On Board

            “That’s such good news,” Riaan told Hoshi. She occupied a bio bed and the readings looked good. “I was so afraid when we moved you, but I knew you’d be better off here than down there.”

            “I’ve never liked the transporter, I still don’t. But I like it a little better today than I did yesterday.” The Commander smiled.

            “I’ll be here for you, and Mai can stay with us tonight. I don’t want her to have to stay in sick bay.”

            “She seemed to think of it as some kind of camping trip,” Hoshi declared.

            “I’ll check back on you later,” Riaan assured her.

            “Hoshi, I’m so glad you’re okay,” Archer said, taking her hand.

            “Thanks, sir.”

            Jonathan and Riaan left sickbay and headed for E deck. Riaan’s quarters were first down the corridor. She opened the door and two children leapt to their feet and came running.

            “Mom!” Brannigaan shouted, bounding to her at the door and jumping on her like a spider. “I missed you; I had to stay in sick bay.”

            “Dr Riaan, Admiral sir,” shouted Mia and she also joined the group hug.

            “I missed you, too, Branni. Hi Mia, did you take care of your mom last night?”

            “Yes, Branni helped me.”

            “I’m glad all is well here,” Jonathan said. “I’m going up the hall here and I’ll catch up with you all later.” He leaned into Riaan and kissed her not quite on the cheek and not quite on the lips. “Dinner tonight?”

            “Of course.”

            “I’ll find out what Mitchell has planned, now that he’s up, we’re back, and we are on our way home.”

            Captain Mitchell invited Jonathan and Riaan to dine with him and Jamison that evening. Archer no longer tried to hide his affection for Riaan. The strolled together in something besides duty blues and scrubs that was a bit more festive. Upon their arrival Mitchell greeted both of them with some Laurentian mead wine.

            “I want to say thank you to Admiral Archer for averting yet another war between Andorrians and Vulcans,” the captain said, raising his glass with a nod; Jamison and Riaan also lifted their glasses a little higher.

            “It’s my métier, negotiating between Andorrians and Vulcans.”

            “I had the chef prepare an extra serving for us all tonight since you haven’t had much to eat in the last day or two. Seems things are starting to get back to normal around here once Commander Sato is on her feet.”

            “What’s our estimated time of arrival on Earth?”

            “We’re running at warp 5 these days,” Jamison answered. “Two weeks.”

            “If there aren’t any distractions between here and there. Don’t count on it. There’s been a little activity out on the Romulan Neutral Zone but I don’t expect it to spill this far.”

            The quartet sat down as the steward brought in their first course , and the conversation turned to food. The four of them had an effusive rapport. Orions were another subject of conversation, as were Romulans, Vulcans, and Akallis.

            “By the way, Jonathan, I took the liberty of moving you to Guests’ quarters on G deck for the remainder of the journey. More room. Better views.” He looked at Jonathan as straight faced as possible.

            “Thanks, Pete, I appreciate that.”

            “You’ve had a bit of turmoil the last few days. Good to have you aboard and safe. Go relax.”

            “I don’t do ‘relax’ very well, Pete, but I’ll try. Goodnight.”

            Jonathan and Riaan left together. He put his arm around her shoulders to keep her essence close after such a long day apart.

            “I wish we could be on the same deck for quarters,” Riaan said with disappointment in her voice. “I was rather hoping to spend more time with you, not less.” Jonathan turned his head to look at her directly.

            “The quarters on G are quite large, usually reserved for dignitaries, and, well, admirals. Hmm. I guess that’s me. Mitchell put me in there so you can join me. You didn’t understand that? No, I guess you aren’t familiar enough with the ship.”

            “Are you sure?”

            “It has a Klingon sized bed.” She stopped walking and flushed a pale shade of pink. “What’s wrong?”

            “I guess there’s nothing wrong with that, but I didn’t realize anyone knew.”

            “I never said a word. But Pete and I go back a long time. He can probably see the stupid look on my face every time I’m around you.” Jonathan winked at her and put his arm around her shoulders again. “Stay with Branni and Mia tonight, and I’ll have your belongings moved to my cabin tomorrow. With Hoshi in sick bay, I’m sure the kids would like you to themselves tonight. I know I would.” They stopped at the turbolift. One deck was a very quick trip.

            “They should be asleep in bed by now. Come in for a minute.”

            Quietly they entered Riaan’s cabin, and two kids were asleep on the floor. They glanced at each other, and Riaan went to pick up Brannigaan, but Jon stopped her.

            “Too heavy, let me get him, you get the little one.” Riaan hadn’t thought about it recently, but Brannigaan had grown right under her eyes. He was more than half her height and weight, and although it was no problem for Jon to pick him up, 40 kilos wasn’t an easy heft for a woman. She picked up Mia and set her on the sofa, tucking a blanket around her and in the cushions so she wouldn’t roll off onto the floor.

            Jonathan took his charge to a small cot that had been set up for him, and performed a similar blanket routine. All the lights were dimmed. Back in the main part of the living quarters, it was time to say goodnight.

            “So, everything’s alright?” Jonathan asked, standing near the door holding Riaan around her waist.

            “I have to say yes,” she admitted.

            “Well, it’s been a day I won’t forget.”