A/N Thanks so much to noro for the review. I really appreciate it. I admit it, I wrote this chapter so I could reach exactly 300,000 words. Thanks to all of you who have stayed with me. I still own nothing.

With Jhamel out of danger, the Queen arranged for the postponed meeting to take place. At the same time the Committee of Andorian Law, the equivalent of the Terran Supreme Court, met and quickly voted unanimously that only those with pure Ancestral blood could be considered Royalty.

The morning before the meeting, Shran and Archer got together as did Jhamel and T'Pol.

Sharing a bottle of Andorian Ale, Shran said reflectively, "Have you ever thought how improbable it is that we are friends?"

Archer took a big drink and smirked, "You mean before or after you beat the crap out of me?"

Shran laughed but Archer seriously went on, "Yes. But at the same time, I cannot imagine not being your friend."

"Or I not being yours."

After a few minutes of silence, Archer spoke up, "Were you bothered by your Committee of Law meeting so quickly to say the Aenar and your child are not royalty."

"No, on the contrary, I was relieved to hear it. There should be no confusion as to who can be Queen."

He smiled and went on, "Besides, we will always know of our tie to them."

"T'Pol and I are so happy that Jhamel is going to be all right."

"Thanks. And thanks for getting Phlox to help." He smirked, "I know we have gone back and forth on who owes who, but I will never be able to repay you for this."

"You would have done the same for us and I am just glad Phlox was able to help."

Shran nodded and after finishing off his glass, "I have been asked to attend the meeting today."

"I am glad to hear that. Are you going to be there?"

"I was torn but Jhamel told me I needed to go, that she will be fine."

As he refilled their glasses, "Let's drink to T'Pol and Jhamel and wonder how the two of us were lucky enough to have them love us."

Archer smiled and raised his glass, "To T'Pol and Jhamel."

Shran hesitated and then asked, "How about you two, are you planning to have a baby?"

Archer stalled by taking a drink, "We haven't really discussed it. I would love to have a baby with T'Pol and I think she feels the same but not sure it is possible. I have to admit, seeing what happened to Jhamel makes me wonder."

Shran nodded, "I am surprised through all the years Humans have been around the Vulcans that it has not already happened."

Suddenly, Archer thought of Solon. He had said that the Praetor was part human. If true that would mean it had happened. He answered, "It may have." He smirked, "But the two species weren't exactly in a loving relationship."

Shran laughed and after they had finished the bottle, Shran suggest they rejoin their wives.

T'Pol sat next to Jhamel's hospital bed and sipped on a cup of tea. She could hardly believe what a difference a day had made. Jhamel seemed to be completely back to normal.

She spoke first, "Are you going to be able to leave the hospital?"

"They want to wait a couple days and check the blood ratio. After I do go home, I will need to monitor it regularly." She sighed, "It will be wonderful to get back in my own bed."

She smirked and stole a glance at T'Pol, "I have missed our bed in more ways than one."

T'Pol raised her eyebrows a little, she was thinking of sex after what she had gone through? But then she had to admit she would probably be the same if she and Jonathan had been deprived for some time.

Jhamel continued, "I just love Shran so much. I have missed being with him." She hesitated, "But I am sure you feel the same way. I know Vulcans have a reputation for coldness, but I have seen how you two are together."

T'Pol answered, "Yes, I do. I cannot imagine not being with him."

Jhamel was a little surprised at what she revealed, but was just so happy for them.

She knew she should quit but she couldn't resist, "I have little experience, but Shran assures me Andorian men are as large as any species. I must admit I have been satisfied. How about you and Jonathan?"

T'Pol's eyebrows lifted higher. After a long pause, "I find him more than satisfactory."

As Jhamel smiled broadly, T'Pol decided to change the subject, "What was your reaction to the Committee so quickly declaring that you and your child are not to be considered royalty?"

"Frankly, I was relieved. I had no stomach for having that question hanging over us. I do agree with their decision." She smiled, "Besides, we will always know we have Royal blood."

She went on, "I have talked to other Aenar and I know they will be relieved as well. This could have led to some difficult situations for us."

She paused, "T'Pol, has what happened to me affected whether or not you and Jonathan try to have a baby?"

T'Pol thought about what she was saying. Finishing her cup, "While I was very concerned for you, I do not believe it will apply to Jonathan and me. I of course have my own concerns. Frankly, we have not even discussed it but I believe Jonathan would want to be a Father."

"How about you, T'Pol?"

"When I was younger, I always assumed I would be a mother someday." She paused, "It would please me greatly if I could have a child with Jonathan."

At that moment, they were interrupted when Archer and Shran came into the room. They spent some time talking and then Archer and T'Pol left to get something to eat before the meeting.

When everyone was seated, Queen Helena opened the meeting, "Before we begin, I wanted to introduce my daughter, Princess Skye. Although I normally would not have her attend this meeting because of her age, I realized this might be a unique and not repeatable event and felt she should be here."

As the others welcomed her, she smiled, "It is a great honor to be able to be part of the meeting and to meet Ambassador Archer and Commodore T'Pol."

The princess was a striking person, she was as white as her mother, but her skin seemed to glow and her eyes were the deepest blue Archer had ever seen.

Helena took her seat and looked around the table. These people had come to play an important part in her life and that of her planet.

General Thrang had been like a father to her. Although she knew it bothered him because of his concern for her safety, he had allowed her to grow and expand. Then there was General Shran. She knew much of what had transpired was due to his strange friendship with Archer.

Jonathan Archer. In spite of her heritage and understanding of who she was, she could not help but feel some sense of awe for him. In an amazing short time, he had changed everything. And then there was T'Pol. She was ever bit a Vulcan, but yet unique. She knew her bond with Archer was a significant part of what Archer had accomplished.

Taking a breath, she continued, "Ambassador, why don't you bring us up to date what has occurred and the reason for this meeting."

"As you know, when I was originally sent on this mission, it was to discuss two events that had recently occurred on Earth. First the attempt by Terra Prime to assassinate Commodore T'Pol and myself with a Vulcan involved; and second, the revelation that the Vice President of Earth, a man in a position of extreme power, was involved."

T'Pol handed him a PADD and he sat it on the table in front of him. But when we met with T'Pau, she surprised us by suggesting we needed to take a much larger step. She expressed an urgent need to proceed with plans for a Federation of Planets as a offsetting force to such powers as the Klingons and Romulans. Not an empire, but planets brought together dedicated to freedom and peace."

Thrang interrupted, "Is this not the same T'Pau who was opposed to joining the Alliance? He looked at T'Pol, "No offense, Commodore, but it has been mostly our experience that Vulcans believe themselves superior. It seems out of character for them to not only want to continue the Alliance but wish to expand it."

T'Pol met his eyes, "None taken. Vulcans are much like everyone, they do what they feel is in their best interest. T'Pau has come to believe this is the best course for Vulcan."

Archer interjected, "I can testify to the fact that T'Pau can be quite flexible in order to achieve her goals. Before she was Minister, she and I worked together to expose the former minister. During that time, she was someone I could count on to have my back."

Shran spoke up, "Even though this came from the Vulcans, there is not an attempt by them to assume control. This document merely sets timetables for action. The composition of this Federation is yet to be determined."

Princess Skye then surprised everyone by adding, "General Shran is correct. This commits Andoria to no more than having a say in what happens. I am sure we are capable of protecting our interests."

Helena looked proudly at her, "I agree. There is however one point that I am curious about. According to the document," she turned to Archer, "You are no longer an Admiral, but acting as some sort of Ambassador?"

Archer answered, "Yes, one concern that T'Pau did have was that I was a member of Starfleet and thus should not be the one to present the proposition. She felt that Earth should not be seen as endorsing it. She could see where you and the Tellerites would view this as an Earth/Vulcan project."

"When I presented her concerns to President Samuels and Admiral Gardner, I was frankly astonished when they agreed and took the unprecedented step of removing me from Starfleet and making me an Ambassador at Large; to not be bound by Earth's interests. I am to work independently with the right to refuse to obey either the President's or Starfleet's orders if I feel they are trying to influence me in any way."

The others were stunned. After some time, Thrang spoke up, "And what of T'Pol?"

"She is still an officer in Starfleet. I agree she should probably not be involved but she is also my wife and right hand." He paused, "I would understand if you did not want her to be present."

The others quickly assured him she would be welcome. They expressed their amazement though at what the President had done. But then Helena felt compelled to ask, "I needed you to be honest with me, Ambassador, do you believe you can be independent? That you can be neutral?"

Archer looked at her, "I will admit it will be difficult, I have served Starfleet most of my life. But I promise you I will do the best I can to carry out this mission."

Helena nodded, "That is all we can ask"

They spent a couple more hours going over the document. Although they had some suggestions about different time frames, they didn't seem significant enough to amend the document and have to have Vulcan approve the changes.

Thrang then announced that they had taken the liberty of setting up a meal. They agreed to quit for the night and finish the next day.

They took a Shuttle to a private dining room in a nearby restaurant. Two members of Andorian Security stood guard outside the door.

Archer and T'Pol were relieved when she was served with a meal consisting of fruits and vegetables. Although she was not acquainted with them, she found then extremely edible.

Archer was not quite as enthused with his plate, consisting of what apparently was raw fish. To his surprise, though, it was not bad at all.

When they finished, Helena announced they were in for a rare treat, a very special dessert. It was made from a rare fruit and utilized Andorian Ale in its preparation. She assured T'Pol it was free of meat.

Soon, two waiters entered pushing a serving tray which contained a food that looked a like lot Cherry Jell-O.

T'Pol was never sure what made her suspicious. She did notice they were not the waiters that had served the main meal. She also had noticed that they opened the door themselves instead of having a Security Guard do it. In any case, she immediately saw them pull weapons from under their coats.

Yelling, "Jonathan, look out!", she lunged at the nearest perpetrator.

Archer turned and saw the one nearest to him aim his weapon. He realized that he was not the target. Too far away to stop the assailant he jumped in the path. He was struck in the shoulder, spinning him to the floor. Before the attacker could get another shot off, Shran had reached him. Meanwhile, Thrang had pushed the target, Princess Skye, to the ground and covered her with his body.

T'Pol was not in time to stop the man getting off a shot but was able to slightly deflect his aim. The bullet struck the Queen in the shoulder instead of her chest. She fell backward to the floor, blue blood spurting from the wound. T'Pol quickly used a nerve pinch to put him out.

At that moment the two security guards burst through the door and helped Shran subdue the first assassin.

T'Pol quickly rushed to Archer's side. She grabbed napkins from the table to try to stop the bleeding. She was relieved to see that the weapons used had been old projectile ones. She could see the wounds were not life threatening.

Shran had rushed over to the Queen. He was amazed. The bleeding had stopped and he could see the wounds already beginning to heal.

Thrang and Skye came up beside him. As Skye knelt by her mother, Thrang told Shran, "She has entered her healing trance. She will be like that for at least the next twelve hours."

Thrang turned to the security guards, "What happened? Where were you?"

"We were at our posts. He looked down, "We just thought they were waiters."

"We'll discuss that later. Right now we need to get the Queen and Princess to the Palace. There may be more assailants. Have the shuttle brought as close to the building as possible."

T'Pol spoke up, "I am taking the Ambassador to the George Washington. We can transport you there as well."

Thrang thanked her but said they needed to get them to the Palace and the Queen's personal physician. He didn't mention he was a little leery of the idea of teleportation.

T'Pol nodded and contacted the ship. They soon were teleported out.

The ship's doctor confirmed what T'Pol had surmised, the wounds were not life-threatening. In fact, with them being inflicted by a projectile weapon, Archer should be fine in just a few days.

To T'Pol's surprise, Thrang informed her that Princess Skye wished to speak to the Ambassador. She quickly arranged to have a shuttle sent for her.

Thrang also told her that the attackers were more than willing to talk. It turned out the attack had nothing to do with the Federation or with Archer and T'Pol. They were religious zealots who were appalled that the ancients had once had carnal relations with Andorians. They decided the Queen and Skye were no longer pure and needed to be eliminated.

When Skye arrived on ship, she was met by T'Pol and taken to their quarters where Archer was sleeping. He was wearing a sweater over the bandages.

They entered and Skye sat in a chair by the bed while T'Pol sat on the bed next to Archer.

T'Pol said, "The Doctor gave him some pain killers. He should be awakening any minute."

The Princess looked at him, "He saved my life. He could have been killed. Why would he risk himself like that?" She paused, "Why would he do that for me?"

T'Pol smiled to herself, "He once did the same for me, at a time we were more adversaries than friends."

Seeing the questioning look, she continued, "It is who he is."

Skye pondered it and then seemed to accept it. She looked back at him. "I do not know much of about feelings between men and women." She turned back to T'Pol, "You feel deeply for him, don't you?"

T'Pol smiled her smile, "I love him."

Skye nodded and continued, "I also wish to thank you for saving the life of my mother. I am sure she will want to thank you personally when she awakens."

"I was fortunate to be able to affect his aim." She hesitated, "Your deaths would have been a great tragedy."

Just then Archer awoke. It took him a few moments to get oriented. When he saw the two women, his eyes widened a little. Smiling, he asked T'Pol, "How long have I been out?"

Approximately four hours. The Doctor gave you pain killers."

He nodded and moving to sit up, winced and laid back down.

T'Pol instinctively reached out and laid her hand on his shoulder. Archer smiled at her and then turned to Skye, "I'm glad to see you seem to be all right."

Skye smiled, "Thanks to you. You should not have risked your life like that."

He shrugged, "I am just glad I was able to stop him." He turned back to T'Pol, "Do we know what this was all about?"

T'Pol moved her hand and pushed his hair back, "According to the Imperial Guard they were more than willing to talk. It appears that it had nothing to do with the Federation or even the Alliance. They seem to be some form of religious zealots offended by the fact that the ancients had carnal relations with Andorians."

Skye spoke up, "They were offended that our ancestors were not as pure as they envisioned."

T'Pol continued, "As far as we can tell for now, they were in this alone. But the investigation is going on."

Skye broke in, "Well, I will leave you two alone." She turned to Archer, "I just wanted to personally thank you and be sure you will be all right. Thank you again. I owe you my life."

"I am just glad you are all right."

Then he added, "I'm sorry, I have not been thinking, how is your mother?"

"She will be fine. We have the capability of healing ourselves. She will be back to normal when she finishes her healing trance."

Archer was amazed and then smiled ruefully to himself, too bad humans didn't have that capability.

Skye rose and T'Pol escorted her back to the Shuttle.

When T'Pol returned, seeing Archer was trying to get up, she rushed over to him, "You need to rest."

Archer managed to sit up and maneuvered to lean against the headboard. I'm fine." He looked at his shoulder, "Did Doc say when I can get back to work?"

"Fortunately, it was an older particle weapon. Nothing vital was hit. You will be sore for a while, but you should have a full recovery. You should be able to return to the bridge tomorrow."

He looked at T'Pol, "You look exhausted, why don't you lay down?"

She nodded, "Perhaps we should both get ready for bed?"

He leered, "You may have to help me get my clothes off."

She prepared to be exasperated, "Really, Jonathan. Do you think you are in any shape for that?"

"For what?"

Smiling to herself, she realized how much she wanted him. She said, "Lie back, let me do everything."

He stared at her but laid back down. She carefully removed the sweater, protecting his shoulder. As he lay there, still a little stunned, she began to remove his pants. He instinctively reached out to touch her but she gently pushed his hand back down.

When she had rendered him naked, she saw he was more than ready for her.

While still not allowing him to touch her, she stood up and slowly removed her clothes.

When she too was naked, she leaned over him and softly kissed him murmuring how much she loved him, how beautiful he was and how much she needed him. Archer was overwhelmed but decided to let her do what she wanted.

She kissed down his neck and sucked and licked at his nipples. She then trailed kisses down his torso. She then softly stroked him before taking him in her mouth. She sucked and licked, thrilled with the pleasure she was giving him.

When she knew he couldn't last much longer, she raised up and slowly slid down on him. Then she began to move sliding faster and faster. Archer could no longer resist and reached up with his good arm and caressed her breasts.

Then as they both shuddered, she fell forward, resting her breasts against his chest. They stayed that way for a time until she finally rolled off and laid beside him.