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Chapter Three

Captain Archer arranges things so our boys can have a honeymoon.

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The next few weeks were spent doing things that were 'normal' for the Enterprise crew, that is, they charted new star and planetary systems, had a couple of first contact situations (one of which did not go too well, and resulted in Malcolm getting a projectile wound in the shoulder whilst getting the captain out of trouble), had a dogfight with a couple of hostile alien ships, and suchlike incidental things. Nothing to write home about, really.

Then one day, Captain Archer called his senior staff together in his ready room.

"I just thought you'd like to know that I had a message from Admiral Forrest this morning. He says that all ships and facilities have sent in their entries for 'The sexiest person in Starfleet' competition, and they are now ready to proceed to the next phase.

There are nearly a hundred entrants and so the next two rounds will go exactly as we had them here. Kelly has downloaded all the photos and she will display them on the wall as before. You will then make your choices, as before."

Travis was looking rather puzzled, as were Trip and Malcolm, "But, Cap'n." he pointed out, "what's to stop us all from voting for Malcolm and...?"

"I know what you mean, Travis," Archer interrupted, "but the powers that be think it will work out."

"Of course," T'Pol suggested, "there will probably be many people who will look at all the photos and judge them on merit, not just choose their shipmate."

"Yeah, and some of the smaller craft may not have anyone particularly sexy on board anyway." Trip suggested. "They most likely just sent photos of the best of a bad bunch."

"I think you may have it there, Trip," Archer was pleased they were giving some thought to this, "and we are going to have the next round in two days. People will have just twenty-four hours to cast their vote."

"So if I'm knocked out of the first round, I won't have to worry about going to the Grand Final." Malcolm seemed more cheerful. "Well, that's a relief."

"But we have faith in you, Malcolm," the captain declared. "I am fully expecting you to be in the top ten, at the very least."

Malcolm groaned. "And how long will it be before the next round, Captain?"

"Forrest wants the final to be held in two weeks time, so it won't be long."

"Well, you'd better hope I am not in the top ten again since it will take us that long to get back to Earth."

"That's why we are heading back straight away at warp five, Malcolm"

"But I thought we were going to investigate that M-class planet we discovered yesterday?" Malcolm was aghast.

"Sorry, but we've had to put that on hold for another time. The admiral's orders were explicit. We have to get back for the final, just in case you are in it."

"This is crazy. They might at least wait for the results before ordering us back." Malcolm threw his hands in the air in disgust and looked across at Trip. "You're not saying much."

"What's there to say? It seems to be all cut and dried." Trip shrugged.

"Every cloud has a silver lining, they say," Archer grinned at Trip and Malcolm, "We can put the ship in space dock for a week or two for repairs and upgrades, and the crew can have shore leave."

"Oh, yes," Hoshi giggled, "and for you two it could be a honeymoon."

"My thinking exactly, Hoshi." Archer smiled. "Their wedding is planned for next week, so it will be just in time for an Earthside honeymoon. Don't you agree?"

"Hey, I think it's a wonderful idea, Cap'n." Trip answered. "Don't you, Mal?"

"Well, yes, it is actually." Malcolm conceded.

"OK. I'll keep you all informed of any progress. Dismiss." They filed out of the room to return to their various duties.

Some weeks previously, Malcolm had been the hands-down winner of Enterprise's competition, much to his dismay, but he had really enjoyed the evening once he had got into the swing of things. The enjoyment had continued back in Trip's quarters when he asked Malcolm to marry him. The ceremony was to be held on board, Captain Archer would officiate, and video links were being set up to allow both families to witness the occasion. They had not been expecting a honeymoon.

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