PART 31:
On the bridge of the Enterprise, the turbo lift doors opened, admitting Captain Archer. As he neared hthe doors to his ready room, he paused and turned to his communication officer.
"Hoshi," he said. "Did you contact Admiral Forrest?"
"He's waiting to speak to you, sir," she replied.
"Thanks," Archer said and entered his room.
Archer sat down at his small desk and took a deep breath before hitting the button on the screen. Admiral Forrest appeared in front of him.
"John," Forrest said. "How are you?"
"Fine, sir."
"I read your last report, and I must say it was very interesting."
"Thank you," Archer replied. "But there's something I need to speak to you about."
"Sounds serious, John. Is everything alright with the crew, the ship?"
"The ship is fine, sir," Archer answered. "But this does concern a crew member."
"Who?"
"Commander Tucker."
"Go on."
Archer stood and started pacing. "Remember about a year ago," Archer began. "I sent you a report about a ship we found."
"Yes," Forrest said. "Had hologram people on it, but two of them were real. Father and daughter I believe."
"During the time that we were helping them repair their ship Commander Tucker and the woman Liana became - - close."
"Intimate?"
Jonathan shook his head. "No, but..."
The Admiral held up his hand. "I understand, go on."
"Well as you know, we've been visiting with them, collecting some dilithium to use to repair the ship." Archer paused a moment before plunging in. "He wants to bring the daughter, Liana, onboard as his wife."
Admiral Forrest stared at the screen for several moments "Commander Tucker wants to marry an alien?"
"She may be an alien," Archer said. "But she looks more human than alien."
"Marriage John," Forrest said. "You know that's against Starfleet regulations."
"Yes I know that," Archer said.
"So then you know it's out of the question," Forrest told him. "Commander Tucker can't marry this person."
"Maybe this regulation should be reviewed," Archer said.
"There's nothing to look at, John," Forrest said. "We have our reasons for putting this regulation in place."
"What are those reasons?" Archer asked. "All the regulations say is no married couples that are both currently serving Starfleet may serve together on the same ship. Liana is not a member of Starfleet and therefore this regulation should not apply."
"Why are you questioning this?" Forrest said.
"Starfleet isn't out here, we are," Archer replied as he sat back down in front of his computer screen. "I realize that they have set regulations in place for certain reasons, but I don't think they fully realized how lonely it is out here. Human beings have a desire," he paused and shook his head. "no, actually a need to connect with another human on a emotional level that goes past just friendship."
"Now, John," Forrest started.
"Admiral," Archer interrupted. "How do you except my crew and future crews to be in deep space for long periods of time without developing some kind of intimate relationship with another crew member or someone else."
Admiral Forrest sighed inwardly. Secretly he agreed with this man, but as a ranking official of Starfleet he knew he needed to uphold the regulations. "John, I see your point."
"Then why can't we change this regulation and allow married couples on the ship."
"It's not that easy. This mission was designed for eighty two people. Ration, supplies, sleeping arrangements."
Archer waved his hand. "I know all that. That's something we can work with. And besides, crewman Daniels is---- well gone." He trailed off.
Admiral Forrest bit back a smile. Jonathan Archer had missed his calling. He should have been a lawyer.
"I'll talk with Starfleet. You know the Vulcan High Command won't go for this."
"I'm not asking the High Command for their permission," Archer replied.
"Alright, John, I'll get back to you as soon as I can."
"Thank you, sir."
The screen went blank, and Archer sat back in his chair. He ran his hand through his hair and hoped he wouldn't have to wait to long for an answer.
End of Part 31