A/N Thank you so much to seidenoffice, Corig, and Hert Fanfiction for your reviews. I hope you know how much I appreciate those who have ever taken the time to review. But I don't want to ever leave the impression I don't equally appreciate all of you who continue to honor me by staying with me. A review is like a bonus. These characters still belong to Paramount.
After Melissa disappeared, Archer and T'Pol sat stunned for a moment. Then, Archer said, "Well, that was interesting."
"Indeed. I must say, I was impressed by her. I wonder what the Science Directorate would think of her explanations of Time Travel. It is a shame she didn't have the math but I suppose it would be too early for us to see it."
"I wonder why she felt it was important to tell us about her needing to take the anti-cloak devices? You would think she could either just take them or inform us at that time."
"One could think that it may indicate that the end of the war is near. I suppose it could be considered possible bad news in that she didn't want them to fall in the hands of the Romulans."
"I agree that could be it, but I somehow got the impression there is another reason she wants us to know. I just don't think she would be so friendly if we were going to lose the war. No, I feel strongly she wanted to give us this information because it will be of use to us."
"Hopefully it will become apparent when the time comes."
"I guess you're right. I am glad I had you attend. I think it is important you heard it for yourself."
"I am gratified that you thought of me. Are you going to tell the Council?"
"I will tell them about the devices. Maybe they'll have an idea. As for the rest, I think we should just keep that to ourselves."
"That sounds reasonable. I think now we should both get some sleep."
Archer, reluctantly, "I suppose you're right." As they both rose, he took her in his arms and pushed his lips against hers.
She quickly responded. They stayed that way for some time and then broke apart.
Archer spoke first, "I sincerely hope that the end of the war is near, I am finding it increasingly difficult to keep to our agreement." He looked into her eyes, "I love you, T'Pol, and I want to be with you."
T'Pol met his gaze, "I desire that as well. I love you."
They exchanged another quick kiss, and T'Pol left.
When the War Council had their regular meeting a few days later, Archer and T'Pol told them about the time traveler and what she had said about the anti-cloak devices.
Of course, everyone was fascinated that once again the Enterprise had been visited by someone from the future. Shran was upset that they hadn't given him a chance to see her, but was slightly mollified that she had not been there long.
It was Soval who first broached an idea of why she had paid them a visit. "It would seem logically that she intended for us to make use of that information. To use it in some form before she needed to destroy the devices. That is presumably before the end of their usefulness."
Shran spoke next, "Their usefulness would end if there is no more need for them because there will be no more battles. In other words, before the end of the war."
Brahn joined in, "In what way would that knowledge be of use to us? We wouldn't want the Romulans to find out we will no longer have them after the war. It seems to me it just gives us information we would have to keep secret."
T'Pol then contributed, "You are right, Commander, we would not want them to know we will no longer have them, but on the other hand, it does mean we could agree to get rid of them because we know we will not have them in any case."
Soval said, "I believe you have it, T'Pol. If we should enter into negotiations with the Romulans, we could use it as a bargaining chip. We could agree to remove the devices from our ships. They would not need to know we would no longer have them at all."
Shran spoke again, "We could also guarantee we would not give the information or the devices themselves to another party like the Klingons."
Grag, excitedly, "That would be a large worry of theirs. Little would they know we will live up to the agreement because we no longer have them or the means to produce more."
Archer finished up, "I believe you have figured it out. She wanted us to be able to use this information as a part of negotiating with the Romulans." He smiled, "If that is true, it means that is how the war will end. But we could all be wrong, I suppose."
He went on, "With your permission I will send the War Committee what we have decided here along with the information on the time traveler."
When the others nodded, "If there is nothing else, I guess we should all get back to work."
Ruddick should be happy. Everything had worked out as he planned. He was now the Praetor. But it bothered him that Tabrina and Solon had eluded him. He knew he had to accept that Tabrina was out of his reach. He did not dare take on Gregor, who was adamant that Tabrina be returned to her home planet and left alone. But the real thorn in his side was Solon. It had been almost two months and there and been no sign of him at all. Every ship leaving Romulus had been thoroughly searched. Word had got out that anyone found protecting him would be executed. He seemed to have disappeared. As long as he was loose, he was a threat to Ruddick.
His worries about Solon didn't prevent him from moving forward. The time had come to take steps to end the war with the Alliance and move forward with restoring the Empire to its former glory.
To that end, he summoned Craco, a former Senator who was highly respected.
"Senator Craco, thank you for coming so quickly."
"I am honored that you wish to talk with me."
"I will get directly to the point. I will not waste time telling you what I am sure you already know. The reasons I made the decision to break off the attack on the Alliance after Vandor was killed was my belief that the war with them was draining resources from the real battle, regaining control of the Empire. It was why I decided I should strive to be the next Praetor. Now that I am, I wish to proceed with the process of ending the war. I have asked you here to be the main negotiator with the Alliance, to forge a plan to end the war."
Craco was not completely surprised. He had suspicions that was why he had been called. But now that he had been offered the task, he was aware of what could be involved. He would be honored to once again serve the Empire. But he did have one problem. He knew it was dangerous to bring it up, it could cost him his life. But if he were to serve Ruddick, he needed to know.
"I am honored, Praetor. I will do my best to justify your faith in me." He took a small breath, "But there is something I need to know. I know my asking this could be dangerous for me, but I must live by certain standards. Did you kill the previous Praetor?"
Ruddick was stunned. His first reaction was anger. How dare this man question his word? But then he had to admire the man's courage. He could see why he was so respected.
"I give you my solemn word that Vandor was killed by the Alliance. I had nothing to do with it."
Craco bowed his head, "Thank you, Praetor, I apologize for my doubts. I would understand if you would want another to take this post."
"On the contrary, you have convinced me that I am making the right choice. I will leave it to you to form a team. When you are ready, we will convene with the Senate and determine how the negotiations will take place."
As Ruddick rose, Craco did also, "I will get back to you as soon as possible."
There was a break in the waiting by the Alliance Fleet when another contingent of Earth ships arrived, bringing the Earth total to sixty-two. The arrival of the ships made Archer realize it had been some time since he had met with Erika. He realized he missed spending time with her. Aside from the personal reason, he had been neglecting his duties as an Admiral.
He asked T'Pol if she wished to join him, but she said Trip had contacted her and wanted to speak to her about something. She felt a twinge of jealousy but quickly dismissed it. She could trust Jonathan and she agreed he should meet more often with Captain Hernandez in her role as Commander of the Earth Fleet.
Erika and Archer had taken a tour of the new ships, both impressed with the gains that had been made in technology and fire power. It was becoming apparent that Earth would be a major factor in the future.
After they returned to Columbia, they sat together in Erika's Ready Room discussing what they had seen over a cup of coffee.
Ericka took a sip and nonchalantly asked, "There seems to be a lot of rumors circulating about you and Captain T'Pol. Is there something that you would like to share with an old friend?"
Archer and T'Pol had only told his officers and Shran explicitly about their feelings, but it had become apparent to the rest of the crew of Enterprise. He was a little surprised that it had spread to other Earth ships but knew he should have expected it. He hoped it hadn't spread through the rest of the fleet.
Stalling for a moment as Erika looked expectantly at him with a light twinkle in her eyes. "Where did you hear that?"
Erika looked at him with exasperation, "Did you really think something like that could be kept secret? Especially how you two acted when you recovered her from the Romulans."
He took a sip, "You're right, that was a little naïve of me." He wondered what she was feeling. After all they had been lovers. It had been getting serious until he broke it off when he was promoted to Captain. Then there was the time after the Expanse…
He looked her in the eye, "I love her, Erika, and she has told me she loves me."
In spite of what she had told herself, she felt a moment of sadness and jealously. Quickly putting that behind her, she met his eyes, "I am glad, Jonathan. Ever since the way you talked about her when we were on that mountain, I knew you felt something for her. She's a beautiful, intelligent woman and I admire her greatly. I admit I once hoped we could end up together, but I just know she is the one for you."
"Thank you, Erika. You know you mean a lot to me and that I am so proud of what you have accomplished."
Erika held his eyes for a little longer, the took a sip. "So, you guys going to get married?"
"We have decided to wait until the war is over. We don't want to take a chance on how the rest of the Alliance will react to it."
"I could maybe see that but I suspect it will not be that much of a shock."
They continued to talk for a while before they embraced and Archer kissed her softly on the cheek before heading back to Enterprise.
Trip and T'Pol met in his quarters. She was surprised to see that he seemed nervous about something.
After they were both seated, T'Pol asked, "What is you wanted, Commander?"
"I probably should not be doing this. I am not sure what your reaction will be."
"The best way to determine that is to just proceed."
"Can Neuropressure help with depression?"
"Yes, there are techniques that can be used in reducing depression. Are you in need of such aid?"
Quietly, "Yes. It has been growing for some time, starting with Kathy's death and being separated from my wife and the realization that I may never know my son… Now, Natalie will be giving birth soon and it saddens me to know I will not be there for her. It is becoming difficult for me to concentrate. I am afraid it is affecting my work."
"Hesitantly, "I am not sure…"
"I know, because of what happened in the past. But I was thinking that should not be a problem this time. I love Natalie and you love Jon."
"That is true. However, the techniques for reducing depression are much more intimate than those I utilized before. The pressure points are on the lower body near the genital area. Because of the space I need to freely access those points, there can be no restraining clothes. Basically, you would have to be naked. Also, to achieve the pressure I require I would be lying across you. Because of the position and the points I access, it is very probable that you would become aroused."
Trip blushed slightly, he considered what she had said, "T'Pol, would you become aroused also?"
"No, without the affects of Trellium, I would be in total concentration on the technique." After a long hesitation, "Although I believe in your feelings for Natalie, I am afraid it would be difficult for you. What would be her reaction?"
Tucker stood up and paced for a time before returning to his seat, "I am absolutely committed to Natalie and my children. I also understand that my arousal would be an involuntary reaction that can also occur under other Medical procedures. As for Natalie's reaction, there is no reason for her to ever know, but if she did find out, I'm sure she would understand. I've told her of my feelings for you before and that it is her I love."
He looked at her, "How about you, T'Pol? What about Jon?"
T'Pol pondered what he said. Her first reaction was that this was not a good idea. But she also realized that Jonathan knew how she felt about him, how much she loved him. Then there was the consideration that this would be an action that would help a fellow officer, help him to better perform his duties. She and the Admiral had agreed they would not let their attraction to each other affect their duties. "The Admiral knows how I feel. He will know that I am doing it as a service for a valuable member of the crew and thus of importance to the mission."
"It sounds like you are willing to do this. If so, when could we begin? Do you want to clear it with Phlox or the Admiral?"
"If I have the ability to help, I believe I should do so. I will mention it to Phlox. I do not think it is necessary to discuss it with anyone else. Because of the reaction of the crew when we did this before, I think we should be discreet. As for starting, I would like to do it after a period of meditation. This procedure should only be needed once a week. I believe we should start tomorrow in my quarters at 2300."
"Thanks, T'Pol, I really appreciate this. I'll be there tomorrow night. Night, T'Pol."
"Goodnight, Commander."
As she exited, T'Pol was left wondering if she was doing the right thing. She could understand that Jonathan could be bothered by this, but it was very important to her that their feelings did not interfere with their performing their duties. She thought about checking with him, but was actually afraid he might try to stop her and she wanted to believe he understood that they needed to keep their duties separate from their personal life. She was determined to help the Commander and would be disappointed if Jonathan didn't understand.
THREE WEEKS LATER
Archer sat back in his chair in his Ready Room. It had been a long last few days. One of the unfortunate facts of life was that in War or Peace, there were always some unpleasant duties associated with being the Supreme Commander. One of the worst was the six-month Fleet Status Report. It was a comprehensive report concerning every crewman as well as assessing their morale. He had finally received the information from the other members of the War Council. The Vulcans had reported immediately and accurately of course. The Andorians as usual were last with Shran griping constantly.
He and T'Pol were working together finishing up the final consolidation of the information. They were just about finished when T'Pol asked if it would be possible for him to finish up alone as she had agreed to meet with Commander Tucker. Archer was a little taken back. Why would they be meeting at this hour? He wanted to ask but figured T'Pol would tell him if she felt it was necessary for him to know. He felt a moment of suspicion and jealously but quickly dismissed that. He had put that behind him long ago.
"Sure, T'Pol. I can finish up. I just need to incorporate some of the Earth data."
As she rose, he continued, "Say Hi to the Commander."
"I will, Admiral. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Captain."
Archer continued to work for some time but just as he was ready to finish up, he discovered he was missing one of the PADDS he needed. Thinking back, he realized he had left it in T'Pol's quarters when they had worked earlier in the day. He was about to call her when he decided there was no need for her to come all the way back. He could drop by her quarters, get the PADD, and finish up in his quarters.
Reaching her door, he rang the chime but got no response. After he had tried again, he decided she must be meeting Trip somewhere else. Using his override, he stuck his head in the door. Calling out, "T'Pol, are you in here? I need to pick up a PADD I left here."
At that moment he heard a gasp. Pushing the door open, he entered saying, "Are you all right?" He came to a stop and a look of astonishment crossed his face. He saw T'Pol in her pajamas lying over a naked Tucker, her breasts pressed against him and her hands on his lower body. He heard Trip moan in pleasure.
Before he could do anything, Trip opened his eyes and looked directly at him.
Archer quickly turned on his heels and left.
Tucker spoke up, "T'Pol." When she didn't respond he called out louder. Finally, she blinked her eyes and seemed to come out of a trance. Looking confused, she pushed herself up on her knees on the bed.
"What is wrong? Did I harm you?"
Tucker quickly got up and started to put his clothes on. "No, Jon was here."
"Jonathan?"
"Yeah, I opened my eyes and he was standing there. He caught my eye and the left without saying a word."
"Why would he enter my quarters without permission?"
"Well, to be honest, we were both pretty engrossed. Look how hard it was for me to get your attention. He probably rang and came in when he didn't get an answer."
"Even if that were true, it does not excuse his behavior."
"For all he knew, you could've been hurt."
"Perhaps you are right, but I plan to let him know I do not believe he acted appropriately."
"You might want to go easy, he looked awfully upset when he left."
"He was probably ashamed of his actions."
Trip shook his head, she had come so far, but she could still be so frustrating at times.
"T'Pol, he caught us in what could be construed as a very compromising position. I mean you were lying on me while I was naked." He blushed a little, "Also, my body was reacting to it."
T'Pol suddenly realized what Trip was saying. She could now see how Jonathan could have been bothered by what he saw. But he should know better. He should know he could trust her.
"He knows how I feel toward him. He should know I would not do anything that would affect our relationship. He had no right to invade my privacy. But I shall go talk to him."
"Do you want me to come along?"
"That will not be necessary. You should return to your quarters. I will discuss with you tomorrow when to schedule another session."
"Are you sure?" Seeing the look on her face, "Okay." He headed for the door, "Good luck, T'Pol. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Trip."
T'Pol went to her closet and took out a Vulcan robe. Lying it on the bed, she began to remove her top.
Archer reached his quarters and immediately began to pace back and forth. He began talking to himself as he would when Porthos was alive. "I just left. I couldn't say anything. I ran out like a scared schoolboy. Why the Hell did I go in?" He finally sat on his bed and put his head in his hands. "He was naked and she was lying all over him. And what was she doing with her hands? He was sure as Hell enjoying it. Am I supposed to know it was something innocent?" He laughed mirthlessly, "Some Neuropressure no doubt! If that all it is why didn't she tell me? If she had told me what would I have said?" Getting angrier, "Go ahead and lay on your old lover? Touch him and make him feel good? I understand? The Hell I do!"
The door chimed. He stared at it and made an effort to pull himself together. Finally he said, "Come in."
T'Pol entered and looked at him. She crossed over and sat in a chair. She looked into his eyes for a time, "You are upset. You have no reason to be."
"No reason?! I catch the woman who told me she loves me dressed in her night clothes, lying on her old boyfriend, who happens to be naked, with her breasts shoved into him and her hands doing God knows what."
"In the first place, you had no right to come into my quarters." Then softly, "Jonathan, you know how I feel about you. Do you believe I would betray you? Commander Tucker came to me for help."
Archer met her eyes and the lowered his head, "You're right T'Pol, I know how you feel about me and I believe and trust you when you say I have nothing to be upset or worry about. But as a human, having the woman I love in that position tears at my gut. Especially when that man is someone she has been involved with before."
"How would Admiral Archer feel about this if I told him it helps Commander Tucker with his depression? That it will aid him in performing his duties?"
Archer looked at her quizzically, "The Admiral would say what you do in your quarters is your business and if you are helping an officer do his job better, he would support you."
"Is this not the very situation we envisioned when we decided to wait until the war is over before we act on our love with each other? That we not let our personal lives affect our professional ones."
Archer stared at her for a minute and then got up and began pacing, "So your saying that if I decide to have an affair with someone to ease any sexual tension I might have, you would be fine with that? That I should just ignore how we feel about each other and ignore that I might be hurting you?"
T'Pol, showing a little emotion, "Your example is specious because I am not having an affair with Commander Tucker. The point is that if you feel for me what you say, you would not have an affair. The fact is that I am not involved with Trip and if you could find a comparable human interaction with someone, I would not be upset because I trust you."
Archer sighed and met her eyes, "You're right, T'Pol. This is the very type of situation that we were concerned about, that we would let our personal feelings interfere with our professional duties. It is also true that it is a Vulcan action that has no direct human counterpart." Sighing again, "Go ahead, T'Pol, it is important that you help Trip." Turning away, "But I am afraid I can't stop it from bothering me at some level."
T'Pol laid her hand on his shoulder, causing him to turn his head back, "I know and I am sorry I have hurt you, but I feel it is necessary for me to continue. It would be wrong of me to not help a fellow officer."
"I understand. He held out two fingers for a Vulcan kiss, "I love you, T'Pol."
She joined fingers, "I cherish you as well."
She turned to the door, "Goodnight, Admiral."
"Goodnight, Captain."
Less than two weeks later, Archer is in his quarters when his door chimed. Crossing to open it, he is pleasantly surprised to see T'Pol.
"May I speak with you, Admiral."
"Of course, Captain, please sit down."
They get seated across from each other. T'Pol began, "I just wanted to make you aware that Commander Tucker and I have decided to stop our Neuropressure sessions."
Looking surprised, "Why? Is Trip feeling better?"
"No, he still requires help but we mutually agreed that we were conceivably asking too much of you and Natalie. I believe the Commander felt that he might have misjudged his wife, that she might have a problem if she discovered what was going on. We both felt it was illogical to continue an action that could be uncomfortable for those we care about."
Inwardly Archer gave a sigh of relief, "I would be lying if I didn't admit I am glad you are quitting, but how about Trip?"
"He has decided to avail himself of more traditional resources. He is talking to Dr. Behrens on the Columbia and Doctor Phlox about therapy and some anti-depressants."
T'Pol rose, "Now if there is nothing further?"
"No." As she headed toward the door, he says very heartfelt, "Thank you."
Slightly amused, "Your welcome."
Marot entered the Praetor's office. Ruddick smiled up at her, "Have a seat, Captain."
After she seated herself, she handed a PADD over to him, "We now believe we know how the Alliance knew which ship was the Praetor's."
Ruddick raised his eyebrows as he took the PADD from her while she continued, "When the Fleet dropped out of warp, an unarmed shuttle with one individual aboard left the Alliance Fleet. When it was confronted by the Vancar, the single occupant identified herself as Captain T'Pol and said she had important information for the Praetor."
Ruddick showed his surprise, but let her continue, "Captain Kurok ordered her to stay where she was and contacted the Praetor."
Ruddick wondered why it had taken so long for this information to come forward but just said, "What happened next?"
"The Praetor told him to teleport her aboard his ship and destroy the shuttle. She was then strip-searched, questioned briefly by a Reman officer, and transported to the Praetor's ship."
Ruddick concluded, "Where she must have somehow sent its location to the Alliance."
He thought for a moment, "Was T'Pol killed in the explosion?"
"According to what our sources can determine, there has been no indication of her being killed. Of course, they may be concealing the truth."
"Why has it taken so long for this information to come to light?"
"Captain Kurok assumed you were aware of it from the beginning." She hesitated, "I must admit, I am surprised it didn't come to your attention."
"When we dropped out of warp, I was concerned how the Alliance Fleet would react. I was informing the various squadron commanders of what we needed to do. Apparently, the Praetor did not feel I needed to be informed about T'Pol." He thought to himself, 'I was afraid his obsession with T'Pol could come back to haunt him'.
Then he had another thought, "Did T'Pol meet with the Praetor?"
"That is not clear. It is true that when the Praetor had her brought aboard the Vancar, he had her kept with the Remans.
She went on, "It is possible he did the same on his own ship at first. It could be that the ship was destroyed before he saw her."
Ruddick knew they both knew they were very likely fooling themselves. That it was highly probable T'Pol knew the truth.
But there was nothing they could do about it now and perhaps she was killed.
He rose to his feet. As Marot did also, "Thank you, Captain. I was just about to contact you when I heard you wanted to see me. Craco has got back to me that he has assembled a team. We have set a meeting with them and the Senate Military Committee at 1500 in the Senate chambers. I want you at that meeting too."
"Of course, Praetor."
