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The Earth-Romulan War didn’t truly come to an end, but a temporary cease-fire was agreed upon. After lengthy negotiations and the establishment of a neutral-zone, the Romulans remained elusive, much to Archer’s frustration. He yearned to lay eyes on the species responsible for the destruction of the Coalition of Planets and the loss of countless lives. Pressing the Vulcans for information proved futile, as they maintained their characteristic secrecy. Two hundred long years would pass before Archer would finally have a chance encounter with a Romulan.
The surviving members of the Cheron mission, Archer and Danaë, were recovering from their injuries. Wanting to express his gratitude, Archer repeatedly thanked Maj. Forrest for his actions and apologized for his initial hostility towards him. Though thankful, the major couldn’t recall the events of that day due to a head injury. However, he found solace in the business of Victoria, the gorgeous brown-haired nurse he encountered on Earth. Some moments surpassed any medal in their bliss.
Four months after the Battle of Cheron, Archer and Danaë stood before their loved ones in a breathtaking wedding ceremony. Perched atop a cliff in the Santa Monica Mountains, beneath a starlit sky and overlooking the stunning Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards, they exchanged their vows. With a guest list limited to thirty, security became necessary due to Archer’s fame. Uninvited members of the press and willing onlookers hoped to catch a glimpse of the celebrated couple.
Folding chairs dotted the venue, and lanterns illuminated the walkways and the platform where Archer stood. Dressed in his finest uniform, Archer’s gaze fell upon Danaë, who appeared more radiant than ever. She wore a long, antique white silk sheath dress, adorned with a sheer lace cover embellished with Swarovski crystals that accentuated her bosom. In a discreet touch, the dress concealed her baby bump. Her hair was elegantly pulled back, cascading in loose curls adorned with countless small crystal stars beneath her veil. A crown made of stars rested atop her head, shimmering with elegance akin to the vast heavens above. Strangely enough, their entire journey, from meeting to attraction, intimacy, marriage, and even raising their two children, seemed destined. The whims of fate persisted, ensuring they experienced some of the greatest joys in their lives.
Yet, all the stars that shone upon their wedding night paled in comparison to the countless twinkling lights that graced Archer’s Coober Pedy home nearly a thousand years later. While he seldom glanced at the sky, tonight was different—he stood alone in his subterranean dwelling, pouring himself a glass of Romulan ale. This night held a special significance, marking an anniversary celebrated solely by him and his beloved. To commemorate the occasion, he chose a bottle of Romulan ale, a tongue-in-cheek choice that reflected his sense of humor.
After stowing away the ale, he carried the glass through a labyrinth of underground tunnels until he reached a locked door. Allowing it to scan his retina and pressing his thumb on the adjoining scanner, he entered a room. Before him lay the lifeless automaton of Dani, adorned in the same delicate wedding dress. Walking past it to a brick wall, he pressed a specific combination of bricks, causing it to recede and slide open.
The room he entered felt like a mausoleum. In its center rested a coffin made of African blackwood, enshrining Danaë’s body. The silver handles remained as polished as they were during her funeral. Clad in a dark blue satin v-neck asymmetrical gown, she appeared just as she did on the day of her passing—a sight that could deceive one into expecting her to awaken at any moment, after countless millennia. Initially entombed on Planet Archer IV before being moved into a sarcophagus within a monument erected in her honor and that of her husband, Jonathan had different plans. With some discreet bribery, he ensured she remained here. Standing before her now, Archer raised his glass.
“Eight-hundred-and-ninety-two years ago today, you won the Battle of Cheron for us. It was you who ended the Earth-Romulan War and preserved the Coalition, not me. Perhaps next year, we can toast to this day together again and fulfill all our promises. Each day brings me closer to uncovering what Arik Soong took from you.” Sadly, he gazed upon the stillness before him. “I will find you. I promise.”
He sipped the ale and settled into a chair beside the coffin, burdened by the belief that he was the loneliest man on Earth. Unbeknownst to Archer, he was far from alone. Standing invisible beside him was Q, observing him and contemplating this intriguing and stubborn human. Q had watched him for countless centuries, trying to figure out why his god-daughter found this particular human so captivating. At times, Q sought to comprehend the driving force behind Archer’s actions—is it duty to the kingdom he established, duty to his long-lost wife, or would he finally choose to live his life, regardless of how much time he had left?
This was the test that Q had silently placed before Archer, and the time was drawing near when he would compel this headstrong, rigid, and audacious man to make a choice. Why not? This overdue test was initiated because of Archer—the man who propelled Earth to embark on its first steps into the farthest reaches of space, defying their primitive and savage evolutionary state in comparison to the Q Continuum. Perhaps Q should express his gratitude. After all, it was Archer’s endeavors that allowed Q to meet his cherished surrogate son, Picard, and his god-daughter, Danaë. Yes, it was time to show appreciation, and soon enough, the final test would commence.
The End?
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