Disclaimers: See Part One

A/N: Thoughts and Telepathy in Italics

Challenging Destiny

Challenging Fate- Elizabeth

Part 35 Meet and Greet PG

Ambassador Soval lead the way into the consulate. Jonathan Archer prayed that there would be no confrontations. They did not need posturing because this alliance was very important to saving hundreds of lives. They were greeted at the door by the last person Archer wanted to see.

Koss walked up to them. His long Vulcan robes flowed around him. The deep rich color was a shock to them. The Koss they had all meet was a far more sober dresser. Clearly he was wearing the robes of his new office as the under ambassador to this world. T'Pol looked her former husband over. He looked austere and different. His hair was far longer now then was standard for a Vulcan. He was leaner and his Jaw line seemed sharper. It was more then clear that the last year or so had taken a deep toll on him. Any extra bulk he had had been hewed away. He was now clearly solid muscle and raw power. The look of determination and concentration was frightening. He looked like a warrior of old and he was in no way the Vulcan she had once thought she knew. This Vulcan projected power and danger. T'Pol had heard he had spent time in a monastery that would explain the harsh lines she now saw on his face. However his color looked good as if he been in the suns recently. She noted he seemed slightly flushed as if he was only recently from the fires. Instinctively she moved closer to Trip.

Koss moved forward to greet them. He ignored her move paying little attention to either she or Trip.

"Welcome to our consulate. It is agreeable to see you once more Ambassador, Captain Archer." He raised his left hand in the Ta'al and his robe fell back. It revealed a bonding bracelet.

T'Pol gasped at the sight. Trip looked over and stiffened for a moment then relaxed.

It had to be just a fluke. After all Vulcan's were traditionalists. Surely they all had similar bonding bracelets.

Soval returned the greeting his own wrist sporting a simpler designed bracelet. His brow rose as he spotted the one on Koss's wrist. However, he merely returned the greeting. He was not going to speculate on the design of that piece just yet.

"Peace and Long Life Koss. It is agreeable to see you again. I am most gratified for the work you have been doing here with Kevan. I am certain it will prove most beneficial to our people."

" I am certain this alliance will be most useful. My Bond-mate has helped convince Jarkel that slavery is wrong. He and his mate became most fond of her and her brother Mestral."

T'Ven stiffened at hearing this name. She exchanged a glance with her husband who shook his head. Say nothing. We must learn more.

Koss decided an explanation was needed. "T'Lia was not the most…cooperative of slaves. In the end her spirit changed her master and mistresses thinking. I was most fortunate she choose to bond with me. The marriage alliance means that Jarkel will do all he can to help us recover our missing citizens. Because Vulcan, Earth, and Teller are allies we will also attempt to gain information on your people as well."

"What about Andorians?" Archer asked knowing Shran would likely appreciate help in this as well.

Koss stiffened. "If we find information you may pass it on to your associate Commander Shran. While we are not fond of Andorians no one should be a slave."

Archer nodded. That was more then he had hoped for.

"Come the others are waiting for us in the common room. There was a last mic call and it required my grandfather and Jarkel to be there. We are hoping it is new intelligence about those taken recently. That is why neither could be here to welcome you. Come Mestral will be bringing in refreshments and Lady Jenel will be arriving soon."

They all followed Koss through the halls. The more they walked the more unsettled T'Pol became. She was certain she seen this place before.

Jonathan Archer looked around the hallways. The design was fluid and open. It was a beautiful place. He noted the awe on his officers faces. Yes awe. This building was one that had been clearly designed to impress. They had all visited the Vulcan consulate on Earth at one time or an other. It was impressive but it was a human design. This building was so much more. While there were elements that might be human there were others that were clearly and notably Vulcan. It was as if someone had taken the best elements and blended both. The more impressive feat was that this building had been constructed in less then six human months. However it had a feeling of timelessness. As if it could easily stand for a thousand years.

Koss noted their looks and resisted smirking. Instead he simply said. "She who is my bond-mate is fascinated with Terran Culture. We have included many elements in the design of this building. It seems that Jarkel once visited Earth so he had many holo picks of various buildings. He gave them to T'Lia to study. I must admit that her ideas have blended well with my own. What we have created is a unique blend of two worlds I once would have thought incapable of melding."

They entered the common room and it was clearly designed for comfort. Thick plush chairs and pillows on benches were all around. Several large pillows were on the floor as well. This room looked far more Orion then Vulcan and it made several of the Enterprise crew smile.

Koss continued to play host. A fact that was rather shocking to T'Pol. He seemed to be relaxing now as if whatever had made him tense was now gone. "The building was designed to make all four allied species comfortable. There are still several areas under construction. In time I am certain that most will forget they are in part of a Vulcan consulate. Ambassador Kevan and Lord Jarkel wish all to be comfortable here. This part of the building is actually jointly owned by both races. Neutral ground if you would like." Koss motioned them to take a seat as he left to check on the others.

"Captain, I am not so certain this is secure." Malcolm said softly. "I trust the Vulcan security forces but, The Orion's sir?"

"I know Malcolm. We have to go along for now." Archer said. He watched as Admiral Maxwell went over to a painting and seemed to be studying it intently. Masie Maryweather was at his side with Paul clearly guarding their backs. He noted Travis seemed to be distracted by the view.

Hoshi was busy looking over the many colored pillows. Most had delicate embroidery on them. As she looked them over she was rather shocked to find Japanese script on several. It was as if the person who designed this room knew who would be coming to the conference personally and wanted to make them comfortable. She looked at Malcolm who was just as uneasy as she was.

Trip looked around the room. He looked up and noted the construction of the ceiling. While he was no architect he admired the design. It was a classical Vulcan form. He had learned something in the last year. Yet, the colors were not Vulcan. Maybe Orion or human? He was confused.

"Cap'n I am getin a weid feeling about all of this." He said.

Soval ignored the by play. He was more concerned about T'Ven. His cousin's wife suddenly seemed pensive and shaky. She had moved to her husband's side and he was now supporting her. Soval was highly concerned. Amanda moved to cover them wanting to protect their privacy.

Janel came in with a smile. "Welcome to the Council Chambers. Please forgive me for not being here to greet you properly. T'Sia Marly will be here in a mic or so. She had a last minute emergency. It seems that the cook forgot and added sugar to the tea. The last thing we need is to make our guests ill. She was also checking on our dinner. It is quite a task to prepare a meal for so many differing pallets. I am most grateful she offered to host this first meeting. I am afraid my skills do not lay in the kitchen."

Everyone turned to greet the lady. Trip smiled at that comment. A cup or even a glass of sweet tea sounded great right about now. She was lovely and her being a good cook was hardly important. However, he was wise enough not to say a word. He did not want to be in the dog house. On the positive side his bond would keep him from making a fool out of himself.

"Let me thank you all for coming here. I know that this is a first for our people. Please do not think Jarkel does not value this alliance. Just before you arrived a contact called him. he and Ambassador Kevan have been speaking to the contact for the last hour. Because of the distance and the risk the call could not be delayed." She paused as Marly came in.

"Live long and prosper." T'Sia Marly said.

Everyone returned the greeting politely with T'Pol bowing slightly to her. She noted the elder seemed to look hard at her mate. T'Pol wondered why?

Marly looked over at Charles S. Tucker III. He was tall for a human and had the same golden hair as his sister. His eyes however were a deep blue like the sky here. He seemed to have little control as he smiled at her. Marly was not impressed at all. She looked over at T'Pol and wondered how she could chose this male over Koss. Of course This male was also family but she had expected a male of her Uncles line to be darker and bigger. Charles Tucker looked so human. She tilted her head to the side and came to the conclusion that T'Lia had gotten the best of the family genes. That was a good thing as she could pass them on to her great-grand-child.

"Janel please escort our guest to the table. Perhaps they can have refreshments while we await Jarkel and Kevan."

"A very wise use of time T"Sia." Janel agreed. "Come try these treats. Sevral were made by T'Lia. MY granddaughter is highly skilled in the culinary arts."

In Vulcan- "Grandmother was that wise?" Koss said as he noted several Terran Dishes on the table. T'Lia was going to be exposed.

"Kadith Koss. All will be well. THe humans know T'Lia is fascinated with their culture there is no risk. I am certain her contributions will please them." Marly switched back to standard. "Please feel free to try anything." There was a rattling and Mestral came in. He was clearly struggling to balance a large tray. He could not see over the tall glassed. Marly smiled at this. Soon… her plan would come together. A Vulcan can not lie but they did bend the truth to suit them.