Title: Home is Where the Heart Is, 2/6 Author: Chocolatequeen Rating: PG Disclaimer: I'm broke. Don't sue. Archiving: Ask first, send a link. Summary: In the aftermath of the attack on Earth, two of the Enterprise crew struggle to find where they belong. Parts 1-5 are vignettes focusing on various characters, and part 6 is the conversation.

Chapter 2: It's Not Her Place

A week had gone by since Enterprise left space dock and Soval remained uneasy with his decision not to report T'Pol's rebellious attitude to the High Command. "She is an excellent scientist," he reminded himself. "It would be illogical to deprive the High Command of her abilities when a few months away from the influences of human emotions will re-set her priorities."

He almost had himself convinced when the comm in his room beeped. "Yes?" he asked shortly.

"Ambassador Soval, there is a call for you from Vulcan."

"Put it through," he ordered.

The image of an older Vulcan male popped up on the screen. "Greetings Ambassador," he said in a low, dignified voice.

"Minister Saran, I was not expecting to hear from you tonight. Is there something I can do for you?"

"The High Command received a disturbing transmission from Enterprise today, and we wished to get your opinion before deciding on a course of action."

"Of course Minister."

"Were you aware that Sub-commander T'Pol did not intend to return to Vulcan as ordered?"

"In our last conversation she hinted that this might be her decision," Soval admitted.

"Why did you not inform us?" Saran asked sternly.

"Because by the end of the discussion I believed I had shown her how illogical it would be to throw away her commission," he countered.

The older man sighed, his image flickering for an instant as he shook his head. "Perhaps it would be best if I heard the whole story."

Soval frowned and clasped his arms behind his back. "After showing Captain Archer the recording from the Vankara, I asked T'Pol to stay behind. I then informed her of her reassignment to Vulcan. In reply she inquired about the possibility of staying in San Francisco, but I reminded her that after two years of close human contact it was prudent for her to return home."

"How did she respond?"

"Her focus changed from remaining on Earth to going into the Expanse with the Enterprise."

"Did she indicate why she wished to do so?" Saran asked, leaning forward in his seat.

Soval shifted his gaze slightly. This was a question he did not want to answer. T'Pol was under his direct command and her actions reflected back on him. "She reminded me that it had been my decision to place a Vulcan on Enterprise to begin with and asked me why this should be any different, when logic would prove so vital."

"Ah. Well, it is a sound argument, though her actions were inappropriate. I believe I have all the information I need unless she said anything else which might affect our decision?"

Soval hesitated only an instant before giving him the only reason he would need to end T'Pol's career. "I agree Minister that her rebuttal itself seems logical on the surface. However, I find myself questioning her motivation."

"What do you mean?"

"Instead of being a purely logical debate with arguments delivered in an orderly manner, she seemed almost driven by emotion."

Saran's expression tightened. "I see. That changes the picture drastically, doesn't it?"

"Yes sir, I believe so," Soval conceded.

"I feel compelled to ask again why you chose not to inform us of this development."

"Given the level of T'Pol's contact with humans, some emotion was to be expected. It seemed logical to believe that once she returned to Vulcan she would regain her previous level of control."

"But she's not returning to Vulcan, is she?" Saran asked with a pointed glare.

"With all due respect Minister Saran, given her recent actions it seems that the only way she would have returned to Vulcan would have been under guard. There was no way for me to know she had been corrupted so badly."

"Very well Ambassador, you have been most helpful. Saran out."