A/N Still don't own anything.

Thanks to EroSlackerMicha, LoErneBraska, Mojo01, and aria1210 for your wonderful reviews. I really appreciate your comments and insights.

When Archer and T'Pol arrived at the capitol, they were greeted by Soval. He informed T'Pol that Minister T'Pau would like to see her. He and Archer then decided to tour the facilities for the upcoming fair.

As T'Pol left, Soval told Archer the facility was within walking distance and they set out. As they walked Soval spoke up, "From the fact that you did not return after talking to her, and T'Pol accompanying you back here, I assume she has decided to return to Enterprise."

"Yes, and I of course was thrilled to hear it."

"It is most satisfactory to me as well."

'So, you feel T'Pol should stay in Starfleet?"

"I believe it is in the best interest of all."

"All?"

Soval stopped and turned to face Archer, "This is a time of change on Vulcan. Decisions need to be made. There are several competing paths to pick. These decisions will affect Earth and a possible alliance."

"I think I know where you stand, but what does T'Pol re-joining Enterprise have to do with it?"

"T'Pau is at the heart of the decision-making progress. She wishes to restore Vulcan to the true path, to follow the teachings of Surak. But even though the Kir Shara has been translated, it is often difficult to determine how to interpret his sayings."

Soval resumed walking, "T'Pau is currently in the process of reducing the Vulcan military fleet, believing that Surak was a man of peace. At the same time, she shows she believes he was also an explorer open to new ideas, so she is building a scientific fleet to replace it."

Archer said carefully, "I'm not sure I am comfortable with Vulcan disarming with the recent actions of the Romulans."

Soval showed what passed for his smile, "I believe T'Pau has some concerns as well. She plans to stop the reduction at approximately fifty ships, coincidentally being the most powerful. But she is still torn whether that is the right thing to do. She is not sure pacifism means you should not retain the right to defend yourself. As for the Alliance, I am afraid she does not want to be entangled in interstellar intrigue. That is where T'Pol's decision comes in. T'Pol is the bridge between our two worlds. I do not believe you realize how her staying with Enterprise, especially in the Expanse, has created strong feelings of support and condemnation."

"What side is T'Pau on?"

"I am not sure, she has not made a commitment. But how she decides that may have a bearing on the rest."

"You know, it may be that she will have to decide if she can defend Vulcan without some sort of Alliance."

"That is the dilemma." They had become up a large building in the middle of the city. "Here is our destination, Captain, we can enter over here."

When T'Pol entered the Ministry, she was immediately ushered into T'Pau's office. T'Pol could hardly recognize the woman before her. Gone was the scruffy, emotional leader of the Syrannites. T'Pau was dressed in regal robes and carried herself as someone with power.

"Welcome, T'Pol, it is satisfactory to see you again. It was good of you to come on such short notice."

"It was no trouble, it is satisfactory to see you as well." T'Pol looked around. "It is under much different circumstances."

"Yes, but many of the same questions that faced us then still remain." She gestured to a chair, "Please be seated, may I get you some tea? Water perhaps?"

T'Pol answered as she sat down, "That is not necessary."

T'Pau sat across from her. "Then we will proceed. I will not waste our time. My sources tell me that you went through a Vulcan ritual and that you received a visit from Captain Archer. May I assume you are wondering whether you should return to Earth?"

T'Pol was a little taken aback. "Minister, I must admit I am not sure I appreciate your interfering in my personal life. I also do not understand why I would be of interest."

T'Pau rose to her feet and stared at T'Pol with an air of disbelief. "Are you that naïve? Surely you realize how Captain Archer's name is recognized throughout the quadrant and beyond. He is the individual who destroyed the Expanse, turned back the Romulan threat. He is the man responsible for the destruction of P'Jem and the man at the heart of the possibility of an Alliance. And you T'Pol, have been at his side even in the Expanse. For better or worse, you are the face of Vulcan to many."

T'Pol answered, "Are you sure you are not exaggerating? It was a combined fleet that repelled the Romulans and I am sure there are many on Vulcan who have no respect for the Captain or me."

"I did not say that everyone approves of what has been done. Captain Archer has many enemies and you are right that many hold your serving on Enterprise against you. But that does not distract from your importance."

T'Pol took a deep internal breath. As much as it would hurt her, she felt she was at first a Vulcan. "I have decided to return to Enterprise." She paused and went on, "Minister, do you wish me to remain on Vulcan? If you believe my actions will harm Vulcan, I will change my mind."

For a moment, T'Pau had an almost human rueful look on her face. "That is the problem, I do not know what I want. Since Enterprise has been launched, great changes have occurred. What those changes bode for the future of both Earth and Vulcan, as well as the rest of the Galaxy is still unknown."

She turned to T'Pol, "For now, I must trust what you have decided. But a time may come when you will need to make a decision."

As T'Pol pondered that, T'Pau changed the subject. "Are you planning to take part in the Fair?"

"No, but I told Captain Archer I would attend as a spectator. Are you planning to make an appearance?"

T'Pau answered negatively and T'Pol could not help but get the impression that T'Pau was not a fan of the project, but she kept her thoughts to herself. T'Pau then went on, "Minister Kovack is representing the Vulcan government."

They then talked for some time about T'Pol's mother before T'Pol was dismissed.

After T'Pol left, T'Pau walked to her window overlooking the city. She saw T'Pol exit the building and take out her communicator. She assumed she was contacting Archer. She confirmed that to herself as she saw T'Pol head toward the site of the fair.

T'Pau wondered if she had done the right thing in talking to T'Pol. She could have easily found out from Soval what T'Pol had decided. She realized she had wanted to see T'Pol again. Although she had told TPol the truth, she had left out two other major factors that she needed to deal with in moving forward. First, when she had cured T'Pol of Panar Syndrome, she could not help gathering data in her mind. She learned two disturbing facts about T'Pol. The Trellium addiction and her intimacy with Commander Tucker. They caused her to decide that T'Pol had been compromised by humans and should be removed. But she also found how T'Pol had formed friendships and loyalty to the crew of Enterprise, especially Captain Archer. It had been apparent how important Archer had become in her life. This was confirmed by her concern for him during the time they were together. She had also realized it was reciprocated to a point when she had briefly entered Archer's mind and when Archer had refused to abandon her.

The other major factor of course was that Surak had chosen to remain with Archer and allowed him to find the Kir Shara when he had never trusted Syran to do so.

She knew that the time was rapidly approaching when she had to decide what was best for Vulcan's future. While she herself believed that Vulcan should avoid contact with other species, in order to keep from being changed forever, and from being tempted to interfere, she could not ignore the influences of Soval, T'Pol and Archer.

T'Pol entered the building she recognized as the old Vulcan Parliamentary building. From the descriptions Jonathan had given her of the other fairs, it was apparent this was a far smaller and less impressive venue than the other planets had offered. At that, she wondered if it would generate enough interest to even fill this building.

She walked over to Jonathan and Soval, who were discussing some details to be finished up. Jonathan turned toward her and smiled, "Hey, T'Pol, how was your meeting with T'Pau?"

T'Pol quickly said, "Interesting."

When Archer realized she was not going to say more, he turned back to Soval. "Looks like we know what has to be done. We should easily be ready in two days. Where are the planet representatives going to stay?"

Soval informed him there was a hotel within walking distance and security would provide a safe path between the two. Soval then told Archer that the cooling system would be installed in plenty of time. T'Pol was stunned. It was unheard of for Vulcans to cool their buildings. She hoped the visitors would appreciate this effort to make them comfortable. Knowing Shran and Gral, especially Gral, she doubted that would be the case.

That night, T'Pol and Archer had supper with Soval and his wife. T'Pol was amazed how these once mortal enemies had formed a friendship. She then realized that it was to a large part due to their mutual respect of the late Admiral Forrester. Although they probably did not realize it, they were both working to make the Admiral's dreams a reality.

The next day, T'Pol accompanied Soval and Archer to welcome the Andorian contingent, who as usual were arriving first. When Shran saw T'Pol, he got a huge grin on his face, and turning back to his wife, said, "it's the Vulcan, I told you she could not stay away."

Jhamel smiled her, there goes Shran again, smile and said, "Yes, you did, Shran, but her name is T'Pol."

She then moved passed him and said to T'Pol, "It's wonderful to see you again."

T'Pol answered, "It is satisfactory to see you as well." Then turning to Shran, "It is not unpleasant to see you as well, Commander Shran."

Shran laughed and said, "Well, Pinkskin, it appears she is developing a sense of humor, perhaps there is some hope for Vulcans after all."

He then went on, "Here we are again. I for one will hate to see these fairs end, although I do need sometime away from Gral. I mean, it is okay to want to be treated well, but his constant complaining for its own sake becomes tiresome after a while."

Archer could not help but smile at his friend's usual exuberance, and the loving look on Jhamel's face. Shran is sure a lucky man, Archer thought to himself.

Out loud, he said, "If you are done, Shran, welcome to Vulcan. You too, Jhamel, it appears married life is working out for you."

Jhamel smiled and said, "Thank you Captain, and it good to see you again as well."

She turned to Soval and said, "Thank you for coming to greet us." She then smiled and said, "It is so warm here."

"Warm?" Shran practically shouted, "It's hot!"

As they walked to the hotel, Shran and the other men discussing the fairs, Jhamel fell back and walked with T'Pol. She quietly asked, "It is probably not my business, but since you are here with Captain Archer, am I to assume you are returning to Enterprise?"

"Yes, I have decided to return to Starfleet."

Jhamel smiled, "I am glad. It would not be the same without you." She leaned in closer to T'Pol and lowered her voice, "Shran will never admit it, but he has missed you."

T'Pol answered back, "I will never tell him you said that if you promise never to tell him, I have missed him as well."

Jhamel smiled a happy smile, "It is a deal."

After getting the Andorians settled into their accommodations, T'Pol and Archer returned to the Compound and they contacted Admiral Gardner. He expressed his appreciation that T'Pol was returning, and assured them everything would be ready when they arrived.

They next contacted Trip and Natalie to give them the good news as well. T'Pol was pleased to see how happy Trip appeared to be and also the apparent joy from Natalie upon learning she would get to meet her. T'Pol also noticed the interaction between the two, and was glad to see they obviously had strong feelings for each other. They also informed Archer that they had decided the members of the wedding party that were in Starfleet would wear their dress uniforms at the wedding. It had just been too much of a hassle to try to arrange for fittings, etc. Trip also again expressed his thanks for the Captain to be his best man, but Archer reiterated that was the one that was honored.

The next day they greeted the Tellerite group and T'Pol was surprised that Gral seemed to be glad she was returning as well. That feeling was completely swamped by Gral's constant and repetitive complaints about the heat, their accommodations, and the venue for the fair.

Later that day, the final participants arrived aboard Columbia. They also learned that Columbia would remain on Vulcan until the Fair was over and return Archer, T'Pol, and the Human contingent to Earth. Captain Hernandez had been informed by Admiral Gardner that T'Pol was returning and told Archer and T'Pol how she had been pleased to hear the news.

T'Pol however, seemed to sense that although she was sincere, there was also something going on she could not identify. Then she remembered that there had been rumors about a relationship between Hernandez and Jonathan. In fact, talk of something that had happened between them while she and Trip were on Vulcan. She found herself feeling jealous and also wondering if Hernandez felt the same. She watched warily as the Captain seemed a little too happy to see her and was a little too friendly with her.

During the fair, T'Pol watched the ceremonies from just off stage and checked out the actions of the Vulcan audience. From what Archer had told her about the other fairs, she could see that both the Venue and the reactions of the crowd were far less that what had apparently occurred at the others. But, after all, this was Vulcan and such a response was to be expected. She did note however, that as Archer had said about the others, the meeting of individuals at the end was the best example of the value of the fair.

After the fair was over and the various participants were preparing to return to their home planets, Archer, T'Pol, Gral, Shran, and Soval had a final meeting. T'Pol was gratified to see that Archer had invited her to attend. They discussed the fairs and decided over all it had been a step forward. However, they also agreed that they needed to keep the pressure on. Somewhere along the line, the four had become convinced of the need for the Alliance; that they could not let the opportunity go by. All promised to continue to press their governments to move forward.

Goodbyes were difficult, especially between Archer, Shran, and Jhamel, as they were not sure when they would see each other again.

Archer and T'Pol joined the other returning human guests aboard Columbia and they set off on the return to Earth. The trip was for the most part uneventful but T'Pol could sense she had not been imagining things when it came to Captain Hernandez. There was definitely an undercurrent of tension between them. Captain Archer, however, seemed completely clueless and was his usual self to both of them.

T'Pol did inform Archer of a decision that she had made when she determined she would return to Enterprise. She told him she wanted to wear a regular Starfleet uniform. Archer was thrilled, it meant to him she clearly wanted to become a permanent part of Starfleet. He had to chide himself for a moment when he realized she would no longer be wearing her tight fitting uniforms, but decided that he needed to keep his professional relations with her aside from his personal ones. Then, he smiled to himself that she would be sexy in anything. Besides, he couldn't wait to see her in a dress uniform.