XV (Awe)

Ensign Hoshi Sato received the hail from the Vulcan Cruisers Surak, Sehlat, and T 'Marta, requesting their location. She immediately gave their coordinates per the Captain's orders. It seemed that Captain Archer wanted the Vulcan cruisers around for once. This thought worried her a little as she knew that under normal circumstances this would bother him deeply. She, like most of the crew, had no idea what was about to happen. She wondered if the ships were coming to take the Ambassador home.

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T' Pau was not pleased. How could Soval even consider bonding with a human? She had considered ordering him to Vulcan but knew as long as his bond-mate was at risk he would not leave her. Males were so illogical at times. She looked at her own mate Solkar and knew she was indeed fortunate to have so wise and logical a mate. His suggestion that they go to assist the situation was wise. It was the most expedient way to resolve this situation. She also had a desire to meet these Starfleet Admirals but she could not, and would not, set foot on Earth. This way was indeed the wisest course. They would arrive in less then one Terran hour.

Jonathan Archer smoothed his uniform. T' Pol stood at his side and Trip lead the honor guard. He hated this having to put on a show for the brass when they were so clearly wrong.

The Honor Guard stood at attention as Admirals Forrest and Gardner boarded Enterprise. They were followed by Captain Tate and Commander Fields.

"Welcome aboard Enterprise, Sirs." Jonathan said.

"It is good to see you too, Jon. I just wish it was under more pleasant circumstances."

"Yes, Sir," Jon said.

"Sub-Commander T' Pol, it is good to see you." Admiral Forrest said, smiling.

"It is agreeable to see you again, Admiral," she responded.

"Sir, I have arranged that we can use the Captains Ready Room. I believe that will allow us the most room."

"Lead the way, Jon. The sooner this is over the better for Earth and Vulcan relations. We can not have then believing we do not care to protect their Ambassador."

T'pol's brow shot up and she was ready to inform the Admiral he was mistaken. The reply was forestalled by the Captain.

"Sir, I do not believe that Ambassador Soval bears us any ill will."
At least not yet, Jon thought.

"Of course not Captain." Admiral Gardner said," Ambassador Soval knows we will address this failure swiftly and severely."

"Of course not, Captain," Admiral Gardner said," Ambassador Soval knows we will address this failure swiftly and severely."

What an ass. Tucker sent to his mate. He has no clue about Vulcans does he?

I do not believe he does, T' Pol agreed. I am certain Ambassador Soval will correct that oversight most efficiently.

Tucker had to bite back a grin. He had to admit he looked forward to seeing Gardner put in his place by Soval.

They arrived at the Ready room and everyone entered. Hoshi came up to Captain Archer.

"Sir, we received a message from the Vulcan Council."

"What is it, Hoshi, you seem concerned?"

"Yes, sir. "She looked at the Admirals. "Sir, Lady T'Pau is coming to observe the proceedings. She has requested we wait for her arrival. That will be 55.2 minutes, Sir."

Captain Archer was stunned. He looked at the senior Starfleet officers and could see they were as well.

Admiral Forrest answered for Archer. "Tell Lady T' Pau we will await her arrival."

"Yes, Sir, I will, " the Ensign said, slipping away. She had a feeling that the situation just got a lot more complicated.

The MACOs arrived with their prisoner and were relieved at once. They were ordered to the Docking bay to act as the escort for the head of the Vulcan High command.

Soval entered the room and was immediately greeted by the Starfleet officers. He looked at Admiral Forrest and tried to rein in his annoyance. Forrest had been a long time ally and perhaps even a friend. It was for this reason alone that he did not caustically demand they release Amanda to his care.

"Live long and Prosper, Admiral," He said, forcing himself to follow strict diplomatic Protocols.

"Peace and long life, Ambassador," was the practiced response.

"It seems your leader has taken an interest in these proceedings," Admiral Gardner said. He seemed overly pleased with this fact. He had long wanted
to meet the Vulcan leader.

Soval shot him an icy glare. "Lady T'Pau is always interested in justice, Admiral."
I wonder what else my niece is planning?

"You can be assured that justice will be done here today, Ambassador. " Admiral Forrest said, suddenly aware that something more was happening here. Ambassador Soval seemed most agitated.

"Indeed, Admiral, I shall ensure that," Soval snapped. "This entire situation is a waste of time and resources."

He felt Amanda stiffen. Her hand touching him lightly. Please Soval calm down.

He looked at her and took a calming breath. As you wish. With flourish he moved his robes out of the way and took a seat behind Amanda.

Captain Jonathan Archer let out the breath he had been holding. He had been certain Soval was going to deck someone again. He hurriedly went to the coffee machine. "Would anyone care for a cup of coffee?"

Admiral Gardner smiled. "Yes, Captain, that would be very good. Cream with three sugars."

"Just sugar, Jon," Admiral Forrest said.

Archer quickly prepared the drinks. He looked at the Ambassador.

The Ambassador answered his silent inquiry. "Elderberry Tea would be most welcome, Jonathan, for all of us." His look included T'Pol and Tucker.

"You got it, Sir," Archer said, Smiling. Maybe I am getting this silent communication down?

I would have liked black coffee, Amanda said, with lots of sugar.

Soval looked at her. Sugar is bad for you. You will like the tea.

Amanda glared at him. She folded her arms mutinously.

Soval merely handed her the first cup of tea. He then handed the rest to T'Pol and Commander Tucker.

This action did not go unnoticed. Nor did the evil glare that Corporal Cole gave Vulcan's senior ambassador. If looks could kill he would be a dead man.

We will discuss my choices in beverages at a more opportune time.

Soval sipped his tea wisely refraining form further comment.

XVI (Surprises)

T'Pau arrived half an hour latter much too every ones surprise. Soval was certain that they had pushed the cruisers past their safe speed. He noted that Commander Tucker was restless, clearly wanting to get a look at the Vulcan's engines.

T'Pol took a calming breath and silently wondered if it was too late to hide from the coming explosion of tempers. A Vulcan rarely lost their temper but when it happened it was explosive.

The formal greetings were brief, T'Pau's words chilling the Starfleet officers.
"I am here to see that Vulcan's interests are preserved; all of her citizens are valued by us. I will expect that justice will be served." She looked straight at the Admirals unblinking, then took a seat behind Soval and Amanda.

Jonathan Archer could almost pity them. While T' Pau was young by Vulcan standards her presence and control were impossible to explain. It was as if she was all Vulcan. Jonathan knew from experience that the Vulcan Matriarch was a formidable individual and not a person anyone in his or her right mind would care to cross. He could not believe that the officers could not understand what was happening; T' Pau had clearly sided with Amanda Cole by sitting behind her.

Admiral Forest called the court to session.

"Sir, if I may. These charges are not appropriate, " said Archer. He was hoping to end this without an incident.

"Captain Archer, we have allowed you to act as defense council. You may present your evidence at the appropriate time," Admiral Gardener snapped. "This hearing will proceed."

"But sir-" at least I tried. I tried to keep them from making idiotsof themselves.

"Enough, Captain Archer, or you will face charges yourself," Gardener said.

Jonathan Archer sat down and knew that there was no way now to prevent Soval from losing his temper.

The next hour was filled with the prosecutions case against Corporal Amanda Cole. Jonathan Archer tried valiantly to move the discussion toward who had ordered Amanda to leave her post. He would at this point gladly sacrifice his career to protect Soval and Earth Vulcan relations.

T'Pau listened to the various points made by the human Prosecutor. She had to admit he presented his case most logically for a man who did not have all the facts. It was also very clear that Starfleet was determined to place the blame for the kidnapping on the young human's shoulders. This of course could not be allowed. She looked at Soval and could tell his controls were being sorely tested. Her Uncle was not the most patient of Vulcans. This fact made him an excellent choice for Earth but in this instant it was not a good thing.

TBC