A/N I still don't own anything. I want to thank AnonymCzZ for the review. I am planning to make a real effort to get chapters out faster. I also want to remind you that I welcome input whether it be bad or good.

The entire bridge crew and Phlox were waiting when the door opened and Trip stepped on to Enterprise. Archer moved forward and stuck out his hand which Trip gripped as he said, "Welcome aboard. It is good to see you again, but part of me still wishes you were with your family on Earth."

"I understand, Sir, and feel the same way. But now that I am here, let's get this done."

He then exchanged a hug from Hoshi and a hand on his shoulder from Malcolm. He shook hands with Travis and Phlox and then turned to T'Pol.

She said, "It is agreeable to see you again."

Trip nodded, smiled, and said, "I've missed you all."

Then he turned to Archer, "Okay, I want to get to work. Assume Amanda is in Engineering."

Archer looked a little nonplussed and said, "Lieutenant Hess is no longer aboard Enterprise."

Seeing that Trip was about to comment, he hurried on. "As you would surmise, with the plans for the growth of the Fleet, there will be a need for Chief Engineers aboard the ships. Starfleet requested that experienced engineers serving on Starships be transferred to Earth to aid in teaching new recruits. Lieutenant Hess was among those to be considered." He then smiled, "She quickly made it clear that there was no way she was going to return to Earth. In the end, we were able to reach a compromise. Commander Randall aboard Columbia agreed to return to Earth and we were able to replace him with Hess. She was promoted to Lieutenant Commander and is now the Chief Engineer aboard Columbia."

Trip smiled, "I'm going to miss her help, but glad for her. She certainly deserves it." After a moment, he continued, "So who's been filling in for me?"

Archer answered, "Ensign Kathy Reynolds. She's just out of the Academy, but she seems to have a lot on the ball and has done a good job. She'll be mighty glad to see you."

Archer turned to one of crewman standing by, "Jacobs, take Commander Tucker's bag to his quarters."

Jacobs quickly answered, "Yes, sir," and move forward to take the bag.

Archer then said to Trip, "After you talk with Ensign Reynolds and get settled in, why don't you meet T'Pol and me for supper, say 1900 hours."

Trip smiled, "I'd like that."

As Trip headed for Engineering, Archer turned to the others, "Well, I suppose we better get back to work."

Upon reaching the Bridge, he had Hoshi contact the two new ships. After welcoming them, he told them that they needed to contact Captain Hernandez and she would fill them in. After signing off, he commented, "It's amazing to have two new Starships; especially when it is just the beginning." Then he smiled sadly and said, "I wish Admiral Forrest could see this. It is good though to have him recognized by naming a ship after him."

Tucker made his way to Engineering. When he entered, he saw a young woman who looked extremely bedraggled. Her uniform and face were covered with grime and he could barely make out her single bar. She was struggling with one of the reactor access covers as other members of the Engineering crew looked on. Cleaned up, she would probably be considered pretty. Then one of the onlookers looked up and saw him but Trip signaled him to be quiet. He then came up behind her, "When they stick, you need to push forward and pull up."

Irritated, the woman turned and started to say, "If you know so damn much, then why…," Upon seeing Tucker, she turned a bright shade of red and looked down at herself. She tried to wipe her face, but just made it worse.

"Commander Tucker, I…" She stuttered. Trip took pity on her and smiled. "It's okay, Ensign, I've spent a lot of time cursing at them myself." He then moved forward and quickly got the cover off. Then seeing the others were struggling not to laugh, he said sternly, "Okay, I'm sure you can all find something to do. I'll be around to say hello and get acquainted with those of you that are new, but for now, I need to talk with Ensign Reynolds."

They all quickly moved off and made themselves busy.

Kathy was still trying to clean herself up. Trip smiled, "Don't worry about it. I must say I would rather have someone who is willing to get dirty then someone who stays away from the grunt work. But I might have to speak to some of the old hands, they should know the same trick I do."

Kathy spoke up, "Don't do that. Some of them offered but I wanted to do it myself."

Then she suddenly seemed to realize who she was talking to. She straightened up. "Commander Tucker, as acting officer in charge of Engineering, I now relinquish control to you."

Then she got a little nonplussed again, and said, "It is such an honor to meet you. You have been a hero of mine for a long time."

Tucker sighed, "That's nice, but let's get one thing straight. In Engineering, the only thing that matters is getting the job done. Outside, around officers and other members of the crew, when on duty, you need to address me as Commander Tucker, but in here, I'm just Trip." Then he got serious and said, "That doesn't mean you don't need to know who is in charge. Is that clear."

"Of course, Command…, Trip."

Then he smiled, "Okay, now why don't you show me why you needed this cover off and then maybe you should clean up a little and bring me up to speed."

After she told him the problem she had been trying to correct, Trip sent her off to get cleaned up and fixed the problem. Then they sat down in what passed for an office and she told him where they were at. For the most part, Trip was impressed. She clearly knew her stuff and now that she had settled down, seemed to be a good officer. But her lack of experience had caused her to neglect many items that needed to be done and maintained. He was also surprised how few of his old crew remained. Kathy explained many had opted to join Hess on Columbia.

They called the crew together and began the process of getting everyone on board on what was needed to be done and what was expected of them.

As the time for their shift ended, Trip told her that she had done a good job in his absence, and he was looking forward to working with her. Then, he said that he was going to have supper with the Captain and Admiral, but wanted to get together in a social setting so they could get to know each other better. He suggested they have lunch the next day in the Captain's mess. He was sure it would be all right with T'Pol.

She quickly agreed and they said their goodnights.

Archer and T'Pol were waiting when Trip joined them for supper. All were dressed casually with T'Pol in her Vulcan robes. After having Trip bring them up to speed on Natalie and Charlie, they discussed the two new ships. Then Trip asked about what was happening with the war.

Archer said ruefully, "Unfortunately, nothing. It is frustrating to not be able to take the war to them. We just have to sit and wait. But I suppose we should be happy for the time because we will only get stronger." He did tell Trip though that according to the spy outposts, it appeared the Romulans were in the process of preparing a fleet for an attack.

Torok stood in a slight drizzle as he watched the Shuttle come to a rest on the pad inside the palace grounds. As he saw Valdore alight from the Shuttle he moved forward to greet him. Valdore also saw him and moved toward him. Torok began, "Welcome back."

"It is good to be back. I assumed I would spend the rest of my life on that accursed planet." He continued after a moment, "Sometimes I thought Vrax had got the better of the deal."

Torok motioned for him to go ahead and they walked off the pad. Valdore spoke again, "Well, Torok, I understand there have been many changes since I left."

"What have you been told?"

"Just that there is a new Praetor and he wanted me for a special mission. That momentous events are taking place."

"That is an understatement but I will let the Praetor tell you himself."

As they entered the Palace itself, Valdore noticed the different atmosphere. The crowds of favor-seekers were gone. Instead there seemed an air of competence, of order.

Torok led him down a hallway to an area containing security guards. The guards themselves were different, men dressed in black and giving off a menacing aura.

Torok whispered to him, "They are Solon's men."

Valdore looked at him strangely, "Solon is dead."

"You were shut off, weren't you? No, he is alive and the main reason the Praetor is where he is today."

They were quickly scanned and then allowed to enter the door behind the station. As they entered, Valdore saw a tall handsome man seated behind a desk and standing near the desk, a forbidding figure dressed in black. The man behind the desk spoke first. "Ah, Valdore, welcome back to civilization, we have been looking forward to your arrival. Have you ever had the pleasure of meeting my friend? Valdore, this is First Citizen Solon."

Solon nodded as Valdore numbly nodded back.

Vandor continued, "All right, enough pleasantries. I am sure you are wondering what this is all about. Perhaps you even think I have brought you back to finish what my predecessor didn't, put you to death."

Seeing the look on Valdore face, Vardon smiled and said, "Have a seat."

As he sat down, he noticed Torok and Solon did the same.

"Now let me catch you up on what has happened." Valdore told him the saga that had led them to the current situation, including his original logic in launching the attack on Earth. As he finished, he looked squarely at Valdore and asked, "Well, what do you think?" Sensing Valdore's trepidation, he assured him that no harm would come to him and there would be no repercussions for what he said.

Valdore wasn't sure he could trust him, but decided to be honest. "I completely agree with the logic that led you to attack Earth. In our attempt to disrupt the Quadrant, we came to the same conclusion." He hesitated but then decided to go ahead. "But I think you erred in attacking Earth, at least as a first step. You should have gone directly after Archer and the others. Archer is the catalyst for all that has happened. If you had taken him out, I believe the impetus for an Alliance would have collapsed. But perhaps in was inevitable that we would be where we are. I do agree that now is our best chance. That in the future, the task would be more difficult."

The Praetor had been listening intently. When Valdore finished, he smiled and smacked his desk, "Well said. It appears we have made the right choice."

Again looking into Valdore's eyes, he said, "We are preparing a fleet of two hundred ships to crush the rebellion and finish off Archer once and for all. We called you back here because we want you to take command of that fleet."

Valdore was stunned. This was beyond his wildest dreams. To be back in command. To finally take his revenge against the man that shamed him.

He noticed the Praetor looking at him and realized he was waiting for him to answer. He quickly said, "I am honored. I gratefully accept the opportunity to serve the Empire. Nothing would please me more than to destroy Archer."

The Praetor sat back, satisfied. He then gestured to Torok, "Torok will give you all the information we have on the make-up of their fleet and where they are located. You will also meet with your staff to work with Torok on a battle plan. Your assignment is clear. Destroy the Alliance Fleet and either kill or capture Jonathan Archer." As everyone started to rise, he smirked and added, "If it is all possible, I would hope you could bring Captain T'Pol to me."

Valdore looked inquisitively at the others. Torok just said, "I will explain." They then filed out.

Months later, Valdore sat in his command chair aboard his flagship. As the image of the Praetor appeared on his viewing screen everyone stood at attention.

"All of the Empire stands behind you. With the support of the Elements, this will be the first decisive step in recovering our heritage. Do not return until Archer is dead and the Alliance fleet is destroyed."

As the visage faded, Valdore returned to his seat. Turning to his communication officer, he told him, "Tell the fleet to proceed, full impulse."

From his office Vandor watched as the powerful fleet moved out of orbit and disappeared into the distance.

Kathy and Trip met as planned for lunch the next day. After the food had been delivered and the waiter had departed, Trip spoke first, "Well, Kathy, tell me a little about yourself."

"Well, I was born in a small town in Nebraska and grew up on a farm. I obtained an Engineering degree from Georgia Tech and then decided to take a shot at being accepted at Starfleet Academy. A little to my surprise, I got in. Of course, I never imagined I would be assigned aboard Enterprise, especially as acting commander of Engineering. To tell you the truth, I was scared to death, but just decided to do my job. I think I did OK but I am glad you are back. I really don't want the job when the real action starts."

Trip smiled, "You've told me the facts, but you left some out. You were the Valedictorian at Georgia Tech, even though you finished in less than three years. There was never any doubt you would be accepted at the Academy, in fact they recruited you. Don't be afraid to toot your own horn."

Smiling, he went on, "Now tell me about your personal life. I promise I won't blindside you. I just looked at your official record."

"Well, I have been married for three years. We don't have any children but hope to when I return. I live in a house in San Francisco. That's about it."

"What does your husband do?"

Kathy was about to answer when she smiled to herself. Trip had been a smartass by asking her about her record when he knew very well what was in it. She decided she was going to mess a little with him. She knew she was taking a chance, after all, he was her Commanding Officer, but for some reason, she felt he would be a good sport about it. She spoke up, "Works at the Library, doing research for USF."

She went on, "Of course, I know everything about you and your family."

She then purposely hesitated before saying, "I wasn't lying before, you have long been a hero of mine." She then lowered her voice and said, "I probably shouldn't tell you this, but I used to fantasize about us."

Trip was stunned and stammered, "That's interesting. We should probably finish up here, we're neglecting Chef's meal."

She smiled and went on, "You don't need to worry. I found out that there are things about you that made me decide you weren't for me."

Trip was glad she felt that, he had been nervous about where the conversation was going, but now his male ego stepped in. "Not that I am interested, but just what things would that be?"

Kathy smirked to herself, "Well, you have one thing that really turns me off and two things that are woefully inadequate."

Trip was getting a little angry now. "You don't think you can just say that and get away with it. You don't even know me; how can you say I am inadequate."

Kathy decided she had gone far enough. She smiled and said, "Relax, Trip, I was just giving you a hard time. I am sure most other women would be deeply impressed by the things that turn me off. Although I can't address the one I am not interested in, I have seen pictures of you without a shirt and you are certainly not inadequate."

Trip was puzzled, "My shirt?"

Kathy laughed and said, "I'm gay, Trip. I have a wife."

As Trip realized what she had been referring to he smiled in spite of himself and then blushed a little. "So, the two were…," indicating his chest "And the other was…"

He smirked and said, "I can assure you; if you were interested, you would be quite impressed."

Now it was Kathy's turn to blush.

They both laughed and finished the meal in a comfortable silence.

Archer and T'Pol found that it was difficult to live up their agreement to stay away from each other. Although they did not want to risk visiting each other's cabins at odd hours, they decided they would be safe in the Captain's mess as they had often given orders in the past to be left alone to discuss ship's business. After locking the door, they would embrace and kiss each other. Although they both wanted to do more, they each were afraid they would not be able to stop. T'Pol was amazed how wonderful it was to be held and for all her Vulcan strength, enjoyed the feeling of vulnerability. For his part Archer was thrilled by her wanting to be held and the feeling of her body against his.

Travis and Hoshi spent most of each night together. They knew they weren't fooling anyone by not living together, but they wanted to give Archer the out of being able to say he didn't realize what they were doing. Although they felt that because they were the same rank they were okay, they didn't want to force Archer or T'Pol into a difficult position.

The Alliance was still struggling to determine a method for loved ones to communicate with the fleet. The communication line was needed for contact between the Committee and the Council and was not conducive to conveying the huge number of personal messages that would be wanted. In the end they set up one day a month to pass letters back and forth.

T'Pol was surprised to learn she had a letter from Mercy. Alone in her quarters she was amused and pleased to read the letter.

Dear T'Pol,

This is so cool. If you don't want to write me back, I understand, I know you are busy. Mommy took me to the zoo in San Diego. I really enjoyed the Pandas. Did you know they are not bears? I thought Mommy was kidding me, but I looked It up when we got home. But do you know what's really cool? The zoo is going to get animals from the other planets. It will be something called a Sehlat from Vulcan. It looked scary in the picture but they said it would be the kind that is kept for pets. Mommy promised we could go back when it gets there. We are studying the other planets in school. Everyone was jealous when I told them I was on Enterprise except some didn't believe me. Mommy says Hi and she wants you to tell Admiral Archer Hi too. Well, I better go. I will write again soon.

Sincerely,

Mercy McBride

T'Pol smiled to herself. She decided she wanted to share it right away with Jonathon. But then she noticed that there was more information on the bottom. Rolling the screen, she saw that Jane had added some information.

I wondered if I should tell you this. I know you have a lot on your mind, but I thought you and Jonathan would want to know. At the last appointment with the Doctor, he informed me that the disease has reached Phase 2. This does not mean that the end is necessarily near, but it just made me realize how old Mercy is. Sometimes I let myself forget. I know I have said all this before, but I will never be able to thank you enough for what you two have done for Mercy.

T'Pol had of course thoroughly researched the Syndrome, and knew what Jane was not telling them. The older the child when they reached Phase 2, the shorter the time to the onset of the fatal stage. T'Pol knew Mercy had celebrated her eleventh birthday about three months before the launch of the fleet.

T'Pol then wrote a short letter back to Mercy.

Dear Mercy,

It may interest you to know that I did have a Sehlat for a pet when I was young. Vulcans do not give their pet names, but I spent many hours enjoying his company. Now I have a big secret for you. I cannot tell you directly because only you can know it. If you want to tell your mother, be sure she tells no one else. Do you remember when we were in my quarters on Enterprise and you asked me a question about a couple of members of the crew? Although I answered no to both at that time, one of the answers is now yes. Remember, Mercy, this is a very important secret and you can tell no one else but your mother and do not mention it if you write me again. Admiral Archer said to say Hi to both of you. I want you to know I enjoyed your letter and look forward to hearing from you again.

Live Long and Prosper.

T'Pol

Several months later, three more new Earth ships arrived, bringing the Earth fleet to nine. On that same day, the news that they were all hoping for and yet dreading came. All of their intelligence sources agreed that a fleet of two hundred ships had departed from Romulus.

As soon as Valdore was able to go to warp, he cloaked his fleet and they began their month-long journey to engage the Alliance.