PART 36:

Reed and Archer walked through the compound. Kantarians were hurrily passing them by.

"I don't think I've ever seen this place so busy," Reed said.

"I know," Archer replied. "I guess it's all for the wedding."

"I still can't believe Commander Tucker is getting married," Reed said with a smile.

"Yeah, I know."

"You're okay with this aren't you?" Reed asked.

"Of course I'm fine with it," Archer answered.

"Why doesn't that sound very convincing?"

"No seriously," Archer said. "I'm fine with this. Trip's happy and that's what matters. What about you, you okay with this?"

"I have no problems," Reed replied. "Although T'Pol seems to. You notice she left the dinning hall after Ezral made the announcement."

"Yeah," Archer said. "She's just going to have to get use to it that's all."

"What about Starfleet? What did they have to say when you told them?"

"They changed the regulations."

"You got them to change the regulations about married couples?" Reed asked.

"I talked with Admiral Forrest," Archer explained. "Argued that being in deep space for a long time without companionship isn't easy, and he went to Starfleet with that."

"And got them to change the regulations," Reed said in amazement. "I'm surprised they did that."

"You're not the only one," Archer replied. "Although the Vulcan High Command was against it."

"Figures," Reed said and spotted T'Pol walking towards them. "Here comes T'Pol."

Archer looked over at her as she walked up to them.

"T'Pol," he said.

"Captain," she replied.

"Is there something I can do for you?"

"No, sir," she said. "I just wanted to let you know that I will be returning to Enterprise."

"Do I need to ask why?"

Not answering the Captain, T'Pol just arched her eyebrow.

"I think Trip would like to have you at the wedding."

"There is work that needs to be done aboard the ship," she said and turned to leave.

"Sub-Commander," Archer said.

T'Pol stopped and turned to look at her Captain.

"Once Trip and Liana are on the ship," he said. "You won't give them any problems?"

"No," was all she said and turned once again and walked away.

Archer sighed, he looked at Reed who just shrugged. They continued their walk down the hallway.

Drak stepped out of the doorway he was hiding in. He watched Archer and Reed disappear down the hallway and then looked to where T'Pol walked.

A smile spread across his face. Maybe I'll have someone who will help me stop this ceremony, he thought.

End of Part 36