A/N I still own nothing. I want to thank AnonymCzZ for the review. Reviews really do make my day.
Penelope stood for a time outside her brother's lab. Although she loved him, he could be difficult and sometimes even she was often shocked by his indifference to life and people around him. Allowing herself a small sigh, she knocked on the door. After a few moments, he answered her knock. To her surprise, he had a smile on his face and greeted her warmly.
"Penelope, it is good to see you. It has been some time. I had planned to call you to see if we could get together, but then I made a small breakthrough and have been completely engrossed in working on it."
He stepped out of the way and allowed her to enter. The lab looked much as it usually did, PADDS lying everywhere and the huge whiteboards covered with symbols and equations. He took her coat and hung it up as he motioned for her to go into the living area next to the lab.
After asking and making her a cup of tea, he brought a bottle of water and sat down next to her on the couch. "I was glad to see that you decided not to marry that pompous ass from Oxford. I never believe that you loved him."
"He is not a pompous ass, he is a brilliant scholar who was very good to me. I broke it up because I was misleading him and realized he deserved to find someone who truly loved him. It was not an easy decision."
The smirk that Penelope hated came to Edward's face, "Whatever. Anyway, you are well rid of him." Then he hesitated a moment before saying, "Have you heard anything from Malcolm since he went off to war?"
Penelope looked at him in surprise, this attempt to make small talk was unusual for her brother. Usually when she visited him, she would already be feeling she was overstaying her welcome.
"No, he made it clear before he left that he was not interested in our having a future together."
"That's too bad, from what I know about him, he seems to be dedicated to what he is doing, and doesn't really care what others think."
Penelope smirked, "Sort of like you."
"I suppose."
Suddenly there was a silence and then Edward said, "Speaking of the Reeds, I ran into Madeline the other day."
"Madeline? Where?"
"I occasionally go to a nearby gym and apparently she recently became a member there."
Penelope was surprised. She didn't even know Edward would recognize Madeline. They were about the same age and had gone to the same school, but she had assumed that about all Edward remembered about school was how he was bullied. But then she did remember that Madeline had tried to stand up for him once, before Penelope went to his aid. "What did she have to say?"
"Not much. She talked about how she was worried about Malcolm and that her mother was getting worse." He suddenly looked embarrassed, "We stopped for a drink afterward. She remarked that it was a shame you and Malcolm had never been able to get together." He hesitated again, "We agreed to meet again."
Penelope was curious. She had never seen Edward act like this before. Then it hit her and she blurted out, "My God, you are attracted to her!"
The blush told her all she needed to know. She quickly followed up, "That's great. She is a wonderful person."
Edward stammered a little, "Don't get all excited, I don't have any idea if she is at all interested in me. After all, I have no experience in such matters."
"She agreed to see you again. That means something. And don't sell yourself short, you're not bad looking, you're certainly smart. I can already see how she has impacted you."
Then, Penelope remembered why she had come. She hated to change the mood, she was enjoying the apparent new Edward, but she had promised Jane.
"I hate to bring this up now, but I did have an ulterior motive for coming here."
She immediately regretted bringing it up as she saw his guard go back up, but she rushed on.
"Do you remember a woman who wanted to meet with you about her daughter who had Torrin Syndrome? She was interested in seeing if you would help her with a foundation she is attempting to set up in her daughter's name to research Torrin. Her name is Jane McBride."
The old Edward had returned, "Yes, she went on and on about how she needed to do this. She even mentioned something about her daughter having a Starship named after her. I told her what I will tell you, I have no intention of sharing my work or entering into any kind of collaboration." Then he asked, "How did you come to be involved in this, and why are you trying to help her?"
"I am helping her because it is a worthy cause. As for why she came to me, she was told I might be able to speak with you and perhaps get you to change your mind. I must admit I was also interested because her daughter was very close to Admiral Archer and Captain T'Pol. She even spent some time aboard Enterprise."
Then she thought of what he had said, "Your new breakthrough, does it have to do with your research on Torrin?"
He acted for a moment like he wasn't going to answer, but then he said, "Yes, I have a theory that the final fatal stage of the disease is triggered by the onset of puberty."
"Puberty? But some die at seven or eight."
"The age for puberty can vary dramatically and has been growing younger for a long time." Then he went on, "The problem is I am not even sure that even if I am correct that it will be of great value in finding a cure. But it is possible that the occurrence of the disease is also tied to hormones in the system. There has been no progress in finding something common in the parents, but if it is hormonal, it may help that search."
"Have you shared this theory?"
He looked at her with disdain, "And have someone use my work to further their career? I am certainly the most qualified to proceed. If this does lead to a cure, I will find it."
For not the first time in dealing with her brother, Penelope found herself getting angry, "Aren't the children who have the disease or will contract it in the future more important than your damn ego? Can't you for once set it aside and convey your theory to others, to collaborate in hope of finding a cure? This foundation that Jane wants to set up could be the catalyst to jump start research. Will you at least talk to her?" Penelope paused and then said, "What do you think Madeline would think about this?" She knew it was a cheap shot, but so much was at stake.
Edward was conflicted. The fact that his sister was angry at him was nothing new and really had no effect on him, but the comment about Madeline hit a chord. He had never felt this way about anyone and he did not want to lose that feeling. He knew Penelope was right, Madeline would want him to work with others to find a cure.
After a long hesitation, "I suppose I could meet with her."
Then Penelope startled both of them by reaching out and giving him a hug which even more amazingly he returned. She then rose, feeling herself tearing up a little, "I'll let her know."
Tabrina was a beautiful woman. She was born on Sedatha, one of the Core planets. She could trace her bloodline back to a royal family that had ruled before the Romulan conquest. She was the daughter of the former Romulan Governor General of her planet. When he returned to Romulus after his term was up, he brought her and her mother with him. Soon after they arrived, he was off to put down a far-off rebellion and died in battle. Her mother, who had really loved him, took her own life when Tabrina was thirty. Like Romulans and Vulcans, Sedathians had long life cycles.
As she moved around her home, trying to stay involved until her husband returned, she thought back over the events that had brought them to their current situation.
She had found work in a weapons factory and lived alone until she was in her fifties. Then she met a dashing Romulan Captain named Venter. They were attracted to each other from the moment they met. Within six months they were married. Their life changed dramatically when Venter was promoted to Tribune and became head of the Praetor's private fleet.
Still, they managed to maintain a degree of privacy and for the most part avoided dealing with the machinations of palace life. But then Venter became an instant celebrity when he was instrumental in turning back the Bovarian Invasion. Suddenly they were thrust into the limelight and forced to become part of the goings on in the palace. Still, they avoided falling into the many temptations and remained faithful to each other.
She, like many others, had watched the meteoric rise of Vandor with some interest. From the first time she met him, she was struck that there was something different about him. It wasn't just the obvious; his looks, his green eyes, or even the talk of his supposed large assets. No, she sensed something more. Like he was part of a plan, that he had a special destiny. As he cut his swath through the women of the palace, she was almost disappointed that he never tried anything with her. Not that she was interested, but would have appreciated putting him down. It also would have given her a chance to observe him further.
When Venter informed her that the Praetor had ordered him to take the fleet and put down the Cordian Rebellion, she had been torn. She was happy for him because she knew that was where he belonged, what he was meant to do, not spend his life as a symbol of the Praetor's power. And she did not fear for his life, her people were stoic in the sense that they accepted the reality of life and what it brought. No, her reasons were selfish, she would miss him.
Then when Vandor shocked them all by taking power, she was almost dismayed that they would be adversaries. She had felt nothing but contempt for the Praetor and the slut he was married to. She was also in awe by the return of Solon.
When she found out that Vandor and Venter had reached a compromise so he could remain in power, she had been stunned. She trusted Venter but was surprised he had apparently gone back on his word. But she was elated when she was allowed to join him after he restored order. The house they moved into was impressive and they had quickly become very happy there, away from the intrigues of Romulus.
They had always avoided the thought of having children, not wanting to raise them in the city, but here, they were strongly considering it.
Her thoughts were interrupted when her Reman maid Mara entered the room. Mara had been with her family as long as she could remember, having also served her mother.
"What is it Mara, has Venter returned?"
"No, my Lady, there is an important message arriving from Romulus for the Governor General."
Tabrina was surprised and curious. What was this about? Then deciding it was just some sort of diplomatic instructions, she would hold back speculating until Venter returned.
"Thank you, Mara, I will inform Venter when he returns. Why do you not begin preparations for supper now? He should return soon."
"I shall do so."
It was two hours later that Venter returned. He had been meeting with the representatives of the Cordian Interim Government to be sure they all agreed on what was expected of them. He knew that any of them would gladly slit his throat if given the opportunity, but for now they were going along, biding their time until they dared launch another attempt to rebel.
After they had exchanged a passionate kiss, Tabrina chided him for being late and said Mara was holding supper. As they headed for the dining room, she remembered the message Mara had mentioned.
"I suppose I had better look at it."
"Can't it wait? Supper is ready and I am really hungry."
"All right." He smiled down at her, "I can never deny you anything."
She took his arm and they entered the room.
After the meal, Venter decoded the message. As Tabrina watched him she quickly realized it was not something trivial, he was obviously affected by it.
With a little trepidation she asked, "What is it? Bad news?"
He looked up from his reading, "It appears we will soon have a distinguished guest. Solon, First Citizen of the Romulan Empire, will be arriving in approximately a week."
"Solon? Here? What would bring him out this far?"
"I doubt he is coming just for a visit. I would say it is probably one of three possibilities. They want me to return to Romulus, they need me somewhere else in the Empire, or…." He looked up at her, "They want me to lead a new attack against the Alliance."
Shran quickly ordered his ships to drop out of warp, to raise their shields and charge all weapons. Although they knew the Romulans must have picked them up, they made no moves, but held their positions above the asteroid.
Both Shran and T'Pol were astonished to see the Romulans appear to be making an attempt to attack the Depot. But then they surmised they were just waiting to attack freighters coming to it. The Depot itself was considered immune to an attack and thus no other Alliance vessels were in range. The closest was the fleet itself, about three weeks away. When they attempted to contact Enterprise, they were not able to do so. That was not unexpected, long range communications were often problematic.
The Asteroid consisted of a rock material that was among the hardest in the Galaxy. It had taken the Vulcan Engineers six months to drill and blast their way through the surface. It had taken two years to hollow out the center to create the Depot. They then coated the inner cavern with Trontanium, a substance much stronger than steel.
They left a small entrance that was guarded by a four-foot-thick Trontanium door. They also made it impossible for an attacker to blast through the opening directly to the inside. They created three chambers, each guarded by a similar door. Each chamber was defended by phase cannons and provided areas for the defenders to fire on whoever reached that chamber. They could also release poisonous gases into each.
The six ships stayed basically in the same position throughout the day. Shran had pointed out that since the Romulans hadn't cloaked, it was apparent that their secret was out.
When Shran contacted the Rigellians asking for their help, he was angry and shocked when they refused, citing their neutrality. After signing off in a way that probably undid what diplomatic gains they had accomplished, he muttered that if the Alliance did lose the war, there would be the consolation of the Rigellians facing the Romulans.
Finally, he lost patience and decided he and T'Pol needed to attempt to discover what the Romulans were up to. Hoping to catch them off guard, they went to Warp and headed directly toward them.
When Manok had heard that there were Alliance ships in the area, his worst fears were realized. He assumed they were part of a larger fleet. But when the two ships dropped out of warp and the hours passed, he came to believe that they were alone. He considered going after them but realized it was vital to protect the drilling. He moved his flagship to guard a path to the drill and deployed the other two ships to protect it.
As the Andorian vessels neared the two protecting ships, they moved as to attack one of them. As the other ship moved to aid their sister ship, Shran made a quick turn and sped by them heading for the flagship. As the two exchanged fire, Shran quickly moved past it and was able to see the drill. He then quickly left the area heading back the way they had come. The other Andorian ship endured fire from the other two ships but was able to break away and escape as the Romulan ships decided not to follow them, but to retain their positions.
After speeding away out of sensor range, the two ships again dropped out of warp. This time their attempt to reach Enterprise and the Fleet was successful.
After explaining what they had seen, they awaited orders.
Archer was stunned, but quickly recovered.
"Could you tell how far they have gotten? How deep the drill has penetrated?"
T'Pol answered, "We recorded the scene as we passed. It was a short time frame, but from what we could tell, the drill had made significant process. We cannot be sure when they started, so are not able with any accuracy to estimate how long it will take them to break through. I believe we have to assume we do not have a lot of time to prevent it."
"You are on the scene; do you have a plan to destroy it?"
Shran spoke up, "Frankly no, Admiral, they appear determined to stay in position and protect it. I doubt we could avoid being destroyed by them before we could get a shot at the drill. We were fortunate we got away the first time and we made no real attempt to get in position to attack the drill."
Jonathan Archer was torn between two individuals, Jonathan Archer, the man who was a friend of Shran and loved T'Pol and the Supreme Commander of the Alliance. In the end, duty called. There was just too much at stake. The loss of the Depot would be a huge, possibly fatal blow.
"These are my orders. You are to do everything possible to see that the Depot is protected." He hesitated and hating himself continued, "Even if that means sacrificing your ships and their crews. Is that understood?"
Shran and T'Pol answered, "Perfectly, Sir."
"Although from what you have said, it is highly unlikely we will be in time, ten ships will leave immediately."
Then he said, "Shran, could I speak to T'Pol alone?"
"Of course, Admiral."
After Shran had moved away, Archer said quietly, "I love you, T'Pol."
T'Pol answered, "I love you as well."
Then signaling that Shran could rejoin them. "We'll be there as fast as we can. Keep me posted. Archer out."
After Archer signed off, Shran and T'Pol went to what passed for Shran's Ready Room to determine what steps needed to be taken. They were joined by Captain Turov of their sister ship.
After informing Turov of Archer's orders, there was a silence for some time. Then Turov spoke up, "Do you think that a shuttle would be enough to destroy the Drill? We could fill it with explosives. Perhaps our two ships could give it enough time to do its job."
Shran shook his head, "It is just too small, one blast would destroy it." After a moment he said, "If you lead the way, it might just be possible you could do enough damage for us to get by them. Even if we are hit, our momentum should carry the ship to the target."
T'Pol said, "I believe that the Romulans are so set on this mission that they would sacrifice their ships to prevent us from reaching the target. But, if we cannot come up with another plan, we will have to risk it. But it must be a last resort because we will not be able to recover if we fail."
She went on, "Do you have any explosives powerful enough to disable the drill, but that could be carried by an individual?"
Shran answered, "We have some RODOK-7 that would weigh about 100 pounds and would at the very least destroy one of the supporting pillars which should cause the whole thing to come down. Why? What do you have in mind?"
"Before we commit ourselves to a suicide mission, I think we should send a landing team to the surface. It appears to be pitch black down there. Do not Andorians have night goggles developed because of growing up underground? Perhaps we could get close enough to plant explosives near the structure."
Shran shook his head, "There is a Romulan Troop Ship out there. From our briefings, I understand they can hold up to 500 Reman soldiers. They are probably at least two or three hundred on the ground."
"That is most likely. But perhaps they will not be expecting us to make such an attempt. I think we should at least reconnoiter the area before committing ourselves to drastic actions."
Shran and Turov looked at each other and shrugged. Shran smiled ruefully, "I guess I can't argue with that logic. Now who will head the Landing party?"
T'Pol answered, "It is my idea and I believe I am the best qualified in case physical action is required."
Shran and Turov argued for a few moments, but it was apparent T'Pol was not to be swayed.
Ten hours later, with their ship hidden from sensors by staying on the other side of the Asteroid, T'Pol and six Andorians teleported down to a part of the asteroid some distance from the drill.
As expected, there was little or no light on the surface of the asteroid. As they move toward the drill, wearing the night glasses, they could see that any light was concentrated around the base of the drill. Assuming that was the Reman camp, they moved toward it. Upon reaching a point with a small knoll that would help protect them from enemy fire or detection, they took stock of the situation.
It still appeared that the Reman camp was confined to a small area around the drill. However, now that they were closer, they could see that there was no path to get close to the drill. There were just too many soldiers. T'Pol was about to order them back to the ship when she spotted an area closer to the camp not occupied by soldiers. Although it was still some distance from the drill, she decided it could be possible to hurl the explosives toward the drill. It was admittedly a long shot but she felt it was worth the risk. Of course, it would take all her Vulcan strength to even have a chance.
Leaving instructions that if anything happened to her, the others were to immediately return to the ship, she took the bag of explosives and set out. She had to take a wide path to avoid being detected.
Then, just as she neared the area where she could launch the explosives and was about to arm them, she heard an explosion and felt a searing pain in her left leg. She crashed to the ground, the bag with the explosives skittering away from her. Looking down at her leg, it took all of her Vulcan control to avoid passing out. Her leg was badly mangled. Then the pain hit and only her ability to control it kept her from screaming out. She realized she had stepped on a mine. She cursed herself for not taking that into account, blaming her arrogance. It appeared she had just hit one edge of it as she was moving past it. She was extremely fortunate she had not been killed. She also was thankful that her suit had closed itself around the wound saving her from being exposed to the numbing cold of the Asteroid. She looked over at where the bag ended up but realized she was in no position to move toward it.
Just then she heard voices and saw two figures approach her. They were carrying lights and as they came up on her, she saw they were Remans. She was gratified that her translator enabled her to understand them. The taller one was speaking. "I knew I heard one of the mines go off. Looks like we have ourselves a spy. Then as he ran the light over her, he whistled and said, "A female spy."
He turned to the other man, "Gurlt, go get a hover stretcher, I don't plan on carrying her all the way back to camp."
Gurlt grumbled but headed back the way they had come.
"So, what do we have here?" He reached out and touched her chest. When she shrank from his touch, he pushed her hands away. "Come on, I just want a little feel, I'm not going to hurt you."
Needing all of her concentration to control the pain, T'Pol was unable to prevent him from touching her. He was roughly fondling her when a voice called out, "What's going on here?"
Her attacker jumped but then relaxed when the figure came into view. "Oh, it's just you Krax. I was just having a little fun here."
"That's Sergeant Krax and what the hell is going on? Gurlt was mumbling about finding a female spy."
Then he shined his light on her. "She's female all right. Wonder what the hell she was planning on doing? He flashed his light around and it showed the bag. He turned to T'Pol, "What is that? What were you up to?"
T'Pol saw no reason to lie. "Those are explosives. I was planning to destroy the drill." Seeing his look of panic, she assured him the explosives were not armed.
Deciding that if they had not exploded yet, they were probably safe, he turned back to T'Pol and shined the light on her face.
"When the Minister hears about this, you'll wish you would have died."
Then his eyes widened and he looked more closely at her. Then, he paled and stepped back. He turned to the other man.
"Damn it, Klat, didn't you recognize her? Do you know who you have here?"
Klat looked blankly at him. Cursing some more, he went on, "It's T'Pol, you idiot, the right hand of the great man himself."
Klat stared at him and then at T'Pol, "It can't be."
"Well it is. I don't suppose you remember the directive that was sent to all ships from the Praetor himself."
Before Klat could answer, he went on, "If any member of the War Council should fall into our hands, especially with regard to Admiral Archer or Captain T'Pol, they are to be treated with the greatest respect and brought to Romulus and the Praetor as soon as your mission permits. Oh, there is also a #100,000 cash reward for the ship that does the capture. Assuming the rest of the directive is met."
Seeing the look on Klat's face, he said, "That's right, Klat you just cost us the money and if you're lucky, you might live through it. Groping her is hardly treating her with the greatest respect."
Klat stammered, "No one knows, you won't turn me in, we have been friends for a long time."
Krax said, "I might take the chance, but you forget," gesturing to T'Pol, "She knows."
Taking this all in, T'Pol spoke up, "If you are worried that I will report this incident, you need not do so."
Klat said suspiciously, "Why would you do that?"
"It would be illogical to do harm to those who are likely to be responsible for your well-being."
Klat turned to Krax, "See, she'll keep her mouth shut."
Krax shook his head, "I have a feeling I am going to regret this; but all right, I won't say anything."
Just then Gurlt and two others arrived with a hover stretcher. Watching Krax and Klat carefully helping T'Pol onto it, he asked, "Why are you being so gentle, get her on there."
Klat turned to him, "Don't you recognize her, you idiot, this is T'Pol, she's worth #100000."
With T'Pol on the stretcher they headed back toward their camp. With Remans fanning out to search the area, the rest of the landing party returned back to the ship which quickly departed before they were detected. As they left the Transporter Room, they were greeted by Shran who looked around and asked, "Where's T'Pol?"
Looking down they answered, "The Romulans have her."
All Shran could think of at that moment was 'Archer's going to kill me.'
