A/N Thanks so much to Mojo01 for the review. They make my day. Say, you guys do know you can have more than one person give a review per chapter, right? :) These characters are still the property of Paramount, I am just borrowing them.
Tribune Ruddick sat in his chair, wondering what in the Elements was going on. His communication officer Crewman Balok was struggling to handle a barrage of messages from various ships.
When he finally managed to isolate one, he played it for Ruddick.
In an excited voice, "This is Captain Tukal. The Praetor's ship has been destroyed! All of a sudden there was a giant explosion. We are scanning, but cannot find any survivors. The Praetor is dead!"
Ruddick struggled to maintain his control. He signaled to Balok to let the others through. They were basically all the same.
Telling him to cut them off, he had him contact Captain Tukal, whose ship had been closest to the Praetor's.
"Tukal, this is Ruddick. Do we have any idea how this occurred?"
"Not yet, Tribune. I have shuttles out inspecting the debris to see if they can learn anything. All I know now is that I am sure it was not a self-destruct."
"Was there any indication that they were experiencing any problems."
"No, Sir."
"All right, keep me informed."
Ruddick continued to monitor the situation. He was carefully monitoring the Alliance Fleet as well but they were making no moves.
Then, suddenly, the Alliance Fleet went to warp, going off in several directions. He was tempted to follow but felt he needed to find out what had happened first. Was this some new weapon, some new trick Archer had up his sleeve?"
Not too long after the Alliance Fleet fled, Tukal contacted him.
"We have finished our investigation for now. We were able to eliminate that anything happened to the warp engines." He hesitated, "We did find debris that must have come from a different ship. It appears that ship exploded causing the destruction of the Praetor's ship."
Ruddick was stunned, "How could another ship get that close? How could it avoid detection?"
"That is the question, Tribune, but there is no doubt there was another ship. Perhaps some type of cloaking?"
Not answering, Ruddick told him thanks for his efforts and told him he would get back to him.
Telling his Communication Officer to contact him immediately if anything at all happened, he went to his ready room. He then contacted his second in command Captain Morat and had her join him.
When she was seated, he told her all that he knew and what Tukal had said.
She thought for some time, "Is it possible they do have the ability to cloak? We have not seen any previous evidence of this. You would think they would have utilized it during the last battle."
"It may be this was a prototype. It may be the only ship they have capable of it."
She thought a bit more and said, "Do we have any idea how they knew which ship to attack?"
"No, and that is another mystery and another cause for concern." He shook his head ruefully, "This Alliance seems full of surprises. Who knows what other secrets they possess?"
She hesitated and then said a little hesitantly, "What are you going to do?"
Ruddick had been thinking that very thought since he had heard the news. He knew he should be interested in revenge, not only for the Praetor, but for Venter. But another thought had been striving for his attention. What would happen on Romulus when they heard the news? What would happen while he was out chasing the Alliance? Everything seemed to point to a long struggle. What would they gain in the end? Was this war worth it? The war had been the brainchild of the Praetor, but he was gone now. There was already a lot of support on Romulus to end the war.
Marot watched him, wondering what he was thinking. She was a loyal soldier and would follow wherever Ruddick led, but she had wondered about this mission. The situation in the Empire was deteriorating and she felt this fleet was desperately needed at home. She also wondered who would now be Praetor. She was afraid there would be a struggle for power now that the Praetor was dead.
At first Ruddick rejected the thoughts that were entering his mind. He was a soldier; his duty was to follow orders. He needed to carry out the mission he was given. But he was also a citizen of the Empire, sworn to do what was best for it. The Empire needed a strong leader more than ever before.
He finally faced his thoughts honestly. He realized he believed he was that leader. This fleet was needed to restore order, to do what was best for the Empire. As long as the Praetor was alive, he would support him, but he was dead. Now he must follow his own destiny.
He turned to Marot, "What do you think we should do? Should we continue our mission or return to Romulus?"
Marot sensed he was looking for something. She decided to take a chance. "You know, Sir, I would follow you wherever you lead, but since you have sought my advice, I believe we should return to Romulus. We are needed there."
Ruddick nodded. He wondered if he should go further. He decided he trusted Marot and he would need her help. "Captain, I need your honest opinion and your discretion. What would you think if I were considering seeking to become the new Praetor?"
Marot was stunned but controlled herself. She suddenly realized that she was not as shocked as she should be. Perhaps she had considered that herself.
She looked directly at him, "I believe you are the man Romulus needs. I will back you with my life."
Ruddick smiled. He realized he had already made his decision but her support solidified it.
He got to his feet and with Marot trailing behind, went out to the Bridge. Sitting down in his chair with Marot standing by his side, "Balok, put me in contact with all ships of the fleet."
When he had finished, Balok turned to him, the line is open, Tribune."
Taking a deep breath, Ruddick began, "This is Tribune Ruddick. I regret to inform you that the Praetor is dead. His ship has been destroyed. This mission is cancelled and we will be returning to Romulus. During the journey, no one will contact Romulus. I repeat, no one will contact Romulus unless I authorize it. We will begin our return journey in two hours. You will be sent our course. I expect everyone to do their duty."
Solon and Tabrina were sitting in the Praetor's office, discussing the latest reports on events in the Empire. For the most part, their role as stand-in for the Praetor had been accepted. But it was also true that nothing had changed. The Empire was still under attack, but was managing to maintain the status quo. The voices for seeking peace with the Alliance had been stilled for the time being, waiting for news from the Fleet.
For themselves, Tabrina and Solon had gotten closer and worked well together.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. One of the guards entered with the head of the Communications Center following behind, "Commander Torbin says he has some important information for you."
Solon nodded, "Come in Commander, have a seat."
"When I heard, I came at once. I thought you would want to know."
"What is it?"
"Long range sensors have picked up ships approaching." He hesitated, "It is the Praetor's Fleet."
As Solon and Tabrina exchanged a glance, Solon spoke up, "Have we received any communications from them?"
"No sir, not a word."
"Have you tried to contact them?"
"Yes, but received no answer."
Solon continued, "Thank you, Commander. We will get back to you if we need anything further."
After he left, they both said quietly for a time. Then Solon accessed the long-range scanners. After they looked at them for a time, Solon broke the silence. "There is something strange going on, I do not like this."
"I agree, I do not see how they could defeat them this fast. Besides, I did not see any damage to any ships."
"Perhaps the Alliance surrendered without a fight?"
"I suppose that is possible, but I from what I know of Admiral Archer, that does not seem likely. And why have we not heard from them and why didn't they answer our hail?"
Solon seemed deep in thought, eventually he said, "It is possible that there is a logical explanation, but I have a bad feeling about this. I cannot imagine Vandor giving up. For now, however, I see nothing but to do but wait."
A few hours later, the Fleet had finally answered them, but Ruddick said the Praetor had told him to tell them he would explain everything when they arrived.
After signing off from Solon and Tabrina, Ruddick contacted Gregor, instructing him to talk with him alone.
Ruddick knew he was taking a gamble but needed to know where Gregor stood. After Gregor noted he was alone, Ruddick began, "Tribune, I have some important information for you. After you hear it, you will have a difficult decision to make."
When Gregor remained silent, he went on, "We have returned because the Praetor is dead. He was killed by the Alliance."
Gregor was stunned. Then he began to wonder if he was getting the truth. After all, the Fleet looked largely intact, how did it happen the Praetor was killed. He began to wonder if Ruddick had something to do with it.
Sensing what he was thinking, Ruddick went on, "I know it may be hard to believe, but somehow they were able to select just his ship for destruction. We just know that it was another ship that exploded next to it, but how that was accomplished we do not know. You just need to believe me."
Gregor finally answered, "Suppose I do, why have you returned? Did you engage the Alliance?"
Ruddick knew this was the big moment of how well his plans were likely to go. If Gregor decided to oppose him, it could get ugly. "I have decided that since the Praetor is dead, we need to look strongly at seeking peace with the Alliance. You are well aware of the situation with the Empire. It was the Praetor that was obsessed with this war. Now that he is dead, we need to reevaluate the situation."
Ruddick hesitated, then went on, "I intend to petition the Senate to name me the new Praetor. I hope I can either count on your support or you staying out of it."
Gregor supposed he should be shocked, but realized he had known this was a possibility when he was informed the fleet was returning. That didn't help him make a decision. He felt loyalty to the previous Praetor and to Solon and Tabrina, but he also knew it was doubtful he could affect the outcome. He was badly outnumbered. A battle between the two fleets could be disastrous for the Empire. It was also true that he himself had come to believe a cessation to hostilities would be good for the Empire. He finally answered back, "How about Solon and Tabrina?"
Ruddick knew this would be a sore point. He doubted strongly that they would go along or give up power voluntarily, especially with their opposition to a peace treaty. He had already decided they needed to go. But he also knew Gregor felt a sense of loyalty to them.
"I hope they will understand how the situation has changed. If they wish to petition the Senate themselves, that is their prerogative." That was a blatant lie, but Ruddick hoped by the time Gregor realized that it would be over.
Gregor smiled to himself. He knew that was a smoke screen. He knew Ruddick couldn't allow them to live if they resisted and he was pretty sure that was what they would do. But he had to admit he had asked the question knowing what the situation was. In the end, nothing was changed, it would do nothing but harm for him to oppose Ruddick.
"All right Ruddick, I will not oppose you. But I implore you to spare their lives."
Ruddick was elated as he knew he was safe from Gregor doing anything, he was just trying to save a little face. "If it is possible, I will try to spare them."
Solon was getting increasingly suspicious. Nothing was making sense. He could not think of any reason Vandor would act this way. As much as he didn't want to think about it, he began to suspect that Vandor was dead. If so, he and Tabrina were in danger.
It also meant that Ruddick was the one who had betrayed them. If he was right, Ruddick had not gone after the Alliance because he intended to use the fleet to seize power.
Since there was a possibility that there was a logical explanation for what was going on, he did need to remain in the Palace as Praetor. But there was no reason for both of them to be there.
It took some time, but he finally convinced Tabrina to go somewhere where she could not easily be found. Through the years, he had set up various places where he planned to go if he needed to get away. He sent her to one of them with one of his men.
With Gregor out of the way, Ruddick contacted the Senate. As expected, they were willing to go along, especially when he told them he had changed his mind on the war.
When the attack did come, Solon was helpless against it. Ruddick teleported his men into the Palace and like Vandor before him, slaughtered those who defended it, using overwhelming forces armed with disruptors. Unfortunately for him the Praetor's office was protected against such an invasion and when they entered it, Solon was nowhere to be found.
When T'Pol arrived at the Bridge, it took all of Jonathan's willpower to not rush over and embrace her. He did catch her eye and realized she felt the same. He settled for, "Welcome back, Captain, congratulations on a job well done."
"Thank you, Admiral. What is the status of Lieutenant Mayweather and Commander Ronel?"
"Travis returned unconscious alone. He appears to be all right. We are waiting until he can tell us what happened."
T'Pol was surprised but remained stoic. "Have the Romulans taken any action?"
"No, but I am sure there is a lot of talking going on."
Just then Hoshi received a communication. Turning to the Captain, she said, "They are teleporting Travis back to Enterprise."
Archer remembered that he told her she could talk to him but decided he could get along without her. "Why don't you head down there and see how he is doing and let me know his condition?"
Hoshi smiled and said gratefully, "Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir." She quickly headed out the door.
When she reached Sickbay, she saw Travis sitting on a bio bed talking to Phlox. She rushed across the room and as he saw her and got off the bed to meet her, she embraced him, pushing her body against his as they exchanged a passionate kiss with Phlox happily smiling.
Then, a little embarrassed she stepped back, suddenly realizing Travis might not have been ready for that. Looking at Phlox she said, "Sorry. Is he all right?"
He's fine, Lieutenant." He smiled, "I believe that is exactly what he needed."
Hoshi reached out and took Travis's hand, "Doctor, could you contact the Captain and appraise him of Travis's condition?"
"Of course." Crossing to access a wall communicator, "Phlox for Admiral Archer."
"This is Archer, what is it, Doctor."
"Lieutenant Sato asked me to inform you that Lieutenant Mayweather has recovered and is ready for duty."
"That's great news. Have them return to the Bridge."
"Understood, Admiral."
He turned to find that they were already heading out the door.
When they reached the Bridge, Travis replaced Ensign Tower while Hoshi took her seat.
Archer smiled, "Welcome back, Lieutenant, and my compliments on the success of your mission."
"Thank you, Sir."
"And Travis, when we have some time, we need to meet with General Shran to discuss what happened with Commander Ronel."
"Understood, Sir."
Hoshi turned, "I am receiving messages from the members of the War Council."
"Put them on the screen."
Shran spoke first, "It's been some time, Admiral. Before they figure out what to do, I think we should get out of here."
"How about the rest of you? Do you agree?"
When they agreed, Archer said, "I think you're right. Employ Plan B. Go to warp whenever your fleets are ready."
After they signed off, Archer continued, "Hoshi, contact the Earth Fleet and let them know. Tell them we'll be going to Warp in fifteen minutes."
The Alliance fleet went off in several directions. When they were at remote sensor range, they monitored the Romulans. To their satisfaction, the fleet didn't pursue them and sometime later, they were stunned to see the Romulans turn about and head back the way they came.
Natalie really didn't need help but she was grateful for it. Trip's parents had just left after staying a week. It had been especially good for Charlie as they had taken him on trips to the zoo, museums, etc. They and Natalie had also helped take each other's minds off all the rumors flying about. They ranged from the war could soon be over to the imminent destruction of the fleet and everything in between. It didn't help she hadn't heard from Trip for some time.
Although she hadn't expected anything else, she was gratified to note that no one had judged her and all were excited about the baby. At first, she had hoped Trip could somehow be home for the birth but that seemed highly unlikely now.
Jane McBride managed not to wake John as she climbed out of bed and put on a robe. She still found it difficult to believe how quickly things had progressed between them. It seemed just yesterday that they had met and they were now engaged and living together. Sometimes she wondered if things were moving too fast but then she thought how much she loved him. She did often feel a little guilty that her happiness grew out of Mercy's death, but she knew she would be happy for her.
Thinking of Mercy reminded her of the upcoming meeting with the Foundation team. She hoped they had some good news. If so, John was one of the reasons. He had been a godsend in helping her with all that was involved
As she started to get ready to fix breakfast, she turned on the TV. She frowned when she realized it was just another pundit giving his opinion on the state of the war.
Just then John came up behind her and putting his arms on her shoulders, turned her around and kissed her. "Good Morning, Beautiful."
She leaned into him, "Good Morning."
He noticed the TV and after listening for a moment, snorted, "Can't they find someone who has any idea what they are talking about?"
Jane knew that as much as he loved being with her, it bothered him that he was not still aboard his ship. He had hoped that with his new arm, he would be able to return, but had been turned down.
As the Earth Fleet headed for the rendezvous to join up with the rest of the fleets, T'Pol informed Archer she needed to talk to him. As they headed for the Ready Room, she saw Hoshi give her a knowing smile. T'Pol knew she should be bothered at what Hoshi was thinking, but realized these were her friends. That realization caused her to smile to herself.
When they had closed the door, Jonathan took her in his arms. She quickly responded crushing his lips to hers. They stayed that way for a time, relishing being together again.
When they broke apart, Jon said, "I am so proud of you, but I am glad to have you back safe."
"Thank you, Jonathan, I missed you as well."
Then she grew serious, "There is something important I need to discuss with you, Admiral."
Gesturing for her to sit down, he sat down behind his desk, "What is it?"
Now that she was here, T'Pol wondered if she was doing the right thing. Perhaps she should talk to Soval first. No, Jon was her commanding officer. Even more that that, he was her T'hy'la. When they did marry it was possible they could share a bond. She could trust him completely.
"When I met the Praetor, I understood why they have worked so hard to keep their identity secret."
She noticed Jon sit up, "I believe they are descendants of the Vulcans that fled Vulcan 1800 years ago, those that rejected Surak's teachings."
Archer was stunned. He could just stare at her, "Are you sure?"
"I suppose they could just be a similar species, but then why all the secrecy?" She went on, "It could also explain why they are so interested in us. When they left, they vowed someday to return."
Archer, fighting to recover from the shock, "This will be quite a shock to everyone."
T'Pol, after a long hesitation, "Admiral, I would recommend that we talk to Ambassador Soval first."
Archer again stared at her, "Are you suggesting we keep this a secret?"
T'Pol met his eyes, "I am just saying we should proceed with caution. This knowledge could affect the Alliance. It would be quite a shock for the Tellarites and the Andorians to find out our enemy are Vulcans."
Archer sat back and pondered that. "I suppose you could be right, but how do we stop them from finding out? They know you were with him. I don't think we can try to get away with making up what they look like."
"That is true. But I was thinking that based on my experiences, many of their ships have a section reserved for Remans. I could say I was kept there; that the ship was destroyed before I was allowed to meet him."
She realized it was possible she would have to explain her condition when she returned, but would face that if and when.
"I suppose that could work since they would have no reason to suspect you were lying." He ran his hand through his hair, "I must admit, T'Pol, I am not comfortable doing this."
"I share your concerns, Admiral, but I do believe we should at least talk to the Ambassador first."
"Very well. But I am making no promises."
"I understand. Thank you."
