mate for her before her next pon farr. It has been six years since her last bout. I'm afraid Koss passed before he was able to assist her in her mating cycle and as you know once a female Vulcan has mated even without the bond, she is no longer able to control her reactions through medication and mediation as she has done previously."
Kuvak stated, "Your logic is sound. I will second the choice of T'Pol for the Coalition Treaty Project. I believe given her life experiences we should ask for the position of First Officer."
T'Pau looked at Tavak. He nodded, "I concur."
She nodded as she decreed, "The majority has spoken, so it shall be. T'Pol will be mated to the human. Has Soval reported in? Do we have any further information on the Captain?"
Tavak answered, "Yes. Soval sent a communiqué that the human's were gathering to discuss the proposal. I didn't get any details on the Captain himself only that he was currently the Captain of the NX-03 Challenger. Soval will be bringing a dossier on the human when he returns."
Kuvak asked, "T'Les, will T'Pol resist the directive?"
She waved a hand in dismissal, "Why should she? Any objection she has is irrelevant. All marriages are arranged by ones parents and T'Pol doesn't have any say in the matter. While she can be willful and headstrong, she will do what is best for Vulcan."
Tavak declared, "I will send a message back to Minister Soval advising him of our decision. He will be able to present T'Pol's candidacy as the human's mate before he leaves San Francisco."
"I concur. The decision has been made. Tavak you are excused. T'Les bring T'Pol back in," ordered T'Pau.
Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco, September 21, 2155
"Williams, pour everyone a drink before you leave," ordered Admiral Samuel Gardner.
Commander Rafael Williams nodded as he headed towards the wet bar in the adjoining room.
After beverages were exchanged, Admiral Daniel Leonard asked, "Okay Greg. What's this all about?"
Admiral Black quickly brought the others up to speed on his meeting with Soval earlier that day.
"Is this some kind of joke?" asked Sam.
Greg shook his head, "No. The Vulcan's were pretty specific that if we didn't go along with their proposal than it would not be legally ethical for them to provide technology to the Coalition."
"Damn!" exclaimed Dan. "The Vulcan's sensors are reputed to be some of the best there is and they had already put them and defensive shielding on the block for consideration. Gentlemen, what are our options?"
Greg replied, "Only got two. Get Tucker to marry the Vulcan or lose the technology. And I for one don't consider the second one to be an option. Need I remind everyone here that we need the Coalition if we hope to become a force to be reckoned with in the Quadrants. I don't need another Xindi incident and the President has made it plain that we need better ships and weapons for planetary defenses."
Sam declared, "We can't just order a member of Starfleet to marry a foreign dignitary." He paused before adding, "Can we?"
Dan answered, "No. But we can damn sure make it impossible for them to say no. Do we have anything on Tucker?"
Sam said, "Tucker hasn't been a Captain long enough to screw up. Greg, this one is on you. You recommended him for Captaincy so you can be the one to tell him he's getting married."
Black sighed, "I know. I've already sent a communiqué to the Challenger turning them around. They'll be here in four days."
Dan added, "That means we've got only four days to re-write the rules on fraternization and foreign dignitaries. We'd better have it in place before the Challenger arrives. No reason for him to drag a lawyer into this."
Greg sighed again, "I should have called in sick today."
Sam agreed, "In hindsight, we all should have. Could have been worse though."
Dan asked, "How?"
Greg and Sam answered at the same time, "They could have demanded Archer."
The three men chuckled momentarily before getting back down to business.
Dan inquired, "Are we just going to make an exception to the rules for this or are we gonna throw out the whole book on serving with significant others and spouses? And what about keeping the chain of command uncomplicated?"
Greg shook his head, "I need another drink."
Sam questioned, "Anyone know if Tucker is seeing anyone special?"
Greg replied, "Not that I know of. Seems to have a girl in every port. I've heard him referred to as a lone wolf and a lothario of women. Hell, maybe a Vulcan wife will settle him down some."
Dan laughed, "Who wants to inform the Sovereign Dynasty."
Sam replied good-naturedly, "Not me. I don't even want to be on the same planet when the First Monarch of Krios Prime finds out he's off the market."
Greg groaned, "Damn. Another wrinkle. Wonder if Princess Kaitaama will pull out of Coalition discussions? Maybe it would have been better if they had demanded Archer."
NX-03 Challenger, Currently patrolling the Alpha Quadrant
"So loverboy how's things going in the Alpha?" asked Sergeant Amanda Cole over the subspace communications video feed that had been routed into the Captain's Ready Room.
Captain Charles Anthony Tucker III replied, "Nice and quiet. How's the assignment on Colombia?"
Amanda moaned, "Kelby is screwing up everything." Lieutenant Commander Derek Kelby was assigned as Chief Engineer of the NX-02 Columbia. Trip had worked with him briefly on the NX-01 Enterprise. Thankfully when Trip was booted up to First Officer on Enterprise, Lieutenant Anna Hess was named as his successor. Kelby hadn't taken it well.
"Sorry Hon. What happened this time?" asked the Captain also known as Trip to his friends.
"Hernandez was working some kinda deal with the Orion Syndicate and she ended up winning three Orion Sex Slaves in a card game. The Orion's objected when she tried to return 'em so she brought them on board. Big mistake there let me tell you. Kelby was so infatuated with one of them that he got caught bumpin uglies with her in a Jeffries tube. Hernandez was fit to be tied. She was seriously pissed off. Anyway, Kelby tried to destroy the warp engine while under the trollops influence. He denied it of course but there were like dozen's of witnesses," explained Amanda.
Concerned, Trip asked, "Is the Warp Engine okay? They were able to repair it right?"
Amanda laughed, "Trust the ex-engineer to be mostly concerned about a piece of machinery."
"Hey. I resemble that remark. I would have expressed worry for you but since I'm talkin' ta ya I know you're fine," replied Trip with a grin.
"Don't worry. Kelby was tossed in the brig for a week till some kind of pheromones, that the Orion's put out, wore off. The Enterprise met up with us and Phlox was able to assist Hernandez and a group of female crewman including yours truly to defeat the wenches," answered Amanda.
"My hero... oops heroine. Sorry doll," laughed Trip. "Wish I could have seen the look on Kelby's face when the pheromones wore off. Bet he was looking mighty red in the face."
"You know it. I was on guard duty," she shared his laughter. "You know I really miss you. We haven't gotten together in months... since before your promotion."
He sighed, "I miss you too."
"You know... the Captain is heading towards Risa. Why don't you join us? Enterprise will be here too. You could catch up with old friends and lovers at the same time."
"I'd love to... but I can't," groaned Trip. "How long are you going to be there?"
"Shore leave is for a week after we arrive. Supposed to be a recovery period from the Orions and to drop those three bimbos off the ship. Captain says they shouldn't have any problems finding work on Risa," she answered. "Sure you can't come? I'm pretty sure Hernandez and Archer are involved in some hot torrid affair since the Columbia and Enterprise has met up at three different locations in the past two months."
"No doubt. I'd love to go but I've been recalled to Earth for some kind of hush hush meeting. Besides having three of the four NX's all at Risa at the same time would likely have us all up on misconduct charges," he replied as he ran a hand through his short dirty blond hair. He was concerned about the recall but didn't want it to color his call with Amanda.
"Yes, you're right. Hey did you talk with Dunsel yet? He still sore at ya?"
"Yeah, met up with him at the 602. We had drinks and hashed everything out. He's hoping he'll get the next ship," replied Trip. "A little bitter about Starfleet's decision but it doesn't appear that he's blaming me for it."
"Good. Good."
Trip interrupted, "Listen, I've got to go but remember to stay out of trouble and don't do anything I wouldn't do while you're on Risa."
"Well guess that means I can do just about anything... doesn't it?" she grinned back at him as she blew him a kiss. "Bye lover."
Trip laughingly grabbed for the imaginary kiss as he said, "... and stay away from Malcolm. Later." He hit the end call button on the console as he leaned back in his chair and surveyed his personal domain. Life was alright.
ShiKahr, Capital City of Vulcan, High Council Chambers
"T'Pol, daughter of T'Les, the council has reached a decision," declared T'Pau upon T'Pol's return to the chamber.
T'Pol stared at her without a hint of emotion as she waited for the former Syrannite Leader's decision.
"We must decline the request for transfer to the Ministry of Security as another opportunity we believe you to be better suited for has been presented to us," continued T'Pau. "Do you stand ready to serve Vulcan in whatever capacity that is deemed necessary for our continued survival?"
T'Pol replied calmly, "I do." What assignment could they be referring to? Not a hint of the nervousness she was feeling showed through her calm exterior.
"Good. We need someone to support a recent development with the nascent Coalition of Planets," relied the Councilwoman.
T'Pol cocked her head in curiosity, "Explain."
Minister Kuvak answered, "Minister Tavak has discovered that the only way we can complete the pact is through ancient bonding. The Captain of the Coalition ship must be a Vulcan citizen. The law permits us of granting citizenship to an outsider if they successfully complete a bonding ceremony with a natural born Vulcan."
She felt her heart race with dismay but was careful to keep all hints of protestation from her countenance. She hadn't even completed a bond with Koss. The priests were highly disappointed at the end of their seclusion. "The human's will never agree."
T'Les allowed, "Soval is currently on Earth securing our position."
T'Pol's eyes flashed momentarily with heat towards her mother before she was able to tamp it down, "I see. What if we are deemed incompatible?"
Tavak answered, "The Interspecies Medical Exchange sees no reason that a Vulcan and Human cannot bond. They extrapolate that it will in all probably be a very weak bond due to the human's inability to process telepathic thought. But the law only provides that the ceremonies must be completed via the ancient texts. Therefore, even if an actual bond does not take between you and the human, we could still declare you bound and the human a citizen of Vulcan. Thereby fulfilling our obligations under the law."
"Logical reasoning. I have not had much contact with humans in the past couple of years but as I recall they are willfully arrogant, illogical and emotional. I do not believe that they have changed their ways since we last crossed paths," responded T'Pol even though she knew any protestations she made would not be heard. Once the Council had made up their minds it was a useless endeavor to get them to change it. Vulcan's were the only species she knew that could be more obstinate than humans especially when they believed themselves to be right.
T'Pau added, "I do not believe Soval will have any problems with Starfleet. They need our technology to build effective warships."
"As I recall, the Enterprise, was effective against the Suliban. The humans may decide we have placed too high a cost on our technology. The Andorians and Tellerites are supplying technological advancements to the Coalition as well," objected T'Pol. It probably wasn't well thought of that she hoped Soval failed at his mission.
"Soval will be reporting in tomorrow after his meeting with Admiral Black. Until then I expect T'Les to begin the preparations for the bonding ceremony. It will take place as soon as the Challenger arrives," ordered T'Pau with a bang of her gavel. She stood and left the room signifying the matter was closed.
T'Pol watched her leave before switching her gave to her mother. One brow rose.
ShiKahr, Capital City of Vulcan, T'Les' home
A short while later, T'Pol slammed the front door behind her as she followed her mother in.
T'Les rolled her eyes as she commented, "Perhaps a few hours of meditation would be in order before we speak my daughter."
T'Pol stared at her as she asked, "Why?"
T'Les countered, "Why what? Why did I block the Chief Investigator position? Why did I agree to your being mated to the human? Which why are you asking of me?"
T'Pol ground her teeth before she took a deep calming breath and replied, "All of them. But first I think I'd rather hear who. Just who have you agreed to as a suitable replacement for Koss?"
Her mother turned away so that T'Pol would not see the look of uncertainty that crossed her face, "He is the Captain of the NX-03 Challenger."
Groaning silently, T'Pol again schooled her features into a mask of indifference as she asked, "Who is the Captain of the Challenger?"
T'Les turned to face her and declared, "I do not know. What difference does it make? Humans are all alike anyway."
Not believing that her mother would commit her life to a complete stranger, T'Pol responded evenly, "Humans are not all alike. It matters. Some are more intolerable than others."
T'Les dismissed her concerns, "You worry too much daughter. If things do not work out, then you can part after the first year and only meet during your pon farr."
"That's why you have agreed to this. The pon farr. You weren't concerned with Vulcan. You were only concerned that with Koss gone, I would have an available male for the burning time." T'Pol grabbed a pillow off the couch and threw herself on it with the pillow coming to rest in her lap.
"Is that so wrong of me. I do not want to lose my only daughter to Plak'tow," replied T'Les as she set by her on the couch.
Her emotional center rebalanced as she realized that her mother only wanted to protect her. "I've survived five seasons using medication and meditation. I believe I would have overcome the next one as well," responded T'Pol calmly.
"You don't know that. Documented cases show ninety percent of Vulcan females that have lost their adun's early have succumbed to the plak'tow if they have not secured another male before their next cycle. I will not lose you," declared T'Les with a faint note of finality in her voice.
T'Pol held in a sigh as she replied, "Yes Mother. When is the Captain due to arrive?"
T'Les answered, "I don't know. Soval is due to communicate with the Council tomorrow. He should have the answers you seek. I imagine with the traveling between planets that we have at least ten days."
T'Pol stood as she stated dryly, "Perhaps I shall get started on my meditation. I believe the coming days will try the limits of my weakened emotional controls."
Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco, September 22, 2155
The following morning, Soval headed out towards Starfleet headquarters as he read through the note he'd received. So T'Pol has been chosen. She was a good solid choice. Her life had been tough of late... maybe this would be just what she needed to get back into action. I don't imagine Tucker will make many demands on her time once the required year has passed.
"Minister Soval!" came from behind him.
He turned and spotted Commander Williams heading towards him. He waited patiently for the Commander to catch up. "Good Morning Commander."
"Good morning, Sir. Thanks for stopping. I wanted to let you know that Admiral Black is waiting for you in the Eastern Wing rather than his office. If you'll follow me I'll take you right to him," replied Rafe who was slightly out of breath from running across the campus.
Soval nodded, "An escort would be agreeable."
Rafe turned away and gestured for the Minister to follow him, "Right this way, Sir."
Soval and Rafe arrived at the their designated location fifteen minutes later. Black stood to greet them. "Gentlemen welcome." He offered the traditional Vulcan greeting to Soval. "Live long and prosper."
Soval returned the ta'al, "Peace and long life, Admiral. I come to serve."
Black ordered, "Williams get the Minister some chamomile tea and a scotch for me and you."
The Commander replied, "Yes, Sir."
Black continued, "I'll cut right to the chase. The Admiralty will fully support the High Council's request to join Starfleet and Vulcan by marriage. It is pending final approval from the President and we have to get Tucker on board."
Soval replied, "That is most agreeable news Admiral. I too have some news."
Black groaned inwardly as he asked, "What news?"
"The High Council has selected T'Pol as the female to be joined with Captain Tucker."
"T'Pol? Wasn't she one of your aides recently?" asked Black.
"Yes, she retired from service a couple of years ago to complete a betrothal bond," responded Soval.
"Betrothal bond... doesn't that mean she is already married? Can't very well marry Tucker if she's already married," declared the Admiral in consternation. Just what kind of stunt were they trying to pull. It was times like these that he truly appreciated all that Admiral Maxwell Forrest went through in his day to day life.
"Koss, her husband, was killed in the Embassy bombing last year. She has just finished her year of mourning," the Vulcan solemnly declared.
"Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't know. Was he a member of DiploCorps? You sure she's up for this? I mean it hasn't really been that long since her husband passed away," he rambled an apologized. Damn, put my foot in that one.
"Koss was an architect. He was at the Embassy taking some measurements for renovations when the bomb detonated. T'Pol will require a husband to meet the needs of a Vulcan and to further her lineage," explained the Minister.
"Damn... bad luck for him. I still expect to see Forrest walking through the door as if nothing ever happened." He looked down in sympathy before realizing the import of what Soval had stated, "What needs are we talking about?"
Before Soval could think of an answer that would not betray Vulcan privacy, Commander Williams spoke up, "But he's human and she's a Vulcan. Are they even compatible?"
Grateful for the unintended distraction, Soval responded, "The Interspecies Medical Exchange with the help of Dr. Arik Soong have determined that a child born of Vulcan and Human genes will pull the best of both our lines into a whole. A true example of the principle of IDIC." He picked up his cup and took a sip of the tea.
Williams shook his head in dismay, "Soong's a quack."
"I believe the Enterprise reported an ancestral Enterprise that was turned into a generational ship that that had a Vulcan-Human hybrid as its Captain. Although, the Vulcan Science Directorate has declared that time travel is not possible so the report is therefore suspect," replied Soval to the Commander's blatant skepticism.
"Been spying on us again Soval?" asked Black as he wondered just how many of Starfleet's classified reports crossed the Minister's desk.
Soval watched the Admiral drink his scotch as he answered with no show of emotion, "I do not need to resort to spying. The Ministry of Security keeps my government up to date on all current affairs. Not just yours."
"Hrmp... let's table that discussion for awhile. T'Pol is apparently satisfied otherwise she wouldn't have agreed to this farce."
"I do not know if T'Pol has been informed yet of her new... assignment."
"Then how the blazes do you know she'll agree," demanded Black.
"As with all Vulcan marriages, the arrangement was made through her mother, Councilwoman T'Les. T'Pol will meet her obligations to Vulcan and will not protest the Council's decision. Besides, I don't believe you have secured Captain Tucker's agreement either." Soval's eyebrow quirked in silent rebuke.
"I've order him to return to Sol system. He'll be here in about four days at Warp 5. You let me worry about him," answered the Admiral to the Vulcan's unasked question.
"Very well. The Council has also decided that they would like T'Pol to assume the rank of Sub-Commander or Commander if she were to hold a Starfleet rank. The preferred position would be that of First Officer or Head of Stellar-Cartography."
"We generally don't have an Stellar-Cartography department on our starships," put in Williams. "Mostly their departments are kept in-house here or on one of the deep space colonies."
Soval replied, "I see. Then I shall assume that she would be the First Officer then?"
"First Officer is an important position. What qualifications does she have?" questioned Black.
"She initially was a member of the Vulcan Military for the requisite five year term. During that time she primarily devoted her time to her scientific studies. After that she served with the Ministry of Security for several years. Most of her work with them is classified so I'm afraid I cannot share any details of her service time with you. She left the Ministry to join the Seleya on various deep space missions. She was the Deputy of Science officer under Captain Voris. Her reviews from Voris always showed that she performed her duties exemplarily. I'm afraid the Seleya was lost to the Expanse and cannot confirm my report. However, once she left the Seleya she joined me at the Sausalito Compound where she remained till she was sent as an observer on Enterprise's mission to Qu'noS. I believe we both received reports on her activities while aboard the Starfleet vessel."
"Tucker was Chief Engineer of the Enterprise during that mission. No doubt he's at least met her. I didn't get any reports of problems between the two when Archer got back. Hell even Archer didn't have anything negative to say about her and that says something," responded the Admiral. Maybe things will work out... stranger things have happened.
"Given time, I believe T'Pol and Captain Tucker will be well suited to one another."
"We'll see."
"When can we expect Captain Tucker on Vulcan?"
"Even if he left immediately after getting here, the Challenger will take about five or six days to arrive there," replied Williams. "I imagine he'll want his crew to take a couple of days leave first."
Black waved his hand, "The crew can take leave when they get to Vulcan. How long will it take for your people to pull the ceremony together and get him stamped as a citizen."
"The bonding ceremony can take place immediately. Citizenship paperwork will be handled through my office. He will of course have to be available for the time of isolation."
"Isolation?" asked Black.
"A newly bound couple will travel to Mt. Seleya for a month of seclusion. The priest would then verify the bond afterward."
"A month!" he yelled before sighing in defeat, "Williams mark that Tucker will be on paid administrative leave for his time on Vulcan and that his crew can go down in shifts for their leave. No use inundating the planet all at once when the Challenger will be there awhile."
"Sir, I don't think we can pull the NX-03 out of rotation for that long. They are due at Krios Prime as part of the initial Coalition negotiations before the end of the month."
"Then forget crew leave. Have Dunsel brought to my office today. He can assume command of the Challenger after Tucker reaches Vulcan. Hopefully, the First Monarch won't notice the change in Captains."
"I doubt that's going to happen, Sir," replied Williams. The First Monarch had been very vocal about having Tucker present at all the negotiations.
"One can hope Commander... one can only hope."
TBC