A/N Thanks to noro and Barrett322 for their reviews. It is hard to express how much they mean to me. But I never want to forget to thank all of you that honor me by reading my stories. It is still a wonder to me.

These characters belong to Paramount.

Unlike his time on Agara's Moon, Solon had made good use of all his time on Rigel 7. He had obtained much more sophisticated Vulcan ID's and was now traveling under the name Saron.

He had also made use of his time learning what was happening with the Alliance. He had confirmed that Archer and T'Pol were married. He had seen film of the planets welcoming the soldiers home.

He had also studied some past history and was especially interested in what had happened with Terra Prime. At first, he had wondered if he could someone try to find a way to use them to exact revenge. But then he was shocked when he realized that he had made an almost 180 degree turn and was now no longer interested in wreaking any kind of revenge. On the contrary, he found himself admiring Archer and the others. Evidently, the way Ruddick had taken advantage of Vardon's death and the way he and Tabrina were treated by the Empire had caused him to break his allegiance to it. He had not realized how deeply were his feelings for Tabrina.

He had always been drawn to the Vulcan culture and found he did still wish to visit Vulcan as well as Earth.

Five months after arriving on Rigel, he booked passage on a Vulcan freighter bound for Vulcan. He was gratified to find he and his papers were easily accepted.

Upon arriving on Vulcan, he made his way to the capital city. Talking to its inhabitants as he toured the city, he been astonished to find that Archer apparently had carried the Katra of Surak and found the Kir'Shara.

He spent the next couple weeks traveling to Mount Seleya and following Archer's and T'Pol's journey through the Forge. Although he was intrigued with Vulcan, he had no inclination to follow Surak's teachings. He still identified much more with the ancient Vulcans.

He was surprised at himself when he discovered how much he wished that Vardon and Tabrina could have experienced this with him.

He was starting to make plans to travel to Earth when it was announced that Archer and T'Pol were heading to Vulcan.

When Archer and T'Pol reported in to Admiral Gardner, it was apparent that major changes were in store. Archer's new assignment would be Ambassador for Interplanetary Relations. T'Pol would be his second in command. Basically, it was the same job he had held many times. Its goal would be to work toward a permanent Alliance with the greater goal of creating something similar to that envisioned by Soval.

Archer found himself feeling a little disappointed. Oh, he thought it was an honor and he strongly believed in what he would be trying to accomplish, but he realized he had still held some quixotic hope he could perhaps return to exploring.

What Gardner said next was shocking, although Archer and T'Pol had considered the possibility. Enterprise was to be decommissioned and converted into a museum and memorial.

It soon became clear that there would be little progress on the creation of the Federation in the near future. All the planets were still deeply involved in recovering from the war. Even President Samuels was heavily involved in getting Earth back to some stage of normality.

All of the planets' resources had been drained by the war. On each planet steps were being taken to move off a war economy.

With time on their hands, Archer and T'Pol were instructed to partake in public relations events. To Jane's McBride's delight, they agreed to take part in several fund raisers. They would not indulge in the soliciting of funds, but gave a speech at the beginning. Their very presence attracted much larger crowds.

One event they were asked to take part in excited Archer but was confusing to T'Pol.

She turned to him, "They want you to 'throw out the first pitch'?"

Archer smiled. "Yeah, it is opening day for the San Francisco Giants and they want me to make the first pitch."

Seeing the look on her face, he continued, "The Giants are a baseball team. Baseball is a big sport on Earth. It is customary to have someone important throw a ceremonial first pitch. I have been chosen."

"So, it is an honor?"

"Yes. I am kind of excited about it. But also a little nervous."

"Why would you be nervous?"

"Well, I haven't thrown a baseball for a long time. I don't want to make a fool of myself."

Seeing her continued confusion, he led her into the living room. Assessing the internet, he found a baseball game and broadcasted it on the screen.

He pointed out the pitcher and told her that was what he was going to do.

T'Pol watched for a moment and then turned her attention to Archer who was engrossed in the screen. She thought she had begun to perhaps understand Humans but still was mystified with their attraction to so many forms of diversion.

Since it appeared to be important to Jonathan, T'Pol spent some time acquainting herself with the rules and traditions of baseball. She still did not understand his fascination with it, but felt she would not embarrass him or herself.

To her bemusement, Archer spent some time practicing throwing. She noted he brought the same intensity to that task that she had seen on the bridge of Enterprise.

When the day came, Archer dressed in civilian clothes while T'Pol donned her Vulcan robes. When they arrived at the ball park, they found their way to the Stadium Box of the owner of the Giants. After greeting them both and informing them how honored he was to have them there, he presented them both with a Giant jersey. Archer had to smile as T'Pol raised her eyebrows as she accepted it.

As he put his on, he told her to just hold on to hers.

T'Pol, still trying to take everything in, stood by the home team dugout, ignoring the looks from the players and fans around her. They had already been introduced to the Manager and players.

Her eyes were on Jonathan as he walked out to the mound receiving a standing ovation. She was surprised to find herself feeling a little apprehension herself. Although the task he was to accomplish did not seem overly difficult, she knew it was important to him.

As Archer stood on the mound, he took a moment to realize how surreal this all was. As a youngster, he had been a big baseball fan. Before his Dad had become ill, they had attended games together. After his Dad died, he concentrated all his efforts on making his father's dream come true.

He glanced over where T'Pol was. He smiled to himself as he thought how strange this must all seem to her. He had been proud and amazed at how she had worked so hard to be supportive and try to understand what this was all about. Taking a deep breath, he launched the pitch. He was gratified when it reached the plate without having too outlandish an arc. Again getting some applause, he moved forward and received the ball from the catcher as he shook his hand.

Archer had thought of insisting on a box to watch the game, or leaving immediately after his pitch, but he decided he wanted to share the whole baseball experience with T'Pol. He had arranged to have them sit behind the home dugout. Two rows had been appropriated for their use with a Starfleet security guard at each end and one sitting in the row behind them.

When the security guard stood aside as they found their seats, they received another standing ovation. T'Pol looked out at the diamond and then around the stadium, amazed that this 'baseball game' attracted such a crowd. She hadn't been sure how she would react, but was gratified to realize she enjoyed being able to share this with Jonathan.

She wasn't as sure later when he indulged in what he called a necessary part of the experience, eating what was called 'a foot-long hot dog'. She did appreciate he had arranged for her to have some fruit and water.

In the second inning, Archer was stunned when T'Pol suddenly called out, "Umpire Jordon, that last pitch did not meet the criteria of a strike."

He managed to get out, "T'Pol, are you arguing with the Umpire?"

"I was merely pointing out that in calling that a strike, he had made an error. I assumed he would want me to allow him to correct his mistake."

The fans behind them began to laugh and one of them called out, "Yeah, ump, you heard what the lady said."

Several other fans joined in, laughing and smiling down at T'Pol.

T'Pol turned to Archer, "Why are they repeating what I said? Are they laughing at me?"

Archer smiled fondly at her, "No. They are just enjoying what you said. They are laughing with you."

"But I am not laughing."

"It's okay. Believe me, they are with you."

"Very well."

Archer continued, "However, I would suggest you refrain from pointing out the umpire's mistakes from now on."

"If that is your wish."

"It is."

In the third inning a man approached one of the security guards. After listening for a moment, the guard approached Archer, "Admiral, sorry to bother you, but that man says his daughter has Torrin Syndrome and wishes to speak to you."

Archer glanced over at T'Pol who nodded her okay, "Okay, let him pass."

The man entered and Archer had him sit down next to him, "Thank you for seeing me, Admiral, my name is Larry Mason."

"Your daughter has Torrin Syndrome?"

"Yes, her name is Helen and she is ten. I just wanted to thank you and Commodore T'Pol for the work you have done in creating the Mercy McBride Foundation."

"Thank you, but Jane McBride did all the work. It was all set up before we came home. We have just made a couple appearances to help out."

"With all respect to Mrs. McBride, it is your participation that has enabled it to grow since you have returned. Pushing a PADD toward Archer, "I was wondering, could you and your wife sign this for my daughter?"

"I'm sorry, but Starfleet regulations do not allow us to do so."

Seeing Mason's look of disappointment, he added, "Is your daughter here?"

"Yes, she is back up in our seats. I wasn't sure I could get to see you and didn't want to bring her if I couldn't."

"Do you think she would like to come down and sit with us for a while? Of course, you could join us as well. Is your wife here?"

Mason looked stunned then smiled happily, "Do you mean it? That would be great, she'll be thrilled! But I think it should be her adventure. Betty and I will stay up there and then come back and pick her up."

"If that's what you want to do. Let's see, it's the bottom of the third. Why don't we plan to have you pick her up during the seventh inning stretch? Unless she gets tired of us before then."

"I don't think we will have to worry about that! I'll be right back."

As he left Archer turned to T'Pol, "I hope that wasn't presumptuous of me, I assumed you would agree."

"Of course, Jonathan, it would be most satisfactory to have her sit with us."

Mason returned carrying a young girl with red hair and bright blue eyes. Clutching a PADD, she squirmed out of his grasp and ran over to Archer. T'Pol moved over a seat to leave a space between her and Archer.

"Hello, Admiral, my name is Helen Mason."

Archer smiled, "Glad to meet you, but you can call me Jonathan. This is my wife, T'Pol."

Helen stared at T'Pol, seemed to be especially fascinated with her ears.

"It is agreeable to meet you. Would you like to sit here?"

Helen shook herself out of her concentration, "Yes."

Archer picked her up and put her in the seat as she continued to stare at T'Pol.

Mason spoke up, "I am leaving now, Helen, will you be all right?"

"Sure, Dad."

Mason smiled, "Okay, your Mom and I will pick you up in a while."

Helen timorously said, "Can I touch your ear?"

"If you wish." She leaned forward so Helen can reach it. Helen softly ran her fingers around the tip.

She took back her hand, "Those are neat! Wish I had ears like that."

T'Pol answered, "I would wish to have eyes as blue as yours. But I am afraid we will each have to be content with what we have."

Helen said quietly, "I guess." But then she turned to Archer, "Don't you wish you had ears like that?"

Archer smiled broadly, "No, I am happy with mine. But I do have to admit, her ears are neat!"

T'Pol admonished him with a look, but her eyes were twinkling.

Archer went on, "Do you like baseball? Do you come often?"

"I love it. I play softball myself. Dad and Mom usually take me to at least one game when the Giants are home. Lately, though, the Giants suck."

"Did you see me throw out the first pitch? What did you think?"

"You were alright, better than when the President did it; his bounced in front of the plate."

They settled in to watch the game. After a time, Helen was working with her PADD and wanted to show something to T'Pol. Archer looked on, smiling fondly, as Helen crawled onto her lap to show her.

Much too soon for Helen, the seventh inning arrived. When her parents came to pick her up, she and Archer were singing gustily while T'Pol looked on with a bemused look on her face.

As they finished, Betty Mason called out to her, "Helen, it's time to go now. Say goodbye to the Admiral and Commodore."

Helen looked up imploringly, "Do I have to go? I am having a great time."

Her mother continued, "Yes, come now, we have taken enough of their time."

Archer smiled, "It's been great having her." He turned to Helen, "Your mother's right though, it's time to go."

Helen resignedly turned to T'Pol, "Can I have a goodbye kiss?"

T'Pol answered, "Of course," as she leaned down to give Helen a peck on the mouth.

After Archer also gave her a quick kiss, she joined her parents. As her father picked her up, he said, "Say thank you and tell them goodbye."

Helen answered, "Thank you. Goodbye."

Archer smiled, "Goodbye, Helen, perhaps we'll run into each other again."

T'Pol also gave her a goodbye.

Betty gave Archer a quick hug, "Thank you so much, she will never forget today." She looked like she wanted to hug T'Pol but got the message it would not be welcome.

Archer added, "It has been our pleasure."

They walked off waving as they went. Archer returned their wave.

It wasn't long before Security signaled it was time to go before the crowd started to leave. Archer acknowledged the cheers as they were escorted out.

Mary Robbins had arranged to take care of two outstanding tasks. One she had long looked forward to, the other she would rather avoid.

Feeling that enough time had passed, she had contacted Trip and explained who she was and about Kathy's final letter to her. Trip was thrilled to hear from her and had quickly set up a meeting with him and his family.

The other task had grown out of Admiral Archer asking Starfleet if they could send someone to a widow who was suffering deep layers of guilt and depression. Although she was overall gratified about helping those who had suffered the same loss she had, each case was draining for her. It was also true that sometimes she had to work a little harder because she was gay. But in the end, she had found that common feelings of grief and loss transcended that.

After working through the layers of security surrounding the gated community, she found herself at the gate to Trip's home. When she identified herself, she was quickly allowed to pass through. As she drove up the driveway, she saw that evidently everyone had come out to greet her. She was surprised when she saw Natalie holding a baby. From its age, it obviously could not be Trip's unless he had left sperm behind, which she seriously doubted. She quickly told herself it was none of her business.

As she got out of the car, Trip came over and gave her a quick hug. He stepped back, "It is so great to meet you. Kathy talked about you all the time."

Mary answered, "It is an honor and pleasure to see you as well. I want to thank you for allowing me to come."

Trip smiled "It is our pleasure." He motioned for her to go ahead of him. When they reached the others, Natalie reached out her hand, "It is so good to meet you. I am so sorry about your loss."

"Thank you. It helped a lot that Trip came home safely. I know how pleased Kathy would be."

Seeing Mary looking at the baby, Natalie smiled and said, "This is our daughter Rose Elizabeth."

Mary smiled, "Could I hold her?"

Natalie smiled back, "Of course."

Mary took her and teared up a little, "I don't know if you knew this, but Kathy and I planned to have a baby when she returned." She shakily continued, "She wanted to do it before she left, but I said we could wait…"

As she began to cry softly, Natalie moved forward and hugged both her and Rose. She then gently took Rose back.

Gathering herself, Mary looked down at Charlie, "And this must be Charlie."

Charlie eyes had widened as he saw her crying. He said, "Are you okay?"

Mary smiled, "I am fine."

Trip came up to them, "Charlie, you remember me talking about your Auntie Kathy that served with Daddy in the war. This is her wife, Mary." Trip knelt down before Charlie and looked him in the eyes, "Kathy wasn't as lucky as your Daddy, she died in the war."

He looked up at Mary and then turned back to Charlie, "When I told Kathy about you, one of her wishes was that she would come by after the war and give you a big hug."

"But since she can't be here, I know she would want you to give that hug to Mary. Is that okay, Charlie?"

Charlie looked up a Mary, "Can I have a hug?"

Mary smiled happily, "Of course, Charlie." She reached down and now tearing up in happiness, lifted him up and crushed him to her as he wrapped his arms around her neck.

Natalie and Trip looked on, fighting tears as well.

After a time she put him back down. He looked up at her, "I am sorry about Auntie Kathy."

Mary managed a smile, "Thank you, Charlie, but I know she is smiling right now."

They made their way into the house and spent the next few hours talking about Kathy and Trip's new job. Mary also shared a little about herself.

Finally, she got up to leave. Trip spoke up, "You know you are welcome any time."

Mary smiled, "Thank you. I would like that."

They exchanged goodbyes and she drove off.

With the time they had, Archer and T'Pol decided it would be a good time to take care of something very important to both of them. After clearing it with Admiral Gardner, they contacted Soval to inform him they would be traveling to Vulcan to finalize their vows with a Vulcan wedding.