A/N These characters do not belong to me. I promise to put them back when I am done. I keep trying to think of some clever way to say it, but I will just thank my reviewers EroSlackerMicha, AnonymCzZ, and LoErneBraska, and hope they know how much I appreciate their opinions and input. I also want to thank all of you who continue to follow my story.
Before Soval continued on to Vulcan, he asked for the group sans Tucker, to meet again. When they had gathered on the Charon, he started the meeting.
"I am already ignoring my orders, but I felt we needed to talk before we all head home. While I felt that we had been making progress toward an alliance, I am afraid for the future. As Captain Archer can attest, the chances of Vulcan joining forces against the Romulans does not look promising. I pledge though to do all I can to change T'Pau's stand. I will have others on Vulcan who share my goals. But it is just as imperative that Andoria and The Teller do not also abandon Earth. I just need to know that you will do all you can to see that does not happen. I have no doubt that if the alliance fails, our hope of resisting invasion is greatly reduced."
Shran spoke up, "I have been thinking the same thing since this happened. While I firmly believe Andoria will stand by Earth, I agree there is a great difference about working toward cooperating together and agreeing to go to war when Andoria has not been attacked. We must make it clear to our governments that this was not just an attack against Earth, but a prelude to an assault on the entire quadrant."
Gral then joined in, "It seems we are all in agreement. One problem I see is that each government will be watching and waiting to see what the others will do."
Soval nodded, "That is why we must try to get them to act quickly, before the moment passes."
Archer then cut in, "I was thinking, it might be a selling point that Earth has the technology to detect their ships."
Shran said sharply, "You mean that Earth would not share it unless we agree to join you?"
Archer said carefully, "It means we might not be able to. That it will fall into enemy hands if we are defeated."
Gral was about to speak up but realized everyone was aware of what Archer was implying.
T'Pol then spoke up, "I am sure we all know what must be done. Either we will stand together, or we will all eventually fail."
Archer mumbled, "Either we hang together, or we will all hang separately."
As the others looked questioningly at him, he quickly said, "Just an old Earth saying."
Shrugging, Shran said, "I for one do not plan to fail." He turned to Archer and said, "If it is in any way in my power to do so, I will fight at your side."
Soval said, "In that we all agree." Then as he showed what passed as his smile, he finished, "Although Vulcans do not believe in luck, we could certainly use some."
The rest smiled as the meeting broke up. Saying their goodbyes, they all left for their own ships.
As Archer and T'Pol arrived back on Earth, Archer turned to her. "Whatever happens with them, I still feel lucky, because I know you will be at my side."
"That is vital to me as well, Jonathan."
The funeral for President Samuels' wife and children was limited to immediate friends and family. Admiral Gardner gave the eulogy.
As the first Warp 5 captain to be killed in combat, Christopher Stallings was honored in a ceremony at Starfleet Command. Officers from all four starships were in attendance. The Eulogy was given by Admiral Duvall.
Before leaving for home, Trip agreed to delay his leaving Starfleet to work with T'Pol on duplicating the Romulan detector device.
The shuttle carrying Trip landed on the landing strip next to his and Natalie's new home in the Glades, a house surrounded by a large yard and a security fence. He and Natalie had purchased it right after their marriage. Trip was a little overwhelmed how easy it was but decided he could get use to being wealthy.
As he exited, he saw Natalie come to the door to meet him. Although she was not showing any signs of the pregnancy, he swore she had a new glow around her. They rushed to embrace each other, Natalie unable to contain her tears. After exchanging a passionate kiss, they headed back to the house. As Natalie wiped at her eyes, she said in a quiet voice, "Oh God, Trip, I was so afraid. When they couldn't contact you…."
Trip held her again and said, "It's okay, it's over now. I'm here."
Natalie pulled back, "Over? God, Trip, it's just beginning and who knows how it will ever end."
Trip sighed, ''You're right, but let's not think about that now." He then said, "And remember, I'll be doing my part by helping your father build the best Spaceships we can."
Natalie looked at him, "You're still leaving Starfleet? With a war coming?"
Trip looked a little shocked, but said, "Why would that change things? I still plan to be here when our baby is born."
Natalie looked directly into his eyes, then seemed to relax a little and said, "I'm glad." Then she led him into the house.
Trip decided now was not the time to tell her about the fact he would be in Starfleet for a while. She would find out when he contacted her father to let him know.
As they entered the house, Natalie suddenly realized she needed him, she needed to know he was there, she needed to be with him. She quickly led him into the bedroom and practically ravaged him.
Afterwards, she was a little embarrassed about how she had acted and said so to Trip.
Trip just smirked and said, "You didn't hear me complaining, did you." He took her face in his hand and kissing her softly said, "That was amazing."
Blushing slightly, she said, "Are you hungry?"
Trip said, "I am famished. Do you want to order something in?"
"No, I'll whip something up. I'm going to take a shower first."
As she got up and headed for the bathroom, Trip gazed at her body and reflected on what a lucky man he was. Then he laid back and thought back over all that had happened. It was hard to believe it had only been a few days since they had set out on the good will tour; how so much had changed in such a short time. Then he thought about what Natalie had implied. That his leaving Starfleet had changed. He thought of Enterprise going off to war without him.
Then determinedly pushing everything from his mind, he got up and headed for the shower.
Travis and Hoshi went to her apartment. After making love, they knew they wanted to be together. They discussed perhaps getting married; but decided they would live together instead, not sure how their future on Enterprise might be effected if they were married. They did not want to do anything that would jeopardize their being on Enterprise together during whatever was to come.
A week after the attack, Earth's Parliament met for the first time. With their headquarters destroyed, they met in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. With thirty-seven new members hurriedly selected by their respective countries, President Samuels spoke from the same spot Franklin Delano Roosevelt had delivered a similar speech so many years before.
Earth's Parliament voted unanimously to declare War on the Romulan Empire.
As the Nevron settled in orbit, Gral looked out the window at his planet below. He thought of how the Earth city had looked and knew he must prevent that from happening to The Teller. When he had left, he had hopes the tour would lead to an alliance, now it fell on him to be sure it happened now.
All those thoughts were pushed deep into his mind when he left the Shuttle and saw Margot waiting for him. They had met when he was in training for the military and he had loved her from the moment he saw her. He stared at her thinking she had only grown more beautiful since then.
As they came together and passionately rubbed their snouts together, his cares faded. Not seeing his son, he asked Margot about him. She blushed a little and said she had sent him to visit his grandmother for the night, that she wanted them to be alone.
Gral smiled happily and told her she was clever as well as beautiful. She led him to their vehicle and held his hand as they made their way home.
She then served him his favorite meal. Afterwards they snuggled and then made love. Sitting later in their mud bath, Margot made her first reference to what had happened on Earth.
"It must have been horrible. All those poor people. My heart went out to them."
He reached out and laid his hand on her shoulder, "Yes, but I was impressed by their resilience. By the time we arrived, rescue actions were already well underway. I was personally pleased that we had destroyed the ships that had done such a deed."
Later, as he laid next to his wife in bed, Gral allowed the thoughts he had pushed back to enter his mind. He would start by talking to Viscount Stak, the same rank he had held during the wars with the Andorians. He then could perhaps get a meeting with the Premier. The Premier had seemed favorable to the alliance before and Gral would know whether his task would be easy or hard after talking to him.
The next morning, Gral found himself in front of the headquarters of The Teller government. It was a large spread out building five stories high. As such, it was one of the tallest buildings on The Teller. Tellerites had never understood some specie's fascination with erecting building as tall as possible. Functional and solid were the hallmarks of Tellerite architecture. Soon, Gral found himself in the Viscount's office. His relationship with Stak had been mostly harmonious but they had their differences, especially in regard to the Vulcans, who Stak for some reason had little time for. This had put them at odds over the alliance although he had to admit to its value over all.
"Well, Gral, you got yourself into quite a situation with your little tour. From what I hear you were lucky the Romulans made an error and allowed themselves to be seen, or you could have paid with your life."
Having promised to only tell the secret to the highest level of his government, Gral went along with what he was saying.
"Yes, but we did come out victorious. Now, we need to do what we can to prevent anything similar happening to us in the future."
"Are you still going on about the so-called alliance? I would have thought this would show you the dangers of getting involved with the Humans."
"On the contrary, I believe more strongly than ever that the alliance is vital. It was the Andorians and the Vulcans who saved the Earth from much worst. In the future we may need that assistance."
"There is no proof that this attack on Earth had anything to do with The Teller."
"You are forgetting what efforts the Romulans went to in order to disrupt any forms of cooperation among the planets. And I could remind you that it was the Humans that were responsible for thwarting that attempt."
"I still don't see where we should put ourselves in the middle of their problems."
"Because I feel they will soon be our problems as well."
Gral was gratified to see that the Viscount was apparently out of arguments, he had never been much of debater. Gral went on, "It is important for me to see the Premier. Could you arrange a meeting?"
Now back on firm ground, the Viscount decided he could be magnanimous, "I suppose so. Although I think you are wasting your time. While you were away, opposition has grown in the Senate to any alliance."
Gral sneered, "Led by Senator Grag, no doubt." Gral had nothing but contempt for the Senator, who he considered a coward because of an incident when the Senator has served under him in the military. For his part Grag felt Gral had misjudged him and was determined to oppose Gral in any way he could.
After the Viscount had obtained him a meeting with the Premier, they had spent some time discussing other issues. Gral then left for his meeting.
As he walked down the halls, deciding not to ride the moving belts that were installed throughout the building, he saw the one person he least wanted to see riding one toward him. Hoping to get by he looked the other way, but Senator Grag saw him and left the belt.
"Well, Gral, I see you made it back. I have warned you that spending time with your alien friends will cost you one day."
"Hello, Grag. I am well award of your attitude toward other species. If you will excuse me, I am on my way to a meeting."
As he moved away, Grag called after him, "The Premier, I presume."
Halting, Gral looked back.
Grag smiled and continued, "I think you will find the Premier has come to his senses while you were gone. He has come to understand that getting involved with the Humans and the others will just cause us to be dragged into situations it would be best for us to avoid. The recent incident on Earth just reinforces our position."
Gral was appalled at him referring to the vicious attack on Earth as an "incident." But held his tongue. He knew from past experience there was no value in attempting to discuss anything with Grag.
He just continued down the hall.
Upon reaching the Premier's waiting room and was told the Premier was expecting him, he entered the office. As the Premier rose to meet him, Gral gave him a slight bow as was customary and sat down in the seat indicated.
"I must say, Ambassador, that I was shocked and saddened about what happened on Earth. It was extremely fortunate that the Andorians and Vulcans were nearby. I was pleased however to see that you were involved in helping to dispose of the attackers."
"Thank you, Sir. But there is something concerned with that encounter that I would like to share with you. Before I speak, however, I would appreciate it if you could give me your word to only tell others of what I am about to tell you if it is absolutely necessary."
The Premier looked stunned. "I would hope you would know that I could be trusted. I am frankly a little bothered that you would need to say so."
"I apologize, Sir, but the information I am about to give you was entrusted to me by Captain Archer and it's leaking out could be catastrophic to Earth's ability to defend themselves."
Looking ever more intrigued and apparently mollified the Premier continued, "Very well, you have my word."
Gral then filled him in about when he had been told. He had decided to leave out the time traveler because he was afraid it would lessen the credibility of the story. He just said the Humans possessed it.
The Premier sat back. "I can see why this is so important. It appears I have underestimated them. There is no doubt this device could be the vital factor in a war with the Romulans." He then continued, "In that vein, I have recently been informed by the President of Earth himself that his government has voted to declare War on the Romulan Empire."
Gral was a little surprised it had happened so quickly but decided he shouldn't be. In any case, it made his task easier. There was no questioning now that forming an alliance with Earth would be joining the War.
The Premier had continued, "Now let's get down to the basics. We both know where you stand on the alliance and I am sure you are here to convince me to join in this War."
"That is correct, Sir. I have no doubt that the attack on Earth is just the first step in a plot to enslave the entire quadrant."
"I am sure you are aware that there are many that do not share this view. That it would be foolish to endanger ourselves to protect Earth. To let them fight their own battles."
"I know that, but I strongly believe they are being dangerously shortsighted and have their head in a tornak hole. Just look at what the Romulans attempted to do with their drones. They used them to effect relations between Andoria and us. It had nothing to do with Earth until they assisted us in trying to reach a trade agreement with Andoria. They are strongly opposed to any efforts to stabilize the region." He paused and then continued, "I am sure the recent attempts to build an alliance is what brought on this attack. They know and we need to know that our only hope to oppose their plans are to create a united front."
The Premier seemed to take all this in, then he asked, "What about the others? Where are the Andorians and the Vulcans on the question of the alliance?"
Gral took a deep breath, "I cannot speak for their governments but Commander Shran feels strongly that the Andorians will back the Earth. After all, they have done so in the past."
He paused, "However, it appears that the Vulcans have reservations but Ambassador Soval was optimistic they could be resolved."
The Premier smiled, "You four. I just wish I had as much faith in an alliance as I do in your apparent friendships. I assume that Shran and Soval have returned to their home planets?"
When Gral nodded, the Premier continued, "Why don't we give them some time to discuss it with their governments. I will take it upon myself to contact General Thrang and Minister T'Pau to see where they stand on this issue. I do not believe I can move forward without having assurances we will not find ourselves alone with Earth."
Gral was disappointed and although he could not argue with the Premier's logic, he felt they had missed an opportunity to step forward and for once be the first one standing up for the Humans. Saying he would stay in touch and would be available anytime if the Premier need anything from him, Gral bowed and left.
Shran strode down the halls of the Imperial Palace. When he realized he would arrive at Andoria in the morning, he had called ahead to arrange a meeting with General Thrang and Queen Helena. He felt a little guilty about not visiting Jhamel first but knew she would understand.
Entering Thrang's office, he was greeted by him and the Queen. He bowed deeply to her, then gave an Imperial Guard salute to Thrang who reciprocated.
He then took a seat.
Helena spoke first, "We were very distressed to hear what happened on Earth. Such a tragic loss of life. We were very pleased though that our ships played a part in preventing further damage and then made an effort to assist the alliance ships." Shran was pleased to hear her refer to them as alliance ships although it may not mean as much as he hoped.
The Queen continued, "We were also pleased with your involvement in destroying the rest of the attackers."
Shran decided to take the opportunity of her discussing that to reveal the secret. Like everyone else, the General and the Queen were stunned. Shran could tell them the part about the Time Traveler bothered them but he assured them he trusted Archer explicitly.
The Queen seemed to hesitate and then spoke up, "I have not wanted to mention it, because I am not sure what it means. In studying the Queens' history, I have seen where they are sometimes capable of discerning things that are not part of the conscious world. I am not sure exactly what was meant because I was never able to discuss them with my mother. In any case, I have often felt that there is something about Captain Archer, about Earth. There is a sense of destiny."
Thrang and Shran stared at her. They knew that at certain time in history, other Queens had described similar senses, but that had been in the past. They asked her if she could be more specific, but she apparently did not understand it any more that they did.
Thrang then spoke, "I assume you have met with us to have us stand with Earth. We may have some news you were not aware of. The Earth has apparently declared War on the Empire. Therefore, it is official, if we stand with Earth, we are at War."
Shran was relieved. At least, it was now a clear-cut choice. He said, "You both know where I stand. You know I am convinced that no matter if we stand with Earth now or not, we will eventually have to deal with the Romulans. I have no doubts we all have a better chance if we stand together." He then smiled, "And we have a better chance if we have the detecting device."
While the Queen didn't catch the inference, Thrang did. He smiled back, "I assume there was a suggestion that we might not be able to take advantage of that if we refuse to step forward."
Shran smirked, "Archer did seem to imply that there would be a real danger that there would perhaps not be the opportunity to provide it to us."
The Queen butted in, "All these machinations. It doesn't matter because what you have said has reinforced what we had already decided." Looking at Thrang, who nodded, she went on, "We have decided to join with Earth. General Thrang and I are scheduled to speak to the Imperial Guard Council tomorrow."
Shran tried to act professional but could not stop a huge smile. The Queen saw it and smiled back. Only Thrang acted as a General would be expected to do.
The next day, after hearing from their Queen and General Thrang, the Imperial Guard Council voted unanimously as expected to join the Earth in their fight. The room resonated with calls of "Long live the Queen, Long live the Imperial Guard."
Andoria declared War on the Romulan Empire.
When the Tellerite Premier learned of the Andorian decision, he and Ambassador Gral presented their case to the Senate.
To Senator Grag's chagrin, the Senate voted by a narrow margin to join the Andorians and Earth. Then in the interest of solidarity, they took a second vote which passed with a unanimous vote.
The Teller then declared War on the Romulan Empire.
The Charon and Soval arrived on Vulcan.
