A/N Nope, still don't own anything. Again, my deepest thanks for the reviews from EroSlackerMicha and LoErneBraska.

For the first time, Enterprise pushed its engines to a steady Warp 7 as they sped toward Vulcan.

Seated in his chair, Archer thought back over the last few days. After Soval had left for Vulcan, he had decided they needed to have all options available to try to convince T'Pau of the need to join with Earth against the Romulans. He had contacted Admiral Gardner and asked if Archer and T'Pol could follow him to Vulcan. Since T'Pau seemed to have some connection with them, he felt they could possibly be a factor in getting T'Pau to reconsider.

Admiral Gardner had readily agreed, knowing how vital Vulcan participation was. So now Enterprise was on its way about two days behind Soval.

After the ceremony honoring Commander Stallings, T'Pol and Trip had started to work on duplicating the detector. Archer had decided to indulge himself and do something he had not had time for quite a while. He took Porthos for a long walk. Since the day was quite chilly, the park located near his apartment was empty. Releasing Porthos from his leash, he watched as the dog rushed around, his nose down, apparently highly enjoying his freedom.

Archer had often wondered if he should find a new home for Porthos, somewhere where he could do this on a regular basis. He had especially felt it when he had to put him in a kennel when he was at the wedding.

But then, he knew he was too selfish to do so. He would miss him too much. He remembered during some of the lowest points of his life, especially in the Expanse, he would sit and scratch Porthos ears, telling him of his fears and disgust for what he had done. And Porthos would just listen happily, never judging.

Suddenly, he realized Porthos had come back to his legs and was looking up at him imploringly. He had been so self-engrossed, he hadn't realized how long they had been out and how it had gotten colder. He picked Porthos up and stuck him in his jacket with just his head sticking out. He then headed back to the apartment. As he walked, feeling guilty about leaving Porthos out too long, he let Porthos lick his face, something he usually avoided.

He smirked to himself, thinking how unhygienic T'Pol would find that.

T'Pol. That was something else that needed to be dealt with. He had decided he was going to take the plunge, to tell her how he felt. If she didn't feel the way he did, they would just have to move forward. He felt they could still maintain their friendship and professional relationship.

He knew they needed to have a resolution. If she did feel the same, they had already wasted so much time. Besides, the memorial service had made him realize the frailty of life. And with the coming of the war, who knew how much time they would have. Now he just needed to gather his courage and get it done.

His ruminations were interrupted when T'Pol turned away from her instruments and informed him that two Vulcan ships were approaching. Almost immediately, Hoshi announced they were being hailed.

Captain Kess's visage appeared on the screen. He spoke first, "Captain Archer, I am Captain Kess of the Satara."

Archer answered, "What can I do for you, Captain?"

"Minister Kuvack ordered us to escort you the rest of the way to Vulcan. I believe he was concerned there could be a possibility of Romulan ships in the area."

Archer thought, Minister Kuvack. That was one of the allies Soval had mentioned, someone supporting the alliance.

He went on, "Glad to have your help, Captain, I will have to convey my thanks to the Minister."

As Kess nodded and signed off, Archer wondered if he should have invited him over as a social gesture. Remembering how that had worked in the past, he decided to just let it go.

T'Pau strode briskly down the halls of the council building heading toward her office. When Soval had contacted her and told her he was finally on his way, she had ordered him to come to her office as soon as he landed. As she turned the last corner, she almost ran into Minister Kuvack. He glanced at her, mumbled something and went on his way. She stared after him, a little upset in spite of herself. Ever since she had ordered the fleet and Soval home, he had been avoiding her.

She decided she would take some action on that after dealing with Soval. It was beginning to affect the entire Council. She hoped that after talking to Soval, she could start to put this alliance talk to rest. She knew that Soval and Kuvack had other supporters, but she was sure they would not be willing to cross her when she announced her final decision.

She would give Soval his chance, but could not see what he would say that would change her mind. She had come to believe more than ever that Vulcan's future lay on a different path than becoming involved in interplanetary intrigues.

Soval stopped as he reached T'Pau's door. He was not looking forward to this conversation, but still believed she could be persuaded to change her mind. He had no doubt that she had Vulcan's interests at heart just as he did. He was afraid, however, that her distrust of other species was influencing her more that she would admit even to herself. Although she was not near as bad or would ever resort to violence, she in some ways shared the views of Terra Prime on Earth.

Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door, entering when invited so by T'Pau.

As he entered, she did not rise but just indicated he should be seated. Once he was settled, she began.

"You purposely disobeyed my orders and stayed with the others. Then you dallied in returning to Vulcan. Do you have any defense for such actions?"

"With all respect, Minister, you know my reasons. By leaving I would have greatly reduced the chances of the rest of the ships to return safely to Earth. We had set out together as a good will gesture. It seemed…illogical…to abandon them. As for delaying to come home, I wanted to see how Earth was reacting and discuss my thoughts with Archer and the others."

"That is your problem, Soval, you consistently put the interests of your 'friends' above the interests of Vulcan. I respect your career and what you have done, but that does not excuse you from ignoring my orders."

"I do not put their interests above that of Vulcan. It is the very interests of Vulcan that I am concerned with." Hesitating for a moment, he decided he may as well say it and get in out there. "I would say, that it is your prejudices and animosity toward them that clouds your judgement and that you are the one that is not considering the best interests of Vulcan."

T'Pau had to struggle to contain her emotions. After a few moments that they spent staring at each other, she answered, "If I do have concerns about the others, it is grounded in facts. Each time we become involved, we are dragged into situations caused by their emotions. Have you forgotten how we lost our way by becoming involved? We have just started to rediscover our true destiny. I will not throw it away again to become ensnarled in their continuous squabbles. Our greatest mistake was ever becoming involved with the Humans. As I told Captain Archer, we will no longer interfere with their future, they are on their own." She looked pointedly at Soval, "I believe he agreed strongly with that."

"There is no disagreement between us that Vulcan was on a wrong path and that it is important that we continue to move forward with the changes we have begun. But this is not about our interfering with them, this is about survival. This is about a threat to the entire quadrant. This is about providing a united front against the Romulans."

T'Pau sat back for a moment. So, they had come to the crucial point. Was Soval correct or was he as she believed, so enamored with the Humans that he grossly overestimated the threat? Did he not see that if they joined with them, they were returning to the very situation they had just managed to free themselves from? Which threat was greater? The Romulans or Vulcan losing itself forever? She had no doubt that Soval's way would lead to them being forever connected to Earth and its future.

Gathering her thoughts, she said, "I think you greatly overestimate the threat the Romulans provide, but," raising her hand as Soval tried to interrupt, "To meet that threat by joining an alliance with the others is not the answer. I have no doubt that we will never be free of such a confederation. No, we must assert our independence now and give them theirs as well. We cannot babysit them forever. This is the time to cut the ties."

Soval was about to argue the last point, but realized she was probably right. In any case, he could not argue against something he believed was vital for the future. He had not shared his vision of a Federation of Planets with anyone except in general, but felt it was right and necessary. Instead he said, deciding to hold back what he wanted, "The alliance would be just for the duration of the war. Until the threat is past."

T'Pau smiled to herself, Soval, like most Vulcans, was a lousy liar. She had also heard from others of Soval's thoughts on the future. "I do not believe that those are your true thoughts, But, in any case, it is immaterial because it is not the length of the involvement, but the involvement itself that I am against. As to the Romulans, it has not even been proven that they have interests beyond Earth. As a practical matter, I do not see why we should shed Vulcan blood to defend those who cannot defend themselves. As I remember, you felt the Humans were not ready to enter the interplanetary community. Perhaps you were right and they have brought this on themselves."

"While it is true I once felt that, I no longer do. The Humans have shown themselves to be a valuable addition to the quadrant. Don't forget they made it possible to expose V'Las and were instrumental in destroying the Romulan drones. It is entirely possible that is why they were selected to be attacked. And even you must admit, that Surak chose Captain Archer to find the Kir'Shara instead of either you are Syran."

For the first time, T'Pau felt a hint of doubt. She had yet to equivocate her feelings toward Humans with Archer's finding of the Kir'Shara. It still mystified her why Surak would pick him instead of her to perform such an important task. But that one incident did not stack up against her belief that Earth caused a danger to Vulcan. Soval and T'Pol were both examples of how they could contaminate one's thinking and beliefs. No, Vulcan must resist any efforts to bring them into an association of planets that would force them to interact.

"Surak must have had his reasons, but I am sure it does not mean he intended us to set aside our heritage by subverting ourselves to an alliance."

Soval internally shook his head. It was apparent she was firmly convinced that interaction and association with the other planets was a danger to Vulcan.

Then, T'Pau rose, "I am sorry, but I have other business I need to attend to. I have come to believe that you do only have Vulcan's best interests at heart, but I have heard nothing that has changed my view of the situation. It is possible that future events may effect that, but for now, I have decided to keep Vulcan out of any alliance."

Soval rose too but wasn't ready to give up. "Will you hold off your final decision for a few days? I have taken the liberty of having Enterprise come to Vulcan. They are only a few days behind me. For something of this importance, could you perhaps at least talk to Captain Archer and T'Pol?"

T'Pau hesitated. She really wanted to put this behind her. But she also wanted to be fair. And she did need to finally resolve the 'feelings' she felt in reference to Archer and T'Pol.

"Very well, but I hope you are not expecting much from such a meeting. I do it as a form of courtesy."

"I understand. Oh, there is one more thing. This information is top secret and of vital importance in the war against the Romulans. It is only to be entrusted to the highest levels of government and must be protected from anyone not authorized to hear it."

Seeing the look of surprise and interest on T'Pau's face, Soval went on, "The Humans have developed a device that enables them to detect Romulan cloaked ships. They are attempting to duplicate it so it can be distributed to other ships." Like Gral, Soval decided to not mention the Time Traveler, knowing the Science Directorate's opinion on time travel.

As T'Pau pondered the ramifications of that, Soval raised his hand and said, "Live long and prosper." He then left.

For the next couple days as they waited for Enterprise to arrive, Soval and Minister Kuvack sought out allies for their cause. They were disappointed to find that the rest of the Council would not take a stand. Even if they leaned toward helping Earth, they would not go against T'Pau.

They did get rumors of support from two unexpected sources. One they would welcome, but the other was worrisome to them.

The first rumor was confirmed when they received a support message from Ambassador V'Lar. Although she had retired and was in ill health, her words still did carry weight.

Soval and Kuvack decided to ignore the other possible source of support, hoping it was limited and would not become a factor. It appeared that several Starship Captains were worried that Vulcan would not be adequately defended. Soval and Kuvack feared that the military might take actions they could not support. Although they disagreed with T'Pau on this issue, they had no desire for her control over the military to be questioned.

As for the great majority of the Vulcan people, they would support whatever decision was made. There was only a small number of individuals that had not read at least some passages from the Kir'Shara, but the road back to Surak's path had just begun.

When Enterprise arrived, smashing all speed records for Earth ships, Archer and T'Pol were greeted by Soval and Kuvack. In the next few hours they were brought up to speed on what the status was, including a full discussion of Soval's meeting with T'Pau.

Archer sat back, "It doesn't seem like you made any progress. And, frankly, I am not sure what else can be said. You even had the courage to mention that she may be prejudiced against outsiders and it didn't seem to bother her. I don't think she sees that as a problem."

He went on, "She also seems to have resolved that the Romulans are not enough of a threat to change her position. I'll visit with her and give it a try, but I don't know what I can say that hasn't already been said."

Soval answered, "It is my hope that it is not what you say, but who you are that could have an effect. You are the one that Surak trusted to find the Kir'Shara. You are really the only human that T'Pau has spent time with. She did say that future events could change her mind. Perhaps as the war unfolds, the urgency will come more apparent."

Archer smiled sadly, "I just hope she doesn't find out she has waited too long."

T'Pau was finding it difficult to meditate. Finally, she gave up and making herself some tea, sat down and sipped slowly.

She was due to talk to T'Pol and Archer the next day. She had to decided to talk to them individually. She was not sure what she was going to say or what she wanted to accomplish.

As she took another sip, she sighed. She had thought after talking to Soval, she could soon put this all behind her. But, although had felt confident in her position while taking to him, the next few days had brought a series of events that threatened to shake her resolve.

First had been the arrival of Enterprise. While she had been able to talk of the Earth defending itself to Soval, knowing she would be facing individuals whose home world had been attacked would no doubt be more difficult. After putting off meeting with them for a day, she had received a call from the President of Earth.

"Mr. President, I grieve with you on the loss of your family and the thousands of other lives."

"Thank you, but without your fleet's aid, it would have been far worse. We will always be in your debt."

"It seemed the logical thing to do."

The President hesitated a moment and then said, "I want you to understand I did not contact you with the information I about to convey to you to attempt to pressure or attempt to affect your decision. I just felt I should alert you before you heard it in a different way. I am sure others on your planet are being informed."

He went on, "Earth's parliament voted some time ago to declare war on the Romulan Empire. Since then Andoria and The Teller have joined us."

T'Pau managed to hide her surprise, although she had known this could happen, she had not expected it to be so soon.

"I understand Mr. President, and I thank you for contacting me. I do assure you we are very carefully considering our options."

"That is all I can ask. Whatever you decide, I know it will be because you believe it is in the best interests of Vulcan."

T'Pau realized there was no more possibilities Vulcan would not be alone in their decision. Either they would join or they would be alone. There was of course were a variety of paths the future could take. If the war went well, she would have been proven correct that Vulcan could go her own way, that they did not need to be part of a future alliance. On the other hand, if the war went badly, there would be the question if it would have been different if they had joined. They could decide to help later, but it might be too late.

There were just too many variables. Vulcan needed to decide what was best for itself and live with the result. But, it was true that the cost of the choice was going up.

Both T'Pau and Soval would have more concerns if they knew of a meeting that was being held aboard the Charon.

Ten Captains from the fleet were waiting in the conference room. Each had been contacted by the current Captain of the Charon because he believed they had the 'same concerns he had with current happenings.'

Each had been reluctant to attend because they assumed it referred to their expressing their reservations about the Romulan situation. But, in the end, they all attended, not wanting to miss out on what was going on.

As they sat their waiting for their host, they all had the same thought, 'was this a trap? What would happen if T'Pau or their supervisors found out. Their fears were realized when Captain Sopek came through the door followed by High Commander Sarton, the Fleet Commander. They rose from their seats, fearing the worse.

They were stunned when he asked Sopek if everyone was there. Upon receiving a positive nod from Sopek, he told him to close the door and asked everyone to be seated.

When everyone had done so, still a little wary, he began, "I asked Captain Sopek to get you together because I understand you have expressed concern over Minister T'Pau's handling of the attack on Earth and that she apparently has decided to remain out of any alliance that might be formed."

"To put your minds at rest, I share your concerns."

As the Captains relaxed, he went on, "I have also brought some new information that may be of interest to you. First, Enterprise has arrived from Earth and Captain Archer and Commander T'Pol have appointments to speak to T'Pau. It is hoped they can persuade her to change her position. While I welcome their help, I doubt they will be successful."

As he saw them absorb that, he continued, "We have also learned that Andoria and The Teller have agreed to join in an alliance with Earth. All three have declared war on Romulus."

After allowing the Captains to respond to that news, he held up a hand and as the room quieted, he got very serious and said, "This means we will be on the outside, looking in as the war begins. This will give aid to the Romulans by saving them from facing a united front. There will be two possible outcomes, neither of which I believe bodes well for Vulcan."

"If the Alliance is beaten, which is much more likely without our help, we may well find ourselves facing the Romulans alone. And if the Alliance wins, we will be facing an alliance containing species that once were our enemy and an Earth that we will have abandoned twice when they were attacked."

He paused and then leaned forward and said, "I also have no doubt that Earth could be a much more formidable force in that instance. There are rumors that they are embarking on a plan to greatly increase the size and power of their fleet, partly utilizing Vulcan technology."

He then sat back, and in a more conciliatory tone, said, "Do not misunderstand me. I have supported the Minister as she has reduced the fleet. I believe in her goals and share her vision of returning to the path of Surak. But she has never left Vulcan and has little experience in interplanetary affairs. I fear she underestimates the Romulan threat and the need to postpone some of her plans until the current situation is resolved."

Then he grew very serious again, "What I wish to discuss now must not leave this room. Do I have your word that it will be kept in strict confidence?"

Receiving nods from everyone on the room, he continued, "The situations that I just described are intolerable and are a danger to the freedom of Vulcan and the Vulcan people, a planet and people we have taken a sacred oath to protect. If T'Pau cannot be deterred from her present path, we will need to seek measures to be sure Vulcan is protected."

Looking stunned at what he was saying, one of the Captain's found a voice. "Are you proposing an overthrow of the government, proposing treason."

The High Commander looked straight at him, "We are in perilous times. The very future of Vulcan is at stake. I will not stand by idly while all I stand for and hold dear is destroyed. If it becomes necessary for us to do so, it will be because it has been forced upon us. When the crisis is past, we will gladly relinquish any powers we have utilized and allow Vulcan to proceed on its journey."

Then he relaxed, "I do not believe that any of this will be necessary. I have taken steps to have our concerns presented to T'Pol without her knowing who is involved. I feel she will take the logical step of avoiding such a confrontation."

T'Pol was naturally right on time for her appointment. After she was seated, T'Pau wasted no time on preliminaries. "I know you are here to try to convince me to join your alliance. I must admit, I am disappointed that neither you or Soval as Vulcans are not more sympathetic to my goal of restoring Vulcan on its rightful path. But on the other hand, it is your devotion to Earth that continues to justify my contention that it is dangerous to associate too deeply with other cultures."

"While you contend that we are corrupted, the truth is that we have realized that other cultures have something to offer. That the Vulcan way is not the only way, the we can learn from other species. If one does not expand, if there is no growth, one is limited."

T'Pau stiffened, "So you define growth as addiction, to indulging in carnal relations with other species."

Seeing the shock on T'Pol's face, she went on, "When I cured you of Panar Syndrome, I of necessity had to dig deeply into your mind. I know of your dalliance with Trellium and your intercourse with Commander Tucker. I fail to see how that is of any value or of aiding one to grow."

T'Pol managed to control her emotions. She answered coldly, "Those thoughts were private. Although I concede your need to explore my mind in order to cure me, it disturbs me you are now attempting to use them against me. It is unworthy of a Vulcan, especially one who holds Human emotion in such contempt."

The two stared at each other each waiting for the other to continue. T'Pol thought about T'Pau. She realized how young she still was. She and T'Pol were approximately the same age. She had been surprised when they had chosen T'Pau to lead the council. It had been primarily because she had been the Vulcan responsible for finding the Kir'Shara. She also realized she had no real experience in dealing with other races. Just as she was about to speak, T'Pau spoke first.

"You are right. I apologize. But it does not change the fact that you have been deeply affected by dealing with Humans."

"That is true but not in the way you seem to believe. The instances you refer to were because of my initial exposure to Trellium and my susceptibility to emotions that have been part of me since my youth. I would think my mother would have spoke to you of that."

T'Pau nodded, "Yes she did, she said she joined us because it might provide a path for you to fight those tendencies and to become a follower of the true teachings of Surak."

T'Pol continued, "I was as you say, 'contaminated' by the humans but in an entirely different way. From dealing with all of the crew, but especially Dr. Phlox, Lieutenant Sato, Commander Tucker and of course Captain Archer, I learned that each species has much to contribute. That no one path has all the answers. That with increased knowledge comes increased understanding. You must also understand that the reverse was true, that I 'contaminated' them as well. Captain Archer had nothing but contempt for Vulcans when I first boarded Enterprise, but through working with me and interacting with Soval, he has come to appreciate how we may contribute and that we have much in common."

She paused and then said, "It does not seem logical to me that you appear not to approve of the alliance. Is it not better for them to be allies than enemies?"

T'Pau pondered what T'Pol was saying. It was not much different that what Soval had said. But it seemed to carry more weight coming from T'Pol, who more than anyone had to fight her own internal battles. She seemed to have finally found a balance. But she also felt that T'Pol was unique in a way, that being her deep friendship with Archer. She had often wondered if it were more. T'Pau had no understanding of what humans referred to as love. She knew that Vulcan bonding brought a feeling of togetherness, of understanding, of affection. But she could not understand how humans felt they could achieve a similar feeling without a bond. But all of this was not to the point. Vulcans could only stay on the true path by avoiding temptation. Even if one agreed that true growth could only come through expanding one's outlook, the Vulcan way of life did not require growth, or encourage growth, but staying true to themselves. Exposure to emotions however beneficial, could lead to the loss of Vulcan control and their reverting to the horrors of their past.

"You have apparently found a path that that you believe is best for you, but I cannot expose Vulcan on the hope that the end result will be beneficial. There is too much danger to our way of life. No, T'Pol, we cannot take such a risk."

They spoke longer but it was apparent that nothing had changed. T'Pol soon left.

As agreed beforehand, T'Pol returned to Enterprise to report to Captain Archer. After obtaining a tea for herself, she joined Archer and his cup of coffee in the Captain's Ready Room.

She gave him a full report of her meeting with T'Pau, managing to leave out the information about the Trellium, but including her liaison with Trip. She went on to state she was afraid she had failed to change her mind. That she was set on her path.

Archer thought over what she said. He was a little perturbed at himself that her mention of her relations with Trip still had some power to bug him, but nothing like before.

After a time, while T'Pol sat patiently sipping her tea, he spoke up, "You know, her position on this may be much simpler that we may have been thinking. In fact, it is basically what all Vulcans feel, the fear of loss of control."

"Do you remember how you felt aboard the Seleya when you realized that what had happened to them was happening to you?"

T'Pol shuddered internally, how could she forget? She felt as her very essence, her very soul was being ripped from her. "You think that is the basis of her concern? But meeting other races is not the same as what the Trellium did to me and the others."

"No, but it is like the old concept of the slippery slope."

"Slippery slope?"

"Yes, the idea that once you diverge from your path, no matter how innocuously or whatever the value of that divergence, you risk losing everything. That it is the first step to loss of control."

"I see. So, to her, the fact that while the 'divergence' may in itself be considered to have value, it is still too big a risk to take."

"Exactly." Then he shook his head ruefully and said, "The trouble is, she is probably right. Oh, I don't mean the Vulcans will return to their original savage ways, but it is true that things will change. While I believe they would be beneficial in the end, there is no guarantee. And what I think would be good for Vulcans, she and," smiling at T'Pol, "maybe even you would disagree."

"You mean, be more like Humans?"

As T'Pol gave her Vulcan smile, Archer gave a good laugh, "Yeah, something horrible like that."

Then he turned serious again. "if we are right, then I am not sure what we can do. It is hard to argue against a belief that is grounded in truth."

"But what of the Romulan threat? If it did not exist, would you be trying to change her mind?"

Archer said, "Yes, that is the question. But we were trying to get Vulcan to join an alliance before the attack. I still believe that an alliance would be of benefit to all, even Vulcan; Romulan threat or not. But, ti would not have such a sense of urgency."

Just then the communicator buzzed. Leaning over, he pushed the button, "Archer here."

Hoshi told him there was a communication from somewhere on the planet stating it was specifically for Captain Archer.

Looking questioningly at T'Pol, he asked Hoshi to pass it through.

After quickly reading it, he pursed his lips and gave a small whistle, "Well, this opens a new can of worms."

T'Pol having heard Trip use that same idiom, asked, "What is it?"

Turning the screen so T'Pol could read it, she saw the following message:

This message is from the Vulcan military. There is a growing consensus amongst us that although Minister T'Pau has the best interests of Vulcan at heart, she is endangering Vulcan with her inability to recognize the Romulan threat. Although the thought of interfering, of taking steps that would go against a long Vulcan tradition is abhorrent to us, we cannot let that dissuade us from doing our duty to protect the Vulcan people. These are perilous times that call for extraordinary action. If T'Pau does not see a way to do her duty, we may regretfully have to see that it is done.

T'Pol looked up at Archer, "Fascinating."

"Scary."

"Do you really believe they would attempt to take over the government? Would they have any chance of succeeding?".

"I would think they would first make their demands known, probably make a show of force, try to influence T'Pau or someone else in the government to meet their demands. Whether they would go so far as to use military force, I don't know how widespread it is. In any case, it would bring everything to a head. Whether it would achieve what they want or create such a backlash that Vulcan would definitely stay out of the Alliance would be hard to say." He then ran his fingers through his hair and said, "We had a lot of these on Earth before the war, and they seldom worked out well."

"What are you going to do?"

"Just what I think they want me to do, show it to Minister T'Pau."

"Are you sure that is wise?"

"No, but it's a no-win situation. If I don't show her and they do take action, I would rightfully be accused of hiding it from her, because I supported their action. When I do show her, she will probably think I support their position and am trying to use it to force her to change her mind."

"Do you support them?"

"No. But I do understand their frustration. But no, this is not the way to get it done. I firmly believe the cure would be worse than the disease and could be a disaster for Vulcan."

Archer entered T'Pau's office and sat down to face her. Although she looked and dressed much different that the woman he had spent the time with in the Forge, he could still see that person in her. He had grown to like and admire that woman, he wasn't sure about this one.

T'Pau saw him come in and sit down. In spite of herself, he still managed to create a reaction within her. In most ways, he was the epitome of everything she knew about Humans. He was arrogant, emotional and smelled. But he was also the man that had been chosen by Surak to find the Kir'Shara, the man that cared for T'Pol, and one she had strangely found a sense of comradery with.

Archer spoke first, "It's good to see you again, Minister." He looked around, "The circumstances have changed somewhat."

"It is satisfactory to see you as well. Yes, much has changed since we found the Kir'Shara."

She went on, "I must admit I have been curious about something though. Did Surak give you any indication of why he chose you over me."

"Just that I was not Vulcan and thus not affected by the changes that had occurred."

T'Pau was a little taken aback. Apparently Surak was not impressed by how they had tried to follow his path. He had included them with those that had lost their way. Once again Archer had managed to shake one of her long-held beliefs, that the Syrannites had been on the true path.

Archer was speaking again. "I am sure we both know why I am here. I was summoned to somehow persuade you of the need for Vulcan to join the Alliance. I, of course, have talked to Soval and T'Pol about their conversations and also with Minister Kuvack. I also understand that Ambassador V'Lar contacted you. I do not know if her opinion carries a lot of weight, but I have to admit I was proud to have her do so. I admire her very much."

"I admire her as well, but her opinion does not change my position."

There is very little I can say that others haven't, but with your permission I will attempt to present our case in its entirety. I also have a large new piece of information that may or may not affect your decision but will be of great interest to you and I would think an area of concern. I will include it in what I present and when I am finished will attempt to answer any questions you have. I am also willing to further discuss any remaining opposing points of view. Shall I proceed?"

It took T'Pau a few moments to absorb what he had said. What new information could he have? Then, deciding she would soon know, gave him permission.

"First of all, I feel I have had as much interaction with the Romulans as anyone in the Quadrant. I have also read all the information, as it is, in the Vulcan data base. Everything I have observed or read leads me to believe that they are an aggressive species that has already created an empire and wish to expand. Their actions with the drones convinces me they wished to cause chaos in the Quadrant, to seed mistrust and unrest. That the thing they most fear is a united front. Now why would they care if we are united or not? We are no threat to them. The only possible answer is that they have designs on attacking our planets. I also do not believe they did all that to just attack Earth. Rather I think it was an attempt to eliminate Earth as the one who has been most ardent in promoting an alliance. It comes down to this, what my enemy wants to do is what I want most to prevent. I also believe that no matter how much you wish to deny it, Vulcan will have to deal with the Romulans now or later."

He then said, "I believe Soval told you we have a means of detecting Romulan cloaked ships. It would be prudent to fight with a fleet that has such a weapon than alone without it."

He paused, then went on. "I of course am not alone in believing this." He took out a Padd and handed it to T'Pau." I received this message just a short time ago. I assure you I do not support their position and am passing it on because I believe you should know about it. I do admit that is what they no doubt intended me to do."

T'Pau read through it and in spite of the circumstances, Archer smiled inwardly as she raised her eyebrows. Evidently that wasn't just T'Pol who expressed emotion that way.

When he saw she had finished, he went on, "I believe that you are afraid that if you join the alliance, you will be undoing all the work you have accomplished in getting out of entanglements and hoping to set Vulcan on its true path. I believe that what you fear is true. If you renter the galactic community, Vulcan will never achieve the future you envision." He paused, "But that vision is not attainable. There are too many warp cultures, too many planets that will interfere with Vulcan. It is too late to for any of us to return to where we were, even if we greatly desire it. Soval has a different vision of the future, one that sees an alliance of planets, an alliance to promote the best hopes of us all. It will not be perfect, nothing is, but I believe it is our best hope. Quite frankly that Alliance needs Vulcan, we need your wisdom, we need your logic."

"He looked into her eyes, "T'Pau, I know you are afraid of what could happen to Vulcan. But I truly believe that its best hope to be free to control its own destiny and its unique way of life lies in helping others to do the same."

Archer then sat back in his chair and took a small breath. They both sat there quietly for some time.

Finally, T'Pau spoke. "I don't believe you truly understand how strongly I believe that if I choose to go your way, I will have betrayed all that I believe in. That I will have taken away Vulcan's last chance to be what Surak envisioned."

"No, T'Pau, I do understand. But I know that Surak's vision will be of no value if Vulcan is conquered. His vision requires that Vulcan be free."

Another few minutes passed.

Then T'Pau said, "Thank you for coming, Captain. I will render my final decision soon."

Archer rose, and raising his fingers, said, "Live long and Prosper, Minister."

She then surprised him by offering her hand which he smiled and shook. Then he went out the door.

T'Pau looked down at the Padd Archer had given her. She wondered what the originators of the message would think if they knew she could take away their chance to fight the Romulans with a device that could detect cloaked vessels.

After Archer returned to Enterprise and notified Soval of what had occurred, he got permission to dock Enterprise and then ordered everyone to take leave on Vulcan.

As the shuttle carrying the bridge crew, Porthos, and Phlox landed, everyone discussed what they planned to do. Hoshi and Travis were off to Mount Seleya to view Vulcan's most famous landmark. Trip and Malcolm had been told of what would be the equivalent of a human bar. They talked Phlox into joining them. T'Pol and Archer had again been invited to spend some time with Soval and his wife. As their house was within walking distance, they had set off, Porthos walking just ahead of them.

Trip and the rest watched them go. He turned to the others, "Are those two ever going to figure out how they feel about each other?

They all smiled as they headed off to their intended destinations.

Three days later, Ministers T'Pau and Kuvack spoke to the High Council and the Vulcan people. The Council agreed with their recommendation and Vulcan declared war on the Romulan Empire.