A/n -I haven't seen the last episode of the season, so I'm writing pretty much how I think it should go.
The screen revealed a haggard and much older Admiral Forrest. "An alien probe has unleashed some sort of weapon and wiped out the population of Florida, down through Central America to Venezuela."
Buffy gasped and Jon looked over at her pale face. "Casualties?"
The Admiral closed his eyes, "The best estimate is over 30 million souls." He paused the went on, "I regret to inform you that Commander Tucker's sister Elizabeth Tucker was among those lost."
"Oh God."
"Jon, you are being recalled to Earth. Push the engines if you have to but get home quick."
"Aye Sir. What's happening now?"
The Admiral sighed, "Nothing yet. The Vulcan's didn't recognize the probe but are advocating caution."
Jon snorted, "Of course they are. We'll be there as soon as possible Sir. Archer out." The screen blanked and Jon looked at Buffy, "We need to get dressed and inform the crew."
They showered quickly, then dressed and went to Trip's quarters. Jon was formal and somber in his uniform, Buffy was in her green uniform like coveralls as Trip answered the door, still in his underwear, his hair was spiked all over his head from sleep.
"Hey Cap'n, Buffy, what's up?"
"Can we come in Commander?" Jon asked formally. Trip's puzzled eyes went to his friend and Captain, and then to Buffy's teary ones.
"Please Trip?" Buffy asked softly and he stood aside to let them in. Jon let the door close and faced his oldest friend, "Commander Tucker, I regret to inform you that your sister Elizabeth Tucker has been killed."
Trip's eyes went wide, "She's at college, and there's no way." He turned to Buffy, "He's wrong, he hasta be."
Buffy moved in front of him, taking his trembling hands, "Admiral Forrest has recalled the Enterprise. Some kind of alien probe wiped out Florida, most of Central America down to Venezuela. Your sister was caught up in it."
"Oh my God." Came Trip's anguished whisper as he read the truth in their eyes.
Jon looked him, anguish for his friend in his eyes, "I'm so sorry Trip."
Buffy saw him start to fall apart and wrapped her arms around him, feeling his trembling increase.
"Not my baby sis, she wasn't done livin' yet." Jon wrapped his arms around them both as Trip dissolved into tears. They stood there, no one knew how long, just comforting Trip as he mourned.
Jon pulled back and looked at Buffy, "I'm going to tell T'pol and the crew." He grabbed Trip's shoulder in support, kissed Buffy and left. Trip lifted his sad face from her hair, "I need to call my Mama." Buffy nodded, "I'll stay." He nodded and went into his bathroom and washed his face.
Buffy watched silently as Trip contacted his family, hearing the tearful exchange and feeling the wrenching sadness. She watched as Trip ended the connection and walked up to rest her cheek on his hair, her hands on his shoulders. They had heard the shipwide announcement and felt the ship adjust course for home.
He shuddered a deep sigh, "Let's go find the Cap'n. I need to keep busy." His face hardened, "I want to find those bastards."
He felt Buffy come to stand in front of him, cupping his face, "We will, and we'll let 'em know that we wont take an attack like this lying down." His blue eyes met her resolute hazel ones, "Thanks Blondie."
She stepped back, "Let's get to work Commander Sir."
The next week was filled with tension and anxiety. Jon was abducted and then returned by the Suliban. He was given information on the enemy, a race called the Xindi.
Arriving back on Earth to considerable fanfare and media exposure the crew took a short but well-deserved break. Jon fought with Starfleet and Ambassador Soval while Buffy flew to Los Angeles.
Buffy was blown away at how much the city had changed. She played tourist as she walked to the Hyperion, smiling at the people who walked by. She strode in confidently and startled the demon reading the paper at the front desk.
"Angel face!" Lorne said, dropping the paper in surprise..
"Hi Lorne. How are you?" Buffy smiled as she gave the demon a hug.
"I'd heard you returned from the dead again, now I see it's true." He exclaimed.
"Well, technically I wasn't dead, but yeah, I'm back. Is Angel around?" Suddenly she felt him behind her and turned with a smile. "Hey Angel."
He stood there, his body rocking in shock. She was here. Here! "Why are you here?" he asked a little harshly, his dead heart still tender.
Buffy's chin came up, "The Enterprise was recalled to Earth because of what happened. Jon is arguing to the Vulcan High Command and to Starfleet to let us chase them."
"Us?" he challenged.
"Yeah, us!" She held up the hand with the ring, "I'm going with them." Angel stared at the ring, then looked into her eyes. She was glowing with happiness and shimmering with impatience.
"You're engaged."
"As of my birthday." She watched the pain cross his face, "Come on Angel, be happy for me." She tapped her foot impatiently and he had to smile. Trust her not to let his brooding get in her way.
"I am happy for you Buffy." He crossed over to her and kissed her cheek. Leaning back he looked into her sparkling eyes, "So why are you here?"
Buffy smiled, "Weapons. Nice shiny pointy weapons."
"Ah, technology getting too much for you?" he teased.
"Of course not." Buffy huffed. "I just need things I'm familiar with." She narrowed her eyes at his smirk, "Low tech things, OK?"
Angel threw back his head and laughed delightedly, "Ah, I'd never thought to see Buffy be nostalgic."
"Laugh it up dead boy, can you help me or not." Her hands were on her hips, her lips twitching.
He snickered slightly at the old nickname, "Don't call me that and yes, I can help you."
Buffy looked around, "Where's Cordy?" she turned, "And will you explain to me how Cordy is still alive? Did you turn her?"
Angel winced, "No! The Powers that Be granted her immortality at her request. And she's shopping. Ok? sheesh, 'did you turn her?'" his voice was cranky.
She snickered at the indignation on his face, "So, Angelus had retired for good then?"
He nodded, "A hundred or so years ago. Now if you're done prying lets get you some shiny sharp toys."
They worked together for awhile and finally Buffy had a load of stuff in her trunk. She whipped a piece of hair out of her face and stood, "I'd forgotten how big these suckers are. I sure hope Trip can make me more storage." She sighed, eyeing the size of the trunk doubtfully.
"Trip?" Angel asked curiously and Buffy smiled, "My first lover on board the Enterprise. Chief Engineer with a southern accent you could slice with a knife. He decided I was putting my life in danger too much, and no you may not ask, and we parted ways."
He indicated her ring with his head, "Who is that from?"
Buffy held up her ring to the light, "I'm engaged to the Captain of the Enterprise, Jon Archer." Her face was dreamy and Angel stifled regret.
They packed the trunk to be sent to the Enterprise at the shipyard and Angel turned to Buffy, "Be happy Buff."
Buffy nodded, "I'm sorry for everything."
He knew what she meant, her disappearing before they had a chance to decide if their love had a chance. "Don't be, it wasn't your fault. Get going, you're going to be late." And he watched her walk into the sunshine.
