A/N: I just wanted to make a comment about feedback. Thanks to all of you who comment and leave such nice remarks. Feedback is a great encouragement and I appreciate it. Without it I don't think I'd be writing very much. However, I'm guessing a lot of people read and don't leave feedback. When you get two reviews for a chapter and yet know it's had well over a hundred views it makes you wonder if people are enjoying your story or not. So if you like what you read, I'd love to hear from you! A short review is great. A more detailed one is even better, but I know that takes time and we are all busy people. On the other hand if you aren't too happy maybe you could let me know what isn't working for you via PM or email.
Thanks for reading!
Redemption
Chapter 22
Jonathan and Rebecca arrived at the marina at 6:20pm, giving them ample time to park their car and walk to where the Sunset Princess was moored. Jeremy and Sarah Atkins greeted them as they stepped aboard the yacht.
"I don't believe we were formally introduced yesterday," Jonathan said as he saw the older boy standing next to his mother.
"I'm David," he stated and shook Archer's hand.
"Pleased to meet you."
The boy smiled at him and thanked Archer for the rescue of his younger brother.
Jeremy and Sarah motioned for Rebecca and Jon to take a seat while they served drinks. Sarah brought out a large pitcher of passion fruit iced tea saying she'd heard it was the captain's favourite.
"Didn't realize that was public knowledge," he said in jest.
"You'd be amazed at the kind of information that's been printed about you, Captain."
"Really?" He wasn't sure if he wanted to know.
Sarah poured him a glass and sat down. "Oh yes, I think it was only a few weeks ago there was an insert in our Sunday paper – it was your bio. Information such as your marital status, what schools you went to, grades in flight school were all available."
He frowned. "Why that would be of interest to anyone I'm sure I don't know."
"The fame is troublesome at times?" she asked.
"If I'm going to be honest I'll have to say yes. Luckily here on Fiji things have been peaceful and I've been able to go about my business without anyone bothering me. It was in San Francisco that things were a little problematic."
"I can imagine. And I'm sorry the events of yesterday have put you in the limelight again."
"It's not your fault, Mrs. Atkins."
"Please call me, Sarah."
"Sarah. By the way where is young Jonathan?" Archer asked. "He's all right isn't he?"
"Oh yes, he's fine," Jeremy said. "He'll join us in a few minutes. I think he's just changing. "
Jonathan took a sip of his drink.
"We thought about taking the yacht out to watch the sunset if that's agreeable to both of you," Jeremy said.
"Sounds like a great idea," Rebecca answered and Jonathan nodded in accord.
"If you'll excuse me then I'll get us started. I'll be back momentarily when we're out to sea and I can leave her on autopilot."
A few moments after Jeremy left, young Jonathan made an appearance. Archer noted that the boy seemed rather shy. "Nice to see you, Jonathan."
"Captain Archer, I'm happy you were able to join us." The young boy smiled at him and stood nervously by his mother's side.
"How are you feeling?"
"Okay."
"None the worse for wear?"
"No, Captain. The doctors told me I'm very lucky."
"I won't dispute that and I'm grateful that you're fine. Can I ask what exactly happened out there?"
The young boy pulled up a chair, sitting down. "David and I got into an argument. I stood up too quickly, lost my balance and ended up falling in the water. The next thing I remember is seeing you, Captain."
"What were you guys doing out so far? The current could have swept you out to sea."
"Their father's explained all that to both of them," Sarah interjected. "We were both furious they'd even taken the dingy out without us supervising. Jeremy and I were having dinner on the restaurant terrace. The boys had said they were going to play on the beach. I trusted them and didn't think they had to be watched every second. "
"Mom, it was my fault," young Jonathan interjected. "I convinced David to take the boat out. He said we shouldn't."
The young boy must have been very persuasive or maybe David had wanted to go as well, but had towed the party line as he felt that was his responsibility. Still, what they'd done was dangerous.
Archer wondered what it must be like to be a parent – to be responsible for these young humans 24/7. It reminded him a little of being responsible for his crew, though they were grown adults, not children.
He recalled when he and Maggie were dating he'd thought about having a family and being a father: the idea had appealed to him. He'd always liked kids and seemed to get on well with them. He wanted to be a good father, much like Henry had been to him. But then after they'd split up he'd never dated anyone he felt strongly enough about to start a family with.
"David should have known better," Sarah continued, glancing at her older son with disapproval. "When I saw a group of people gathering on the shore and then realized it was David and Jon they were looking at, I couldn't believe my eyes. I was absolutely frantic. We immediately rushed to the beach."
"We didn't mean to cause any trouble," young Jonathan stated.
Archer didn't wish to scold the boy, besides it wasn't his place. He was a stranger and he felt certain that the boy's parents had drummed into him already the seriousness of what had occurred.
He had a vague recollection of what it was like to be young and remembered doing stuff his parents had expressly warned him about or forbidden him to do. He recalled taking his mother's car for a test drive around the block when he was twelve. Luckily Sally or anyone else for that matter had never caught him red handed.
"Thank goodness you were there, Captain Archer," Sarah said. "I will be indebted to you for the rest of my life."
Archer smiled at her. "There's no need to be. I'm glad I was able to help."
"So how long will you be staying in Fiji?" Rebecca asked Sarah after a pause. Sarah answered that they were on a two week vacation in the islands and their yacht was usually moored in Fiji. They'd flown in from Sydney, where they lived.
Jonathan and David started to ask Archer about Enterprise and what it was like to travel in space. They appeared fascinated to hear about some of the alien species he'd encountered. They also asked to have photos taken together with him and have posters autographed. Archer agreed.
"Are you sure you don't mind, Captain?" Sarah asked.
"Of course not," he reassured her. Archer followed David and Jonathan down to their cabin to sign their Enterprise memorabilia. He was rather taken aback at their collection and had no idea that little action figures of his crew had been marketed. It was bizarre to see a miniature representation of himself. He asked how long such items had been available for purchase.
"Ever since Enterprise left for the Expanse," David explained. "Your action figure was marketed first and when it became very popular the manufacturers decided to create the rest of the senior staff."
Jonathan presented him with an 8x10 color photograph which Archer recognized. He'd posed for this almost four years ago. He'd just been promoted to captain and given command of Enterprise. He signed it and then signed a poster for David.
"Anything else I can help you with?" Archer asked.
"Well I don't want to impose—"
"What is it David?" Archer was curious what the older boy was going to ask. He seemed a tad nervous in stating his request.
"When you get back to America, do you think you could ask your first officer, Sub-Commander T'Pol to send us an autographed picture?"
Archer smiled. "Absolutely! I think T'Pol would be flattered and happy to help."
"Happy?" the young Jonathan asked. "I thought Vulcans were emotionless."
Archer sat down on one of the beds. "Actually that's a preconception. They do have emotions; they just try to suppress them."
"How do they do that?"
"I believe it takes years of practice and meditation."
Archer heard Sarah call to them, saying that dinner was about to be served. "I guess we better make an appearance." The boys nodded and filed out of the room. David walked ahead while Jonathan waited behind. Archer joined him and asked why he'd stopped.
"I wanted to wait for you."
The young boy slipped his hand into the captain's. "I'll never forget you, Captain. You were my hero before this…but now you are my personal hero. Thank you for what you did."
Jonathan was touched by the young boy's gesture and wrapped his arms around him in a bear hug. "You're most welcome, but if you really want to show your gratitude you can do me a favour."
"What?"
"When you get back to Sydney, how about enrolling in some swimming classes? And promise me you'll never venture out into deep waters again without an adult."
"I promise."
"Good. Now I think we should join the others, don't you?"
The boy nodded and they walked off together to dinner hand in hand.
It was just after 10pm when they returned to Suva marina after their dinner cruise. The Atkins thanked Archer once again for all his help before saying goodbye. Jonathan hugged the captain while David held out his hand reminding Archer about T'Pol's autograph. He smiled and promised he wouldn't forget.
Rebecca and Archer turned their heads once more and waved goodbye as they made their way back to the car.
"I'll drive," Jonathan offered. She threw him the keys and he climbed into the vehicle.
"Have a good time?" he asked.
"Yes. It was kind of Jeremy to let me interview his son. This will certainly smooth over things with Pete."
"You writing up the interview tonight?"
"As soon as we get back to the villa I'll be hard at work. This needs to go out in tomorrow's issue. It'll be like an accompaniment to the interview I did with you."
"Right."
"Young Jonathan seemed very taken with you. It was Captain Archer this and Captain Archer that."
"Maybe you could tone it down a little when you write it up?"
"I thought it was rather sweet. Take it as a compliment."
"Okay. But it's just an image he has; he doesn't know the whole truth."
"And just how much did you know about your hero when you were eight? Did your dad tell you about what a drunk Zephram Cochrane was? Or did you only know the good stuff?"
Rebecca had a point.
"Jeremy thinks you're a great writer," he stated, changing the subject.
"Oh?"
"Yeah when he was showing me around the bridge he said he read the article you wrote about me and was very impressed."
"I had good source material."
Jonathan guffawed. "Admit it, you know you're good."
"Well I guess I'm not bad, but I'm not Pulitzer material yet."
Jonathan shifted the gear into second as he pulled into the street leading to the villa. He parked outside the house, got out and then went to open the door for Rebecca.
"How gentlemanly of you," she teased.
"I'd like to leave you with some positive impressions before I go."
They strolled into the house together. Jonathan asked her if she wanted to take a walk with him on the beach, but she declined saying she needed to get writing.
"I guess I'll go alone then. By the way, do you think you could drop me off at the airport tomorrow afternoon?"
"Of course I will, Jon. You don't even need to ask."
"Thanks, I appreciate it."
Jonathan returned from his walk and found Rebecca busily tapping away at the keyboard. He decided to take a shower and get ready for bed. Best to have an early night, especially with the five hour time change tomorrow. He stepped into the shower and submerged his head under the spray. Boy that felt good!
His mind had been preoccupied with T'Pol during his walk – he'd been rehearsing what he was going to say to her, but nothing had sounded exactly right. He hoped when he did get the chance to say the things he wanted in person that somehow his sentences would come together a little better.
He'd also thought about his stay in Fiji. It hadn't been a total loss. Of course if he'd taken the trip a year ago, before the Expanse, his outlook might have been a bit different. He'd probably have been a lot more enthusiastic and energetic. And he certainly wouldn't have acted miserable and moody.
What a shame he and T'Pol had never taken shore leave together! He remembered when the lots had been cast for the crew to go down to Risa how he'd secretly hoped she would end up going and that maybe they'd spend some time together not just as captain and first officer, but as friends – getting to know each other better.
Hmm…a vacation with T'Pol, it would have been perfect before the Expanse — before he'd changed.
He'd have loved to share his planet with her — take her to all the haunts he'd been to during his life and see them afresh through her eyes. Places like London, Paris, or New York. Or take her hiking through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies of Alberta. Or experience the thunderous sound of gallons of water rushing over a precipice at Niagara.
He'd imagined taking her to India, picturing her standing outside the Taj Mahal, in Agra. She was in an ankle length short sleeved white dress, open at the neck displaying her olive neck. He'd imagined taking her hand in his and whispering to her the story behind the monument, how it had been built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal.
He'd thought about how she might enjoy the ancient Tholing monastery in Ngari, Tibet.
But that was then…
Now he acknowledged that even if he'd come here with her instead of Rebecca things would have been far from perfect. Changing locations didn't change how he felt about his own actions.
He turned off the water and stepped out of the shower, grabbing a towel from the rack and drying off. He suddenly remembered he hadn't told T'Pol about cutting his trip short, and she'd never returned his call. It was too late now to call her now. He could do so in the morning, but on second thought he wasn't sure if he wanted to do that. He feared if she did find out she may not want to see him. There was the chance he'd arrive home and only find Porthos waiting for him.
Better not to risk it, he decided. He'd surprise her instead.
He slipped on a bathrobe and went to join Rebecca. He found the living room vacated but noticed the patio doors to the balcony were open so he assumed Rebecca was outside on the deck. He went to join her.
She smiled as she saw him walk out. "Enjoy your walk?"
"Yeah. How's the article coming along?"
"It's finished. I typed it up and sent it to Pete, should make the morning edition. I also asked Pete to put aside a few paper copies for the Atkins and mail it to them."
"That's a nice gesture, I'm sure they'll be pleased."
"I hope so."
There were quiet for a moment, listening to the sound of the water lapping at the shore, and the breeze whistling through the trees. It was a cloudless night; the sky was littered with hundreds of stars — as far as the eye could see.
"You miss it don't you?" Rebecca asked, noticing Jonathan staring up at the sky.
"Hmm?"
"Space, exploration — do you miss it, Jon?"
"Yeah I've missed it. It'll be nice to get back to that kind of mission. But I haven't got a clue as to what Starfleet has in store for us. I was so naïve went I first went out there, I didn't even think we'd need weapons."
"How were you supposed to know what kind of welcome you'd get? The Vulcans could have forewarned you."
"Maybe they did, in their own way. They kept trying to delay our launch."
"I remember. You sure hated the Vulcans."
"I know I resented them."
"Speaking of Vulcans," Rebecca said, "does T'Pol know you're coming home?"
"No, I thought it would be best to surprise her."
"Hmm."
"What do you mean hmm?"
"Nothing."
"Just spit it out, Rebecca."
"I'm wondering if you're afraid she'll do a disappearing act on you if she finds out you're on your way."
Were women naturally intuitive or were they just good guessers? Rebecca was a journalist. Her skills were fine tuned.
"The thought had crossed my mind."
"Then I guess you've got your work cut out for you, mending fences and all. Do me a favour though."
"What?" he asked.
"Start with setting her straight about us."
"Okay."
They were both quiet for a moment as they looked out onto the shore and listened to the waves crashing against the sand.
"Jonathan," she said, breaking the silence, "before you leave I want you to know that I hope you find whatever you're looking for — whether it's exploration, meeting new species, or being with T'Pol. And when you find it I hope you'll be happy. You deserve it. I'm not aware of the particulars in regards to what went on in the Expanse but I know it was something bad and it hurt you in a way I probably can't comprehend. But it's time to let yourself heal."
"Thanks." He closed the space between them and took her in his arms, giving her a hearty hug. "You've been a great friend, Rebecca. I owe you."
"Nonsense. Anyway, friends would be pretty useless if they weren't around to listen to each other moan and whine."
"Yeah, though I've been the one who's done all the moaning and you've patiently taken it."
"Well if I ever have a crisis in my life, expect me to come knocking on your door!" she teased.
"That's a deal."
Jonathan went for his last swim in the ocean while Rebecca prepared brunch. They were going to leave around 11:30am in plenty of time to get to the airport before the check-in desks opened.
He walked up the steps of the villa and surveyed all the food she'd laid out. It was quite a feast!
"Enjoy your swim?" she enquired.
"Yeah it was great," he answered. "Rebecca, all this food is it just for the two of us?"
"Of course it is. And you better have a hearty appetite."
"You know it's a good thing I am going back to San Francisco. With all you've been feeding me I've put on more than a few pounds."
"It suits you, Jon. You were as skinny as a rake when you came out here. I bet you rarely ate a bite in the Expanse."
She was right on that account. He'd skipped meals and ignored his hunger until there came a time when he'd completely lost his appetite. His diet had consisted of copious amounts of coffee and a sandwich here and there when he had a few spare minutes.
He told her he needed to take a quick shower and change.
After consuming a bowl of fruit and yogurt, scrambled eggs and toast, a generous serving of French crepes in maple syrup and two slices of lemon cake, washed down with English breakfast tea and two glasses of orange juice, Rebecca seemed satisfied and didn't offer him any more food. He felt like he was gonna bust.
"I think I've really over done it."
"Well I didn't want to send you home on an empty stomach, and that food they serve aboard the shuttle leaves much to be desired. I can pack you a snack for the flight if you wish."
"Thanks but I don't think it will be necessary. This will keep me going all day."
"Okay," she smiled.
"So do you have any plans for the next week?" he asked.
"I'll probably take it easy and relax though I'll fit some exploring in as well. I might visit a few more National Parks and do some island hopping. It's so beautiful here; I want to make sure I don't miss out on anything."
"You won't mind being alone?"
"Jon, I thought you knew me better than not. My job keeps me alone for most of the time, traveling around the world reporting on current news."
"I know, but that doesn't mean you like it."
"I'm used to it."
"And after the vacation what are your plans? Will I see you again before Enterprise is re-commissioned?"
"You can count on it. I'm due back in San Francisco and I'll need to explain to Pete why I don't have the original exclusive with you. Hopefully he'll be happy enough with the Jonathan Atkins story."
"I hope so too."
"And what about the future? Last Friday when we went sailing you said something about moving to DC."
"It's definitely something I'm interested in. I need to explore the job opportunities. I'd like something that doesn't have me traveling the globe all year round."
"Last night you said you hoped I found whatever it was I was looking for. I want to return those wishes and say that I hope you'll be happy in whatever you do."
"Thanks, Jon." She reached across the table and patted his hand. "Boy, aren't we getting sentimental in our old age?"
Both of them laughed.
Admiral Maxwell Forrest was engrossed in reading some reports when his assistant knocked on his office door to inform him he had a surprise visitor by the name of Simon Templeton. He told his secretary to show the man in.
"Simon, this is a surprise," he greeted the man as he walked in. "I haven't seen you in ages. To what do I owe the honor?"
"I'm afraid this isn't a social call, Maxwell."
"Is something wrong?"
The admiral gestured for Templeton to sit down and asked if he wanted a coffee or any other beverage. He declined.
"I shouldn't really be doing this Max, but… well we've been friends for a long time, and I feel as if I owe you."
Forrest sat down behind his desk, curious as to what was his friend's meaning. He'd known Simon Templeton for many years and they were good friends, though didn't see enough of each other. Templeton was the head of a local news station and since his promotion to that position rarely had time for social activities.
"So what's this all about, Simon?"
"I've just come from a meeting of network executives and three of my best reporters. Somebody got word that Captain Archer is due back to San Francisco this evening, and there's gonna be a whole bunch of reporters waiting for him at the shuttleport. I know how close you are to Archer, so I thought it my duty to let you know. The guy's been hounded by the press since he came back from his mission, but I think this is going to be even worse."
Forrest didn't understand. From what T'Pol had told him Jon had gone to Fiji for two weeks. "Are you sure there isn't some mistake?"
"Mistake? Nope, my reporters are very thorough. And the execs want to make a big deal of this and get their scoop. They're hoping the captain might co-operate and give them an interview on live TV."
"Knowing Jonathan I don't see that happening. How did anyone find out he was flying in today?"
"I believe someone in the office has an inside source with the shuttle flight operators. They let us know if anyone famous or noteworthy might be traveling through San Francisco."
"I see."
"And Captain Archer is definitely noteworthy. I don't think this is going to be kept under wraps. I also don't trust the source – I think they might have spoken to other news channels and newspapers. That arrivals lounge is gonna be packed, I don't think Archer will be able to move."
"Do you know what time he's due in?"
"I was told he should be arriving at 8pm local time."
"Then I guess I better figure something out. I appreciate your help, Simon."
"Don't mention it. Actually if anyone asks, I was never here."
Maxwell smiled at his friend. "Of course."
The flight left Suva on time and by the time he'd had a snack on board, a cup of coffee and flicked through a magazine, they were coming in for their descent into San Francisco.
Jonathan peered out the shuttle window and smiled as he saw the Golden Gate Bridge below him. It looked more like a miniature model from the high altitude. One of the flight attendants announced the local time and he reset his watch. It was weird crossing the date line – in effect you were arriving before you left. He'd departed Fiji at 2pm on Thursday and he was arriving in San Francisco at 8pm Wednesday evening.
After the shuttle landed he gathered up his belongings. He wasn't in any rush to disembark and allowed those who were to exit first. He said goodbye to the flight attendants as he stepped outside of the shuttle and started to walk along the long corridor to the main terminal.
At the entrance to the gate he was about to make his way to the arrivals lounge and baggage reclaim when he heard someone call out to him. He turned to his left and saw a rather harried looking Admiral Forrest approaching him.
"Jonathan, you better come with me and quickly!" There was an urgent tone in his voice.
His first thought was that something had happened. Was T'Pol all right? Perhaps one of his crew had fallen ill or had been injured in some way. "What's going on, Admiral?"
"I'll explain in the car. Just follow me."
They left the area down a flight of stairs through a door which was marked as a fire exit. This exited to the outside where Forrest had left his car and they both got in.
"What about my luggage?" Jonathan asked.
"Don't worry, I've arranged for someone to pick it up at reclaim and have it delivered to your apartment."
Forrest started the car and drove in the direction of the exit with urgency. "Well, I think that worked," Maxwell commented, as he entered the freeway.
"Mind telling me what worked? What's going on?"
"If we hadn't met up you'd be negotiating your way around a whole bunch of piranha type reporters about now – all wanting their own exclusive. Several of the local TV news stations were down in Arrivals along with a whole bunch of journalists. I didn't think you'd want to deal with any of them."
"Thanks for the rescue." He owed Forrest big time. "But I don't understand – how did you know I was coming back today?"
"I didn't, not until my good friend Simon Templeton paid me a visit and said a few of his reporters were planning to stake out Arrivals waiting for you to make an appearance. It seems everyone wants a piece of you, Jon, especially now after the whole near drowning incident."
Jonathan sighed and wondered if coming home had been the best decision. Perhaps it would have been prudent to wait a few days and let the furor die down.
"Templeton – isn't he head of KTLV?"
"The very same."
"Then I'm in his debt. But how did the reporters get ahold of the information?"
"Seems the operators running the shuttles don't keep a very tight ship so to speak, and leak info out."
"Typical." Jonathan rolled his eyes. "Anyway your instincts were correct. The last thing I want to do is give anyone an interview. I didn't even want to do one with Rebecca, but felt I owed her one."
"I thought as much when I saw my copy of The Globe. What made you curtail your vacation? T'Pol said you were gone for two weeks."
"You've spoken to T'Pol?"
"Yes, she came to see in my office."
Jonathan wondered why T'Pol had gone to see Forrest, but felt it best not to pry. Maybe it had something to do with her application to join Starfleet.
"So why you back so soon?" Forrest repeated.
"I didn't see much point in staying."
"Vacation didn't help?"
"I know you suggested I go clear my head after the debriefing, but I don't think a vacation is the solution."
"Sorry to hear that, Jon. I'd hoped it would be good for you."
Forrest pulled into Archer's street and noticed a large group of people standing outside the apartment building, some with video cameras.
"Wanna hide out at my place for a while?" Forrest suggested.
"That would be great," Jonathan answered.
Jonathan had known Phillipa Forrest from the time he was a teenager. He remembered her attending his father's funeral. She'd been engaged to Maxwell at the time, and they'd married a few months later.
"I'm so glad Max found you before all those nasty reporters started bothering you," she commented, as she handed him a mug of hot tea. "Are you sure you don't want anything to eat?" she added.
He reiterated for the third time that he wasn't hungry and thanked her for her hospitality. She reminded him of a younger version of his mother – the perfect hostess.
"When Max told me what Simon had said I was concerned he wouldn't find you in time."
"Well he did."
"Thank goodness."
"Yes."
He glanced around the room and noticed a new photo on the mantelpiece since he'd visited last, which had been quite a while ago. It was a photo of their daughter in a black cap and cloak – obviously a graduation picture. It was odd how he'd never thought of it before, but somehow Forrest had managed to juggle a Starfleet career and have a family.
"That's a nice picture of Jenny," he remarked, thankful that he remembered their daughter's name.
"Yes, that was last summer. She's in Europe at the moment taking a year off before she goes back to school to do her masters."
"She doesn't want to join Starfleet I suppose?"
"Oh I know Max is disappointed, but you can't force a child to follow in your footsteps. She's very interested in acting and singing, so we'll see how that works out."
"I wish her all the best."
"Thank you, Jonathan."
Forrest joined them in the living room at this point. He'd just finished talking to Templeton on the computer. "No one's too happy at the moment and they can't understand how we gave them the slip. I just hope Simon isn't suspected."
"We'll he's head of the station, does it matter if he was?" Jonathan asked.
"He still has to answer to his boss in Los Angeles. And I know they were hoping to bolster ratings with coverage of what went on in the Expanse. After they didn't get their exclusive when you first returned, I guess they were counting on the interview today."
"Why can't these people just leave me alone? There must be far more interesting news items to report on. How many people a day nearly drown and get rescued? I'm sure there are plenty, but because I'm some kind of celebrity it has to become headline news. It's so exasperating!"
"I know it is. You've been through a lot, Jon. I can imagine it's hard." Phillipa put a hand on his shoulder and asked him again if he wanted anything to eat. He thanked her again and declined.
Noting the time he suggested to Forrest that maybe they drive back to the apartment. He didn't want to get there when T'Pol was already asleep. Thinking of T'Pol he wondered if she'd noticed the reporters or was even aware of them. If yes he hoped they hadn't bothered her in any way.
The admiral retrieved his keys and told Phillipa he'd be back in about half an hour. "Don't be such a stranger, Jon!" she called out to Archer as he was walking through the front door. "Come and visit more often." He thanked her and bid her goodnight.
"Admiral, I was wondering if I could stop by your office some time to discuss a matter of importance," Jonathan said as they left the Forrest residence.
"Is this about what you said to me when you called from Fiji?"
"Yes, it's about the Illyrians."
"Hmm…I think that's pretty much a closed case, Jon. What's done is done, and I think you should move on."
Archer felt a surge of anger in his gut at that comment but tamped it down. Forrest had gone out of his way to help him today and he didn't wish to appear ungrateful. "I'd still like an opportunity to discuss it with you, sir."
"Very well, if you insist. I'm sure I can fit you in."
"Thanks."
"By the way you do know the Starfleet Ball is coming up."
"No, I didn't," Jonathan answered truthfully. He wasn't normally around for such functions since he was traversing space.
"I'm guessing you'll be the guest of honor."
"Oh." The idea of dressing up in a tux and having to pretend to be flattered by a room full of stuffy admirals and other Starfleet personnel while they swooned over Earth's supposed hero sounded a lot worse than having a root canal job.
"Maybe you can ask Rebecca to come with you?" Forrest suggested.
"She's still in Fiji."
"When she due back?"
"She's staying another week."
"Then she should make it without a problem."
He'd attended the ball a few times while being stationed on Earth. He wasn't really one for black tie affairs, but as a kid it had seemed exciting. The first time he'd attended he'd been with his parents. He remembered how stunning his mother had looked decked out in a pale blue evening dress, and how proud his father had been to have such a beautiful woman at his side.
He'd been annoyed to see that the Vulcans from the consulate had been invited and uncertain as to why Soval had even turned up. He'd assumed the Ambassador would find human events frivolous and unnecessary.
His mother, trying to distract him from glaring at the Ambassador and Henry talking, had asked him to accompany her to the dance floor. He'd eagerly accepted. Reminiscing he realized just how patient his mother had been with him — he'd had two left feet at the time, but still the experience had been fun. Not wanting to look like a fool on the dance floor again, he'd taken a few lessons in his teenage years.
He attended the ball again as a grown man, proudly entering with the beautiful Margaret Mullin on his arm. Not many flight school cadets got an invitation to this prestigious affair; he knew it was because he was Henry Archer's son, and felt obligated to attend to represent the Archer family.
After Maggie left he didn't attend for many years, despite the invites. Then when Rebecca came onto the scene, she'd begged and pleaded with him to go. She loved dancing, dressing up and the whole brushing shoulders with important Starfleet officials — getting to hear the latest gossip. She'd actually received a personal invitation, being a member of the press, but had told Jonathan she was not going alone. After much persuasion, he'd acquiesced.
"I don't need a date if I go," he stated.
"If not Rebecca, well there's always Captain Hernandez," Forrest suggested, ignoring what Archer had just said.
"Erika? She's in town?" Jonathan and Erika had had a short lived relationship several years ago, before he met Rebecca. He'd been her commanding officer and they'd broken fraternization rules. Forrest bringing her up made him wonder if the Admiral had known about their relationship all along and just turned a blind eye.
"Yeah. She returned from Alice Springs yesterday; was asking about you in fact. You know I've given her command of Columbia."
"No, I didn't."
Jonathan was amazed, but happy for her. From what he remembered of Erika she was hard working and one of the most determined women he'd ever met.
"I thought Columbia was going to Gardner." Jonathan remembered that night he and A.G. had sat in the 602, toasting his promotion to captain and getting command of Enterprise. A.G. had been happy for him, saying he'd rather wait for command of the NX-02, that way he'd have an easier time of it, letting Archer make all the mistakes. They'd both laughed and then toasted A.G. as the captain of the NX-02. While he was happy for Erika, he felt sad that his dear friend wouldn't be at Columbia's helm — he would have loved it so much!
"I considered Gardner," Forrest explained, "but Erika's got what it takes. I think she'll do a great job."
Five minutes later and they were pulling up outside Archer's apartment. There was no sign of the reporters. "Looks like they gave up," Forrest said.
"Yeah, though I wonder if they'll be back first thing in the morning." Jonathan opened the door of the car. "Thanks for all your help today, Admiral. It's much appreciated."
"Anytime, Jon."
"I'll see you in a few days I hope then, to discuss—"
"Yeah, okay. See you then."
Jonathan climbed out of the car, taking his bags with him. He waved goodbye as Forrest drove off.
He entered his building and made his way towards the elevator. He felt a tightening in his abdomen. This was the big moment — facing T'Pol. Once outside his door he was about to slide his spare door key through the scanner when he decided it would be more courteous to knock. He pressed the buzzer and waited. After two minutes with no response he guessed T'Pol was out and opened the door himself.
The apartment looked spotlessly clean and tidy. He heard the patter of feet that quickly turned into running. A few seconds later Porthos was jumping all over him in excitement at the return of his master. Placing his hand luggage on the floor, he greeted his canine friend.
"Hey boy! Happy to see me, huh?" he asked picking the pup up. Enthusiastic barking, a madly wagging tail, and a wet cheek were Jonathan's reply.
"She been taking care of you okay?" he asked checking the dog's bowl to see it had fresh water in it. He placed his pet back on the floor and glanced around the apartment. There was no sign of T'Pol, though the bedroom door was ajar. He poked his head in and heard someone in the bathroom.
A few moments later she walked out of the bathroom dressed only in a towel, with wet hair. "Jonathan!" she exclaimed with understandable surprise.
TBC