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.