DISCLAIMER: They're mine, all mine. (Snort) I wish. Actually they're not. While Rick Berman and Brannon Braga are making millions off this, I am still babysitting in a futile attempt to get that VCR.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Some of you complained that nothing was happening in my last story. Not much is happening here either (as I get more familiar with Enterprise I'll write more interesting stories), but if you're a dog lover you'll probably like it. This makes no reference to an episode, really. Just a tough day, Archer, and Porthos.

RATED: G

ARCHIVES: You know where to find me

MAN'S BEST FRIEND

Captain Jonathan Archer staggered into his quarters. "Computer, begin Captain's log, May 14^th, 2151." He ran a hand through his dark hair and sat on the bed. After trying to gather his jumbled thoughts for a few moments, he shook his head. It was no use. "Computer, stop." He dropped his head into his hands. "What a day." He sighed.

Archer glanced up when he felt something pawing at his leg. "Porthos." He lifted his dog into his lap. "Hope your day was better than mine."

Porthos gave a small yip and licked Jonathan under his chin. Absently, Archer scratched his dog behind the ears and leaned back, trying to forget the past sixteen hours.

The door chime sounded. "Who is it?" Jonathan tried not to groan. He just wanted to be left alone.

"Sub Commander T'Pol." Came the even female voice from the other side.

Archer slid down on the bed. What can I say? Leave, get lost, I don't want to hear it right now? He thought. Nothing polite came to mind, so he just sighed and said, "Come on in, T'Pol."

The Vulcan science officer entered. Her eyes immediately traveled to Porthos. Her nose wrinkled slightly and Archer bit back a grin. "I will never understand it." She said.

"Understand what?" Archer asked.

"The human need to have...pets." T'Pol's eyes still hadn't moved from Porthos.

"Vulcans don't have dogs, I take it." Archer said.

"No." T'Pol answered. "We find them a...nuisance."

"Man's best friend." Archer said as Porthos leapt off the bed and began jumping at T'Pol's leg. "They can actually be quite comforting after a day like today. Always seem to know when you're upset."

"I fail to see why that is comforting." T'Pol said.

"Maybe because you can tell them everything that happened and they won't take sides." Archer knew it was a lost cause trying to communicate this to her, but something in him couldn't resist. He gave a weary smile and indicated Porthos jumping at T'Pol. "I think he likes you."

T'Pol was looking more disgusted by the minute. "I have the reports you requested." She said tersely.

"Thank you." Archer took the report and rested it on the nightstand. He'd look at it later. "Anything else?"

"No." T'Pol said. "Good night, Captain." She turned to leave and as she did, seemed to gather all her courage and gingerly patted Porthos on the head.

"Good night." Archer picked Porthos up and hugged him gently. "You," he said, looking into the Beagle's deep brown eyes, "are truly man's best friend."

Porthos didn't respond, just gave Archer another lick.