A/N I want to thank my reviewers EnlightenedSkye, noro, Blaney, deepdiver, and of course fightboredom.

I answered some of his/her points in the reviews. I would like to take time now to apologize again for the mistakes. And I do welcome hearing about them, especially ones I repeat.

I would like to talk about fightboredom's last review. Also, I have to say I am thrilled that we have reached 200, even if I used up some of them :).

I am gratified about your words about Mercy. She is my favorite OC of all the stories I have written.

As far as Natalie and Trip, I guess we just look at her differently. I think of her as someone who fought back from being about as down as you could be. Someone who overcame a lot of guilt. Someone who had made herself worthy of Trip's love.

As far as the rape, you make good points. But giving me the open door, women who get raped do get pregnant however small the odds are. I like to think Trip could accept Rose after Natalie was able to. Whether it makes sense she could…

As far as the neuropressure, I admit it could have been left out. I was just trying to show how Archer and T'Pol had to be two persona, two people that loved each other and a captain and commander. That those personas could be in conflict.

But above all, I want to thank you for the time and effort you have honored me with. That goes for all those who review.

Okay, I think that's a long enough Note. Let's get on with the story. I apologize for how long it has been.

I still own nothing.

With the Admiral Gardner sending the news on ahead, every adult from the Warren family was at Starfleet medical to greet the shuttle bringing David back to Earth.

They all waited nervously in the waiting room. Natalie and Ellen had decided it would be better if Dawn and Charlie were not there. Both of them, along with Rose had been put in Myra's care.

Lester paced back and forth as Natalie sat with her arm around Ellen, while Trip sat next to Natalie. Natalie was about to try to get her father to settle down when a doctor came into the room.

"Are you here for David Warren?" As Natalie helped Ellen up, Lester went over to the doctor, "Yes, I am his father, Lester Warren, and this is his wife Ellen and his sister and her husband. How is he?"

"My name is Doctor Waters. I am afraid Mr. Warren's injuries were significant, but he is making excellent progress." He paused, "While none of the physical injuries are life-threatening, we are concerned about possible damage to his brain. While we are determining what the damage may mean, we have placed him in a coma to lower brain activity."

Everyone was stunned and Ellen began to sob. As Natalie hugged her, Lester managed to ask, "How long will that last?"

"I would expect no more than a week. We should have completed our analysis by then."

Lester sighed, then asked, "What will happen then?"

"That will depend on what we discover. It is entirely possible it will straighten itself out. At the worst there could be permanent damage. It is possible his mental capacity could be affected." Seeing the looks on their faces, he hurried on, "As I say that is a worst scenario. I believe he will come out of this with no untoward effects."

Natalie spoke up, "May we see him?"

Waters hesitated, "Yes, but I would like to limit it to two of you and for a very short time." He paused. "Try not to be distressed by what you see. He is quite bandaged up and attached to various testing and monitoring devices."

Trip and Natalie looked at each other. Trip spoke up, "Lester, why don't you and Ellen go?"

Lester nodded and putting his arm around Ellen's shoulder, followed the doctor.

The Federation charter conference had been meeting regularly for a month. For the most part, things had been going smoothly. They had quickly agreed on the name United Federation of Planets. There had been some discussion on how to construct the Federation Council. Some had wanted representation based on some parameters such as population or wealth.

In the end though, they decided any criteria would be too subjective so settled for one representative per member.

There was also some discussion whether there should be something like the security council at the old United Nations. Some wanted it to consist of the four original planets as permanent members. But a majority finally felt that would be too autocratic and the idea was dismissed.

Martok kept looking for something that could drive a wedge between the participants but decided he would have to wait. He did find it was becoming easier to spend time with them.

Margot finished her first stint as Chairman and Soval took over. Martok noted that Gernal seemed to become more vocal now that Margot was not in charge. He perceived he could be an ally in the future.

Archer and T'Pol sat close to each other, often reaching out to touch each other or touch their feet to establish their bond, giving them the ability to exchange ideas and support.

Everyone was relieved when it turned out there was no permanent damage to David. He would have to stay in the hospital for about a week but then the doctors said he should be able to go home.

Ellen spent as much time at the hospital as she could, sometimes bringing Dawn. They had moved in with Trip and Natalie. Ellen was thrilled when David asked if they could give it another try.

Charlie and Dawn were thrilled when Archer and T'Pol asked Natalie and Trip if they could take care of Toby during the day.

Four months had passed and each planet had taken their turn as chairman. They had finished creating the basic structure of the proposed Federation. The council would elect a president for a single six-year term. They agreed that there should also be supporting entities in the fields of Science, Health, etc., but also decided their structure could be left to the council.

Now, they turned their attention to something a little more difficult, how new planets would be added. They felt they needed to set certain basic criteria but still wanted to leave room for subjective judgement. They also struggled with what vote would be required in the Council to accept new members. Should it be a majority, two-thirds?

Margot had returned to the chair and opened the meeting.

Shran immediately spoke up, "I think it is time to start making some decisions on this topic. We have talked around it for more than a week. We need to nail something down."

Gernal spoke up, "I agree. So far we have just been chasing after Gron tails."

Martok broke in, "To get started, can we agree that slavery would be an automatic refusal?"

Soval surprised them by saying, "That would seem obvious, but in dealing with different cultures, that could be hard to define. What may be considered slavery to us could be some sort of symbiotic relationship."

Archer added, "As much as I want to disagree, I think Soval is right. In our travels we encountered a society that we as humans found one race to be subjugated to the other, but it turned out the race that appeared to be oppressed would someday become the dominant race and that the relationship was mutually beneficial."

Gernal interrupted, "If you follow that logic, almost anything could possibly be acceptable."

Martok added, "Maybe we should leave the whole decision up to the Council. Each planet could be evaluated on its merits. The final decision would be the vote."

T'Pol spoke for the first time, "That seems logical, but I do think we should still adopt some types of boundaries; some guidelines."

Margot answered, "I agree with T'Pol. For example, they should not be anything similar to the Romulans, they should not be intent on conquest."

Archer added, "Or having been a conqueror."

Shran spoke up, "I think I could agree with that." He paused, "I have been wondering, will they have to have acquired warp capability?"

Koss nodded, "I have thought of that myself. In my opinion, that should be a requirement. In fact, I would think they should have had contact with other species."

Archer quickly broke in, "Koss, I am glad you have brought that up. Dealing with pre-warp species was a constant dilemma for me. I assume it has been for many of you as well. In more that one case, I found myself interfering, often with a bad result. Still, it is difficult not wanting to help."

Koss couldn't resist, "I am sure there on many on Vulcan who have wished we would have followed not interfering in regard to Earth."

Shran smirked, "He got you there, Pinkskin."

Archer smiled too, but then turned serious, "Although it eventually turned out, it could have ended differently."

Martok spoke up, "How about planets without warp drive that have encountered other species?"

Soval added, "What if the planet is in danger from some natural disaster? Shouldn't we be allowed to save lives?"

Archer thought back to when Phlox had convinced him to not save the lives of those suffering from a disease because it would be interfering with their natural progression. He spoke up, "As much as I want to say you should help, I think it still could be determined as interfering."

Gernal spoke again, "What if you could help without disturbing the society?"

Soval shook his head, "That is already what we try to do. The problem is; that can lead to interference. It is impossible to be sure you will not affect their normal path."

Margot broke in, "I believe we have adequately defined the parameters of the problem. I must remind you this grew out of our discussion of adding new members. It is almost time to end today's session. Since it is Saturday, we will not meet until Monday. I propose we each think on the issue and have something tangible to discuss when next we meet."

Shran nodded, "I agree. I move we adjourn."

During his time in the hospital and the months afterwards, David and Ellen had spent a lot of time together, deciding how to proceed. They had also made love. Although they were still finding their way, they discovered that their desire to make their marriage work meant they each realize they needed to work to make it better between them.

After they had been home for some time, they both agreed that they wanted to move to California to be near the others. It was apparent Dawn missed Charlie.

The only problem was that David had just found a job and wasn't sure what would be available for him in California. His taking time off had almost depleted their savings. There was also the need to sell their house.

While they were contemplating what to do, outside forces were about to change their lives.

Lester Warren stepped out of the Shuttle, to be greeted by an aide to President Samuels. He wondered what this was all about. Although he had spent time with the President in the past and had often come to the Palace, this summons seemed different. He wondered if something had happened. As far as he knew, everything was proceeding well. Trip had just recently informed him they were on schedule for the initial testing of a warp-8 engine. Although it was just a first step it was highly encouraging.

President Samuels looked up as Lester Warren entered his office. He had to smile to himself as he wondered how Lester would react to what he was about to tell him.

He came out from behind his desk and reached out to shake Lester's hand, "Good morning, Lester, thanks for coming on such short notice."

"No problem, Mr. President. I must admit though, I am wondering what you wanted to discuss with me."

"Have a seat." As he returned to his desk, Lester sat in a chair in front of the desk.

"I will get right to it. As you know, I have decided not to seek a third term. I of course promised I wouldn't because of what happened with Dexter, but I realize I was ready to quit anyway. Two terms are more than enough time to stay in this office. I will look forward to moving on."

"I called you here today because I want you to take over. I want you to be a candidate for this office."

Lester was stunned, he had never conceived of anything like this, "There must be someone better. I am no politician."

"The fact that you are not a politician is one reason I thought of you." He hesitated, "We are at a crucial time. The creation of the Federation is vital to the future. We need to have someone as President who is solidly behind it." He paused again, "While I don't know who the other Parties will run, I know not all of them share my views on the Federation. While I don't believe any of them are directly opposed to it, I know many of them do not have my and what I believe is your passion for it."

He leaned forward, "I know that you feel as I do, that Earth must not just be a part of the Federation, it must be the dominant force in it. We have often discussed how Earth must have the finest Spaceships ever built. We both firmly believe Earth is destined to lead the way."

Lester thought over what he was saying. It was true that he did share the President's vision for the Federation. But he still wondered if he was the one that was needed, "Are you sure I am the best one to be doing this? Others share our view." He hesitated, "How about Jonathan Archer?"

Samuels smiled, "I agree he would be perfect." He smirked, "He would probably run unopposed. The problem is, he long ago made it clear to me and Admiral Gardner that he would not consider it under any circumstances." He smiled ruefully, "I think he is right. His destiny lies elsewhere. He is actually larger than the Presidency of Earth."

Lester sighed, "How long do I have to decide?"

"Not very long. The convention is in three months. I need to know by the end of next week, so if you won't take it, I can find someone else."

"All right. I will let you know."

As they both rose, Samuels said, "Believe me, Lester, you are the man we need, the man Earth needs."

They shook hands and Lester left, still stunned about what had just happened.

Jane McBride looked over at her husband. She was excited to let him know what she had decided. She was a little sad that it had taken her this long to arrive at this point.

Although she had known that just because Mercy had contracted Torrin, it didn't mean that it would happen to her again, but she still had been afraid.

"John."

"Yeah."

"I think we should have a baby."

John was stunned. He had waited so long to hear her say that. He had once broached the subject himself but backed off when he saw how it troubled her. "Are you sure? You know I want that, but I want you to be comfortable with it."

She smiled and moved over next to him, "I'm sure. I'm sorry it has taken me so long."

"Don't be. I understand." He leaned into kiss her, "When do you think we should start?"

She smiled, "I don't have anything special to do tonight."

He smirked, "Let me check my calendar."

He then quickly rose and taking her in his arms, headed for their bedroom.

The time for the effectiveness of T'Pol's birth control had passed and they were very diligent in working at having a baby. Although they were disappointed it had not yet happened, they knew they needed to be patient. Phlox had pointed out that it was often difficult for Vulcan women to become pregnant outside of Pon Farr.

There was of course also the fact that Jonathan was human and he wasn't sure how that would factor into the equation. He assured them though that, as far as he had determined, there was nothing to prevent it from happening.

It was strange, but Archer and T'Pol were encouraged when they thought about what Solon had said. If Vardon's and Archer's ancestors had done it, they could too.

As to what would happen after she was pregnant, they would face that when the time came.

As they lie in bed recovering from their latest try, they both marveled how passionate their love making still remained. Jonathan turned on his side, "I know we have discussed this before, but has Phlox said anything about whether our baby will have your ears?"

As time had passed, T'Pol's Vulcan smile had become a true smile when she was alone with Archer. Showing it now, "Phlox has said he believes my ears are a dominant gene. He says it is highly likely our offspring would have that characteristic."

He reached out and ran his finger around her ear as she moaned slightly, "I'm glad. They really are beautiful." He smirked, "Even when I had my problems with Vulcans, I had to admit I kind of admired the ears."

She leaned into his touch, "I am glad they please you."

He looked in her eyes, "You please me. I still find it hard to believe that someone as amazing and beautiful as you love me."

"I could say the same." She moved closer to him, "I would have never believed I could be this happy, this content, this loved."