A/N Well, for the second time I have no reviewers to thank. These characters belong to Paramount.

Some parts of this chapter are close to an M rating for sexual content. Nothing too graphic.

Archer and T'Pol found their seats, noting the rest of the War Council were all present.

Archer began, "Good morning, everyone. Today's meeting is obviously to determine what should be done about the fact that a fleet of 300 ships is heading our way, with the Praetor himself in command. Even with the recent additions of ships we are badly outnumbered."

"As you know, the War Committee has recommended that we need to become a guerilla force, attempting to fight a war of attrition. Although I am reluctant to adopt a strategy that will mean a prolonged war, I am presenting it as a possible plan of action. It would be highly dangerous to attempt to take the fleet on directly."

He went on, "Ambassador Soval told me that he has information that could provide an alternate solution."

He turned to Soval, "Ambassador?"

Soval took out a PADD and laid it on the table in front of him. "This PADD contains the information gleaned from all possible intelligence sources. I enlisted the help of Captain T'Pol and Captain Torki in searching through this material. Apparently, there is a struggle going on in the Empire for power. Although it appears that the current Praetor has managed to retain control, there are still those who do not share his views. It seems there is a movement in the Empire that believes they should negotiate and put an end to the war in order to concentrate on preserving the Empire."

"We believe that this struggle is what has prompted the Praetor to take command personally of the fleet. All indications point to the fact that these ships are the key to who will ultimately hold the throne."

"Before we commit ourselves to a specific plan of dealing with the fleet, we should consider a plan to kill the Praetor. Some of our sources indicate that a certain Tribune Ruddick, who is the normal commander of this fleet, has his own political aspirations."

"Of course, it is possible we are reading too much into all this, but I believe enough evidence exists that it would be prudent to at least try this. If it fails, we can still fall back on other strategies."

Shran stared at him, "You are saying that if we could kill the Praetor, it is possible the fleet will just go home?"

"That is our belief."

Shran turned to Archer, "What do you think about this, Admiral?"

Archer sat up, "After Soval informed me about this possibility, I have discussed it at length with Captain T'Pol. Although I share your skepticism, I think it is worth a shot. Even if it does not have the desired effect, it would be of value to kill the Praetor. And as Soval has pointed out, we still can fall back on alternate plans."

Frag spoke up, "Assuming this is true, and I share General Shran's concerns, how would we go about killing him? Throw the entire fleet at one ship? We don't even know what ship he is on. And even if we did, our losses would leave us in a worse situation than we are now."

Archer answered, "Although I agree that a major hurdle is that we may not know where he is, there is a way of risking none of our ships."

Everyone except T'Pol stared at him. Finally, Shran found his voice, saying sarcastically, "This I have to hear, do you have another magic trick from the future?"

Archer smiled, "Actually I have." The others all began to talk at once as Shran just shook his head.

Archer went on, "This one however was originally given to the Suliban. We have a ship that can cloak."

When they had recovered, Frag spoke up, "Since Romulans also use cloaking, isn't it possible they have the means to detect this ship."

"I suppose it is possible, but as I stated the ship was designed in the future and thus uses technology that I believe is far different than anything the Romulans use. In fact, we have never been able to figure out how it does work, and thus have never been able to replicate it."

Shran now seriously, "So your plan is to fly right up to the Praetor's ship? What kind of weapons does it have?"

"Unfortunately, it is not armed. I was planning on using explosives. Although I am not sure if it could carry enough power to be able to destroy a Starship. It's not much larger than a normal shuttle."

Shran went on, "Since we actually seem to be considering this fantasy, there is an explosive the Imperial Guard has developed that would certainly do the job. However, it is very volatile and it would take all that the ship could hold. I do not believe you could attach it to the Praetor's ship without being detected."

Archer continued, "I have had to reluctantly come to the conclusion that we would have to use the ship itself to be the bomb and self-destruct it next to the ship. Would your explosive destroy the ship under those circumstances?"

"Without doubt. We do have a supply on Anter 7 which is about a week from here. As I say it Is very difficult to deal with and very few Andorians have been trained on its usage. Fortunately, one of them is serving on the Vernet, Commander Ronel."

Archer nodded, "We would also need a pilot." Frowning, "Lieutenant Mayweather has had experience with it."

Soval interjected, "Are we talking about a suicide mission?"

Archer, sadly, "I am afraid…"

T'Pol spoke for the first time, "Admiral, if I may, after we talked about this, I got together with Commander Tucker and we believe we have determined a way to spare the crew without endangering the mission. We could set up a timer to set off the explosive. Then after starting the timer, they could hit a button on a communication device that would alert the Transporter to automatically transport them out. The time could be set for as short a time as 30 seconds."

Shran considered that and said, "That's cutting it pretty close, but I agree we wouldn't want there to be any significant time that the craft is unmanned and allow something to happen that could affect the explosion."

Frag, who had been listening intently, "I do not want to be, as the humans say, a wet blanket, but I must point out that even if all this is possible, we do not know what ship the Praetor is on. And unless you have more future ships we don't know about; we will have only one try."

Archer looked at T'Pol who returned his gaze. "Ambassador Soval and Captain T'Pol have indicated they have a plan to accomplish that. From what I have heard of it, I am opposed to it, but agree it should be presented to the council."

T'Pol looked at him a little longer, than turned to the group. "Thank you, Admiral. Before I discuss the plan itself, I want to refer to the recent developments that have occurred due to work done by a scientific team created from the four planets. They have found a way to be able to detect a communication signal through the Romulan shields. They also believe we can fix on such a signal with a Transporter. We do not however, have the capability to scan through their shields."

Looking again at Archer, she turned back and continued, "When their fleet arrives and presumably drops out of warp, I will use an unarmed shuttle to travel to their fleet. I will inform them that I need to see the Praetor on vital business. If I do get to see him, I will tell him that the majority of the council wish to surrender to save further bloodshed, but the Admiral is standing in our way. If he agrees to our terms, I will assure him we will get him out of the way."

"Once I am on the ship with the Praetor, I will send a signal that will enable you to locate the ship. Then the Suliban ship will be sent to destroy it."

Everyone sat silently, a little stunned, then Shran broke the silence, "I admire your courage, but I am afraid this plan has so many holes in it, a Sartog could walk through them. For example, it is almost certain you will be scanned and searched. They will find your signaling device."

T'Pol answered, "When I worked for the Minister of Security, we made use of a communication device that scanners will not detect and is contained in an article of clothing."

"What article of clothing? They may have you change clothes."

T'Pol, blushing slightly, "That is true but it is hoped this would be one they would leave with me. It is a pair of panties."

Shran had to stifle a chuckle when he saw Archer glaring at him, "Well, we would hope they would do so." Then turning serious, "How about the signal itself? Won't they detect it?"

"It is sent on a very rare sequence of frequencies that are not usually monitored. It also changes frequencies constantly with a very short burst. We will have to modify our sensors to match this pattern to recognize the signal."

"If after I send the message, I discover the Praetor is leaving the ship, I will resend the message and the mission will be postponed until I signal again. Assuming I don't call it off, when the Suliban ship is in position, it will send a signal and then wait five minutes to allow time for me to be transported out."

Shran interrupted, "Since we agreed that we should keep the original timer down to 30 seconds, isn't it dangerous to give you five minutes?"

T'Pol answered, "The difference is that they are still on the ship and can set off the explosion immediately if something happens. However, if the time bothers you, we can certainly shorten it."

Archer broke in, "I think we can afford the five. I still have a problem with this idea. First of all, why must you be the one to do it? As a member of this Council, you are vital to this mission."

T'Pol gave Archer an accusing glare, warning him not to let his personal feelings interfere, "I am not selecting myself because I am noble and I have no ego to protect. I believe I am the one best suited for this task. First of all, I am Vulcan and thus it would make sense that I am doing it because it is the logical thing to do. The fact that I am Vulcan also makes me more able to resist persuasions they may use instead of allowing me to see the Praetor. There is also a belief among some species that Vulcans do not lie."

Ignoring Shran rolling his eyes, "Secondly, I am a woman and at least to some species, reasonably attractive." This time Shran smiled broadly and as she noticed it appeared Archer wanted to say something, she hurried on, "We know that the Praetor is a womanizer and thus it may aid in him wanting to see me as well as perhaps enabling me to keep his attention."

Trying to ignore the look on Archer's face, "Lastly, the fact that I am a member of this Council gives me more credibility and makes it more likely they will keep me alive."

With Archer struggling to hold his tongue, Soval commented, "Although I sense it may be difficult for all these events to work, unless someone can propose another plan, I suggest we move forward. We have just over a month before the Fleet arrives and we have a lot of work to do. We can continue to assess the idea and also continue to try to find another solution."

Frag added, "I agree. Captain T'Pol has made a convincing case that she is the one to perform this mission. I believe it has a possibility to succeed."

Shran leaned forward, "I also vote yes, though I hate to put such valuable personnel in danger. Individuals that are also my friends"

Archer, resignedly, "I still cannot believe there is not an alternative, but I agree we need to move forward while we look at alternatives."

He turned to Shran, "You and I should talk to Travis and Ronel."

Shran noddded, "I agree."

Archer went on, "T'Pol, you get with Trip and start working on the sensors and the Transporters." He then hesitated for a moment, "I just thought of something, both T'Pol and the others will be using the same Transporter in a tight time frame. I think we should bring Travis and Ronel back to the Transporter on Columbia instead."

"That is logical, Admiral. Commander Tucker and I will begin immediately."

In the next few weeks, work proceeded on the plan. At the same time, an alternate plan of pursuing guerilla warfare was prepared in case the original plan failed to kill the Praetor or the fleet attacked anyway.

Even as steady progress was made on the plan to kill the Praetor, three individuals were very concerned about what is happening.

When Trip is brought up to speed by T'Pol, his concern for her well-being returns with a rush. Remembering her reaction the last time he attempted to prevent her from doing something dangerous, he went to the Admiral instead. He found that Archer more than shared his concerns, but had already been reminded by T'Pol of his promise that they would not let their personal feelings interfere with their professional lives; that she was logically the person for the job, and he could not let his love for her prevent him from making the correct command decision.

Hoshi was waiting in their quarters when Travis returned from his meeting with the Admiral and Shran. She was not sure why, but she had been nervous ever since they summoned him.

Trying to keep her voice light, "What did the Admiral and Shran want?"

Her apprehension rose when she saw Travis's reaction. She could tell it was not something she wanted to hear.

"I have been picked for an important mission. It is possible it could decide the course of the war."

Hoshi is stunned, what did they want him to do?

When Travis explained it to her, she had to fight not to show how it affected her. She knew she needed to be strong, that Jonathan would never put Travis in such danger unless he was the right man for the job. But as a wife, she wondered if someone else could handle it.

She was tempted to talk to the Admiral but reluctantly realized that Travis would never forgive her for trying to remove him from such a vital mission. In the end, she just reached out and held him to her.

The Praetor was in his quarters when the word came that they were in scanner range of the Alliance Fleet. He made his way to the bridge.

"Put me through to Tribune Ruddick."

When Ruddick's image appeared on the screen, "Report."

"The Alliance Fleet is waiting for us. We will reach them in approximately four hours."

"Excellent. We will drop out of warp and you will attempt to contact them and order them to surrender. Tell them their lives will be spared if they also surrender the members of the War Council. I doubt if they will confront us directly. If they do break up and go to warp, the fleet will concentrate on Enterprise."

"Understood."

As the Romulan fleet approached, T'Pol and Archer were in the Shuttle bay, standing next to Shuttle One.

Archer spoke first, "Well, this is it. I know you were not pleased with me appearing to allow my emotions to interfere with my responsibilities. But I need to tell you that I love you and need you to return to me."

She reached out and touched his arm, "I love you as well."

Then, not caring who was watching, Archer took her in his arms and kissed her.

As soon as the Romulan Fleet came out of warp, an unarmed shuttle moved away from the Allied Fleet. As it neared the Romulans it was scanned determining it was apparently unarmed and contained one Vulcan life sign. It was hailed from the Romulan ship Vancar.

"This is the Romulan ship Vancar, Identify yourself."

"I am Captain T'Pol of the Starship Enterprise; I have vital information for the Praetor. It is imperative that I meet with him at once."

Captain Salcar of the Vancar was stunned by the reply. What was T'Pol, a member of the War Council doing alone in a shuttle, endangering her life.

Deciding to err on the side of caution he ordered T'Pol to stay where she was. He then told his communications officer to contact the Praetor.

Vandor was on the bridge when the message came through. He was stunned. Captain T'Pol? He suddenly realized his obsession with her had never left him. But he needed to be careful. Perhaps she was on a suicide mission.

He answered back, "Beam her aboard your ship, then destroy the Shuttle. Keep her in the Reman section and have her searched thoroughly. I don't want her mistreated. Treat her with dignity and be sure she is searched by a woman. Let me know when the search is completed."

T'Pol felt herself dematerialize and arrived in a transporter room.

Meanwhile, aboard Enterprise, Archer's heart stopped when he saw the shuttle destroyed. Ensign Hansen quickly assured him T'Pol was no longer on board.

Taking a breath, "Well, now I guess we just wait."

Two Remans armed with disruptors ordered T'Pol to walk with them. She was taken down a hall to what appeared to be a room similar to sickbay. The guards ushered into the room then took up posts outside.

A Reman woman approached her, "I am Doctor Knat, my orders are to search you. She motioned her over by one of the beds and told her, "Please remove all your clothing."

As T'Pol stripped, Knat took each article of clothing and scanned it before she laid it down. T'Pol held her breath when she took her panties, but the scanner apparently didn't discover anything.

The Reman then scanned every inch of her body. Although it could have seemed intrusive, Knat acted professionally at all times. When she was done, she told T'Pol she could get dressed.

When she was dressed, Knat signaled for the two guards and they escorted her out the door and down the hall to another room that contained a desk and a couple chairs. Placing her in one of the chairs, the guards stood by the door.

It wasn't long before a uniformed Reman entered and sat behind the desk.

"Captain T'Pol, is it?"

T'Pol nodded.

"My name is Commander Trak, I understand you have information for the Praetor?" When T'Pol nodded again, he went on, "The Praetor has asked that the information be given to me and I will see that he gets it."

"Thank you, but I will only discuss this with the Praetor personally."

Inwardly, Trak was seething, if it was up to him, he would teach this arrogant Vulcan a lesson. Who did she think she was, arriving unarmed, expecting to be taken to the Praetor? But he had specific orders, to try to get some information from her if possible, but treat her with respect.

"You can understand our wondering what could be so important as to bring you here alone. Could you at least give me an idea of what your information is about?"

"You have my word that it is something that will be of great interest to the Praetor. Information that could enable him to have an immediate effect on the future of the war. That is all I have to say."

Trak continued to try to get more out of her, but it was apparent she had meant what she said.

Resignedly, he gave up and told her to wait there. He then contacted Captain Salcar.

Salcar communicated with the Praetor who told him to have her transported to his ship.

When T'Pol rematerialized, she wondered if she was on the Praetor's ship. She decided she needed more proof before she sent the signal.

Expecting to be met by a Reman, even her Vulcan control could not contain her amazement when she saw a man approaching. Now she felt she knew why the Romulans wanted their identities to be kept secret and what had happened to those that had been forced from Vulcan.

The Romulan soldier had to smirk as he saw the look on the Vulcan's face. Removing a hand disruptor from his holster, he came up to T'Pol.

Recovering her equilibrium, T'Pol stepped out of the chamber.

Motioning with the gun, "This way, the Praetor's waiting."

Deciding she would take a chance this was his ship; she slid a hand in her pocked and used her fingers to enter a code onto the panties through the cloth of the pocket.

Aboard Enterprise, it was nearing the end of Alpha shift, but no one was moving. Suddenly, Hoshi exclaimed excitedly, "It's T'Pol, I have a signal!"

Archer jumped up, "Lock in on the coordinates and send them to Travis."

Hoshi quickly worked her console, "I have them, Sir." Then she turned to him, "May I deliver them, Admiral?"

Archer's face softened, "All right, but make it quick."

Hoshi said, "Thank you, Sir," as she rushed out the door.

When she arrived in the Cargo bay, she quickly gave the PADD containing the coordinates to Ronel and moved up to Travis. "Take care. Come back to me." She then gave him a passionate kiss as Ronel smiled behind him. She stepped back and said, "I love you."

Travis smiled and answered, "I love you, too."

Ronel, already in the craft, called out, "Okay that's enough, we have a mission to complete," but his smile belied the words.

Travis quickly turned and took his place. He preceded to cloak the vessel and when Hoshi had left, opened the doors of the bay and the Suliban Ship began its journey.

Vandor sat on a couch in his quarters, waiting impatiently. When the knock came, he quickly told them to enter. T'Pol came in first with the Guard holding the gun behind her.

Vandor took a breath, she was even more beautiful in person. He let his eyes wander over her, "Ah, here she is." Gesturing for her to sit in a chair across from him, he took the gun from the Guard and dismissed him. T'Pol set elegantly in the chair and crossed her legs.

She spoke first, "I do not believe the weapon will be necessary. I have come to discuss some important matters with you."

Vandor smiled, "Why don't I keep it just in case; we are well aware of your former service in the Minister of Security and your martial abilities."

"You flatter me, that was some time ago."

"In any case, there was no exaggeration as to your beauty, you are quite stunning."

T'Pol inclined her head but showed no other reaction.

He went on, "Well, down to business. What possible reason do you have to desert your post and betray the Alliance?"

"Rather than betray them, I believe I am trying to save them from taking a highly illogical, suicidal action."

"I am listening."

"I believe that Admiral Archer is proposing an action that will cost thousands of unnecessary deaths."

"From what I have seen, he has proven to be an extraordinary adversary. His victories and ability to avoid death are well known."

"Yes, he has managed to survive up to this time, but I am afraid he is beginning to believe all the praise he has received. It should be readily apparent to him that we have no hope against the force you have brought against us. The logical choice is to end the war with no further bloodshed."

"Ah yes, Vulcan logic. What do the others think?"

"They feel as I do. But they will never go against the Admiral. The faith they have in the man to do the impossible is remarkable."

"So, what do you propose?"

"I have arranged for Admiral Archer to be assassinated. Once I have your word that you will allow the fleet to surrender, I will tell you how to send the message that will have them take action."

The Praetor stared at her, "You would help us kill Jonathan Archer? You have served with him for many years, you even followed him into the expanse."

"I do not do so without regret. I admire him greatly. But it has become apparent that he will never surrender. I must do what is necessary for the common good. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one."

"What of you? Did you expect to live?"

"I knew of course of your obsession with secrecy. I knew I was undoubtedly going to my death. Although, now that I know you are apparently some relative of Vulcans, I have some hope I can be of some future use to you."

Leering at her, "Yes, I definitely believe you could be of use. I do still have a question though. What did you tell Archer you were doing? You could not hope to leave undetected."

T'Pol leaned forward and looked into his eyes, "I told him I would make up a story to get close to you, seduce you, and then kill you."

Vandor stared for a moment and then burst into laughter, "You really are quite amazing. Now how am I to know which story is the truth?" After a moment, "You are very different than any Vulcan I know of."

"You may believe whatever story you wish, but it would be illogical for me to warn you what I planned to do. As far as being different, you must remember I have lived among humans for a long period of time."

They both turned when there was a knock on the door. When told to enter the Guard came in and whispered something to the Praetor. He nodded and told the Guard to wait outside.

"Well, I must admit, I do not know what to think. I am still not sure I trust anything you are saying."

He started to get to his feet, "In any case, it will have to wait, I have a meeting to attend on another ship. I am afraid you will have to wait in the brig."

T'Pol realized she had to think fast. She didn't want to send the signal now. The Suliban ship had to be getting close. She began to roam her hands down her sides over her thighs.

"Are you sure you need to leave? When I first came aboard Enterprise, one thing that amazed and bothered me was how the humans looked at me. They would not even try to hide that they were looking over my body, indicating sexual interest. I also discovered their fascination with my breasts."

She moved her hands up and placed them under her breasts, lifting them. "After a while, I no longer minded their looks and finally decided I would like to be part of the experience."

Vandor stared at her, his eyes darkening, "You had sex with humans?"

"Yes, it was… pleasurable. The only problem was that they could not dominate me as a male Vulcan would because I am stronger than they are. My fantasy became to find a being with the strength of a Vulcan that would be as emotional as a human." She looked up at him, "I believe I have found such a being."

Vandor, still staring, "You mean, a Romulan?"

"Exactly." She stretched sensuously, "Are you sure you need to leave? I would like to prove to you I can be of use to you."

"Tempting, but we both know, it would give you the opportunity to kill me."

Seductively, "You could always restrain me. I have found it can add to my excitement."

Vandor reached out to caress her face as she leaned into it. He then moved down and caressed a breast.

Breathing a little heavy, "Perhaps you are right, I should see if you can be of use to the Empire. They can have the meeting without me."

"Guard!" When he entered, "Go to the infirmary and bring back some restraints. And tell the others I have other business."

"Restraints?"

"You heard me. And be quick about it."

Smirking at T'Pol, "Of course, at once."

T'Pol looked at him, "How about you, Praetor, what part of a woman's body are you especially attracted to?"

Smiling, "I agree with the humans, your breasts are quite impressive. But I also like a woman's ass."

T'Pol rose and turned her back to him, "Do you find favor with mine?"

Carefully reaching out and keeping the gun out of reach, he gently squeezed it, "Yes, I find it quite exquisite."

The Guard knocked and is admitted. The Praetor gestured toward the bedroom, "Tie her hands to the bed in there."

With the Guard leading the way and Vandor following with the gun, T'Pol was led into the bedroom and soon found herself tied to the bed.

Vandor turned to the guard, "Leave us." The guard did so, but not without leering down at her.

Vandor laid down the gun and stood over her. "Well, now let's see if the goods live up to the packaging."

He leaned over and began to unbutton her uniform top. T'Pol, hiding her disgust, "Slowly, the humans have taught me the virtue of patience. It makes the ending so much more passionate."

He finished unbuttoning her top but cannot slip if off because of the restraints. He took out his knife and began to cut it away. As it came off her bra is revealed with her breasts overflowing it. He then reached under her and slowly undid her bra. As it came free, he gawked at her breasts and slowly rubbed her nipple between his forefinger and thumb as T'Pol forced herself to moan and pushed her breast up against his hand.

She called out, hoping to keep him from going further for a time, "Yes, please touch me more, your hands excite me so." But to her chagrin he soon removed his hands.

"All in good time, but now I want to see the rest." He grabbed the top of her uniform pants and pulled them down revealing her panties. Then he proceeded to pull her panties off and tossed them on the floor. T'Pol eyes followed the arc of the panties in the air. She wondered what Jonathan would think when her panties are transported back without her.

Thinking fast, "There is one more thing I learned from the humans that adds greatly to my excitement and is quite agreeable to the male also."

"You talk too much. I think you are ready now."

"If you wish, but if you do believe that, this will be of interest to you. In addition to restraining me, the humans also wished to prevent me from talking. This also mutes the moans and screams and increases the feeling of domination by the male and humiliation of the female. The humiliation is accentuated by using the woman's own panties to silence her."

"Your panties!" Shaking his head, "I look forward to meeting these Humans, they seem to be an interesting species." Shrugging, "Why not?" He picked up the panties and stuffed them in her mouth. T'Pol mumbled as she tried to speak. He smiled, "I can see why that is appealing."

"And now, if you have no more objections," he laughed when she tried to speak, "I think we will proceed."

He stepped to the end of the bed and began to remove his clothes.

Travis turned to Ronel, "We have reached the coordinates, is everything ready?"

"Yes, you can send the signal to bring Captain T'Pol to safety."

Travis pushed a button on the communicator.

"There, now we'll give them their five minutes. Is the timer set?"

"I am not going to use the timer." Travis stared at him increduously. "I will not risk Andoria's future to a mechanical device. After you leave, I will set the charge off manually."

"There is no need for that…" Seeing the determined look on Ronel's face, "All right, but if something really goes wrong, you may need my help. We're in this together."

Ronel shrugged, "If you wish. How much time is left?"

Travis looked at his watch, "About three minutes."

"It has been an honor to work with you, Lieutenant. Perhaps I have underestimated humans."

He pointed toward a bag, "Hand me that bag."

As Travis turned, Ronel gave him a chop on the neck, knocking him out. As he lifted him and put him in a chair, "You surprise me human, but there is no need for you to die. You have done your job and now it is time for me to do mine. Besides," taking a bottle from his tunic, he takes out a knife and cuts his arm, letting his blood flow into the bottle, "You must take this back so my blood can be spread on the Wall of Warriors."

He placed the bottle in Travis's pocket and the communicator on his chest. Checking his watch, he reached down and pushed the button. Travis immediately transported out. Turning back to a switch on the explosives, he placed his hand on it, "For Andoria and my Queen." He flipped the switch.

Vandor, now naked, climbed onto the bed. "I admit I have thought of this moment since I was first shown your picture. I must warn you it is likely to become very physical."

At that moment, T'Pol vanished.

Vandor screamed in frustration, "You bitch! You'll pay for this! I'll destroy every damn ship in your miserable fleet." He paced his quarters, swinging his arms, "I'll make it so everyone will curse your name."

He headed toward the door but then suddenly remembered he was naked. Picking up his clothes and starting to dress, he managed to regain control of himself. His face is now marked with a cruel smile. "You better hope, my lovely, I never get my hands on you again."

He again headed for the door, calling for the guard when the ship was rocked by a huge explosion and the ceiling beams fell on him crushing him under them. Lying on the floor, feeling his life ebb away, coming face to face with his destiny; his last thought was, 'How?'

Hoshi watched, as not for the first time, Archer got up from his chair and paced around the bridge. She understood how he felt. The Suliban ship should have reached its destination by now. It was deeply frustrating to have to just wait and not be able to do anything. The view screen showed the Romulan fleet spread out before them.

Suddenly, a huge explosion occurred on the screen, as a Romulan ship was destroyed.

Archer turned to Hoshi, "They did it! By God, they got it done." Then he turned back to his chair, "But what about our people?"

Hitting a button on his chair, "This is Admiral Archer, do we have Captain T'Pol?"

In the Transporter room, Ensign Manual Santos was working the controls as two male MACO's stood by with phasers drawn.

Their eyes widened in shock as T'Pol materialized on the pad, completely naked, with her panties in her mouth. All of them just stared, their mouths agape. T'Pol calmly got to her feet, turned her back, took her panties from her mouth and put them on; then covering her breasts with one arm, she addressed one of the MACOs.

"Ensign Warner, would you please hand me an EV suit from the locker?"

Warner snapped out of his trance and turned his head away stammering, "Yes, Sir, at once, Sir."

The others also turned away, embarrassed at their actions. Just then, Archer's voice came over the intercom. Still covering her breasts with one arm, she announced, "I will get that."

Hitting the button, "T'Pol here, Admiral."

Archer, obviously relieved, "Thank God, are you alright?"

"I am fine, Admiral."

"Good, get up here as soon as you can, we're still waiting for a reaction."

"Understood, on my way."

Turning, she took the EV suit from Warner, who handed it back with his eyes averted. She quickly put it on, saying, "You may look now."

Everyone turned back, still acting a little embarrassed, not looking directly at her.

T'Pol continued, "Thank you for your assistance." Looking directly at them, she said pointedly, "I would appreciate it if what occurred her would go no further."

Warner raised his eyes to meet hers, "Of course, Captain." Looking at the others, "We have forgotten it already." The others nodded in agreement.

Heading for the door, "Thank you."

After she left, they all shook their heads. Santos smiled broadly, "I may have officially forgot it, but I will never forget it!" The others nodded and smiled back as they went back to work.

After talking to T'Pol, Archer contacted Columbia and discovered that they had only retrieved Travis. He was unconscious but appeared just to be knocked out. They had taken him to Sickbay. They would let him know as soon as Travis awoke, to see what happened with Commander Ronel.

Archer contacted Shran to let him know what the situation was. He then turned to Hoshi. "I know you want to go to him, but it sounds like he is going to be all right and I need you here."

Hoshi nodded, "It's all right, Sir, he's in good hands." She hesitated, "Could I at least talk to him when he wakes up?"

Archer smiled, "Depending on the situation, that should be okay."

"Thank you, Sir."

Archer looked back at the view screen, wondering what was going on aboard the Romulan ships.