I still own nothing. I want to thank EroSlackerMicha and LoErnaBraska for their reviews.

When Columbia neared Earth, T'Pol was gratified to hear that it would just be dropping its passengers off before continuing on its mission. She did, however, have to suffer through one last meal with Hernandez the night before Columbia was due to arrive. She endured the two Captains reminiscing about their early days in training and some anecdotes about other officers including Admiral Gardner. But then she had her moment as Johnathan declared his relief that T'Pol was returning to Starfleet, what a fine officer she was and how vital she was to Enterprise.

The next day, Columbia arrived in Earth orbit and T'Pol, Archer, and the Earth contingent disembarked, but not before Hernandez gave Jonathan a farewell hug.

After landing, T'Pol and Archer said goodbyes to their fellow passengers and headed directly to Starfleet Headquarters, where T'Pol filled out the proper 'paperwork' to get her re-instated in Starfleet with her former rank of Commander.

They then went to the quartermaster to get her a supply of uniforms, including a dress uniform.

With the wedding only three days away, they decided to leave for Miami at once.

When they contacted Trip and Natalie to tell them they were on the way, Trip told them to land at the Starfleet pad at the airport. He told them a car would be waiting to take them to an entrance to the hotel controlled by security personnel hired by Lester Warren. It seemed that every other entrance was crawling with reporters and paparazzi. He told them it was like a zoo.

When they followed Trip's instructions and neared the hotel, they could see what he had been talking about. There were cameras everywhere. With what appeared to be hundreds of reporters completely surrounding the hotel, it seemed that Trip's wedding was the biggest event since Enterprise returned to earth.

Even the 'secured entrance' forced their car to pass through a gauntlet of reporters, held back by barriers patrolled by security guards.

As they passed by, they heard the reporters call out, "By God, it's T'Pol and Archer. Get a picture, you idiot."

The entrance led to an underground garage where they were met with more security guards. They were escorted to an elevator as the guard explained it had been altered so it would only access the third and fourth floors. When the door opened on the third floor they were met by Trip, Natalie and Hoshi.

Trip smiled broadly and talked first, "Captain, it's great to see you, glad you were able to make it."

Archer answered, "I wasn't about to miss your wedding. But while I am acting as your best man, don't you think you should call me Jon?"

Trip agreed to try to remember to do so and then turned to T'Pol. "It's so great to see you T'Pol, I'm so glad you decided to return to Starfleet. We all missed you", after a slight hesitation, "I missed you."

T'Pol answered, "It is agreeable to see you as well, Trip."

Then Trip turned to Natalie, "T'Pol, this is my fiancée Natalie Warren."

Natalie smiled and moved forward, but did not make the mistake of trying to hug her or even touch her. "It is so good to meet you at last. Trip has told me so much about you and what a help you were to him in the Expanse."

T'Pol's eyebrows lifted slightly, but she said, "It is most satisfactory to meet you. Congratulations to you both on your engagement."

Meanwhile, Hoshi stayed back as Trip continued. "Cap.., Jon, your room is ready, here's the key, room 433."

Then looking embarrassed, he said, "T'Pol, I am ashamed to say this but we weren't able to save a room for you. A couple of the crewman have offered to share a room so you could have one of theirs."

Then Hoshi moved forward and spoke up, "Or you could stay with me. I have two beds and would be glad to have you as a roommate for a couple of days."

T'Pol looked at her and with what they all believed served as her smile, she said, "If you are sure it will not inconvenience you, Hoshi, I would prefer not to cause the crewman to move on my account."

Hoshi smiled, "I am looking forward to it. It is wonderful to have you back." She handed her a key. "We are in 482."

Archer spoke up, "It is settled then. Now, if you will all excuse me, it has been a very hectic last few days, and I think I will retire to my room."

T'Pol answered, "I believe I will do the same, I need to catch up on some meditation."

Trip spoke, "No problem. The wedding rehearsal and groom's dinner are tomorrow starting at 1800 hours. It is not a dress rehearsal so no need to get dolled up for it."

As T'Pol and Archer turned to leave, Trip called out, "I almost forgot. A lot of us are getting together tomorrow on Lester Warren's yacht. Plan to do some diving and fishing."

Hoshi added, "You should see this thing, it is like an ocean liner. I plan just to relax."

Before T'Pol could answer, Archer broke in, "It sounds great, but T'Pol and I have something we need to handle in the morning. Guess will see you at the festivities tomorrow night."

T'Pol managed not to reveal anything as she walked off with the Captain, saying her goodnights. After they had got out of earshot, Archer said, "Sorry to spring it like that, but I was hoping I could introduce you to a part of Earth as you did for me on Vulcan. I thought we could take a trip through the countryside tomorrow."

T'Pol was caught off guard but felt elated inside. She quickly answered, "I would like that."

Archer smiled and continued, "Great. Meet me in the underground garage at 0900." Then he added, "I have rented a hover-bike, so wear some durable slacks and a light jacket."

T'Pol was confused, 'Durable slacks? Hover-bike?' But she decided not to show her ignorance, she would do her own research.

Just then they reached Archer's room. "Well, this is mine, I hate to end the night, but I really am beat. I'll see you in the morning."

"I do need to do some meditating. Good night."

Archer answered "Good night," as he entered his room.

T'Pol made her way to her room, her mind churning. Upon entering it, she saw it should be satisfactory. She checked the storage areas and found some empty drawers and began to unpack her bag. After a short time, Hoshi entered.

"Glad to see you are getting settled in. Hope you aren't disappointed in not having your own room."

"I am sure this will work out. You can bring me up to date on what else has been going on."

Hoshi answered, "I would be happy to and want to know what has happened with you as well." Then she stopped and said hesitatingly, "But, tonight, I did have plans to visit someone. Sorry to run out on you."

"Do not worry, Hoshi, I am quite capable of finding something to do. As I told Trip, I was planning to mediate so would not have been very good company."

Hoshi smiled, "Okay then, I am going to head out. If you are awake when I return, we can maybe talk some tonight, or I will see you in the morning."

Hoshi quickly left, and smiled as she headed for Travis's room.

After finishing putting everything away, T'Pol turned her attention to her trip with Captain Archer. Checking her computer, she found a picture of a hover-bike. She was surprised to see it was basically a board with a set of handlebars attached. She wondered what had possessed the Captain to pick this for their outing. She could see though why a skirt would not be a good idea. The only slacks she possessed were those she wore under her Vulcan robes and they were similar to silk and would also not be adequate. She was also sure the Captain would not be happy with her wearing a uniform. Wondering exactly how to proceed, she noticed a sign sitting on the table by the bed.

Forgot something? Need anything? Contact the Concierge at number 101 from the room communicator. For over three hundred years, we have served our guests needs. If we cannot provide the service, it is impossible. We have even done that at times.

Although she would normally avoid doing such an act, T'Pol felt the current situation demanded an unusual solution. A little hesitant, she contacted the number.

A woman's voice answered, "This is Morgan Winston. How may I serve you?"

Still not sure she was doing the right thing, T'Pol answered, "This is Commander T'Pol, I find myself in need of a pair of durable slacks."

In her office, Morgan Winston had a stunned look on her face. Was someone pulling her leg? One of the heroes of the Xindi campaign, a Vulcan at that, wanted to know about a pair of slacks. And what the hell were durable slacks? But then her training took over. Until she knew differently, she would do her job. And what if it really was T'Pol, could she risk insulting her?

"I am sorry, ma'am, did you say durable slacks?"

"Yes, I find I am planning to ride a hover-bike and need something appropriate."

A Vulcan on a hover-bike? Pretty sure she was being kidded, she checked where the call was coming from. To her amazement it was coming from Hoshi Sato's room. She decided she still needed to play it safe. "It sounds like you need a pair of jeans."

When the party answered, "I see. Do you know where I could obtain a pair before morning?" Morgan began to believe this was a true call.

"We have stores in the hotel that are open twenty-four hours a day. I could give you directions to one that could help you." Then she remembered her instructions for any of the wedding guests leaving the third or fourth floors.

"I'm sorry, I almost forgot. I am afraid any guest venturing from the wedding floors must be accompanied by a security guard."

T'Pol thought that was overly cautious but decided everyone was just doing their job. "Very well, what is the procedure?"

Morgan relaxed and went on, "I will send a guard up to your room."

"Thank you, I will be waiting."

Heather Stallings was a new member of the security firm Lester Warren had engaged. Escorting a guest to a clothing store was hardly the type of action she had expected to be involved in. But when she knocked on the door and she recognized the person she was to escort, she was stunned. Stammering a little, she got out, "My name is Heather Stallings, I am your escort."

T'Pol raised her eyebrows, "Are you all right?"

Now embarrassed, Heather went on, ""I'm fine. Quite frankly, I am a little shocked to see it is you I am escorting. I mean, you're Commander T'Pol. You hardly need my help."

T'Pol smiled a little inside, "We all have our duties. May we proceed?"

"Of course, Commander, please come this way. We will take the freight elevator since the others are set to just travel between the wedding floors and the parking area."

As they walked along, Heather wondered why the hell a Vulcan commander needed to go to a clothing store at this time of night. Deciding it was not her business, she concentrated on doing her job.

When they reached the level containing the stores, both were relieved to see there was very few people around. They entered the store to find a clerk waiting for them.

Diana Mason had been shocked when Morgan had called and said she needed her to wait on a very special customer. She also told her to let her know if it turned out to be a hoax. As she saw the security guard escort the Commander through the door, it was obviously for real.

When she saw the clerk waiting for them, Heather took up a post beside the door.

"Commander, this is an honor. I understand you need a pair of jeans?"

"So I have been informed."

If you'll come to one of our fitting rooms, I will take some measurements."

After having T'Pol remove her skirt and getting the measurements she needed, the clerk soon returned with a pair of jeans.

After waiting outside while T'Pol put them on, she saw T'Pol come out and felt a sense of pride at her accuracy as they fit perfectly.

T'Pol gave her a quizzical look and said, "It seems these are quite tight. I probably should have a larger size."

Diana smiled, "Oh no. Those are perfect. They really set off your legs and ass."

Then realizing what she had just said to a Vulcan, she started to stammer, "I'm sorry, I…."

But T'Pol wasn't listening. She was thinking of what the clerk had said. The jeans apparently were pleasing to the eye. She knew that along with breasts, legs and the derriere were physical attributes important to males, in this case, Jonathan.

"Very well, then I will take these."

Diana recovered and said, "Great, shall I charge it to your room?"

T'Pol wasn't sure she wanted too many people to know she had purchased a pair of jeans. She handed the clerk her Starfleet card and told her to use that. As she changed back into her skirt, she found herself looking forward to the morning.

After returning to her room and finishing her meditating, she got ready for bed and soon fell asleep.

Hoshi, checking to be sure nobody was around, knocked on Travis's room door and was quickly admitted. After engaging in a long, passionate kiss, they sat on the bed; their hands intertwined.

Hoshi spoke up, "I need to let you know. I can't spend the night, T'Pol is bunking with me."

"T'Pol's here? That's great. I can't wait to see her."

Hoshi, pretending to scowl, "Well, you will just have to, you are with me now."

Travis, stammering, "I meant later, I would never leave now."

Hoshi chuckled, "I was just kidding."

Then turning serious, "I know it is getting as frustrating for you as it is for me, but now I think we should wait till we get back to San Francisco. I don't want it to be rushed, and me having to sneak around and leave afterwards."

"I understand, Hoshi. But it is difficult. I want so much to show you what you mean to me."

Hoshi tilted his head and kissed him. "Believe me, Travis, I know. I guarantee you, you will get a lot of chances to show me when we get back."

Then she began to slip off her shirt, "But that doesn't mean, we can't still find plenty to do."

Later, Hoshi headed back to her room, deciding she needed a cold shower. She wondered why she kept waiting, she needed him so much. She just wanted it to be special and definitely wanted to fall asleep in his arms afterwards. Sighing, she entered the room, to find T'Pol sound asleep. Taking a quick shower, she got ready and climbed into bed, wishing Travis was beside her.

The next morning, T'Pol waited until Hoshi left for the yacht before she put on her jeans and a light jacket. When she stepped off the elevator at precisely 0900, she saw Archer standing by what she recognized to be a hover-bike. This one however, had small platforms below that she assumed were for their feet. As Archer turned to greet her, he said, "Good morning, T'Pol, right on time, ready to head out?" The end of the statement was dragged out as she saw his eyes widen.

He thought to himself, 'My God, she's wearing jeans. Damn, she looks good in them.'

T'Pol saw his eyes widen and smirked to herself. Apparently, the clerk had been right. She spoke up, "Are you sure this vehicle is safe?"

"I have been riding one since I was fourteen years old."

"Taking into account the recklessness of humans, I do not believe you answered my question."

Archer chuckled, "Don't worry, I'll get you back in one piece."

As T'Pol approached the bike, Archer went on, "You put your feet in those areas and then hold on to me and lean the direction I lean. I understand there is a Xindi Attack Memorial near here and thought we could go there. We go through a couple of small towns so you should get a good look at rural Earth." Then, handing her a helmet, he said, "Put this on." Seeing she had a look that said – if this is so safe, why do I need a helmet, he hurried to say, "It's just a precaution."

As she moved past him, putting on the helmet, he got his first look at her backside. It looked every bit as good as he expected, which was good indeed.

Putting on his own helmet, he got into the driver's seat as T'Pol settled behind him, putting her hands on his shoulders.

Archer turned his head slightly and said, "Ready?"

"Just obeying orders."

Archer smirked and headed out through the exit heading out of the city. They soon passed through the countryside and T'Pol marveled at the large fields of crops. On Vulcan, growing areas were much smaller and consisted of vegetables that could stand the harsh desert climate. They also passed through several small towns, looking much the same as they had for centuries.

Suddenly, as they headed for a turn, the whole mood seemed to change, as if they could sense what they were about to see. As they turned, they approached the huge swath of burned land that stretched into the distance in both directions. Although some of the land had been restored along the path, a wide area had been left as it was when the Xindi destroyed it. Archer pulled into a parking lot next to a small building standing in front of a much larger one behind. The stations were located five hundred miles apart wherever the damage was done on land.

Getting off their bikes and removing their helmets, they approached the small building as Archer spoke. "The small building contains several rooms to watch videos and listen to tapes recorded to remember the victims. Trip told me he did one for his sister."

They went inside and entered one of the cubicles. Archer used the search function to find the name Elizabeth Tucker. They then watched scenes of Elizabeth's life with Trip's voice as narrator.

As they exited, Archer explained the larger building contained rooms for worship and meditation. There were rooms for every major religion as well as other general rooms.

Suddenly, T'Pol spoke up, "Do you think Trip would mind if I used one of those rooms to meditate."

Archer smiled, "I think he would be thrilled and honored."

As she turned toward the building, she looked back and said, "Would you like to join me, Jonathan?"

Happily, Archer answered, "I'd be proud to."

They went inside and entered one of the general rooms. As T'Pol assumed a lotus position on one of the mats on the floor, Archer sat in a chair near her. Watching her enter a trance, Archer allowed his mind to wander. Seeing Elizabeth and hearing Trip, he thoughts turned to the Expanse and specifically to the moments he stole the warp coil. Although he knew he had no choice, he still felt guilty for what he did. Of course, that guilt was assuaged by the fact that he knew it turned out all right for the crew. When the Expanse collapsed, ships from surrounding planets went to explore the area. The ship he had attacked were able to contact one of those ships and were provided with a new warp coil. When they got home, they contacted Earth. When they fully understood what had been at stake, and that their planet was one that was saved, they accepted Archer's and Earth's apology.

Looking over at T'Pol, he remembered the series of events that had been so surprising and troubling to him. How he had almost lost her when they boarded the Seleya, her hand shaking when he had returned to the ship, how she called out to him that she did not want him to die.

He wondered when the hate had turned to friendship and then to love. Could it be possible she loved him as well?

Before he could consider that thought further, T'Pol rose and said she was ready to leave.

As they left and approached the hover-bike, Archer said, "Before we return, I would like to visit a roadside stand that Trip told me about; he said they had best oranges he had ever tasted."

T'Pol, who did not want their time together to end said, "That sounds agreeable."

Putting their helmets back on, they boarded the bike. This time T'Pol put her arms around his waist and leaned forward slightly. Traveling through more countryside, they came to an open roadside stand, where an older gentleman waited behind a table. He smiled and was about to greet them when they removed their helmets. He got a stunned look on his face and stammered out, "Captain Archer, T'Pol, what are you doing here?"

Archer smiled ruefully and says, "We came to buy some oranges, you do sell them, don't you?"

Now nonplussed and embarrassed, "Yes, of course. I'm sorry, I just never expected…"

Archer waved his arm, "We understand, it's all right. We would like to purchase a dozen oranges, I was informed you have the best oranges in Florida."

Recovering, the man smiled and said, "Not only the best in Florida, the best in the world."

T'Pol commented, "One would think that would be a difficult proposition to prove."

Smiling, "No one has disproved it." He then turned around and put oranges into a bag and returned to the table. "There you are, one dozen oranges."

Archer took the bag and handed it to T'Pol, taking out his wallet, "What do I owe you?"

Putting his hand forward as if pushing the money away, "There is no charge, it is a great honor to have you here."

Archer kept his wallet out, "We appreciate your thanks, but please let me pay for the oranges. There is no need to let us get by without paying."

"Please, put your money away, allow me this gesture."

Archer shrugged, "Okay, if you put it that way, thanks again." Taking the bag back from T'Pol, "Well, T'Pol, I suppose we better head back to the hotel, we have a rehearsal to attend."

The man spoke back up, "Commander Tucker's wedding! Of course! Could you take him some oranges as well?" He started to turn back toward the oranges.

Archer quickly said, "That's fine, we'll share some of these with him and Natalie and inform them they came from you." He and T'Pol then turned and headed back toward their bike.

"It has been my pleasure. No one will believe me when I tell them you were here."

Then suddenly, he cried out, "What am I thinking? I am an idiot! Please, don't leave. If my granddaughter ever finds out you were here and I didn't let her see you, she will never forgive me. T'Pol is her hero!"

As Archer and T'Pol turned around she had her eyebrows raised. Archer chuckled and smiled at her. "Well, we couldn't leave and not have her meet her hero." T'Pol narrowed his eyes at him as he smiled broader.

"Thank you! I'll be right back! He then ran into the building yelling, "Mercy, Martha, get out here, you won't believe who is here."

Suddenly, a ten-year old girl with blond hair and blue eyes came running out, she stopped and looked at T'Pol with a look of awe and amazement, "You're T'Pol!"

T'Pol, smiling inwardly, said "I am."

"You're my hero, I want to be just like you when I grow up. I am going to be on a starship. You are even more awesome in person."

Archer, with a huge smile on his face, "Seems you have quite a fan there, T'Pol."

Mercy turned her head toward Archer, "Captain Archer, it's cool to see you too, it's just that…."

Archer answered, "It's okay, I understand, I would be more impressed with meeting T'Pol myself."

Just then the man returned with an older woman following just behind.

Martha spoke up, "It is T'Pol and Captain Archer, I couldn't believe it when George told us."

George joined in, "Captain, T'Pol, I am George McBride and this is my wife Martha. I see you have already met Mercy."

Archer answered, "Nice to meet you, your granddaughter seems quite taken with T'Pol."

Martha smiled ruefully, "That's all we hear, T'Pol this, T'Pol that. She never misses anything that concerns T'Pol or Enterprise."

Mercy moved toward T'Pol and stuck out her hand containing a T'Pol Action Figure. "I have very one of these ever made, please take this one."

T'Pol accepted it and looked down at it, "There is a resemblance. I did not realize such figures exist. I cannot understand why someone would bother to create a likeness of me."

Mercy exclaimed, "You got to be kidding!" Then, embarrassed, "I'm sorry, I should know better. Vulcans never kid. But you're famous, you and Captain Archer are Earth's greatest heroes. Everyone wants to be you guys."

T'Pol reached out to give back the figurine, "One should strive to be the best that the individual can be, it is not logical to wish to be someone else."

Mercy, not reaching out to take the figure back, "I know I can't be you, but I want to do what you have done, I want to be on a starship. I want to travel to other planets and meet other people."

T'Pol still held out the figure, "It is good to have dreams, but one must also realize what would be involved in having the opportunity to serve on a starship. Few are fortunate enough to do so."

"I know, I'm working hard to get good grades and studying Math and stuff. When I am old enough, I want to go to Starfleet Academy."

Archer, who was watching this with a big smile on his face, noticed the frowns that passed over George and Martha's faces as Mercy spoke.

T'Pol had continued, "That is satisfactory. Perhaps one day you will achieve your goal. And if I can help inspire you to do so, I am honored. Now please take this back, the Captain and I do need to proceed."

"No, keep it, take it with you on Enterprise. I'll know that it is in space and that when you see it, you'll remember me."

"Very well, I will place it in my quarters."

George then spoke up, "Mercy, your Grandmother is feeling a little chilly, could you please fetch her shawl. I am sure they will wait until you return."

Mercy turned toward the building, "Okay." Looking back, she said to T'Pol. "Wait until I get back."

As Mercy left, George addressed T'Pol and Archer, "I want you to know how much we appreciate your patience and talking with her, this will be the highlight of her life."

Archer smiled, "It is our pleasure, but I am sure she will have many greater highlights. She sounds determined, she could make it into space."

George looked at his wife and shook his head sadly, "No, Captain, she will not be in space, she has Torrin Syndrome, she has already lived longer than most that have the disease."

T'Pol looked at Archer and said, "That is indeed unfortunate, she seems to possess such life."

George continued, "Yes, she has never let it stop her and fortunately it is not painful or debilitating until near the end, but that does not make it any less fatal."

When Mercy returned with a shawl that she gave to Martha, she was also clutching a camera.

"There you are, Grandma." Turning to Archer and T'Pol, "I brought the camera, can we have a picture taken with you?"

Martha spoke up, "I don't know, Mercy, we have already taken so much of their time and they do have to get back to the city."

Archer, looked at T'Pol, who nodded, "I think we have enough time for that."

Mercy handed the camera to George and ran around the table to stand next to T'Pol. Archer moved in next to her as George sat the camera down and lined it up. He and Martha then moved around and stood next to Archer. Three out of the five smiled and the camera clicked. George checked out the picture and found it was acceptable.

Archer then said, "Now, we really do need to go. Thank you for everything. Good bye."

T'Pol added, "It has been most satisfactory."

As they turned to go, George and Martha waved as Archer returned it.

Then Mercy called out, "T'Pol!" As she and Archer looked back, "You forgot to give me a Vulcan good bye." She then spread her fingers and said solemnly, "Live long and prosper, T'Pol."

T'Pol, being very stoic and serious, made the sign and said, "Live long and prosper, Mercy McBride."

Only Archer saw the sadness in her eyes as she turned back toward the bike.

They put their helmets back on, boarded the cycle, and pulled away.

After traveling some time in silence, T'Pol once again holding Archer around the waist, Archer spoke first, "That is too bad about Mercy."

"Yes, though it was gratifying that we had the opportunity to meet her, it seemed to give her pleasure."

"I was thinking, we are going to have some short warp flights to test out Enterprise when it is ready to go. I'm going to talk to Admiral Gardner about the possibility of Mercy being allowed to take one of them with us."

"Do you think he would agree? It would set quite a precedent."

"I suppose, but hell," looking back and smiling broadly, "We're Earth's greatest heroes, we should be able to have a few perks."

T'Pol, with a hint of amusement in her voice, "Indeed."

Archer laughed and turned back toward the front.

They arrived back at the parking lot, dismounted and removed their helmets. Archer took hers from her.

He then said, "Let's see, Malcolm called me last night and said he would meet me at the bar before the rehearsal." Smirking, "I don't suppose you would like to join us."

"No, I believe I will use the time to Meditate."

"How about if I stop by and pick you up about a half hour before the festivities."

"That would be acceptable."

"I will see you then. Thank you for coming with me today, I enjoyed it."

"You are welcome, it was most satisfactory for me as well."

Archer let her walk ahead of him as he took one last look at those jeans.