The Gold

            “Oh, don’t yet. How about meeting me in the mess for lunch? I missed you this morning.” Archer turned to leave the sick bay.

            “I have no appetite at all; I think I’m too excited to finally reach Earth.”

            “I’ll have to find Branni then. It’s our last day on the ship. Not sure when we’ll be out again.”

            “I won’t mind having my feet on the ground again.”

            “Have you thought any more about what you want to do? I’d say you have a knack for medicine, astronomy, or even languages.”

            “I’m thinking perhaps I could make use of all those skills as a ship’s doctor.” She smiled and passed Jonathan as she left the sick bay. He stood rooted to the floor. He hoped she didn’t mean a star ship. A star ship would put her in danger; she could be deployed for years at a time. And after the promotion, demotion, to admiral, his star ship days were limited each year by Phlox as well as Starfleet.

            Archer headed for the bridge. His mind was pre-occupied with, of course, Riaan. He knew the way to the bridge without even thinking, leaving his overactive imagination to consider all the possible scenarios that waited ahead. Was she going to take Branni on her missions? He’d really miss her if she was gone, but he had no right to tell her she couldn’t follow her heart. In fact, he was obligated to help her achieve her dreams. No, not just obligated, but emboldened. 

            The turbolift door slid open and Archer stepped onto the bridge which was busy with wrapping up the current mission.

            “Admiral on the bridge!” shouted French. The rest of the crew, including Captain Mitchell, stood up in respect. Maybe it was the uniform.

            “As you were,” he greeted them. “Well, Pete, thank you for the ride,” he said.

            “It’s been our honor to help you with this mission, Admiral.”

            “Thanks, Pete. I certainly enjoy stretching the space legs now and then.”

            “Join me in the ready room?” Archer followed him off the bridge.

            “You’re looking well, Jonathan. Must be the ship’s new doctor?” Pete poured the two of them coffee from the carafe on the table. Jonathan laughed a little bit and looked down briefly.

            “She has a special magic, it seems. I appreciate your diplomacy about it.”

            “You’re the admiral; you’re my friend. What else would I have done?” Pete poured a generous dose of sugar into his coffee cup. “You’ve got it bad, Jonathan. Never seen you like this before.” Archer was not exactly embarrassed, but still glanced down reconsidering his imprudence in public. “The crew and I think it’s a good match. At last.” Without moving Archer looked up and a grin appeared on his face before he focused on his coffee. The intercom chirped. “Come in.”

            “Final damage reports, sir, crew manifest, and duty roster.” French handed a PADD to the captain. “Admiral,” he said with a nod.

            “French, thank you for everything these last few weeks.”

            “It’s my pleasure, sir.” French turned and left the officers alone.

            “Any plans for your birthday, Jonathan?” Pete smiled, leaning back in his chair. Archer grinned and took a deep breath, leaning back in his chair as well; shook his head. “I didn’t think so. I missed you last year, so maybe this will count for two.” Pete pulled a small box out of a desk drawer and passed it across the table to Jonathan.”

            He opened the box expecting a gag or keychain. No, this was gold. Special gold. A gold medal. He lifted it out carefully, staring up at Pete.

            “1964 Olympics, Hungary took the gold in Water Polo. Tokyo, Konrad’s medal, 200 years ago.”

            “Pete, I don’t know what to say. It’s incredible.”

            “A few of us got together and thought it might put a grin on that old face of yours.”

            “Well, you’ve certainly done it. And you brought me home as well. This is a great birthday.” He reached across the table and shook hands with Pete. Today was a turning point in his life, his personal life, his future.

            “Bridge to Captain Mitchell,” came through the intercom. He reached up to open the line.

            “Mitchell, go ahead.”

            “Dr Riaan is here; she’s looking for the Admiral.”

            “Send her on in here.” Pete glanced at Jonathan, and pressed a button so the door would open automatically. 

            “Hello gentlemen,” she greeted. Jonathan and Pete both stood up. Riaan walked in wearing a long emerald green dress with long sleeves and a modest neckline. ”Will this work for San Francisco?” she asked. Jonathan offered her his chair.

            “It’ll work just fine. You look great.”

            “What’s this?” Riaan asked, looking at the gold medal in the box.

            “Olympic gold medal from 200 years ago, in Water Polo. Some of us officers got together and got it for Jonathan’s birthday,” Pete said.

            “His birthday?” Riaan looked hard at Jon. “You never told me it was a day of celebration.”

            “It just happened to be the same day we return to Earth, I didn’t want to make a big deal about it.”

            “You didn’t make any deal about it.”

            “Coming home is gift enough,”

            “Bridge to Captain Mitchell,” the intercom bleeped. We’re 1000 AU from Earth.”

            “Slow to warp three; take us in easy, French.”