A/N Thanks so much to Julie Lundberg, Corig, and Kevin for your wonderful reviews. I really enjoy your input! I still own nothing and am just borrowing these great characters.
Two weeks after they went to warp, Shran, Trip, Malcolm, and Travis met after duty hours in the Ready Room on Enterprise. After finishing off a bottle of Andorian Ale, they opened a new bottle and drank to Archer and T'Pol. While they were all thrilled for them, they were still a little amazed they had finally gotten together. When the third bottle came along, everyone except Travis was getting maudlin about being away from their wives and in Malcolm's case, girlfriend. They gave Travis a little trouble because his woman was waiting for him.
Three weeks later they arrived at their destination. They quickly began to lay out the warning buoys along the designated line. They were closer to the Empire than any Alliance ships had been before. When they were finished, they contacted the Alliance ships coming to patrol the zone, making sure they were on schedule. They then went to warp, heading for Tellar.
Acting on Archer's orders, Trip had all the anti-cloak devices removed and brought to a storage area on Enterprise. He then sealed the room so only he and the War Council could access it. Three weeks later he checked and found they had all been destroyed. He and the Council replaced them with weights and the boxes would be stored on Earth when they returned.
Soval had to smile to himself when he saw Archer's reaction when he found that living quarters on the Charon were to say the least, austere. Their beds were narrow hard slats, not exactly what he would choose to be with T'Pol for the first time. Soval considered leaving him in the dark as to his plans but then took pity on him and T'Pol.
"It may interest you to know that General Shran and Captain Tucker suggested that we make a stop over at Risa on the way back. We should arrive in approximately sixteen days.
Archer and T'Pol looked at each other. Sixteen days. It seemed a long time but they had been waiting for four years; they decided they could wait. They spent the time in long discussions with Soval about their plans to welcome the Fleet home. Archer had also decided he would wait to let Starfleet and the War Committee know that he and T'Pol were married, not wanting it to affect the news about the end of the War.
When the Charon finally moved into orbit over Risa, Archer and T'Pol wasted no time in boarding a shuttle. Soval informed them they would remain there for two days.
When they arrived on Risa, they had to endure an effusive welcome from its leader and other dignitaries, telling them how honored everyone was to have the Commander of the triumphant Alliance Fleet visit their planet. He told them he had reserved the finest room on Risa for them.
Archer used all his diplomat skills to not show how he just wanted to get to their room.
When they finally got to their room, T'Pol entered the bathroom and emerged in her usual sleepwear with three buttons buttoned. She rolled back the covers and sat on the bed with a PADD in her hand, but did not really see it. In a few minutes, Archer emerged wearing a pair of sweatpants but no shirt. T'Pol felt herself quicken but showed no emotion.
Archer sat on the bed beside her as she judiciously looked at her PADD.
"You know, T'Pol, I have a hunch about us."
"You know what Vulcans think of hunches."
"Yes, but you must admit, many of them have worked out."
"Any random actions will occasionally succeed."
"Do you wish to hear my hunch or not?"
"I am all ears."
Archer chuckled, "You'd better be careful T'Pol, you could be accused of having a sense of humor. Anyway, I was saying, although we are the first example of a marriage between a Vulcan and Human and thus are entering new territory; I believe because of our unique feelings for each other, we will be able to find pleasure in whatever intimate activities we may engage in. That is, whether it be Neuropressure, mind melding, meditation," hesitated for a moment, "sex."
"So that is your hunch?"
"Well actually, I was thinking of it more as a hypothesis." As he spoke he unbuttoned her top button.
Continuing to show no emotion, "A Hypothesis?"
He continued, unbuttoning her second button, "Yes, and as a scientific, logical, Vulcan you know the only way to prove or disprove a hypothesis."
Finding it more difficult to continue to pretend to ignore him, "You mean through observation and experimentation."
As he started on her third button, she put her PADD on the table next to the bed and turned toward him, as Archer continued to speak, "And in the interest of science, I see no reason why we should not begin as soon as possible."
She turned toward him and moved her face close to his, her voice husky, "I agree."
As he slid her top off, his eyes widened and turned dark with lust. He moved forward and kissed her passionately.
As he pushed her back onto the bed, "I love you, T'Pol. You are so beautiful."
"I love you too, Jonathan."
T'Pol awoke first in the morning. Sitting up naked in the bed she looked down at him, overwhelmed with what had happened. She had completely given herself to him. She knew this was as it was meant to be. She had let all restraints disappear, losing herself in his love and passion. At the moment of release when they were joined, their minds were opened to each other. She could feel his pleasure as well as her own and knew it was the same for him. It had doubled her pleasure to know that she gave him such pleasure as well. It also gave her hope that they might be able to form a bond.
Some time later, Archer stirred. At first he was a little confused, but then it all came back to him. He smiled to himself; he was hardly a virgin, but he had never experienced anything like what had happened. He had never felt such closeness, such love, such passion. He couldn't get enough of her. He doubted any human woman could express such passion. He had also been shocked when he felt her pleasure as well. Nothing had ever prepared him for that.
He looked up to see her sitting beside him. He couldn't believe how beautiful she was, how lucky he was that this incredible woman loved him.
He smiled broadly, "Good morning."
"Good morning. I did not realize that Humans require so much sleep."
"What time is it?"
"It is 0900."
"I did zonk out. I haven't had the luxury of sleeping in for quite a while. I can't remember the last time I slept this long."
T'Pol gave her smile, "You must not be used to scientific experimentation."
Smiling even more broadly, "Well, what's the verdict? Is the hypothesis proven?"
Speaking softly, T'Pol reached out and touched his cheek, "This first test definitely supported your hypothesis."
He leaned into her caress and captured her hand with his. Then feigning amazement, "First test? You mean we have to do it again?"
T'Pol removed her hand, pretending to be exasperated, "Even a Vulcan child knows that proving or disproving a hypothesis requires consistent recurring events. You must be rigorous enough to eliminate possibilities of chance or error in procedure. I have seen where it took years, a lifetime, before one could be sure."
Archer, his voice growing softer, "I bow to your superior scientific knowledge. When do you think we should continue?"
T'Pol leaned down, feeling her passion and excitement rise, "I see no problem with proceeding now."
Their lips joined and Archer pulled her down on top of him.
Much later, they are lying naked next to each other, each completely sated.
Archer managed to speak first, "Well, I don't know about you, but I need to have some time before we do any more 'experimentation'. What would you like to do now?"
"I do not suppose you were thinking of reading and meditation?"
"Actually, I was thinking of getting something to eat, take a walk along the beach, and take a dip."
"Take a dip?"
"You know, go for a swim."
"Vulcans prefer not to swim."
"Never?"
"You have to realize there are no large bodies of water on Vulcan. Water is scarce. I did learn to swim as part of my training, but would prefer not to do so. I am agreeable to the food and walk. If you must 'take a dip', I have no objection."
"Okay, that's the plan." Getting out of bed, he yelled, "Race you to the bathroom!"
T'Pol rolled her eyes, "It is sometimes amazing to me that you are my superior officer."
Archer, ruefully, "Vulcans don't run around naked?"
"Vulcans do not 'run around'. You may shower first, I will take time to meditate."
"Very well, I shall now walk with dignity to the bathroom."
As he walked off, T'Pol found herself looking at his backside. 'Perhaps I was hasty. It would be logical to preserve water and time by showering together'. Rising quickly, she followed after him.
They had lunch in the hotel cafeteria but in spite of the attempts by the hotel manager to keep them away, they were constantly interrupted by the other patrons from various planets. For some of them the translator did not work but it was apparent everyone wanted to express their thanks.
Afterwards, the manager apologized and said he would arrange for them to have a private room in the future. Archer thanked him but said he understood what had happened.
Archer changed to a swim suit and top while T'Pol dressed in her Vulcan robe. Archer had to marvel again that she could want to wear that in the heat but realized again the planet she came from.
They walked along the beach hand in hand and gratefully were left alone. For perhaps the first time in her life, T'Pol had a feeling of contentment of knowing who she was and where she belonged. She could also feel that Jonathan felt the same. She still held out hopes that a Vulcan ceremony could form a bond between them.
As they reached a small cove, Archer decided he would go for his swim. It was something he sorely missed. Getting assurance from T'Pol she would be fine; he took off his top and went into the water. T'Pol found a seat and taking out a PADD began to read. From time to time she would look out and watch him swimming. He was clearly enjoying himself. She also noticed his body as he swam.
When he emerged with the water running down his chest, she decided they needed to return to their room. They spent the rest of the day making love and ordered room service.
The next day was much the same with them accepting the Manager's offer of a private dining room.
When the third morning arrived, they reluctantly prepared to return to the Charon and the outside world. As they prepared to board their shuttle, they were once again surrounded by well-wishers. This time they did spend time with them and Archer had to smile at how well T'Pol was handling the situation.
When they passed through the airlock and returned aboard the Charon, Soval was there to greet them, "Ah, Admiral and Commodore, I presume your visit was satisfactory?"
When Archer answered, he could have sworn Soval gave the Vulcan equivalent of a smirk.
Archer and T'Pol returned to their previous routine of discussions and sleeping separately. Two weeks from their destination, Archer decided it was time to reveal their marriage and sent a message to Admiral Gardner.
Gardner looked a little apprehensively at the notice he had received a message from Admiral Archer. He hoped it wasn't bad news. He did feel better that it had come from Archer and not the War Council and had not been marked urgent, although it was for his eyes only.
After he had decoded it, he just stared at it in amazement, not sure he believed what he was reading. He had known they were close but he had never imagined this was their relationship. While he was happy that they had apparently found each other, he wasn't sure it was good news. 'Damn you, Jon, couldn't you have let us enjoy the end of the war and not open another possible hornet's nest'. He just hoped that the other members of the War Committee would be receptive. But he was more worried about the average citizens of each planet. He hoped it would not be a problem that could affect the hoped-for upcoming talks on keeping the Alliance.
He called the Secretary to the President and soon found himself on the way to the Palace.
Ushered into President Samuel's office, he sat down across from him. Samuels spoke first, "Well, what is it, Admiral? I hope nothing has gone wrong with the agreement."
"No, Sir. In fact, I suppose this is good news, although I am not sure of what the full ramifications could be." Seeing Samuels looking expectantly at him, "I just received word from Admiral Archer that he and Commodore T'Pol are married."
Samuels was stunned, surely he had heard wrong. Archer and T'Pol? A Human and a Vulcan?
He managed to get out, "Did I hear you right? They are married?"
"Yes, Sir. Apparently Captain Tucker married them."
Samuels got up and paced, "Did you know anything about this… this… relationship?"
"No, Sir. I knew they were friends, but no."
"Damn it, Archer should have let us know. Got our permission."
Gardner had to smile, "You should know Jonathan Archer better than that. It is obvious he must be in love with her. You know how stubborn he is."
"But a Vulcan. I didn't know they were capable of love."
"I think they have the same emotions we do; they just repress them. Evidently, T'Pol didn't repress her feelings for Archer."
Samuels returned to his seat, "I guess we might have anticipated something. After all, she was once involved with Tucker."
"I don't believe that was the same. From what I know of it, it was something that occurred in the Expanse. After all, Tucker is married now. No, I think we better treat this as something good, something permanent."
Samuels thought for a moment, "Isn't this a breach of regulations, to be involved with a subordinate?"
"You want to reprimand the man who just won a war and was a hero before that?" Gardner smirked, "You do it and see what happens to your approval ratings."
Samuels smiled, "I am sure there are a lot of single women whose hearts will be broken."
Then turning serious, "I suppose we need to let the War Committee know. Do you have any ideas on how we should handle this information? Should I go on the air?"
"I think it would be better if we just gave it out as a news release."
"That sounds like a good idea. We should also let the War Committee know that is how we are handling it."
T'Pau stared at the decoded message. She was shocked but also realized she had suspected something between them for some time. She had not believed that it would lead to marriage, at least not this quickly. She searched her feelings to try to decide how she felt about it. It was true she was intrigued by both of them. She knew they would have never taken this step if they did not feel deeply about each other. But there was the question of what effect this would have on the current state of affairs. It had the capability of bringing the Alliance closer together or driving it apart. And what of Vulcan itself? She knew that Archer and T'Pol had many admirers but enemies as well. But even those who admired them might disapprove of this.
There was no longer a need to dwell on this, what was done was done. She decided to follow Earth's example and treat it as a news announcement.
While General Thrang was not sure what he thought of the news, the Queen was elated. When he looked at her expectantly, she smiled, "I can't help it, I'm a romantic!" She smirked, "Besides, Andorians are hardly the ones to criticize interspecies relationships."
President Gratl was stunned when he read it. But after a few moments of reflection, he had to admit it would be interesting to see how the Vulcans responded to this. A Vulcan had married a human. He did entertain some worries about the reaction to it. He also realized that Tellar would be the first planet they would visit. In fact, they would be there in a couple of weeks.
Natalie was sitting with Charlie and Rose when the program they were watching was broken into by a news bulletin. She thought it might be a good time to get a cup of coffee when she heard what it said. At first stunned, she quickly broke into a broad smile, "Oh, my God, they did it! This is so wonderful." Then she listened more carefully and was even more excited when she heard Trip had performed the ceremony. Seeing Charlie looking inquisitively at her, "It's okay Charlie, there was just some good news about Admiral Archer."
She quickly went over to the communicator and contacted her father, gratified to find she was the one to break the news to him.
Probably more than at any time since Mercy had died, Jane wished she were still alive to hear this news. She remembered how T'Pol had told Mercy about her feelings for Archer long before. She felt herself tearing up as she thought how excited and overjoyed Mercy would be.
The whole world was soon buzzing over the news. For the overwhelming majority, it was received as exciting news. There was one group however, who seethed at the announcement. Steven Baker signed off after conferring with the secretive head of Terra Prime. They had been in complete agreement that something needed to be done. The news of this disgusting mating and the possibility of continuing the Alliance could not be tolerated. As he stood there, an idea started to form. At first, he dismissed it as far fetched and dangerous, but decided it was worth further consideration.
As with may other issues considering T'Pol, the reaction on Vulcan was somewhat dependent on age, with younger Vulcans more receptive. But it was a sign of how the War had changed perceptions that it was accepted even among those who had once looked down on Earth.
As expected, Andorians for the most part, wondered what the big deal was. They were proud of the fact that Shran had evidently played a major role in the wedding itself.
Jhamel was stunned and overjoyed. She was so happy for them. Now, it was even harder to wait until they all came home.
The Charon dropped out of warp and settled into orbit around Tellar.
