(Setting: Inside the mess hall.)

T: You are looking rather happy.

P: Yes, Trip. There are so many new species here. Hopefully I can learn some more. All of them belong to the religious sect of Agosorians but it travels across species boundaries. It’s very intriguing.

T: Well then, I’ll remember everything they tell me on the tour later, so I can tell you ok?

P: I’d appreciate it.

(Archer waves to call Trip over.)

T: Ah, Arch wants me. See you tonight?

P: Yes of course.

* * *

(Setting: Archer and Trip are walking down a corridor.)

A: (Chuckling) So you and Phlox are getting on better?

T: Yeah, Arch. I don’t really understand what got to him. He thinks I risk my life unreasonably. That I take away missions for the thrill.

A: You mean you don’t? Trip, how did you feel when we were on the Fortunate Son and we were cast off in the cargo pod?

T: Not a thing. Knew you weren’t going to let him get hurt.

A: And after you found out there was a hole there?

T: Furious at you. For letting him get in trouble. Scared cause I could have lost him and not known it. So damn happy he was there. I’m in love with him, Jon. I’m so happy and in love with him. Don’t know how else to put it.

A: Now imagine you are him and every time an away mission comes around, you lover signs up for it. He doesn’t ask what it’s about. Just signs up. Then you are stuck on this ship and you don’t know what’s happening or if he’s hurt. You don’t know anything. All you know is he left you... again.

T: I don’t mean it like that, Jon. If that’s what he thinks... what am I gonna do?

A: Don’t know. You can think it over tonight. Since he’s spending time with the Agosorians overnight, you can plan something sweet.

T: Overnight?

A: Ye- I shouldn’t have said anything should I? TRIP!

(Trip turns and runs back to their quarters. Opening the door, he enters to see Phlox packing things in a small bag.)

P: Ahhh, Trip. I was just getting ready for my overnight with the Agosoroians.

T: I see... (gasping) when were you going to tell me? After you left?

P: Of course not, Trip. After I packed, yes, but that was only because you were in conference with the Captain. Trip... Charles, I would never leave without telling you and I’m coming back. It’s only overnight. I’ll be home in the morning. (Phlox stands up and places his hand on Trip’s chest.) Now, I thought you had to meet with the Captain?

T: I do, I just...

P: Yes?

T: I love you! I know I say it a lot but I don’t have the words like you. I don’t know how to say it any better! All I know is I wanna spend the rest of my life holding you and being held by you. I wanna hear you call me ‘Kee’ again. I wanna know that when I go to sleep, I’m not alone. I don’t know how to say it. Poetry isn’t my style. Help me.

P: (kissing him deeply) Poetry is you. Every move you make, every word you have said, is more beautiful and poetic to me than anything else you have done. T’keyna sta traleo maniz Keeani. T’ervan traleo ake cedol B’Kee K ti. (I love you more than the stars. I would give up all the stars for you.)

T: I don’t know what that means but I know how it was meant. (Hugging Phlox.) Tell me when you get back?

P: Of course, my Kee. (Phlox picks up the bag and walks around Trip.)

* * *

(Setting: Inside their quarters)

T: Welcome home, ‘Lox.

P: You missed me?

T: Anytime you are gone, I miss you, even if it’s only for a night...

P: T’keyna Keeani. (I love you, my beloved.)

T: Come on, made dinner. (Trip leads Phlox further in to a table set with slender golden candle. In the center of the table sat a platter with roast beef.) I got my mom’s recipe. Hope that is ok with you.

P: Yes, Kee, it is.

(Behind them the stars flowed as they traveled through the stellar nursery; neither of them noticed.)