Grace

            “I’d have to say it’s not impossible, but it’s very highly unlikely. Admiral, do I, uh, need to review any confusion you may have developed in the last few years about, uh, as you humans put it so gracefully, the birds and bees?“

            “No! She’s making it up because she wants something from me that I haven’t given her, whatever it might be, I’m not even sure.” Archer started pacing the room.

            “Thank you, Admiral, I didn’t think there was any truth to it, but I have to make certain. Of course DNA will vindicate your position should this situation happen to inflate. Normally I’d never betray a confidence but you and I go back a long time, and I thought you might want to be aware of this problem. In case it surfaces, unexpectedly.”

            Archer felt a little tempest inside, growing each moment he thought about what Lorelei was about to do. Whatever it was, it didn’t please him in the least. He regained his composure, placed a hand on Phlox’s shoulder, and returned to his Starfleet office.

            “Grace,” he said calmly, and walked slowly past his secretary into his office. She picked up a PADD and followed him, standing still while he crashed into his desk chair.

            “Sir, are you okay?”

            “I need you to get word out, quietly, that a woman named Lorelei Lee is not allowed in this office, at least until I deploy to Eta Carinae. She’s a waitress at The 602, so I’m sure a lot of people know her. Just have a Master at Arms or a Special Forces assigned at the turbo life; no one has to know why.”

            Grace herself knew better than to ask why. She simply agreed and made notes on her PADD. She looked at Archer with empathy.

            “Sir, can I get you something? Water or coffee? Aspirin?”

            “Thanks, Grace, but I’m fine.” She wasn’t convinced, and hung back just a second longer. “Really,” Archer said, putting on his admiral disposition, which seemed to relieve her worries.

He busied himself with the history on Eta Carinae, the biggest astronomical event in human history, about to take place in this era. Eta Carinae was a vast nebula in the galaxy that harbored a star ready to hyper nova; it would be as bright as Luna from Earth, yet nearly 8000 light years away. Fortunately it was a great distance from Earth and at the wrong angle of projection to be a danger.

Unfortunately, every star, comet, asteroid, nebula, planet, and living thing within 1000 light years would be instantly annihilated. The next few thousand light years would feel the effects and be slowly annihilated over the course of a year or so. Anything five thousand light years from Eta Carinae would be in the worst position – a slow extinction of life from environmental destruction, followed by the subsequent annihilation of all celestial bodies. Beyond that, it was anyone’s guess as to how this section of the galaxy would look in 100 years.

            “Admiral,” Grace called from the doorway. He looked up from his mission plans. She entered his office with a large cup of coffee and set it on the desk. “I’ve known you too long. You’re the worst liar on the floor. And, um, I got Dr Riaan on the com for you.”

“Thanks, Grace. Thanks.” She only smiled and scurried out. 

Serotonin

            Archer and Phlox bantered a little before their conversation turned serious.

            “I’d rather you came by the IME, Admiral, rather than talking over the com.”

            “You got it. Is fifteen hundred okay?

            Archer arrived to see Phlox on time, but since they’d just had a six month review he wasn’t sure why exactly he had to come in person.

            “Admiral, you’re looking well,” Phlox greeted. They sat in Phlox’s office, not the medical bay, which worried Archer all the more. “Please sit down.”

            “What is it?” Archer sat slowly, not sure if sitting was always a good idea when someone wanted to talk. It usually meant bad news, at least when he said it.

            “I have an order that you are being deployed shortly, so I’ll have to run the customary battery of tests and exams before you can go.”

            “We just did all that a month ago.”

            “I found something interesting on your last cortical scan. I wanted to ask you about it.”

            “Ask me? You're the doc.”

            “For the last year, Admiral, you neuro-chemistry balance has been quite steady and showing marked improvement. Your memory functions, cognitive abilities are overall improved since the 2161 levels.” Archer nodded in agreement, waiting for the other shoe to drop. “Until this last scan.” Phlox tapped a few icons on the large office monitor and Archer’s brain scan appeared; it was a list of words with numbers.

            “Okay, you know I’m not the medical genius in the family.”

            “Serotonin is seriously depleted. I’m going to give you an SSRI that should last you until you’re reunited with your, um, with Riaan. You’ve also had declines in other hormones and neurotransmitters, but I suspect those will come back on their own soon enough. I can’t clear you for space travel until your chemical balance returns to a minimum acceptable level.”

            “So do it,” Archer told him.

            “You’ll have to come back so I can certify the test results. About 5 days should do it.”

            “What about Brannigaan and Ariannaa?”

            “I’m sure all is well with them, just have them come with you next week and I’ll make it official.” Phlox got up, picked up a pre-loaded hypo spray with the SSRI, and quickly administered it to Archer. “There’s, um, one other thing,” he said.

            “I knew I wasn’t getting out of here that easy,” Archer commented. Phlox sat down again, and stumbled over his words.

            “I’ve always thought humans are quite silly when it comes to matters of intimacy. Years ago, Commander Tucker refused an advance from my second wife Theisel because of his fear of offending me, I think, which was almost insulting had it not been Commander Tucker. I realize he—“

            “Doc, what are you driving at?” Archer asked, desperately trying to get to the bottom of his lecture. His patience wasn’t what it used to be. Phlox searched for the right tone.

            “You and Dr. Riaan haven’t formalized your family relationship?”

            “Now you, too? She’s my wife. We just haven’t gotten around to the paperwork.”

            “I suspected as much. I don’t ask this lightly, Admiral, because we’ve known each other a long time. It's just a formality. Please don’t be alarmed.”

            “What is it?!”

            “A woman came by last week looking for Dr. Riaan. Of course, I never divulge the whereabouts of my staff, and if it were anyone but you I’d never break a confidential doctor-patient relationship.”

            “I know that. Phlox, what’s going on?”

            “I didn’t get an opportunity to examine this woman, she only wanted to see Riaan, so she left.”

            “Get to the point, Doc!”Archer pressed his palm to his head hoping the anger would dissipate.

            “She claims to be carrying your child, which I just can’t imagine being true, but – “

            “Lorelei Lee.” Archer slammed his fist on the arm of the chair. “Well, it’s impossible. Significantly more impossible than Ariannaa was impossible.” He looked at Phlox.

            “See, now there’s a symptom of reduced serotonin levels, Admiral. Quick to anger-“

            “You’re damn right,” he said, standing up.

            “You’ve never been with this woman?”

            “Years ago, once, yes, years ago. Before Riaan and I met up again,” he admitted, wishing that it had never come up. “It’s not possible, not after two years, not now…is it?”

Thinking

            When Archer arrived home he was greeted by Ariannaa first and Naomi second; Brannigaan was rarely home so he didn’t look for him.

            “Hello, Admiral,” Naomi greeted, and she always did so formally.

            “Hi, Naomi, anything interesting happen?”

            “Ms. Riaan called a few minutes ago, but she said it could wait until tomorrow. Annaa has a new word.”

            “That’s three or four now?” he joked and picked Ariannaa up.

            “Annaa, tell daddy your new word,” Naomi instructed her with a smile. Annaa shook her head. “Please?” She grinned and shook her head again.

            “I’m sure it will come out sooner or later,” Archer said. Thanks for staying the extra time.”

            “Oh, I like it here; it’s always fun to take a break from quantum theory and go down to the beach. Brannigaan doesn’t really need me here. He’s right on top of all his classes.” Naomi collected her school work consisting of half a dozen different pads containing different texts and assignments.

            “See you at oh eight hundred,” she sang out on her way to the door. Ariannaa waved, but didn’t say a word.

            “I’m going in early. Can you be here at seven?”

            Brannigaan was up before Jonathan on school days, but there was never a contest on weekends. Brannigaan had turned into a real teenager with a need for hours upon hours of weekend sleep to make up for the days he had to get to school at eight in the morning. He was surprised to hear a knock at the door while he was still eating breakfast.

            “Hi Brannigaan,” Naomi said cheerfully.

            “You’re here early,” was all he thought to say.

            “The admiral asked me to come at seven.” Brannigaan looked at her curiously.

            “He’s not even up yet.”

            “He told me seven, I’m here at seven. Do you have any coffee ready?” She followed Brannigaan back to the kitchen were the kitchen units were all online. She set her things down and programmed a large cup of strong, black Colombian coffee. “Oh, that’s much better. How’re classes going for you?” she asked.

            “Slow. I’m putting my application in at Starfleet in January. Can’t get out of high school soon enough.”

            “You’ll be out of the fire and into the cook pans before you know it. Don’t rush it.”

            “Easy for you to say.” He picked up his assorted homework supplies and headed out the door.

            Naomi didn’t even consider waking the Admiral, even though she knew he wanted to get up early. Maybe he'd actually left before Brannigaan got up. Naomi wasn’t about to find out. She tip toed to Ariannaa’s room and found her flat on her back asleep, covers on the floor, pillow at her feet. It was her normal posture so Naomi made herself at home in the kitchen and signed onto her classroom.

            As soon as she sat down the com beeped. She’d never answered the com before, and wasn’t about to start. It beeped a second time. She focused on her classroom; the lecture was about to begin. A third beep beckoned. Okay, the admiral wasn’t home, whoever was calling could leave a message. She returned to the lecture. The com beeped a fourth time. Naomi couldn’t stand it anymore. No one hung on that long. She stood and picked up her coffee, took one step towards the com.

            Admiral Archer dashed in front of her and slammed the button to answer. Naomi almost spilled her coffee she jumped back so quickly.

            “Archer!” he shouted at the screen. At that moment, Naomi couldn’t help but notice that the admiral had obviously just jumped out of the shower wearing only a towel. She was thankful for that. Embarrassed, she took a few steps back toward the kitchen and slid into a shadow.

            “Good morning! You’re up early. I thought I’d catch you in coffee mode.”

            “Hi, Baby. I was going in early, but it looks like I overslept.”

            “Where’s Branni?”

            “Branni? It’s after seven; He must have left already.”

            “Isn’t that his stuff?” she asked, looking past Jonathan and at Naomi’s pile of school supplies on the dining table. He took a hard look from a distance. Archer looked around quickly.

            “Good morning, Dr Riaan,” called Naomi, emerging from the kitchen and taking her place behind the screen that was delivering a lecture.

            “I guess not,” Jonathan replied. He’d forgotten he’d asked her to come so early. He expected to be out of the house by this time. “Is something wrong? I wasn’t expecting you to call this morning.”

            Riaan raised her brows at Jonathan with an inquisitive expression, her eyes wide and no hint of a smile. “I can see that. Nothing’s wrong. I just wanted to say good morning." They stared at each other for a moment. "I can hold the channel open, if you were thinking of getting dressed, maybe?” She looked past Jonathan again at their baby sitter, then back at him. He started to laugh, briefly.

            “Oh, you don’t think…”

            “You probably don’t want to know what I think,” she said with a stern grin. 

602

            “Nevertheless, the closer we can be, the better the data will return. It will be millennia before another such event occurs. The nitrogen build up is increasing exponentially.”

            “Don’t take this the wrong way, T’Pol, but if I’m headed for Eta Carinae, I’ll be going on Discovery. I appreciate the offer,” Archer added.

            “Discovery is not a science vessel.”

            “Discovery has something Endeavour doesn’t,” he said, recognizing he had a perfectly valid reason for calling Discovery to his use. T’Pol’s expression changed from perfunctory to accusatory. Vulcan or not, he saw through her attempt to hide yet another emotion. “Besides most of the fleet, the Klingons, even the Romulans, will be sending vessels as close as possible in the next month. This ship or that ship, we’ll all be out there, what difference does it make?”

            “Precisely. I would think you would, however, want to be one of the first deployed and therefore the closest to observe the hyper nova. Time could be of the essence.”

            “I understand. Archer out,” he said with a smile, closing the channel. He loved T’Pol, but not enough to forgo sleeping in the same bed with his wife, science vessel or not. The galaxy was beautiful from any bridge. A moment later the com chirped at him.

            “Hey, my Honey, did you hear the news?”

            “I was going to ask you the same thing. Eta Carinae! I presume Discovery’s coming home?”

            “Captain Mitchell promised, but it will be another month. How are Branni and Annaa?”

            “They miss you, like I do. You’re not coming now?”

            “Captain said October. You should ask him. I’m the doctor, not the navigator. I miss you, too.” Behind her someone called her name and she looked back quickly. “I have a patient, I have to go.”

            “We can talk later, call me tonight.”

            “I’ll try,” she said. Then to someone in the room, she laughed “I’ll be there in a minute.”

            “Go,” Jonathan said to her. “Goodnight.”

            “Goodnight, and to the children, too.” The com cut off abruptly. There was nothing left to do at the office but call Captain Mitchell, which could wait until tomorrow. So Jonathan headed home via the 602.

            “There’s a lot of military pressure coming from Andoria.” Captain Martinez flagged Archer down at the table before he could get to the bar. “It’s their new year coming up, and the two parties are fighting. It’s getting polarized.” It was only a moment before Lorelei spotted him and came over. “What’s the Imperial Command scuttle?” Martinez asked Archer. Archer did his best to ignore Lorelei’s provocations.

            “Just whatever’s on tap,” he directed to her. “It’s nothing new. Every few years it’s the same thing. There’s those that want to be the Federation’s military, some want to stay out, some are on the fence. I try not to pay a lot of attention to their squabbles and look out for Earth’s needs.”

            “Jon, I was over at IME last week and I didn’t see Riaan. Did she go back to her planet?” Martinez was taken aback at the barmaid’s boorish comment, especially directed at Admiral Archer, of all people.

            “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were part of our conversation,” Archer told her. He’d been quite clear that the brief encounter between them was long, long over and done. He thought she had more discretion than to say something about his personal life in front of another officer, much less in the bar.

            She left the table without any more conversation. While Archer and Martinez discussed Andorian politics, she returned and set the glass firmly on the table. Her heavy make up almost left a ghost behind when she left. This time Martinez gave Archer a curious look.

            “Old news,” was all Archer said in response.

            You don’t think she put anything in that, do you?” Martinez chuckled, nodding at the glass just as Archer was about to drink from it. He hesitated, then laughed as well.

Damn Funny

            Although July daylight diminished each day, the sunrise still came early, by oh six hundred; darkness arrived by 19:00. When Jonathan awoke, it was still dark, and Riaan was still next to him.

            He was not looking forward to this day, but he was thrilled for Riaan. He remembered the day he left Earth in command of Starfleet’s first deep space mission, aboard Enterprise NX-01. He’d wanted nothing more than to prove his ability to make a decision without someone looking over his shoulder at every turn. And Riaan deserved that same opportunity to be her best, to spread her wings, to achieve knowledge while among the stars. They were equivalently cut from the same cloth, the two of them.

            In the darkness he stretched to reach her, kissing her uncovered shoulder.

            “Hmm, that was some kind of crazy last night,” she mumbled.

            “Some kind, that’s one way of putting it,” he half whispered. “It’s oh-five hundred.”

            “I don’t want to get up.” Riaan rolled over and pressed her face on his neck. His morning stubble grazed the sensitive ridges of her forehead, sending a petite quiver down her back. Without light to see by, touch, taste, smell and hearing were all more sensitive, adding a little mystery and magic to their last morning together. 

            When they arrived at Starfleet, Archer pulled Captain Mitchell aside. Standing together in the space dock loft, they watched the crews scurry around Discovery to get her ready for her next mission.

            “You are not my favorite person today,” the admiral said to the captain. “I didn’t think you were serious when you said you were going to offer Riaan a commission.”

            “As my grand-mamma would say, she’s as sharp as a needle and much more useful.”

            “Something’s just not right with this picture.” The captain stifled a grin but Archer caught him. “It’s not funny.”

            “With all due respect, it’s damn funny, Jon,” Pete chuckled. He looked up at Jon’s daughter, now over a year old, sitting on the shoulders of her father with her arms wrapped partly around his head. Ariannaa perpetually smiled. “You need to learn to relax. You’ve spent the last twenty years knocking the hell out of yourself for everyone but yourself. Isn’t Chief of Staff enough work for you? You want to keep an eye on your girlfriend, too?”

            Archer bristled at Mitchell’s description for Riaan.

            “She’s my wife, Captain; it’s just not on paper yet, that’s all.” Pete didn’t buy it.

            “I can formalize it right now for you. Oh, wait, we’d have to leave space dock. You game? I’m sure there’s a shuttle-”

            “Cut it out, Pete.” Archer was stoic watching the Starfleet crews go about their jobs.

            “Jon,” Pete addressed him, as a friend, “I have a lot of new officers and crewmen on this mission. The Gliese system is where we’ll be most of the time, and we won’t be more than 100 light years out, so stop worrying. I’m not even sure what’s really bothering you.” Archer didn’t answer. They stared out the windows watching a shuttle dock with Discovery.

            “Discovery’s your ship, Jon, anytime you want her.” Captain Mitchell put his hand on the admiral’s shoulder briefly, and then gently tugged on Ariannaa’s tiny white shoe that hung over Jonathan’s shoulder. Brannigaan jogged up to the officers and stopped at a respectful distance. Jonathan was suddenly surprised at how tall the boy had gotten in the last year; he must have grown 30 centimeters. The men greeted him with a smile, inviting him closer.

            “Mom wants you to come down to the shuttle dock.”

            Archer lifted the baby from his shoulders and handed her to her brother. She gleefully went from one person to another without complaint, indeed, just as happy to see the boy as anyone else who happened to be around.

            “Well, she sure doesn’t get her sweetness from you, does she?” Pete said with a straight face to Jonathan. “You could learn a little from her, Jon; lighten up.”

Six Parsecs

            Starfleet was arguably the best employer on Earth. Officers wanted for nothing except perhaps each other’s assignments. For Admiral Archer, Chief of Staff for United Earth Space Probe Agency, the only thing denied him was his own command thanks to transporter travels. Phlox had been correct, however, in predicting memory improvement with the changes in his neural chemistry. Jonathan never forgot what time Riaan called each day, and hadn’t missed a single call in two months.

            “It’s 8000 light years from here. A few parsecs closer isn’t going to make that much difference.”

Swap

            Jonathan imperceptibly trembled. He wanted to tell her no, she couldn’t do such a thing. It was dangerous. He’d be without her. Arianna and Branni would be without her. Yet he couldn’t betray her, her dream, the dream he’d encouraged and supported. He put on his most genuine smile and refused to be selfish, at least outwardly.

            “That is wonderful, Riaan, I’m so proud of you!”

            “You’re still a terrible liar,” she told him. “What’s wrong?”

            “Nothing’s wrong! Well, we’re going to miss you, but you’ve worked so hard, you deserve this; I want you to do what your heart says to do. If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

            “Why would you miss me? We’re all going. I’m just the only one that has to be actually working.”

            “We can’t go with you,” Jonathan replied with his smiling frown. “Branni is happy at his school, Ariannaa is happy with Naomi, and I can’t go either.”

            “Why not?” Riaan was puzzled. More and more families were coming on board, bringing their children and spouses.

            “Well, that’s my good news. I’ve been grounded, but this time as Chief of Staff, USEPA. I’m going to be here, on Earth, for at least four more years.”

            “That’s terrific, Jon! You can stay here with the kids and I can take the commission, they won’t have to move, you won’t have to fly, it’s great!”

            In the blink of an eye Jonathan found himself a grounded, stay-at-home, single dad. This was why he’d never married, or planned on a family, but because he always expected that he would be the one leaving people behind.

            “Hello,” came a girl’s voice from the front door. They both turned to see who’d just come in their home. Naomi trotted in, her key in hand. A moment later she came through the great room. “Oh, Ms. Riaan, hello, I didn’t know you were home! I forgot my sweater,” she told them both. “There it is,” she said, and found it on the seat of a dining room chair. “I’d be a Popsicle by the time I got home without it. And Ms Riaan, congratulations! Sorry, bye!” She waved and dashed out. Riaan and Jon looked at each other and softly laughed.

            “I think we should celebrate tonight. And I thought you might want to find a good place for this,” Jonathan said, putting Ariannaa on the ground and taking Riaan by the hand to the desk where he’d barely put her prize down.  “I will put this up for you wherever you want it, but I guess you might want it where you work, not at home.”

            Riaan caught her breath when she saw her framed diploma. She looked at Jon with appreciation, and surprise.

            “It’s beautiful. Thank you for this,” she said, picking it up and looking closely at the official statement of accomplishment. “Oh, my, this is amazing.”

            “I’m glad you like it. You worked hard for it; you earned it.”

            “With your help,” she reminded him.

            “Maybe a little.”

Commander

            “Admiral, hello, I’m sorry I didn’t hear you come in.” Jonathan was surprised to hear another voice in the house. Naomi bundled up some portable school materials from the kitchen and joined Archer in the great room. “Branni’ isn’t home yet, and ‘Annaa has been down about half an hour.”

            The com chirped again; Jonathan looked back to the com, nodded to Naomi, then opened the channel.

“Hey, Honey, how’s my honey? Tried the office, they said you left early.” Riaan said in a cheery voice. “How’s the baby, and Branni?”

            “I just got in. I have some interesting news, though.”

            “I do too! I’ll be home in a few minutes. Naomi, hello!” Riaan called to the sitter from the com channel.

            “Hi Ms. Riaan. Bye!” Archer closed the com.

            “I always appreciate your coming to stay on short notice,” Archer told the young caretaker.

            “No problem, sir. I have a quarterly exam coming up in a couple days to study for, so I get a lot of quiet here compared to the dormitory.”

            “Quiet, here? With a baby in the house?”

         “Well, your baby, not just any baby.”

         “What are you studying for?”

          “Oh, quantum theory. Time travel makes absolutely no sense to me. But this is just my first semester; I’ll have another round in September. Is that Dr. Riaan’s diploma?” She pointed to the framed document on the table. Jonathan nodded. “You must be so proud of her. What an accomplishment! ” Naomi stared at it a moment. “Doctor of Medicine,” she mused, and then headed for the door.

            “Good luck on the quantum test,” Jonathan commented, trying to remember exactly what that entailed. He knew more about time travel than he cared to put on his resume, and he was glad to be long past college age. He walked Naomi to the door. "If you need help with time travel, let me know. I'm sure I can help you out with that."

            “I’m sure you could, sir. I’ll see you again before then, but thanks,” she said with a shy smile and left.

            He took himself to the kitchen and selected coffee from the dispenser, added a little sugar and heavy cream. Riaan was right: coffee was an acquired taste. The door burst open.

            “Hey, hi Jon, you’re home early. I saw Naomi in the elevator. Is Ariannaa awake?”

            “Hey, no. Hey, we have some celebrating to do tonight after your mom gets home, so take care of your school work and no games until it’s done.” Branni put on a straight face in agreement, despite his reluctance.

            Jonathan went to Ariannaa’s room and took a long look at the girl asleep in her crib. He knew he ought to leave her alone, but he couldn’t resist lifting her up and out. She didn’t wake, but just squirmed a little until he’d settled her safely against his chest in confident arms.

            “Do you know how important you are? No, pretty sure you don’t,” he said quietly. Jonathan wondered a moment how he had fallen into the fortune of Ariannaa, Riaan, and Brannigaan. Another minute was enough to cement the feeling of belonging, purpose, and elation that filled the room.

            “Once there was a way,” he sang softly to the angel, “to get back home again. You are home, little girl. Don’t ever think that Earth is not your home, no matter where we might go or for how long.” Ariannaa yawned and opened her hazel eyes. Somewhat blue, brown, and green, there was no other way to describe their color. Every time, without fail Jonathan melted when she looked at him. Still no words, but lots of happy coos and gurgles; the peacefulness of the moment was almost alien.

            “There you are,” Riaan said standing in the doorway. Jonathan turned quickly at the sound of her voice. Not exactly caught but discovered with his guard down, he was grateful it was Riaan.

            “How is everything going at IME?”

            “It’s quite wonderful, actually. I’ve been put on a mid-shift, finally, so I can spend days with the sweetie now.” She reached for Ariannaa and Jonathan handed her over. “I have some fantastic news. Is Branni home?”

            “Yes, he’s on his schoolwork. What is it?” Together the three of them sat down in the great room looking out the large windows to the bay. Ariannaa was always such a quiet baby Jonathan sometimes forgot she was in the room. “So what are you so excited about?”

            “Well, I only have 5 months to go at IME. Captain Mitchell asked me to join his crew in sick bay on Discovery at the end of my internship! I’m going to take a commission as a Starfleet Commander!”

2165

Winter Morning

            “Oh, oh gosh, it’s almost oh eight hundred. The sun is up. Jon, oh-eight hundred,” Riaan told the man sleeping next to her. She nudged him roughly. “Jon, look at the time!” Riaan hopped out of the bed and wrapped a heavy robe around her shoulders. Her first stop was Ariannaa’s room. Asleep. She’s still asleep!

            She skittered into the living room and looked out the large windows at the beach. The sun glistened on the waves and in the distance she could make out two small people, one with Brannigaan’s gait, walking along the shore.

            “She’s asleep!” Jonathan said quietly, almost skipping into the kitchen. “And it’s Saturday.”

            “You know what else?” Riaan said with a smile, joining Jon in the filtered light of the kitchen. “Today,” she said wearing a huge smile and sparkling eyes, “I become a doctor!”

            “It’s a beautiful morning!” Jonathan couldn’t contain his excitement but he kept his voice low to make sure Ariannaa wouldn’t wake. He curled his arms around Riaan and gave her a two quick kisses. “Where’s Branni?”

            “Beach.”

            “Isn’t it a little cold?”

            “He doesn’t care. It’s sand and water. Geoff’s with him.” Jonathan took her hand and led her back to bed. They crawled under the covers and spooned up.

            “I need this time right now with you,” he told her quietly with a heavy sigh. He simply wrapped himself around her and felt her radiating heat. “Who knows when we’ll have another morning like this.” He yawned and closed his eyes. Yawns being contagious, she yawned as well.

            “I thought you had something uncivilized in mind,” she said, but Jonathan was instantly asleep, breathing slowly and deeply. Riaan wanted to go back to sleep but her mind raced. She had so much to do did she even have the luxury of lying in bed, as peaceful as it was. She was, however, trapped like a falcon in a python’s coil, so she gave her anxiety a little vacation before her life changed forever in a couple of hours. It was going to be a very, very busy day.

            Phlox was one of the first to congratulate Riaan on her stunning accomplishment. As acting director of the IME in San Francisco he insisted she take her internship with his office and no other. She didn’t hesitate at the offer.

            “That’s what I was expecting to hear,” he told her. “I have a sleep cycle coming up so you’ll be seeing the patients. I expect you may want to take over the admiral’s case as well?” Riaan looked at Jonathan, then back at Phlox.

            “Not necessarily; that might be one I leave in your hands.”

            “Then I don’t want to see you until the first of February,” he said cheerfully. “Admiral,” he nodded, and then he disappeared in the crowd. She saw Jonathan staring at her from the corner of her eye, and quickly caught his gaze. He reached over and flicked the golden tassel on her black mortarboard.

            “You did it, Doctor.”

            Jonathan was home when Riaan’s diploma arrived; he wanted to have it framed for her before she saw it. He knew what the roll of cardboard was, and took it unopened to the art shop that served Starfleet. They were happy to mount it and give it back to the admiral without a peep. Archer didn’t realize it at the time, but when he picked up Riaan’s treasure he would never be able to forgive himself for a transgression he didn’t think was important, until just that moment. The honor was conferred on:

Riaan Kellam
Doctor of Medicine

            He wanted to be fine with it. He really tried to put it out of his mind, but in truth it bothered the hell out of him. It wasn’t just that she’d spent years with Kellam and had a long history with him. It wasn’t that he was partly responsible for Kellam’s death at the factory. It wasn’t that she chose to put Kellam’s name on her diploma. It was that he forced her to put Kellam’s name on it. It should have been Archer. He knew that. She would forever be Doctor Riaan Kellam, even if one day she did become Doctor Riaan Archer.

            He simmered the predicament all the way home, walking the slowest route possible. It’s just a word, a name, a way to identify yourself and your family. What's in a name? It shouldn’t matter. He planned to keep her forever. He loved her to death. So why hadn’t he married her after more than a year together and the birth of a beautiful daughter? Half of Starfleet considered Riaan the admiral’s wife anyway. Was he going to tell himself that he didn’t have time for that either? He knew that was as much crap as not making time for a family.

            When he arrived home, he had a message waiting from Starfleet Command.

            February 20, 2165
Admiral Jonathan B. Archer,
               As of April 1, 2165, you will be promoted to Starfleet Chief of Staff of United Earth Space Probe Agency, to succeed Admiral Gardner upon his retirement. You will be assigned to Starfleet headquarters in San Francisco, California, North America. A celebration and official transition event is planned for March 30, 2165.

               Congratulations,

            He’d been grounded. At least he hadn’t been dismissed or sent to Vulcan. Perhaps he could finally plan on staying near home for four or more years. He stared at the message another minute. This was actually damn good news! It would be a new direction, a new focus, a command on the ground. He took off his jacket and tie, left them on the desk chair, and before he could get another step the com chirped, startling him out of his thoughts.

August

            Archer enjoyed the long summer days in the city. Although a cool fog often came over the Bay City each morning, by the afternoon the sun would melt the cloud and leave a warm glow. It was rarely warm enough to enjoy swimming in the ocean, but August was about as warm as it was going to be.

            “Come on, let’s go down to the beach,” he called coming in the door that afternoon. The Cabana won’t be serving dinner much longer and the onshore is blowing. Can you take your test later?”

            “Sure” came Riaan’s voice from the next room. They met each other halfway; Jonathan picked her up around the waist and swung her just a bit off the floor before he kissed her. “Everything go well today?” Jonathan was caught just a little off guard.

            “Of course. Nothing out of the ordinary.” Riaan looked at him squarely.

            “Something happened.”

            “Well, something happens every day.” He released his grip and casually went to the bedroom to change from Admiral back to Jonathan. He wondered if it was his inability to conceal anything from her, or just her vague form of personal telepathy, that she could read him like an open book.

            “Jon,” she said, following him to the bedroom.”

            “Where’s Arianna and Branni?”

            “What happened today, Jon?” He looked at her gently, but her eyes were intense and stubborn. He hung up his jacket, tie, and put his shirt in the laundry basket. He sighed.

            “I was made an Honorary Member of the Andorrian Imperial Guard.”

            “We’re not moving to Andorria, are we?” She followed him into the wardrobe. “I’m still getting used to Earth, you know.”

            “No, we’re not moving to Andorria. It’s cold there. But I may have to visit now and then.” He turned briefly to see her worried face. “No anxiety, now, we’re going down to the beach. We’ll eat at the Cabana, Brannigaan can run amok, you need a break. Where’s everyone?”

            “’Anna just went to sleep, Branni’s at Geoff’s.”

            “Really? We’re alone?” He immediately stopped rummaging in the closet and turned back to her. She slowly unbuttoned her summer dress.

“At least another hour.” Biting her lip, she took a step closer to Jon and let her dress fall to the floor.

           

            “I didn’t think I’d be headed out so soon,” Archer told Captain Mitchell over the office com. “I guess when the Andorians have a bee in their bonnet we don’t want to be stung.”

            “They want to re-militarize. You know who won’t like that.”

            “Pete, get a hold of T’Pol for me. I haven’t talked to her in a while, I want to get her thoughts about this. We’ll swing by Vulcan before we go to Andorria.”

            “Bringing the family?”

            “Riaan has her medical exams coming up, and I need to be back here to take care of things at home while she is at the center. It’s in New York, where she takes her practical.”

            “She’s almost there?”

            “Another month.”

            “Well, tell her to take a commission in Starfleet and she can be my new chief medical officer. Dr. Mundi is going to the Yorktown.”

            “You’re going to steal my girl?” Archer said, only half joking. He hadn’t thought that she might have such an ambition. She never said as much, but it was a valid choice for her.

            “Better me than someone else, Admiral. At least you can tag along whenever you want.”

            “Not if I’m stuck on Andorria.”

            “You think she might?” Mitchell asked. “I mean that genuinely. She’d be a great medical officer. She could visit Akal now and then, learn about new species—“

            “Okay, I hear you. New subject: when are you arriving?”

            “I’ll see you in a week. Mitchell out.”

            Archer’s mind raced, trying to remember if Riaan had said anything about a Starfleet commission.  He didn’t remember anything about that. He opened a channel home.

            “Hey, it’s my Honey,” Riaan greeted over the com. She held Adriannaa in one arm.

            “Hey, my Baby and my baby! What’s happening with your practicum? I have to go to Andorria next week. Did you want to come or are you in the middle of something”

            “Already? How long are you going to be gone?”

            “Not certain yet, a few weeks, a month.”

            “We better talk about it tonight,” she told him. 

Honor

            “I’m an honorary member of the Imperial Guard of Andorria?”

            “Yes.”

            “I’m not moving to Andoria if that’s what they think.” Archer simmered at the thought of uprooting after he’d finally planted himself. He sat down in his office, behind the desk. “They were supposed to demilitarize,” he told the view screen. “Now the Guard is dragging me into their military?”

            Captain Duvall waited patiently while Archer got up from his chair, then sat back down, got up, paced, then sat down again.

            “What did they say this involves?” Archer asked finally.

            “It’s just an honorary title, sir; I don’t think you have anything specific to do.”

            “Please tell me there’s not going to be a reception, a party, a celebration, or a ceremony for this.”

            “I wasn’t aware of any such plans, Admiral. Don’t shoot the messenger.”

            “I’m sorry, you’re right. It’s a step towards the creation of the Federation. I’m okay with that. Relay my sincerity for the honor to Shran. What else is going on?”

            “Klingons are building their new power facility on Praxus. We finished mapping Sector 14, and I just married my helmsman and quartermaster.”

            “Always like to hear the good news. Archer out.” He leaned forward and pressed a button on his com. A moment later Riaan’s face appeared. “Hey, Beautiful,” Jonathan said with a smile.

            “Hey, we’re all waiting for you to join us.”

            “Would you mind if I’m a few minutes late tonight? I want to stop by the 602. A couple officers from Discovery want to talk shop.”

            “Of course not.”

            “Did you finish your anatomy class?”

            “The assignments, but I need to test out, so after you’re back, maybe you can take over the Lilliputian?”

            “I’d love to,” he said, gave her a wink, and closed the call.

            Archer wrapped up all the loose ends on top of the desk and left for the night. When he arrived downstairs he forgot where he was supposed to go. He knew it wasn’t home. Was it to see Phlox for his bi-annual drug cocktail? That would explain the void in his head. He thought back to what he’d just told Riaan at his desk. Behind the desk, he’d told her he was going somewhere. He was going to…the 602.

            He’d been successful visualizing when something slipped like that. Phlox had been right. He was able to remember more important things while it was less critical memories that seemed to vanish. Now if he could just remember who he was going to meet.

            It had been ages since he’d gone to the 602. Nothing much had changed in a year. A few new faces, a lot of old ones. Engineer Jamison and Helmsman French waved him over to their table. It must be them.

            “Gentlemen,” he greeted them. They promptly stood for the admiral. He nodded. “At ease. How have you been, it’s been a while?” They all took a chair.

            “Excellent, sir.  We had some suggestions for the new class of ships and wanted to get your personal opinion before we submit a recommendation to the design team.”

            “Really, that’s fine. I can’t stay long; do you want to send it to me—“

            “Oh, no sir, we need your feedback, personally.”

             “How can I help?”

             “Jonathan Archer. Where have you been?” Jonathan Archer looked to his left and saw a woman he knew, but not her name. She quickly leaned over and kissed him, putting a hand on his back. “What can I get you?”

            “Whatever’s on tap,” he said. She bounced off. Her hair was long and straight, black as the ocean on a moonless night. She wore heavy makeup, intentionally exaggerated. She was thin, mature.

            “Admiral?” French asked. Archer had been watching her walk away while he tried to remember her name.

            “That’s….um,”

            “Lorelei,” Jamison answered.

            “I remember,” Archer said. “Excuse me a minute, gentlemen.” Archer left the table and went to the bar; he wanted to cut Lorelei off before she said something unfortunate at the table.

            “Are you just now getting back from your mission?” she asked from behind, handing him a tall glass with foam on top.

            “Oh, hi, no, I’ve just been really busy.”

            “I didn’t hear from you for so long. I missed you.” She leaned up against Jonathan, pushing her face to his ear. He remembered her, her apartment, the wine, the sex, the morning, and the messages he didn’t answer.

            “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to leave you hanging. When I finally got back, well, I had a lot on my mind.” He moved away from her a few centimeters before she made contact again.

            “So you’re here, my shift ends in half an hour. I’d love to have you over for some wine and cheddar.” Lorelei smiled and nudged Archer in the ribs.

            “Oh, no, no, there’s, uh, someone new in my life. I should have told you.”

            “I don’t see a ring,” she said as a matter of fact, reaching those few centimeters he’d moved and nuzzling his cheek.

            “Actually, I have to get back to the table, I just wanted to say hello.” Archer stood up from the bar and turned to go. This was about to turn into the conversation he wanted to avoid. “Thanks,” he said, holding the beer up as he walked back to the table.

            “You know where to find me,” she whispered before he got away. He nodded and retreated to the safety of the Discovery's officers’ company.