Chapter Thirteen: Everything

"After you finish, I'd like you to step into my ready room," Archer told Hoshi before he exited the bridge.

"Yes, sir," Hoshi answered.

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"What are you doing here?" Hoshi asked as she stepped into the captain's ready room.

"I'd ask you that very same question," Trip said.

They turned when the doors swished open.

"I see you're wondering what you both are doing here," Archer said. He walked to his chair. "Do you actually think what you are doing is appropriate?"

Trip and Hoshi looked at each other, confused.

"Captain," Trip said. "You're the one who asked us to be here. I think we should be asking you questions."

Archer rose from his chair. "You'd better be aware that you're on record. So, if I were you, Trip, I'd watch what I say."

"Captain," Hoshi said.

"T'Pol," Archer said loudly, ignoring Hoshi, "saw you both three days ago alone in D-deck…doing a little more than walking."

There was silence.

"What do you two have to say?" Archer asked. "What if it had been another crewmember! If it weren't for T'Pol, everyone else on this ship would have known about you two, before I would!"

"We're sorry, Captain," Trip spoke up. "We truly are. But things between me and Hoshi…well, they got complicated and…we're attracted to each other." Trip was sure that sounded better in his head.

"Yes," Hoshi added. "We got a little carried away that day and we promise it'll never happen again."

Archer sighed. Truthfully, he didn't know what to say or do.

"I don't know," Archer said. "Obviously, you are interested in each other. How can I come between that? It's really your personal business. I just want you both to answer me this, what happens when things don't work out between you two?"

Trip and Hoshi looked at each other. They had never thought about the ramifications of their relationship not working. They only thought about the here and now, not the 'what ifs'.

"It's true that romantic relationships don't always work out for every couple," Hoshi answered, thoughtfully. "But you have our assurance that whatever happens with us…stays with us."

"Can I sincerely believe that?" Archer asked, doubtfully. "What about when you have to choose between each other...and the ship?"

"We'd choose the Enterprise, Captain," Trip answered.

Archer sighed again. He wasn't sure if it was in the best interest of the ship to let them stay together.

"Alright," he finally said in resignation. "You guys can go about your business, but be discreet. I mean no more necking in any hallway, even if empty. You both are dismissed."

Trip and Hoshi smiled. "Thank you, Captain," they both said.

Before they exited the ready room, Archer called out in a stern voice, "Remember you two, you were Starfleet officers before you got together. Everything, and I mean everything, is for the Enterprise."