A/N My deep thanks to Guest, noro, and Mojo01 for their wonderful reviews. I know I should let it go, but my curiosity won't let me. I still want to know what all those reviews by Guest meant. Could someone please help me? In any case, I want to assure Guest I really appreciate the effort.

I am still borrowing these wonderful characters.

As it turned out, only one of Travis's students did not do an excellent job. Even that one was given another chance and after being tutored by Travis passed on his second try.

It only took five months before Edward and his team announced they were ready to discuss their progress with John and Jane. John and Jane were both stunned when they saw Dr. Phlox had accompanied the others. He had not mentioned anything about Torrin when they had seen him at Archer's birthday party.

After exchanging greetings, they sat back to see what was going on.

Edward began the presentation. "As we stated at the last meeting, Dr. Chow had noted a similarity between the final stage of Torrin Syndrome and some aspects of mutation. Our research has led us to believe that she was correct. Torrin is not really a disease, but a mutation. Each victim has a genome that is slightly different from a normal human. For the early part of their life, this change has no effect on their lives. But when the onset of puberty comes, the mutated body cannot adapt and what we refer to as the final stage occurs. The reaction is so severe as to cause death."

John and Jane were amazed. The also felt excited as it seemed this was a huge step forward.

Edward continued, "Although this is a giant step, a lot of work remains. As we also said at that last meeting, one possibility we needed to look at was the possible use of drugs to allow the body to accept puberty. After we had discussed several possibilities, Dr. Patel realized that there may be an extensive area of research we could draw upon. He was thinking of genetic research that has been done in working on cures for other diseases, for example Cystic Fibrosis. They have accomplished a great deal by using coded RNA to mask the effects of the DNA changes."

"Seeing this as a highly promising line or research, we determined we would explore it more fully. When we began, we discovered that although we all had some knowledge of what had been done and there is an abundance of information on the subject, none of us could claim great expertise on the subject."

"We decided to contact Dr. Raymond Morass, who is considered Earth's leading authority on the utilizing of drugs for the purpose of countering genetic diseases. When we contacted him, he was more than willing to help but was just about to leave for Vulcan to work for the next year in conjunction with the Interspecies Medical Exchange. But he said that there was another member of the Exchange that had done extensive research on the subject and whose knowledge matched or exceeded his own. Upon his recommendation, we contacted Dr. Phlox and after some discussion of our progress, he agreed to work with us."

He continued, "At this time, I would like to yield to Dr. Phlox."

Phlox smiled and started, "Thank you, Dr. Crowder. First, let me say that in the short time I have worked with these individuals, I have been extremely impressed. I am honored to join this effort."

He looked over at Jane, "Of course, I also have a deep emotional interest. All of us who ever met Mercy fell in love with her and admired her courage and flair for life. I pledge to do everything I can to find a cure."

Jane teared up a little, "Thank you, Doctor, and I want you to know how much Mercy and I appreciated what you all did for her."

Phlox nodded and then went on, "Dr. Morass was correct, I have spent a great deal of time studying the roots of genetic diseases. Of course, most of my work was on Denobula, but I have found there is little difference in this instance between Denobulans and Humans."

"Although I have only had a short time to study Torrin since the team approached me, I feel comfortable that this is a highly promising line of research. There are many parallels between the work I have done and the way in which Torrin acts. I have agreed to dedicate the next six months exclusively to this project. Admiral Gardner and Starfleet have been most understanding."

Jane remembered that Gardner had told her of his friend's son that had died.

Both Jane and John smiled, "That is wonderful news. I don't know how we can possibly thank you," she turned to the others, "Any of you."

Edward looked around at the others, knowing he spoke for them, "If we can do something to save children from this plague, that will be more than thanks enough."

After going over more mundane matters and being assured that there was sufficient funding available and that they would receive regular reports, John and Jane ending the meeting.

It had been three months since Archer and T'Pol had their encounter with Solon. Although Archer sometimes still wondered if they had done the right thing, T'Pol reminded him that there was nothing they could do about it now.

When their Shuttle landed on the landing near their home, both sensed something was different, but neither could put their finger on it. As usual, they were greeted by two members of Starfleet Security. They did notice that their uniforms did not seem to fit them very well. Then, two other men stepped out of the shadows and they found themselves facing four Phasers.

Before they completely absorbed that, two of the men grabbed T'Pol and when Archer instinctively went to help her, the other two men stepped between them with their Phasers.

They quickly forced her hands behind her back and put on restraints. With Archer looking on helplessly, another Shuttle landed and T'Pol was dragged aboard. Archer shouted out what would happen if they harmed her, but they just smiled and two of the men entered the Shuttle.

The other two stood, their Phasers still aimed at Archer. Then, another Shuttle landed. Archer was stunned when two Vulcans, both with masks on their faces, emerged from the second Shuttle. Both were also armed with Phasers.

Steven Baker went over to meet them, while his accomplice kept his gun on Archer, "Everything is on schedule. We got T'Pol in the Shuttle and Archer's waiting for you. Don't forget, you take him where you are in range of the security camera before you kill him. We want to be sure everyone knows it was a Vulcan that did him in."

One of the two Vulcans nodded. Baker turned to the other human, "All right, let's get out of here."

As the human turned to leave, the two Vulcans kept their Phasers on Archer.

They watched the Shuttle leave and one of the Vulcans spoke, "All right, now let us not have any trouble. We just need you to come with us."

"What are they going to do with T'Pol?"

"Do not worry about her. Just get moving."

"Why should I? If you're going to kill me, let's get it over with."

"You heard the Human; we want to be sure and get it on film."

"What if I just decide to stay here?"

"Then we will knock you out and carry you."

Archer took a deep breath. He thought of all the times he had somehow avoided death. But he couldn't see any way out of this one. He could try to stall but he could see they were ready to knock him out. As long as he was awake, there was still hope. Then his thoughts turned to T'Pol. He somehow hoped she would survive. He felt deep sadness he had not been able to say goodbye and tell her he loved her one more time.

As the speaker approached him, he started to walk where they indicated. When they reached the area, the Vulcan aimed the Phaser at him. "Any last words, Archer?"

"I am curious, why are you doing this? It doesn't seem something a Vulcan would do."

"Goodbye, Archer."

But before he could pull the trigger, the other Vulcan fired his. Archer stared as his assassin died before his eyes. The Phaser had obviously been set to kill.

When he turned to the other Vulcan, he was astounded as he took off his mask.

"Solon? What are you doing here? What the hell is going on?"

Solon smiled, "I will explain everything, but now we need to get going. I know where they have taken T'Pol."

Archer recovered and followed Solon as he headed for the second Shuttle. As they neared it, Archer could see two dead Security officers. Taking a deep breath, he got into the Shuttle with Solon. Getting some coordinates from Solon, he took off.

Once they were in the air, Archer turned to Solon, "Okay, let's hear it. Who were those guys and what do you have to do with them?" He hesitated, "And what do they want with T'Pol?"

"Before I answer your questions, you need to arrange to get us some help. We are heading for the Headquarters of Terra Prime and there are over one hundred armed men there."

"Terra Prime? They are behind this?"

Archer quickly used the communicator.

"Starfleet security, this is Lieutenant Rodding."

"This is Admiral Jonathan Archer; I need to speak to Commander Reed at once."

"Yes, Sir, Admiral."

As Reed came on the line, "Malcolm, this is Admiral Archer. I don't have time to explain but I need a full complement of Shuttles and men. I am sending you the coordinates of the headquarters of Terra Prime. I have been informed there are over a hundred armed men there."

"When you get there, surround the facility, but don't move in until I give you the word."

His voice softened, "They have T'Pol."

Malcolm was stunned but his training quickly took over, "Understood, Admiral, we'll leave as soon as we can."

"Thanks, Malcolm."

When he received the coordinates, he hurried out to the main area, "Commander Mellette, how many armed Shuttles and men can we get to these coordinates in the next hour?"

"As you know, Sir, most of our Shuttles are on assignment. The closest ones are about three hours away."

"There are seven Shuttles here and probably about fifty men or so."

Malcolm considered, there was probably enough shuttles, they were all armed with Phase Cannons, but he would have preferred a few more men. Then, thinking of something, he went on, "Okay get everyone armed and board the Shuttles, I'll join you in a minute."

Mellette quickly left and Malcom made a call.

"Colonel Thomas, this is Commander Reed at Starfleet Security. I don't have time to explain. I am under direct orders from Admiral Archer. How many MACOs can be armed and ready to go in the next half hour?"

Forty minutes later, seven armed Shuttles, under Commander Reed's command, carrying a combined force of seventy-five fully armed MACO's and Starfleet Security forces were on their way.

Back on the Shuttle, Archer turned toward Solon, "Okay. Now can you tell me what the Hell this is all about and although I am grateful you are, why are you still on Earth?"

Solon got comfortable…

It had taken some time, but Solon had remembered where he had seen the Vulcan before. His name was Klar. is He had seen a picture of him contained in the information Vandor had shown him about Farrak and his time on Vulcan. He was one of the Romulan admirers Farrak had left on Vulcan.

What was he doing on Earth? And why was he talking to a Human about T'Pol?

His curiosity piqued; he surreptitiously made his way close enough to overhear what they were saying.

After arriving on Earth, Klar had stayed quiet during the course of the war assuming the Romulans would prevail. He had been devastated when it was apparent the hoped-for unification was again on hold. When the plans began to circulate for a permanent Alliance, he knew he had to act. He had to at least try to do something. He had long heard of Terra Prime and realized their objectives could dovetail with his own.

Then, about a week before, he had overheard an individual, apparently trying to determine if the person he was talking to shared his views, express some positions that were in contrast with most of those beliefs he had heard. That individual had quickly backed off, saying he was just giving an opinion he had heard somewhere, when the other individual did not share his views.

After thinking it over, he had decided this could be his only chance to do something. After the other person left, he had approached the individual. The man, who introduced himself as Downing, was cautious at first. They danced around each other for a time, but finally admitted to each other they shared a common opposition to a permanent Alliance.

At the same time, he was uncomfortable with some of Downing's views which he thought were outlandish and barbaric, but realized they could be used to further his own goals. But it had been hard to hide his reaction when Downing had shown his utter distaste for T'Pol because she was involved with Archer.

But, when the meeting was over and Downing told him he needed to discuss what had happened with his superiors, he had agreed to stay in contact.

After that first meeting, Downing had been amazed and elated. This could be the very individual they would need to carry out their plan to assassinate Archer.

When he had discussed it with Steve Baker and the others, they had decided to take a chance. They had told Downing to meet again with Klar.

It was this second meeting that Solon was now eavesdropping on.

Downing was continuing, "You can see how important it is to both of us that this Alliance never exists. We both agree that this contamination must cease."

"We have already discussed this. I assumed you would have further information."

Downing took a breath, now that the moment had come, his doubts and worries raised themselves. But then he decided they needed to take the chance. "Not here. If you will accompany me to our headquarters, my superiors will explain everything."

Klar had his doubts too. But he had already gone this far, "That seems satisfactory."

They quickly rose and headed out the door. Instinctively, Solon followed them.

Once outside, he was relieved to see that wherever they were headed was apparently in walking distance. He could tell that Downing was concerned about being followed but Solon had accomplished far greater challenges.

He hung back though, when he saw them enter what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse. He knew there were probably several individuals watching from inside. Deciding there was nothing more he could do for now, he returned to the bar. Sitting down at a table, he considered what he had seen and overheard and wondered how he should proceed.

He knew what he should do. He had given his word to Archer and T'Pol that he would leave Earth immediately. The Rigellian freighter would be docking in less than an hour. But he was intrigued and he had to admit, concerned about what had transpired.

The mention of a headquarters and superiors suggested an organization of some sort. An organization strongly opposed to the Alliance. Could it possibly be this Terra Prime he had heard about? If so, why would such an organization be dealing with a Vulcan? But most disturbing of all, why were they discussing T'Pol?

All of his instincts told him that if it was Prime, they were planning something, something that somehow involved a Vulcan. He got the feeling if they were willing to work with someone they supposedly hated, it was something very important. Something that had to do with the Alliance.

He realized he was making a lot of assumptions but he had learned to trust his instincts. But if he was right, what if anything should he do? Why should he be concerned? He should just get on the freighter and head back to Romulus, to Tabrina.

He was shocked when he realized how important it had become to him that the new Alliance be created. Instead of Vandor's death causing him to want vengeance, it had made him want to believe what Vandor believed, that he and Archer shared a destiny. Ironically, the new Alliance would justify Vandor's death.

He also realized how much he admired Archer and T'Pol.

To his surprise, he realized he had already made up his mind. If there was a plot, he was going to do his best to prevent it. So, what should he do now? He could go to Archer, but he had no real proof.

He could try to gain entrance to this 'Headquarters' but he had no idea how many men were in there or how it was set up. He would keep that as a last resort.

After some more thought, he decided the best chance was waiting for Klar to leave and approach him. If it turned out that Klar did not emerge, he would consider the riskier option.

Still a little surprised at what he was doing, he found a spot where he could observe the warehouse.

He found even his patience strained as four hours passed. But then his patience was rewarded as he saw Klar emerge. He followed him back to the bar where, to his dismay, Klar headed toward the Shuttle landing area. Deciding quickly, he closed the distance and when Klar entered a shuttle, jumped in with him.

Klar could not hide his surprise, "What are you doing?"

"I wish to talk to you."

"Who are you? What do you want?"

"As I said, just talk. Why don't we find somewhere where we can be alone? Where were you heading?"

Klar was recovering. He started to demand this intruder leave, but there was something about him. He could sense this was a very dangerous individual. At the same time, he sensed he meant him no harm. "I was heading back to my dwelling."

"That should be satisfactory, shall we proceed?"

The ride to his apartment was silent, each lost in their thoughts.

When they entered the room, Klar turned to Solon, "Okay, we are here. Now what do you want?"

Solon sat down and shrugging, Klar sat down across from him.

Solon had wondered how much he should reveal. He knew from what he had read on Romulus and from his actions with the Human, that he was apparently a Romulan sympathizer, opposed to the Alliance. Deciding drastic measures were needed, he started, "My name is Solon, I once held the post of First Citizen of the Romulan Empire."

In spite of himself, Klar was stunned again, how could that be possible? But somehow, he knew it was the truth. "What are you doing on Earth?"

Solon had not been sure exactly how he should proceed, but now decided it was time to lie. "I was sent by the Praetor to learn about these humans first hand. And if at all possible, to find out as much as possible about this organization called Terra Prime. To see if they could be an ally. Of course, I would never reveal who I really am to them. I would just be another Vulcan."

Klar was suspicious. It all seemed to convenient. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because when I saw you, I recognized you as one of the Vulcans that had followed V'Las. When I saw you talking to a Human, I was of course curious. I managed to overhear that he seems to share our hatred for the Alliance." He decided to lay it all out. "I followed you to that warehouse."

He locked eyes with Klar, "My guess is that this all has something to do with Terra Prime."

Klar was not sure what to make of what was happening. On the one hand, he somehow did believe what he was being told. There was something about Solon, something that identified him as not being a Vulcan. But he was feeling as if he could be caught in the middle. He wasn't sure what Terra Prime would think of Solon. He decided the best idea was to tell the truth.

"You are correct. That warehouse is the headquarters of Terra Prime."

"How are you involved with them?"

Klar hesitated again. He had agreed that he would tell no one about what they wanted to do. He was to make arrangements so he would not be missed and come back expecting to stay at the warehouse until the time he was needed. But he could never have foreseen what had just occurred. Was there any danger in telling Solon what their plans were? Having already decided Solon was who he said he was, he could perhaps be of help.

Hoping he was right to trust him, "I am to take part in a plot to kill Admiral Archer and kidnap Commodore T'Pol."

It took all of Solon's control not to show his shock. As he struggled to deal with what he was hearing, he answered, "When is this supposed to happen?"

"I do not know. I was told to arrange things so I will not be missed and then plan to stay at the warehouse until I am needed."

"Why have they chosen you for this? As I understand them, they want nothing to do with aliens."

"They believe that if a non-human kills Archer, it provides a better chance of stopping the formation of the new Alliance."

Solon had recovered and was running possible scenarios through his head. The easiest was to do nothing and keep his word to leave Earth. But he realized he had completely bought in to the belief that Archer and Vandor had been men of destiny and that it was vital to him he be given a chance to fulfill it.

Should he then warn Archer and T'Pol and alert them as to where Terra Prime's headquarters were? If he did that, he would need to kill Klar. He could not risk it coming out he was Romulan.

Any decision he might have reached became moot when the door burst open and three humans entered, all armed with Phase Pistols. Solon gauged his chances of taking them all out, but decided it was too risky.

Klar shouted out, "Baker, what are you doing here?"

"We luckily took the precaution of stationing one of our men in the lobby. When he saw you weren't alone, he gave us a call. You were told not to talk to anyone."

Solon, finding some hope in the fact they hadn't killed him immediately, broke in. "After that first meeting, he sought out my opinion on whether he should get involved. I told him there were risks but we needed to take the chance. I share his views of the Alliance. I was his superior on Vulcan. I told him to let me know what he found out."

He hesitated, "Before you interrupted us, I was about to suggest that I join him when he returned to your headquarters."

"What would make you think you would be welcome there?"

"Because I could be of help in your plan."

Baker turned angrily toward Klar, "You told him what we were planning? I should kill you both."

Solon continued, "That would be a mistake. It is doubtful that you could find anyone to replace us."

"What is this 'Us'? What makes you think we need you?"

"Because Klar cannot do this!"

Moving so swiftly that he was just a blur, he quickly kicked the weapons out of two of the men's hands and felled the third with a neck pinch.

Baker recovered his weapon and aimed it at Solon, who stood quietly. Struggling with himself, Baker finally smiled, "That was quite impressive. Perhaps you could be of use, after all." After a moment, "That was quite a chance you took."

"It seemed desperate measures were required. Besides, it was likely you would kill me anyway."

"You're right. I may still." He gestured to Downing, "Pick up the weapons." He asked Solon, "What did you do to Patrick?"

"Just a neck pinch, he'll be okay in a few minutes."

Baker seemed to be considering things. Finally, he spoke, "Okay, we're all going back to the warehouse. We have a Shuttle outside." He gestured to Solon, "Pick Patrick up and bring him."

Klar asked, "How about my job? I will be missed."

"Call them right now and tell them you quit, that you are planning to return to Vulcan."

When he did so, he could tell they were suspicious, but he hung up before they could ask any questions.

When they were all aboard the Shuttle, Baker asked Solon who he was. Hoping Klar knew enough to keep his secret, he gave them his Vulcan name.

For the next three months, Solon and Klar were kept under constant guard. Terra Prime checked all their sources but could not establish any link between either of them to any security organization.

During that time they hammered out a plan. They would take control of the Landing area used by Archer and T'Pol, killing the two security personnel. Assuming their identities, they would wait for Archer to arrive. Four Terra Prime members would take T'Pol back to their headquarters and wait for the Vulcan to return after killing Archer. They would then rape T'Pol to humiliate her and increase the hatred for the Vulcans. They would then kill her and dump her body.

The major part of their plan involved recording the rape and assassinations so there would be no question of who did it. Although the landing area had no cameras outside there was one in a nearby building. Thus, the kidnapping would not be recorded but they could be sure the killing of Archer was.

Archer could do nothing but stare at Solon. It was difficult to believe what he was hearing. To gain a moment to recover, he asked, "Who killed the Security guards?"

Solon looked him in the eyes, "I did. It was a final test of my loyalty."

Archer felt a burst of anger but then knew he needed to accept that. "So, what's the plan now?"

"I will drop you off on the north side of the building, away from prying eyes. There is a fire escape that goes up to the roof. I will then go in and find a way for us to escape to the roof. Once we are there, I will contact you and you can call in your Security forces, assuming they have arrived."

"I know Malcolm Reed. They will be there."

"We will then climb down to where you are."

Sensing what Archer was thinking, he said quietly, "I will not rape T'Pol."

Archer nodded and then asked, "How are you going to explain Klar not being with you?"

"I will just tell them he changed his mind and couldn't go through with it; so, I killed him outside the building and then killed you in front of the camera." He added, "I have spent time planting the idea that he was weak. That was the main reason they allowed me to go along."

"I don't know why you stayed and did all this and I admit I am deeply troubled by you killing the guards, but it appears T'Pol and I owe you our lives."

"I admit a part of what I did it is that I do admire you both, but…" He hesitated, "It is hard to explain, but I feel that this new alliance and your part in it give meaning to Vardon's death."

As Archer contemplated that, Solon said, "Okay we are here. Set it down in that open area."

After landing, they got out and Solon pointed to a building some distance away, "That is it. After I leave, slowly make your way toward it. There are no windows on this side, but be careful."

As Solon entered the Shuttle, Archer's communicator buzzed. Holding up a hand to stop Solon, he answered, "This is Archer."

"This is Malcolm, Sir, we are in place."

Archer smiled, "Good job, Malcolm. Wait for my signal."

"Yes, sir."

Archer watched as the Shuttle took off and disappeared over the building.

T'Pol stood in the middle of the warehouse upper floor, her hands tied behind her to a pole. Aside from some sore muscles from a not too gentle handling of her, she was unharmed. She did have to endure a parade of men and women telling her that Archer was dead and describing in graphic terms what was to happen to her.

It was not difficult to close off her mind and shut down her pain and their taunting, but the thought of Jonathan being dead drove deep into her heart. Yet, somehow, she still clung to hope. As much as it flew in the face of logic, she still had to believe he was still alive. After all, she had thought him dead twice before. But that did not stop the waves of despair that threatened to overwhelm her.

She was brought back to the present when there was a flurry of excitement. One of the men came up to her and told them the Shuttle was back and her time was running out.

Gathering all her resources, she prepared herself for what was to come. But then she could not hide her shock when she saw Solon enter the room. What was he doing here? Had he killed Jonathan?

Luckily, her reaction had not been noticed because all eyes were on Solon. She quickly recovered and became stoic, somehow understanding she must not reveal she knew him.

Baker came up to him, "Well, how did it go?" Then he looked past him toward the door, "Where's Klar?"

"Klar's dead, I had to kill him."

"What? Why? How about Archer?"

"I told you that Klar was weak. At the last moment he changed his mind, was afraid of the consequences. I killed him outside the building and then took Archer in and killed him in front of the camera." He gestured toward the Shuttle, "I brought the body back with me so no one will ever know he was there."

Baker looked like he was going to say something but then remembered how Solon had killed the security guards and shrugged, "Well, good riddance. Thank goodness you were there."

Then he smirked, "She's all ready and waiting for you."

Solon nodded and with everyone looking on, moved up close to T'Pol. Baker told everyone to stay out of camera range and told them to start recording.

T'Pol met his eyes unflinchingly. He reached out and touched her breasts, but she showed no emotion. He then leaned in and kissed at her neck as she turned her head away.

In a whisper that only she could hear, "Don't show any reaction. Archer's alive."

It took all of her control not to call out in joy. He went on, "I am going to soon remove the restraints, but I need to continue to touch you. I ask your indulgence. When I say the word strip, you run as fast as you can for the stairs in the corner. They lead to the roof. There is a fire escape on the north side. Archer is waiting for you."

He pulled his head back, "I am afraid I will not be gentle with you, but then Vulcans like it rough."

T'Pol leaned forward and spit in his face. Solon smirked and slapped her knowing she could withstand the pain. He then put his arms around her, and while he appeared to caress her rear, quickly snapped the restraints. He then fondled her breast and attempted to kiss her on the mouth as she turned her head.

He turned and smiled at the others, "Well so much for foreplay, it's time to strip away…"

T'Pol quickly raced toward the stairs, dealing with anyone in her path. It took a moment for the others to react. In that time, Solon drew his Phaser and disposed of those closest to him. He then raced after T'Pol.

Baker cursed and drawing his Phaser, chased after them with several others right behind him.

Halfway up the stairs, Solon pulled out a communicator and told Archer they were on the way.

Archer immediately contacted Malcolm.

When they reached the roof, they quickly headed for the fire escape. As T'Pol prepared to climb down, Solon saw Baker and two other men come through the door. He fired and saw them pull back. But then Baker used one of the men as a shield and got a shot off that caught Solon in the chest. As he went down, T'Pol instinctively move to catch him. As she reached for the Phaser, she saw Baker approaching her, his Phaser aimed at her. Baker snarled, "I don't know what's going on, but at least I'll know you're dead."

Then he screamed and collapsed. T'Pol looked up and saw a Starfleet Shuttle with a MACO on a platform by an open door with a Phase Rifle. At the same time, she heard Malcolm's voice, "This is Starfleet Security. Drop your weapons. The building is surrounded. Come out unarmed with your hands in the air."

The few other men that had made it to the roof tried to go back down the stairs but were hit and collapsed where they were.

T'Pol quickly turned back to Solon. It was apparent he had little time left. The Phaser was an older, less powerful version but must have been set to kill. He looked up at her and managed two words, "Bury Vulcan."

She checked his pulse and then looked up to see Archer's face. He had apparently come up the ladder to get her. There were no words needed, he crushed her to him, kissing her passionately, all of the thoughts of worry, of love, of unabashed relief passed through their combined minds. After the kiss stopped, they still clung to each other, their bond meaning no words were necessary.

Finally, Archer looked down at Solon, "He saved our lives."

"I wonder what caused him to do so."

"He tried to explain it to me. Something about Vardon's death."

"He said two words before he died. Bury Vulcan."

"He wanted to be buried on Vulcan?"

"Apparently so."

"I guess it's the least we can do. It's probably good now we told T'Pau about the Romulans."

At that moment, a shuttle landed near them and a Starfleet security guard came out to them. "Admiral, Commodore, I am Lieutenant Masters, are you two all right?"

"Were fine, Lieutenant."

"Commander Reed has set up a command post, he sent me to bring you there."

As Archer nodded, Masters gestured to Baker, "I assume he is with Prime?"

"Yes."

He turned back to the Shuttle, "Sergeant Holliday, restrain this man, we'll take him and put him with the others."

As a woman Sergeant put handcuffs on Baker and carried him into the Shuttle, Masters looked at Solon's body. Archer spoke up, "He was an ally, he saved our lives."

Masters nodded, "We have a shuttle set up in case we had casualties, if you wish, we can take him there."

Archer and T'Pol touched and agreed that would probably be best. Archer answered, "That's fine."

"How shall we tag him?"

"Just tag him, 'Unknown Ally, Admiral Archer."

"Yes, Sir."

"Oh, there is another Vulcan body in a shuttle in front of the building, do the same for him."

They could tell Masters was wondering what this was all about but he just said, "Of course, Sir."

When everyone was on board, they were taken to an area some distance from the building where Malcolm had established his Command Center.

As they exited the Shuttle, he came up to them, "Admiral, Commodore, great to see you are all right."

Archer answered, "Thanks, Malcolm." Then he looked around, "What's the situation?"

"They tried to put up a fight at first, but a couple blasts from the Phase Cannons and most of them surrendered. About forty or so escaped into the basement."

He smiled, "I just had Commander Samson tell them if they didn't surrender in fifteen minutes, we would flood the area with Neuroethene gas. He told them it wouldn't kill them, but for about an hour they would wish they were dead."

Just then his communicator beeped, "Reed here." After listening a moment, "Good. Round them up and put them with the others." He listened again, "Okay, take three men and go in and bring him out."

He turned to Archer, "Appears all but one have given up."

They talked for a few minutes as Archer brought Malcom up to date on the two Vulcan bodies that he wanted kept secret for now. He also broke the news about the two security men that had been killed. Malcolm told him he knew, that he had sent some men to the house after Archer had called him.

Then his communicator beeped again, after listening, he said, "All right, stay put and we'll join you."

He turned to Archer, "It appears that Commander Samson has something to show me. Do you want to join me?"

They agreed and they made their way into the warehouse. Archer and T'Pol could see the extensive damage the Phase Cannons had done to the building. They found their way to the basement and heard Samson call out to them. When they joined him, even with all they had seen, it took them a moment to recover. There was a body there, but the head was totally destroyed. There was a Phaser close to his hand.

Samson was speaking, "When we found him, I went through his pockets." He held up a wallet, "When I looked inside, I sent the others away and called you."

Malcolm looked inquisitively at him and then took the wallet from him. Looking inside, his eyes widened and he silently handed it to Archer. When he and T'Pol looked inside, they looked at each other and Archer turned to Samson. "You did the right thing, Commander. So, we four are the only ones who know who he was?"

"Yes, Sir."

"I don't need to tell you that you are to tell no one about this."

"I understand, Sir."

"Very well, go get a body bag and mark him as 'Unknown Combatant'."

"Yes, Sir."

As he left, Archer looked once more at the name in the wallet, 'Dexter Wharton, Vice President.'

He turned to Malcolm and T'Pol, "How the hell did he get mixed up with Terra Prime? This is going to be bad for President Samuels. And it could be bad for the plans for an Alliance, to have a representative of Earth's government involved with a group like Terra Prime."

Malcolm nodded, "How do you want to handle it?"

"You take the wallet and when you are in a secure area, contact Admiral Gardner on a safe line and follow his orders."

Taking the wallet, "Yes, Sir."

They took one more look at the body as Samson returned with another man and a body bag.

Before leaving the basement, they looked around. They were surprised when they found what appeared to be a meeting room. Apparently, this is where Terra Prime had held their meetings. They were shocked and pleased when they looked in an adjacent room and found a full computer set up. T'Pol walked over and looked it over. "Although it is possible they deleted data, it appears that no one has attempted to destroy information."

Malcolm pointed out, "We didn't give them a lot of time. It's possible we may have what we need to finish up Terra Prime for good. If we're lucky, we could find out who all is involved."

After they had returned to the Command Center, Malcolm having given orders to have the computers and everything else to be taken to Starfleet Security, they contemplated their next step.

After touching T'Pol, Archer spoke, "Well, it looks like you have everything under control. Just store those two Vulcan bodies and we will get back to you on what needs to be done. If Gardner wants to talk to us, we'll be at home. Unless you need us for something, we are going to head out.

Malcolm did have some questions, especially about exactly what had happened at the house, but it was apparent he had all he was going to get for now.

"No, I believe I can handle it for now. Have a good trip home." He paused, "I am so glad you two are all right."

T'Pol answered, "Thank you, Malcolm, but you were a big part of that."

Malcolm nodded and then called out, "Lieutenant Masters, see to it that the Admiral and Commodore get home."

After landing at the Landing area by their home, they were greeted by two new Security Guards. After exchanging greetings, Archer took T'Pol's hand and they headed down the path leading to the house. T'Pol could tell that Archer was troubled but seemed to be hiding it. Through the bond she asked, "Is there something troubling you? Can I help?"

"Sorry, I didn't realize I was masking it. Solon told me that he was the one that killed the Security Guards. I just can't help thinking if we had not made that deal with him, they would be alive."

"While that is true, it is also true he could have killed us and done other acts. It is also true he saved our lives."

"I know, but did we just trade our lives for theirs?"

"I understand, all lives are equally important." There was a pause, "But we also need to be honest with ourselves. Those men were there to protect us. They were dedicated to that goal, even at the cost of their lives."

"I know what you are saying but…" She could feel the sadness, "I am just tired of having others die for me."

T'Pol released her hand and held up her fingers for a Vulcan kiss. Archer gratefully intertwined their fingers and they shared their love and solace for each other and for those that had died.

Releasing their fingers, they again joined hands and restarted their walk.

"