A/N These characters do not belong to me, I am just borrowing them for a while. Thank you to Mojo01, LoErneBraska and Guest for their reviews. And a belated thanks to aria1210 for the review for chapter 10. I really do read and appreciate them. And thanks of course to all of you who honor me by reading my story.

As Archer came up to Soval he was surprised to see Soval extend his hand as he said, "Welcome to Vulcan, Captain."

Shaking his hand, Archer thought how much his relationship with Soval had changed. The man he once hated for preventing his father from realizing his dream was now one of his most trusted friends.

He quickly asked, "Have you heard from T'Pol?"

Soval answered, "Yes, and she is willing to see you as soon as you wish." Anticipating Archer's next question, he said, "She did not tell me what she had decided."

Archer nodded. He then obtained the information from Soval as to how to find T'Pol and arranged for a shuttle he could use. In less than an hour, he was on his way to T'Pol's mother's home. He had contacted her to tell her he was coming. He of course could not tell anything about what her decision was from her tone of voice.

During the trip, he came to a decision. If she had decided to leave Enterprise and him for good, he was going to tell her how he felt about her. He was not so naïve that he thought it would change her mind, but he figured he had nothing to lose, and would regret it the rest of his life if he didn't take a shot.

On the other hand, if she was returning to Starfleet and Enterprise, he would not risk changing her mind. Perhaps…some day.

T'Pol found herself unvulcanly looking out the window at the shuttle landing area. It was at the end of the road that passed in front of the house. There were two other houses in the area. She had not talked to either of their inhabitants in years.

Then, she saw the shuttle approach and land. She smiled inwardly as she saw how cleanly he landed. Then she saw the door open and him exit. Until that moment, she hadn't realized how much she had missed him. Just then she saw someone looking out of one of the houses, watching the Captain approach. She quickly stepped back so that she would not be seen doing the same thing. She could not blame the other person, it was highly likely they had never seen a human before.

Deciding she really did not care what the others might think, she opened the door and waited for him just outside. She saw him notice her and the smile he got on her face almost made her smile. He quickened his stride and was soon up to her. Archer thought to himself, 'God, she is so beautiful.'

Although she wanted to touch him, she did not, but just greeted him and invited him inside.

As they entered, she could see he was surprised how much cooler it was inside.

T'Pol spoke first, "Can I get you anything, Captain?"

Archer smiled and said. "Some water would be nice."

T'Pol crossed to the refrigerator and taking out the pitcher, poured water into a glass, as she asked the Captain to sit down. She then brought him the water and sat down across from him. They were both silent as Archer took a drink, then set the glass down and looked expectantly at her.

"I am sure you are curious as to my decision."

Archer smiled and said, "I am not going to pretend. I do not exaggerate when I say, it may be one of the most important moments of my life."

T'Pol was stunned. What did he mean by that? She told herself to relax. It was no more than the feelings he had expressed in the past. How important her friendship was to him. Still, it made her feel warm.

"I have decided to return to Starfleet and Enterprise if that is still available to me."

Archer released a deep breath that he had not realized he was holding. "Available? T'Pol, a spot will always be there for you. In fact, I don't know if you remember me saying I would try to keep you a place in Starfleet? Admiral Gardner agreed and all we need to do is get you back on active duty."

Looking around, he said, "I don't suppose you have the ability to contact Earth?"

"No, my communication device is for intra-planet use only."

"Well, when I return to the capitol for the Fair, I will contact Admiral Gardner so everything will be set up when we get there."

Seeing her quizzical look, he realized she probably knew nothing of what had been happening. For the next half hour, he brought her up to date on the fairs and the status of Enterprise. When he told her about Jhamel and Shran getting married, he remembered the invitation in his pocket. Suddenly, he was worried about how she would react when she heard about Trip and Natalie. Would she miss Trip? Would she want him back?

Gathering his courage, he said, keeping his voice light, "Speaking of marriage, I have an invitation to a wedding for you."

T'Pol was unable to hide her surprise and wondered as she took the card who she knew that would be getting married. For a moment she panicked that it was Jonathan but realized she was being absurd. When she saw it Trip that was getting married, she felt relief and happiness. She had been worried about how he would act toward her when she returned. At the same time, she was concerned with what had happened, that he would find someone so fast. Also, she did not recognize the name.

Hesitantly, she said to Archer, "Is this what I believe humans refer to as a rebound?"

Amused that she knew the phrase, Archer answered, "In some cases, it would be construed as such, but Trip was with Natalie before our first mission. I know at that time, he was thinking about asking her to marry him."

"They want me to attend the wedding?"

"Definitely. Natalie also said, she hoped you were coming back because she would like to try to be your friend."

"So, you do not think it would be awkward?"

"No, they really seem to be in love and I know Trip misses you as a friend."

"Then, I shall plan on attending."

"Good." Then he hesitated and acted a little embarrassed. "Would you like to go as my partner?"

T'Pol raised her eyebrows a little, "What exactly does that entail?"

"There are social events that occur in conjunction with a wedding. There is a groom's dinner. And a reception afterwards that includes a dance. You would attend those with me."

T'Pol struggled to hide her satisfaction at what he proposed. She did say though, "I do not dance."

Archer smiled, "It's no big deal. We can do a little practice before then and I will lead. You will be fine."

T'Pol answered, "Very well, I will be your partner."

Archer thought, if only that were true.

Changing the subject, Archer started to rise. Well, it's getting late, I should get back to the Capitol. Soval has arranged a place for me to stay. Then he said hopefully, "Everyone will not arrive until the end of the week. Would it be okay if I came back and we were able to talk more tomorrow?"

T'Pol gathered her courage again, "It seems wasteful to travel back and forth. Why do you not stay here until it is time for you to get ready for the fair. There is a guest room Trip stayed in while he was here."

Archer was surprised at the pang of jealousy that hit him when she mentioned that Trip had stayed there, but it quickly passed. Then he just felt joy that she wanted to spend time with him. He quickly accepted, saying that he had left so quickly to visit her, he had put his bag in the shuttle.

After contacting Soval and informing him of the change in plans, he went to get his bag.

T'Pol watched him leave and realized what had just occurred. She would be spending time with the Captain alone, away from the ship. She knew nothing would happen, in fact she was not sure she was ready for something to happen, but found herself looking forward to being with him.

Archer's mind was racing as he walked to the shuttle and back. This was so much more that he had possibly hoped for. Not only was she coming back to Earth, she wanted to spend time alone with him. He quickly shut down any thought that it had any romantic overtones, but just cherished the fact that evidently his friendship meant as much to her as hers did to him.

Unknown to either of them, there was a set of eyes observing what was going on. Klas had lived in the house closest to T'Pol's family home since she was a child. He had been a friend of T'Pol's father and had often interacted with the family. He had also often been the recipient of the father's concerns about T'Pol. After her father died and T'Pol had moved away, he stopped having any interaction with T'Pol or her mother. He did follow her career with some interest and wondered what her father would have thought of what she had done. He had watched when she had brought the other human to visit. His concerns had been temporarily laid to rest when she married Koss. But then the marriage had been dissolved. Now, she had returned home alone. She had spent the last six months alone in the house, only exiting to get supplies. No one knew for sure what was going on, but it had gotten around that she had purchased a substance used in several Vulcan rituals.

Then, suddenly, another human had come. He had recognized him as Captain Jonathan Archer. He had certain acquaintances that thought highly of the Captain. They told how he had saved Vulcan and other planets from an invasion. Klas thought them naïve and showing emotions. It was inconceivable that a backward species like humans could have accomplished such a feat.

He had watched T'Pol come to the door to greet him. He of course had heard of the mutant baby that had been created from her and the other human's DNA. He had also heard how she had reportedly been intimate with a human. It was also believed that she actually preferred to work with humans, to spend her time with them.

Then there was the rumor that apparently Surak's katra had been carried by Archer. That he had led T'Pau to the Kir Shara. He of course didn't put much stock in it. No one could convince him that a man who lived hundreds of years ago, could have his being put in a human's mind.

He had been encouraged when it appeared T'Pau was returning to basic Vulcan beliefs. That they had no need to be involved in foreign intrigues. He was strongly behind her plan to reduce the size of the fleet. He applauded her for saying she saw no reason for her to ever leave Vulcan.

But then news had come of this fair. It appeared that Soval was behind it. It was common knowledge that his years on Earth had contaminated him. Like T'Pol, he had become involved with the humans. Another reason why Vulcans must not become entangled with other species.

Then he saw Archer leaving and hoped it was for good. Perhaps T'Pol had come to her senses. He was shocked when instead of taking off, Archer took what appeared to be a traveling bag from the shuttle and headed back to the house.

He now knew he could not just stand by and let this go unchallenged. At least the last time, her mother had been in the house. Now she was showing she had no shame. He would confront them in the morning. He thought of others that agreed with him and decided he needed to make some calls.

When Archer returned to the house, he put his bag in the guest room and he and T'Pol talked for a while, Archer expounding a little more what had been done to Enterprise.

Eventually they said goodnight and went to their respective rooms. After he had climbed into bed, Archer took out the small data base computer that Hoshi had loaded with facts about Vulcan. Searching under Vulcan house guest, he was surprised to find it was customary for the guest to prepare breakfast. Although he wasn't sure what he could come up with, he decided he would at least show her he knew the custom.

The next morning, Archer rose early, got dressed in civilian clothes and managed to get to the kitchen ahead of T'Pol. All he could find to serve was the tray of fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator. Ruefully, he put the tray on the table and poured two glasses of water.

T'Pol, who had wondered if Archer knew the custom, had waited to arise until she heard him do so. She had to smile inwardly at his 'prepared breakfast', but appreciated him making the effort.

Archer spoke first, "Sorry, I know It's pretty pathetic. I really didn't know where anything was."

"Actually, I have very little food in the house. I could make you a Vulcan equivalent of toast."

"It's okay, I am really not that hungry." Seeing her dressed in her Vulcan robes, he asked, "Well, how should we spend our day?"

"We should probably get some food. There is a marketplace not far from here. It is typical for most places outside the big cities. I think it would be a good place to show you something of Vulcan life."

"Sounds good to me. Are they open this early?"

"Yes, they open quite early and close at dusk."

Having learned to protect his skin and eyes from his experience in the Forge, Archer donned a cap, sunglasses, and a light jacket, marveling how Vulcans could stand dressing in their robes.

As they exited the house, they were surprised to see five Vulcan men standing by the road. As they started down the path, the men blocked their way. T'Pol recognized one of them as her neighbor, Klas.

Archer spoke up, "What are you doing? You're blocking our path."

The men looked at him blankly and then Klas said something in Vulcan. They apparently did not understand or speak English.

Thus, they had kind of a surreal confrontation, with T'Pol forced to act as translator. Archer quickly got the idea. They did not like humans. That bothered him a little, but his anger grew when he also realized that they were attacking T'Pol, seemingly concerned that a Human was staying in her house. He could tell T'Pol was getting upset as well, although only he or Trip would probably be able to tell. He instinctively stepped forward to protect T'Pol although he knew she would be able to protect herself better than he could. Just as he was wondering how they were going to handle the situation, having pretty much decided he was not going to take much more of what they were saying; five other Vulcans arrived on the scene.

One of them, who the others seemed to defer to, stepped forward. He noticed their protagonists were obviously unhappy at the man's arrival.

Klas spoke to him, "Sovak, what are you doing here?"

Sovak answered in Vulcan, "One of the individuals you called last night apparently did not share your views as much as you thought. He contacted me as to your plans."

He then turned to Archer and T'Pol. Speaking in English, he said, "Captain Archer, it is satisfactory to meet you." Looking back toward Klas and the others, he went on, "I apologize for my fellow Vulcans. They are bringing shame to my…" He seemed to struggle for a word. "He finally said, "The closest translation would be a town."

He continued, "I would be the approximate equivalent of a mayor on your planet."

He then asked, "I hope I am not being as you would say, nosy, but could I ask where you are headed?"

Archer answered, "T'Pol was about to show me your marketplace."

"Ah, that sounds like an excellent choice." He looked again at Klas and the others, who were glaring at him not able to understand what he was saying. "Don't worry, Captain, you will not be bothered any longer. Perhaps we will meet again."

Thanking him, Archer and T'Pol resumed their walk down the road.

As they walked, T'Pol spoke up, "I am sorry that you had to be involved in that. It is surprising to me that they would act in that manner."

Archer had to smile to himself, it was hardly the first time he had a problem with Vulcans. He was more concerned for T'Pol. "T'Pol, I am not causing you any problems by staying with you, am I? I can return to the capitol."

T'Pol looked into his eyes. "It is very pleasing to me to have you stay with me. Do not let them lead you to have any doubts."

Archer smiled, "It's very pleasing to me as well."

They continued to walk, a much more comfortable silence now.

They walked in silence until they arrived at the marketplace. Archer was surprised to see it was series of kiosks that apparently sold various products. In the middle was an open marketplace selling fruits and vegetables. Some of the 'stores' sold clothes, shoes, and other items.

While T'Pol was picking out vegetables and fruits, he wandered past the other stores, ignoring the looks he was receiving. For the most part, they showed curiosity, but a couple appeared to be troubled by his appearance. He stopped when he saw a series of vases up for sale. They had exotic patterns and he assumed were native to Vulcan. The proprietor saw his interest and approached. However, it appeared he knew no English and gave up the conversation when Archer did not understand him. Archer signaled to him he would be back and went to get T'Pol. She was just finishing up and had a bag of various food items. She noticed he was not by her, but then saw him approaching her.

He spoke first, "Find what you need?"

"Yes, Captain."

"Then, could you come with me, I would like to show you something."

He led her back to where he had spotted the vases.

"What do you think of these?"

T'Pol, who was a little surprised and not sure why he was interested, looked them over and said they were aesthetically pleasing. "Were you interested in purchasing one?"

"No, but I thought you might."

As she gave him an inquisitive look, he smiled and said, "It is customary when one is invited to a wedding, to bring a gift. I thought that something that came from Vulcan would be interesting to them."

"You believe this would be an appropriate gift?"

"Yes, I think they would like it." Then he added, "If it is not overly expensive."

T'Pol then engaged the proprietor in conversation. After a few exchanges, she handed him a data chip and he touched it to a device on the counter. He then took out a box and some paper and placed one of the vases in it, handing it to her.

Then, as they were about to leave, he said something else. T'Pol looked surprised and then answered. The man then appeared to be satisfied and looked at Archer and bowed slightly.

As they left, Archer asked, "What was the last part all about?"

He wanted to know if you were the Captain of the Earth starship, the man who had Surak's katra. When I assured him you were, he said it was an honor to deal with you."

Archer looked a little perplexed, "T'Pol, I have to admit that I am a little surprised that I seem so well known to everyone. I wouldn't think most Vulcans would be interested in the actions of a human.

T'Pol raised her eyebrows a little. "I greatly admire you, Captain, but sometimes I am exasperated by your inability to realize how important you are, and how significant are the actions you have taken. You are the Captain of the first Earth Warp 5 starship. You were involved with the destruction of P'jem. You saved your world and others from being absorbed by the Expanse. You were instrumental in finding the Kir Shara and removed V'las from power. And, above all, you carried Surak's katra. Do you think that all Vulcans do not have interest in such matters?"

Archer smiled ruefully, "I guess I still retain some of my old prejudices, that Vulcans have no time for humans." Sadly, he said, "I thought I had come farther."

T'Pol reached out and took his arm, "I believe it is more that you have difficulty believe how much you have accomplished, how much of an impact you have made."

Archer put his hand over hers, "Thanks for that. In any case, I am astute enough to know how important the feelings of one Vulcan are."

T'Pol felt herself almost blushing. Vulcans don't blush. She removed her hand and they walked back to the house.

When they were back inside, T'Pol said, "I will make us some lunch. I am afraid I do not have much to entertain you."

Archer smiled, "That's all right, I have something I can review. Sure you don't need any help?"

"No, I will be fine."

As T'Pol went to work, Archer sat down and read through the database Hoshi had provided.

When T'Pol announced lunch was ready, Archer was pleased to find she had created a pasta dish that was quite excellent. He congratulated her and was happy to see that seemed important to her.

As they finished, Archer insisted on helping with the dishes. When they returned to their seats, Archer asked, "Well, what should we do now?"

"I was thinking we could visit Mt. Seleya. It is one of the most important sights on Vulcan. I think it would be of interest to you, Captain."

Archer was about to answer when he realized there was something else he wanted to address. "That sounds good." Then after a small hesitation, he added tentatively, "T'Pol, I am a guest in your house and we're doing things as friends, do you think you still need to address me as Captain?"

T'Pol was shocked and pleased, although she hid it. "That seems logical, what would you prefer to be called?"

"Jonathan would be fine."

"Very well, Cap… Jonathan."

That day, they visited Mt. Seleya. Jonathan was impressed. It was taller than Mt. Everest, reaching into the reddish sky of Vulcan. Such were the components of the metal involved, it was almost black. In a way, he wished he had been able to attempt to climb it, but with the heat and the thinner air, he assumed he would not have been able to achieve much.

The next day they returned to the Forge. They walked to the cave where Syran had died. Archer reflected on the time he had carried Surak's katra. It had been frightening and exhilarating. He sometimes realized that Surak had left some of his knowledge with him. He also felt it was a strength he could sometimes draw on.

Then, the end of the week came, and they headed for the capitol. They had returned to Captain Archer and things had seemingly reverted to normal. But there was a definite feeling that something had changed, that it was different between them.