I'm trying to work out the plot. Yep. I really don't think these things through until I actually write it. Smart, eh?

And in response to some of the reviews, this isn't gong to be exactly like Q-Squared. So I don't think Q's going to appear and instead adding the slightly insane universe-jumper. I loved the entire multiverse idea, and that's going to be the bulk of similarities.

...I also plan on these universes being odd...don't expect everything and everyone to be perfectly in tune with Enterprise.

 Don't be upset if they don't quite fit with the norm.

...And I don't believe I'm a fan of Monty Python. Why?

*********

Universe 1

            "Where the hell are those two?" Malcolm Reed grumbled as he paced the bridge, casting looks towards the sensors every time he passed them. Enterprise had been waiting for three hours, and still the two hadn't returned yet. He wasn't sure if it was worry for them or irritation at their lateness that was causing his agitation, but he certainly wasn't the happiest man on Enterprise.

            "Captain, with all due respect, it is their anniversary." 

"I'm aware of that," Reed snorted to the lieutenant that had spoken. That one always did have something to say, that Lieutenant Archer, like being the son of Henry Archer made him the most knowledgeable of all the crewmen aboard. It was amazing the egotistical man had made it to the rank he had. "But we need to begin negotiations on Yakira Prime, and we need our communications officer. I don't believe an engineer, a science officer and a tactical officer would be very helpful in getting the parts we need."

"I'm actually quite good at -- "

The beeping of the comm station silenced the reply that Archer had for Reed, making the Captain ever so glad as he pressed the 'channel open' button.

"It's about time, you two." Was the first thing out of the Captain's mouth as the frequency opened, though a feeling of relief went through him at knowing they were back, "You had better dock quickly, we have negotiations to begin. I doubt the Yakirans like tardiness."

Travis Mayweather's chuckle could be heard on the other end, "Yes, sir. I'll get the shuttlepod aboard as soon as I can."

With that, the channel was closed and Malcolm settled gruffly into his chair. One hand rubbed his eyes as he muttered,  "Why I let a married couple aboard my ship, I have no bloody idea. And Lieutenant, please don't comment on that statement."

*********

Ensign Hoshi Sato walked up the corridor, luggage in hand. She'd left her husband behind for the time being as he had started up a merry little conversation with one of the other crewmen. She knew all too well that there was no way the meeting would end within ten minutes and she wanted to get back to her quarters as quickly as possible.

The trip down to Hyessio IV had been pleasant, with beautiful twin suns, crystalline beaches and a native language she could spend her life studying and never bore of. The only problem had been Travis. She loved the man dearly, but whenever anniversaries, holidays or birthdays came around, she felt smothered. He had followed her around almost the entire vacation, and after the first two days of the treatment, she had gotten rather tired of it. That was the way it generally was on all special occasions.

Even 'Hoshi Day' had gotten to be too much for her.

She figured with time he'd calm down. He was only twenty-seven after all, and this anniversary had marked their sixth year of marriage. A few more years and she'd be dying for the anniversaries where she couldn't get any sleep. She only had a few more years to wait and she wasn't about to give up completely.

She was rounding a corner on her way to her quarters when she nearly bumped into Captain Reed.

"Well, hello Ensign." He chuckled as he bent down to retrieve the small bag that the linguist had dropped. His features softened as his fingers brushed hers when he handed it back.

She took a quick step back, feeling the beginnings of a blush rise up her face. She had nearly rammed into the Captain of all people. "Sorry we're late, sir. We overslept..."

"It was only three hours. I've been told we can make it Yakira Prime with plenty of time to spare before we meet with the Planetary Monarch." The answer was surprising to Hoshi. She had expected him to be rather upset...but then again, he rarely ever had managed to raise his voice to her over the past year. "How was your anniversary?"

"It was wonderful, sir." She lied, a bright smile appearing on her lips. "The beaches were beautiful and I had the view from our villa was absolutely stunning."

"And I'd suppose the company wasn't bad either."

Hoshi shrugged, grinning ever so lightly, "The company wasn't too horrible."

The sound of footsteps could be heard behind her, and the linguist felt arms wrap around her abdomen. Travis's always-cheery voice was heard just behind her, "Glad to hear I'm not horrible, hun." Pause, "Hello, Captain."

Reed's face went from soft to nearly unreadable the moment Mayweather had turned the corner. "Hello, Ensign. I was just about to ask your wife if she would have dinner in the captain's mess with me tonight. I have to work out some details for tomorrow's negotiations. If you don't mind, of course."

"Why would I mind? If she wants to, she can go right ahead." The helmsman kissed her cheek after he replied, giving her waist a gentle squeeze. "You up for dinner with the Captain, hun?"

The linguist's eyes met Malcolm's as she nodded. "I'll meet you for dinner, sir."

"I may keep her for a while, the translations that Lieutenant Wilkins did were rather flawed. Hoshi may have to help me understand a few things."

Travis nodded, "That's fine with me. I have some diagnostics to catch up on, anyway. She'll see you tonight."

The Captain nodded his good-bye to the two, and Travis took up Hoshi's luggage, laying a kiss on her lips before jogging off down the corridor. She sighed, slowly making her way after her spouse even as he disappeared from sight.

Only a few more years to wait...

*********

"Hoshi!" He'd found her. He'd actually found her! He was the greatest miracle he had ever witnessed.

"Commander Tucker?" The question in her voice went without notice. But the kiss he had seen Mayweather give her did raise an inquiry or two, as did Hoshi's next question. "Why aren't you with Emma? I know you don't like to leave her very often... Is Liz taking care of her again?"

That stopped him dead in his tracks. Liz? Emma? What was she talking about? The thoughts were shaken from his mind. They didn't matter. He had found Hoshi again. She was standing there, living. If she talked about things he had no clue of, it didn't matter. It didn't matter at all. "How are ya?"

"I'm fine, Commander. Travis and I just got back from our vacation. Hyessio IV was a nice place to spend our anniversary." She cocked her head, looking over him in confusion and worry. "Are feeling alright? Is Emma okay?"

Travis. Anniversary. The two words made no sense in such close proximity to one another. They could only mean that he hadn't found his Hoshi. He'd found someone else's Hoshi. His heart felt like it had been wrenched from his body all over again. He had to get away. His Hoshi had to be somewhere...somewhere! This wasn't her. She wasn't his. "I actually have to get goin'. See ya later."

He ran off down the corridor, leaving a confused linguist in his wake. The small device he had created was brought from his pocket and activated. The boundaries of universes were torn apart as he stepped through the arch of shimmering lights and electricity. Next time he'd find her...next time.

((I've been on a roll with writing this...but I'm not sure when I'll get around to much more. I find it challenging to write remotely believable universes.

…And now you reviewers know who the mystery couple is. Now, be nice and review more. *wink*))