A/N Thank you so much for your reviews. I really appreciate and listen to your thoughts. I still do not own these characters.
It had taken some time, but the World Court had finally finished up trying the members of Terra Prime. Depending on their involvement the defendants received a variety of sentences, but only the four individuals directly involved in the kidnapping and murder got life sentences at a Martian Penal Colony.
While three of them showed some remorse and stated their regrets for the deaths of the two security guards, Steven Baker was defiant. Pointing out that a Vulcan had done the actual killing, he raised his arm and cried, "Terra Prime Forever."
T'Pol woke up wondering what had awakened her. She then noticed Jonathan was not in bed with her. Putting on a robe, she walked out to the living room and found him sitting in a chair holding Toby in his lap, looking out the window.
She walked up to him and laid her hand on his shoulder. As he looked up to her, she said, "Is something troubling you?"
He smiled, "No, not really, I had a dream about Porthos."
She sat down across from him as he went on, "It was kind of strange and silly. I could see how he viewed everything, the Xindi, the war." The funny thing was, it was all the same to him. Just eating and sleeping, going for a walk. He experienced none of the horror, none of the pain."
He looked at her, "It did make me think of his death and the others I have lost, Admiral Forrest, Viscount Gral, Kathy Reynolds, Admiral Gardner. I wanted to be an explorer, to view the wonders of the stars. Instead I have led thousands to their deaths. I just have to wonder if it was all worth it."
T'Pol reached out and touched his hands, "If the dead could talk, I believe they would say it was." She hesitated, "They would all be astonished at what we are attempting to do, create a Federation of Planets."
She looked into his eyes, "When Enterprise was launched, the entire quadrant consisted of warring factions. Now those same planets are united, largely because of you."
"I have often thought about how this all came about. I believe the catalyst for it all was when you instructed me to give those photos to Shran."
She went on, "You earned the Tellarites trust when you agreed to fight Shran. And of course you gained the Vulcans admiration when you carried the Katra of Surak."
She leaned over and kissed him softly, "You have turned hatred into trust, war into peace."
She gave her smile, "And found love with a Vulcan."
He smiled at her, "I love you, T'Pol of Vulcan." He paused, "If someone like you can love me, I must be doing something right."
He looked at a clock, "It will be sunrise soon, how would you like to greet it with a walk along the beach?"
"I would like that very much."
They got dressed and with Toby leading the way, made their way to the beach. They walked along the shore, hand in hand, watching the sun bring a new day.
Natalie was surprised when Security alerted her that a David Warren was at the gate. Telling them to send him through, she met him at the door. After they were both settled, each fortified with a cup of coffee, Natalie asked, "How are you doing, Dave."
He wiped his hand through his hair, "Not too bad. I have been doing a lot of thinking."
He took a sip and looked at her, "I am going to go away on a Freighter for a while."
Natalie was shocked, "Like a boat?"
He smiled, "No, like a starship."
Natalie just stared at him speechless. Finally, she got out, "How long will you be gone? Don't those trips take years?"
"They can, but this is a shake out of new warp-3 ship and will only be gone six months. It's also a shake out for those that are new at this."
"What about Dawn? Does this mean you are getting a divorce?"
Dave sighed and sat back. "I don't know. I guess. I will miss Dawn but I just don't' want to go on like we were before."
Natalie tried to get her head around what he was saying. Finally, she reached out and took his hand, "What's going on, Dave? What happened to bring all this on?"
He looked like he was making a decision. "Nothing happened. That's the trouble. Natalie, it has been this way for a long time." He smiled sadly, "I can't believe I am going to discuss this with my sister, but I need to tell someone."
"When I married Ellen, it quickly became apparent we were different…" He paused, "I can't do this." He started to get up.
Natalie grabbed his arm, "No. I am not going to let you go until you tell me what the hell is the matter with you two."
He stood there, obviously torn. Sighing, he sat back down. "It was apparent we were in different places when it came to sex."
Natalie sat stunned; this was not at all what she had expected. She now wished she had let it go.
"Ellen comes from a very strict background. Until she met me, she had hardly dated at all. She never really enjoyed it. I decided it wasn't that important, that I really did love her and she tried to please me."
He sighed, "But a few months ago, I realized I wasn't getting any younger. I decided I deserved more. I tried to talk to her, to let her know how I felt, but that was the worst thing I could have done. I made her feel inadequate, like she wasn't a real woman. We tried to live through it for Dawn, but it became unbearable. We finally decided maybe we were just too close to it. That if we separated, we could try to get back why we fell in love in the first place."
"But it has just made me realize how bad it was. I have not felt so free in years."
Natalie tried to absorb all she had heard. Breaking a long silence, "I wish I was able to drink. I could use a stiff one."
"But a Freighter? Couldn't you buy a sports car or have an affair like normal men?"
Dave managed a smile, "I thought of them but I need to get away from everything."
"Have you told Ellen… and Dawn? How about Dad?"
"I am headed out there now. I am going to ask for a divorce and joint custody of Dawn."
"As for Dad, I'll have to think about when to tell him. Maybe I'll let him find out on his own."
"Do you want me to tell him?"
He contemplated that, "No, I'll do it."
They just sat there for a time, neither could find anything to say.
He finally rose, "I better get going. Thanks for listening and not judging. I am sorry to lay this on you."
"It's okay. I admit it's been a real shock. I am just so sorry it has come to this. I love you both. I want to tell you to try again but I realize you have made up your mind. Be gentle with Ellen. Tell her that I am here for her."
She added, "And for you."
"I will." He teared up a little, "I love you, Natalie."
Fighting tears herself, "I love you too."
They exchanged a hug and he promised to keep her informed. He then left, leaving a still stunned and saddened Natalie behind.
When she told Trip, he was of course stunned. He did have to admit to himself that he wondered what he would have done in Dave's shoes, thinking how passionate it was between him and Natalie. But the one he was most sorry for was Dawn, who was innocent in all this.
He was also shocked that Dave was going to venture out on a freighter. He wondered if he had any idea what he was getting into.
Archer and T'Pol spent a great deal of time in meetings with President Samuels and Admiral Duval discussing the upcoming meetings and how they were going to handle the participants and their families. They realized how difficult it could be for them, moving to a strange planet away from their friends and families.
Both Samuels and Archer and T'Pol quickly realized how much they missed Admiral Gardner. It became apparent that Duval was struggling to replace him. Even taking into account how special Gardner had been, they could sense he might just not be up to the task.
Then deciding they were not giving him a chance; they all came to the conclusion they needed to give him some time to grow into the job.
Archer also wished that Malcom were still available to be in charge of security, but T'Pol told him he was just missing him, that the current commander seemed to be quite competent.
Finally deciding they were as ready as they would ever be, everyone anticipated the arrival of the members of the committee.
Jhamel watched out the window as she sat nursing Talla. She had been so gratified when she discovered it was safe for her to do so. She just wished her brother was alive to enjoy everything with her. But at the same time, it was his abduction and death that had brought her and Shran together.
Shran looked around the room. This would be the last meeting they would have before he and Jhamel left for Earth. For the most part, he felt the discussions had gone well.
He looked at the man across the table. Martok would not have been his choice to serve as the other delegate. Oh, he knew he was selected because there were many in the Imperial Guard that worried he would not do what was best for Andoria, they just felt they needed someone that didn't share his overwhelming support for the Federation.
Shran had to admit part of his problem was that he and Martok were so different. He would have preferred someone more like him, someone who enjoyed a good time. Martok was unusual for an Andorian. On Earth he would be referred to as being uptight.
There was a silver lining. Jhamel had met his wife and said she was very nice and they had enjoyed their time together.
His thoughts were interrupted when he realized the Queen was talking to him. "Did you hear me, General?
Embarrassed, "Sorry, Your Majesty."
"I was asking, if you had anything to add?"
"No, I believe we have covered it all."
She smiled at him to show she wasn't upset and turned to Martok, "How about you, Ambassador?"
Martok immediately showed another reason Shran disliked about him, he would always ponder everything as if it was the most important thing in the world. Shran had to admit that wasn't all bad, and smiled to himself that he had to quit letting Martok irritate him. After all, they would be spending a lot of time together.
Martok finally said, "I believe we are ready, Your Majesty."
Helena sat back. After a moment she looked over at Thrang and getting a small nod, went on, "I want you two to know how much General Thrang and I appreciate your time and effort preparing for this undertaking. We have both been impressed by your input and have no doubt we have selected well."
Pausing, she rose to her feet. As the others rose, "Martok, Shran, I understand and respect the reasoning behind your selection and as I said believe you will be champions of Andorian interests."
She leaned forward, "But, let's be clear. Both General Thrang and I both want this conference to be a success. I assume we are in agreement on that?"
As Shran quickly agreed, Martok realized she was primarily speaking to him. "Of course." He paused, "I know why I was selected. But be assured I fully understand how important this is to you and the General. I share that view."
As the Queen looked satisfied, Shran had to admit he was surprised and gratified. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad after all, but then he had to smirk to himself, what else could the guy say?
As they left the room, Shran found himself walking next to Martok. He was about to tell him goodbye and that he would see him in three days at the launch when Martok surprised him by saying, "I know I would not have been your first choice." Before Shran could say anything, "But I assure you we both share the same goals. To protect Andorian interests and make the Federation a reality."
Shran thought for a moment, "You are right, Martok, you would not have been my first choice." He smiled, "As you probably might have preferred someone else. But you're right, we do share the same goals." He hesitated and smiled broadly, "Besides, our wives seem to get along."
Martok nodded and showed one of his rare smiles, "Goodbye, Shran, we will see you in three days. Give my regards to Jhamel."
"Goodbye, Martok, and do the same for Renda."
Margot would have been surprised if she knew that Shran and she had something in common; they were not overly pleased with their fellow delegate. Although if she was honest with herself, her main problem was that he wasn't Gral. She still missed him greatly and she knew he should be the one attending this conference. But having said that, did they really have to pick a Tellarite lawyer?
While all Tellarite men argued about everything, Gernal was at the top of the list. She wondered how long the others would put up with him.
Sighing, she decided there was nothing she could do, the choice had been made. Even worse, he was a bachelor and thus there would be no wife for her to talk to. Thank goodness Hatel was bringing his wife. It would be a little tricky with them all living together in one living space, but Archer and Starfleet had been accommodating in acceding to their wishes for changes.
She was looking forward to seeing Archer and T'Pol again. She had missed not spending time with them because they had to return because of Admiral Gardner's death. And if forced to, she would even admit she would not mind seeing Shran and Soval as well.
As they all boarded the ship that would take them to Earth, Margot sighed to herself and caught Hatel's eyes as Gernal was already complaining.
Soval looked over at his wife. He didn't know if it was because of his time on Earth, but as time had passed his feeling for T'Nara had changed. He didn't know if it could be called love but he had a strong attraction to her. He had to smirk to himself, that included a strong sexual attraction. He had been surprised and pleased when he found she was not only receptive to it but an eager participant.
T'Nara noticed Soval looking at her. She had been surprised when she discovered that he had a strong sexual attraction to her. At first, she had not known exactly how to deal with it, but had found to her surprise and joy that she felt the same about him. She was looking forward to this trip to Earth. She was a little surprised that she was so looking forward to seeing the others. She knew many of her acquaintances and relatives would be shocked at how she felt.
As they prepared to meet with T'Pau before leaving to board the ship, they saw Koss approaching them. Soval had mixed feelings about T'Pau's choice. He had no doubt he would do an excellent job but wondered if there would be any problems because of his and T'Pol's past. Shaking his head, he decided he was as the Humans would say, 'Making a mountain out of a molehill.'
As Koss walked up to them, Soval spoke up, "It is satisfactory to see you. Are you ready to board?"
"It is satisfactory to see you as well." He looked at T'Nara, "And you as well." As she nodded, he went on, "Yes, I am ready. I must admit I am looking forward to visiting Earth." He hesitated, "It will be good to see T'Pol and the others. I look forward to working with them."
Soval nodded and they entered T'Pau's office.
"I wanted to talk to you before you left."
Soval asks, "Is there a problem, Minister? "
"No, I just wanted to give you a sendoff." After a hesitation, "I wish for you to convey my condolences and that of the Vulcan people concerning the death of Admiral Gardner."
Soval, hiding his surprise, "Of course, Minister. I am sure they will appreciate it."
T'Pau nodded, "And give my personal regards to Admiral Archer and Commodore T'Pol."
Soval nodded and as they turned to leave, T'Pau shocked them all, including herself, "Good luck."
