Special thanks to Exploded Pen, dottid, volley, STC, firebirdgirl, and Tata for providing such lovely feedback.

Chapter 2

Malcolm took one step forward and crossed his arms over his chest. "Brother," he said. "It's been a long time."

The mirror image of Malcolm, save for his hair being a bit longer and an abundant crop of five-o'clock shadow, stood in the middle of the launch bay. In one hand he clutched his bag, the other was braced on his hip. An ultra-modern sub-compact camera, which was half the size of a deck of playing cards, hung around his neck. He looked confident and defiant at the same time.

"Somehow, Malcolm," Michael said drily, "I don't believe you think it's been long enough."

Archer took note of the situation, and in particular the reaction of the junior crewmembers. He addressed their audience loudly. "Dismissed!"

No sooner than the spectators vacated the launch bay, Malcolm settled into a parade rest position, legs apart, but he still kept his arms folded over his chest. He looked prepared to face his brother down no matter how long it would take.

Michael held his brother's gaze for a full minute while the senior staff looked on. Then suddenly his face broke into a huge welcoming grin. Dropping his bag, he walked toward Malcolm, his arms held out wide. "Ah, Malcolm, it's so good to see you!" he exclaimed and pulled his brother into an embrace which wasn't returned. Over Malcolm's shoulder, he looked at the others. "My twin's always been the proverbial stiff necked Brit," he explained. "Real fun around the holidays, let me tell you!" Leighton winked as he pulled back from his brother.

Through it all, Malcolm had retained his stance, and still looked coldly at his twin.

"Lighten up, Malcolm, it isn't every day family comes to visit!" Archer remarked with a slightly puzzled expression at his Armory Officer's lack of response to his brother.

Hoshi was watching the interaction between Malcolm and his brother with interest.

"Why didn't you tell me you'd changed your last name again?" Malcolm asked. "I believe last time we met you were using 'Greystone'? Or was it 'Simpson'?"

Michael shrugged. "I can't recall, brother. Besides," he waved one hand dismissing the thought, "that was a long time ago. So much has happened since then."

"Why change your name?" Archer asked as he approached the pair. He held his hand out to welcome the reporter. Michael reached forward and shook it firmly.

"To put it simply," he sighed dramatically, "it's the fame. You see, I'm actually quite famous. With fame also comes attention, sometimes unwanted attention -- especially of my family. Wouldn't want the paparazzi and members of my fan club to harass my parents. Dad would never stand for that, and Mum would be out of her element! I, of course, have realized over the years how important it is to make myself available to the public."

Malcolm rolled his eyes and turned away from his twin.

"Don't mind him," Michael said in a faux whisper. "He's always been rather secretive, not to mention paranoid. Probably drives you all crazy."

Archer couldn't help himself and smiled and Trip chuckled.

Standing beside T'Pol, Hoshi looked decidedly uncomfortable and continued to observe the twins' behavior.

"But I'm very glad to finally be on Enterprise," Michael continued. "We've heard so much about this ship back on Earth. About all your adventures, the aliens, not to mention," he stepped away from Archer and approached T'Pol and Hoshi, "all the beautiful women who grace this vessel." Gallantly, he picked up Hoshi's hand and brushed his lips over her knuckles.

Archer saw Hoshi look down at Michael and then lift her eyes and focused on Malcolm who still looked unsettled.

Michael started to reach for T'Pol's hand but, seeing her cold stare, apparently thought better of it and instead clasped his hands behind his back.

"I've also heard a great deal about Enterprise's First Officer." He bowed deeply to the Vulcan, and as he rose he smiled slightly. "You would do me a great honour to join me for a cup of tea, Sub-Commander T'Pol. I have become fascinated with the Vulcan culture, as well as the Vulcan people. There is much I would like to discuss with you. I'm planning on devoting two full articles to how you've been able to adjust to working on a ship full of Humans."

"We do have one Denobulan on board," T'Pol said. "And a canine."

Leighton laughed loudly. "Ah, the Vulcan propensity for accuracy. It's just delightful! I do hope you'll agree to sharing tea with me?"

T'Pol bowed her head. "I look forward to it."

"Splendid!" Michael turned back to Hoshi. "Don't think I've forgotten about you, luv." He reached out and again brought her hand to his lips, this time trapping her gaze with his own. "If my research is correct, you would be Ensign Hoshi Sato, linguist extraodinaire. I am very intrigued with your abilities and responsibilities on Enterprise. I have another report planned solely focused on you. I guarantee it will be very popular with my readers! Of course, we will have to take photographs, everyone on Earth will want to see the beautiful woman who serves as the ship's communications officer."

Hoshi brought her free hand to her mouth to cover an embarrassed laugh. Michael still hadn't released the other hand.

"Pardon me, Mr. Leighton," Archer said stepping forward. "I am remiss. I should have introduced you." Captain smile ruefully, lifting his hands up as he shrugged.) "But things didn't quite work out like we expected."

"Michael, please, Captain. Mr. Leighton is just too stuffy. That is a name I reserve for my solicitors and accountants."

Archer bobbed his head. "Point taken, Michael. Malcolm?"

"Aye, sir."

"I'm sure you'd like to spend some time with your brother. Will you please escort him to the guest quarters?"

Archer thought for a moment Malcolm was going to refuse, but instead he nodded and with a shrug, Michael followed his twin out of the launch bay.

End Chapter 2