Angel was watching the news when the announcement that Captain Jonathon Archer of the starship Enterprise was getting married today. The PIO (Public Information Officer) for Starfleet read a brief announcement. "Yes, Captain Jonathon Archer is getting married today. The name of his bride has not been released yet. Starfleet and the Vulcan High Command wish them happiness and prosperity in their new life together." Angel shook his head, he was willing to bet that Buffy didn't know a thing about this yesterday and he grinned. This Captain was going to keep her on her toes.

            The media was buzzing around but no one discovered her name until well after the Enterprise left.

            The reception was in the Academy observatory on base, sort of appropriate for the new couple. Everyone stood and clapped as the bride and groom walked in. Jon looked at his wife, 'his wife!', and kissed her to the sound of whistles.  The crew came up for hugs and congratulations for the happy couple.

            Malcolm came up and shook his Captain's hand and then kissed Buffy again. "You look absolutely lovely Buffy. Thank you for the honor of walking you up the aisle."

He turned to the Captain, "I have every confidence she'll keep you in line Sir." 

            Jon chuckled, "I'm glad you could tear yourself away from the weapons upgrade. How's it going?" They chatted for a minute, Buffy listening with interest when the Admiral and his wife came up.

"Let's leave business for another time gentleman."

Malcolm nodded at the Admiral and his wife, "Sir, Ma'am." And he fled to stand with Hoshi and Travis who were making eyes at each other.

            Admiral Forrest looked Buffy over, "So you're the one who captured the 'bachelor Captain'. I knew the first time I spoke with you that you were something special. Take care of him Mrs. Archer."

            Buffy looked at Jon, love naked on her face, "I will Sir."

He gave her a long look in return then turned back to the Admiral's wife, "Amanda, this is my wife Buffy. Buffy this is Amanda Forrest, also know as mother hen."

            Buffy held out her hand, "I am so pleased to meet you Mrs. Forrest."

            "Please, call me Amanda. Congratulations on your marriage. I have heard many good things about you."

            Buffy smiled at the Admiral, "Oh, give it time. He doesn't know me very well yet." Jon chuckled at this and the Admiral roared with laughter. The Admiral and his wife walked over to chat with some of the crew and Trip wandered by for a kiss. Buffy laughed and gave him one full on the mouth, making Jon shake his head fondly at the two of them. He had long reconciled that his best friend and Buffy would be friends forever and that was just fine with him.

 Buffy's looked at the doorway to see T'pol and Ambassador Soval walk in. "Not that I'm not glad to see T'pol, but why is that pointy eared bastard with her?" Buffy asked her husband.

"Buffy!" Jon hissed, glaring at Trip who was laughing hysterically. "What?" she asked innocently and walked over to T'pol.

"Hi T'pol. I'm glad that you could make it." Buffy smiled, noting with sharp eyes the tension and stress in T'pol's lovely face.

"I know that you did not want gifts but I have a traditional Vulcan wedding gift for you." T'pol said, very aware of the disapproving presence of the Ambassador over her shoulder. Buffy shot a look at her husband who immediately walked over to stand beside her.

"T'pol, it's great to see you."

"Captain, I apologize for missing your wedding." Came her cool voice. He waved a hand, "No problem, we're just glad that you could make it to the reception."

Buffy took the gift and Jon smiled as he opened the simple box. He gingerly lifted out the carved and polished red stone bowl. Inside were 2 highly polished stones, one white, one black, which were carved to fit together.

"Oh T'pol, it's beautiful." Buffy said and Jon nodded, smoothing a finger over the smooth stone.

"It represents two individuals and their connection after marriage." T'pol was pleased at their reaction.

"Thank you T'pol." Jon said. His eyes met the unpleasant ones of Ambassador Soval's.  "Ambassador, we didn't realize you were coming." The subtle innuendo that he wasn't wanted was not lost on either Buffy or T'pol.

"I found that T'pol was attending and decided to accompany her. It will be one of the last times you will see her before you leave Earth." Soval said blandly.

Both Buffy and Jon went, "What?"

"I am being recalled by the Vulcan High Command. I will not be on the voyage to the Delphic Expanse." T'pol's voice was carefully quiet.

Buffy's eyes went hot, "You need to come! Jon needs you as his second in command!"

"It has been decided." Was the Ambassador's reply. Buffy huffed and was going to say something impolite when T'pol took her hands, "Let's go talk on the balcony Buffy." She led Buffy out of the room to the covered portico outside the observatory.

Buffy watched T'pol walk to the railing and take a deep cleansing breath. "The Vulcan council informed me of their decision and I argued. They were not swayed by my arguments, feeling that I have been contaminated by my close contact with humans."

Watching her friend closely Buffy came up to stand beside her, letting the wind ruffle her hair, "I'm not empathic, but I know when my friends are unhappy." T'pol slanted her a look, "I cannot be unhappy, it is an emotion."

Buffy rolled her eyes and sighed, "I want you to come with us. Jon needs you. Think about it ok?"

"It is all that I think about." T'pol commented quietly. "Thank you for your friendship."

"I have the better side of that deal. Come on, the crew will want to see you." She said.

T'pol sighed and walked with her, "I will be on the Enterprise tomorrow to collect my things."

"Reeaally." Buffy said, drawing out the word as she looked at T'pol with interest.

Jon's eyes went to his wife as she and T'pol walked back in. Her eyes were filled with resolve.

 "Uh oh." he said and Trip looked over at Buffy, "She's got that look doesn't she."

They watched her walk over to them and smile, "Everything will be fine gentlemen." Her eyes went to T'pol standing by the Admiral and chatting quietly.

The music swelled and Jon turned to his wife, "Dance with me?" he asked quietly. She took his hand and as the music played, they danced, eyes on one another, the love shimmering around them.

Trip sighed and leaned over to Malcolm, "I really could just kick myself."  

Malcolm chuckled, "I think the male part of the crew are thinking the same thing Commander."

Trip looked at the Armory officer, speculation in his eyes, "Even you?"

A sigh, "Especially me."