The Ready Room

Hoshi noticed that the Captain had been a little distracted on the bridge and had gone to his Ready Room, as a friend, to see if she could help out.

The door buzzed on the inside and Hoshi could hear her Captain and friend's voice say, "Come."

Inside it seemed more of a study where one might ponder their thoughts and drink tea, than work on plans for the ship. Nevertheless, Hoshi could see Jonathon Archer work sleeplessly in here whenever the occasion arose.

"Hey Hoshi, what's up?" The Captain pinched the ridge of his nose between his eyes, which suggested much non-needed stress and tension.

"Actually, you look like you need a friend." Hoshi smiled and sat opposite Jon on a rather lumpy armchair. He smiled tiredly and relaxed in his chair.

"Just been hectic, the last few days." The Captain explained bluntly. Hoshi was probably the closest thing he had to a sister and loved her like one. She always seemed to be attuned to his emotions, which suited him great when he needed to talk.

"But this only started today." Hoshi said confused.

"I know, but it's other stuff too." Jon confided.

"You mean like Trip and T'Pol?" Hoshi smiled understandingly. Once again, Jonathon laughed to himself about how attuned Hoshi was.

"Yeah, like Trip and T'Pol." He replied sounding depressed.

"I don't really understand it though," Hoshi said and Jon looked confused, so she continued. "How can you be mad at Trip for liking the same woman that you do? It's a bit hypocritical, don't you think?"

The Captain looked at her as if she'd just confused the whole thing even more, but underneath, he sort of understood what she was saying.

"I know what you mean, but it doesn't really matter. It still hurts." Jon said. Hoshi looked at him steadily. She knew that he looked at her as a sister, but she'd been in love with him for so long, it hurt when he spoke of liking another woman.

"There are plenty of fish in the sea." Hoshi smiled, hiding her true feelings. Jon laughed and realised that she was right.

"Thanks Hoshi, I don't know what I'd do without you." Jon smiled appreciatively. By the final tone in his voice, Hoshi realised it was time to leave. They both stood to get up and Jon went in for a hug. He never realised how much comfort he took in Hoshi and her hair smelt really great. Pulling back, they made perfect eye contact and Jon felt that he saw Hoshi, for the first time. He really saw her. Leaning in, he realised that they were about to kiss. They were centimetres from each other, before, "Tucker to the Captain."

Being interrupted, Hoshi and Jon pulled back, each blushing a little bit about what they were about to do. Clearing his throat, he replied, "Archer here."

Hoshi, not wanting to face whatever little chat was about to come, instantly walked out of Jon's ready room, while his back was turned.

"The Warp Capacitor is up and working, sir." Trip replied.

"On my way." The Captain buzzed off and turned around to find that Hoshi had disappeared. One thought came rushing at him; it was both terrifying and exciting. What had just almost happened?