A/N I want to thank gladrags2012 and aria1210 for their wonderful reviews. I really do enjoy reading them and hearing your input. Also a big thanks to all of you still hanging with me.
Captain Marot left the Praetor's office. On his orders, a small fleet had been sent to set up scanning devices and patrol the new Neutral Zone.
Now that an agreement with the Alliance had been reached, Ruddick was prepared to move forward on the work to reclaim the Empire. Marot was to take a fleet of fifty ships and make an assessment of the current situation. He was especially interested in the status of the Romulan forces. He knew that the struggle had taken a toll on the fleets. He wanted her to identify those that were not performing as they should. He needed to make changes to the commanders of those fleets and ships. If they were not capable of performing their duties, he would find someone who would.
He also wanted an assessment of the Bovarian fleet. Where its forces were located and its battle capabilities. He also wanted a total of the planets that were currently in the hands of the rebellion.
While Marot was off on her mission, Ruddick began the preparations for his plan to restore the Empire. It was his belief that the only way to regain control and maintain that control into the future was by using the same methods that had been used for hundreds of years. He needed to get boots on the ground. He needed to have a permanent military present on the planets themselves, with a process of the fleet giving support when needed.
It would be a giant undertaking. He would need to draft millions of Reman soldiers. He would also need to build a large fleet of Troop Ships to convey them. But while that work was being done, he needed to destroy the Bovarian Fleet.
In the next year, work proceeded on all fronts. Twenty-five planets were put to work producing the needed Troop Ships. Five million Remans were drafted and put through a six-month strenuous training course.
With the information provided by Marot when she returned, huge changes were made to the command structures of the fleets. It was made clear to the new commanders that if they didn't perform, they would also be replaced. He also enlisted Gregor and one hundred ships of his fleet commanded by Marot to join the attacks on the Bovarians. It soon became apparent the tide was turning.
Sseld's shuttle docked with the Bovarian flagship and after passing through the airlock, he was ushered to the ship conference room where the Commander awaited him.
After exchanging salutes, they sat down opposite each other. The Commander spoke first, "I am sure you heard about the Third Fleet? Sseld nodded, they had been attacked by over fifty ships and completely destroyed. The Commander went on, "Ever since the Alliance and the Empire agreed to end hostilities, we have been losing ground. We are down to less than two hundred ships. We have been pushed back everywhere."
"I have been in contact with the King. We needed to make a decision. Either we go home or we stay and make a last stand with the Cordians." He hesitated before continuing, "The King feels that we need to live up to our commitments. That our honor is at stake. We will stay and fight."
Sseld nodded. He understood where the King stood, but he wondered at the necessity to die in a lost cause. Then he felt ashamed. He was Bovarian. He would do his duty.
The Commander had continued, "Your ships will join with the main fleet. As soon as the rest arrive, we will proceed to Cordian."
When he heard the Bovarian Fleet was making a stand at Cordian, Ruddick decided he was taking no chances. He took command himself and led a combined fleet of 400 ships. Although the Bovarians fought to the end, they stood no chance against a fleet that size that could cloak. They and the Cordian Fleet were destroyed.
Within the next few years, the new Reman army had been deployed.
Ruddick would rule for sixty years and expand the Empire using the same formula. Five years after the Bovarian fleet was destroyed, Romulan forces conquered Bovaria itself. It would remain under their control until the Romulan Empire collapsed five hundred years later.
Then, the Alliance in a way finally came to their aid as they became a member of the Federation.
Tabrina eventually remarried and had two sons. She was for the most part content, but would often think of the second man she ever loved and wonder what had happened to him.
Solon had been stranded on Agara's Moon for over nine months. When he first arrived, there were those who tried to attack him but it quickly became known he was not to be messed with. He had managed to acquire a set of Vulcan papers in the name of Setna, a Vulcan who had not fared as well.
There had been no news from the outside world until he was in a local bar and he overheard a Tellarite Merchant complaining. Buying him a drink, he took him to a table.
It proved to be no trouble to get him started, "For twenty years I have been trading with the planet Morova. It has been one of my most successful enterprises. Now, all of a sudden, the Romulans have decided I need to leave Romulan space."
"You said something about an agreement with the Alliance?"
"Evidently they decided to end the war. I mean I guess that's good news, but why did they have to mess with my business?"
"How did they do that exactly?"
"They set up some kind of line between them and no one from either side can cross it. I was told I needed to get back to Alliance territory and would not be allowed to return. So now I have not only lost future revenue but have to return empty handed."
Solon was shocked. They had come to an agreement so soon? He did see, however, a possibility of him being able to get off this rock. "It's possible I could help with that. Help you to get something out of this trip."
The Tellarite looked suspiciously at him, "How would you do that?"
"As it turns out, I am looking for a way back to Alliance territory myself. I would be willing to pay you to take me with you."
He could see the Tellarite eyes light up, then grow cunning, "That might be possible, but it would cost you the equivalent of 5000 Tellarite Torgs."
"How about 2000? It is better than nothing."
"That is not worth my while. I would need no less than 4000."
"All right, let's get this done. I will pay you 3000 Tellarite Torgs. Fifteen hundred up front and the rest when you get me to a planet in Alliance space."
"3500 and 2000 up front"
"It's a deal. When are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow morning from Spaceport 3. Don't plan on bringing a lot."
"I'll be there. Don't worry, I travel light."
"My name is Trager; the ship is the Crover."
Mine is Setna, I'll see you tomorrow."
Trager turned out to be a good traveling companion. Solon soon discovered however he knew little about what was occurring, other than what he had been told. Two months after they set sail, they encountered the Romulan scanners and were approached by a Romulan ship. He told them to keep going and not to return.
On the other side of the zone they encountered an Andorian warship that gave them the same admonition. Solon was amazed when the conversation was carried out in the Earth language. When he asked the Tellarite about it afterwards, he was told that English was rapidly becoming the language of the Alliance, that it facilitated communication and lessened occurrences of misunderstanding.
He also told Solon it was easy to learn and that he had computer tapes that enabled you to master it in a reasonable time. Solon spent the next month becoming quite fluent.
As they returned to Alliance space, they came in contact with other ships and learned more about what was happening. Solon and Trager were shocked when they heard that Admiral Archer and T'Pol were married.
Solon had not really formed a plan about he was going to do. He had just needed to get away from the Empire. Now he decided he wanted to visit Vulcan and Earth. The first to see his ancient homeland. He had always been fascinated with their history. But now he realized he also had become enthralled with these Humans, who had made such an impression in such a short time.
However, Trager was not planning to visit either of those planets but head for home. Not especially wanting to visit Tellar, Solon took advantage of the fact they were making a stop at Rigel 7 and they parted company there.
Jhamel was visiting friends and relatives among the Aenar when she received word from the Queen to return to the capitol at once, informing her that a peace agreement had been reached. Jhamel excitedly boarded a shuttle immediately. When she arrived, she was quickly ushered to a meeting with General Thrang and Queen Helena. She was astounded that an agreement had been reached so quickly and was thrilled and relieved that the bloodshed would end. She was a little disappointed when she heard how long it would be before Shran and the others were home, but decided that was a small price to pay.
The Queen was speaking, "Both General Thrang and I agree we want you to be on the stage with us when we announce the news to the Andorian people."
Jhamel was surprised, but quickly answered, "I would be honored."
As planned the Andorians spoke to their people at the same time the other planets were doing so. The speech was made in front of the Imperial Guard and broadcast all over Andoria. The Queen spoke first.
"People of Andoria. We have asked to speak to you today to bring you news on the status of the war. It is with great pleasure that I am here to announce that an agreement has been reached between the Romulan Empire and the Alliance." She smiled broadly, "The war is over, our soldiers will be coming home."
As cheers broke out in the hall and all over Andoria and with everyone prepared to celebrate she went on to tell them that General Thrang also had a few words.
"This is a proud day for the Imperial Guard. Along with our Allies we have turned back the efforts of a hostile power to deprive us of our freedoms. Long live the Imperial Guard, Long live the Queen."
The audience responded by repeating the chants. After some time, Thrang held up a hand to restore order. "And now it is my great honor to introduce Jhamel, the wife of our triumphant commander, General Shran."
Jhamel, who had been a little overwhelmed during the chanting, stepped forward, "Thank you, General Thrang and my Queen. I can only speak as someone who has missed a person she loves. This news means that I will be with him again. I share the joy of all those who feel as I do. But at this moment we must not forget those who are less fortunate, those whose loved ones will not be coming home. For them I grieve."
As she stepped back the hall was silent for a few moments and then the audience rose in a standing ovation that was joined in by Thrang and Queen Helena.
For the next two days, little other than necessary work was done on Andoria as they celebrated only as Andorians can.
As one would expect, both the speeches and the resulting celebration were more muted on Vulcan, but that did not mean they felt any less satisfaction that it was over or any less anticipation for the return of their loved ones.
As for the Tellarites, their response was one of quiet pride at what they had accomplished but tempered by the terrible losses they had incurred. As the Andorians had included Jhamel, Margot was a part of their celebration.
Natalie Warren was having a difficult morning. The baby had caused her to be up all night and Charlie apparently must have snuck out of bed and consumed a bag of sugar because he had spent the morning bouncing off the walls. Thus, she wasn't in the best of moods or appearance when a call came from her father.
He started to say, "Good morning," but upon seeing her image, blurted out, "Are you all right?"
'Just what I need,' Natalie thought, 'A reminder of how I look.'
She answered him sharply, "I'm fine, what do you want, Dad?"
Now wondering if calling was such a good idea, he asked, "Have you been watching TV this morning?"
Natalie, sarcastically, "No, I decided to have a sleepless night and spend the morning trying to keep up with Charlie who can't seem to sit down for more than ten seconds at a time."
Now clearly regretting his call, Lester hurried on, "Well, I just wanted to be sure you knew that they have been announcing that the President is going to make an important speech at two o'clock this afternoon."
Natalie, exasperated, "Why would you call me just to…" when she suddenly stopped. Then quietly, "Do you think it could be…"
"Now, don't get your hopes up, it could be anything; maybe just one of his boring speeches on the economy. But I thought you would want to check it out."
Natalie, now contrite, "I do, Dad, thanks for calling, I'm sorry I snapped at you."
"Don't worry about it, Honey, just try to get some rest."
"I will, Dad. I love you."
She was about to sign off when Charlie grabbed her arm, "I want to talk to Grandpa."
"Dad, Charlie wants to talk to you."
"Hi, Grandpa."
"Hi, Charlie. I understand you have been a little wild this morning. Can you sit down and watch TV and give Mommy a chance to rest."
"Okay, Grandpa. When are you coming to see us?"
"Soon, Charlie."
"Good. Goodbye, Grandpa."
"Goodbye, Charlie, see you soon."
To Natalie's amazement, Charlie immediately settled down and sat down in front of the TV. Finding him some cartoons, Natalie told him she was going to take a bath.
Some time later, feeling much better, she made lunch for her and Charlie. She then sat with him and watched the TV, saying a silent prayer to herself as she waited for the President.
President Samuels sat down behind his desk and upon getting the go signal, began to speak,
Good afternoon. I asked for this time today to bring you a very important message. I am sure there is much speculation about what I wished to discuss with you.
I will not keep you waiting. With in the last few weeks, the Alliance has been in negotiations with the Romulan Empire to attempt to come to an agreement to end hostilities.
Natalie leaned forward and held her breath.
It is my great pleasure to announce that in the past few days, an agreement has been reached. The Romulan War is over! Our soldiers will be coming home.
Natalie shrieked and brought a stunned Charlie into her arms. Soon, she felt herself crying. Charlie looked up at her concerned, "What's wrong, Mommy?"
She smiled at him, dabbing at her eyes, "Nothing is wrong, Charlie, these are tears of joy." She untangled from him and looked him in the eyes. "Charlie, the War is over, Daddy's coming home."
Charlie's eyes widened, then he got a huge smile on his face and jumping down from her, he began to dance around the room, "Daddy's coming home, Daddy's coming home." Suddenly, he went into the nursery. Natalie followed him and felt herself tearing up again as she saw Charlie looking into the crib, saying quietly, "Baby Rose, I just wanted to tell you. Daddy's coming home."
The president had continued talking, saying that it would be a few months before everyone would be back, but it hardly registered.
Then, the communicator beeped. Natalie answered and saw Lester's broad smile. "Oh, Dad, isn't it wonderful?"
"It is. Listen, I am going to pick everyone up. We should be there in just a few hours."
Just then Charlie came up to the screen, "Grandpa, Grandpa, Daddy's coming home!"
"I know, Charlie, and everyone will soon be there to celebrate with you."
After signing off, Natalie took Charlie back to the couch and sat with him, hugging him as hard as she could. They stayed that way for some time watching celebration scenes from all over the world.
Mary Robbins sat back as the President finished. She found herself conflicted. She was of course happy that the war was over but she could not selfishly help but wish that Kathy was coming home as well. She did resolve that she would honor her last wish and as soon as she could she would find a way to hold Trip's son.
Getting to her feet, she decided she wanted to share this moment with Henrietta.
Harry Waters would have been willing to just sit and watch the celebrations taking place around the world but his wife and daughter would have none of that. After they had gone out and walked downtown, Harry had to admit they were right. It was like a big party. When they reached the park, they found where a local band was playing and everyone was hugging and dancing. The saw some of their neighbors and joined in the fun. Finally, they thought they should get back and headed for home.
As they started back, Eileen decided they should stop by Miss Becker's house and see how Deborah had reacted to the day. A little to her surprise, Harry agreed. She had first met Sara Becker at a charity affair. After the event they had went out and talked over coffee. Sara had told her the fascinating and sad story of her neighbors. When Sara moved into the neighborhood over twenty years before, the Gordons had already lived there. Mrs. Gordon was a widow whose husband had left her well provided for. She lived with her then twenty-five-year-old daughter Deborah, who she referred to as being 'slow'.
Deborah was a mass of contradictions. She was able to function in society but only to a point. She could cook, keep house and even manage money. But at the same time, she could only read to a certain extent, mostly commercial things she needed to get by, like labels and recipes. As to writing, it was limited to her own name. She also talked a type of pigeon English. Although she could normally understand things said to her, she had a peculiar habit of suddenly not seeming to understand a simple fact. Her mother said it was usually something she did not want to face. Sara said she had often seen her mother patiently go over something many times until Deborah would finally understand (or decide she wanted to understand.)
Soon after Sara had moved in, the mother became ill, but Deborah proved capable of caring for her and maintaining the household. When her mother passed away, Sara had become concerned about what would happen to Deborah and took it upon herself to watch out for her and check on her every day. She also became acquainted with the other two important people in Deborah's life; her long-time physician Dr. Williams and the priest of the local parish Father Morgan.
Dr. Williams usually stopped by about every two weeks to check on Deborah. During one of those visits, Deborah complained she had not been feeling well in the morning. To his shock, he discovered she was pregnant. Fearing that she had been raped, he tried to find out what happened. She would only say a young man had stopped by and she had invited him in. No matter how he, Sara, and Father Morgan tried, she would never say any more. After the baby was born, they ran a DNA check but never found a match.
The baby was a beautiful boy that Deborah named Sam and any concerns that Deborah could not raise him herself were quickly dismissed. She doted on him and forced herself to get out more and interface with society to be sure he was raised normally. He grew into an intelligent, caring man. Like children who have deaf parents, he seemed to instinctively know about his mother and Sara had stared in amazement that even as a young boy, he would patiently talk to his mother when she could not understand.
When he was old enough, he enlisted and became a MACO. When the war broke out, he immediately volunteered to take part. The explaining of the fact he was going off to war involved Sam and Deborah's entire support group. From then on, Deborah spent much of her time watching anything that had to do with the war and having Sara read her stories about it.
Then one day, to Sara's horror, she saw a Starfleet officer paying a visit to Deborah. She rushed over to find a confused and concerned Commander trying to tell Deborah that her son was dead. Sara took the officer aside and explained as best she could. She then gathered the information and told the Commander she would finish the task. Calling in the Doctor and Father Morgan, they spent the next four hours trying to get Deborah to understand. Finally, Deborah looked up and said, "Sam dead?"
Upon hearing a yes, she burst into tears and became completely inconsolable. Finally, Dr. Williams had to give her a hypo spray to get her to stop and fall asleep. When she awoke she completely stunned them when she was quiet and asked what needed to be done. After that and all the way through the funeral after the body returned, she was calm. She took the flag given to her at the funeral and put it by her bed. Throughout it all, she did not lose her interest in the war. If anything, it intensified.
Eileen and her family had now arrived at Sara's. She was outside with a group of neighbors and waved as they came up. She walked over and greeted them. Eileen then asked "Where's Deborah, how's she taking the news?"
Sara answered, "She's inside. I wanted her to come out and thought we might go downtown, but she wants to watch everything on TV. She's enthralled by the scenes from all over Earth. They are even starting to show some scenes from the other planets." She smiled, "When I first went over there she was sitting in front of the screen with it on pause showing the WAR IS OVER."
"When she saw me she smiled and said, 'War Over.' I asked her, do you know what that means, Deborah? Do you know what she said?" As Eileen shook her head, she noticed Sara was tearing up. Sara went on, "She got very serious and said, 'Sam dead so we free.' That's what she said."
As Eileen felt a lump forming in her throat, they wished Sara goodbye and headed for home. As she walked along and Harry took her hand and squeezed it, something occurred to her. There would be many speeches about the end of the war including those by the President. There would eventually be millions of words discussing and analyzing what happened. There would undoubtedly be movies and documentaries. But no one would ever sum it up better or be more eloquent than Deborah, 'Sam dead so we free.'
After they had all seen the news, Penelope, Madeline, Edward, and Jeremy all met in the Reed's old house. As they celebrated, Penelope shared her letter from Malcolm with them. As Madeline gave her a hug, the others all showed their joy for her. Madeline also took the opportunity to inform them she had just found out she was pregnant. After a while, they took a walk along the dunes and went into town to celebrate.
When Jane McBride heard the news, she knew exactly what she wanted to do. Contacting her parents, she and John arranged to pick them up. They all then traveled to Mercy's grave. As they stood there hand in hand, Jane managed to say, "Mercy, I have great news. Your final wish for Jonathan and T'Pol has come true. They will soon be home. I know they will want to visit you. I just wish you could be here to share this with us. We all love you."
