Disclaimer: 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
2008/2/25
Challenging Fate
Challenging Destiny
Part 45 Delayed Good Byes PG-13
Beth Tucker took her husband Charles hand. It was clear that something was wrong. She sighed and allowed him to pull her to his side.
"Honey I am afraid there is some bad news. It seems that Enterprise has been delayed. Nothing has happened to Trip or the crew. NO it seems that a Starfleet officer was kidnapped and the Enterprise and her people will be looking for her."
"I see, So Trip will not be home for the final goodbye?"
"He will dear. It seems T'Lia wants to wait until he returns. She seems to believe he needs closure. I know it will be hard to wait but…. I think it is best." Charles S.Tucker III said softly.
His wife began to weep silent tears but somehow it was almost a relief. "I agree with that. I think Trip needs this even more then we do. Jon said he was a real mess. Even with T'Pol' help he has been hurting. I guess we can wait to say goodbye." She hugged her husband to her.
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Across the country in Carbon Creek T'Lia Amanda Grayson Tucker watched her meditation candle. She was greatly disturbed by the communiqué from Soval. He had been most emphatic that they delay the ceremony. He of course gave no reason but ordered this. T'Lia folded her hands and watched the flame flicker. Soval was not a Vulcan who would interfere with the traditions. He was to much like his sire for that. More importantly he rarely used his position as ambassador to make any demands. He was above all else a friend. Of course like Xon he would claim to merely be an allied house but the fact remained he had often gone above and beyond that duty. So the question was what did Soval know that he was holding back? Why would he demand that they wait to express the last of their grief. Granted his argument about Charles . Tucker III had some merit but somehow….That was not the only thing. T'Lia was certain of it. What was he holding back? How would this affect her children and family? The loss of Elizabeth had been a crushing blow to the family. Not that the loss of any member was ever easily borne. Elizabeth however had been special. She was their shining light and given her profession never considered at risk. So losing her had cut deeply. It was the one the few times that T'Lia had almost lost control. She had almost demanded that they hunt the Xindi themselves. Almost revealed their presence to Vulcan to demand help and retribution. However she had thanks to Soval remained in control. Her old friend had come to her and helped her meditate. One more thing she owed him for. Because now was not yet the time to tell Earth the truth. It would have been devastating to their people. She sighed in the human way. It seemed Xenophobia was rising as was Terra Prime again. No revenge was not enough of a motive to risk the rest of her family. The needs of the many had to out weigh the needs of the one for revenge. What ever his reason T'Lia trusted Soval so all would be made known in time.
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Captain Jonathan Archer listened to the plans and ideas of the various people in the conference. Everyone agreed that finding the kidnapped crew and rescuing them was a priority. However, no one could agree on how to do it. The largest issue was the over all goal of rescuing as many people as possible. If they went in gums blazing they risked tipping off the Orions to future raids and killing all the people they wished to free. He leaned back and considered their options. He looked at T'Pel and noted she to seemed to be thinking in the long term. Of course Travis was agreeing with Malcolm about a quick raid. Then again he was not exactly objective. Jonathan however knew if it was T'Pel who was prisoner he would be just as eager to go in with all they had.
"We must use caution. We can not be seen as aggressive." Kevan said. "The long term goal is to free all of the individuals who are now slaves. To do this we must use care. While I can appreciate the concerns you have Lt. Maryweather the fact is if the Orions suspect an attack they can and will kill your mate. They will not leave any evidence to find. The fact that they raid for slaves is an open secret among all the races." He paused for a moment and looked at Jarkel who rose.
"Yes and open secret. The law however forbids this practice. It is in fact against the law to kidnap and then sell the people as slaves. Orions are supposed to only breed their slaves not import them." He looked down a little ashamed. "The law has severe penalties for this action. It is in fact a death sentence. So finding evidence that could be brought forward is rarely allowed. Our people could never accept the idea of the practice becoming publicly accepted. It is an open secret but they hide behind the law and therefore they pretend to be civilized. If it becomes known the perpetrators could be executed and that they will not risk. They would instead kill and dispose of all the slaves."
"So what do we do sir?" Malcolm asked.
Travis leaned back clearly worried now.
"We find out where she and the others are being held and we go there. We can perhaps buy them back." Kevan explained. "It is not necessary that they know we are officials of our government. Rather we are only looking for a labor force of certain types of individuals. Jarkel and I have a plan set out. We will broadcast we need labor for this colony. In time the slavers will come to us."
"What if they have already been sold sir?" Travis asked.
Kevan eyes became hooded and he said "Then we will raid the ships or colonies taking back our people. Those who have them will regret their mistakes."
Travis shivered and Malcolm smile was feral clearly liking this plan of action.
