Melanie was just trying to deal with the fact that she was nowhere near her home. Making matters a little worse was the fact she did not know if Commander Tucker really had feelings for her or was he just trying to flirt with her. Oh, great she thought, as she lies awake in bed. The way he was acting reminded her of a few guys that she knew on Earth.

I guess I could talk to Ensign Sato Melanie thought. She suspected that Sub-Commander T'Pol had observed Commander Tucker/s behavior. I just don't know what to do she thought.

Fortunately, the COM saved her. Although she had to admit that she was not sure it would be. She was surprised to hear a familiar voice on the other end.

"Hello?' Melanie asked

"This is Captain Jonathan Archer."

"Sir, what can I do for you?" She asked

"I would like you to join me in my private dining area." Archer said

"I would be delighted." Melanie said

Melanie had no idea why the captain wanted to see her. However, she was shocked to just see the captain at the table.

"Melanie, thank you for joining me." Archer said

"Not a problem, captain." She said

"Oh, and stop with the formalities. My name is Jonathan."

"Thank you, Jonathan. It is a pleasure to be here. I wanted to say thank you for saving my life."

Captain Archer gave her a big smile. Melanie had to admit that it was a very attractive smile and that he was using it to melt her heart. At the same time, he knew that he was falling in love with her big blue eyes. What neither one knew was that the other one had feelings.

Captain Archer was unaware that his best friend had feelings for Melanie. All he knew was that he had to tell her how he felt before it was too late. He knew that it wouldn't be easy but he figured that he had been through much worse.

"Melanie, there is someone I would like you to meet. That is my dog Porthos." Jon said

They walked to his quarters. Melanie stood outside for a moment. Jonathan looked at Melanie and motioned her to follow him inside. She walked in after him. Melanie was speechless that she was alone with Jonathan. Melanie looked over at him because she was not sure if it was appropriate for her to be alone with him. She didn't care what anyone thought. Melanie didn't know what Jonathan had planned but something told her that she could trust him more than the Chief Engineer that was coming onto her. Jonathan told the room to go into privacy mode. When he did this Melanie started not to be able to think straight. She wasn't sure why this was but she figured it had something to do with the wonderful man next to her.

"Melanie, there is something I need to tell you. I love you."

"Oh Jonathan! I love you too."

Melanie threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. He looked at her. His eyes had the look of man who had passion and desire for his woman. Her eyes showed a look of love for her man. He held her close to him. He came closer to her his lips were practically touching hers. Finally, after what seemed like forever Jonathan kissed Melanie on the lips. She though she was dreaming the whole thing but she knew that since she could feel it that it wasn't a dream.

Jonathan got up and put some slow romantic music on. He walked back to Melanie. He had to admit that he had been dreaming of this moment since she came on the Enterprise.

"Would you care to dance?'

"I would love to."

They danced slowly for what seemed like ages. Melanie put her head against his chest since that was the only place she could reach. He planted a kiss on the top of her sandy blond curls. Melanie knew that she would have to go back to her quarters but part of her wanted to stay with Jonathan. She knew that was a hard decision but she also knew it would be in his best interest if she went back to cabin for now. They both knew that would be the right thing because they were only starting out with their relationship.

A little while later…

"I should leave now, Jonathan. I had a great time and we should do this again sometime."

"I am glad."

Melanie left Jonathan's room and went back to her room. She was hoping that she would not see anyone because then she might have to explain herself. She wasn't sure if anyone would buy into the fact that noting happened in the sense that they did not sleep together.