Episode 1: The End of the Expanse

Daniels stared down at the small view screen. Everything was progressing as planned. Archer and his crew have met up with Lorian and the other Enterprise. They were heading towards the point of divergence. This is the moment Daniels had been waiting for since he was assigned as liaison to the Enterprise of Archer's timeline. This was the moment Daniels had excitedly dreamed about for months since the Data PADD was put in front of him and he was told to save them. He almost felt giddy, which was a little unsettling.

The computers voice broke into his silent observation. "Point to divergence: 15 second relative."

"Computer, begin sequence Daniels Alpha-Nine."

The computer beeped to confirm receipt of the orders. Ten seconds later, with only five relative seconds to spare the computer beeped again letting him know that everything was in place. Daniels smiled. "Time to save the universe, again."

Archer listened as Lorian told his parents he would see them soon. He stole a glance and T'Pol and saw what looked like distress. Distress because he is referring to her? Distress because he will probably die? Distress because of both? Probably. Archer returned his attention to the matter at hand. The Enterprise emerged from the corridor and the Bridge crew began confirming that they were indeed where and when they were supposed to be. Everything was looking good but the other Enterprise hadn't shown up. It had been two hours and nothing. T'Pol, Trip, and himself sat in the Ready Room in silence. No one said anything but they were all thinking the same thing. Something happened to them. They were destroyed. They ceased to exist because we weren't thrown back in time.

Archer's comm beeped and he hurriedly reached over. T'Pol and Trip exchanged a hopeful glance and looked at Archer. He suddenly felt the weight of their glances and knew that they were hoping he would be receiving good news about their wayward son.

"Archer."

"Sir," it was Hoshi and she sounded excited. "A ship just emerged from the corridor."

Whatever else she may have said was missed by the three as they rushed out of the ready room and on to the bridge.

"On screen."

"Aye sir." T'Pol quickly moved to her station and Trip stood behind her. The image of a badly damaged Enterprise filled the screen and an audible sigh of relief rang through the bridge.

"Hail them." Archer was beginning to feel panicked. They were alive but how many survived? There were children aboard, Oh God, what if the children didn't make it?

"They've answered sir, putting it on screen now."

Lorian's grim face replaced the image of his ship. He had a small line of green blood coming from his hairline and running down his right cheek. Karyn was standing next to him being held up by his strong arms but she was smiling.

"Captain Archer, I am pleased to see you again." Lorian smiled and looked remarkably like Trip, all but the ears. "Mother, Father, it is good to see you well."

Trip was speechless, the joy of seeing his son alive written all over his face. T'Pol, who had stood up when Lorian addressed the Captain was holding onto Trips arm for support. She found her voice first and spoke to him for both of them.

"So-fu, we are pleased you have survived. Do you require assistance? You are injured." She sounded just like she always did, deadpan but with a hint of maternal concern.

Lorian smiled again but the smile didn't touch his eyes. "Yes ko-mehk," he turned to Archer, "If you could spare some medics and maybe Phlox. We don't have many wounded but a few are critical and will not be able to be moved."

"Of course, we'll dock with your ship immediately and begin an exchange of crew. We'll open up our quarters and mess hall to all of you. Send over the children. Launch bay 2 has been converted into a recreation area, the children can stay there, we'll keep them safe and happy while we being on repairs."

"Thank you Captain. Tucker out." The screen was once again filled with the image of the second Enterprise.

"Did he just say 'Tucker out'?" Travis Mayweather sounded both amused and confused.

"He is a Tucker, Mister Mayweather. It is only logical that he would refer to himself as such." T'Pol almost sounded defensive. Trip just grinned. Everyone on the bridge just laughed.

"I fail to see what is so funny." A look if confusion and frustration crossed her face for a microsecond.

Trip smiled over at her. "Darlin' they're just letting of some steam. Stress release is a good thing. Besides, you were being pretty maternal." He looked at her with mischief in his eyes and a crooked grin on his face. T'Pol loved that look but she would never tell him that.

"Indeed." He just laughed at that. She smiled inside. "We should be at the airlock to welcome the children."

"Good idea. Cap'n?" Trip looked at Archer in expectation.

"You two go I'll join you shortly, I'm going to make a call to Degra in my Ready Room. Have fun with the little ones, and T'Pol," she turned back to look at him, "make sure Trip doesn't get hurt. It isn't technically an away mission but better safe than sorry." Trip looked insulted and surprised when T'Pol grabbed his wrist and pulled him into the turbo lift.

"A difficult task Captain but I will do my best."

The door closed to the sound of laughter.

The airlock doors opened to reveal Phlox, T'Pol and Trip waiting to great their guests. Lorian stepped through and was immediately enveloped in a hug by Trip. He held on to his father for the first time in over eight decades and felt tears sting his eyes. When they separated T'Pol offered him the ta'al and he returned it. Phlox scanned him and gave him a clean bill of health with a recommendation for sleep. Lorian heard him but ignored the advice, something Phlox would expect from the son of his two most impossible patients.

"If you'll excuse me Commanders, Captain, I'll see to the injured crew on the other ship now."

Trip spoke up, even though he was technically outranked by the other two. "Sure Doc, keep us informed."

Phlox nodded and made his way through the airlock and on to the other ship. He passed by a large assembly of children who all waved at him and smiled. He returned the gestures. Ah, the resilience of children.

"Father, we have twenty-seven children aboard the ship. Are you certain you are equipped to care for so many children? We have two infants as well, they will be coming over with on of their mothers but she cannot stay the whole time. We need all of our engineers for repairs."

"Don't worry Lorian, T'Pol and I can handle it and we won't be alone. Besides, I'm sending over two shifts worth of engineers as soon as we get the kids settled. Their currently setting up the rec. area and are making sure we have quarters available for naps. We've got things handled her son, you just take care of your ship." Lorian nodded.

"Are the children ready?" T'Pol was beginning to feel nervous, not that she would ever admit it. She had very little experience with children. She would be relying on Trip's experience with his nieces and nephews. She knew he would gently guide her and teach her what to do but she also knew that at first he would tease her. She mentally prepared herself for that and began meditative breathing.

"Yes mother, they are awaiting my signal. I will give it now." Lorian turned and walked back through to his ship. The sound of many feet followed his departure and Trip and T'Pol were soon surrounded by twenty-seven children of various ages all talking at once. Trip was handed a squirming baby and T'Pol was soon holding a three year old boy who looked remarkably like their chef.

Trip laughed. "Alright munchkins, to launch bay 2!" The children squealed and ran down the corridors towards their destination. Trip and T'Pol walked behind them with the slower children.

T'Pol couldn't help but marvel at the situation. Here she was holding a small human child in her arms, he was falling asleep, she was walking beside the man she held deep affection for who was currently holding a baby in his arms and the hand of a little girl was grasped in his right hand. The T'Pol of three years ago would never have believed this. As they approached the new "rec. area" T'Pol could hear the ear piercing screams of children and only one thought floated through her mind.

This is going to be a long day.