A/N Still don't own anything.

Thank you to escape5, LoErneBraska, aria1210, and ShanRQuinn for your reviews. I hope all of you who are reading along will stay with me, but I don't want to mislead anyone. This is an Archer/T'Pol story.

It took Archer a few moments to gather himself, and by the time he returned to the waiting room, T'Pol was gone. As he passed the receptionist on the way to Admiral Gardner's office, he got a glare from her that he ignored.

As he entered the office, Gardner motioned for him to sit down. Before Gardner could speak, Archer jumped in, "Before we start Admiral, there is something I need your help with."

Gardner didn't seem too happy about the interruption, but said, "What is it?"

"The reason I was late is that Commander T'Pol just informed me that she is leaving Starfleet and going back to Vulcan."

Looking surprised, "I haven't heard anything about it."

"She refrained from telling anyone until now because she was afraid we would try to talk her out of it. Guess this is your notification."

"Did she say what her future plans were?"

Archer decided that T'Pol would not appreciate him telling Gardner about the ritual. "No, but she did say there was a possibility she might return. I was hoping, Sir, that we could keep her on the books, so to speak, for say, a year. Without pay, of course."

"A year? You know we have no precedents to do that."

"Well, she is entitled to sixty days leave. So, let's just say she's is on some type of administrative leave after that. I am sure you can find some way to do it. I'm asking as a personal favor."

Gardner was thinking that Captain Archer was pushing a little too much, knowing he was considered a hero by all of Earth. But, he also knew how badly the President wanted him for this job.

"All right, I'll figure out something, but just for a year."

As Archer thanked him, he thought to himself, 'we'll see in a year.'

"Now, could we possibly get to what I called you down here for?"

"Of course, Sir."

"As you know, President Samuels has made the reestablishment of some type of alliance between us and the other three planets a high priority. He believes that one major hold up is that the citizens of each planet fear the others because they know nothing about them. Feeling that they are completely alien to each other."

"His plan, which I endorse, it to set up a series of let's call them fairs. One would be held on each of the four planets. We would invite ordinary citizens of each planet to participate; that is farmers, businessmen, professionals, etc. We would also include families, spouses, children. The three planets that are visiting the home world of the other would also present an overview of their planet; it's terrain, it's cities, etc."

"Then, at the end, individuals representing occupations on the home planet could meet informally with their counterparts. Be able to see how they are the same, how they meet similar challenges."

Archer answered, "I think it is a good idea, but some of those planets do have very different lifestyles."

"That's true, but if we cannot find common ground, no alliance will last for long. We need to be able to interact with these people."

"Where do I fit in?"

President Samuels and I agree that you are the person to be in charge of carrying this out. You have the contacts, you are probably the one person all of them trust. We have already set up a command center for you to operate out of. It has been provided with the most advanced communications. The site for the first fair, which will be on Earth, is being worked on as we speak."

"Do I need to pick a staff?"

"We have already done the staffing, but you are certainly able to make any changes you want, including bringing in anyone you wish."

"When do I start?"

"Right now. Michelle has the information on where the center is, equipment, and current staffing. The President wants this done ASAP. We plan on having the first Fair in three months, then one every two months after that."

"That's pretty aggressive."

"Yes, but we can't afford to let this drag out for a long time. We need to keep moving forward."

"I guess I better get started."

Admiral Gardner got up. As Archer also rose, Gardner reached out to shake his hand, "Good luck, Jon, I know we can count on you."

Archer shook his hand and after getting the information, found his command center. After being introduced to his staff and getting a tour, he turned to his communications expert and said, "Get me Commander Shran."

The shuttle bearing Lieutenant Commander Reed landed at a small air field on the coast of England. Thanking his pilot, Reed exited the craft. He had decided to wear his dress uniform because he believed his Father would like to see him in it. Telling the pilot he would contact Starfleet when he was ready to leave, he watched the Shuttle take off.

At that moment, he saw a car coming down from the bluffs that surrounded the airport. He was surprised to see it was the same old cab that had served the airport since he was a boy.

When it came to a stop, he was even more surprised to see it was still being driven by the same man. The driver exited and walked over to him, "Malcolm Reed, it's been a long time. Welcome home."

"Hello, Clyde, I see somethings never change."

Clyde smiled, "Around here, that's pretty much true about everything."

Then, he turned serious. "It's an honor to see you. We're all proud of what you did."

"Thank you, Clyde, but we just were doing out duty."

"I was sorry to hear about your Father, we are all hoping for the best."

Reed just nodded and placing his bag in the back, sat next to the driver.

The cab wound its way up the hill to a road that ran behind the sand dunes overlooking the sea. It passed a series of similar looking homes until it stopped in front of one of them.

Reed got out, got his bag, and taking out his wallet turned back to Clyde, "What's the damage?"

Clyde waved him off. "You'll find your money's no good here. Give my best to your mother."

Malcolm started to protest, but realized it wouldn't do any good. He thanked Clyde and as the cab drove off, headed for the house. As he neared the front door, his mother came out to greet him. Malcolm struggled to hide his reaction as he saw how much she had changed. Apparently, his father's illness was taking a toll on her as well. She looked thin and very tired. She summoned up a smile to meet him as she gave him a hug.

"It's so good to see you, Malcolm. Your father has been looking forward to you coming." She stepped back and looked at him, "You look so handsome."

"Thanks, Mom. How is he doing?"

"He has his good days and his bad days. Today is a good one, and you being here will make it even better."

As they entered the house, she said, "You can put your bag in your old room. I have been sleeping in Madeline's old room and Madeline has been staying in the guest room."

"Is Madeline here?"

"She had to go back to London for some crisis at work. She said she'd be back in a couple of days." She went on, "I think she just needed to get away. Seeing her father like this has been hard on her."

Malcolm put his bag in his old room, noting it had changed very little since the last time he saw it. When he returned to the living room, his mother was putting some medicine bottles and a cup of water on a small tray, "It's almost time for his medicine. After he takes it, he gets disoriented and drowsy, so I'll let you go up now." She hesitated, "Try not to be shocked by what you see."

With no little trepidation, Malcolm made his way up the stairs to his parent's bedroom. Knocking on the door, he heard a faint voice ask him to come in. Although he thought he had prepared himself, he was still upset by what he saw. All his life, his father had been bigger than life, a formidable presence in Malcolm's life. What laid in the bed was but a shell of that man. If he didn't know it was his father, he probably would not have recognized him. Evidently what he felt showed on his face, because his father smiled weakly and said in a voice that was but a remnant of his deep bass, "Quite a sight, huh. You should see me on a bad day."

Malcolm moved over closer to the bed. He made no attempt to hug him, he would feel odd doing so and his Father had never been one for touching. "Hello, Father."

"You look quite impressive in that uniform. It appears I was wrong for being against your entering Starfleet. Everyone is proud of you, Malcolm."

"I know, but you know we were just soldiers doing our best."

His father nodded and then after a slight hesitation, "There is something we need to talk about."

Malcolm thought to himself, sure of what his father was referring to, 'that didn't take long, and I worried if I should bring it up'.

"As you know, a Reed has lived on this land for over 400 years. Are you going to continue that tradition?"

Malcolm looked into his eyes, "No, Father."

His father didn't show much reaction, he evidently had prepared himself for that answer. "I thought as much. In fact, in anticipation of it, I had already asked your sister if she would consider it, but she has her life in London."

After a short awkward silence, his father continued, "Fortunately, I believe I have a workable solution. Your Mother has already made it clear she intends to live here as long as she is able to. Do you remember Jeremy Winston?"

Malcolm unconsciously raised his eyebrows and thought, 'Remember him? How could he forget him'? Jeremy had grown up just down the road from the Reeds. His father had been abusive to both him and his mother. Jeremy had found refuge with the Reeds. He spent much of his childhood with them. He had often told Malcolm how much he envied him and how he wished he could be a Reed.

"Of course, Father, what about him?"

"Anticipating your response, I approached him and asked if he would be willing to look after your Mother and the house after I am gone. He said he would be glad to do what he could."

Malcolm had to smile to himself. It appeared that Jeremy was about to get his wish, to replace Malcolm. He knew he should be grateful to him, after all, it was Malcolm's decision that was allowing him in; but it still bothered Malcolm for some reason that it was him. Then he chided himself for his hypocrisy.

"That is very generous of him. I am glad Mother will be able to stay here. But you aren't dead yet. As stubborn as you are, you may fool everyone."

"I am afraid this time I met somebody I can't buffalo. In fact, we need to get Jeremy over here as soon as possible to sign some papers."

Just then, Malcolm's mother came through the door. "It's time for your medication and you need some rest."

His father answered, "Can't we wait a little longer?"

"No, you need to rest. you and Malcolm can continue your talk later."

"Very well. We'll finish up that matter later, Malcolm." Then hesitating, "It has been good to see you."

Malcolm answered, "And you, Father. I'll come back up after you've rested."

Malcolm left and went downstairs. Deciding to change out of his uniform, he went into his room and changed. As he came out, his mother was waiting for him. "He will probably sleep until after suppertime. Can I get you something?"

"A cup of tea, if it would not be too much trouble?"

"Of course not, have a seat and I'll get it."

After she fixed the tea, she joined Malcolm at the table. "I hope it wasn't too much of a shock seeing your father like that."

Malcolm decided to lie a little, "No, it was bad, but not more than I was expecting." Hesitating, wondering if he should say anything, "How about you, Mother, are you getting any rest?"

"It has been difficult, but I will be all right." After a moment, she showed her old smile, "Penelope was by the other day asking when you were coming."

Luckily, Malcolm didn't have any tea in his mouth, or he probably would have spit it out. "Penelope?"

His mother smiled again, "Why don't you just swing by and visit her? As I said, your Father will be asleep for a while. I'll make supper about six."

Trying to look nonchalant, Malcolm said, "I think I will." Finishing up his tea, he headed out the door. "I'll be back for supper, goodbye, Mom."

"Goodbye Malcolm, say Hi to Penelope for me."

Malcolm started walking along the road, heading away from the airport. As he walked, his mind was running a mile a minute, trying to absorb all that happened in such a short time. Then he passed a trail that led out into the dunes. Suddenly, he was overcome with a rush of memories.

Penelope Crowder had been in the same grade as him in school. She had always been considered an odd one, dressing in clothes that covered her from head to foot, even in the summer. She had a plain face and was ignored by Malcolm and his friends. She had a brilliant brother, who had graduated from High School when he was eleven and went off to Oxford. He remembered how Penelope had protected her brother from bullies when he was growing up.

Then, when he was a junior in high school, he was stood up by the girl who was to be his date for the Junior Prom. With few choices, he had asked Penelope to join him. To his surprise, she accepted. Then to everyone's amazement, when she showed up at the prom, her normal dress revealed a beautiful body she had hidden under those clothes.

They had started dating and did so through their Senior year. Before he left for Starfleet training, he had thought of asking her to marry him, but even back then, realized it wouldn't be fair to her. He had no idea where he would end up. The trail he had stopped at led to the place where they had each lost their virginity to the other.

Resuming his walk, he soon arrived at Penelope's house. Both her parents had died and her brother worked as a scientist in London. She got by as a part time teacher and money her parents had left her.

Now that he was here, he felt nervous, not exactly sure how he would be greeted or how he felt for that matter. He had not been in contact with her since he left and only knew what he knew about her from a previous conversation with his mother.

He walked up and knocked on the door. She answered it almost immediately. She appeared not to have changed a bit. She still wore the same clothes she had before. Before he could do anything, she hit him on the upper arm.

"Ow, what was that for?"

"That's for not hearing from you for so long." Then she grabbed him and kissed him on the mouth. "And that's because I missed you."

Smirking at the look on his face, "Why don't you come in?"

He came in and sat next to her on the couch. She went on. "I am sorry about the hit. After all, you have been a little busy. I just want you to know how proud we…"

"If you don't mind, Penelope, if I hear how wonderful I am one more time, I am going to puke."

She looked surprised, but then smiled, "No, problem, Malcolm, I know how you hate to have anyone paying you compliments or making a fuss over you." Then smirking again, "Is Jonathon Archer as handsome in person?"

Seeing him get flustered, she laughed and said, "Sorry, just giving you a little shot, there is only one handsome man on Enterprise I am interested in." Seeing him blush a little, she continued with a giggle, "And that's Commander Tucker."

Malcolm stopped her next giggle by leaning over and giving her a kiss, which she returned.

Then she got up and said. "Let's go for a walk." She grabbed a jacket and headed out the door. Bemused, Malcolm followed her. They walked together, not talking for a while, back the way Malcolm had come. When they reached the trail, Penelope grabbed his hand and they walked out onto the dunes until they could see the sea below.

She turned to him, "Well, did you meet any beautiful aliens out there?"

Malcolm though of Tallas and T'Pol. Telling a little lie, "None that I was interested in, or that were interested in me."

"How about crewmates?"

Malcom then thought of Hoshi losing her shirt and the misunderstanding when he thought she was asking her to her cabin. "No, how about you?"

"Oh, a few have tried, but I just told them I was only interested in officers in Starfleet. That kind of narrowed the field a little." After a long hesitation, she went on. "Jeremy Winston has been persistent, though."

Malcolm was shocked and then a little angry. Evidentially, Jeremy wanted to replace him in more ways than one. "I assume you have resisted."

"Yes." But then she turned to him. "But, I can't keep waiting for someone who may never want me."

Malcolm was stunned and realized how he was not ready for this.

"Penelope…"

She put her fingers on his lips. "Shh, don't say anything." Taking another look at the water, she said, "It's getting chilly. We better head back."

It was a silent walk back, both lost in their own thoughts. When they reached her door, Penelope said, "I just want to let you know how bad I feel about your father. I try to get down there to try to help out a little but I just feel so helpless."

Taking both his hands in hers, "You'll come and see me again before you leave?"

Then she gave him a quick kiss and went into the house, leaving Malcolm alone and confused.

Malcolm made his way back home, his mind trying to wrap around what had just happened. The trouble was he didn't know what he had expected or what he wanted. He had managed to tell himself that it was probably over between them, that she would have found someone. In trying to protect himself from getting hurt, he had ignored his own feelings. Now, he knew he still loved her, but nothing had changed, in fact it had become clearer they couldn't be together. He had made his decision. He wanted a career in Starfleet. He needed to devote himself to that career. Penelope deserved someone that was there for her, someone to build a family with. But then he frowned, 'Why did it have to be Jeremy Winston?'

He reached his destination still fighting his thoughts. Although he thought he had made his decision, he could not completely dismiss the fact that Penelope still wanted him, that somehow they could make it work.

As he entered the house, he was informed that dinner was almost ready. Fending off questions about Penelope, he just told his mom they had a nice talk and were going to get together again before he left. After they ate, Malcolm helped with the dishes. Just as they finished, there was a knock on the door. Telling his mother he'd get it, he opened the door to find Jeremy Winston standing there.

"Hello, Jeremy, come on in." Malcolm had a petty feeling of satisfaction to see that Jeremy was going bald.

Jeremy stuck out his hand and Malcolm shook it quickly. As Jeremy entered, he went on, "Malcolm, it's great to see you. Guess we were lucky you guys were able to deal with those aliens."

He then smiled and said, "Evening, Mary, how was Stuart today?"

In spite of himself, Malcolm found himself irked at the familiarity. Then he had to smirk to himself, this guy was really getting under his skin. At least he didn't call them Mom and Dad.

Reminding himself that Jeremy was here because of what Malcolm had chosen, he decided he should do his best to make this go well.

"Jeremy, I just want to let you know how much I appreciate you doing this for our family."

Jeremy smiled, "Well, thank you Malcolm, but then, we can't all just go off galivanting around the universe, now, can we?"

Malcolm managed to stay civil the rest of the night as they basically signed papers turning over his inheritance to Jeremy.

The next day was quiet. His father had a really bad day and they kept him pretty well knocked out with pain killers. Malcolm did go down to the local tavern but soon tired of everyone patting him on the back and saying, "Your money's no good here."

The third day Madeline returned and she and Malcolm had a good day getting reacquainted. Stuart had another bad day and it was apparent the end was near. Malcolm and Madeline returned from a walk around town about supper time, but their mother was not around. Then they saw her come down the stairs crying and knew it was time. Seeing them, she confirmed it, dabbing at her eyes, "I've called for Doctor Swanson, you two better go up."

They sadly mounted the stairs and entered the room. Their father was obviously fighting for every breath. They had to get right next to the bed to hear him. It took him some time to get it all out. "I know I wasn't always the best father and maybe I was too hard on you, but I always wanted the best for you and am proud of you both."

Suddenly Malcolm knew what he wanted to say. He was surprised in a way, but realized he knew it was true even if he had often hated him as well. "I love you, Father." Then he reached down and gave him a small hug.

Madeline could do nothing but cry and reach out and take his withered hand.

Then, they heard their mother and the Doctor coming up the stairs. They left so their mother could spend the last moments with him.

Then Malcolm thought he should call Penelope. As she gave him her condolences, he knew what he must do.

Madeline remembered to call Jeremy, but by the time he got there, it was over.

The funeral was two days later. The whole town turned out and Stuart Reed received a military send off. Penelope came over at the funeral and talked to his mother and Madeline and nodded to him.

Malcolm and Madeline stayed around for two days, but then both decided it was time to go. Their mother assured them she would be fine and Malcolm had to admit that Jeremy had been good for her.

After saying goodbye to Madeline and calling for a Shuttle, Malcolm headed back down the road to Penelope's.

She let him in and sat him down on the couch. Before he could say anything, she started.

"Do you know how this town got started? It was built for the wives of sailors who sailed out from here. At one time, it was the place where women waited for their men to return." She looked at Malcolm. "I am a descendent of those women and I want nothing more than to wait for you. Please give me a chance to do so."

For a moment, Malcolm wavered, but then he knew he had decided correctly when he had talked to her on the phone. "I can't let you do that, Penelope. I am not going to sea. I might not be back for years. You deserve better than that. You deserve someone who will be here for you. Someone to have a family with."

Penelope looked him in the eye. "It's my decision. It's what I want. I know what I am putting myself in for but that's my choice."

Malcom looked down and then back up, "No, I love you too much to ask you to do that. I won't let you do it."

Her eyes softened, "You love me?"

"Yes, but if we did that, we would end up regretting it."

She looked at him and then sighed. "I don't suppose crying would change your mind."

Malcolm had to give her a small smile. "No, but please don't"

Then she seemed to make a decision. She got up and took him by the hand and pulled him toward the stairs. When he looked inquisitively at her she said, "Don't worry, I won't ask for anything, I just need to do this."

They quietly went up the stairs. They got on the bed and kissed, increasingly passionately. Then they undressed each other. Malcolm did all he could to be sure he could bring her as much pleasure as possible. The act itself was wonderful, but yet leaving a sense of sadness at what it meant.

Afterwards, she didn't say a word, just grabbed a robe and went out the door.

Malcolm got dressed and went downstairs. She was standing by a counter in the kitchen, looking the other way. He started to move toward her but she waved him away. He turned and headed for the door. He heard a quiet voice say, "Goodbye, Malcolm."

He turned and said, "Goodbye, Penelope." It seemed so little, but he also knew there was nothing left to say.

As he walked back down the road, he looked back, but couldn't tell if she was watching or not.

He returned home and said his goodbyes, giving his mother a big hug and promising to really make an effort to stay in touch. He then shook hands with Jeremy.

Clyde arrived soon after he called him. He had also been contacted that the Shuttle would be on time. As he waved once more from the cab, they headed back down the road to the airport.

The Shuttle was waiting and the pilot took his bag. Malcolm turned and shook hands with Clyde.

"Goodbye, Malcom, try not to stay away so long this time."

"Goodbye, Clyde."

He then boarded the Shuttle and took one last look back before the Shuttle turned and flew back toward Starfleet.

A lone figure stood on the dunes watching as the Shuttle lifted off. Penelope waited until the Shuttle was out of sight. Then she turned back, walking down the trail leading to her home.