A/N I want to thank aria1210 for the two reviews. I am always amazed and excited when I receive input. I hope I have conveyed how much it means to me. I still own nothing.
When their shuttle landed on Tellar, Soval, T'Pol, and Archer were met by President Gratl. "Welcome to Tellar. It is an honor to have you here."
Archer and T'Pol were given the finest room in the finest hotel.
Later that night, the three attended a state dinner in their honor.
The next few days Archer, Soval, and T'Pol were involved in a series of communication meetings with the War Committee to discuss plans for the ceremonies to welcome home the Fleet. Although there were some concerns as to the amount of time available to get things done and finding venues of the needed size, everyone got on board. They also decided upon who would receive the Alliance's highest honor, the Alliance Medal of Honor.
After the meetings Archer and the others worked with the Tellar government to determine a venue on Teller. When that had been completed, Archer and T'Pol left Soval in charge and traveled throughout Tellar seeing all its sights.
Just a little over three years since the Fleet departed for the war it arrived at Tellar. With the rest of the fleet hovering in space above, the Tellarite ships dropped into orbit.
TWO MONTHS LATER
After the ceremony on Vulcan and the Earth ships were headed for home, the officers and crew were naturally excited and looking forward to getting home. But for Archer and the rest of the bridge crew, there was also a realization of changes that were on the way. It was likely this was the last time they would serve together aboard Enterprise. For Archer there was also thoughts about what would happen with him and Shran as well as Soval. There was hopes that the Alliance would continue in some way, but that was hardly a given. Archer realized how much he would miss them.
When they were only a week from Earth, Archer, Trip, Shran, and Soval met in Archer's Ready Room. They shared a couple bottles of Andorian Ale, reminiscing about what had brought them there. They discovered again how much they had in common but yet how they were so different. As they had before the war, they pledged to do what they could to keep the Alliance together, to even keep the idea alive of Soval's Federation. Shran and Trip spent some time ribbing Archer about his marriage to T'Pol with Soval looking on with bemusement.
At the same time Hoshi, T'Pol, Jhamel, and T'Nara got together for a girl's night. T'Pol was surprised that Hoshi had asked T'Nara and was a little shocked when she accepted. As would be expected, the meeting was more restrained than a normal get together, with T'Nara talking of family and tradition. But when she left early, she surprised and pleased T'Pol when she said, "Soval says that Admiral Archer is a good man and I agree."
After she left, the get together grew more spirited with Hoshi immediately asking, "How was it?"
T'Pol surprised them and perhaps herself by saying, "It was unlike anything I have ever experienced. It was most satisfactory."
Hoshi giggled, "I bet it was." Then she smirked, "I would guess you will not be waiting seven years to do it again."
T'Pol shocked them again by saying, "Let us just say we are proceeding at a much faster rate."
Jhamel laughed but then turned serious, "I am so happy for you and Jon. We all knew you were meant for each other."
Hoshi added, "Yeah, I was beginning to wonder if we would have to lock you in a room together."
T'Pol gave her smile, "Thank you, Jhamel. I must admit, I wondered if it would happen myself."
Jhamel went on, "I am glad we are going to be part of the Earth ceremony, but I admit I am in a hurry to return home." She blushed a little, "Shran and I want to have a baby."
Hoshi smiled, "I know what you mean, Travis and I feel the same."
She turned to T'Pol, "How about you, T'Pol, have you and Jon discussed it?"
"No, and I am not sure it is even possible."
Hoshi asked, "Didn't that time traveler we found prove that Vulcans and Humans had mated?"
"It could appear so. But he had DNA from many species. It was possible that they came from other combinations. Or perhaps there were scientific breakthroughs in the future."
Hoshi went on, "How about Elizabeth…?" She broke off and covered her mouth, "I am so sorry, T'Pol, I didn't mean…"
"It is alright, Hoshi. I think that we will put off the question of children for the time being."
To herself she wondered, 'Does Jonathan want children? He has never said anything.' Then she moved it to the back of her mind, there was much more pressing issues for now.
Soon after that they broke up, even T'Pol sharing in a series of hugs, promising Jhamel they would keep in touch.
Natalie Warren was sitting in an uncomfortable chair on a concrete floor in a converted airplane hangar a few miles from San Francisco and had never been happier in her life. She looked at the chair to her left and smiled as she watched Charlie fidgeting in his seat. She had decided to leave Rose with the others at the house. Everyone was there watching on TV and waiting to welcome Trip home.
She told Charlie to relax, that it would be some time before he would see his Daddy.
She looked around at her surroundings. It was set up the same as it was on the other planets. She was seated to the left of the stage. Over half of the Hangar was taken up with her and the rest of the relatives and friends of the returning soldiers. There was a section for each ship. She had spent some time when she arrived in conversation with others around her, including Hoshi's and Travis's relatives but now everyone was settled in to wait.
To her right was the section reserved for those who lost loved ones in the war. She had felt a little guilty at first, but when she inadvertently caught someone's eye in that section, she had seen he was happy for her.
On the other side of them was the section for those wounded and sent home.
Behind those two sections was a bleacher section for 20,000 lucky individuals who had won tickets to the event. Of course, there would be billions all over the planet looking in. It would also be broadcast to the other planets later.
The stage was set up the same as on the other planets. There were two tiers with seats on the top tier for VIP's and the returning War Council. The next lowest tier was for the Captains. It also contained a dais for speakers. It would also be where the medals would be awarded.
Behind the stage was a giant screen flanked by four flag poles.
As she sat there, she thought back at some of what had happened at previous ceremonies.
The greatest applause at Tellar had come when Margot had joined President Gratl and Grand Viceroy Hord on the VIP stage.
But her biggest thrill was to see Jonathan and T'Pol. The thought of them being married affected her more than she might have expected.
The Medals of honor had been awarded posthumously to Viceroy Gral and the other two captains who had died with him. Gral's was special because it was the first ever given and was designated an Alliance Medal of Honor with Clusters.
The highlight for her on Andoria was when Queen Helen had astonished everyone by meeting Jonathan with a hug. Natalie didn't fully understand the role of the Queen, but knew that was not usual behavior.
The Medal there was awarded to Commander Ronel who gave his life to be sure the Praetor was killed, although no details of how that happened were revealed.
As would be expected, the ceremony on Vulcan was the most restrained, although somehow it still managed to show the joy of the Vulcans as well. It had been a little surprising that T'Pau had seemed to have a kinship with Jonathan and T'Pol.
Medals were given posthumously to the four crewman who had given their life to protect the Depot.
Natalie's reverie was broken when there was a murmur in the audience. She looked up at the stage to see President Samuels and Admiral Gardner come out onto the upper tier. She joined in a warm welcome for them which the President acknowledged with a smile and a wave.
Another Admiral then came out and stood by the dais.
Suddenly, the giant screen lit up showing a starlit sky. As the crowd murmured again, the Admiral began to speak, "Good morning. It is my honor to welcome you to this momentous occasion. My name is Admiral Preston Duvall and I will be making announcements and introductions. Judging by your applause I am sure you have noticed the arrival of President Samuels and Admiral Gardner."
"At this time, I would ask you to rise and remain standing for the raising of the flags and the playing of the Anthems of the planets of the Alliance."
After that was completed and everyone had returned to their seats, a Commander came out and whispered something to Duvall. Duvall smiled broadly and returned to the dais. "I have just been notified that the Fleet has entered the Solar System."
The crowd cheered and murmured in anticipation, all eyes on the screen. Then, the Earth Fleet appeared led by Enterprise. The crowd rose to its feet cheering and clapping. Charlie turned to his mother, "Is that Daddy's ship, Mommy?"
Natalie turned and smiled fondly at him, "Yes, Charlie, that's Enterprise."
As those surrounding them looked on happily, Charlie stood by his chair, yelling, "Daddy's home, Daddy's home."
Natalie let him go for a bit but then had him set down, telling him he would still need to be patient.
Someone called out, "There they are," as shuttles began to leave the ships. They disappeared from the screen and then shuttles were seen returning to the ships. While the shuttles were bringing the returning soldiers to Earth, they also brought skeleton crews to take the ships to their berths. Finally, no more Shuttles were seen and the crowd grew restless again.
After what seemed like an eternity, Duvall returned to the dais, "Now is the moment we have waited for. Please welcome our soldiers home."
A sliding door opened to Natalie's left and soldiers came pouring through. She knew that the Captains would come later but watched with joy as they were greeted by their loved ones. Huge smiles, tears of happiness and a lot of hugging and kissing ensued. The world stood transfixed as the 5,878 troops were welcomed home.
Hoshi and Travis came through together and quickly located her parents and his mother and brother. After exchanging hugs and Hoshi and her mother tearing up, Hoshi's father turned to Travis. Giving him a bow, "I proudly welcome you as my son. You have fulfilled your promise to bring my daughter home."
Travis looked a little embarrassed but then bowed in return.
Malcolm came through not sure who would be waiting for him. He was overjoyed when he saw an obviously pregnant Madeline and Penelope.
First exchanging a gentle hug with a crying Madeline, he turned and returned a passionate kiss from Penelope as Madeline looked on happily. As they finally separated, Madeline told him that that Jeremy and Edward were waiting at a hotel.
After some time, things settled down and the returning soldiers sat down with their greeters.
When Duvall returned to the dais, Natalie felt her heart begin to pound and reached out to Charlie who was becoming excited again.
Duvall was speaking, "And now we welcome home the Captains of the ships of the Fleet. From the Admiral Forrest, Captain David Rogers…"
Natalie knew that Trip would be the last one introduced as the Captain of Enterprise. She paused for a moment as she realized the time had actually come.
In the section reserved for those who returned wounded, Jane McBride looked at John as he anticipated the hearing of the Mercy McBride. She felt the usual twinge of sadness as she realized how much Mercy would have enjoyed this. At the same time, she reflected again on the irony that Mercy's death had led to her meeting John and falling in love. Seeming to sense her mood, John reached out and gripped her hand. At that moment, they heard, "From the Mercy McBride, Captain Howard Benson." She joined John as he clapped his hands and then gently touched her cheek.
Natalie slowly rose to her feet grabbing Charlie's hand, "From Enterprise, Captain Charles Tucker III."
Simultaneous with the announcement, she saw Trip come through the door. Before she could stop him, Charlie pulled loose from her and ran frantically toward Trip, yelling, "Daddy, Daddy." He ran as fast as his little legs could carry him and it seemed at any moment he would fall down. The cameras suddenly caught him and the image was shown on the screen. Then Trip saw him and broke out in the broadest and warmest of smiles as he moved forward and swept Charlie into his arms. As Charlie wrapped his arms around his father's neck, the screen showed the tears in Trip's eyes. The crowd cheered as they headed back toward Natalie.
As the sailor kissing the girl in Times Square became the representation of the soldiers returning from World War II, Trip and his son came to represent the return from the Romulan War.
With Charlie still clutching him tightly, Trip made his way to Natalie. He drew her into an embrace and kissed her softly on the lips. Natalie then informed him Rose was waiting with the rest of the family.
The Captains eventually moved to their chairs on the second tier.
As Captain Horwitz was about to sit down, he noticed that Trip's chair was still vacant. He called out to get Trip's attention and saw him still holding his son tightly. Trip saw him and started to hand Charlie to Natalie, but Charlie refused to let go. Shrugging, Trip shook his head and remained where he was. As Duvall returned to the dais, he noticed the empty seat. He got a puzzled look on his face and it seemed as if he was going to see what was wrong when Horwitz indicated where Trip was. Smiling, Duvall started to speak.
"And now I have the great honor of introducing the returning War Council and family members. But first, an honored guest. She is the wife of Viceroy Gral of Tellar whose courageous sacrifice was instrumental in the Alliance victory. Please give a warm welcome to Margot."
The crowd cheered as Margot came out on the top tier. She was welcomed warmly by President Samuels and Admiral Gardner who remained standing as she stood beside them.
Duvall continued, "And now the aide to the Tellar representative on the Council, Captain Grab and his wife Torene." They came out onto the top tier and were greeted by Samuels, Gardner, and Margot with a good round of applause from the card. They moved down to the last seats.
"And now second in command to the Vulcan representative, Captain Sopek and his wife T'Lan." They also got a warm round of applause as they are greeted and moved down next to the Tellarites.
The next one introduced was Commander Brahn, who got a stronger response from the audience as she came out wearing her full uniform, complete with blade, and displaying her ample assets. After being greeted, she smiled and waved at the audience, gaining more cheers. The Tabloids would later note that the President definitely peeked while Gardner didn't. One of them irreverently pointed out that since she ended up standing next to a Tellarite, it was fortunate that she didn't poke one of his eyes out.
When Duvall paused, the audience began to murmur, knowing that T'Pol was normally introduced next. Their question was left unanswered when Duvall then continued, "And now it is with the greatest pleasure that I introduce the members of the War Council."
"First, Captain Frag of Tellar."
As he came out, he received a loud ovation, but it was also somewhat muted because they knew he was the replacement for Viceroy Gral.
"Next is Ambassador Soval and his wife T'Nara."
The crowd gave a huge cheer that grew larger when Soval acknowledged it with a quick nod. Trip, still standing with Natalie, reflected how a few years ago it would have been inconceivable that Soval would receive such a cheer from an Earth audience.
"Now, the second in command, General Shran and his wife Jhamel."
This time the cheer was larger. He was also wearing his uniform and blade. Shran shook Gardner's and Samuels' hands as he also put his other hand on their shoulders. He then gave Margot a hug, before turning and waving to the audience with a big smile on his face. Between that and the feelings of the audience for Jhamel, the cheers grew even louder.
Natalie was thrilled to see Jhamel and wondered if she would be able to spend some time with her.
Then, the crowd suddenly went silent, as they realized a long-anticipated moment was at hand. Duvall waited for a moment and then, "The Supreme Commander of the Alliance Fleet Admiral Jonathan Archer and his wife and second in command Commodore T'Pol."
They came out and were greeted by Samuels and Gardner; Archer shaking the President's hand and saluting Gardner before giving a quick hug to Margot.
There was a giant roar as the crowd, the soldiers and their families, and the Captains rose as one.
Archer and T'Pol, astonished by the reception, acknowledged it with a wave from Archer and a nod from T'Pol. As they came up next to Shran and Jhamel, Shran smirked and leaned over so Archer could hear him, "I think they like you, Pinkskin."
The cheers went on for some time before everyone finally returned to their seats.
Duvall returned to the dais, "The President of Earth, Nathan Samuels."
Samuels made his way down to the second tier and stood behind the dais. "Thank you, Admiral Duvall."
Scanning his eyes around the hangar. "Members of the War Council, Admiral Gardner, Margot, members of the audience, our returning soldiers and Captains and all the people of Earth."
"I will not take much of your time. I just want to extend the thanks from me and the people of Earth to the men and women we honor today. I also want to extend my gratitude and consolation to those gathered here whose loved ones paid the supreme sacrifice. I know my words ring hollow, but they are all I have. I also want to recognize those who were wounded in the conflict and were forced to return home."
"Mere words cannot even begin to express how much Earth and the other planets of the Alliance owe to all of you. Your courage, your sacrifices render insignificant anything I or anyone else can say. Your actions will always be remembered. Thank you."
"I also need to correct something I said a few months ago when I said the Romulan war was over."
As the crowd murmured a little, he smiled broadly, "NOW, with our heroes home, The Romulan War is OVER."
Everyone cheered as he made his way back to his seat.
Clapping, Duvall returned, "And now, Admiral Archer will honor those who paid the ultimate price by reading their names."
As Archer made his way to the dais, a commander came out and handed him a PADD.
Looking out over the crowd, he had to smile sadly to himself. This was the fourth time he had done this. He was proud that he had painstakingly learned how to say the names of the others in their native tongue. That would not be the problem this time, but it would still be more difficult as he was acquainted with many of those on the list.
"Before I read the official list of those who gave their lives so that we can be here today, I beg your indulgence. I would first like to honor two others who although not regular soldiers, their deaths deeply affected me and inspired me and others."
"The first is my companion who was with me from the beginning. In the dark days of the Expanse and the War, he was always there to comfort me and give me his unconditional love. My friend Porthos."
As Porthos's picture appeared on the screen, the crowd reacted with cheers.
"The second individual inspired me and all those who met her with her courage. Fate cruelly took her from us but we will never forget her. She was such an inspiration that we honored her by taking the unprecedented step of naming a Starship after her. She was only twelve years old when she was taken by Torrin Syndrome but she created a lifetime of showing love and joy. Miss Mercy McBride."
As the picture of Mercy smiling in her Starfleet uniform showed on the screen, Jane burst into tears, a combination of sadness and joy, as John hugged her.
After a few moments, Archer went on, "And now the list of heroes."
"Crewman David Abbot, Lieutenant Jacob Actwon…" As he slowly read the names, their pictures appeared on the screen.
Mary Robbins and Henrietta sat quietly waiting for Kathy's name to be read. When her picture did appear, Mary gently squeezed Henrietta's hand and let the tears fall.
Trip also reacted, by reaching out and taking Natalie's hand.
As Edna Simpson's son's name was read, she remembered the personal note from the Admiral and T'Pol how they had been with him when he died. She feels a deep sense of pride at his service.
When Ensign Williams name is read, there is only an empty seat to record the fact.
Sara sat with Deborah in the front row. Sara had marked on the list of the dead in the program where Sam's name was. As the list is read, they mark each one off. When Sam Gordon's name was read, they looked up at Sam's picture and Deborah smiled, saying quietly, "Sam hero."
After he finished with the list, Archer stood quietly for a few moments and then began to speak,
"As the Commander of the Fleet, I want to say that no commander ever was supported by a greater group of man and women. Each day, no matter how dire, how dangerous our situation would be, I never doubted the outcome. Not because I was a great leader but because of my faith in the courage and expertise of the men I commanded."
"I also wish to recognize the extraordinary abilities of the rest of the War Council. You could not find a more dedicated and more talented group of men and women."
"Then there was the War Committee, who provided everything that we needed to prevail. They provided the leadership and guidance needed."
"But most of all, I want to thank you, the peoples of Earth. It was your backing, your support, your sacrifices that enabled us to succeed. Knowing you were behind us, providing support and whatever was needed, gave us the strength to prevail."
After a few more moments, "And now, it is my great pleasure to honor those whose deeds were so extraordinary as to be worth of extra recognition."
"May I ask Commodore T'Pol and Lieutenant Travis Mayweather to step forward."
When they stood before them, he couldn't help but smile, but then turned serious.
"At a crucial juncture in the war, with the outcome definitely in doubt, these two individuals along with Commander Ronel of Andoria, took part in a hazardous mission that could have easily resulted in their deaths. This mission was instrumental in ending the war."
"Therefore, the War Committee has deemed them deserving of the highest honor the Alliance can bestow, the Alliance Medal of Honor."
"Commodore T'Pol." As she came to attention, he moved forward and placed the award around her neck, "In recognition of your act of selfless courage in the face of the enemy, without regard to your own safety, I hereby award you this medal in recognition of that action."
He then stepped backed and saluted her as she responded in kind, saying, Thank you, Sir."
Archer then turned to Travis and did the same.
After they left, Archer continued, "During the war, the Terran army took part in a mission to destroy vital supplies of the Romulans. This mission took them far from earth to face a powerful opposing army on a distant planet. In spite of heavy casualties, they completed their mission, taking the war to Romulan space itself."
"Will Major General Gertrude Schneider please step forward."
As she came out and stood before him, "Major General Schneider led the attack. But more than that, she was the long-time defender and champion of the Army. He was her training and leadership that prevented more deaths. For this and her completion of the mission, I hereby present her with the Alliance Medal of Honor."
After placing it around her neck and exchanging an Army salute, she left.
"We have one more medal to bestow, one more hero to honor. During the mission that the Major General commanded, one soldier, Sergeant Sam Gordon, gave his life to make that mission a success. He took it upon himself to single handedly go behind enemy lines and sacrifice himself as he rendered a vital mine of the Romulans useless for a long time, thus depriving them of vital fuel, hastening the end of the war."
"To accept the award, will Deborah Gordon please step forward."
Sara had anticipated and dreaded this moment. She was so proud of Sam but was worried how Deborah would handle the situation. She had asked her if she wanted her to go with her, but she had insisted she needed to do it for Sam.
Deborah somehow got herself to her feet and headed for the steps to the second tier. A Commander came out to be ready to help her up the steps. But halfway to the stage, she froze. She couldn't go forward or backwards. Sara started to get up, but Archer, sensing what had happened, quickly went down to where she was. "We will do this ceremony down here."
Deborah looked up at him and suddenly it was all too much. To her and everyone else's horror, she urinated right where she stood.
Recovering from the shock, Sara hurried out to her. Archer quickly turned to the emergency nurses standing near the stage and gestured to them, "We need help over here."
They quickly came over and with Sara's help, led a sobbing Deborah to the infirmary.
Archer turned to the Commander, "Get something to clean this up."
He then returned to the dais, trying not to think about how that poor woman must feel. Deciding he had no idea of anything he could say that would help the situation, he simply said, "We will see to it that the ceremony is completed at another time."
He then turned to Duvall who took over the dais as Archer sat down. T'Pol reached out and touched his hand as he looked gratefully at her.
Duvall was saying, "Admiral Gardner will give the closing remarks."
"Thank you. Admiral. There is nothing I can really add to what had been said. I just want to remind us all of where we stood when the Romulans attacked Earth. We had only four Starships and had no idea what the future held for us. Today we have a powerful fleet that ranks with the best. We have won a war with the help of three planets that have often been adversaries in the past. It is impossible to recognize all those who have brought us to this point. There is Lester Warren, who inspired and drove us to build our fleet. There are individuals…"
While Gardner was speaking, Sara came out by the stage and gathering her courage, walked beside the second tier and called out softly, "Admiral Archer."
When Archer looked at her, she signaled she needed to talk to him. Not sure what she wanted; he made his way to the edge so he could hear her.
"Admiral, you have to give Deborah another chance."
Archer was stunned, that didn't sound like a good idea. She had gone on, "If you don't, she will never forgive herself. She feels she has disappointed Sam."
"I'm not sure, what if….?"
"I can't guarantee anything, but I know she needs to try."
Nodding, he sat back down.
Gardner had continued, "from every planet who were also vital to the war effort. But there is one group of individuals that were the heart of the mission, the unique pieces. Those individuals were the original four members of the War Council. They were the rock upon which the Alliance was built. Their amazing friendships were its foundation. Since the remaining three have made it clear they will not accept an Alliance medal of honor or any other recognition, I can only honor them with words. Their actions not only saved our four planets but also stopped a Romulan invasion of the entire quadrant. Although it may be presumptuous of me to say so, I believe I speak for untold billions of individuals when I say, you have preserved our lives and our freedoms for us and our descendants. The names of Admiral Archer, General Shran, Ambassador Soval, and Viceroy Gral will live forever."
As the audience cheered, Archer made his way to Admiral Duvall, "Don't do your final speech yet, I still have a task to do."
As Gardner turned, he was surprised to see Archer standing there. Smiling apologetically, Archer watched as Gardner went past him.
Moving down to the floor in front of the stage, "It turns out there is one more task to do."
Just then, as the audience gasped, Deborah and Sara moved out to where he was. Deborah was dressed in scrubs and although Archer could see she was still scared, she had a look of determination on her face.
Sara dropped her off in front of Archer and giving Deborah's shoulders a squeeze, headed back to her seat.
As they stood there, Archer wasn't sure how to proceed. Finally, hoping he was doing the right thing, he reached out and lifted her chin to look at him, whispering, "Let's get this done, okay."
Deborah managed a smile, "Okay."
"In recognition of his singular act of courage in enabling a vital mission to be completed; an action that cost him his life, I hereby award Sergeant Sam Gordon the Alliance Medal of Honor. Accepting the honor is his mother, Deborah Gordon. He then placed it around her neck and impulsively leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. Her eyes widened, but then she smiled and said, "Thank you."
He smiled back and said, "You're welcome."
As she turned and headed back toward a waiting Sara, he added, "We have talked a lot today about courage. I think we have just seen an amazing example of that."
Suddenly, the crowd rose and gave her a standing ovation. With tears in her eyes, Sara hugged her and helped her sit down.
After Archer returned to his seat, Admiral Duvall thanked everyone for coming and asked them to wait until the ushers reached their row before leaving.
