AN (10-06-13): Very, very sorry for delay... I finished this part weeks ago and thought I had already posted it but just realized tonight that I hadn't... so here it is...

Part 03

Suraya Bay, Risan Resort

Malcolm asked, "What do you think is going on over there?" He looked pointedly in Kelby's direction.

Amanda turned and grumbled, "Who cares! That guy's a jerk. Let Hess handle him."

Malcolm agreed, "Well, I know Hess can take care of herself." Then with a twinkle in his eye, he continued slyly, "She and Trip were quite close on the Enterprise. Although I'm sure not as close as you were with him."

Amanda glared at him as she spared Hess a look of murderous intent, "How close?"

Malcolm laughed, "Careful luv. Your jealous side is showing. You know Trip never fools around."

With a final glare in the others direction, Amanda turned back to Malcolm and replied, "I know. I trust him. It's people like her I don't trust. Say... you promised to tell me what happened the last time you and Trip came to Risa. Something about some sexy shape-shifters coming onto ya'll."

Malcolm squirmed under her curious stare, "Well umm... Latia and Dee'Ahn were uh... a couple of thieves that got the drop on us."

Amanda tilted her head as she studied him, "Now how did they get the drop on two big strapping men in the middle of a bar? Every time I bring it up, Trip changes the subject. Rostov told me you too arrived back on board in your skivvies."

"Rostov has a big mouth," mumbled Malcolm as he took a gulp of his drink. He racked his brain for an answer that wouldn't make them come out looking like a couple of complete idiots. "Well you know Trip can be gullible when it comes to women. So when the ladies offered to show us the sights, he jumped on it. I, of course, went along to keep Commander "The Trouble Magnet" Tucker out of trouble." No way would he ever admit that the 'women' were actually men.

Amanda grinned as she asked, "So how'd ya end up tied up together in a cellar?"

Malcolm shuddered in memory even as he lied, "You know, I don't rightly remember. I think we were drugged... yes that's it... we were drugged. The women lured us out of the bar. After that, everything is pretty fuzzy till I woke up tied to Trip. They must have had some help waiting to take us out."

Amanda sipped her drink as she imagined herself in Malcolm's place, "I wouldn't mind being tied to him in a dark room... all night." She ran her tongue along her lips at the pleasant thought.

Malcolm responded, "Trust me... I would. I still have nightmares of that vacation. Almost didn't want to come down to the planet this time."

NX-03 Challenger, in stationary orbit above Starfleet Command

Trip stepped into sickbay and looked around for his quarry. Spotting her he hurried past a crewman with a nod of his head and went into the back office. "Hey Doc."

Dr. Eliza Dehner looked up and met the Captain's smiling blue eyes. "Captain, what brings you to my neck of the woods?" They were old friends from Starfleet Academy.

Trip replied, "I was wondering if you could keep an eye on Isis for me. I'm not sure how Ambassador Soval will react to her."

Eliza stood up and replied, "Of course. But aren't you taking her with you when you get off the ship at Vulcan?"

Trip nodded, "Oh yeah. No way am I gonna leave Isis behind. She saved my life."

Eliza hesitated a moment before asking, "Permission to speak as your friend?"

Trip agreed, "Sure Liza."

Eliza looked around the bay to ensure they were alone before asking, "Is everything alright? Why is Starfleet pulling you from the ship?"

Trip grimaced, "I can't give you any particulars since right now since they are classified as need to know only." He sighed, "I just hope I can go through with some of it."

She nodded her understanding as she questioned, "Is it dangerous?"

Trip shrugged, "Just to my sanity."

Eliza put her hand on his arm in camaraderie as she responded, "We can always steal a shuttlepod and make tracks."

Trip laughed as he pulled her in for a hug, "Thanks Liza. I don't think that will work for this. Besides, I still remember the dressing down the three of us got for hotwiring one of the prototype shuttles."

She gave him a quick peck on the cheek as she smilingly replied, "I think Natalie's sudden illness helped. When she threw up on the dean, I thought he would have a heart attack."

"Thanks, I needed that," he answered with a return grin.

"You need to talk, you know where to find me," she answered as she stepped out of his embrace.

Trip was about to answer when his comm beeped. He pulled it out and flipped it open, "This is Tucker."

"Sir, we've received a communiqué from the Admiral's office that he has headed to the Yorktown and is expected to arrive on the Challenger within the next three hours," came the disembodied voice of his comm officer, Hendricks.

"Acknowledged," responded Tucker as he shut the communicator and looked at the doctor. He said, "Looks like our time has run out."

USS Yorktown, in stationary orbit above Starfleet Command

Captain Roy Dunsel and Commander Ketai Shosetsu eyed the transporter as the technician beamed Admiral Black and his aid, Commander Williams on board the USS Yorktown.

The Admiral nodded a greeting as he stepped down from the transporter pad.

Captain Dunsel said, "Welcome aboard the Yorktown, Sir. I believe you have met my first officer Commander Ketai Shosetsu before."

Black replied as he looked at the commander, "Good to see you again Shosetsu." He then looked at the technician behind the transportation device and ordered, "Minister Soval and his aide, Skov, should be ready to join us."

The technician glanced to the Captain who gave a nod. The technician replied, "Yes, Sir. I've locked on to their signals."

Dunsel responded, "Energize."

Soon the two Vulcans appeared. Both gingerly stepped down as Soval raised his hand in traditional greetings, "Live long and prosper."

Admiral Black replied an acknowledgement, "Glad you could make it Minister." He then turned to the two Yorktown officers and said, "Minister Soval this is Captain Roy Dunsel and his first officer, Commander Ketai Shosetsu."

Soval nodded to the men. Skov remained silent at his side.

Captain Dunsel said, "Sirs. We've set up the Mess Hall for the ceremony. The crew has already been gathered but I haven't appraised anyone on what to expect."

Commander Shosetsu joked, "Although I've certainly heard plenty of gossip."

The humans shared a laugh as the Vulcan silently exchanged a glance.

Dunsel expounded jovially, "There is definitely some concern as to why you are on board Admiral. As well as the Minister. I've even heard a few speculations that we are going to war with the Vulcans. It will be good to set their minds at ease as soon as possible."

Skov interjected quietly as he looked to Soval, "Pointless conjecture is illogical."

Soval nodded as he responded in kind, "Yes, but human's frequently indulge in illogical behavior." Both Vulcans ignored the humans as they trailed behind them.

Admiral Black stated, "Don't worry Captain. We'll get right to the point and meet up with Challenger within the next couple of hours."

Upon arriving at the Mess, the Captain immediately called the crew too order as he nodded to Black. "Attention to orders!" declared the Captain.

Admiral Black reported, "Commander Ketai Shosetsu step forward."

Confused the Commander moved forward, "Sir?"

Black announced, "Acting upon the recommendation of Captain Roy Dunsel, Starfleet has placed special trust and confidence in your integrity and abilities to command in the face of imminent danger. In view of these special qualities and your demonstration of potential to serve in a higher grade, Commander Ketai Shosetsu you are hereby promoted to the grade of Captain, Starfleet, United EarthGov, effective immediately by order of the President of United EarthGov." He nodded to Dunsel who brought a set of Captain bars forward. Black removed the old Commander bars and replaced them with the new ones. He then gestured for Shosetsu to turn to the Hall. "I present to you Captain Ketai Shosetsu. Captain you will now take command of this vessel."

With a concerned glance at Dunsel, Captain Shosetsu stepped towards him, "Sir, you are hereby relieved."

Captain Dunsel nodded with a grin, "I stand relieved."

Both men turned to the group of silent crew members. A steward rushed forward and handed each of the new comers a glass of champagne. Soval and Skov declined.

Black picked up a fork from a nearby table and tapped on the fluted glass. "Please join me in congratulating Mr. Shosetsu in his promotion to Captain."

Everyone drank from their glasses as the Vulcan's looked on.

Captain Dunsel stepped forward and ordered, "And now I expect everyone here to continue to support Captain Shosetsu in the same manner that you have supported me throughout the years. I know you have lots of questions but I'm going to ask you to shelve them for now. Your Captain will be meeting with you at a later date after he has been briefed on his mission. In the meantime, our Chef has prepared a scrumptious display of food for you to enjoy." Applause followed the announcement.

Skov leaned toward Soval and observed, "The human culture is quite fascinating."

Soval replied dryly, "A bit overpowering."

Admiral Black turned to Shosetsu and said, "Captain, Commander Williams has a set of your orders."

Shosetsu nodded even as he asked, "Sir, what happens with Captain Dunsel?"

Black replied, "He'll be taking command of one of the NX class ships."

Shosetsu guessed accurately, "The Challenger? What about Tucker?"

Black responded, "Tucker's mission is classified." He then turned to Commander Williams and ordered, "Make sure Dunsel has everything prepared, we head to the Challenger within two hours. We'll give him a chance to say goodbye to his former crew."

Rafe nodded, "Yes, Admiral."

NX-01 Challenger, in stationary orbit above Starfleet Command

Precisely two hours later the group transported to the Challenger and were met by Captain Charles Tucker and his first officer, Commander Ed Winchester.

Trip greeted his guests briefly before sending the Vulcans, Dunsel and Williams off with Winchester. "Gentlemen, Commander Winchester will get you settled." He then turned to the Admiral and said, "Admiral, please join me in my ready room."

Looking at the man in front of him, Trip asked as he settled behind his desk, "If I may ask, how did the change in command go on the Yorktown?"

Black honestly replied, "It was a surprisingly smooth transition. Shows a lot of respect from the crew towards Shosetsu. Clearly they'll miss their Captain but Shosetsu is well liked. I hope having Dunsel on board is not going to cause any undue friction between the two of you."

Trip responded, "Roy and I are old friends. Won't be a problem Sir."

"Good. What accommodations did you make for the Vulcans?" asked Black.

Trip answered, "Chef is making Vulcan fare for dinner tonight and the rooms have been fitted with personal temperature and gravity room regulators. I had them pre-set halfway between Earth and Vulcan standard. Mediation candles and pillows have been issued to both rooms by the quartermaster."

Black nodded in approval at the efficient use of time, "Excellent Captain. I appreciate your co-operation in this matter."

Trip responded with a grimace, "Yes Sir."

Black continued amicably, "I must say that I'm impressed by the maturity you've shown in the last twenty-four hours. I wouldn't have expected it from the hot-head engineer that you were reputed to be. Command seems to agree with you."

ShiKahr, Capital City of Vulcan, T'Les' home

In the privacy of her childhood quarters, T'Pol let her emotional controls slip as she flipped slowly through the pages of the manuals her mother had obtained from the Vulcan Medical Institute. Thinking back to her brief time spent on the Enterprise, she compared the males in the books with what she remembered of the then Commander Tucker. She paused as she remembered the sight of his unclothed body from when they spent time in the decontamination compartment after the mission to Rigel X. She tilted her head as she looked down at the open page and quickly concluded that the publishers must have used inferior models. Tucker was more musculature with very little evidence of loose fat on his frame from working in the frequently hot bowels of engineering. She also recalled Archer mentioning that he and Mr. Tucker went scuba diving and mountain climbing on a previous shore leave.

Sasha, her pet Sehlat, brushed up against her leg in affection. She reached down and absently rubbed her head as she thought about Archer's smelly dog, Porthos. She shuddered delicately in distaste. At least she would be spared that particular offense.

Closing the book with a thud, she thought there must be some way to prevent the ceremony without bringing shame to her family's clan. If only her marriage with Koss had lived up to its potential, she would not be in this predicament. She had retired from service in order to fulfill her betrothal bond only to be informed after the ceremony by Koss that he was not interested in consummating the marriage until one of them entered pon farr. Nor was he interested in furthering their bond. He then left her at Mount Seleya while he traveled to a Risan Resort to spend time with a Vulcan named Kov. She had then spent two weeks in seclusion so as not to arouse T'Les' suspicions. His death while wasteful had been a welcome change as it should have opened the path back into either the Diplomatic Corps or the Ministry of Security. Instead she was on the verge of another betrothal... to a human.

She spotted a PADD peeking out from under the manuals. She pulled it out and flipped it on. A former colleague had obtained a dossier on Tucker's personal life and dropped it by a short while ago. Perhaps there was some information inside that would shed light on a solution. She quickly scanned the contents. Apparently, Mr. Tucker had a string of alien lovers from a Xyrillian named Ah'len to his latest conquest, the First Monarch of Krios Prime, Kaitaama. On one hand it showed that he did not appear ready to 'settle down' as the human's called it and on the other it showed that he did not appear to be prejudice against females of another species.

She scrolled down further... one child, name unknown, with the Xyrillian. An eyebrow lifted, Vulcan had not been able to establish a rapport with the Xyrillians so not much was known about them. But apparently Tucker was able to not only connect with them... he had proven to be physically compatible with their species. And while the Xyrillians have shown no interest in joining the coalition, it was rumored that they gave Starfleet a holographic chamber as a token of appreciation when the Enterprise intervened on their behalf with a Klingon Battle Cruiser. The Ministry of Security believed that the technology was currently being reverse engineered at Starfleet's Research and Development center on Earth. The project was being headed up by Dr. Roberto Zimmerman. According to the ministry, Tucker was not only able to avoid sanctions for interacting intimately with an alien species after Starfleet was given the holographic chamber but was also given a commendation for his efforts.

Shaking her head in confusion over the inner workings of EarthGov, she continued to read the report... after the rescue of Kaitaama, the Enterprise was invited to her homeworld to partake in her ascension to the throne as First Monarch. Again Tucker avoided punishment as Starfleet was interested in obtaining a treaty with Krios Prime.

There was no indication from the ministry that Tucker was currently involved with either woman. However, they noted some suspicious traffic between him and a subordinate but no concrete proof.

Thoughtfully, T'Pol sat the PADD down on the bed and crossed the room to her communications array. Activating it, she quickly requested to be patched through to an old friend. "Javon, we need to meet..."

Suraya Bay, Risan Resort

Jon gazed across the elaborately decked dinner table and asked teasingly, "So, Erika... I noticed that Freebus was giving you a particular salacious look when we checked in. Is there something I should worry about?"

Erika snorted in disgust, "Hardly. He was probably still in ecstasy over his payment...kinda reminded me of those Ferengi you told me about."

Jon agreed, "They were certainly a mercenary bunch. I swear another minute and Doc would have been a permanent acquisition. Good thing Hoshi kept a clear head when she woke up in decon."

"I still can't believe she told them Tucker was her husband and they could have the Denobulan so long as they left him," laughed Erika in delight. She speared a particularly vivid purple vegetable off her plate as she commented, "Wonder why him and not you?"

"Apparently she thought an engineer would be of more help in getting rid of them then a mere ship's captain," he replied even as he asked, "So how much?"

Confused by the abrupt change in subject, Erika swallowed before she carefully replied, "How much what?"

"How much dilithium did Freebus charge the Colombia for shore leave? He tagged me for double what we paid the last time," griped Jon as he cut into a thick porterhouse steak. He was glad Earth had decided to set up a bartering arrangement with the hotel so he could get good old fashion Terran food rather than that exotic stuff Erika was pushing around her plate.

Erika smirked as she answered, "None."

Startled, Jon looked up from his dinner, "None? Eh... why? Now I'm really worried."

Erika grinned as she replied, "Don't be. He was so grateful that I gave him three beautiful half-naked dancers for his resort bar, that he said to consider it payment in full... plus he'd already soaked you for double."

Jon grunted as he resumed eating, "Don't remind me, I may need to borrow some from you just to limp home. Good thing the Coridan's are promising Starfleet a lot of ore as part of their agreement with the Coalition."

Shoving her plate aside, she replied, "Well, if you're a real good boy... we just may be able to work out a barter agreement." Standing, she snagged his utensils and casually tossed them behind her.

"Hey," he complained as he looked up and spotted her slowly unbuttoning her blouse. Food forgotten he pulled the table cloth free thereby spilling all the contents to the floor. Ignoring the mess, he grabbed her now bare arms and dragged her across the empty table. With a wide smile, he commented, "Man doesn't live by food alone."

Travis pulled his gaze away from Gannett and focused on his food as he said, "You'll probably have to speak with Kelby. I heard he was the most affected by the Orions. They apparently messed up his mind and he flipped out and almost destroyed the Colombia."

Gannett asked, "Do you know how?"

Travis shrugged, "Briefing from the Captain said they secrete some kinda odor that affects the mind. Men and women. I just plan on staying as far away from them as possible."

Gannett hypothesized, "This will make a great story. My editor will love it. I'll make it a human interest piece focused on the Chief Engineer and how the seductive Orions took over his mind and eventual body causing him to betray the thing he most holds dear... his duty. I'll need to interview Hernandez also to get the Captain's perspective on the situation and whether her trust has been restored in her man now that the women are off the ship."

"I don't think Starfleet or Captain Hernandez will be interested in a story that makes one of our own look like a weak minded idiot," replied Travis. "Maybe you should stick with your assignment and leave Kelby alone."

Ignoring his prompt, Gannett asked, "What do you know? Tell me everything... even if it is rumor. And stop worrying... I'll get substantiated evidence by independent sources before I submit anything to my editor." She flicked the switch located behind her ear to activate her visual eye recorder.

Travis sighed, "Fine. But I want to go on record as saying this is a really bad idea." He swallowed from his glass as he continued, "Far as I know everyone was acting crazy... the men were displaying signs of extreme jealously and territoriality of the Orions and the women were pissed off by the attention they were getting. Heard someone say that the women were experiencing mass migraines."

"How'd the Orion women get taken into custody?" she questioned.

"Apparently some of the female MACOs led by Cole took out the men on the ship with some kind of gas in the air vents... didn't affect the Orions at all. After that it was easy. The Orions just surrendered when faced with some seriously angry women."

Gannett disbelievingly remarked, "That's it. They just surrendered?"

Travis responded, "Yep. That's it. All I know... look can we talk about something else... anything else?"

Knowing she wasn't going to get anything more out of him for now, Gannett relented with a smile, "Sure. You ready to tackle Garlatha again?"

Travis groaned, "I broke my leg in three places last time and had to be beamed back to the ship for emergency medical treatment."

Gannett shrugged as she finished off her meal, "Too bad. I was planning on giving it a go this afternoon."

Anna was looking down as she headed out of the Risan resort and didn't notice the man heading in until it was too late.

"Ummp... oh sorry... guess I wasn't watching where I was going," apologized Anna as she helped the handsome Risan up off the ground.

He smiled, "That is quite alright. The fault was all mine. Perhaps you will allow me to repay you with dinner tonight."

Anna shrugged, "What the hell... I don't have any other plans. I'd be delighted." She put out her hand as she continued, "I'm Anna... Anna Hess."

"Freebus. And the pleasure is all mine," he replied as he took her hand.

NX-03 Challenger, enroute to Vulcan

"Captain, thank you for agreeing to this meeting," stated Minister Soval as he showed Tucker into his guest quarters.

Trip replied, "You said you wanted to go over some of the Vulcan customs that I would be expected to observe during the upcoming ceremonies."

Soval nodded as he clasped his hands in front of him, "Yes. That is correct. I also wanted to instruct you on the words you will need to speak in Vulcan for the bonding ceremony."

"A bonding ceremony is similar to an Earth wedding ceremony?" asked Trip.

Soval replied evenly, "No not quite. A bonding ceremony is permanent whereas your wedding ceremony seems to be for the most part a temporary arrangement from my observations of your culture."

Trip swallowed, "Permanent? I take it divorce isn't a word in your language."

Soval turned away as he replied, "No Captain it is not. Vulcan's bond for life and are only parted by death." He turned back, "You would be making a commitment that will last your lifetime."

Trip looked uneasy as he nervously replied, "Lifetime huh."

Soval answered, "Yes. Shall we get started?"

Several hours later, Soval commented, "Captain, I do not believe your accent is compatible with the Vulcan language."

Frustrated over his mangling of the ceremonial words, Trip groaned, "Can't I just speak in Earth standard?"

Soval's eyebrow climbed high as he responded, "Unfortunately the priest of Mt. Seleya do not speak Earth standard and they will need to understand you in order to complete the ceremony. I suppose they could always use a translator or perform a mind meld."

Trip shuddered in remembrance, "No way. I can do this. Let me get my comm officer to help me with pronunciations."

Soval asked, "Is your comm officer fluent in Vulcan?"

"Yes, Hendricks spent five years on Vulcan learning the language." replied Trip.

Soval nodded, "Very well. I shall prepare the appropriate responses for the ceremony and forward them to your officer."

Trip nodded, "Thank you. If you don't mind, I'll just excuse myself for now. I have some ships' business to take care of before dinner. I've arranged for you and Skov to have dinner in the Captain's mess."

Soval agreed, "I shall look forward to our next meeting. Until then Captain, I shall impress upon the candles and meditation pillows you have provided."

Trip stood as he nodded, "Good afternoon Minister." He turned and exited guess quarters.

In the corridor outside of Soval's room, Trip spotted Roy walking ahead.

Trip called, "Roy, hey wait up."

Roy turned and greeted with a smile, "Trip. I didn't get to say it earlier but it's great to see you."

Trip returned the greeting, "You too. How about a drink in my Ready Room before dinner? We can catch each other up."

Captain's Ready Room, NX-03 Challenger

Trip held the decanter of bourbon as he asked, "Rocks?"

Roy replied, "No. Straight up."

Trip poured the drinks and handed one to Roy. "So, you'll be taking over my ship?"

Roy grimaced, "You know I wanted the Challenger but not by taking it away from you."

Trip flashed a smile to show him no hard feelings, "I know. Don't worry they promised me another ship after I finish this mission."

Roy took a deep swallow before asking, "Do you know what the mission entails?"

Trip replied, "Not entirely... yet. But I've got some ideas."

Roy asked, "Care to share?"

Trip answered, "Nope. It's classified as need to know."

Roy smiled back, "And I don't need to know. So how about some insight on my upcoming mission?"

"Which one is that?" asked Trip as he sipped his drink.

"Krios Prime. I understand I may just be fighting a losing battle when it comes to the First Monarch," commented Roy.

Feeling a sudden wave of exhaustion, Trip rubbed a hand tiredly over his face as he wondered what to say. "Kaitaama. Well, she is different. Not sure if that mission isn't doomed to fail from the get-go but Starfleet Command has insisted that we try to bring Krios Prime into the coalition or at least get a formal treaty from them. They are strategically placed near Klingon space."

Roy asked carefully, "Just what was your relationship with the First Monarch?"

Trip snorted, "What relationship? We escaped kidnappers and crashed on a planet. There was no relationship. Sure she jumped me and tried to initiate first contact but I wasn't interested. She was too brassy and childish. A real spoiled princess. I like my women more down to earth."

Roy shook his head as he replied, "Well scuttlebutt sure got that one wrong."

Trip answered, "Gossip mongers. It probably didn't help that when we were rescued, I wasn't in my uniform. I'd used it for a decoy dummy."

Roy shook his head wonderingly, "Only you Trip could refuse the wiles of a beautiful woman and have her love you even more."

Trip smiled, "I was seeing someone else at the time. She never had a chance with me."

They talked for awhile more exchanging stories about their recent missions before Roy asked, "What about Isis? You leaving her onboard? You know I'll keep an eye on her for you."

"Nah, she'll be going with me when we get to Vulcan," replied Trip.

Roy stated, "Where'd you meet her anyway?"

"Ran into her in Egypt several months ago during a routine engineering symposium. I was one of the guest speakers. She's been with me ever since," answered Trip.

"The crew is going to miss you. I hope that I don't have too big a pair of shoes to fill."

Trip replied unrepentantly, "You'll find it difficult. I handpicked most of the crew personally. Really going to miss some of them."

Roy raised his glass, "Hear hear. To the crews of the Yorktown and Challenger." He drained his glass as Trip followed suit.

ShiKahr, Capital City of Vulcan, T'Les' home

T'Pol inquired, "I do not see the logic behind all of these preparations. Captain Tucker is merely doing his duty. I do not believe he is concerned with ceremonial robes in coordinating color schemes."

T'Les replied with an absent wave of her hand as she looked around the living room, "It is tradition daughter. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the ceremony... tradition must be honored. The seamstress will be arriving tomorrow to fit you for your robes. I think a violet hue would be appropriate."

T'Pol nodded, "Yes mother. Is High Priest V'Tar presiding over the ceremony or will we require an Earth Preacher?"

"I'm sure V'Tar will suffice. However, I will check with T'Pau in regards to the Earth Preacher," responded T'Les as she pushed the couch across the floor. "There. I think we shall have the ceremony right here rather than the gardens."

T'Pol stated with a raised brow, "Tradition indicates that the ceremony should take place outside in the gardens or at Mt. Seleya."

"Yes but I believe that in deference to Captain Tucker we should hold the ceremony indoors in a regulated atmosphere," answered T'Les.

T'Pol replied dryly, "I prefer the gardens."

Captain's Private Dining Room, NX-03 Challenger, enroute to Vulcan

"The plomeek soup is agreeable Captain," stated Soval as he dipped his spoon into the bowl.

"I'll give your compliments to the chef. I'm afraid he hardly ever gets to expand his culinary skills so he was quite enthusiastic when I informed him that we had guests for dinner," replied Trip as he picked up a hot roll to butter. He ignored Skov's sudden look of disapproval. It wasn't his fault that Vulcan's didn't touch their food.

Roy grinned as he bit into a piece of tender prime rib, "I heard you lured him away from a five-star in Savannah. Really appreciate you leaving me the chef."

Trip snorted, "Would've hired a short order cook if I'd known I'd have to give him to you."

The humans shared a laugh as the Vulcan's consumed the remainder of their meal in silence.

A short while later...

"Well Trip that was fantastic," commented Roy as he wiped his mouth clean.

"What about dessert?" asked Trip.

"I couldn't eat another bite," replied Roy.

"How about you Admiral?" questioned Trip.

"I do believe I shall Captain," replied Black.

Trip turned to his other guests, "Minister? Commander?"

Rafe answered, "I could eat."

Soval replied for him and Skov, "We shall pass. But we would be interested in another cup of spiced Vulcan tea."

Tucker nodded, "Absolutely." He gestured for the chef to come over. "Key Lime pie and coffee for myself, the Commander and the Admiral. Fresh cups of Vulcan spiced tea for the Minister and his aide."

Roy stood and said with a nod to his colleagues, "If you would excuse me Admiral... Captain. I wanna get a head start on a good night's sleep."

The Admiral responded, "Of course Captain. We'll talk in the morning." Roy pushed in his chair and exited the Captain's Mess.

"Soval, do Vulcan's have desserts?" asked Trip as the chef placed the requested food and beverages in front of the diners. The pie was quickly consumed as the men talked.

"There are a few but Vulcans rarely indulge in such frivolous pursuits. Meals are for the sustaining of life," replied Soval.

Admiral Black interrupted with a grunt, "Not that I don't find these glimpses of Vulcan culture enlightening but with Dunsel retired for the evening... I think we should discuss what is expected of the Captain after he bonds with T'Pol."

Soval nodded, "Of course. Once the bonding has been confirmed then Vulcan would be permitted to engage in discussions of technological exchange."

Black leaned back and declared, "I want the new vessel designed on Earth."

Soval objected, "The agreement was for a ship to be designed and built on Vulcan and Delta Vega."

"I think we should still be able to set up a facility on Delta Vega to build the vessel but I want to utilize the Xyrillian's holochamber to simulate a variety of designs," responded Black.

Trip interjected, "I didn't know that we had finished reverse engineering the chamber yet."

Black replied, "We haven't. That's why Starfleet wants the research and development done at Cape Canaveral in Florida."

Soval countered, "I was unaware that the Xyrillian's were allied to Earth. In fact, Vulcan has been unable to establish any report with their species."

"Captain Tucker did them a favor and in return they provided us with one of their holochambers. An absolutely fascinating device. Dr. Zimmerman has been working on it for months but hasn't even touched the surface yet," answered Black.

"Under these circumstances, I believe the High Council may be open to an amendment... provided Starfleet provides us with detailed reports on the holochambers as they become available," decreed Soval. "I also reserve the right to tour the facility and observe the usage of these chambers."

"Agreed. Tucker you and T'Pol will be stationed at Canaveral during the interim. Your parents still live in that area?" asked Black.

"Yes, Sir. A couple of hours drive," replied Trip.

"Good. Minister, do you think T'Pol will have a problem being stationed on Earth for awhile?" asked Black.

Soval answered, "No. She has been stationed on Earth before as one of my attaches and is quite familiar with your cultural differences. The experience may in fact be quite educational." He then turned to Trip, "Captain, what was your impression of T'Pol when you served together on the Enterprise?"

Trip took a deep breath before he stated, "A competent Science Officer... didn't really show much respect for Starfleet at first but was reasonable and willing to give us the benefit of the doubt when things got a little harry."

"A little Harry?" questioned Skov confused by the humans speech. "Is that another colloquialism?"

Rafe responded, "Yes, Sir. Basically means a little difficult."

NX-01 Enterprise and NX-02 Columbia, in stationary orbit above Risa

"Ma'am incoming transmission from Starfleet Command," announced Crewman Baird to his superior Ensign Hoshi Sato as she stepped through the bridge's turbo lift doors.

"Thank you crewman, I'll take it from here," she replied as she placed a communicator into her ear and tapped keys on her console to download the information directly to a datapad.

"Yes Ma'am," answered Baird as he surrendered the board.

"Interesting," mumbled Hoshi as she quickly scanned through the document. "Crewman?" she called to Baird.

"Ma'am?" he answered as he came to stand at her side.

"I need to get this information to the Captain on the surface as soon as possible," she began.

He eagerly interrupted, "Did you want me to take the information for you?"

She shook her head with a grin, "No Crewman. I want you to man the station while I take the information to the Captain."

"Yes, Ma'am," he answered as he resumed his position at the communications station that he had just vacated. He idly wondered what was on the pad that had the Ensign so amused. All he had been able to discern before she took over was the title... An Official Amendment to the Fraternization Rules of Conduct for Starfleet and MACO Personnel.

Hoshi disconnected the datapad and headed to the transporter room. On her way she smiled as she thought... wonder what Malcolm's doing... maybe I'll even invite him to Lohlunat, Risa's Festival of the Moon. It was alot of fun the last time I attended. So intent in her thoughts she ignored the curious glances of the crewman around her as she rushed through the ship's corridors.

Suraya Bay, Risan Resort

Archer groaned in dismay as he yelled, "Just a minute." In a quieter voice he continued, "I swear if that is Malcolm, I'm going to assign him to scrubbing the hull for the next several weeks." He climbed out of the warm bed and grabbed his pants from where they had fallen.

Erika looked at him through lowered lashes, "Just get rid of him... quickly." She deliberately let the sheet fall to her waist as she set up.

Jon replied huskily, "You know we could just ignore him."

Erika responded, "Too late. You told him you were on your way." She rolled over and laid across the bed on her stomach as she watched him pull up his pants.

Jon shook his head as he left the bedroom and strode quickly to the door. "What?" he demanded. "Oh Hoshi... sorry. Did you need something?"

Hoshi handed him a datapad as she apologized, "Sorry Captain for interrupting but I thought you might want this information immediately."

Jon accepted the datapad and switched it on. His eyebrows rose in amazement. "Thank you Ensign. This is quite unexpected."

"Yes ,Sir...quite unexpected. Will there be anything else?" she asked. "I was hoping to get in a little R and R before I returned to the Enterprise."

"No... no. Have a good time on Risa," he absently replied as he shut the door.

"Jon," called Erika from the bedroom. "Who is it?"

Hoshi stepped into the bar and looked around hoping to spot Malcolm. She quickly located him across the room. She frowned as she watched the MACO Amanda Cole run her fingers up his arm in a caressing motion. "Why that two timing bastard?" she declared as she rushed back out of the bar and smacked into Major Joshua Hayes.

Josh grabbed her arm as he exclaimed, "Whoa... you okay Ensign?"

Visibly fighting tears, Hoshi replied, "Not really."

Josh pulled her to him and wrapped his arm around her in a gesture of comfort, "Anything I can do?"

"No...no I can handle it Major," she replied as she cleared her throat and swiped an arm across her face, clearing the tears away. "Just something that caught me by surprise."

Josh pulled his arm back to his side as he said, "Well... if you're sure?"

Hoshi nodded decisively, "I'm sure. But I have been meaning to tell you that I'm really sorry about Chang."

Josh nodded, "Thank you Ensign. He was a good friend as well as a soldier."

Hoshi agreed, "Yes he was. I'm sorry he lost his life but he died saving you during the Xindi Campaign and I know that he looked up to you. Have you spoken to his family since we got back Major?"

Josh replied, "Please call me Josh. I spoke to them via subspace before we returned. His parents were heartbroken by his death but admitted that he died doing what he wanted."

Hoshi smiled, "Well if I call you Josh then you must call me Hoshi."

"Hoshi it is," he returned.

Hoshi looked down a moment before she asked, "You wouldn't be interested in dinner and maybe a little sightseeing afterward?"

Josh frowned, "Uh...hum. Look I'd like nothing more than to go on a date with you but MACOs are discouraged from socializing with Starfleet Officers."

Hoshi stepped into his personal space as she purred, "Not anymore." She put her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss.

Josh murmured, "Well if your sure." He grounded his mouth into hers as he pulled her tight up against his body.

"Bloody hell!" snarled Malcolm.

TBC