Archer felt his mind wandering as Dr. Mallory and Trip continued their conversation on warp drive efficiency. Dinner had been a most unique experience, he reflected. He'd never met anyone who had so many opinions on so many subjects before. Incredible, when you considered the fact that she'd never served on a star ship before. What was Admiral Forrest thinking? Archer's attention was abruptly drawn back to the conversation by the edge in Trip's voice.

"I find that the current configuration of the plasma injectors works just fine, Doctor," Trip was saying.

"I'm sure it worked well enough for a skin of your teeth mission," Jordan replied. "But considering that Enterprise has been refit with the latest technology, things have changed considerably."

"I'm very familiar with the changes to the engines-"

"Only on paper," Jordan interrupted. "You haven't had any experience in the field with them."

"Just what would you call the last two years, Doctor?"

"Exploration with what is now obsolete technology."

"Now just a damn minute," Trip exclaimed. "You may be an expert in warp theory, but I'm an engineer. And I know how those engines function day after day in real world conditions."

"And I'm just saying, Commander," Jordan replied calmly, "that things have changed a bit and you may need to reorient your thinking. I mean, don't get me wrong. You've accomplished amazing things so far. But the injectors are still off."

Trip looked at Archer, his expression a silent plea for support. Archer shook his head. "They're your engines, Trip," he said. "But it might not be a bad idea to take a look. After all," he said with some emphasis, hoping Trip would be quick on the uptake, "weren't you going to go over the configuration anyway before we enter the Expanse?"

"Right," Trip said, nodding his head in understanding. "I was." He turned to Jordan. "Thank you, Doctor, for your input. If you two will excuse me," he drained the remains of his iced tea, "I'll be about my duties."

"See you later, Trip," Archer dismissed him.

"I enjoyed our talk tonight," Mallory said. "I hope we can do this again soon."

"It's a small ship," Trip replied. "Night."

Silence descended on the table after Trip left. Jordan toyed with the remains of the dessert on her plate. She had sensed hostility in Archer at first, and she could guess why. She had to admit that she tended to step on toes rather than smooth feathers, and her latest display with Trip didn't help matters. When would she learn to behave? she asked herself. But, they had a job to do.

She took a sip of her iced tea before turning to Archer. "Now, Captain, tell me everything about your exploratory mission. I've been reading the reports, but they just don't do justice to what you've accomplished so far. I'm dying to hear everything!"

"I'm not sure if you noticed, doctor, be we've had to cancel the exploratory mission," Archer said dryly.

"Of course. But I'd still like to hear about what you accomplished so far. Please?"

"Well, that might take awhile," Archer demurred. "Perhaps another time."

"Very well," she said, changing the subject. "Sub-commander T'Pol wasn't invited tonight?"

"You seem awfully concerned about the duty roster, Doctor."

"No, I was just curious. I understand that she has decided to stay aboard Enterprise."

"Is that a problem?" Archer asked stiffly.

"On the contrary, it's the opportunity of a lifetime! I'll get to work with a Vulcan first hand."

"You'll have an opportunity tomorrow. She is working on the results from our studies of the ion storm we encountered, or she would have joined us for dinner tonight. I'd like you to begin by visiting the science station on the bridge, then tour our labs. Dr. Phlox has made some room for you."

"Excellent! I've been looking forward to seeing Dr. Phlox again."

"I wasn't aware that you knew him."

"I met him when he first came to Earth. In fact, he helped arrange for my studies on Denobula. So, after I get settled in, I can get started on my mission."

"Which is?" he asked with suspicion in his voice.

"Making myself useful." She rose from the table. "Now, with your permission, I haven't yet adjusted to ship time. I think I'll retire early tonight."

"My permission?" he asked, startled.

"It's your table, Captain." She smiled at him gently. "It's your ship, sir."

"Then dismissed. See you in the morning."

He sat at the table for some time staring at the door she had just gone through.