The Blues

Asteroids

            Riaan and Brannigaan had been set up with quarters on E deck as well. Endeavour’s doctor, a Vulcan named Sussa, and Riaan seemed to get along well enough, so Riaan started working with her in sick bay right away. She was adept and a quick study, enjoying the research and company of a scientist. Archer hoped that keeping her busy would hasten any lingering doubts she might have.

            Archer finally opened his com files once the Endeavour left orbit. Another file from Lorelei Lee. He wasn’t sure he wanted to open it, given the last couple months. He owed her at least a reply.

          My Dear Jonathan,
          I know it’s hard to communicate from 100 light years away, but
I’d love to hear from you as soon as you’re able. It’s been a tough couple of months without your company. My hours at the 602 changed some, and a new group of cadets graduated so we had a party that lasted almost two days this time. Ruby had her baby finally, last week, named him James.
          Miss you and our long talks, and of course the things you do after
dark. Hope to hear from you soon, Kisses,   Lori

            No reason to complicate things at the moment. He recorded a message back to her.

            Sorry for the late reply, but it’s been a tough couple months here, too.
Covert operations and a nuclear reactor accident among other things. Will drop a
note when I get more time.  Jonathan

            The com beeped above his console.

            “Archer.”

            “Admiral, can you come to the Ready Room?” Archer took the turbo lift to deck A.

            “What’s on your mind, Pete?”

            “Admiral, I’ll get right to it, I know you’re busy. You know I’d never deny your requests; when you asked to bring Akaali passengers back to Earth on Endeavour, I mean. But there’s a small situation I’d like to address.”

            “Go on, please.”

            “Our youngest passenger is an enthusiastic space cadet. What would you like me to do with him for the next couple of weeks? He seems to have an interest in, well, everything,” the captain chuckled.

            “Put him to work, Captain. He’s as smart as his mother with twice the curiosity.”

            “Can I put him someplace other than the bridge?”

            “Of course, Captain, it’s your ship. Put him in the galley, or on a maintenance detail. He’s still a bit young to enroll at the Academy.  Maybe have Sato teach him Standard English so he’ll have an advantage once we get back to Earth. If I can pick up Wolg, he can learn Standard.”

            Captain Mitchell opened his mouth to say something, then shut it again and nodded.

            “Speak,” Archer said to him plainly.  Mitchell sighed.

            “We aren’t going straight to Earth. I just got orders from Starfleet to divert to Andoria because they have business that apparently you need to deal with.”

            “Well, Andoria, now there’s a place I haven’t thought about in a whole day or two.”

            “I didn’t tell Starfleet about our passengers, although I put them in the manifest.”

            “There’s no secret to keep, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

            “Far be it for me to question anything command of yours, sir. Just wanted you to be aware the trip will be longer than you may have expected, even at warp six.”

            “Something to do with the 2161 charter?”

            “I’m to deliver you there. My information is on a need-to-know basis. I hate that, you know. I suggest you get in touch with Gardner for the details. You’ll probably get a transmission soon anyway.”

            Archer stood up, knowing when a conversation was over. He clapped Mitchell’s shoulder.

            “Dinner is at nineteen hundred,” the captain said.

            “I hope you’ll not mind if I take a pass. I have a huge report to work on.” The captain nodded.

            Being the senior officer aboard had its advantages. He headed for sick bay three decks down and, as on the Discovery, a gesture of respect came from every person he passed by.

            “Sussa,” Archer called as he entered the sick bay. “How is everything here?”

            “Admiral,” the doctor greeted. “My new associate is a quick study, very intelligent. Riaan is going to be a fine addition to Starfleet medical, if we can convince her to join,” Sussa told the admiral. “She also has no signs of radiation toxicity, and she has no cumulative or acute effects or symptoms. She is, however, anemic and hypovolemic.”

            “What does that mean?”

            “I would think she’s been in an accident recently. The reactor bombing?”

            Archer had no right to say anything to anyone about Riaan’s tragedy. Of all the times he’d seen wrecked bodies, dead crew members, seen his own blood and others, maybe nothing crushed his soul as much as when he cared for Riaan the night he told her of Kellam’s death. As long as he lived he’d never be able to forget her tears, her pain, and the imperfect life they wrapped in blankets and placed with Kellam on his pyre. He tried to nod but instead he just looked away from Sussa.

            “She’ll be okay, though?”

            “Akaali blood is very similar to humans, iron based. No need for anything but some ferrous sulfate and electrolytes.”

            “How is Branni?”

            “He’s fine, healthy and growing. I’d like to give him some DHA supplements otherwise he’s a perfect twelve year old Akaali boy. Twelve standard years, of course. ”

            “Good. That’s good. And Riaan is…where?”

            “Hello, Admiral,” Riaan called. She appeared from the lab with her hair tied back and was dressed in dark blue surgery scrubs and a long white lab coat. More than ever she appeared calm and professional, strong and unbreakable.