Title: The Impossible Dream Author: Chocolatequeen Rating: PG Archiving: Archers and Endeavors, anywhere else please ask Disclaimer: I own neither Enterprise nor Don Quixote. The chapter title is a play on a song out of "Man of La Mancha." Summary: After watching a recording of his high school play, Jon finds himself lost in another world.

Chapter 4: The Golden Helmsman of Mambrino

Trip was stunned by the sight before him when he whirled around to take in the action. Apparently while he'd been talking to T'Pol, Jon had gone into the galley looking for a sword. "I'm just glad Chef keeps the knife drawer locked," he muttered as he glanced at the utensil his captain was holding.

"No sword?" Archer bellowed, brandishing a long handled wooden spoon under Travis' nose. "What manner of knight travels without a sword?"

Travis flailed his arms in agitation, pushing the makeshift sword to the side. "Look Captain, I told you I'm."

"Just in charge of our transportation," Trip broke in quickly. "Now if it's okay with you, I need to talk with him for a minute."

"Of course Sancho," Jon answered, gesturing with his spoon while retreating a few paces and turning to watch the stars through the porthole.

"Commander, what is going on here?" the helmsman asked sotto voce. "Why is the captain waving a spoon around like a sword, and why is he calling you Sancho?"

"It's kinda hard to explain Travis. You see that bump on his head? Seems the cap'n hit his head and now he thinks he's Don Quixote."

"The crazy Spanish guy?"

"That's the one," Trip affirmed.

Travis considered that for a minute, then gave the engineer a worried look. "He will go back to normal, won't he Commander?"

"Oh yeah," Trip reassured him. "Malcolm's coming to take him to sickbay and Doc'll fix him up in no time." Malcolm stepped into the mess at that moment, as if he was on cue. "See? What'd I tell ya? Here's Malcolm now."

The two men watched as the security officer approached the stargazing captain. "Excuse me Captain," he said in a no-nonsense voice. "I don't mean to disturb you, but there's something you should see."

Travis took a seat and watched, agape, as Jon slowly turned toward his tactical officer, a forceful expression on his face. "I will go nowhere with you," he stated in a tone that brooked no argument.

Malcolm faltered a moment before regaining his composure. "I'm not sure you understand, Captain," he began.

"Enough!" Archer roared. "I am not a captain, I am a knight, and I understand more than you realize Dr. Carrasco! You come to lure me into a trap under the guise of needing my help. Go tell The Enchanter I am wise to his plans," he sneered before turning his back to the door once more.

Poor Malcolm looked at Trip, bewildered, but the other man just shrugged his shoulders and motioned for him to leave. Shaking his head, the lieutenant walked out of the mess hall and told Hoshi, "He's all yours," before continuing on to sickbay to report to T'Pol and Dr. Phlox.

The young ensign drew a deep breath, trying to rid herself of her anxiety. Then, squaring her shoulders, she entered the mess hall. "Good evening my lord," she said in a soft, cultured voice. She'd overheard Trip call the captain "my lord" and crossed her fingers that she was doing the right thing. "I was wondering if you might join me for a stroll around the ship," she suggested.

"Ah Antonia," Jon replied quietly as he faced her. "My dearest niece, have they enlisted your help in this plot against me as well?" he asked, a pained look entering his eyes.

"This is almost better than a movie," Travis whispered to Trip who had sat down at the table with him.

"Shh. I think we're just getting to the good part," he said with a grin, pointing back to Hoshi and Jon.

"I'm afraid I do not follow, my lord," Hoshi said, confused. "Who is plotting against you?"

"The Enchanter and your fiance, Dr. Carrasco, of course." Taking her in shocked countenance, he mused, "Perhaps they did not tell you, but it is no matter. I must not leave here Antonia, much depends upon it. You do understand, don't you my dear?" he questioned, taking her hands in his.

When she nodded mutely, he said, "Good," then kissed her hands and released them. "Sancho, would you be so kind as to walk my niece to the door?" he requested.

"Of course my lord," Trip agreed, mirth dancing in his eyes as he rose from his seat and took the arm Hoshi offered.

"Not a word of this to anyone, do you hear me Commander?" she hissed. "If you and Travis so much as hint."

"I wouldn't dream of it my lady," he replied, eyes wide with innocence. "Oh, do be sure to tell your fiancé hi for me," he added, leaving standing at the door, jaw dropped and eyes flashing.

Just he as Trip made his escape, Travis stood up and said, "Actually, if you'll excuse me, my lord, I have to get up early in the morning so I should be leaving now. I could walk your niece to her quarters if you would like."

"Thank you, kind sir, that would be most appreciated," Jon answered with a short bow. "I bid you good night."

"Good night sir," Travis said with a yawn, walking out of the mess hall with Hoshi.