A/N Thanks to EnlightenedSkye for the wonderful review. I know I have said this before but you guys do know more than one person can leave a review :)
These characters still don't belong to me.
When Trip returned from the conference, he could tell something was bothering Natalie. He waited until the kids were put to bed, before her started to ask her what was wrong.
Before he could say anything, she shocked him by practically attacking him. Deciding whatever he was going to say wasn't important, he let her take him to their bed where she ravished him.
Afterwards, he finally managed to say, "Believe me, I am not complaining, but do you want to tell me what is going on?"
Natalie now felt a little embarrassed but after what Ellen had told her, she realized she needed to be loved. She just needed to be with him, to feel that love.
She took a breath, "I'm sorry, it's just that Ellen told me something that made me need to know that you love me."
"There is no need to be sorry. It was wonderful." He smiled and lifted her chin, "If it helps, I love you very much."
Natalie snuggled into him. "I love you, too."
Trip sat up in bed, "Now, what's going on with Ellen?"
"She told me she and David are having troubles and are going to separate for now."
Trip was shocked. He would have never thought of that happening to them. "Did she say what was wrong? Did Dave cheat on her?"
Natalie managed a smile, "No, I asked her that too. She just said they had drifted apart. She said it had been that way for a long time but they had ignored it because of Dawn."
"So are they going to get a divorce, or what?"
"It sounds like just for now they are going to try to get their heads together, to see if they still want to try to be together." She paused, "Ellen said they do still love each other."
She hesitated, "I told Ellen she and Dawn could stay here if they wanted. She said she needed to be alone for now." She paused, "I probably should have asked you first."
"No, you know I how I feel about them. Have you talked to Dave?"
"I called him and let him know I was here for him. He thanked me but said he was still not sure what he was going to do."
Trip ran his hands through his hair, "Well, I don't see what else you could have done. I guess we just need to be ready to help if we can, but they need to work it out themselves."
"I agree."
Trip laid back down and Natalie snuggled next to him.
In the month following Admiral Gardner's death, there was a flurry of events involving Archer and T'Pol. Just two weeks after the memorial ceremony, they were contacted by Travis and rushed to Starfleet Medical.
As they sat in a waiting room with Trip and Natalie, Charlie and Rose, Malcolm and Penelope, Madeline and Edward, and Howard, the adults were all struck by the fact that just two weeks before Admiral Gardner had died in this same building where now a new life would come into the world.
They were all gratified and rose to greet them when Hoshi's parents joined them. Unfortunately, Travis's family were off on a mission.
Then Travis came out with a huge smile on his face, "She's here." They all rushed up to congratulate him, the women giving him a hug, while the men slapped him on the back and shook his hand.
A grinning Dr. Phlox came out after him, informing them both Hoshi and the baby were healthy. He also said she and the baby would soon be ready for visitors but asked them to limit each group to four or less.
When the okay was given, everyone agreed her parents should go first.
Trip and his family went next.
Natalie teared up and went and gently hugged Hoshi, "Oh, Hoshi, she's beautiful."
Hoshi smiled at Travis, who was standing by the bed, "She is."
As Trip held up an awed Charlie to see the baby, he remembered how he had been told about women wanting their own baby after such a visit. Then he shrugged to himself, maybe that wouldn't be so bad.
As Archer and T'Pol entered the room, they were met by a beaming Hoshi. "I am so glad you were able to make it. It means so much to Travis and me to have you both here."
Archer smiled, "It means a lot to us too, Hoshi. You know how much we care for you two." He smiled, "Is it strange I feel a little like a grandfather?"
Hoshi smiled, "No, I think it's kind of sweet." She grew serious, "But I would rather have you as my friend."
Archer smiled, "I think I would prefer that too."
T'Pol asked, "Could I hold her?"
Hoshi was surprised for a moment and then smiled happily, "Of course."
As T'Pol took her in her arms, Hoshi smiled to herself as she saw the same look on Jon's face she and Natalie has seen when Charlie was born. But now it was even more intense. She knew there was a lot involved but she knew if anyone deserved to have a child, it was them.
Phlox them came in and told them Hoshi needed to rest. After they left, saying they would visit when Hoshi got back home, Hoshi turned to Phlox, "How about them, Phlox, can they have children?"
Phlox smiled, "I have spent some time looking into that." He shrugged, "We have to remember that interspecies children are born every day. Remember that the other Trip and T'Pol had Dorian." He smirked, "Apparently I had several children with Amanda Cole and the Captain had his own as well."
"The only question is if it was because science had advanced. I believe strongly they can have children, but every birth has its own risks and there is no doubt there are questions."
The trip back to their home on the shuttle was quiet with both Archer and T'Pol lost in their own thoughts. Finally, as they landed, T'Pol spoke, "Jonathon, do you want to have a child?"
Archer was surprised, but he was gratified it was finally in the open. He reached out and took her hands, feeling her expectation of what he would say. He could feel she felt the same as him, nervous but glad she had said it.
He looked into her eyes and as he said it, she knew through their bond how much he meant it, "I can't think of anything that would be more wonderful."
They were each a little stunned at the overwhelming pleasure and excitement they each felt.
T'Pol leaned forward and kissed him. She went on, "Perhaps we should discuss this with Phlox. He may have some suggestions as how to proceed."
She raised her eyebrows as she sensed him conjuring up a picture of Phlox eagerly listening to details of their sex life.
She chastised him through the bond, informing him that was not what she intended at all.
He then just laughed and as she pretended to be offended, took her in his arms and kissed her passionately which she quickly returned.
Releasing her, he smiled, "Maybe we should wait until we get into the house."
As they walked down the path to their home, her slightly leaning into him, they both knew they had made their decision. All that remained was when they would try.
One week after Yoshiko's birth, Malcolm Reed received his orders to serve as First Officer aboard the newly christened Admiral Gardner. Malcolm was surprised and gratified when he realized he would be serving under an experienced Captain, Howard Benson, who had captained the Mercy McBride after John Stewart had been injured.
As for the Mercy McBride, it was to be decommissioned. It was further determined that metal from the ship would be used to create a sculpture on the grounds of the Mercy McBride foundation. At first they proposed some large grandiose structures but in the end they decided on a simple sculpture of Mercy herself.
When finished, it showed her looking toward the stars.
The plaque beneath the statue would read…
This statue is dedicated to the memory of a loving, caring child whose dream of soaring into space was taken from her by a terrible disease. But her death inspired the efforts that led to the triumph over that disease so that others who would have been denied could experience her dream.
All who knew her loved her and miss her. But her love and courage will never be forgotten.
This statue was forged from the metal of the proud Starship that bore her name; The Mercy McBride.
Under that was just one word in parenthesis, "COOL".
As for the Foundation itself, Jane and John announced that it would be continued in order to work to eliminate other diseases, both Children and Adult. Everyone involved was thrilled when everyone on the team stayed aboard.
Just a few days before the Admiral Gardner was due to leave on its maiden voyage, Jonathan Archer, restored to the rank of Admiral, officiated over the marriage of Commander Malcolm Reed and Penelope Crowder aboard the ship. Trip and Travis stood up for Malcolm while Madeline and Jane McBride were with Penelope.
Among the guests allowed on board were Edward Crowder and Jeremy Winston.
At a reception afterward held at Starfleet, everyone was a little surprised but thrilled when T'Pol danced with Malcolm as Archer danced with Penelope.
It was no surprise to anyone when President Samuels chose Archer and T'Pol to be Earth's representatives to the Convention to create the Articles to be the basis for the proposed Federation.
They immediately spent their time preparing for that task.
Withing the next few months, the other members of the Alliance also satisfied the first step in the creation of the Federation when they submitted the names of those that would represent them in the negotiations.
The happy news that Shran would be one of those representatives was immediately followed by the news that Jhamel had given birth to a girl they named Talla. Archer and T'Pol were thrilled and relieved when Shran and Jhamel informed them both Mother and daughter were fine.
They were also thrilled and surprised when Shran told them that Jhamel and Talla would travel with him to wherever it was decided the meetings would be held. They confided to him that they would be pushing for Earth.
One regret that Archer and T'Pol had when they had to leave Tellar so quickly is that they did not have time to spend with Margot. They were surprised but gratified when it was announced she would be one of the Tellar representatives.
It would have of course been shocking if Soval had not been one of the representatives from Vulcan, but it was a surprise when it was announced he would be accompanied by Koss. Apparently, he had recently worked with T'Pau and had earned her respect. And except for Minister Kuvack, who she did not feel she could spare, he had the most experience with Archer and T'Pol. It was also possible she had a well-hidden sense of mischief.
It was also no surprise that the decision was made to hold the meeting on Earth. Although the Vulcans had initiated the process and Archer had been made Ambassador at Large, everyone recognized that Earth was still the glue that held it all together and it was also becoming apparent they were quickly becoming the most powerful force in the Quadrant as T'Pau had rebegun the task of slowly reducing the Vulcan Fleet.
Meanwhile, life and death continued. Mary and Beth gave birth to a boy they named Sal after Beth's husband. Soon after that, their joy was tempered when Grandma Henrietta died. In their sadness, they were gratified that she had lived to see Sal being born.
Everyone, including the parents, were surprised when Phlox and Feezal announced that she was pregnant. Apparently, the Good Doctor had not taken into account some changes to her mating cycle from living on Earth. After the initial shock, they found themselves extremely happy. They had been pleased with their decision to live on Earth and this made it even more satisfying.
This outburst of fertility had everyone again looking at Archer and T'Pol, but they had decided they needed to wait and see how time consuming the upcoming negotiations would be. As much as they desired to be parents, they knew the creation of the Federation must be their foremost objective.
The next six months were a flurry of activity. With all four planets submitting their participants, the next step was to select the planet where the meetings would take place. The outcome was really never in doubt and no one was surprised when Earth was the unanimous choice.
Earth now faced the task of preparing for the event. Since it was expected to take a good part of the two years allotted, housing needed to be provided for the participants and their families.
The Starfleet Corps of Engineers worked 24/7 to create a six-floor building.
Floors three, four and five were converted into two large apartments per floor. Each of the floors would house the visitors from each planet, with Andoria on the third, Tellar on the fourth and Vulcan on the fifth. In creating them, they followed instructions from the would-be inhabitants to do what they could to make them suitable. This included mud baths for the Tellarites and meditation rooms for the Vulcans.
Each floor had its own elevators that led to floors one, two, six, and the roof but not to the other's floors.
There were stairs in case of emergencies but they would be guarded by members of Starfleet Security.
The first floor was the headquarters of the security forces assigned to the building.
The second floor was an exercise and entertainment area for all the participants. It was hoped it would help to create comradery between them.
The sixth floor consisted of the conference room and a dining area. It showed a little of what could be expected in the future talks when it took some time to determine the size and shape of the conference table and the seating arrangements. In the end, they followed the concept of the Knights of the Round Table.
The roof was patrolled by Security and consisted of several Shuttle landing sites.
While this was going on, everyone gathered to say goodbye to Malcolm.
After receiving hugs from all the women, sans T'Pol, who like the men shook his hand, they left him and Penelope alone to say their goodbyes.
Malcolm took her in his arms, "I love you, Penelope. I'll be thinking of you every day." He smirked, "And especially when I am alone at night."
"I love you, too. I'll miss you, but I am so proud of you."
They then kissed passionately. Penelope watched as Malcolm entered the shuttle. For a moment she felt the sadness she had felt when she saw him leave England, but then felt joy that with the realization he was hers and would return to her.
After the shuttle lifted off, she was consoled by the women, who gave her heartfelt hugs.
Also during that time, the statue of Mercy McBride was revealed during a ceremony celebrating the triumph over Torrin Syndrome. Jane and John asked Archer to speak.
As Archer and T'Pol arrived at the site and had been greeted by Jane and John, they headed for the podium.
As they reached the bottom of the steps they were approached by a young girl. Archer felt he recognized her but before he could remember where he knew her from, she spoke, "Admiral Archer, Commodore T'Pol, do you remember me?"
"T'Pol spoke up, "Of course, you are Helen Mason, who sat with us at the baseball game. It is good to see you again."
Helen smiled, "I just want you to know that was one of the most exciting days of my life."'
Archer asked, "Are you taking part in the ceremony?"
She smiled, "You are looking at the first person to ever have Torrin Syndrome and live to be a teenager."
Seeing the look on Archer's face, she went on, "I was the test subject. The one who showed that the vaccine was a success."
Archer smiled broadly, "That's wonderful." Looking at T'Pol, "It makes what has happened even more special."
T'Pol added, "It is most gratifying to hear that." She held up her hand in the Vulcan salute, "Live long and prosper, Helen Mason"
Helen was stunned for a moment and then smiled broadly as she imitated the gesture.
She then gave Archer a hug. After leaving his arms, she turned to T'Pol, a little hesitant, but then saw T'Pol holding out her arms. She hugged her tightly, then tearing up a little, "Thank you."
After Jane McBride gave a short speech honoring the team, she introduced Helen.
"I hope you will bear with me. I am a little nervous. Ever since I came to realize that I was going to live, I have been overcome with emotions. I will of course be forever grateful for being given a chance to be whatever I want." She hesitated, "But at them same time, I feel sad about all those who never will experience that. I will do my best to make them proud."
With the audience giving her a standing ovation, she returned to her seat, a little dazed. Jane smiled and reached over and grabbed her hand.
John then introduced Archer.
Archer smiled ruefully, "Whatever I have to say, it will never match up to what we have just heard."
He smiled and turned to Helen, who was stunned and blushed when he said, "You are a tough act to follow."
Turning back;
We are here to commemorate two events, the miracle of a new life for people like Helen and to honor the memory of Mercy McBride, whose statue was revealed today.
Helen has eloquently accomplished the first, I only hope I can do nearly as well for the second.
There are many people who have influenced my life. They include my father, Admiral Forrest, and the love of my life, T'Pol.
But, for the short time we knew her, Mercy McBride had a profound impact on me and all the others she encountered. I believe the most amazing thing is that I realize, that if I did ever feel sorry for her, it quickly passed. Instead all I could see was a person who made all those around her feel better.
What I remember, what all who encountered her remember, is her love of life, her joy, her enthusiasm for everything around her.
She dreamed of someday going to the stars. While that was not to be for her, she did make a great impression on those of us that did.
She was the person who gave the order for the first Earth Starship to go to Warp 6. All of us were pleased and honored when she asked to be buried in her Starfleet uniform. No one has worn it more proudly.
In the short time we knew her, she so impressed us that we bestowed upon her a rare honor, the naming of a Starship after her.
That Starship, under the command of John Stewart, who sits with us on this stage, once saved Enterprise from destruction. All who served aboard her were proud and honored to do so.
I am glad that we will have this statue to remember her, to let future generations know of her. But for all of us who knew her, we need no statue to remind us. She will always live forever in our hearts.
He looked out over the audience. Everyone was stunned to see him struggling with emotion.
We all admired her joy, we all marveled at her courage, but most of all, all of us that knew her, loved her.
As he turned away from the dais, there was silence. It was more powerful than any ovation would have been. T'Pol rose from her seat and went to greet him, taking his hand in hers and leading him back to his seat.
Jane McBride, fighting her own tears, mouthed thank you to him as she passed.
Managing to recover, she thanked everyone for coming and returned to be held by John.
