A/N Thank you so much to my reviewers, Noro and EnlightenedSkye. Your input and support mean a great deal to me. I also want to thank all of you who have stayed with me on this journey. I still do not own these characters.

When the Committee reconvened, it seemed everyone had made an effort to be prepared. After some lengthy discussion, they finally decided on a wording for what they referred to as the Prime Directive, a guide in dealing with other cultures. The resulting statement showed the strong feelings on its importance.

As the right of each sentient species to live in accordance with its normal cultural evolution is considered sacred, no Starfleet personnel may interfere with the normal and healthy development of alien life and culture. Such interference includes introducing superior knowledge, strength, or technology to a world whose society is incapable of handling such advantages wisely. Starfleet personnel may not violate this Prime Directive, even to save their lives and/or their ship, unless they are acting to right an earlier violation or an accidental contamination of said culture. This directive takes precedence over any and all other considerations and carries with it the highest moral obligation.

With that behind them, they moved forward to discussing under what criteria new planets should be added. After struggling to find some common factors, they found themselves falling back to leaving it up to the Council to determine a method of investigation and leave it the final decision.

The bigger discussion was over what it would take in the Council for the candidate to be accepted. It was decided it should be more than a majority but felt that those who fought for two-thirds was perhaps two high. As in most such cases, they compromised at three-fifths. Of course, they knew at the beginning the actual percentage would be higher due to the small number of members.

The members of the extended Tucker-Warren families sat in the living room, wondering why Lester had called them all together. He had sent a shuttle to bring David, Ellen, and Dawn to California.

Now, with Rose down for a nap and Dawn and Charlie off playing in his room, they looked expectantly at Lester.

"I called you all here together because I have an announcement to make about a decision I have made. This decision has led me to make other decisions that I came to realize I have been putting off. These decisions will have some effect on each of your lives."

He took a deep breath, "A few days ago, President Samuels asked to meet with him. He told me he wanted me to run for the office of President."

Everyone was stunned, soon everyone was trying to talk at once. Finally, everyone quieted and Trip asked, "What did you say? Are you going to do it?"

"He gave me a week to think about it." He paused, "I have decided to accept his offer."

Everyone got huge smiles on their faces, Natalie spoke up, "That's great, Dad, you will be a great President."

Lester smiled, "I haven't won the election yet."

Trip broke in, "With Samuels behind you, it should be a landslide."

After everyone came to grips with what was happening, they all talked for a while. Then, Lester got their attention again.

"If I do win, there will have to be some changes made to Warren Enterprises. I will not be able to be affiliated with it." He paused, "I have come to realize that I have been thinking about stepping aside for some time. So, I have decided I am stepping down whether I become President or not."

They looked at him stunned, wondering what this would mean.

He turned to Trip, "When I told you back before you left Starfleet about me wanting you to join me, I told you I wanted you to succeed me…"

Before he could finish, Trip interrupted, "I know I agreed, Lester, when I came on board, but frankly I would much rather stay where I am. You made big changes so that I could do my work in California by moving the Engineering function out here. But if I take over, I would assume I would have to work in Florida. Besides that, I am happy doing what I am doing." He paused, "But I did promise and if it is what you want…"

Lester smiled at him, "Thanks Trip, but let me put your mind at rest. I agree you are much more valuable where you are."

He turned toward the others, "I am relieved Trip wants to stay where he is because I had already decided that I was going to tell him I had changed my mind." He looked over at Ellen and David, "I have decided that the man I want to replace me as President and Chairman of the is my son, David."

Everyone stared at him. Finally, David stammered, "Me? But you never…"

Lester sighed, "Never said anything about it before? You're right. I just felt you would not be interested." He hesitated, "And I frankly doubted you were up to the job. You didn't seem to take much seriously." He paused again, "But I have been impressed how you have seemed to turn things around. You seem to want to make things work." He smiled, "I was also proud of how you handled yourself on that freighter."

David thought for a time, "I don't know what to say. It means a lot to me that you think I could handle it." He hesitated, "But, Ellen and I have been thinking about moving back to California to be near Trip and Natalie. Dawn really misses Charlie."

Lester answered, "I understand. But I also know that you are currently held back by your job and what to do with the house. If you accept my offer both of those problems go away. They company can take over the house and sell it for you. And you certainly won't have to worry about that job."

He hurried on, "How about this? As Trip has said, we have moved much of the warp drive production out here. Maybe it's time to move the rest. It will take a while, probably as much as a year, but I think it is a good idea whether to take the job or not. I know it might be tough on the area we are leaving but most of the employees are professional people and would be willing to move."

"As far as the effect on the local community, we have to do what we think is best for the company."

He went on, "It isn't that far from Florida to here. Ellen and Dawn can travel out here as much as they want." He smiled, "With what you are making, you can have home in both places. In fact you will be expected to spend time out her anyway to keep on top of the warp drive portion."

Seeing he was still thinking, Trip broke in. "I would really appreciate it if you would step in. I would love to work with you."

Dave turned to Ellen, "What do you think, Honey?"

Ellen was still a little stunned but smiled, "It is up to you, but I think it is a great opportunity. I know you would be great at it."

Seeing him still hesitating, Lester said sincerely, "It would mean a lot to me to have my son take over the business."

When he said that, Natalie felt herself tearing up. Although he wasn't showing it, she knew how much that would mean to Dave. Trip noticed and moved over and put his arm around her shoulders as she leaned into him.

Dave took a deep breath, "This has been a lot to take in." He looked at his wife and then turned to Lester, "I am still not sure I am the one you need, but I would be proud to give it a shot."

Everyone smiled and as he rose and shook Lester's hand, Ellen and Natalie gave him big hugs. After they released him, Trip held out his hand, "Congratulations, Dave." He smiled, "Or should I say Mr. Warren, boss."

Dave shook his hand, "Just Dave." He hesitated, "I am going to need you to make sure I don't screw this up."

Trip smiled, but then turned serious, "You'll do fine. And I am looking forward to working with you."

Archer and T'Pol had been surprised but pleased when they heard that Lester Warren would be running for President. They knew of his support for the Federation and felt he was up to the task. The were even more surprised and pleased when he asked John Stewart to be his running mate.

Along with that news, Jane and John announced that she was pregnant. Knowing how she had struggled with that decision; they were excited for her.

On Saturday night, they decided to have supper at Chef's restaurant. They had felt bad about missing his Grand Opening but had made it a priority to eat there often. Besides, he still made the best Plomeek Soup this side of Vulcan.

After Chef had greeted them and had them seated in a private room, he was surprised to see Shran and Jhamel come through the door with Talla. He hurried up to them, "Shran, Jhamel, it is wonderful to see you. Welcome to my restaurant."

Shran smiled, "Thank you Chef." He hesitated, "I know this is short notice, but do you have somewhere quiet we could sit."

Chef smiled, "I know just the place." Smirking to himself, he led them to where Archer and T'Pol were seated. It was not disappointed at their reactions when he saw the look on everyone's face. He could even swear, if only for a moment, T'Pol had shown surprise too.

After getting them seated and finding what they wanted to drink, he left, telling them a waitress would be with them shortly.

The four of them spent an enjoyable evening. As they were sipping a drink after the food had been cleared away, Archer checked with T'Pol through the bond. Getting her approval, he sat down his drink, "There is something we would like to share with you. We would like you to keep it quiet for now."

When they looked inquisitively at him, he went on, "T'Pol and I have decided to try to have a baby."

Jhamel and Shran were stunned for a moment and then Shran smiled broadly, "That is wonderful new." He smirked, "It is about time."

Jhamel turned to T'Pol, "I am so happy for you two."

T'Pol thanked her but said, "We have been trying for some time. It is true that Vulcan women often find it hard to conceive outside of Pon Farr."

Shran quickly said, "I am sure it is just a matter of time." Then he could not resist, "I am sure you are giving it plenty of chances."

Jhamel pretended to glare at him but her eyes were laughing.

Archer and T'Pol were taken aback for a moment, but the T'Pol surprised them all by saying, "It would be illogical not to continue to strive extensively, especially when it brings such pleasure."

Shran recovered and laughing, "Ah, Vulcan, you continue to amaze me." He turned to Archer and was more serious, "You are a lucky man."

Archer looked lovingly at T'Pol, "I am well aware of that."

Now it was Shran's turn to look at his wife who nodded her head. Becoming serious he turned back to Archer and T'Pol, "Would it be possible for us to meet you at your home tomorrow? There is something important we need to discuss with you. I do not want to risk talking about it here."

Caught by surprise at the sudden change, Archer quickly said, "Of course. When do you want to meet?"

"1000 should be fine." He hesitated, "May I have your word you will keep what I tell you in confidence? I am taking a big chance in trusting in you."

Archer looked at him, "Unless our keeping quiet would endanger or cause harm to others, we promise to keep it to ourselves."

Shran seemed to consider that, "Understood."

When they returned home, Archer and T'Pol made love. As they lay side by side, they thought about what Shran had said. Deciding they really had no information on what it might be about they soon fell asleep.

Shran and Jhamel arrived right on time the next day with Shran bring a couple bottles of Andorian Ale. After they had settled Talla down for a nap they sat down in the living room.

After his offer to the others had been turned down, he poured himself a glass of Ale and took a large gulp.

"What I am going to tell you must not go further than this room for now. I am under strict orders from General Thrang and the Queen not to share this news with anyone. I just feel you should know. I will be asking you to keep information from the rest of the Alliance and your own superiors."

Archer and T'Pol were stunned. Finally, Archer said, "You remember what my terms were?"

"Yes, and I agree this could be a tough decision for you, but I have decided it is worth the risk. You are the two people I most trust and I trust you to see why this must remain a secret for now."

"If we can, we will protect your secret."

Shran nodded and took another drink, "About two months ago, members of the Andorian Intelligence Agency who report directly to General Thrang found evidence that General Torok, the Commander of a Division of the Imperial Guard is leading a conspiracy to undermine the creation of the Federation. It appears this uprising is still in the planning stage and is limited to him and his subordinates. Unfortunately, efforts to infiltrate this cabal have been considered too dangerous and could possibly push him to take immediate action if he discovered them."

Archer and T'Pol were shocked and saddened. After finally appearing to have eradicated Terra Prime, it seemed they faced a similar danger on Andoria.

Shran had gone on, "It is not clear how many others may agree with him, but he commands over 5,000 troops. It is also true he is admired and respected by many other commanders."

He sighed and finished his glass, "For now, Thrang and the Queen are just keeping him under observation and working quietly to determine which commanders they can trust."

"They want to try to avoid a civil war at all costs."

Archer spoke up, "How about the people of Andoria? Where do you believe they stand?"

"No one can be sure, but I believe they would side with the Queen."

T'Pol broke in, "Jonathan and I are pleased you trust us with this information, but I can not see how we can help."

Shran sighed and looked at Jhamel who reached out and touched his shoulder.

He touched her hand appreciatively and turned back to the others, "There is one more thing." He hesitated, "Martok is a close acquaintance of General Torok."

Archer looked at T'Pol, "You think he is against the Federation? That he may try to disrupt the conference?"

"I don't know. General Thrang and the Queen feel we should give him the benefit of the doubt. There is no proof he was ever involved. I was instructed to watch him closely and report back if I suspected anything."

He looked at Archer, "I thought you should know. Perhaps you or T'Pol could see something I wouldn't." He hesitated, "I don't want the others to know. It could cause the very suspicions and disruption that they could be seeking."

Archer and T'Pol sighed internally, it appeared again they needed to keep a secret from the others. But at the same time they agreed, that without any real proof against Martok, they needed to give him the benefit of the doubt. They also realized that if they exposed the truth, it could cause the forces on Andoria to take action.

Archer looked at Shran, getting support from T'Pol through the bond, "As much as I hate keeping this from the others, I agree it is the best thing for now."

He went on, "With both of us aware of what he could be up to, we should have a good chance of stopping him from disrupting the conference."

He sighed, "I was hoping we had put this behind us." He looked up, "I hope nothing of this is true of Tellar or Vulcan."

Shran nodded ruefully.

Jhamel then spoke up for the first time. "I don't know if this means anything. When Renda first arrived on Earth, I sensed that she didn't want to associate with anyone. But lately, I sense that has changed since she has spent time with Natalie and members of the conference."

T'Pol nodded her head, "It may be that her feelings have changed. Whether her original doubts were due to them being against the conference or merely meeting others for the first time, it could be an indication."

Archer spoke up, "I agree." He looked at Jhamel, "I would never ask you to break your ethics of entering someone's mind without permission, but anything you can sense…"

"I understand, Jonathan. I will do what I can."

"Thank you."

He looked at Shran, "I think I could use some of that Ale."

Shran smiled and poured him a drink.

General Torok, commander of the First Southern Division of the Imperial Guard looked over the desk at his second in command, "Commander Baran, "I want you to take a message to General Toran. Tell him that if we have not heard of any progress from Martok by Andorian Independence Day, we will be forced to take action on our own."

Renda looked over at her husband. She was feeling more and more torn. Sighing, she laid back and finally managed to fall asleep.