A/N Well, it's been a long time. I have no real excuses. But I am about at the end. I plan to be finished by August 14, which is the sixth anniversary of the day I started.
My five-year mission ran over a little. 😊 There will be one more chapter and then three epilogues, one long and two short ones. I hope I still have some of you with me. I want to thank all of you who have honored me by reading my story and taken the time to leave reviews as well as those who have favorited or followed my story. Well, that's enough for my mea culpa. Let's do this.
I do not own Star Trek Enterprise or any of the related characters. Star Trek Enterprise was created by Rick Berman and Brandon Braga and is owned by Paramount. All rights of Star Trek Enterprise belong to them. This story is a work of fanfiction and is meant for entertainment only. I am not making profit from this story.
Martok stacked the last of their luggage near the door. He turned to Renda, "That's all of it. Why don't we wait at the space port until we are ready to leave."
Renda turned to him, "I am going over to Natalie's to say goodbye."
He stared at her, "There is no need for that. Whatever is decided, we are nearing the end. You will probably not be returning. There is no need to keep up the pretense."
Renda sighed, "I thought you knew that I have come to really enjoy being with Natalie and the others." She headed for the door, "I will meet you at the dock."
Martok fought to control his emotions, "It is good we are leaving. I just hope you will forget all this when we get back to Andoria."
Renda started to answer but then realized there would be no use in saying anything. She just moved past him and went out the door.
When Renda reached Natalie's and was let in, she was surprised to see a man with Charlie. She realized it was Natalie's husband.
He smiled at her, "Hello, you must be Renda, I am Trip Tucker, Natalie's husband."
"Hello."
He walked over and kissed Natalie softly on the lips, "We'll be back about five o'clock."
As he and Charlie went out the door, he turned back, "Nice to meet you, Renda."
She nodded.
Natalie signaled for Renda to follow her and they went into the den.
Renda was surprised to see all who was there. Ellen was there with her daughter Dawn who was holding Talla. Margot was holding Rose in her lap while her daughter was talking to Jhamel.
After exchanging greetings, Natalie told her T'Nara was on her way.
After T'Nara arrived and everyone was furnished with a beverage of their choice, Natalie smiled, "Thank you so much for coming." She hesitated, gathering her thoughts, "It has been so wonderful meeting you all."
She looked around, "Never would I have believed I would be surrounded by women that are so different but still so alike. That for all our various pasts and cultures, I have come to know we all share the same things, love of our families, a desire to be loved and live together in peace."
Renda reflected on what she was saying. She suddenly realized she had underestimated how much she had been changed, how her beliefs had changed. She realized how much she would miss being with these women.
Ellen surprised them by being the next to speak, "I know I have only really known some of you, but I want to say I know what Natalie is saying. She looked at Dawn holding Talla, "I just hope our children will have the opportunity to experience what we have."
Jhamel also looked fondly at Dawn and Talla, "Shran and I have often expressed out desire to Jonathan and T'Pol that our children would someday play together, to be friends." She looked around, "What I see make me believe that will come true and not just for us and them."
Margot spoke up, "It saddens me that many of us will not see each other for a long time. Perhaps never again. But I will never forget what we have experienced. And I share Jhamel's dream, that our children and their children will take what we have for granted."
As always, T'Nara was amazed at the amount of emotion she was feeling. She had always felt that her love for Soval set her apart on Vulcan. But she was beginning to suspect that more Vulcans than she would have believed felt much the same.
She realized more than ever that underneath our looks, our backgrounds, everyone shared the same goals. A love of children and a hope for their future.
Renda was stunned when she heard herself speaking, "When I first came to Earth, I was sure I would feel repulsed by other species. That we shared nothing in common. That they would resent me as well."
She gathered herself, "But I need to let you all know that you have changed all that. I now know that there is much more we share, that we are more alike than different." She paused, "I will never forget what I have learned."
The others stared at her and then smiled.
Renda was shocked and touched when Jhamel reached out and touched her hands. She realized she hoped that when they returned to Andoria, she could find a way to make Martok understand.
For the next couple of hours, they talked of their plans when they returned to their home planets. They exchanged stories about their husbands and children.
When the time came to go, they felt sad that it would be some time if ever, before they would see each other again. Only Margot and T'Nara would be returning after the three-month hiatus.
After the others left, Ellen and Dawn also said their goodbyes. Jhamel and Natalie sat, Natalie holding Talla and Jhamel holding Rose.
Jhamel smiled, "I am not sure when I will see you again but be assured we will." She paused, looking down at Rose, "Shran and I fully intend to be part of you and your family's lives." She smiled, "I am looking forward to all our children playing together."
Natalie smiled, "I want that too." She smiled a little sadly, "I just hope that Jonathan and T'Pol can find a way to have a family."
Jhamel smiled, "From what I understand, they are doing everything they can."
Natalie was stunned for a moment and then smiled broadly.
Exchanging a tearful goodbye, Natalie watched until the Shuttle disappeared from sight.
After all the official and unofficial goodbyes by President Warren and Archer and T'Pol, after everyone had left for their home planets, Lester told Archer and T'Pol he would like to talk with them.
They rode the Presidential Shuttle back to the Capitol. When they entered Lester's office, Admiral Duval was waiting for them.
After all were seated, Lester began, "First of all, I want to compliment you two on the work you have done. It is amazing what you have accomplished. To think that we are on the threshold of the forming of a Federation of Planets. Even a few years ago, this would have been impossible to contemplate."
Archer spoke up, "Thank you. But there is a lot of credit to go around. So many individuals for all the planets have made huge contributions."
He hesitated, "But, we are not home yet. This question of the military could be difficult to resolve."
Lester nodded, "I suppose, but I just have to believe we have come too far, accomplished too much, for this to stop us. I know we will do whatever we can to find a compromise."
He sat back, "But enough about that." He looked up at Admiral Duval, "Admiral Duval and I agree that there is little we can do right now. I think we need to let the other planets discuss the issue and deal with whatever they decide. I doubt there is anything that they propose that we cannot find a way to live with."
He leaned forward, "Since that is true, I want you two to take some time off. To get away from all this."
He smiled, "I am ordering you both to take the next two months off. I don't want to hear anything about you working on this."
He stood up, "Now, get out of here and go home." He smiled, "Try to just enjoy yourselves."
As they flew the shuttle back to their home, T'Pol sat beside Archer and laid her hand on his shoulder.
When they landed they acknowledged the greeting of the security guards and then walked hand in hand to their house.
Once inside, they headed straight to their bedroom. T'Pol had Archer sit on the bed and began to remove her uniform. As she took off her clothes, she shuddered as she saw the love and lust in Archer's eyes.
Archer sat there mesmerized. He continued to marvel at how beautiful she was, how amazing it was she loved him.
When she finished, she moved close to him, "Now it's your turn."
As she began to remove his uniform, he reached up and fondled her breasts, his thumbs tweaking her nipples.
T'Pol moaned and not able to contain herself, tore at Archer's uniform. Soon they were both naked, each bringing the other to the peak of passion.
When Archer finally entered her, she arched to meet him, her hands clutching his back. Archer continued until they both exploded in passion. Afterwards they fell back, completely sated.
After getting his breath, Archer turned toward her, "I love you, T'Pol of Vulcan."
Although she regularly did it with him when they were alone, he still marveled as she smiled at him, "I cherish you as well." She leaned forward and kissed him softly, "You are my life."
T'Pol then snuggled into his arms. They stayed that way for some time before falling asleep. They showered and made love in the morning.
For the next two days, clothes were optional as they could not get enough of each other. Combined with their passion was their mutual hope that their love would produce a child.
Finally, the third day, things settled down and they decided they would like to spend time with some of their friends.
Remembering the birthday party and their housewarming, they decided to invite everyone to the house.
They hired Chef to do the catering but wanted him to know they also considered him their guest.
As T'Pol looked over the guest list, she could not help being amazed at all the wonderful friends she and Jonathan had. She could never have imagined this would become her life.
She felt a moment of sadness as she thought of her mother and how she would have loved to share this all with her.
Trip and Natalie Tucker, Charlie, and Rose.
Travis and Hoshi Mayweather, Yoshiko
John and Jane Stewart
Dave and Ellen Warren, Dawn
Phlox and Feezal, Bordog
Soval and T'Nara
Penelope Reed
Edward and Madeline Crowder, Howard
Although many of the guests wanted to know how the Federation talks were going, Archer and T'Pol told them they really couldn't say much about it.
T'Pol and Archer were gratified to spend time with old friends, but it also saddened them a little as they interacted with the children. It was especially poignant when they talked with a very pregnant Jane Stewart.
Everyone was excited to hear that Penelope told them that Malcolm would be returning to Earth in the near future. She also told them there was hope he would get a promotion to captain and given command of a starship.
About the same time the party on Earth was breaking up, Shran was entering the palace for a meeting with Queen Helena and others to discuss the status of the Federation conference.
When he entered the conference room, he was surprised to see General Torok sitting with Martok, Thrang, and the Queen.
Helena smiled as he entered, "Good Morning, General, if you will take a seat, we can get started."
As Shran sat down, she continued, "I invited General Torok to join us as I and General Thrang felt that he should be allowed to present his position on such a vital matter."
"Before we begin to address the matter of the military situation, I feel we need to address something much more important."
She looked around the table, "I was greatly concerned when I learned that there is some ambiguity about what the Federation will be."
"I was especially distressed to hear that even you General Shran appeared to think of it as basically a military alliance."
Shran started to protest that wasn't his position but realized he had not really considered what the Federation would really be. He had just known it was desperately needed.
The Queen had gone on, "I have decided to let you know how I perceive it."
"First, I want to state outright what is supposedly common knowledge but I think is often not completely clear."
"From the beginning the Queens of Andoria have thought of their role in ruling Andoria has been as a counterpoint to the military. While General Thrang is the commander of the Imperial Guard and thus the protecter of the planet, the Queen represents the people of Andoria and is their protector. She is meant to be their voice, their representative."
She returned to her seat and sat down, moving her eyes from one to the other, she lowered her head, "It is true that through the years, Queens have unfortunately allowed themselves to be subverted to the will of the Imperial Guard."
She looked back up, "But I assure you all, I take that responsibility seriously and have been sure to see that Princess Skye will do so as well."
She sat back, "This is what the Federation means to me."
"First of all, be assured I understand its military implication, but it can be so much more."
"It can be the catalyst to improve the lives of everyday Andorians. I see possibilities in all areas of their lives. Their health, their knowledge."
She sighed, "There is so much we can learn, to contribute."
"We have already seen the benefits of the Interplanetary Medical Exchange." She smiled at Shran, "It is very likely that Shran's wife and child would not be alive today but for Doctor Phlox. That to me is just a small example of what the possibilities will be as the Federation grows."
"We have all marveled at the Vulcan Science Directorate. Think of all the knowledge that could be out there as the Federation expands."
"I also believe that the people of Andoria have much to contribute, to be a part of a great assembly."
She smiled, "I apologize for rambling on, but this is very important to me."
"Do any of you have any thoughts on what I have discussed?" She hesitated, "Before you say anything, I assure you there will be no repercussions from what you say. I want your honest opinions."
Shran looked around at the others. During the speech, it had been surprising to him that Martok seemed to be listening respectively. At the same time, it was apparent to everyone that Torok was hostile to what she was saying.
But it was General Thrang that surprised him the most. He realized something that he should have known for a long time. As he watched him, he knew that he loved her, not in any lustful way, but as a father would love a daughter.
After the Queen finished, Thrang rose to speak. "I will speak now as the head of the Imperial Guard. Queen Helena is correct in stating how the Founders envisioned the role of the Queen and the Guard. She was also correct that over time past queens have allowed the Guard to obtain more power. I was as guilty of this as anyone. But since Helena has ascended the throne, I have realized the importance of restoring the original role of the Queen."
He paused, "Having said that and wanting to put on the record that I agree with her on the importance of the Federation, I also want to state that I do not agree with the proposal that has been advanced in reference to the military. Andoria must retain authority over our forces and be able to defend ourselves."
Shran could see the Queen was disappointed at the last part of what he said, but she just turned to General Torok.
The General took a deep breath. He had been shocked when the Queen had invited him to this meeting after he threatened her and attacked the palace. He had been suspicious of her intentions. In spite of her assurances, he still wondered if he should give his honest opinion, wondering if she was setting a trap.
But then he decided to speak honestly, since he felt so strongly about this matter. He had also been bolstered by General Thrang's opinion on the military question even though he disagreed with his comments on the Federation.
Taking a deep breath, "I was told that I could speak my mind. I hope you will keep your word." He looked at Helena, "The death of your mother was a tragedy for many reasons. Other than you losing her, it also prevented her from instructing you as to the role of the Queen." Seeing Thrang was about to interrupt, he hurried on, "You have completely changed the role of the Queen, not for the better."
When Thrang started to interrupt again, everyone was surprised when the Queen stopped him and indicated for Torok to continue.
"Andoria IS the Imperial Guard. It gives us our identity, our purpose. Your attempt to share power has served to undermine that which makes us strong. And now you want us to surrender our honor and our very soul to this Federation. It must be nothing more than a military alliance. We must surrender nothing more. To do so would be to desecrate the memories of the brave soldiers who have proceeded us."
As he finished, it was obvious Thrang was upset and was about to speak when the Queen shook her head and turned to Martok, "May I have your thoughts, Ambassador?"
Thrang looked like he was about to speak anyway but then sat back with a grimace.
Martok was stunned by what was happening. He had never really considered the role of the Queen. He found himself impressed by what she was saying and the forceful way she presented it. He also could see that General Thrang agreed with Helena.
He was surprised and shocked to realize he was not in complete agreement with General Torok.
Taking a deep breath, he started, "When I was chosen to represent Andoria," he hesitated, wondering whether he should say anything. After all, he had lied to the Queen. But then he decided the situation was much too important to hold anything back.
He continued, "Although I stated I understood how important it was for Andoria to become part of the Federation, I frankly felt much the same as General Torok. My time at the conference did not change my mind. I was still determined to try to keep Andoria out."
He took another deep breath, "But, in the time since I have left Earth, my position has changed. Oh, I still. agree with General Thrang and General Torok on the military question, but as regards the Federation, I have come to realize it would be of value to Andoria to join."
Ignoring Torok staring at him, "One reason I have changed my position is my wife. Although she was even more sure that we should not interact with the others, she came to be friends with many of them. At first, I told her I hoped she would change her mind when she came home, she has managed to make me look differently at the whole situation."
He turned to the Queen, "And your speech has made me realize what this could mean to the people of Andoria."
As the others stared at him, he smiled ruefully and continued, "So, the consensus seems to be that we go ahead with the Federation and that we all agree Andoria needs to maintain its own military."
The Queen smiled and sat back, "Thank you, Martok."
She turned to Shran, "May I have your thoughts?"
Shran had been stunned by what Martok had said. Recovering, he turned toward the Queen, "As you know, I have long been a supporter of the idea of a Federation. However, it has become apparent to me that I did not fully appreciate the ramifications of what it could mean. I am coming to realize what it really could mean for Andoria. I want to add how much I have been affected by my friendships with Archer and the others. I believe being involved with other species will be an important part of being a part of the Federation."
The Queen smiled at him, "Thank you, General."
Starting to rise, she said, "I believe I have said all I have to say. I will leave it to you military men to define our position on the military question." As she rose, she turned back, "But, do keep in mind we will be joining the Federation."
For the next two days, they hammered out their changes to the proposal. The end result was probably the best they could do; not going far enough for Torok and probably stronger than Shran would have preferred.
Things went much smoother on the other planets. Teller was not going to risk having the Federation fail and with Margot leading the way, made only slight adjustments to the proposal. They did spend some time deciding what they would accept from Andoria and the others.
On Earth and Vulcan there was agreement that they would find a way to make whatever was proposed work. That the formation of the Federation was the goal and they could not allow that to be lost at the last moment.
Three months to the day after they had determined to take a break, the Council reconvened. They decided that Margot would remain as chairman.
After opening the meeting, she a little apprehensively asked Archer to read his motion. When he finished she asked, "Three months ago, we agreed to table this motion with the proviso it would then be voted on."
Archer and Soval had discussed what they should do. They knew the measure would likely fail. They also knew they could not sign off on an agreement that would leave the military question open. They just hoped they could somehow work out a possible compromise.
Margot continued, "Ambassador Archer."
Archer answered "Yea."
"Ambassador T'Pol."
"Yes."
"Ambassador Soval."
"Yes."
"Ambassador Koss."
"I vote yes."
Margot sighed. "General Shran."
Shran looked at Archer, "Andoria votes no."
"Ambassador Martok."
"No."
"Ambassador Gernal."
The Tellarites had decided they would vote last and only vote yes if everyone else had.
"No."
Margot sighed, "The Chair votes no."
She went on, "The vote not being unanimous for passage, the motion is defeated."
In the silence that followed, everyone contemplating what had just happened, everyone but Shran was surprised when Martok rose to speak.
"When we were dealing with this issue three months ago we also discussed the whole concept of the Federation. What would it be? At that time I believed the idea was unworkable, that it would undermine the independence of all planets that signed on. That what was needed was a permanent military agreement that would only be enforced when a threat such as the Romulans occurred."
He took a deep breath, "I no longer hold that position."
As the others looked on in shock, "I," looking at Shran, "and Andoria now believe the Federation does need to be established."
"To that end, Andoria wishes to present the following motion before this Council. To replace the motion that was just defeated."
He handed out PADDS to the other delegates.
Resolved:
The Federation shall have an independent military force under the overriding control of Starfleet.
Each member of the Federation with military forces will have the ability and duty to add forces to this fleet. The amount of this support will be left to the members but it should be of significance.
Each member will also have the ability to have its citizens serve aboard any ships of the Federation.
No member will undertake offensive action against another member or outside forces unless provoked. This prohibition also applies to any attempt to defend such an action as a preemptive strike.
If attacked without provocation, each member will have the right to defend itself, including the right to carry the battle to the enemy.
Any attack on a member of the Federation will be considered an attack on all members.
Margot spoke up, "I suggest we adjourn to be able to discuss this motion with our respective governments. Does anyone have a motion."
Soval spoke up, "I move we adjourn until next Monday, which is five days from today."
Margot nodded, "Is there a second?"
Shran answered, "I second it."
"It has been moved and seconded that we adjourn until next Monday. Are there any objections? When no one spoke, she continued, "We are adjourned until next Monday."
During those five days, Vulcan and Earth, while not completely fond of the proposal, decided they could live with it. The fact that Martok had also spoken in favor of the Federation was a large determining factor in accepting the compromise.
The Tellarites were ecstatic that it was the Andorian who had provided the possible solution especially as it addressed many of their own concerns.
When they reconvened, Shran wondered what the reaction would be from Earth and Vulcan. He hoped they would realize that this was as far as Andoria would go.
When Margot opened the meeting, he was stunned when Archer spoke. "While Earth has some concerns about how much support some members may be willing to contribute, the inclusion of the words duty and significance lead us to believe it is workable."
He looked at Shran, "Earth therefore is willing to allow a vote on this motion."
While everyone pondered what he had said, they were further shocked when Koss spoke up, "Vulcan seconds the motion."
It took some time for Margot to recover, but then she quickly said, "It as been moved and seconded to vote on the motion before the Council."
"Ambassador Archer."
"I vote yea."
Ambassador T'Pol."
"Yes."
"General Shran."
Still a little shocked at how quickly things had progressed, "Yes."
"Ambassador Martok."
Martok found himself wondering if they had compromised too much, "Yes."
"Ambassador Gernal."
"Yes."
"The Chair also votes yes."
"Ambassador Soval."
"Yes."
"Ambassador Koss."
As all eyes turned to him, Koss was struck by the fact that his vote would decide whether the conference would move forward or be stalled perhaps permanently. He had no doubt as to his vote but had to ruefully smile to himself that he found himself in this situation. Only his tie to T'Pol had brought him here.
"Yes."
As soon as he spoke, the mood around the table changed. They all came to grips with what had happened. It had occurred so quickly and easily it caught them off guard.
After a long silence, Margot spoke, "The vote being unanimous the motion is passed."
She then took a deep breath and spoke out, "Are there any other motions to be put before the Council?"
When everyone was silent, almost holding their breaths, Archer spoke up, "I move that the Council begin discussion on the acceptance of the Charter."
Soval quickly seconded it.
Shran broke in, "I ask that the chair have a final copy of the Charter prepared and ready for the members of the council to read. When that is done, I propose we wait two days for everyone to look over the final document and then reconvene to discuss and vote."
Margot nodded, "Are there any objections?"
When no one answered, she went on, "The Chair will arrange to comply with the proposal. When the final copy is sent, a date for the committee to reconvene will be included."
In the next week, copies of the report were distributed to the members of the committee.
Archer and T'Pol met with Lester Warren and Admiral Duval.
Lester sat back, "I have to admit, I sometimes doubted this moment would ever come." He turned to Archer and T'Pol, "You two have done and amazing job."
Archer answered, "Thank you for that. But the real heroes are Shran and Margot. They had a much more difficult task. Unlike Earth, there were still powerful forces on their planets opposing the idea of a Federation."
Lester nodded, "We were fortunate in that Terra Prime overplayed their hand. They could have been a force to prevent the creation of the Federation."
Only Archer or Trip would have been able to see how T'Pol was affected by the mention of Terra Prime. He quickly moved on, "Well, hopefully the next meeting will see acceptance of the final draft without too many changes." He paused, "But it still has to be approved by everyone."
Lester sighed, "That's true." He paused, "We will need your guys help once more to push this over the top."
On October 14, 2060, the Federation Committee met to vote on the finished proposal for the creation of a United Federation of Planets.
When Margot opened the meeting, she surprised everyone when she said she felt someone else should chair this meeting. She surprised them even further when she offered the chair to Soval, saying he had long been a voice for the Federation.
When everyone agreed, Soval, struggling with his emotions, accepted the role.
He took the chair and now back in control,
"At this time the chair will entertain any amendments or changes to the proposed charter."
For the next hour or so, there were motions for several changes to the document. To everyone's relief, none made any significant changes to what had been proposed.
When no one offered any more amendments, everyone looked at each other, realizing a long-awaited moment had come. A moment that would have at one time been inconceivable.
Soval took a deep breath, "There being no more amendments, the Chair will entertain a motion to accept the charter as written."
Everyone looked at Archer but they were stunned when Martok spoke first, "I move that the Charter be accepted and presented to the participating for approval."
While Shran smiled at Martok, Gernal spoke up, "I second the motion."
Soval continued, "It having been moved and second, the council will now vote on the motion."
"Ambassador Martok."
"Aye"
"General Shran."
"Yes."
"Ambassador Koss."
"I vote yes."
"The chair votes yes."
"Ambassador Gernal."
"Yes."
"Ambassador Margot
When there was no immediate answer, everyone turned toward her and were surprised to see tears forming in her eyes.
Gathering herself she said, "You have to excuse me. It's just that I just realized how much it would have meant to Gral to cast this vote."
She was surprised when Shran reached out and touched her hand but then smiled gratefully at him. She then looked up, "I vote Yes."
"Commodore T'Pol"
"Yes."
Everyone's eyes turned to Archer.
"Ambassador Archer."
Archer looked around, thinking of all that had gone before that led to this moment. Of course, the planets must still approve the charter, but he also realized how momentous this moment was.
He took a deep breath, "I vote Yes."
Soval looked around at the others, thinking of how many of these people had impacted his life.
He sat up, "The vote being unanimous, the motion is carried. In accordance with the original setting up of the council, the Charter will now be submitted to the four planets, with the proviso that a resolution must be reached in one Earth Year."
He stood up, "If there be no objection, I declare that the Council has completed its mission and is hereby dissolved."