A/N: It's rare (I think!) that I tell people to stop reading my story and read another one, but if you haven't read EnlightenedSkye's story, you should! She just finished with season 5, and it has action, adventure, comedy, and romance (the real kind). Season 6 is about to begin. So good!

Get comfy, this is a long chapter.

=/\=

Shran and Gral contacted Ambassador Simon. They stood side-by-side waiting when finally, the human answered.

Although Gral thought Simon wasn't his favorite human, he believed by this point the man to be decent, good, and at least fair. Yes, misguided from time-to-time, but Gral had concluded many of his now friends were.

After all, Simon had put himself on the line for Shran and Gral before. That, to Gral, meant a lot.

"Do you have time to talk?" Shran asked.

Simon seemed like he had something to say immediately and launched into a new debate strategy: Vygon's accusatory tactic. Gral thought it was an interesting tactic to take.

Simon said, "Admiral Gardner said you gave him an ultimatum."

Gral said, "Blue didn't necessarily give a threat. But … the council is unprepared to see Archer tried and imprisoned for something we believe he should be pardoned for. Besides, we believe there are only positive results from Archer's supposed dereliction of duty."

Simon sighed, "I guess I can't disagree with that. We have received more support. And his trial may hurt the council. Still, Archer should've communicated-"

Gral grunted, getting right to the point. "We've come to a vote - we'd like Archer to be the president of our council."

"Archer is under arrest and-"

Shran said, "He shouldn't be. He's acted as a diplomat."

"But he's not. He's a Starfleet admiral in the middle of a war," Simon said. "His allegiance is to Earth."

Gral said, "Well, he's the president of the council now."

This predicament clearly took Simon by surprise. Staggering back, Neville asked, "What?"

Shran's antennae launched forward. "Gral said he was president of the council."

Neville said, "I didn't vote."

Shran said, "It won't change anything, but … feel free to go ahead."

"I vote, 'No,'" Simon said.

Shran said, "You're outvoted."

Gral agreed, but was more delicate about his answer, "Blue is right. Jonathan Archer is the new president of the council."

Simon sighed, "Is this all to ensure he's not given a trial?"

Shran said, "Archer helped me. He's helped the council since we began. Because of him, I believe we'll form a more formal council. He's the reason the council started. Besides, we agreed this position doesn't vote, only coordinates votes."

Simon sighed and punched a few buttons. Gral noticed additional security added and gave a snort.

Simon said, "I just got an update from the front. The Challenger, the ship he's on, is in grave danger. They sent a distress call to all available ships. The Romulans have them surrounded," Simon said.

"So that's why we didn't hear from Gardner," Gral said. "He's busy."

Shran said, "Any ships in the vicinity?"

"A Vulcan battlecruiser," Simon said. "Starfleet ships are on the way."

Gral said, "Perhaps it's time to put the council to work. I'll contact you shortly about other ships that can join. Where are they?"

Simon sent the coordinates. Gral grunted with shock - they were still close to Vulcan. It made sense a Vulcan cruiser was sent in to help. The Romulans were getting bolder and bolder.

"We'll contact Skon and our governments to assist," Gral said.

Simon agreed, about to end the call.

Gral quickly spoke, "Ambassador Simon, I didn't like you much almost a year ago. You were Samuels' man. And I felt you were a pain in the pa-nik."

Simon frowned.

Gral said, "But I have grown to know you. When we voted for Archer to be president, we wanted you to continue as Earth's ambassador. You have earned our respect and gratitude."

Simon looked like he was on the verge of a smile. "I would've said the same of you."

"Let's not get weepy like human females," Shran said.

Simon was about to say something, but Shran ended it. Gral grunted in confusion and Shran said, "We'll keep in touch."

They ended the call. Shran folded his arms in self-satisfaction, and Gral knew he enjoyed telling Neville Simon off.

Immediately, Shran, Gral, and Ki'ar contacted their governments to convince them to coordinate, as necessary. Gral wasn't surprised Tyr had already sent vessels - some of the best. When Shran ended his communication, he turned to Gral shaking his head.

"What, Blue?" Gral asked.

"The Queen and her consort - General Krag - have coordinated with the head of the military. My brother."

"Excellent!" Gral squealed. When Shran didn't smile, the Tellarite asked, "Isn't it?"

"I never thought in all my day …."

"Shran! What is it?" Gral asked.

"The Queen already sent ships, including her personal guards - the warrior women."

"Warrior women?" Gral asked.

"The Th'Alana. They are the tallest, bravest warriors in the warrior caste. They're experts at hand-to-hand combat as well as just about any weapon invented. They're forbidden from marrying or even mating. And when their time is through serving royalty, they quest themselves to find their replacement."

Gral folded his arms across his chest. He'd never heard of these creatures.

Shran said, "You know the last time the queen sent her own personal guards to fight during a war?"

The Tellarite couldn't even fathom a guess, but supposed they'd been used in the war with the Vulcans. Though the Tellarites and Andorians never cared for each other - until recently - even the Tellarites had to admit the war between the Vulcans and Andorians was more brutal.

Finally, Gral said, "I don't know, Blue. I didn't realize they existed."

"Never." Shran pulled an antenna in thought. "Never has the queen sent her own personal warrior women. Apparently, the general said they owed Archer one. I never thought in all my day …."

Gral started to count the forces deployed. Assuming Archer and Skinny could survive, the Romulans - unless they deployed more of their fleet - would be outnumbered. It was then that Gral wondered if history would remember this as a great battle.

[-]

T'Pol and Reed attempted to do their best with the systems still operating on the bridge. Communications, knowing when the Vulcan ship would arrive, was paramount. Until then, they were blind and deaf.

T'Pol looked at her screen to see that 23 crewmen were injured out of a complement of 96. Sickbay was overrun, and the medical staff that promised to be there in 10 minutes were there in 15. It took time for them to get through debris to enter the bridge.

As the medical personnel came to the bridge, Jonathan pushed himself up and waved off help. Travers, related to Jon's Starfleet aide, and Fuller were more gravely injured. Medical staff said what T'Pol suspected - Fuller probably wouldn't make it. Still, both personnel were taken to Sickbay.

Reed tried contacting his security team to see how the fight against the Romulans was faring. Instead, he received silence.

Jon went over to communications, dragging his body over to it, punching a few buttons.

"Jammed," Jon's voice said weakly.

"We're sitting ducks," Reed said.

It was then Reed's communicator chirped. "Reed," he said.

"This is V'Tok commander of the Vulcan battlecruiser V'Tar. It seems you need assistance," he said.

T'Pol answered, standing behind Reed, "This is Ambassador T'Pol. We are indeed in need of help."

"We are sending a boarding party," V'Tok said. "Wait for our arrival."

T'Pol warned, "Romulans are aboard."

V'Tok seemed to understand; his response was quick. "Understood."

"Thank you," Reed said. But the communication already ended.

Jon looked over to Reed, saying, "We'll take any help we can get."

Reed went over to examine the Romulan on the bridge and turned to T'Pol. "Would you mind telling me why a Vulcan is dead on our bridge?"

T'Pol pointed an eyebrow at him. "He's not Vulcan."

"What?" Reed asked.

T'Pol …. Jon warned her.

"He's Romulan," T'Pol said. He deserves to know. I believe Malcolm can be trusted.

He's with Section 31, he thought.Jon furrowed his brow at her and then tried to restart systems, interrupting Reed's next question. "We're dead in the water."

T'Pol agreed with her husband, "We're adrift."

Jon looked over at Reed, "I take it, you're not taking me back to the brig or my quarters?"

Reed guffawed, "Considering you and your wife helped save our lives, I'm going to say, 'No,' Admiral."

Whatever smile appeared on Jon's face faded quickly as he nodded.

"Casualties?" he asked, his voice weak.

"Thirteen are dead," T'Pol answered.

"Captain Murphy?" Jon asked.

T'Pol looked at her screen, knowing he wasn't among the casualties - at least not the last time she looked. She gazed at the info and let out a breath of relief.

"He'll recover," T'Pol said.

"I hope Janice Fuller does, too," Jon said.

Reed said, "I should join Rogers at his last known whereabouts, but it would help to know exactly who we're fighting. Romulans look almost exactly like Vulcans?"

T'Pol said, "We don't know. I would presume." The Englishman guffawed when T'Pol added, "It is information the Vulcans don't wish for Starfleet to know readily. It presents a grave threat to negotiations among allies as well as destabilizes Vulcan."

Reed seemed aghast.

T'Pol added, "We do know this - Romulans are our ancient brethren."

Jon said, "Maybe for the meantime, we can tell your officers these … Romulans are Vulcans that had been exposed to trellium D."

"Why would they be aboard a Romulan vessel?" Reed asked.

"Maybe the Romulans have manipulated them with trellium," T'Pol suggested.

The Brit considered the information and then gave a grim nod, unholstering his weapon and disappearing into the Jeffries tube near the elevator shaft.

"You sure that was a good idea?" Jon asked.

T'Pol nearly frowned. "I had little choice."

"He could use that information," Jon said.

"Malcolm is our friend. I believe we can count on his discretion." She walked over to him even as he worked at comms hoping to restore it, worried about him. "Besides, perhaps this will help Minister T'Pau to share information about our enemy."

Jon said, "You don't know anything about them other than you share a bloodline."

She considered the comment. On the contrary, she thought that they shared some technology, martial arts, and had the same capacity for thought and reason. However, she did wonder how blinded they were by their emotions - such as ambition. She knew, firsthand from human augments, that ambition led to their destruction.

Jon pushed himself out from the communications area, groaning. She knew his body ached after being shocked.

He said, "I think we're back in business."

T'Pol punched a few buttons and immediately saw the devastation wrought. Ships were mangled and in disarray fanning out in front of them. Challenger hadn't just managed to take out a few ships, but nearly destroyed their scout armada. Ironically, she wondered whether this would be called a decisive victory by the allies. There seemed to be two ships, in total, that weren't destroyed.

She thumbed the controls to locate the right camera angle and see the damage to their own ship. Hull integrity was compromised in more than one location; she confirmed that information through the panel at the captain's chair. Starfleet bodies - at least three - floated in space by the viewscreen. Structures were gnarled and twisted. But they had kept the ship intact and at least - to her knowledge - refrain from falling into enemy hands.

"If Trip were in engineering, he'd be yelling at us by now," Jon said.

"Yes," she agreed. "He would."

A fuzzy communication came in and Archer answered. "Archer here."

"It's Reed. Rogers and his team took care of those Vulcans that boarded our ship earlier - the ones suffering from trellium. I thought you'd want to know."

T'Pol asked, "Where are you taking them?"

"There's one survivor. We're taking him to the brig," he said.

"Understood," Jon said.

Another beep came through and T'Pol answered it. "Bridge, T'Pol here."

"Uh ... ," the woman on the other end seemed concerned, unsure how to address who manned the bridge. "This is Ensign Peterson. Ma'am, we have Commander V'Tok aboard and eleven other crewmen."

Amusement filled her and she agreed. "Acknowledged. Can you show V'Tok to the bridge? Ensure the others work with Reed's security team."

"Yes, ma'am," the person said.

T'Pol said, "Admiral Archer and I will meet V'Tok here."

When she depressed the button, she heard her husband ask, "What if they're Romulans instead?"

She withdrew her weapon. "I believe you would say - only one way to find out."

He unholstered his weapon, too. When the door finally opened, a Vulcan stepped out - a tall man with copper skin, gray hair, and dark eyes. Everyone seemed to breathe easier; it was a man T'Pol recognized.

Immediately, he looked down at the dead Romulan.

V'Tok asked, "That is a ...?"

T'Pol responded, "Romulan. Yes."

V'Tok withdrew his own communicator, studying Jon. She felt it necessary to ensure this Vulcan knew her husband was aware of the Romulans.

"My husband is aware," she said.

V'Tok's eyebrow climbed against his forehead. Then he said into his communicator, "One to transport. Use the Romulan biosigns."

It still marveled T'Pol that the humans provided transporter technology to all allies, including the Vulcans. Most battlecruisers were outfitted with one these days, it seemed including the ship that was there to help.

The body quickly vanished into thin air.

V'Tok clarified, "One of your crewmen indicated there were other bodies aboard. They have also been transported to my ship."

"All of them?" T'Pol asked as confirmation.

V'Tok said, "Yes."

"Even the one that was still alive?" Jon asked.

"Yes," V'Tok said.

"Captain Reed let you?" Jon asked.

"Yes," V'Tok said. "He believed it was more secure. He saw the logic in the idea."

T'Pol went to her viewscreen and checked on the security detail. A few of the casualties were from there. Then, she and Jon moved to the equipment locker and both retrieved communicators. Her husband's hand still trembled from the shock delivered, but he seemed determined. She had to admit, her body was still weak as well.

"Archer to Reed," he said, flipping a communicator open.

"Reed here, sir," he answered. "Subcommander Tor transported the … Vulcans … to his ship."

"We heard," Archer said. "Your security crew?"

"They've lost a few men. Rogers is with them in Sickbay," Reed said.

"At your earliest convenience, meet us on the bridge," he said.

"Aye," Reed agreed.

With that, Jon snapped his communicator closed.

T'Pol told V'Tok , "We've told Reed about our ancient brethren, but others - we've indicated they were Vulcans controlled by trellium."

V'Tok said, "An interesting deception."

T'Pol sighed, "A necessary one."

"I doubt one we can keep up," Jon said. T'Pol could hear the annoyance in his voice, despite knowing in the bond he was resigned to the lie. Still, he didn't like it.

V'Tok didn't seem to care about the repercussions. "We should leave this ship and transport survivors to Vulcan."

Jon sighed. "I think only two ships from that armada are left. We could track them-"

V'Tok answered, "That is foolhardy."

Jon talked about getting reconnaissance before he went to Andoria. Romulus, they gathered, was in the Beta Quadrant. To date, the allies hadn't tried to set an offensive in their space. He wondered if trade routes were in planets just inside the Beta Quadrant.

"Each allied group is protecting themselves," V'Tok said. "That is where the forces should be."

"That's the problem!" Jon said. "By setting an offensive together, we can defeat the Romulans. Otherwise, this war will go on forever."

V'Tok seemed skeptical and even T'Pol questioned her husband's logic.

"We can contact the rest of the fleet, ask them to join us," Jon said. "We could follow them into the Beta Quadrant and make our stand."

V'Tok said, "It would be more logical to regroup."

Jon said, "If we regroup, so will they."

T'Pol didn't know the exact location of the allied fleet, but she knew where many were stationed due to her bond with Jon. It did have merit to follow them, track them, but she doubted Challenger was in any shape to do so.

As if Jon were talking to her, he said, "If we follow them to Romulus, we could end this once and for all."

V'Tok turned to T'Pol. "The acting ambassador aboard our vessel indicated various species are again offering assistance."

This surprised T'Pol. "Skon is aboard your ship?"

V'Tok agreed, "Yes."

Skon always did have impeccable timing, Jon thought.

She gave him an imperceptible frown. Holding his hands up in defense, he thought, In this case, it's good timing. I'm glad he's here.

Jon added aloud, "We can leave Malcolm in command and board the Vulcan vessel, following the Romulan ships. But we have to make a decision quickly."

V'Tok was about to speak when his communications device beeped. "Yes?"

"Sir, we're getting reports of dozens of ships - maybe more - starting in our direction," a serene Vulcan voice said.

"Romulan?" V'Tok asked.

The device in V'Tok's hand said, "Long-range scanners indicate Vulcan, Tellarite, Andorian, human, Denobulan, and-"

"I see," V'Tok said. "How soon will they arrive?"

"Many, less than two hours," the Vulcan said.

"With reinforcements, we can go after them," Jon said.

"Do you have support of the council?" V'Tok asked.

Jon said, "I don't know."

V'Tok said, "I assumed you had communicated with them as you're now the council president."

Jon looked over at T'Pol. "You mean, my wife - T'Pol."

V'Tok said, "No, you."

What T'Pol knew Jon would call Vulcan arrogance displayed as V'Tok said they should take survivors aboard the Vulcan vessel. Suddenly, the ships on the viewscreen started to go to warp.

"Follow them!" Archer said.

V'Tok was about to question it, when her husband - just as bone weary as she - told V'Tok, "As the president of the council, I'm ordering you to take Ambassador T'Pol and myself aboard. Immediately."

The Vulcan was about to question the order when Reed arrived. "Sir-"

"You have Challenger, Malcolm," Jon said.

"Sir?"

"According to V'Tok and his crew, ships are less than two hours away," Jon said. "We can send most of the ships to join us, and a few to stay back with you ensuring you get to Yosemite Station for repairs."

T'Pol thought, Jon-

"An all-out assault - that's the only way we'll win," Jonathan told her.

T'Pol viewed information about the damage to Challenger. It seemed significant. Based on her experience, it would take a few days to repair - assuming the repairs could be made. Vulcan would make a suitable station for repairs, but Starfleet didn't have a base there.

"It may be easier to make repairs on Vulcan - priority can be given to the engines to get there," she said.

Reed seemed to agree, nodding.

Good idea, Jon thought.

T'Pol wasn't sold on the idea that they should speed after the ships, but she agreed the notion had merit. It worried her leaving Challenger but knew Captain Reed was a smart and capable officer.

She said, "We don't know the numbers the Romulans have."

Jon disagreed. "We have reports from all over the Alpha and Beta Quadrant. They sent a scout fleet here. We know the Arali and the Orions have had their fleets crippled. Unless the Romulans have armadas twice the size of the allies, which reports say isn't possible, this might be our chance. Besides, we should be focusing on the Romulans. If they give in, the war is over."

Even Reed chimed in, "Section 31 just gave a report yesterday - the tide is turning. The admiral is right - they're on the run."

T'Pol suggested, "You should contact Admiral Gardner."

"I will," he agreed. "But if we want to catch them, we should leave now. Their trail may go cold."

I hope you're right, T'Pol thought.

Me, too, Jon thought to her. Turning to V'Tok he said, "Transport T'Pol and I."

V'Tok finally gave the command, leaving a few of his officers behind to help Reed. In an instant, T'Pol and Jon were standing on the Vulcan ship. She knew, through her bond, that Jon felt weighed down by the gravity as heat overpowered him. They were both tired and she realized even now she had bruises, debris, and smoke smeared across her robes.

She wasn't surprised to see Skon waiting at the platform. And although his face was stoic and even serene, she could tell he was genuinely glad to see them.

He headed to them and helped T'Pol off the platform as Jon took a few steps down.

"It is agreeable to see you, Ambassador … Archer," Skon said.

"It's more than agreeable to see you," T'Pol answered.

Her husband gave Skon a tight smile before asking V'Tok if he could contact Starfleet. V'Tok escorted them to a room that reminded T'Pol of the situation room back on Enterprise. It had a several viewscreens that provided both long-term and short-term scanners and a board before them that indicated how the ship was doing.

V'Tok tapped a few buttons on the board and Admiral Gardner's face appeared. It was clear Gardner wasn't happy.

"What the hell are you doing, Archer?" he asked.

Jon said, "Challenger is under Captain Reed's command. He's heading to Vulcan on impulse. It may be helpful to send a few vessels there." T'Pol pointed to the human vessels - Daedalus class - and he nodded. "The Newton and Einstein may be good. It'd provide enough fire power-"

Gardner frowned. "What are you doing aboard a Vulcan vessel?"

Jon steeled himself, "The allies should go after the two Romulan vessels left. They're making a break for the Beta Quadrant."

Gardner said, "Jon, every alliance member is sending vessels. But I doubt we have the firepower to cripple the Romulans. Definitely not in their space."

"I'm not so sure," Jon said back.

Sections of space were shared and V'Tok brought up where ships were in the vicinity, including those on long-range scans. The allied fleet was getting significant reinforcements from just about every species. According to V'Tok's calculations, ships would arrive from a few hours to a few days. He then calculated how long it would take them all to get to the Beta Quadrant - nearly as much time.

Skon indicated every alliance member was sending ships. Ambassador Shran, for example, noted a special force from the queen's guard was also heading toward them.

Jon said, "If we jam the Romulans signal, maybe we'll even have the element of surprise."

T'Pol asked, "What if they've already contacted Romulus?"

"Can we fake their communications?" Jon asked.

"Perhaps," V'Tok said. "But no one here speaks Romulan."

"Hoshi," Jon said to T'Pol. "Admiral, can we get Sato to provide a communique to Romulus?"

Gardner said, "What if the Romulans alert the Orions and Arali?"

Jon said, "We've got to make a stand. They've been picking us off for a while now. If we work together, we may have more of a chance."

Gardner said, "We don't know the size of their fleet."

"We have some reports," Jon said. "But they don't know the size of ours with all of the allies working together either."

Gardner frowned and Skon reminded the admiral, "Archer is the president of the council. You should take this information back to Starfleet at the very least and consider a plan of action."

Jon winked at Skon who rose an eyebrow in confusion at the action. A chuckle nearly on Jon's lips, he told Gardner, "We don't have a lot of time."

Gardner said, "There will be other offensives."

It was then, Jon started to point to various ships available on V'Tok's map and work in waves of ships. They could descend on the Beta Quadrant, take planets one-by-one. But, he admitted, it would be helpful to pull what ships they could away from other engagements, while still leaving a force to protect each planet. It would be a limited force, but they'd need to work together.

"It's like Dunkirk," Jon said. "Except on the offensive."

"Pardon?" T'Pol asked.

"A battle during World War Two," Jon replied. "All available vessels were sent to rescue the British allied soldiers trapped. British vessels of all sorts, including private ships, were able to turn the tide of the war."

T'Pol said, "To that end, we could ask all cargo vessels to join us."

She pushed a few buttons herself and cargo routes came alive showing thousands of ships nearby. Jon closed in on the map.

"We would definitely have the advantage," Jon agreed.

"Cargo vessels have limited weapons capability," Gardner said.

Jon pointed to the star chart. "They could occupy the outer band."

T'Pol said, "It would be intimidating."

Gardner said, "But they can cloak in and out without us even knowing where they are."

T'Pol said, "They have limited cloaking technology. They can use the cloak and warp together, but little else. For example, they can't use weapons and remain cloaked - at least from current reports."

Gardner said, "It would take significant effort. This offensive could take a year … or more."

Jon said, "No offense, Admiral, but to end this war, we'll need to produce significant effort. We may've declared war more than a year ago, but we've been fighting the Romulans since I was still aboard Enterprise."

Gardner sighed and then finally said, "I'll take this back to Starfleet."

"We can't wait long on an answer," Jon said.

Gardner agreed, "Don't I know it. In the meantime, I'll send a communication to your previous communications officer so you can send a message to Romulus. That - at the very least - we should do right away."

Jon nodded. "Agreed."

Gardner's visage disappeared and they were staring at the symbols in Vulcan that represented T'Pol's people. The swirls and lines with dots and dashes around them. V'Tok nudged the intercom, speaking into it.

"Commander V'Tok to T'Lan."

"Here," came a calm female voice over the speaker.

"Begin jamming signals for the two Romulan vessels we are tracking."

"Yes, sir," she agreed.

V'Tok turned to the guests, "I will be on the bridge. Alert me when you have the Romulan communication."

With that, he left. Skon stayed behind, his hands behind his back. "About your new role, President Archer-"

Jon said, "I don't know what this is about, but-"

Skon said, "It seemed the best resolution to the dilemma. It would prevent you from facing a trial, and potential court martial, while enabling you to provide your needed skills to Starfleet."

"I'm flattered, but-" Jon started.

T'Pol said, "Husband, see the logic to Skon's argument. He's right. You have diplomatic immunity, but can help Starfleet, Vulcan, Andoria, Tellar, and countless other worlds defeat the Romulans and Orions once and for all."

T'Pol, it's not just me. You, Shran, Gral, Skon, Gardner - hell all our friends and entire fleet-

She said to him, "As I may've - take credit where credit is due."

Skon backed her up, "I do not say this lightly - your actions on Andoria have changed the political environment greatly. While on my way to Coridan, the Coridanites asked if they could join the Council."

Archer scowled. "I didn't really do much."

Skon said, "By telling the Andorians to release technology, old grudges have dissipated with ripple effects across the quadrant. T'Pau and the Andorian Queen have been in regular communication, including with Tyr from Tellar Prime. We have more than ten worlds who have reached out to the Council asking us to allow them to join for the first time or join again."

Jon murmured, "The Federation."

T'Pol asked, "The one that Daniels mentioned?" When her husband turned to her, she said, "He indicated you would be instrumental."

Jon wiped a hand across his face and then looked back at the map where ships could be coming in. T'Pol stood next to him and placed her hand on his back, reassuring him.

Jon said, "There won't be a Federation if we don't win the war."

Skon said, "I have doubted you in the past, Archer. But I believe you are correct. Now is the time to strike. Vulcans may honor peace, but we cannot achieve it without - occasionally - waging war."

T'Pol said, "Logical."

Jon said, "Let's hope Starfleet agrees."

Skon then took his leave to contact T'Pau. Jon and T'Pol were finally alone.

"You should rest," he told her.

"So should you," she replied.

Jon gave her a small smile. She could feel his love, concern, and even worry thinking she'd been through a lot the past 48 hours. And she in return sent through her care and affection for him. Responding, he took her into a hug and gave her a kiss. It was gentle, and she knew it was utter devotion.

He told her quietly, "If this works …."

"You'll accept the position of president?"

He nuzzled her nose. "Seems like a conflict of interest - a beautiful ambassador from Vulcan would get all my attention."

"Maybe I should return to Starfleet," she said.

"Accept the position of Captain?" he asked, surprised. You'd make a good one.

She felt amusement. "I was thinking more of teaching."

"Oh?"

"You told me once you had 'a thing' for one of your teachers?" she asked.

"My ninth-grade teacher," he said. His smile increased. "You're hotter."

"Vulcans do tend to run above thirty-seven degrees centigrade," T'Pol said.

He chuckled at that and thought, Don't I know it.

"Do we get a room on this ship?" Archer asked, obviously confused why no one had intervened to show them their quarters.

T'Pol raised an eyebrow. "I suspect Commander V'Tok is … uncomfortable with our arrangement."

"You mean our marriage?" Jon asked. Our do you mean that we're-

"I believe both. You're human," she said.

He sighed. "Ironically, even Surak would be disappointed. Infinite Diversity -"

T'Pol flicked an eyebrow. "Not everyone has had Surak's katra inside their head."

His lips sloped up in obvious delight. As he pushed her hair back to reveal her ear, his hand trembled. She took it, steadying it.

"You should see the doctor," she said.

"So should you," he told her.

This, she could agree with. They left the situation room for sickbay. She read the information at each juncture on where to turn to reach it. Like the Solaya, it was in the center of the ship. Finally, when they got there, they saw an older Vulcan - gray hair and dark eyes - who had an expression of boredom. T'Pol told the doctor, in Vulcan, her husband needed attention. Jon was surprised he was the first to be treated.

"She's unwell," he said to the universal translator overhead.

The doctor ran a scanner over them both and determined to treat her. Soon, she was receiving some vitamin boosts and told she should rest. She left the biobed and Jon sat down, already addressing the need to rest.

"Do we have quarters here?" Jon asked.

"How would I presume to know?" the doctor asked.

"We'll ask Skon," T'Pol said. She nudged a few buttons near her and asked to see him when he had a moment. The doctor then ran a scanner over Jon saying he would eventually be fine.

Skon strolled into the medical facility. "T'Pau agrees with our assessment - we should track the Romulans and end this once and for all."

T'Pol said, "You have proven to be an admirable ambassador."

Skon replied, "I did learn from an accomplished ambassador."

"To earn his trust …." She noted her husband who was busy telling the Vulcan doctor he was fine, only to receive an injection. Jon hung his head slightly and produced a lopsided smile.

Skon admitted, "It has been hard-won knowledge, but I have come to respect and … admire your husband."

T'Pol said, "Admire?"

Skon didn't deny the emotion, but amusement danced in his eyes. "It has taken some time."

She worked to keep her face serene. "I understand the feeling."

"I have relayed my conversation with T'Pau to V'Tok," Skon said. "Commander V'Tok said we should catch up in nearly half a day." He looked her over as if noticing her fatigue. "You should rest."

She thought about disagreeing when she heard her husband in her mind. He's right. It'll be a long day.

She thought, We should coordinate the fleet, Jonathan.

Jon said, "Assuming Starfleet agrees, I'm sure they'll do the coordination. I'm just a diplomat."

He smiled, closed mouth, to her and she thought he looked smug and a little like Porthos when he had conned some cheese from Jonathan. T'Pol blinked at him and then agreed to follow Skon to her room. They eventually reached it and she realized the quarters, despite being for a dignitary, were more cramped than those on Enterprise. Still, she meditated for a few minutes, and then laid down.

=/\=

When T'Pol left and was busy meditating, Archer used the time to get information about her. Vulcans didn't have the same doctor-patient relationship humans did. This would be his only time to get information about her.

"How is she?" Jon asked.

"She?" the doctor asked.

"T'Pol - my wife." He frowned. "You just treated her."

"Her body is weak. I think a few days of rest should help significantly."

Jon thought it was too bad they didn't have a few days. "She going to be alright?" he asked.

"Maybe you should ask her yourself."

Jon said, "I'm asking you. I'd just like to verify-"

"She will survive," the doctor said. "If you had a bond, you would know this."

This irritated Jon, and he wondered if Vulcans already had an issue with a human and Vulcan married. He realized he was privileged knowing T'Pau, Skon, Soval, and T'Rama who didn't give their marriage a second thought.

Jon said, eager to set this doctor straight, "We do have a bond, but she's told me she's okay. I just want to make sure."

"You don't believe her?" the doctor asked.

Jon sighed and decided against answering. He wasn't going to explain the nuanced emotion of worry and concern at this moment. Without providing an answer to Jon's question, the doctor seemed uninterested in any discussion and went back to his work after having treated Jon.

"We're done?" Jon asked.

"Yes."

"Anything I should know?" Jon asked.

"Although human systems are weaker, you should recover soon - within a day."

Weaker, thanks. Jon hopped off the bed and said to himself, "Feels like I have a hangover."

"Pardon me?"

Jon said, "Never mind."

He left the Sickbay to find his wife, using their bond to weave through corridors and reach their quarters. The room was functional but missing any luxury that would be afforded diplomats on an Earth vessel, even smaller ones. She was already asleep, and he tried not to disturb her as he sat down next to her.

Looking over her form, he thought about the times they'd faced danger together. Somehow, facing it with her always made him feel as though they would be victorious. He decided to rest his eyes when he heard a beeping across the room.

He jogged over to the terminal, catching it before T'Pol awoke, and nudged his thumb. "Archer," he whispered.

It was Gardner. "Starfleet is sending our fleet to the Beta Quadrant. Black thinks it's worth the risk."

This relieved Jon. "You don't?"

"I don't know. It may put the allied ships in peril."

Jon answered, "We'd be in peril regardless. Making a stand - it's risky, but it's the right call."

Jon then started discussing what needed to happen with Gardner. They strategized that ships would push through, taking worlds near the border as needed. Gardner sent Jon some diagrams that had been drawn for the battle. It relied heavily on Starfleet, with cruiser-class and escort starships, five NX vessels that hadn't been destroyed yet, Daedalus-class, and the cargo vessels they could deploy. They then looked over the Vulcan, Tellar, Andorian, and other vessels. Battle cruisers, war ships, scouting types, science-grade vessels, and more made up the rag-tag fleet of allies. Names were transmitted - Ramirez, Stiles (a captain Jon had already worked with), McNamara, Reeves, Gupta, Tse, T'Ra, Helan, V'Lot, Sak, Shen, Gak, and over fifty captains.

They discussed they'd need to coordinate and decided on Archer running the fleet there as chief in command - the president of the Council. Skon, Shran, Gral, and Ki'ar would communicate information with their fleets. T'Pol would help Archer as well as communicate with the tens of other aliens providing ships and assistance.

The more they discussed what would happen next, the more Jon began to realize this offensive wouldn't be over in a day or two. Most likely, he was committing to months - if not a year. He and T'Pol would need also switch up sleeping arrangements so that she took the fleet at times he was sleeping and vice versa. They'd need to give some command authorization to one of the captains - maybe even to some of the alien captains.

Gardner said, "I'll send you the ETA of vessels heading in your direction and provide information about how to contact."

Archer thanked him. But Gardner had one bit of business to discuss.

"Sato sent the Romulan message to V'Tok's communications officer," Gardner said.

"I guess we'll know if it worked soon," Archer said.

"By the way, Jon, your … charges."

Archer took a deep breath. "Yeah?"

"Starfleet's top brass discussed a range of options with Pelletier."

Jon took a deep breath. "Yeah?"

"All charges have been dismissed."

Jon seemed surprised, but Gardner said, "Domestic and international pressure was too much. He was getting calls from Vulcan - dignitaries more than just the new High Command, Skon, and his new wife. Apparently, a Vulcan ambassador - V'Lar also contacted him. Kov's family. Dr. Yuris. Various Syrannites. Andorians contacted him, including the queen and General Krag. Tyr contacted him. Other Tellarites contacted him, even outside of Gral. Denobulans contacted him. Ithanites. Xindi. Starfleet personnel, the Tuckers, the Reeds - all of them, the Sato family in Japan, the Mayweathers, the Kelbys, the Hess family, Rostov and family, the Cutlers, Captain Hernandez's mother, the Robinsons …. The families of the personnel who died in the Expanse contacted Pelletier. Hell, even Neville stuck up for you. With that much pressure - he had to cave."

Jon was surprised. Hearing the laundry list of people fly by, it sounded almost like everyone he'd interacted with had in some way asked for his pardon. It was touching, but he couldn't quite figure out why.

Gardner said, "Your former communications officer got a lot of Earthlings involved, including the Tuckers."

He produced a smile. "Hoshi."

"I'm not exactly sure who gave her the information …."

Jon furrowed his brow. Reed said Hoshi would never forgive him. Did Hoshi use privileged information to start this campaign to notify old friends and allies?

"By the way," Gardner said, "You missed a hell of a baby shower. My wife took a few pictures."

"You let Hoshi know I was going on trial?"

Gardner smiled. "Sorry, Jon, you're breaking up. Expect more in a couple of hours, before you reach Romulan territory."

Archer nodded and returned a grin. "Thanks," he said genuinely. It lit up Gardner's face, too. "Archer out."

"I'll be damned," he said to himself.

With that, he spent time researching information about the Beta Quadrant, learning more about the planets at the border in the sector, reading over the names of the people he'd be coordinating with, sending plans to V'Tok, and working on the battle ideas for the fleet. It didn't surprise him when in three hours, he heard another beeping.

"We're catching up to the Romulan ships," V'Tok said.

"Good," Jon said. "It looks like an Andorian vessel should get here soon."

"They've sent their snapidik kosu," he said. "They should arrive soon as well."

"Huh?" Jon asked.

"Warrior women," T'Pol said, rising. Before Jon could ask, she was already explaining. "The queen has an elite force - women - acting on her behalf."

"The handmaids?" Archer asked.

"Vulcans have never encountered them. We believed them to be a myth."

V'Tok sent a ship to Archer that was no myth. It was small - blue steel. According to the schematics sent, it could go warp 8 as it fired. On the outside of the ship was the queen's insignia - a symbol he remembered seeing throughout the castle she owned. And it had a spike, as if warning all these warrior women crossed, to beware. Everything about the ship and hearing the story from T'Pol reminded Jon of Valkyries from ancient myths, told by his mother. They were Viking female warriors from Valhalla, there to lend a hand to noble Norsemen and women doing their bidding.

An apt description, T'Pol thought.

My mother was an English professor. Myths, books, poems - she loved them all.

Your mother reflects in you, t'nash veh ashaya. I wish

He smiled at hearing her call him a pet name, which he gathered resembled "my love" from the sentiment in their bond. With that, Jon reviewed what V'Tok sent and thanked him, ending the conversation. Then, he turned to his wife.

"We don't have much time," he said.

She agreed.

Jon stood and took her into his arms, thinking, I'm selfish - I'm glad you're with me for this, he thought to her.

It is gratifying for me as well.

Gratifying?

This seemed to amuse her. She interlaced her fingers with his. "Extremely," she said.

Jon chuckled in return and held her a little tighter before kissing. "When we're done here, where would you like to go for our honeymoon?"

T'Pol seemed to consider it. Through the bond, he could hear her mind mulling over ideas, settling on Risa. He had to admit, reading a book, going out to the little restaurant by the sea he'd been to once, swimming, and just being sounded perfect. Doing all those things with T'Pol would be even better.

"Hopefully, you won't get attacked this time by an undercover Tandaran agent," T'Pol said.

He winced, narrowing his eyes. "Let's hope so."

T'Pol said, "When we met, I didn't predict we'd be here - like this - now."

"I know."

You told me you wanted to knock me on my ass.

You were so smug, T'Pol, I wanted to get your goat.

As I recall, you were also … smug.

He laughed. Oh, hell yeah, I was.

I'm glad we agree, Jon.

He was tickled at the banter; he always was. Their jesting wasn't the tempestuous relationship between her and Trip. Instead, it was rooted in respect, love, and equality. He felt she deserved to win this round with him. Rather than launch a retort, he kissed her nose to concede defeat.

As he considered their relationship, he realized that T'Pol - even on Enterprise - was always his supporter, his counterpoint, his mentor, and his mentee. They risked their lives for each other nearly every other month. As captain and first officer, it had been like a marriage - two people agreeing and disagreeing on how the household - how the ship should be run and not run - as well as how to treat the crew, their children.

He recognized, he always needed her and maybe she always needed him. That was love, the kind that made their toes curl and stomach clench. Jon had dated enough women to know that feeling, that love and adoration. In a way, even now, he was glad T'Pol had also had the experience of understanding the difference between want and need. As a human, he understood it after practice - mistakes and successes - bad dates, relationships gone awry, women who broke his heart, flings, and a pointy-eared woman who satisfied his soul. Vulcans, he knew, felt emotions, but denied them all too often.

T'Pol agreed, "We were destined to be."

Jon raised his eyebrows, thinking, I didn't think Vulcans believed in destiny.

We don't, but everything we've been through leads to this moment.

Their foreheads touched and they were quiet for a few moments. Eventually, Jon retreated.

"You feel up to joining me in the situation room?" he asked.

"I believe you need my help," she said.

A smile overtook his face. "I do." I always have.

I know.

He chuckled and then held her hand as they left their room and wandered the halls to the situation room, her leading the way. As they meandered there, he knew they got a few stares. Vulcans, he was sure, weren't used to human friends much less husbands. When they finally reached the room, he tried to decipher the buttons before him.

She punched in a few knowing he wanted to see a star chart as well as ETA of allied vessels.

You need my help already.

He didn't disagree. They called up the charts and watched as the allied forces were descending. As they watched the star chart, blips of ships closing in from all vectors, he saw them begin to gain on the Romulan ships.

"We're closing," Jon said.

"The closer we get the chances are higher they'll cloak again," T'Pol warned.

Jon agreed, but wondered if they could travel at warp and cloak. It seemed firing and cloaking was an issue - as if it taxed their energy. War reports already confirmed energy fluctuations and shield as the vulnerabilities of the Romulans.

"You're thinking the Vulcans should fire on them?" she asked, anticipating his thoughts without reading them.

He winked at her. With that, he thumbed the communication device. "Commander V'Tok, are we within weapons range?"

"We are; however, our weapons will not be as accurate," he said. Then, he explained weaponry. "The greater the distance the less precise weaponry is."

Jon sighed and at least took comfort in T'Pol sharing some of her frustration. Vulcans still treat us like toddlers.

T'Pol thought back to him, More like teenagers. He turned to her as if she betrayed him, a smile still on his face. Humans were toddlers. You're making progress.

This caused him to chuckle and he thumbed the comm again. "I understand. Fire phasers intermittently."

"But-"

T'Pol this time responded, "President Archer and I believe that by firing we'll ensure the Romulans don't cloak. Therefore, we'll continue to be able to track them."

V'Tok hesitated, so T'Pol added, "According to the charter already signed - Archer is the commander in chief for the allied forces. He has authority over the ships here."

Skon, strolling in with impeccable timing, agreed. "This is acting ambassador Skon. President Archer has the support of Vulcan."

V'Tok was quiet for a moment, but finally said, "I see."

A star chart lit up on the situation room's viewscreen letting them know at least a couple of hits had happened to the Romulan ship. T'Pol's fingers flew over the board and long-range scans were showing allies beginning to work toward the Beta Quadrant.

As they did, the ship rocked as Jon and T'Pol held on. Already they saw damage reports coming in. V'Tok told them he wanted to break, but Jon ordered him to stay put … at least for a while longer.

"Are their cloaking devices effected?" Archer asked.

T'Pol replied, "It's difficult to tell. I don't believe yet. We would have to do more damage."

Archer asked V'Tok through the comm, "Can you disable their ships from going to warp, but enable them to travel at impulse?"

V'Tok asked, "I do not understand-"

"Yes or no?" Archer asked.

V'Tok discussed this with his crew. "There is a remote possibility-"

"Do it," Archer said.

"It is risky," V'Tok said.

"The moment they power their warp drives, take your shot," Archer said, again, angrily.

T'Pol said, "The Andorians should be meeting us soon."

He looked at the board. "How soon?"

"Nine minutes and forty-seven seconds," she said.

Eventually, it looked like the Romulans were about to make a break for it. They fired but missed the engines. Jon heard V'Tok order the Vulcan ship to follow.

Jon reiterated his orders, "It's imperative we don't lose them."

"Take another shot at their warp drives," Jon said.

"It proved fruitless-" V'Tok started.

"Do it!" Archer yelled.

On one of the screens, Archer saw a Romulan vessel drop out of warp. The other still pushing ahead. V'Tok stayed on them and soon that one had dropped from warp as well.

"Nice work," Archer said.

A hail let them know that an Andorian vessel was approaching. The Andorian on the ship was none other than Sav, Shran's brother - the head of the Imperial Guard. Amused at the coincidences in the universe, they greeted each other.

Sav said, "Pink Skin! You should've saved me a shot."

"There'll be plenty of shooting," Archer said, grimly. Maybe a year's worth.

The Vulcan ship rocked again as it was hit by two ships desperate to get into Romulan space. Jon considered sending over surrender protocol. Instead, T'Pol spoke up.

"If we ask them to surrender, they may blow themselves up."

Jon said, "Maybe the Vulcans can board the vessel?"

T'Pol agreed. "We should be careful."

Jon discussed it with V'Tok who agreed and sent over a small boarding party to the two ships, transporting them. They got to the bridges quickly, hoping to prevent the ships from blowing up. But one team wasn't fast enough, the scout ship flying apart sending damage to the two allied ships. Jon swore, but V'Tok communicated they'd managed to successfully take one of the Romulan ships.

It was small enough that the Vulcan battle cruiser could bring it into their launch bay. Barely. T'Pol went to the launch bay to investigate the ship as Jon watched the chronometer count down to the Beta Quadrant.

As they entered the space, his viewscreen lit up with 15 ships of every size and class, Romulan allies, protecting the border. But he was curious why there wasn't an entire armada. Instead, he saw Orion, Romulan, and Arali vessels were there, waiting, as well as 40 Vulcan, Tellar, Andorian, Ithanite, Denobulan, Xindi, Coridanite, Axanar, and other allied ships that Skon, Shran, Gral, and Ki'ar had contacted along with members of Starfleet.

Immediately, everything lit up like a Christmas tree and he relayed plans to the allied forces. Fanning out, they began to take on the Gamma strike pattern. It reminded Archer a little of football - the North American variety - where ships were given a man to guard. The Vulcan battlecruiser he was on was set to push through as ships protected the path forward.

There was weapons fire everywhere. Occasionally, there was friendly fire. The Ithanites had already accidentally hit the Vulcans more than once. It meant they would need to relay commands better and faster to the allied ships. T'Pol returned from the launch bay and called up the viewscreens to show Shran, Gral, and Ki'ar in a hanger near the Starfleet base.

"Skinny!" Gral yelled.

"It figures you're in the midst of the battle and we're stuck here on Earth," Shran grumbled. "But seeing you two are a sight for sore antennae."

T'Pol said, "We're leaving your images up to help you understand what we're communicating."

Skon reminded her and Jon, "You will need to give your orders aloud. Shran, Gral, Ki'ar and I cannot hear what is in your bond."

Jon agreed, sharing the plans that Starfleet had suggested with them. They would leave a comms link open to better communicate among themselves for the offense. Even as he told them the plans, the Vulcan ship was taking damage, despite being protected by the Andorian ship and the Perseverance - the NX-06.

"We need to get through to Romulus," Jon told them. "Or close as we can."

"An offensive," Shran said. His grin widened. "Pink Skin, no Andorian has the antennae you do."

"We're picking off planets we believe are in their trade routes," Jon said. "Sav's ship - the Karan - as well as some of the fastest ships in the fleet, including the Andorian handmaids."

Gral said, "The Brak is our most best war vessel - you should take that."

Ki'ar added, "J'nug - it's good."

T'Pol poked an eyebrow up and Jon agreed adding to the list of vessels they'd use to push through.

"But first, we need to win this thing," Jon said, bracing himself as the Vulcan ship took damage.,

T'Pol gave an update on the number of cargo vessels headed to the Beta Quadrant - more than twenty, including Mayweather's family ship - the Horizon. They agreed they'd hold the line with some of the biggest war vessels. Jon personally couldn't wait to talk with Travis about how his family helped.

Shran said, "We should send scouts ahead."

Jon agreed, looking over the vessels at his disposal, including those joining them for the offensive.

Gral said, "The Andorian warrior women - you should send them."

Shran said, "I'm surprised you didn't suggest the famous mud people from Tellar. I hear their vessel can zip at warp eight."

Gral grunted. "Not even our mud people are a match for your Andorian warrior women."

Skon said, "Then I suppose the matter is settled."

Just think, T'Pol, earlier this year they may still be arguing about who proceeds the battle.

Indeed. It seems the alliance has come a long way.

It was decided Gral, Shran, and Ki'ar would join the front. Although it would take a week for them to arrive, the battle took that long to conclude. More Romulan vessels approached as well as allied ships. Yellow, green, and red phaser beams lit up space. Missiles were used – photonic blasts that detonated ships (allies and Romulans) flinging debris everywhere. An Orion ship – fast and sleek – was destroyed. Then, an Ithanite vessel. Soon a Daedalus-class ship, the Armstrong, blew up. The battlecruiser Archer and T'Pol were on took damage, but for the most part was protected by Vulcans, Andorians, Tellarites, Ithanites, and the variety of other aliens running interference. Unlike the battles Jon fought immediately after Columbia was destroyed, most everyone cooperated - protecting each other, especially those ships identified to be part of the final assault.

It was clear the allied forces, though still forming, were learning how to get along. Jon believed that would eventually help protect against other possible foes.

When the battle was over, the Romulan fleet had been decimated, at least at the border. But they were unable to capture any additional vessels, the Romulans, Orions, and Arali blowing themselves to bits before surrendering. After seeing a few detonate, Archer began ordering ships away immediately after surrender protocols were given.

The final Romulan ship – a scout vessel – obliterated, Jon hanging his head while gripping the board in front of him. Although none of the Vulcan cheered, he could hear chatter on the channels – exuberance – from other aliens across the fleet.

If Archer was tired before the battle began, now he was bone-weary, running on fumes. He and T'Pol had taken shifts to get what little rest they could. To Jon, it seemed strange that he could sleep through battles, but was able to just out of pure exhaustion. T'Pol was no different.

As the last Romulan vessel destroyed itself, Shran and Gral arrived on the V'Tar, the battlecruiser. Ki'ar, they all decided, would stay behind on the K'tig - an Ithanite vessel that would oversee that region. Shran, Gral, Skon, T'Pol, and Jon pressed on pushing through the Beta Quadrant, gathering in the situation room together. Jon could tell Gral and Shran were happy; Archer didn't feel any of that joy. The next few battles – or more – he knew would be harder.

"The heat!" Shran said as they watched the board. "Good Grendal, can we cool this place down?!"

Gral bared his teeth. "It's a dry heat. My fur is itchy. I need more humidity."

Archer sighed, telling them, "If this battle lasted a week, no doubt we'll be here for a while."

"They undoubtedly know we're here," T'Pol said.

Jon agreed as V'Tok told them it would take a day to reach Altair.

"We should get some rest," Archer told them all.

"I'm sure they'll meet us for battle," Shran said.

"Most likely," Skon agreed.

Shran smiled, saying, "Skip tells me that congratulations are in order to you and … Mrs. Archer?"

T'Pol raised an eyebrow. "Mrs. Archer?"

Jon grinned back. "Yes."

Shran said, "I always suspected - ever since I told you I mated with Talas - that you'd be tyla tora with your first officer."

Gral squealed, "Blue, only you could think of mating at a time like this."

"After battle is the best time to think of mating!" Shran said. "And fighting and drinking. Sometimes, all together."

Skon poked an eyebrow up as well. "I believe your brother, Sav, is coming to the ship to enjoy … Andorian ale with you."

"With us, my friends!" Shran said. "We've been victorious."

Skon said, "Indeed … thus far, that has happened all too rarely."

Gral laughed, "But it won't be the last."

T'Pol said, "We should have skepticism - just reaching Cheron will take more than a month."

Probably nearly a year, Jon thought.

Yes, T'Pol agreed.

With that, an Andorian that looked like a pirate entered, an earring through one antenna. His antennae wiggled at seeing them and he held aloft a bottle of blue liquid. At seeing them all, his grin widened.

"Brother!" Sav said.

Shran came over and they slapped each other on the back, seeming to compete about who could do it the hardest. Finally, Sav gave up and uncorked the bottle of Andorian ale. The two laughed.

"It has been too long," Shran said.

"I was beginning to think I'd never see you again," Sav said.

Shran folded his arms across his chest. "Our mother raised warriors. It was only a matter of time before we were reunited in victory."

T'Pol said, "And perhaps for my husband."

Shran waved her away. "Sure, the Pink Skin had something to do with it."

Archer guffawed, furrowed brows and a smile betrayed his amusement. He could tell his wife was less than pleased.

"Anyway, we should drink to victory!" Sav said. He held the blue liquid to his lips and took a deep drink.

Shran grabbed the bottle and drank followed by Gral and then Archer, who shrugged to his wife.

Might as well enjoy this moment, he thought to her.

Tellarites carry the Tyraxian flu, she thought. Neither humans nor Vulcans are immune.

Archer shrugged and then T'Pol nabbed the bottle, taking a sip. She handed it to Skon.

"Is this sanitary?" Skon asked.

"Skip, before this is through, I believe we'll have shared more than just saliva. We'll be brothers in blood."

At that, Skon took a sip, his expression souring for a moment before recovering. "Bitter."

Shran slapped him on the back hard. "Just like an Andorian female."

Just then, the viewscreen lit up - an allied ship forging ahead had been destroyed - the Dreamcatcher. Jon hurried over to it as did T'Pol. No Romulan vessel decloaked so they zeroed in on what was causing it. T'Pol displayed a grid that seemed like tiny vessels, only available after using sonar to detect them.

"All stop!" Archer said into the intercom for all allied vessels to hear. "All vessels, activate shields or polarize the plating."

T'Pol seemed to say exactly what Archer was thinking, "Mines."

Shran took another drink as they watched Sav's ship appear on the viewscreen, drifting, before it blew apart, hitting the Vulcan battlecruiser, T'Var, knocking them all to the floor as the lights above them flickered and dimmed. T'Pol scrambled to the station to try to bring up the information about where the mines were, but only saw a black screen. Sav yelled in agony as Shran tried to reassure him.

"We're sitting tagans!" Gral yelled.

Archer pushed the intercom, "Archer to V'Tok. Route emergency power to this room."

It took V'Tok a moment to answer, and even Jon could hear the emotion in his voice. "We are attempting to do so."

T'Pol told him, "Recall a previous mission from Enterprise, we have experienced these mines before."

Archer corrected her, Not these precisely. Looks like they increased their yield.

Skon said, "These mines must have set while in battle."

Shran agreed, "Skip's right. They know we're here."

T'Pol sighed and Jon looked over at it, taking her hand. We'll be okay.

I hope, Jon.

Eventually the lights flickered on again, a faint orange hue – the emergency lighting of the Vulcans. T'Pol got the viewscreen working again. As lights blinkered off, the allied ships, Jon realized that the fleet had dwindled down by at five vessels. He hung his head. Nearly every allied force had lost one ship and calls were coming in asking what the hell was going on.

"Can we deactivate them?" Archer asked, knowing his wife was already investigating how.

T'Pol said, "Possibly. Setting them off would cripple the fleet."

"We can't disarm them all, one-by-one," Archer said.

Skon gave her some assistance as Sav desperately attempted to see if anyone onboard his vessel was alive. Sadly, he announced no one was able to use the life pods to escape. All 73 crewmen were dead. Shran put an arm around him, their antennae drooping.

"If we all reverse, exact coordinates?" Archer asked.

"Maybe," T'Pol agreed.

"Are these mines on a timer?" he asked.

Skon was able to type in a few commands and said – his voice almost betraying alarm, "They are, Archer."

"How long?" Jon asked.

T'Pol turned to him. "Nine minutes and twenty-two seconds."

"All ships, reverse on exact coordinates immediately!" Archer told the fleet.

=/\=

A/N: Do they survive the minefield? Do they make it to Altair? Cheron? Find out!