-1Disclaimer: Star Trek in all its forms belongs to Gene Roddenberry and the Corporations. There is no infringement intended, as this is just a humble fan fiction intended to amuse and entertain. No money will be made nor is any expected. Just a few reviews to make the author smile and feel it is worth writing more.

A/N: Ok everyone this is AU big time. I decided that I did not like the way Elizabeth Tucker died . After all Trip is not the only one with the Tucker charm. It took me a while to come up with a workable solution to save her and I hope it works. As always the ratings will be from G to NC-17.

A/N: Thoughts and Telepathy in Italics

Dedication -This is for Linda I got the idea for this from the Commission.

Challenging Fate PG

Part 5 Stealing Fates

Jankal moved with stealth. While was no longer going to set the homing device he was not going to risk leaving Lizzy here. His gut told him that the Xindi would still come and still attack. He looked at his watch. Less then one hour to escape. He had been gratified that Lizzy had told him her family was going away. While he could not warn them he did not wish them ill. He knew she would grieve if they were killed but he could only save one person. His ship was not large enough for more then 4 or 5 people. Even now Janel was preparing it for launch. He walked to the building and headed around back he knew Lizzy would be eating lunch about now.

Lizzy laughed at the face Mestral made. The boy had tried the peanut butter sandwich but it was clearly not to his liking. "Here try this. It is something you might like better." She handed him an apple."

"This is fruit?"

"Yes, while I know you are familiar with citrus this is just coming into season in Michigan. They have some of the best apples. My friend Jolene sent a me some last week. I send her oranges and lemons and she sends me apples and pears."

Jankal sighed he should have expected this. This could be a problem. If he snatched Lizzy the Vulcan child would alert the authorities. If he tied the boy up it might be days before he was discovered. Jankal cursed and decided the boy would have to come along. Besides having him might keep Lizzy under control.'

Both looked up as he walked toward them. Before either could say a word he stunned them both. Looking at his brother he said "Grab the boy."

"Jankal why? He is of no value."

"Do as I say. Now. Else I will leave you here." He was still very angry at learning the device had been planted. It was to late to stop it the Xindi were on their way. He had just enough time to save this girl child and Vulcan male. As soon as they picked up their captives the shuttle landed in the garden and they took off. Soon they would be away. He looked back at the town and felt a momentary pang of regret. Then and there he decided his days as a mercenary were over.

"Jankal the ship is behind the moon."

He nodded and told his mate to hurry the Xindi were launching the weapon and he wanted to be as far away as he could when it hit.

Part 6 The End of Innocence PG13

Jonathan Archer paled as he heard the news. Earth had been attacked. He was frozen in his seat as he listened to Admiral Gardner tell him about the attack that had devastated Florida. Oh God Florida. "Sir these Xindie's did they give a reason?"

"No Captain they did not. All we know is that there is a mile wide trench in Florida. Over seven million people have been killed. Including I am afraid one Elizabeth A. Tucker."

Stunned Archer could not say a word. "The rest of the Tucker family?"

"Fortunately the elder Tuckers were away. However their home is gone as is their daughter. I thought you might like to break it to Commander Tucker yourself. He is a good officer and deserves to hear it from a friend rather then the press. Please give the commander our condolences. I also have a list of other crewmen on Enterprise who lost family. You have three members there."

While Archer was not overly fond of Gardner he was grateful for this kindness. "Thank you sir. I will tell him and the others."

"Your new orders will be sent at once. However please take a few minutes to inform your crew."

"I will sir and we will find these Xindi and stop them. I swear we will."

Gardner saw the grim look and knew Jonathan Archer was forever a changed man. Gone was the trusting explorer and in his place was a man bent on protecting his world. A warrior who would extract payment for the deaths that had come. The Xindi had better beware.

Vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

Soval froze as he heard the news. This was his worst nightmare. His fist slammed down on the table as he lost control. How could the High Council refuse to help Earth. After all they did to help save Vulcan. He was for the first time in many years Angry. This could shatter Earth Vulcan relations forever. Worse yet he was ordered to bring T'Pol home. He knew Enterprise would be recalled but somehow he had a feeling his metee would not leave the humans.

Vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

Jonathan Archer called Charles S. Tucker to his office. He also had the other two crew members waiting. However Trip was his friend so he would learn the news first.

Trip came in with a smile on his face he flung himself into a chair he swung around. "What cha want to see me about Cap'n?"

He noted the grim look on his friends face and froze. "What is it Jon?"

"Trip… There is no easy way to say this. Commander Tucker I regret to …… Damn it." Tears began to fall as Archer could not restrain his own grief he could not be official in this. "Trip Earth has been attacked. A WMDA was launched at Earth and struck Florida."

Charles S. Tucker III almost fell out of his chair. "My family?" He said softly.

"Your mother and father were out of town and are safe. "

Trip began to relax and then it hit him. "Elizabeth?"

"Your hometown is gone. There is nothing left. I was told she would have been gone in an instant."

"No!! No way she has to be alright!! Captain tell me this is a mistake." Trip jumped up almost tripping over t he chair.

His friend and captain came to him. "I am sorry Trip. Over seven million were killed."

His chief engineer's legs collaped and he fell to the ground weeping.

"I have to tell the other crewmen. They lost family too."

Charles Tucker III rose. "Let me help you." he wanted to scream at the injustice of it. But the crew needed him. Those two people were his friends almost family. He had to be strong for a minute or two more. Then he would go to his quarters and scream. The last of his faith in the goodness of others was ripped away. Innocence was gone in the blink of an eye. Elizabeth who could have done this to you. Oh God Elizabeth.

On the bridge the weight of grief hit T'Pol. She stagger for a moment. Fortunately no one was looking at her and she slipped into the Captain chair. She wondered at this. What had happened to cause Charles such pain? It was as if someone had stabbed him in his very soul.

TBC…………………