A/N Thanks to Blaney, noro, EnlightenedSkye, aria1210, Mojo01, and mini-nebula for your reviews. I love hearing from you. It makes my day. These characters are still not mine. Sorry has been so long since updated. I seemed to have lost a couple months.
President Samuels and Admiral Duval watched as the Shuttle sat down. When Martok, Renda, Shran, Jhamel, and Talla emerged, they moved forward to greet them.
The President began, "General Shran, Jhamel, welcome back to Earth." Smiling at the baby, "This must be Talla."
He then turned to Duvall, "I don't know if you two have met, but this is Admiral Duval who has taken over for Admiral Gardner."
Shran smiled, "Thank you, Mr. President. Good to meet you Admiral."
Duval nodded, "It's an honor, General." Turns to Jhamel, "It is a pleasure to meet you."
Jhamel smiled, "Thank you both." She sighed, "It is so nice and warm here."
Shran turns to Martok, "Mr. President, Admiral, this is my associate, Martok, and his wife Renda."
Samuels nods, "Welcome to Earth. We are honored to have you here."
Martok nods, "Thank you, Mr. President."
Samuels went on, "So much for ceremony, there are two people who I am sure are anxious to see you. So, we will turn you over to them. If you have any problems or questions, the Admiral and I will always be available."
Shran nodded but had already started to move toward Archer and T'Pol who were waiting a small distance away.
Martok and Renda looked on in amazement as Shran rushed up and give Archer a big hug which he returned, "Pinkskin, it is good to see you." Stepped back and smiled, "Guess you are stuck with us for quite a while this time." Turned to T'Pol, "It's good to see you again as well."
T'Pol gave her smile, "It is satisfactory to see you as well." She looked past him as Jhamel and Talla joined them, "Hello, Jhamel."
Jhamel, smiling broadly, "Hello, T'Pol." Turned to Archer "Hello to you as well."
Archer smiled, "Hi, Jhamel." Looks down at Talla, "She's beautiful."
Jhamel smiled fondly, "Yes, she is."
T'Pol then surprised her and Shran, "May I hold her?"
"Of course."
They all looked on when she took her, Archer ignoring the look he was getting from Shran.
Archer turned to Martok, "My apologies, I am Jonathan Archer and this is my wife T'Pol."
"It is an honor to meet you. My name is Martok and this is my wife Renda."
Renda was obviously a little overwhelmed by all that is happening. Archer smiled, "Welcome to Earth, both of you."
Renda nodded.
As T'Pol returned Talla to Jhamel, Archer spoke up, "We have a Shuttle waiting to take you to the Compound. Don't worry, someone will bring your luggage." He led them to a waiting shuttle.
On the way, he and T'Pol filled them in on the layout of the building.
Upon landing on the roof and being greeted by Security, who obtained retina scans, they showed them the eating area and the game and exercise floor before traveling to their floor.
After showing Martok and Renda their quarters, Archer and T'Pol showed Shran and Jhamel theirs.
Jhamel turned to Archer, "Oh, this is nice. I know we will be comfortable here."
Shran had to smile at her, "Yeah, I guess it will do."
Archer shook his head, "Well, if there is nothing more, we will leave you for now and let you get settled in. Maybe we could all get together for supper later."
Shran answered and surprised himself a little by saying, "We would like that. Would it be okay if the others wish to join us?"
Archer smiled, "Of course."
Jhamel asked, "What about us going out on our own?"
"Since you could be as long as a year or more, there are no restraints. If you wish, Security will provide an escort and a security shuttle will always be available, but if you use them or not is up to you."
Shran, surprised, "I think we should think about how we want to handle that, at least at first."
Jhamel nodded but decided she wanted to visit Natalie.
When Martok and Renda were alone in their room, she turned to him, "How did I ever let you talk me into this? No matter how important this is to you, I don't think I can stand to be on this accursed planet for a long time."
Martok stared angrily at her, "You are doing this already? We discussed this before I accepted this role. You said you were willing to go along."
"I knew how important it was that you be the representative. But I underestimated how I would feel about these aliens." She shuddered, "It was bad enough that Shran married an Aenar, but now we have a Human and a Vulcan."
"It disturbs me as much as it does you, but we have our duty. It is my charge to see that this so-called Federation never exists. With both the Queen and General Thrang assuming I will see that it is created, I have a difficult task." He reached out and touched her cheek, "I need you to be with me, I will need your support."
"Of course, my love. I apologize for my actions."
"Let's forget it, we have work to do."
Shran was a little surprised but pleased when Martok asked not to be invited to eat with T'Pol and Archer, explaining they were not used to Space travel and needed some time to get acclimated.
Shran said he understood, which he did, and told them he would check in with them the next day.
During the meal, both couples caught the others up on what had been happening on their respective planets.
The next day, Jhamel decided she would make a surprise visit to see Natalie. Although she wanted to see her alone, she felt she should ask Renda to join her. She was gratified but also a little surprised when Renda told her to go ahead, citing the same reasons Martok had given to Shran.
But although she would never use her telepathic powers unless given permission, she could sense that there could be another reason. Chiding herself, she realized how all this must be new and strange to Renda. She promised herself she would make an effort to spend some time with her in the future.
Natalie was not completely surprised when she was notified that Ellen and Dawn were at the Security Gate.
After they were admitted and Charlie was playing with Dawn and Rose had been put down for a nap, they sat down, each fortified with a cup of coffee, to talk.
Ellen took a sip, "Dave said he talked to you. That must have been difficult for you."
"It was. After he told me, I wished I hadn't asked what was wrong between you."
Ellen managed a smile, "I can see that," paused, "We had a good, long, talk." She took another sip, "A talk we should have had a long time ago."
Finishing off her cup, "When we were finished, I asked if he wanted a divorce. He said he had planned to tell me he wanted one but said he wanted to wait until he got back."
Natalie was surprised but pleased. Maybe there was hope for them after all. She was mostly hopeful because of Dawn.
She was about to comment further when she was contacted again by Security.
"Yes?"
"A Jhamel and her daughter are here to see you. Shall I bring them in?"
Excitedly, "Of course!"
She then remembered Ellen, "I'm sorry, it's just that I have missed her. I knew she and her husband were coming but didn't realize they were here."
"Do you want me to leave?"
"Not unless you want to."
"No, No, I would love to meet her and have her meet Dawn."
"This will be the first time for me to see the baby and for her to see Rose."
Natalie called out, "Charlie, Jhamel and her baby are here!"
Charlie came running into the room with Dawn following him. He looked around, "Where is she?"
"Security is bringing her, let's meet her at the door."
Dawn was puzzled, "Who's Jhamel?"
Charlie stared at her, "She's from Andoria and has the coolest antennae."
Dawn's eyes widened, but she followed them outside.
When Jhamel exited from the Shuttle, Natalie and Charlie rushed forward to greet her. Natalie hugged Jhamel and Talla, then took Talla as Jhamel lifted Charlie who hugged her and touched her antennae.
Natalie spoke first, "Oh, it's so good to see you. I was so excited when I heard the meeting was to be on Earth." She looked down at Talla, "She's beautiful, Jhamel."
Jhamel smiled happily, "She is. Now, I can't wait to see your new baby."
As they headed for the house, Natalie introduced Ellen and Dawn to Jhamel.
Jhamel paused for a moment and then smiled, "I remember you now, you were at Admiral Archer's birthday party, you brought him his present."
Dawn, obviously in awe, "Could I touch your horns?'
Ellen was shocked but Jhamel just smiled, "They are called Antennae, and you can if you give me a hug."
She then picked her up and held her. Dawn smiled and looked at Talla, "Could I hold the baby?"
Ellen broke in, "Dawn, why don't you let her get settled in?"
Jhamel smiled, "It's okay," and turned to Dawn, "Let's get inside and have you sit down."
They entered the room and after Dawn sat down, she smiled happily as Jhamel put Talla in her lap.
It was then Jhamel's turn to see Rose. She knew of course it could not be Trip's baby but decided that if Natalie wanted her to know what happened she would tell her.
After a time, while Charlie and Dawn went off to play, the three women sat and talked.
Ellen caught herself staring at Jhamel. She started to apologize when she realized Jhamel was blind, then she was embarrassed, finally ending up saying, "Oh, God, I feel so embarrassed, it's just that…"
Jhamel smiled, "It's okay, I understand. After all, I am sure you don't spend a lot of time with other species."
When Ellen nodded, Jhamel went on, "Believe me, I was the same when I first met Admiral Archer and the others, but I was fortunate that I was thinking so much of my brother. But as time has gone on, I realize no matter how different we are, we still share a lot of the same feelings."
She turned to Natalie, "I consider Natalie one of my closest friends although we have not spent a lot of time together."
Natalie smiled back, "I feel the same way." She smirked, "And we have discovered that whatever species, men are all alike."
They all laughed but then Ellen grew quiet and Natalie realized she was thinking about Dave, "Oh, I am sorry, Ellen, I didn't mean to…"
"It's okay."
Seeing the inquisitive look on Jhamel's face, "Ellen and her husband recently separated."
Jhamel turned to Ellen, "I am sorry that I have caused you to think of him."
When Ellen nodded, Jhamel smiled, "Your daughter and Charlie seem to enjoy being together."
Ellen managed a smile, "Yes, they sometimes seem like brother and sister."
"Shran and I have always hoped that Talla will be able to spend time with Charlie as well." She hesitated, "But more than anything, Shran and I dream of our children and Archer's and T'Pol's children playing together."
Ellen looked a little surprised, "Are they planning to have children, I mean she's a Vulcan." Then embarrassed again, "I don't mean she…"
Natalie smiled, "Relax, Ellen. We are all just girls here. As for T'Pol being a Vulcan, there is some question of they could have children, but I just know if anyone deserves to have them, it is those two."
Jhamel smiled, "Shran always wonders if the baby will have T'Pol's ears."
Ellen surprised herself by saying, "Oh, I would hope so, that would be so cute…"
The others smiled happily at her, "We agree."
After talking for some time, Jhamel said she had to get back but promised that she and Shran would spend a lot of time with Natalie and Trip while they were on Earth.
Meanwhile, Martok, Shran, Archer, and T'Pol met in the conference room.
Shran spoke first, "I have to say, from what I have seen, you have done an excellent job on providing facilities for this conference, don't you agree, Martok?"
"Yes, most impressive."
Shran went on, "When are the others due to arrive?"
"The Tellarites should arrive in the next couple days and the Vulcans by the end of the week. I hope to hold our first meeting on the seventeenth, which is about a week after the Vulcans arrive."
Shran sighed, "I know I am a sentimental fool, but I wish Gral had lived to take part in this."
Archer smiled sadly, "I agree, but it is a little consolation that his wife will be a representative."
As he listened, Martok realized how important it was for him to come, it was apparent Shran had gone soft.
T'Pol broke in, "I understand Jhamel went to visit Natalie. It is most gratifying they are such good friends."
Shran smiled, "She has been looking forward to seeing Natalie again since before she heard we were coming to Earth." He turned to Martok, "I understand she asked Renda to join her?"
"Yes, she wanted to accompany her, but she is having a little trouble getting settled in."
Archer smiled, "I can understand. This must be pretty overwhelming to someone who has not left Andoria before."
Martok was realizing how difficult his assignment could be, keeping his feelings hidden, "Yes, but I am sure she will quickly adapt." Hesitating, "But perhaps I should get back to her." Rising, "Will see you all tomorrow."
After they said their goodbyes and Martok had left, Archer turned to Shran, "How long have you known Martok, he seems kind of reserved."
Shran laughed, "That's a polite way to say it. Actually, I hardly know him at all, he is from a more conservative wing of the Imperial Guard. I am sure he was selected by General Thrang to act as somewhat of a counterweight to me. They know how close I am to you and Soval."
T'Pol spoke up, "is it possible he could be reluctant to have Andoria join the Federation?"
"No, he knows the Queen and the General are insistent Andoria join the Federation." He smirked, "It probably is a good thing to have someone to rein me in once in a while."
When Shran got a message from Jhamel that she was back, they broke up for the night.
Seeing Shran and Jhamel with Talla had caused Archer and T'Pol to wonder if it was time for them to try to conceive. But they finally regretfully decided they needed to wait, not wanting T'Pol to be pregnant for much of the meetings, not knowing how difficult a birth could be for her.
When Shran got back to the room and sat holding Talla, Jhamel filled him in on her visit with Natalie. She told him how they needed to get together with Natalie and Trip.
She also mentioned about her sister-in-law's troubles with her husband.
Shran sighed, "I hope you are not getting involved. It is something they need to work out."
'I know. It just saddens me when a child is involved." She paused, "Especially now that we have Talla."
Shran smirked, "There isn't something you are not telling me, is there?"
Jhamel smiled, "No, you are stuck with us."
Seeing Talla was asleep, they put her to bed. When they were comfortable in bed, Shran spoke, "It's too bad Renda didn't go with you. It would do her good to spend some time with other species."
Seeing Jhamel looking pensive, he asked, "What is it?"
She shrugged, "It's probably nothing.""
"Come on, Jhamel, what's bothering you?"
"It's not really bothering me, but I just got the idea that she really didn't want to meet Natalie."
Shran thought for a moment, "I am sure it is just that she is so new to all of this."
"You are probably right." She smiled seductively, "Shall we try out our new bed?"
Shran moved over and took her in his arms. "An excellent idea."
Martok returned to their room, finding his wife drinking Andorian Ale from the bottle.
He hesitated and then said, "Maybe you should cut back on that a little. You know how you get."
She put it down, "So how did the meeting go?"
He shrugged, "All right, I guess. We'll see how it goes when the others get here."
She paused for some time, "How do you stand being with them?"
Martok sat down, sighing, "It's necessary. I have to earn their trust." He paused, "I thought we covered this earlier."
When she didn't answer, he took the bottle from her and took a drink himself, "You know, you are going to have to start to mingle yourself. We can't let them suspect how we feel."
Renda shuddered, "Can't I just avoid them? We can continue to tell them how new this is to me."
Martok smirked, "For the next year or so?"
He softened his voice, "I know it will be difficult but I also know you realize how important this is. The next time anyone gives you the chance, you need to get out there. Understand?"
She sighed and looked him in the eye, "I know what I need to do. I won't let you down."
He moved over and kissed her on the forehead, "That's the woman I know."
He got up, "I am exhausted, let's try to get some sleep."
