Archer awoke as they reached Vulcan. The first sun was setting, turning the sky pink, orange, and black. Twilight. It was always his favorite time of the day, even on Vulcan. The sight was especially beautiful with Mt. Selaya - Vulcan's tallest mountain - framing the view at the shuttle landing location.
As if Sav noticed his stirring, the Andorian put down his PADD.
"Pink Skin, we're here," Sav said.
Looking down, Archer noticed that where his leg and stomach were injured now had stitches.
He even tested his shoulder, feeling the skin was tighter as if bandaged.
"I gave you some pain medication. I figured it could hold you until you see your girlfriend."
Archer thought the right term was bondmate, but they hadn't undergone the ritual that humans or Vulcans would call marriage. Girlfriend, he supposed, seemed appropriate. Pushing up from his seat as the shuttle touched down, Jon thought changing into something more comfortable would have to wait. The Imperial Guard suit, while snugger than he'd like, would have to suffice.
Although Archer could read T'Pol's mind, he knew she was unaware of exactly where she was. It was a hospital in ShiKahr, close to her house, but he wasn't sure which one. He thumbed the communication panel on the shuttle calling someone he figured might know.
Skon answered, appearing at the comms viewing station.
"Archer," he said with some alarm. "Shran told me you were coming to Vulcan. I did not realize you had arrived."
Although it would've been nice to catch up, Jon didn't have time for pleasantries.
Archer said, "I know T'Pol was taken to a hospital. I'm hoping you know which one."
"Of course - she is in T'Vikar. I will send the coordinates," Skon replied. The Vulcan pushed a few buttons, and Archer got the information sent to the shuttle. Sav provided his PADD and Archer reviewed the location.
"Thanks. Have you seen her?" Archer asked.
"I visited earlier today. She was heavily sedated. I must warn you - the doctors said your child-"
Archer sighed, "I know."
Skon said, "I should also mention that Starfleet undoubtedly knows you are here. I will be asking for your refuge immediately."
"Thanks," Archer said again.
For a moment, Jon thought back on his relationship with Skon. Perhaps it was adversarial at times, sparked by jealousy, but he was glad they were friends now. It was clear Skon thought highly of T'Pol, and he couldn't blame him.
"Of course." And then Skon's eyebrow flicked. "Are you in an Imperial Guard uniform?"
"Yeah. Long story," Archer replied.
"I have read some of that 'long story.' Would you like me to meet you in the hospital with a change of clothes?" Skon asked.
"I'd appreciate it," Archer agreed. Then he ended the transmission.
Sav reviewed the PADD, typing in a few things.
"The walk is only a few kilometers away," Sav said. "I'll accompany you."
"An Andorian … on Vulcan. When was the last time that happened?" Archer asked.
"Grendal, I might be the first in more than a century," he said.
Archer and Sav headed down from the shuttle pad and into town. Vulcans walked by peacefully, startled at seeing an Andorian and a human. It was a bustling city with tall towers reaching into the sky, food vendors, banks, and a robust marketplace where merchants sold things. Jon noted they did so logically and without embellishment; in fact, most of the items were practical, not like the trinkets sold at the San Francisco wharf.
Finally, they reached the hospital and Jon noticed by the time he arrived, he was winded - struggling under Vulcan's gravity. Still, he pushed on. Seeing T'Pol was the only thing that mattered.
T'Vikar, the hospital, was pyramid-shaped and brown. It was nondescript, certainly not as magnificent as the building used to house the Vulcan government. Thanks to some of Surak's memories and T'Pol's, he knew T'Vikar was named after Surak's pupil.
Heading in, he saw a few Vulcans - clearly alarmed, albeit Vulcanly - by their presence.
"I'm looking for a patient - T'Pol."
The Vulcan handed him a device that indicated where to go. As Jon looked around, he was struck by how serene the place was. Hospitals on Earth were much busier and sometimes even chaotic. They hummed and buzzed with life. This place, on the other hand, was the epitome of calm. It was also efficient. Unlike Earth hospitals, it seemed interfaces were everywhere to make it easier to find where you needed to go. It was as if Vulcans didn't want to interact with others, preferring people to check devices rather than ask for help.
Also missing were greenery, water features, and other touches that tried to add warmth and compassion to human hospitals. But what was there instead was fresh air and breezeways to enable ventilation. Jon thought that may be helpful to bring to human hospitals.
Moreover, unlike human hospitals that reeked of antiseptic - ammonia, lemon, and bleach - the Vulcan hospital had no odor.
"It stinks like old robes in here," Sav complained.
Jon thought, Well, no odor to humans. Reaching the elevator bank, he told Sav he could take it from there.
"Do you want me to wait for you?" Sav asked.
"No. Besides, Andoria needs you to coordinate ships."
Sav regarded him, his antennae stiffening. He gripped Archer by the elbow.
"You have my thanks and the thanks of all Andorians. Don't hesitate to use that PADD if you need me."
Archer produced a nod and used the nearest elevator to head up to T'Pol's room. It shot up quickly, efficiently, taking him to her floor. The device in Archer's hand blinked, causing a door to swish open.
T'Pol, as Skon had warned him, was heavily sedated and didn't even stir at his entry. He looked above here where he could see the display of her biosigns. Her heart rate seemed erratic and her abdomen glowed. As he closed in to take a harder look, he could see a tiny life form that he knew was his child. The biosigns near it seemed more chaotic.
A Vulcan doctor strolled in, immediately raising an eyebrow at Archer.
"You are the human bondmate?" he asked.
"I am."
Then Archer got the litany of symptoms. Her blood pressure was low. Her heart rate was elevated. The baby's strange mix of iron and copper-based blood seemed to be the culprit as well as the fatal disease Archer passed on. The doctor then described that the child had several issues that made it, as he said, not viable.
"Not viable?" Archer asked, finding the nearest chair to sit down. From there, he took T'Pol's hand.
"The being will not be able to survive. His heart is not fully formed - for an Earthling or a Vulcan at this stage of T'Pol's pregnancy. His stomach and intestines are also not fully formed. His liver is too small. His kidneys are malformed."
The doctor continued, but Archer brought a hand over his face, taking all the information in. In T'Pol's mind, he'd heard her use a phrase - a syndrome. He knew he didn't need to ask for a second opinion. Phlox had said the same to T'Pol.
"Your child will die within the next few hours," the doctor said, matter-of-factly.
"Will T'Pol be alright?" Archer asked, feeling tears in his eyes.
"Unknown," the doctor replied.
And then the doctor left. Instead of focus on the lack bedside manners from the physician, Archer stood near T'Pol and looked down.
"Can you hear me?" he asked aloud.
Then he repeated his question in his mind. But she didn't respond - medication removing all awareness. He watched the heavy rising and falling of her breathing and held her hand tighter.
"I'm sorry," he said.
He put his forehead on T'Pol's hand and did something he wasn't sure he'd done since his father died.
He wept.
Skon strolled into the main hall where his sister, Soval, and Kuvak were talking. It was clear they were discussing the war as well as how Andoria had united. All of Vulcan seemed to be abuzz with the news that the Andorians and an ancient race - the Aenar - had united. Stranger still was that the castes, a part of Andorian society that cycled through leadership, were set as equals. It was revolutionary.
T'Pau looked up at him with what Skon identified as Vulcanly irritation.
"We were not to be disturbed," she said.
"This is urgent - it involves an honored friend of Vulcan."
"Who?" she asked.
"Jonathan Archer," he said. "He has arrived here on Vulcan."
T'Pau said, "We have heard reports that Archer abandoned his post."
Soval pointed an eyebrow at him. "Is that true?"
By the way Soval asked, Skon knew it was hard for the minister to believe. Had he not heard it from Shran, he may not have believed it either. Archer, if anything, was loyal to Starfleet. The human had integrity and courage.
Skon said, "Perhaps, but according to my sources, there were extenuating circumstances. Besides, he is with his bondmate who has miscarried. Surely, Vulcan can afford the human who carried Surak's katra, at great risk, refuge."
Soval asked, "Those extenuating circumstances and your sources have something to do with Shran?"
Skon raised his eyebrows and Soval seemed to understand it did. Skon noticed some amusement flickering over Soval's features.
T'Pau said, "I will ask Prime Minister Pelletier to forgive Archer. Although, I doubt I will have much influence."
"Thank you, Minister," Skon said, "however, we should also provide refuge."
Kuvak crossed his arms. "To offer Archer refuge, even if he is a friend of Vulcan, would anger the humans. We cannot afford to lose our alliance now that it is gaining momentum."
Soval said, "We don't have to indicate where Archer is. After all, I don't know. Yes, he's somewhere on Vulcan, but specifically where - I'm uncertain."
"They will use their scanners and discover his whereabouts," Skon said. "We should ask Earth vessels not to land here."
T'Pau disagreed, "Archer is a friend, but Minister Kuvak is right. Our alliance depends on us helping the Earthlings, not just Archer."
Soval suggested, "What if the hospital where T'Pol may be located, as well as nearby hospitals, run protocols to shield themselves and patients from scanning? Undoubtedly, our hospitals are overdue for running security drills."
"You are suggesting we hide Archer?" T'Pau asked.
Soval said, "I would never suggest we hide Archer. Merely that hospitals should use shielding as part of overdue demonstrating security procedures."
"Omission of the truth is a lie," T'Pau said.
"How am I omitting the truth?" Soval asked.
Minister Kuvak looked down at his PADD, calling up some information. "Hospitals are overdue."
T'Pau looked at her ministers and said, "So, it would be the truth?"
"Yes," Kuvak said.
T'Pau said, "Then I see no reason not to run those security procedures over the next week."
Skon asked, "If Starfleet decides to visit each hospital to determine Archer's location?"
Kuvak replied, "I believe hospitals restrict access to workers, patients, family, and friends during security drills."
"What if the person who comes for Archer is a friend of T'Pol's?" Skon asked.
Soval said, "We cannot cover every eventuality. But perhaps if this person does come - say Captain Reed for example - I can alert staff so I can provide a tour of Vulcan. After all, I would like to speak with him. I'd like to offer my congratulations on marrying Sato and show him my daughter's child."
T'Pau said, "Then it is settled. Minister Kuvak, can you arrange for our hospitals to run security procedures?"
"Of course," he agreed.
"After our meeting, I will contact Earth's prime minister," T'Pau said.
"Thank you," Skon replied.
Satisfied with the results, Skon left. He'd have to relay that information to Shran, holding back some details about security drills. He was surprised Soval was beside him.
"How is T'Pol?" Soval asked.
"She is heavily sedated. I spoke with the physician attending her - her condition is unstable."
"And the child?"
Skon said, "It is inevitable she will lose her child."
Soval tucked his chin to his chest. "That is unfortunate. I grieve with T'Pol and Archer. And I … hope for T'Pol to recover quickly."
"As do I," Skon said.
"A human-Vulcan child … perhaps a physician is necessary to ensure its success."
Soval stopped and explained the creation of a half-human, half-Vulcan baby was attempted by a nationalist organization on Earth. He offered that a physician was procured to ensure successful DNA cloning. Even still, there were issues. Soval also provided information that in an alternate reality, T'Pol and Commander Tucker had a child. Soval indicated Phlox was needed for that union as well, complimenting the doctor on being able to help the baby survive.
"T'Pol has mentioned Commander Tucker to me." Skon started walking again. "Unfortunately, this particular issue seems unique to them. It is a syndrome Archer carries that is fatal to humans."
"Clarke's Disease," Soval said. It was clear his voice was sad. "I knew Archer's father. I was there at his funeral."
"T'Pol indicated Phlox could not find a way to create a successful life between them due to that disease."
Soval said, "Then I am further grieved."
"Yes," Skon said. "As am I."
Soval gave him the Vulcan greeting. "I plan to see T'Pol tomorrow."
Skon returned the greeting and the minister gave a slight bow before turning to head back in the room with T'Pau. Skon always thought that Soval was a good man in the way few Vulcans were. It's certainly why his sister convinced him to return home. Kuvak also was the kind of Vulcan beyond reproach. In his estimation, his sister surrounded herself with wise and compassionate counsel.
Heading to his home - now T'Rama's house - on the nearest shuttle, he walked in. His wife was meditating, so he quietly headed to the room they shared, taking out a few clothes for Archer. He and Archer were close to the same height and weight. At least, they were close enough that the clothes would neither hang on him nor cut off circulation. Skon selected what he thought Archer might appreciate - not robes, but garments worn for meditation.
As he packed a bag, T'Rama entered.
"You were successful," she stated.
"Successful enough. I must contact Shran and Gral, letting them know."
"Of course," she said. "Are you going to the hospital afterward?"
"Yes."
She said, "Allow me to take you. Stay as long as you need. I can retrieve you when you are ready."
He leaned over and touched his fingers to hers again. Then, he pushed a lock of T'Rama's hair from her face. In the bond, he gathered she wanted to support him and he, in return, provided information her presence was all the support he needed.
Gral had used various debate attack techniques on Gardner, but the Starfleet admiral seemed resolute. It was then Gral just decided to yell. Sometimes, he was able to scare an opponent into agreeing. That's how Tellarites were able to get the Telan colony.
Admiral Gardner didn't seem convinced, though.
Gardner said, "Ambassador, I know. Archer is a friend of mine, too. He'll receive a fair trial."
"He has turned the tide of the war," Gral explained for the fiftieth time.
"Things have improved, but he was given an order and he disobeyed that order, abandoning his post. On Earth, it's an offense. I'm sure you can speak at his trial if you feel so inclined."
"Isn't there another way? Is there something like a pardon Archer can receive?"
Gardner sighed. "Yes, he can receive a pardon. But pardons are rare."
"That comes from Pelletier?"
"Yes," Gardner agreed.
"You have been very unhelpful, but I suppose at least I have a more reasonable man to talk with."
With that, Gral ended the transmission. Shran, who'd joined in occasionally, frowned - his antennae erect with anger.
"The tarpig."
Gral said, "He's only following Starfleet orders. I guess I can't fault the man too heavily for that, Blue."
Shran disagreed, "I can."
Gral squealed a little, amused by his Andorian friend. "I will contact Pelletier. Maybe he will listen to us."
A buzzing alerted them a communication was coming in. They weren't surprised it was Skon. The Vulcan leaned into the device.
"I realize you are at Starfleet, so I am encrypting this conversation," he said.
Gral thought about it - the Vulcan had a good point. This way, Starfleet wouldn't have access to the information. As Skon's image faded, a message on Gral and Shran's PADDs indicated the encryption code and immediately Gral used it.
"You would've made a good Andorian security guard, Skip," Shran said.
Skon raised an eyebrow and indicated the Vulcans were running several security drills at local-area hospitals.
"Why the Grendal does that matter?!" Shran asked.
Skon said, "As part of our security procedures, scans will not reveal our patients, health workers, or those visiting."
Gral understood - the Vulcans were hiding Archer.
"What about if Captain Reed shows up? He's a smart Pink Skin - no doubt he'll get Archer," Shran said.
"It has been some time since Minister Soval has seen Captain Reed. He wants to personally welcome him to Vulcan, provide a tour of various facilities, share pictures of his newest granddaughter, and discuss Reed's recent marriage. After all, Captain Reed is an important dignitary."
Gral clapped, his long sinewy fingers covered in fur muffled. "Stall?"
"A Vulcan would never stall," Skon said. "It is not necessarily our fault that we have a great deal of patience and wish to give Reed the welcome he deserves."
"What happens after the tour is over?" Shran said. "Archer can't hide forever."
Skon said, "I have considered that. Perhaps the best course of action is to take him where Starfleet is not readily welcome."
"I don't think even Archer wants to go to Qo'noS," Shran said. His antennae served as he shivered. "Grendal, I wouldn't want to either."
"The Klingon Empire is not the only place Starfleet is not readily welcome," Skon said.
"Spit it out, Skip!" Shran said.
"Coridan," Skon replied.
"Coridan?!" Shran asked. "You've lost your green-blooded mind."
But it made perfect sense to Gral. Coridan was needed for the Federation. Securing their help would ensure the allies had the resources needed to win the war. They'd been attempting to get their help for so long - a year.
"A Vulcan and Terran can't go to Coridan by themselves," Gral said. "Archer told me of the time he and Skinny were trapped there."
"What if more than just T'Pol and Archer go? What if we accompany them?" Shran suggested. "Afterall, Gral and I are allowed to travel again."
"Precisely," Skon agreed, "I can also attend."
They discussed going over the plan with their leaders, but all agreed it was the "logical" thing to do. That also made sense to Gral - having the allies there together showed the people of Coridan their commitment. Leaving from Vulcan would be a faster trip and enable them to travel through areas that Starfleet didn't have the right to enter.
"Are there other allies we have left?" Shran asked Gral.
"Difficult to say," Gral explained. "Perhaps we can begin contacting them again."
"Wise decision," Skon agreed. "I presume you were unsuccessful in pressuring Admiral Gardner."
Gral grunted, "Yes. He told us to contact Pelletier for a pardon."
"Let me know if you are successful," Skon said. "Minister T'Pau is contacting Pelletier as well."
"How's Skinny?" Gral asked.
Skon gave an update. It seemed perhaps T'Pol would recover, but the baby was lost. Worse, there would be no children as he carried a disease fatal to Vulcans. They talked for a moment about whether T'Pol would be well enough to travel, but all decided when they needed to go, she'd make a determination. Gral had to admit, he was protective of the little Vulcan female. She'd worked her way into his heart. Blue must've thought it, too.
"When she awakens," Shran said.
"I will," Skon agreed.
The Vulcan gave his greeting and Gral performed it back. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Shran try. It was poorly orchestrated, but the sentiment was there. The communication ended and Shran gave a heavy sigh. His antennae drooped and he frowned.
"I wish we could help her, to comfort her," Shran said. "And the Pink Skin."
"I agree," Gral said.
Gral contacted Tyr while Shran contacted the queen about putting diplomatic pressure on Pelletier as well sending a delegation to Coridan. The conversations were both short.
The Andorian queen had already put some diplomatic pressure on Pelletier. According to Shran, she told the prime minister that Archer could lead the Andorian military. Apparently, this had little sway with the Earth Leader. Shran also mentioned the queen was eager to have Shran on Coridan, agreeing that would turn the tide.
The Tellarite leader was less impressed personally with Archer but agreed he would speak on his behalf. Tyr definitely wanted a representative to visit Coridan if the Andorians and Vulcans were going to be there. He was especially interested in a long-term treaty to share mining rights.
Afterward, Gral contacted Pelletier, Shran by his side. Over and over, Pelletier indicated it was up to Admiral Gardner. After all, the leader said, leaving your military post was a serious crime. Under normal circumstances, Gral couldn't disagree. But these weren't normal circumstances. Pelletier did say he'd been receiving communiques from the Vulcans (ministers T'Pau, Kuvak, and Soval), the Andorian queen, the new Andorian military commander, and had just been contacted by the Tellarites. He claimed even the Denobulans were upset.
"Under what circumstances would you provide Archer a pardon and restore him?" Gral asked.
"I don't know at this time," Pelletier said. "Let me talk with Gardner."
Shran complained, but Gral held him back. "Blue, at least they'll consider it."
Pelletier ended the transmission. Shran's antennae drooped, noting that Andorians would never have punished someone for such heroism. Gral had to disagree - Shran's had been banished from Andoria, despite being a hero there. It seemed for a moment the blue devil would get sentimental when there was a chime at the door.
"Jhamel and the children shouldn't be back yet," Shran said. "She said they'd be at the aquarium longer. Tallah usually likes staring at the sharks for hours. They remind her of our klek." He smiled a little. "They're wonderful, vicious killers. Magnificent."
The door chimed again and Shran complained that she had keys to enter. Still, he headed to the door as Gral followed along saying maybe she had her hands full. When the door opened, they were shocked to see a short, copper man dressed in furs with a fez on his head. Next to him was another man - his fez much smaller.
"Back!" Ki'ar said. "Miss me?"
Shran said, "Good Grendal! Ithanites!"
Gral added, "What are you doing here?!"
"Ti'gar and I want to join allies," Ki'ar said. "Ithanites ready!"
Quickly the Ithanites gave their formal greeting, putting their thumbs on their nose and wiggling their fingers. So Shran and Gral did the same. Ki'ar introduced his aide, Ti'gar. They pushed their way in and climbed into the nearest chair.
"Now, we party!" Ki'ar said.
Oh no! Gral thought.
"Yes!" Shran cheered. "It will be like old times and we can catch you up on everything. There's a bar just down the way and it has Orion women. You two are going to love it."
Gral grunted, his snout curling at the idea. But still, his heart felt warm. They walked the short distance to the pub, filled with green-skinned women with barely a thread of clothing on. Ki'ar and Ti'gar discussed why the Ithanites decided to join now. Apparently, Ithanites wanted Andorian technology. They decided the Andorians trusting other allies was all they needed to join. In fact, Gral got the impression, this alone may cause even more races to join the Federation.
"Archer!" Shran said.
"Who?" Ti'gar asked.
"Tall one," Ki'ar said. "Hairy. Big nose."
Ki'ar volunteered to contact Pelletier to vouch for Archer, suggesting that perhaps the prime minister had liquor in his office.
As they continued to talk, Gral explained they were taking a trip to Coridan to show unity. Ki'ar and Ti'gar were happy to oblige, making a list of supplies - mostly alcohol and women - they'd need on the journey. Shran tried to explain that bringing human or Orion women aboard for that matter wouldn't be wise, but Gral felt his heart wasn't in the argument. Instead, Shran started to wonder aloud whether the idea had merit.
Shran brought Ki'ar to his chest. "Hedonistic little dek-targs. I admire your lust for life."
"Us, too," Ki'ar agreed.
When T'Pol opened her eyes, she nearly couldn't believe them. Her bondmate was there - in front of her, dressed in Vulcan attire. He wore a green shirt that was loose and dark brown pants. His eyes looked sad and he seemed to notice the moment she stirred.
"T'Pol," he said.
She moved a little but felt sore. Aching. Looking down at her stomach, she noticed a bandage across her midsection. Instantly, she gathered her baby was gone.
"He died?" she asked.
"Yes," Archer said, his voice choked with emotion. It was then she saw her mate cry, a tear rolling down his face. It was clear he had cried already.
"I'm sorry," he told her.
She felt a tear threaten to spill down her cheek, so Archer took her to him, hugging her. The two shared their emotion through their bond. It was a whirlwind of sadness, loss, and grief. Her heartfelt heavy and it was tougher to breathe. Her throat felt tight, difficult to speak. She knew his did as well.
T'Pol had lost a child before. In fact, she'd lost two before - Elizabeth and Lorian. For Elizabeth, a baby, carelessness from the racist organization brought her daughter into the world yet didn't provide the genetic modifications needed for her to survive. It was a crushing loss. Lorian's loss was hard, too.
This pain felt different.
Although she and Jonathan hadn't mean to create a child, they were a couple eager to have one. This hardship felt unnecessary. Empty.
Archer tried to explain what had happened but stopped often as if unable to say the words. He provided information about her symptoms and the baby's. When the child died in her womb, the doctors had no choice but to remove it. Even as he told her this information, T'Pol felt another tear slide down her face. His lip quivered.
He said, "Vulcans don't cremate miscarriages." She could tell he was struggling with exactly what to do. "The doctor said there's no katra."
That was true. Through the Kir'Shara, T'Pol had learned that though there was no katra, the life was still held as precious.
"We can ask for that," she said.
He nodded as if unaware. "We can spread the ashes near your mother."
They could get transported to the area to make the journey easier. The T'Karath Sanctuary in the Forge was still a place of pilgrimages. Masters, even T'Pau herself, went there to remember the Syrannite Compound and perhaps Syran himself.
"You would not want him with your family in New York?"
T'Pol knew that Jonathan's father and mother were there, as well as extended family members - even his favorite uncle.
"I think it's fitting he's with his grandmother," Jonathan said.
"Yes, the Forge," she told him.
"Your doctor said you should be able to leave tomorrow morning," he told her.
She said, "We should get married. A ceremony that includes Vulcan and Earth tradition."
"The doctor said because I carry Clarke's Disease, we most likely will never be able to have children together. It's a disease that's fatal to Vulcans."
"I know," she said.
"If you want children, you should -"
She couldn't continue without him, so she kissed him to stop him talking. The kiss held love, sadness, longing, and so many other emotions, she couldn't quite quantify them all. Seeing into his mind so easily, she knew that maybe even from the moment she stepped aboard Enterprise, they were meant for each other. And he felt the same.
"I love you," he told her.
"Today we will grieve. Tomorrow, after I leave the hospital, we will give our child to the Forge's desert wind. The following day, we will wed."
He kissed her again and they mourned together, holding hands. They talked about what had happened since they'd been away from each other. It seemed almost unnecessary - the two able to share each other's thoughts. But she knew it took their minds off things. Focusing on trivialities though felt introduced normalcy. Then, they discussed how to get to the Forge as well as their upcoming nuptials.
Shran and Gral had contacted the Denobulans, Xindi, Klingons, and a few other races to discuss their plans to get to Coridan. Although the Klingons declined, most of the other races were eager. Each planned their own transport to meet there, hoping to get some of the mining rights from Coridan as well as sharing military and technology secrets.
He was packing his bags when the door chimed. This time, Jhamel was there, helping him pack, so he knew it wasn't her. When he opened the door, he saw a familiar face. Dressed in black leather with longer white hair, he smiled at his old friend.
"Tares!"
The two gave each other a clasp of hands going up to elbows.
"What the Pink Skin did …."
"I know!" Shran agreed. "Whoever thought it was possible?"
Tares caught him up on everything. Apparently, much like T'Pau had done when taking over the ministry, the queen was busy rooting out Orions in Andoria. Already, she'd appointed a council of Andorians and Aenar to work with her. The council consisted of the religious, workers, and warrior caste as well as three members of the Aenar. Together, they strived toward a planet where everyone could thrive.
She also said plans were already underway to add a statue of Archer fighting the Orion at the fountains. Artists were giving their proposals, but so far, the queen was disappointed in each one. None of them got the features of the human right.
"It's the hairiness," Shran said. "I doubt even our best artisans could sculpt all that hair successfully."
"You'll be happy to know the queen talked with the prime minister, asking him to forgive Archer," Tares said.
"I know. That does make me happy," he agreed. "Maybe the more requests he gets the faster Pelletier will pardon the Pink Skin."
"I should … I should mention there's one other thing," Tares said.
"Yeah?"
"I've been asked to accompany you to Coridan."
This tickled Shran. He recalled not long ago, he would've worried about ending up tyla-tora with her. Now, he was eager for the company.
"That's good news," he said.
Then he provided information about their friends - that T'Pol had lost a child, Skon had married, Martog would be coming back to Earth, and even the Ithanites were back. Ki'ar already planned the meals and drinks on the way to Coridan. It was then that Shran suggested she bring Andorian hangover cures - many several.
"Who's piloting the transport?" Tares asked.
He smiled at her. "Who's the best captain in the Andorian fleet?"
"T'rok Stax," she said.
He frowned. "No, I am!"
"I would've guessed you next … or third or so."
"I'll be taking the vessel through to Vulcan where Archer, T'Pol, and Skon will join us," he said.
At least, he believed the Pink Skin and his mate would come with them. According to Skon, that hadn't been arranged yet.
"Are you concerned about Romulan vessels in the area?" she asked.
A laugh emitted from his mouth. "The transport we're taking - it was an old medical vessel. Ironically, the vessel is named Tyrol-ashev. I can't imagine the Romulans or Orions being interested in a medical transport."
"Tyrol-ashev. Isn't the Earth translation - Enterprise?"
"Yes," Shran said. "It's what convinced Gral and I that we should use it. It seemed like an omen."
Tares agreed, saying if it couldn't be called the Kumari, it may as well be Enterprise. Shran poured the two Andorian ale and they drank with a raised glass.
"To lasting peace," Shran said. I never thought I'd say that.
"To lasting peace, my friend," Tares agreed.
After they toasted, they drank.
Shran mused aloud, "A ship carrying Andorians, Vulcans, Tellarites, Ithanites, and humans … who would've thought?"
They laughed and both wondered whether it, too, was an omen of cooperation that would last longer. One day the Romulans, Orions, and Arali would be defeated, but they hoped the partnership among worlds remained. Shran knew it was the first real progress they'd made on a Federation since it disbanded a year ago.