A/N I want to sincerely thank Mojo01 for the review. They mean a lot to me.
Vardon strode down the halls of the Palace heading for his office, Raff at his side. Although he had seemingly recovered total control, Solon had insisted that one of his men should accompany Vardon at all times because he still had many enemies. The rebellions continued and as soon as they put one down, it seemed another started. All the news was not bad though. A Bovarian Fleet Commander had gotten either careless or over confident and had suffered a decisive defeat at the hands of Tribune Gregor. All forty ships had been destroyed and the Empire had regained control of an entire sector.
But Vardon's mind was focused in an entirely different direction. Since he had told Tabrina that he had not forgotten the need for vengeance, he had been working to make that a reality. Even before he recovered from his malaise, as soon as he heard word that Venter had failed, he knew there was really only one fleet powerful enough to be sure of victory, one fleet that could be spared.
Vandor reached his office and went inside leaving Raff with his fellow soldiers on guard. He was greeted by Tabrina, Solon, and Ruddick who all rose as he entered. These three had become his inner circle, the ones in which he put the most trust.
"Good morning. Go ahead, sit down, we have a lot to discuss."
As they found their seats, he continued, "I am sure you have all heard of Gregor's victory?"
They all nodded and Tabrina spoke up, "It appears you were correct to send Gregor back to his post instead of using him to attack the Allied Fleet. I assure you I will trust your judgement more in the future."
Vandor smiled, "Oh, come on Tabrina, cut the crap! You know his victory was a complete surprise." But then he smirked, "But don't tell anyone else that."
Once again Vandor was struck by Tabrina's beauty. She wore a dress that was made more to entice than cover. He had no doubt she knew the affect it would have on him. The pressures of the position and reality of the forces he confronted had greatly curtailed Vandor's sexual endeavors. Besides, she was much too valuable as an ally to endanger that relationship. But he could not help pondering…
Suddenly he realized that Solon had been speaking, "Praetor, why exactly did you call this meeting?"
Vandor realized he had been lost in thought. He saw the slight smile on her face to let him know she knew the reason for his lack of concentration.
Sitting back, he immediately got their full attention when he said, "We need to discuss the plan for the ending of the war with the Alliance, the destruction of the Alliance Fleet."
Even Solon could not completely not hide his surprise. He knew that Vandor had stated that there could be no negotiations with the Alliance, that the Alliance needed to be defeated; but he had no idea Vandor was even close to be ready to attempt such a mission.
Tabrina was shocked but then felt a great sense of satisfaction. Her husband would be avenged.
Although Ruddick was also surprised, he quickly tried to imagine where Vandor could get the forces he needed. He had already sent those other fleets back to the front. The only fleet that could even be considered ready for an immediate mission was his. As much as he would desire that chance, he knew the Praetor would never risk sending him. His enemies would not miss such an opportunity. By the time his fleet would finish their mission, a new Praetor would be entrenched. It was not a well-kept secret that Ruddick had eyes on the position himself, but he knew he did not have the stomach for fighting another Romulan fleet after a battle against the Alliance. No. Ruddick wanted to be Praetor, but he would only accept it if it was done by legal means. Only such a Praetor would have hope of being sure of the support of the entire Empire. He knew that Vandor's method of obtaining the position had not been fully accepted in some parts of the Empire. He felt it contributed to the unwillingness of many fleets to take the steps needed, to obey orders without question.
Vandor had continued, "This time there must be no mistake. We need to send an overwhelming force, one that is assured of success. I think we know there is only one fleet that is available, whose use will not weaken the ongoing fight against the rebellions."
He looked at Ruddick, "That fleet is the one commanded by you, Tribune."
Ruddick and the others were stunned. Ruddick quickly recovered, "It would be our honor, Praetor. But are you sure of this? You would have no defense against your enemies. I need you to know that I will make no pledge to avenge you. I have already decided I will not overthrow a Praetor if it means fighting Romulan ships. If you have been killed and a new Praetor is named, I will support him, my victory will be his."
Tabrina also spoke up, "Vandor, you know how deeply I want my husband avenged. But I am driven to say I do not wish it to be accomplished by you sacrificing your life. The chaos arising around the battle for a new Praetor would undo all we hoped to gain with a victory. Now, more than ever, we need your daring and courage in command."
Solon sat quietly. He was as shocked as the others but knew there had to be more. More than anyone, Vandor knew the dangers in the plan he had proposed.
Vandor smiled, "All of what you say is true. But I do not plan to be here to be overthrown while you are gone, I am going to command the Fleet myself. I plan to be there when Archer and his fleet are destroyed."
Ruddick spoke up, "You may not be killed, but what will stop them from naming a new Praetor? Who do you plan to leave in charge?"
"I will leave the Empire in good hands. You, Solon, and you, Tabrina, will rule during my absence."
Seeing the look of amazement on Tabrina's face, Solon spoke, "I for one am honored, but I am still not sure what will stop your enemies from seizing the throne."
Vandor leaned forward, "Do you think that anyone will kill the First Citizen and the wife of one of Romulus's greatest heroes and take the throne while the current Praetor is still alive? Especially when that Praetor will return with a Fleet that has just won the war?"
Tabrina finally found her voice, "I am proud to have such faith placed in me. But I do have a suggestion. Might my claim to the position be stronger if I was the wife of the current Praetor?"
The men all looked astounded at her. Vandor was the first to recover. "An intriguing idea, and one that I would normally be receptive to, but I believe you are more inclined to receive respect as Venter's widow." Then, he couldn't resist, he smiled broadly, "I cannot believe I just said that. That I gave up a chance to be your husband."
Tabrina smiled back, "Nor can I. But I do believe you are right."
Ruddick spoke up, "I understand your logic, but there is also the fact that Romulus will be unprotected. I do not believe the Bovarians are still a threat to attack but would still feel more confident if at least there was some forces to defend the city and the throne."
Vandor nodded, "I had been thinking the same. With his latest victory, Gregor has gained us some time in that sector. I shall ask him to return to protect Romulus."
Ruddick went on, "When do you plan to embark on this mission?"
"If you agree, in three months. We have already delayed far too long."
"We will be ready. I assume you will take command of the Vercory?"
"No, I think it would be better if my location were kept secret. Besides, you will still be the battle commander for the fleet. You have far more experience than me."
Inwardly, Ruddick sighed in relief. He had not been comfortable with Vandor commanding the actual battle.
Sensing that everything had been discussed, they were getting ready to leave, when Vandor said something almost to himself. "This is our destiny, you know."
Solon looked inquisitively at him. "You mean for us four to lead Romulus to victory?"
Vandor looked up, "No, I mean for Archer and I to meet in battle. I should have realized it sooner."
He smiled and went on, "We are related."
They all stared at him, Tabrina found her voice first, "Related?"
"Yes, we have a common ancestor."
Solon, still not sure what he was hearing, "What makes you believe that?"
"For reasons of their own, the Klingons provided us with an example of Archer's DNA they had obtained when he was their prisoner for a time. One of my underlings who had too much time on his hands had noticed that both of us had an eye color that was similar. On a whim, he checked it out and found to his utter amazement we are related."
Tabrina looking stunned, "How could that possibly be?"
"The only possible explanation I could reach was based on ancient records of when we first came to Romulus. One of the two ships carrying our tribe was a year late in arriving. An ancestor of mine named T'Vir had borne a son on the way. The records show her first grandson had eye color similar to mine."
Solon now joined in, "The same T'Vir who was the force behind the creation of the Empire?"
Vandor now smiled more broadly, "Yes. That knowledge led me to do some research on the history of Earth. It may interest you to know that Earth once had a similar empire about that same time. The mythical founders of that Empire were two brothers Romulus and Remus."
The others could do nothing but look on in astonishment.
Vandor smiled ruefully, "Now, all that is left is to see is which of our destinies is to be victorious."
T'Pol sat in the Captain's seat. The Admiral had gone to a meeting of the four senior members of the War Council. They were working a status report on the War requisitioned by the War Committee. Things had been quiet since the Terran Army mission. All of their sources agreed that there appeared to be no immediate plans for the Romulans to attack. It appeared they were still consumed by internal struggles.
Ensign Hansen, serving at T'Pol's usual post, turned toward her, "We are picking up five ships heading our way. She checked back to her screens. "From their configuration, the Computer database identifies them as Bovarian."
T'Pol wondered what the Bovarians were doing this far from Romulus. She instructed Hoshi to tell all ships to arm weapons but hold their fire. She then told Hoshi to contact the War Council.
By the time the ships dropped out of warp, the War Council had called short their meeting and Shran had joined Archer on the bridge.
Hoshi informed them, "We are being hailed."
Archer told her, "Put it on the screen."
Although everyone knew the Bovarians were reptiles, and they looked nothing like the Xindi, Hoshi could not prevent a small shiver when she saw them.
When the figure spoke, they realized he was speaking Romulan and the translator was able to understand. "I am Captain Sseld of the Bovarian Royal Battle Fleet. I wish to speak to Admiral Archer."
Archer who couldn't help but take note of the being's forked tongue, answered, "I am Admiral Archer."
"It is an honor, Admiral. I bring a message for you from his majesty King Ssoud to be delivered personally to you. May I come aboard?"
Archer was surprised but managed to hide it. "Certainly, I will meet you at the docking port."
Archer turned to Shran, "I wonder what this is all about." Shran just shrugged. Archer went on, "Alright, Hoshi, T'Pol, you're with me. Malcolm, you have the Com." He turned to Shran, "Do you want to join us?"
"Yes, I believe I will."
Just then Malcolm spoke up. "Sir, I recommend you take a couple of armed MACO's with you."
"All right Malcolm, but have them look like an honor guard, not bodyguards."
"Very well, Sir."
As they headed toward the airlock, Archer spoke to Hoshi, "I wanted you to come along to see if it could be possible to get the translators to be able to speak to them in their native tongue."
"Since I can tell them which words to say in their language, it should be possible, Sir."
"Good."
Two MACOs were waiting when they reached the airlock. They stood at attention with the rifles in salute position. It wasn't long before a shuttle from the Bovarian ship docked and Captain Sseld and another Bovarian came through the airlock.
Archer stepped forward, "Welcome aboard Enterprise. This is General Shran of the Andorian Imperial Guard, this is my second in command, Captain T'Pol, and my communications officer, Lieutenant Hoshi Sato."
Sseld gave a slight smile at the two MACO's and the answered, "Thank you, Admiral, this is Commander Ssern, my second in command."
Archer went on, "If you follow me, we will head for the Captain's Mess."
As they headed down the halls, Captain Sseld took everything in. "An impressive ship, Admiral. I understand it is capable of Warp 7?"
Archer hesitated a second and then said, "That's correct."
"I must admit I know little about Bovaria. I understand it is on the opposite side of the Empire."
"That is correct, Admiral."
They reached their destination and after Archer had the guards remain outside, they all took a seat.
Archer spoke up, "Before we begin, I had Lieutenant Sato join us in the hope we could set up the translators so you could speak in your native language. If it is all right with you, I would ask you to work with her for a short time."
Sseld showed his surprise, "I would be happy to accommodate the Lieutenant."
Hoshi told them the words to say in their language. In a remarkably short time, they were able to converse at a satisfactory level, only occasionally having to fall back on Romulan.
Captain Sseld began, "As I said Admiral, I have a message from his excellency, the King of Bovaria."
He hesitated and took a small breath. "He wishes me to explore the possibilities of the Royal Planet of Bovaria joining The Alliance. In return for aiding you in your fight, you would also agree to aid us in preserving our freedom from the Empire. That is, if either achieves their goals, they would promise to fight until the other sides goals are also met."
Archer was stunned. He knew the Bovarians were said to have over three hundred ships. If they would combine with the Alliance, it would greatly enhance their possibility of victory. But then he sadly realized that they could never promise the Bovarians what they wanted. They would have no way to project enough power to the other side of the Empire.
He finally managed to say, "I am honored to receive such a message. I admit I am not sure how to proceed. Such a decision would have to be made by the War Committee; a council made up of the leaders of the Alliance." He hesitated and then went on, "But, frankly, I cannot see a scenario where we could in good faith agree to such an alliance. We simply do not have the resources to project our power to enable us to stop the Romulans from attacking Bovaria. I am afraid our only help is what we are hopefully currently doing, stretching the resources of the Empire."
Captain Sseld felt his slim hopes disappear. When he had seen the status of the Allied fleet, he knew his task was hopeless, but he felt bound to carry out his mission.
Shran spoke up, "For what it is worth, I must agree with Admiral Archer; for us to give you any idea we could live up to our part of the bargain would be a lie."
Archer went on, "But if you do wish us to present it to the War Committee, we will do so. It is possible that may see it differently."
Sseld shook his head, "No, Admiral, we knew it was a long shot at best. I will convey your message to the King. He will be disappointed but I believe he will understand."
"He got up and the others rose with him. "I need to return to the fleet. Thank you for hearing me out."
"I am just sorry we couldn't help and you took such a long journey for nothing. We can only hope we can both find a way to prevail."
Sseld nodded and said, "I would not say it was for nothing, it was something we had to try." It was a quiet walk back to the airlock. When they reached their destination, Sseld turned to Archer, "It was an honor to meet you, Admiral, and you, General Shran."
"Goodbye, Captain, and Good luck."
When Sseld reported back to his Commander, his reaction was much the same as Sseld's. It had been a long shot, but something they needed to try. He said he would report back to the King. Then he had the unpleasant job of telling Sseld of the destruction of the Twelfth Fleet. There were also rumors of another attack on the Alliance. While the Bovarians were still holding their own, there was no doubt there was a long lonely battle ahead of them.
Captain John Stewart was glad he had decided to walk the last few blocks to his destination instead of taking a Shuttle all the way. He realized though he had been a little over confident to carry the board from the Mercy McBride in his right hand. Although after six months his prosthetic arm had become natural to him, he was feeling a strain in his shoulder. He switched it to his left arm three blocks from his destination. When he had called Jane McBride and told her he wondered if he could stop by, she had seemed excited by the idea. He just hoped he wouldn't bring back bad memories.
Arriving, he knocked on the door. When she opened it and greeted him with a big smile, he decided her picture had not done justice to her. She was a very pretty woman.
"Mrs. McBride, I am Captain John Stewart, I called you on the phone."
"Of course, Captain, I have been looking forward to your visit. Come in. But please, call me Jane."
"Thank you, Mrs.… Jane." He went in and was surprised to see the state of the room. There were PADDS and papers everywhere.
"I'm sorry, I must apologize for the mess. I run the Foundation out of my home. Here, we can sit on the couch, it's about the only clear spot in the room."
"The Foundation?"
"Yes, the Mercy McBride Foundation. I set it up to find a cure for Torrin Syndrome. I have spent my time getting some of the best minds in the world to work on it and have set up a group of people to handle fund raising, but now realize I should have acquired a much larger staff to handle the day to day operations. I am really getting overwhelmed."
She then said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hit you with my problems."
"That's fine, Ma'am, It sounds like a major undertaking."
"Jane, remember" She hesitated, "May I call you John?"
He smiled, "I would like that." Jane decided he had a nice smile. She hadn't quite been prepared for such a handsome man. She smirked to herself. Cool off, Jane, what would a man like him want with a plain old widowed woman like you. He is only here because of Mercy.
She continued, "May I get you anything?"
"No, I am fine."
He then picked up the board he had set on the floor. "When I talked to Admiral Archer about whether he would give this to you, he suggested I bring it to you myself."
He removed the paper and handed it to her. She saw the words Mercy McBride on it and already felt herself tearing up.
"It was on the Bridge of the ship. I tore it off when I was wounded."
She looked at him, "It's wonderful. I don't know how to thank you for bringing it all this way."
She went on, "Was it that wound the reason they sent you home?"
He held up his right arm, "They felt I needed a new arm. I told them I could have stayed in command with only one."
She looked at him amazed, if he hadn't told her, she doubted she would have realized it was not his real arm. Sensing what she was thinking, "They really do an amazing job. But it took some time for me to get used to it."
She decided she didn't want him to leave, "If you have any time, could you tell me about your ship? I was so surprised and proud when Admiral Gardner told me he was going to name a Starship after Mercy. To be honest, I was afraid whoever served on it would be a little embarrassed about being on a ship named after a young girl."
John was thrilled she seemed to want him to stay. He just felt comfortable being with her. "I'd be glad to. But believe me, when we heard her story, we were very proud to serve on a ship with her name. I just hope we lived up it."
He sat back and told her everything he could about the ship and its crew. He didn't mention the action that had caused him to be wounded because such details of the battle were still secret.
When he finally finished, he realized he still didn't want to leave her just yet. Taking a chance, he asked her, "Would you like to go somewhere and maybe have dinner with me? You can tell me about Mercy and the Foundation."
Jane was stunned and tried not to be too eager in her answer, "I'd love to. Just let me freshen up a little."
When she was ready, she said there was a restaurant nearby and they left, walking side by side.
