A/N I am still borrowing these wonderful characters for my own enjoyment. I want to thank EroSlackerMicha and the three Guests for their reviews. I really do appreciate them. I sincerely do want to thank Guest #1 for the effort he put in and his extensive rendering of his opinion. Actually, in a way I understand where you are coming from. On my part, I don't really enjoy Trip/T'Pol fanfiction or agree with most of their interpretations. As far as Archer/T'Pol, I have basically presented my case in this story, in T'Pol's goodbye to Trip, in the rite T'Pol went through on Vulcan, and Archer's declaration of love. I do want to comment on a couple points however. The first is kind of petty. Theoretically this is not AU, it is my idea for what happened after the show ended. I also take exception to the reviewer's opinion of their relationship in Canon. Even on the show, I felt there was a deep friendship and mutual respect between Archer and T'Pol. I think there are any number of episodes that bear this out, but would like to mention three moments I especially enjoyed. First was when V'Lar came to Enterprise and commented about how she sensed a friendship between them. Then there was the scene when Archer returned to the ship in the past when they thought he was dead. When they faced each other, I just knew they wanted to embrace. Then there was a small moment during the Vulcan trilogy when T'Pol was sitting sadly when she and Archer were imprisoned. He came over and put his hand on her shoulder. She didn't pull away, cringe, or even ignore it; she leaned into it.

Well, I better get off my soapbox. Once again, I do appreciate everyone's input. And now, on with the story.

As the time passed, life settled for the most part into a routine. Little new information was coming out of Romulus. The friendship between Kathy and Trip continued to grow as each helped the other as they missed their spouses. It was extremely difficult for Trip in that he continued to miss the first years of his son's life. Natalie did write regularly and sent him pictures. He appreciated them but it also reminded him of what he was missing. For Kathy, it had early been apparent that Mary missed her terribly, making her feel a little guilty. Lately that had improved as Mary had found some new friends at Starfleet.

Both of them had been affected by Mercy's death. Trip realized how lucky he was to have a healthy son, but also now more than ever realized tragedy was never far away. For Kathy, she wished now that she and Mary had a child before she left.

T'Pol and Archer found themselves spending more time together. T'Pol was pleased when she found that Jonathan asked that they often express their feelings with a Vulcan kiss rather than a human one. It did seem to bring comfort to each of them while still showing affection. But the best was still being in Jonathan's arms.

Next to T'Pol and Archer, Hoshi was the most affected. Ever since she had held Charlie, Hoshi had begun to think of her and Travis's future. Although she agreed with their original decision not to get married because of Starfleet regulations and their fear they would not be able to serve on Enterprise together, their sleeping together and her desire to formalize their commitment to each other had made her decide she wanted to get married. Mercy's death had reminded her of how easily those we love can be taken from us and how valuable the time we spend with them was.

One night, after she and Travis had made love and were lying together, she turned to him and said, "Travis, let's get married."

Travis was stunned. "What did you say?"

"I said I think we should get married."

Travis answered, "There is nothing I would love more, but how about Starfleet and regulations?"

"I really don't think they will bring us home since we are now out here." She smirked, "Would it be punishment to bring us home from a war? Besides, I don't think Admiral Archer would allow it."

"What about the Admiral? Do you think he will go against regulations?"

She smiled softly at him, "I don't know about Admiral Archer, but I am sure Jon would."

Travis gave her the smile she loved, "Miss Hoshi Sato, will you make me the happiest man on Earth or in space and marry me?"

She smiled and got even closer, "Yes, Mr. Travis Mayweather, I will marry you."

Not wanting to waste any more time, Travis and Hoshi arranged to meet with Archer the next day.

After they were settled in the Ready Room, Archer asked, "So what was so important you needed to see me."

Hoshi reached out and took Travis's hand. Admiral, we would like you to marry us."

Archer was surprised. He of course knew they were basically living together but hadn't expected them to take the next step. They knew that if Starfleet found out they would not be happy about their decision. He knew he should turn them down, but at the same time, he realized how much this meant to them if they were willing to ask him to break regulations. Looking at them, he decided he didn't want to say no. But he felt he owed it to his position to try to dissuade them.

"What suddenly brought this on? You are already basically living together. Is it worth the possibility of getting Starfleet involved?"

Travis spoke up, "We wanted to get married before leaving Earth, but were afraid we would not be allowed to serve together on Enterprise, but now that we out here, we realize how much we want it. I know that although Hoshi's parents said they understood our decision, it would make them more comfortable if we were married and living together."

Hoshi joined in, "Mercy's death has made us realized how precious life is. We love each other and want to show our commitment not only for ourselves but to everyone else."

She looked at Travis and then said very quietly, "It would really mean a lot to us if you would marry us."

Archer still felt he should try to dissuade them, but knew he could not resist such an appeal. He smiled and said, "I don't know what problems it might cause us, but I would be proud and honored to marry you two."

Hoshi smiled broadly and after a moment of hesitation, moved around the desk and gave Archer a hug, "Thank you so much, Sir."

Archer hugged her back and then rising, reached out and shook Travis's hand who also thanked him.

As Hoshi returned back to her seat, Archer asked, "Have you considered who you want to stand up with you?"

Hoshi smiled and said, "I was planning to ask Captain T'Pol."

Archer smiled back, "I am sure she will be honored. How about you, Travis?"

"I could never choose between Malcolm and Trip so thought would ask them both."

Archer answered, "I suppose you want this done as soon as possible. How about the day after tomorrow on the bridge? Am sure Phlox would want to be there. And I have a feeling Trip will want Kathy to be there too. I can't believe how close they've become."

Hoshi looked at Travis, they were both thinking how quick this was all happening but at the same time realized this is what they wanted. They quickly agreed.

T'Pol was surprised when Hoshi said she had a personal matter she wanted to discuss with her. They arranged to meet in T'Pol's quarters that night.

When Hoshi entered T'Pol's quarters, she found T'Pol in her Vulcan robes, putting away her Meditation candle.

When T'Pol had finished and they were both seated, T'Pol looked inquisitively at her.

"Travis and I went to the Admiral today and asked him to marry us. We plan to have the ceremony on Friday." For just a moment she hesitated and then said, "It would please me a lot if you would be willing to stand up with me."

Although T'Pol's face remained stoic, she was surprised. Although the Admiral was not a big stickler for regulations, this seemed like a major step. Then she realized how Archer felt about Hoshi and Travis and understood it would be difficult for him to resist. She also felt a surge of jealousy. But she knew that there would be much greater repercussions if she and Jonathan were to do the same. Seeing Hoshi was waiting she said, "I would be honored to do so."

Hoshi smiled and said, "Thank you." Then she smirked, "After all, as the only women on the bridge, we girls need to stick together."

T'Pol raised her eyebrows slightly and then said with a touch of amusement in her voice, "Indeed."

They talked a little longer about what T'Pol was expected to do and Hoshi admitted that although she was excited, she was also a little overwhelmed over how quickly everything was happening. Then she smiled and said, "Keep me in mind when you finally decided to get married."

Watching T'Pol's eyebrows go up, she smiled and said goodnight.

After she left, T'Pol thought about what she had said. It would appear that she and Jonathan's relationship was not the secret they thought. She wondered how many others felt the same as Hoshi. Then, thinking about her and Jonathan getting married, she prepared to go to bed.

Tribune Manok was experiencing a new emotion for him, fear. When he had taken the position of military advisor to the Praetor, he thought they had agreed it was time for a different approach to the war with the Alliance. To be patient and stage attacks on their supply lines. But today when he presented his plan to Vandor, he had surprised him by immediately becoming angry and throwing the PADD with the proposal across the room. Then, he felt Solon move toward him. Everyone knew what had happened to those who opposed Vandor and he thought he would be next.

But to his surprise, Solon placed himself between himself and Vandor and apparently was able to get him to cool down.

Vandor then returned to his seat and Solon signaled for Manok to sit down as well.

But just as Manok began to relax, he could see that Vandor was still not pleased with him.

In a sarcastic tone, Vandor spoke, "My dear Manok. It is apparent you have not taken the time to study my thoughts on the events leading us to where we are. Otherwise you would know that we do not have the time for a long, protracted struggle. We cannot afford to engage in a serious of pinpricks on their freight lines. Each day we linger, the Alliance gets stronger. I was willing to listen to another approach to a direct attack but assumed it would be on a much greater scale than this insipid proposal you presented. I sincerely hope that you have something else more interesting to present." Inwardly, Vandor knew that the shock of what had happened to Valdore's fleet had caused him not to think clearly for some time. He knew that he had misled Manok, but was not about to admit it to him. Too much time had passed since the disastrous defeat and he needed to have something impressive to suggest to Ruddick, Venter, and the Senate. But if he couldn't Manok would have to pay the price.

Manok's mind raced. He had the feeling he had better come up with something quickly or he would be sharing Torok's fate. Then he remembered the proposal that one of his subordinates had suggested. He had ruled against it because of the sheer audacity of it and the odds against it succeeding. But now he knew he needed to take the risk of its failing if he wished to continue to live.

Seeing Vandor staring at him expectantly, he took a breath and began, "Actually, Praetor, these attacks were only to be the prelude to the main attack." He hesitated and doubted if he should continue but then took the plunge. "The culmination of our attacks on their supply lines was to be the destruction of the Vulcan supply depot itself."

Vandor could not hide his surprise and he saw Solon eyebrows raised as well. The Vulcan storage facility was well known to him. It was considered to be impregnable to attack. During its history, several factions had attempted an attack, but all had failed. Its destruction would be a huge blow against the Alliance. Suspiciously he stared at Manok, "This better not be some kind of a trick to try to get yourself off the hook."

Inside, Manok cringed, but he managed to keep his face impassive and his voice steady, "No Sir, we have a detailed plan to achieve our goal. Our only concern is that our ships will be detected before they can reach the target."

Vandor thought for a moment. He had been considering a rather risky plan of his own of how to get ships safely past the detectors. He knew they could not possibly cover everywhere but the length of the journey would increase the chance of being discovered. The risks could be lowered considerably depending on how few ships were involved. "Saying I believe you, how many ships does will this operation need?"

"It actually could be done by one ship, but its best chance lies with at least two and at least one hundred Reman soldiers as well."

Knowing he was risking bringing other forces into the war against him, Vandor decided four ships would make it an acceptable risk. Even if they found out what he had done, the small number of ships should convince them he had no intention of invading their territory. "All right, Manok, I will give you three warships and one troop ship with three hundred Remans. I hope this will not take to long to prepare for. We have already wasted too much time."

Manok took a sigh of relief. He knew he was a long way from getting out of this alive, but he apparently was safe for now. "No, just the time to assemble the ships and load some special equipment."

"How long will the attack take?"

"About one week." Manok decided he needed to begin to prepare some excuses for a possible/probable failure. "This plan is contingent upon no Alliance ships interfering with our plan. All of our intelligence tells us that they so believe in its ability to repel attack that there are normally no ships in the vicinity."

Vardon said, "All right, let's hear how we are going to accomplish the impossible."

Manok leaned forward and began.

Jonathan Archer had spent many hours on the Bridge, but none quite matched up to what was occurring today. As expected, Trip had asked to bring Kathy and Phlox of course had accepted as well. Trip had managed to provide a ring from engineering that he actually made look respectable. Travis told Hoshi he would get her a real ring when they got back to Earth, but Hoshi said this one was the one she wanted to keep.

Archer had brought out the Starfleet Manual and was ready with the wedding ritual itself. Everyone was wearing civilian clothes with T'Pol in her Vulcan robes. None of the men had anything appropriate but Hoshi didn't seem to mind. She herself had evidently brought one special dress. She was wearing a blue dress made from silk that made her a very beautiful bride.

With the computer providing the music, Phlox had been honored to be asked to give the bride away.

With everyone in their place, Archer began, "I have spent a lot of time on this Bridge, both in good times and bad, but I can not remember a day that matches what is occurring today. I cannot say enough how much joy it brings me to have the opportunity to bring these two individuals together. I would trust both of them with my life and am proud to have them as fellow officers. But, more than that, I am proud to say they are my friends. I am so happy that they have found each other, because they each so deserve to be happy."

He then opened the Manual. "We are here today to join these two people in matrimony. In a proud tradition that goes back to the time sailors first found their way to the seas, I, as a Starfleet Admiral am proud to preside on such an auspicious occasion."

Turning to Travis, "Lieutenant Travis Mayweather, do you take Lieutenant Hoshi Sato as your wife, to honor and cherish as long as you both shall live?

Travis. Looking into Hoshi's eyes, "I do."

Archer turns to Hoshi, "Do you Lieutenant Hoshi Sato take Lieutenant Travis Mayweather as your husband, to honor and cherish as long as you both shall live?

Hoshi looks up at Travis, "I do."

Trip then gives the ring to Travis.

Archer goes on, "Repeat after me, with this ring I thee wed."

Travis repeats it and slips the ring onto Hoshi's finger.

"Do you two have something you wish to say?"

They both nod and reach out and join hands. Travis goes first, "I cannot express how happy I feel today. To have you agree to marry me is so amazing, so wonderful. I will do whatever I can to try to make you as happy as you make me."

Hoshi looked back at him, "I would have never believed that I would ever meet someone with whom I could feel what I do for you. You are my best friend, my protector, my lover. Whatever life brings us, I will never doubt that we will always love each other and thus will face it together."

They continued to join hands and turned their heads toward Archer, who was smiling happily at them.

Now, with the power vested in me by Starfleet Command, I now pronounce you man and wife."

He smiled more broadly, "You may kiss the bride."

They embrace and kiss tenderly. Then as they turn back, the rest gather around them. Hoshi gets a hug and congratulations from everyone, except T'Pol, who does touch her arm and congratulate her.

Travis shakes hands and gets a hug from Kathy. T'Pol congratulates him as well.

They then travel to the Mess Hall where Chef has prepared a cake and the rest of the crew are waiting.

To their surprise, Shran, Soval, and Gral are there also.

After several toasts, with Andorian Ale of course, the newly weds are allowed to retreat to Travis's quarters where they make love for the first time as husband and wife.

A few weeks after the wedding and Hoshi moving in with Travis, Admiral Gardner arrived aboard the Intrepid, accompanied by the Potomac. They had decided to keep one of the new star ships on Earth to accompany the Intrepid. He came representing the War Committee to discuss the current situation with the War Council and check on the overall morale of the fleet.

It turned out there was little to talk about, although there were rumors coming out of Romulus about a new attack, there was nothing specific. He also found that in spite of the waiting, the soldiers were staying busy and morale and confidence remained high.

Just before he left, he addressed the War Council once more. He told them that the Rigellians were feeling slighted that they had not yet met with the War Council. Gardner had tried to placate them by stopping to visit them on the way to the fleet, but they were adamant about needing a visit from someone on the War Council.

Archer, who had already had an adventure with a disgruntled society, declared he should remain with the Fleet. Shran glared at him, but having no good excuse, agreed to go and meet with them. He then smirked and deciding to get back at the Admiral, suggested that since Archer wasn't going, T'Pol should join him. Archer was disappointed and surprised when she readily agreed. Satisfied, Gardner took one last tour and the two starships headed back to Earth, planning to stop at the planets of the Alliance and discuss what he had found with the members of the War Committee.

Wondering why T'Pol had so readily agreed to go, Archer asked her to join him in his Ready Room.

"I admit I was surprised, why did you agree to go with Shran?"

"Since you are not going, a decision I agree with, I felt that you should at least be represented." She hesitated and then said, "I also have an ulterior motive. Rigel 7 is within a week's distance of the Great Depot. I have heard so much about it but have never seen it. I thought this would be an opportunity to do so."

Archer now wished he had known that, he would have gone if he knew she wanted to go. When he mentioned that to her however, she pointed out that it would have not been logical for both of them to be gone. Once again, Archer reluctantly had to agree with her.

A few days later, the Andorian flagship and another Andorian ship to escort it went to Warp, heading for Rigel 7 and the Great Depot.

Just as they went to warp, Shran turned to T'Pol and said with a big grin, "This trip should give us time to get to know each other better."

He smiled even more broadly when she just raised her eyebrows.