A/N - This story takes place before the episode "The Expanse". There are
references to the episode "Cogenitor" so it's helpful if you've seen it but
not at all necessary. I was almost finished with this when I realized I
hadn't even mentioned Hoshi or Travis! The main events of this story
happen over just a few hours so they really didn't fit in anywhere. Sorry!
DISCLAIMER - I don't own any of the characters of Enterprise.
As always, reviews are welcome and most appreciated!
INIQUITY
Chapter One
Lieutenant Malcolm Reed stood just behind and to the right of his captain, his hand resting on his phase pistol holstered at his side. He watched as the door to the launch bay opened to reveal the weathered little shuttle Enterprise had encountered only minutes before. The security officer gripped the handle of his weapon as the shuttle hatch opened. He followed the captain in to the big bay, his eyes focused on the hatch. Malcolm felt himself relax when an elderly man with short-cropped white hair appeared. The man smiled warmly and extended his hand in greeting.
"I'm Raltus Priigel. Thank you so much for allowing us aboard your fine vessel!" said the man. "Our engine went off-line several hours ago and my wife and I thought we were doomed!"
"You're very welcome. I'm Captain Jonathan Archer and this is my security officer, Lieutenant Malcolm Reed." Archer shook Raltus' hand then turned and acknowledged Malcolm. Raltus nodded his head and took the lieutenant's hand. Malcolm instantly felt at ease as he looked into warm dark blue eyes.
"You won't need that, Mr. Reed," smiled Raltus as he tipped his head at Malcolm's sidearm.
"Just a precaution, sir. I assure you. We've had some, um, bad experiences in the past," replied Malcolm. His attention was diverted back to the shuttle hatch where a woman suddenly appeared. Malcolm almost gasped. The woman had long raven hair and the most brilliant blue eyes he had ever seen. She was taller than Raltus who stood a centimeter or two below Malcolm's own height. She stepped out of the shuttle with an easy grace and smiled as Raltus took her hand.
"Captain, this is my wife, Rhea," introduced the elderly man.
Archer smiled and bowed slightly then took Rhea's extended hand. "Welcome," he greeted.
"Madame," said Malcolm formerly then he too bowed slightly and took the woman's proffered hand.
"My name is Rhea, Mr. Reed. Madame makes me sound so old."
Malcolm felt his face flush when Rhea smiled kindly down at him. He put her age as only slightly older than the captain and she stood just as tall.
"Rhea then," he said awkwardly. He followed her gaze when she suddenly looked beyond him.
"Cap'n?" greeted Commander Charles "Trip" Tucker III as he joined the little group. Malcolm shook his head. He'd been so awestruck by the beautiful woman before him that he hadn't even heard the bay door open.
"Oh! Trip," replied Archer, slightly startled. Malcolm hid a smile. Apparently the captain hadn't noticed Trip's arrival either.
"Cap'n," repeated Trip hesitantly. "Everything alright here?"
"Yes," said Archer, recovering his composure. "This is Raltus and Rhea Priigel. Seems they've had some engine problems. I was hoping you had some time to take a look."
Trip nodded. "Of course, sir." The commander moved beyond the group after exchanging a friendly smile with both the Priigels. Malcolm couldn't help but notice that Rhea's blue eyes followed his friend's every move.
"Commander Tucker is our Chief Engineer. I'm sure he'll have your ship up and running in no time," said Archer proudly.
Trip slowly walked around the shuttle then stopped in front of the open hatch. "Mind if I take a look?" he asked.
"Yes, yes. By all means, Commander," replied Raltus. "Let me explain our controls."
Rhea grabbed her husband's arm, staying him. "Oh darling. I'll show the commander. Why don't you see if Captain Archer will give you a tour of his fine ship? I know how you'd enjoy that."
Malcolm couldn't help but notice the strange look exchanged between the couple. He suddenly felt uneasy in their presence.
"All right, my dear," said Raltus after a moment. He gently patted his wife's hand where she still gripped his arm. "Captain, would you be so kind as to give an old man a tour of this fine vessel?"
"I'd be happy to," replied Archer. The two men started moving to the door. Raltus cast one more glance over his shoulder at his wife but she had already turned her attention to Trip.
Malcolm hesitated. There was something that made him feel very unsettled.
"Lieutenant?" said Archer as he stood waiting by the door. "Are you coming?"
Malcolm watched as Rhea and Trip disappeared into the shuttle then he quickly followed his commanding officer out of the launch bay.
Trip opened a panel in the wall of the shuttle. Rhea stood so close behind him that he could feel her breath on the back of his neck. She was a beautiful woman and Trip had always felt uncomfortably timid in the presence of such beauty but there was something else about her that bothered him. Something he couldn't quite identify.
The engineer turned his head slightly to look at her. "Mind givin' me some room here?" he asked with a smile.
Rhea took a step back. "You're a very attractive species, Mr. Tucker. What are you called?"
"We're Human, ma'am," Trip replied.
"Human," repeated Rhea. "In all of our travels, my husband and I have never met any Humans before."
"Well we're kinda new out here, ma'am. Enterprise is my species' first deep space starship."
"Please call me Rhea."
Trip nodded then he pulled his hand back with surprise. "Damn it!"
Rhea took his hand in both of hers and Trip felt suddenly cold. He quickly yanked his hand from her and backed away, the panel door jabbing him in the back.
"You're hurt," said Rhea softly as she took a step toward him.
Trip swallowed. "Just a little shock," he managed. "Nothing wrong with your electrical systems." He stepped quickly around her then moved to the pilot's chair. In the blink of an eye, Rhea was in front of him. "What the---?" he began.
"Let me look at your hand," the woman whispered. She again took his hand in both of hers. Trip looked at her, suddenly transfixed by her bright blue eyes. She held his gaze while she gently stroked the palm of his hand.
"I'm okay," Trip mumbled. He felt suddenly cold again and he shivered. Rhea moved closer to him as she pulled his hand snugly against her chest. Her face was only centimeters from Trip's. The engineer shivered again, unable to pull his eyes away from hers. He started to feel dizzy.
"Commander Tucker?"
Rhea stepped away, releasing his hand. Trip felt his knees go weak and he caught himself against the wall. He turned around as Ensign Janet Kelly, a member of his engineering team, poked her head through the shuttle hatch.
"Are you okay, sir?" the ensign asked, her voice laced with concern. She stepped inside the little craft.
Trip nodded, pulling himself up straight.
"Captain Archer thought you might need some help," continued Kelly hesitantly. The young woman looked from her commander to Rhea.
Trip ventured a glance at the alien woman. She was smiling brightly at the ensign, her eyes no longer as brilliant as they had been just seconds before. Trip wiped his hand across his forehead and was surprised to find that he was sweating.
"Commander?" said Kelly again.
"Perhaps you should take over here, young lady. Mr. Tucker doesn't seem to be feeling well."
Captain Jonathan Archer motioned for his guests to take their seats at his private dining table. After the Priigels sat, Jon waited for Sub-commander T'Pol to sit then he settled into his chair. He pulled his napkin from the table and laid it carefully in his lap.
"I'm sorry Commander Tucker won't be joining us but he's still working on your ship. He believes he should have your engine back on-line by the end of the day," said T'Pol. "Apparently the problem could have been avoided with proper maintenance."
Jon gave his first officer a warning glance but she simply arched her eyebrow at him.
Raltus laughed. "I'll have to make my formal apology to the good commander for my incompetence, Sub-commander. I know nothing about warp engines."
Jon relaxed a bit at the man's good humor.
"Did Mr. Tucker say how he was feeling?" asked Rhea.
"Was the commander ill?" responded T'Pol.
"He had a dizzy spell while I was showing him around our shuttle. If he didn't mention it to you then it must not have been anything serious."
Jon looked at T'Pol with concern. "Did he seem alright when you talked to him?" he asked.
"He seemed somewhat distracted, Captain, but otherwise well," T'Pol replied.
"I'll make sure he sees our doctor anyway, Rhea. Thank you for saying something," said Jon. He turned as the steward entered the room with an armful of plates then looked again at his guests. "Trip's been putting in a lot of hours in engineering lately. He tends to get so focused on his work he forgets he needs to sleep and eat, too."
Raltus chuckled. "Ah, the dedication of the young," he said.
Jon smiled but made a mental note to haul his friend to see Dr. Phlox the minute he could break away from his guests. He looked down at the plate the steward placed in front of him then waited for the others to be served.
Lunch passed by in relative silence. T'Pol ate her soup and salad while Jon and the others feasted on turkey sandwiches and potato salad. The captain was pleased that his guests seemed to genuinely enjoy their meal.
"So Raltus. You mentioned your homeworld earlier. Kabaltan Minor was it?" Jon asked when the steward appeared to clear away the empty plates.
"Yes, Captain. It's just a small planet in the Kabalt system. Rhea and I spend most of our time traveling just to get away from it." Raltus leaned back as the steward removed the plate in front of him. He nodded his thanks then continued. "We find exploring other worlds and learning about other cultures quite rewarding."
"I found a reference to the Kabalt system in our database but nothing in regards to Kabaltan Minor," said T'Pol.
Rhea eyed the Vulcan. "You've been doing research on us, Sub-commander?" she asked.
"Darling, please," scolded Raltus quietly. He smiled at T'Pol. "Our world is the vacation spot for the rich and famous of our system, Sub-commander. I doubt it would be referenced in anyone's database."
"We own a resort there," explained Rhea. "A friend oversees its operations so that we may be free to travel."
T'Pol nodded her head then turned to Jon. "If you don't mind, Captain, I'm due back on the bridge shortly." She stood. "I'll check on Commander Tucker before I go back on duty."
"Thank you, T'Pol," replied Jon. He rose from his chair, as did Raltus as the Vulcan left the room. The two men settled themselves back in their seats.
"We've only met one other Vulcan in our travels, Captain. They are a most curious species," said Rhea. "Rather cold and rude if you ask me."
Continued
DISCLAIMER - I don't own any of the characters of Enterprise.
As always, reviews are welcome and most appreciated!
INIQUITY
Chapter One
Lieutenant Malcolm Reed stood just behind and to the right of his captain, his hand resting on his phase pistol holstered at his side. He watched as the door to the launch bay opened to reveal the weathered little shuttle Enterprise had encountered only minutes before. The security officer gripped the handle of his weapon as the shuttle hatch opened. He followed the captain in to the big bay, his eyes focused on the hatch. Malcolm felt himself relax when an elderly man with short-cropped white hair appeared. The man smiled warmly and extended his hand in greeting.
"I'm Raltus Priigel. Thank you so much for allowing us aboard your fine vessel!" said the man. "Our engine went off-line several hours ago and my wife and I thought we were doomed!"
"You're very welcome. I'm Captain Jonathan Archer and this is my security officer, Lieutenant Malcolm Reed." Archer shook Raltus' hand then turned and acknowledged Malcolm. Raltus nodded his head and took the lieutenant's hand. Malcolm instantly felt at ease as he looked into warm dark blue eyes.
"You won't need that, Mr. Reed," smiled Raltus as he tipped his head at Malcolm's sidearm.
"Just a precaution, sir. I assure you. We've had some, um, bad experiences in the past," replied Malcolm. His attention was diverted back to the shuttle hatch where a woman suddenly appeared. Malcolm almost gasped. The woman had long raven hair and the most brilliant blue eyes he had ever seen. She was taller than Raltus who stood a centimeter or two below Malcolm's own height. She stepped out of the shuttle with an easy grace and smiled as Raltus took her hand.
"Captain, this is my wife, Rhea," introduced the elderly man.
Archer smiled and bowed slightly then took Rhea's extended hand. "Welcome," he greeted.
"Madame," said Malcolm formerly then he too bowed slightly and took the woman's proffered hand.
"My name is Rhea, Mr. Reed. Madame makes me sound so old."
Malcolm felt his face flush when Rhea smiled kindly down at him. He put her age as only slightly older than the captain and she stood just as tall.
"Rhea then," he said awkwardly. He followed her gaze when she suddenly looked beyond him.
"Cap'n?" greeted Commander Charles "Trip" Tucker III as he joined the little group. Malcolm shook his head. He'd been so awestruck by the beautiful woman before him that he hadn't even heard the bay door open.
"Oh! Trip," replied Archer, slightly startled. Malcolm hid a smile. Apparently the captain hadn't noticed Trip's arrival either.
"Cap'n," repeated Trip hesitantly. "Everything alright here?"
"Yes," said Archer, recovering his composure. "This is Raltus and Rhea Priigel. Seems they've had some engine problems. I was hoping you had some time to take a look."
Trip nodded. "Of course, sir." The commander moved beyond the group after exchanging a friendly smile with both the Priigels. Malcolm couldn't help but notice that Rhea's blue eyes followed his friend's every move.
"Commander Tucker is our Chief Engineer. I'm sure he'll have your ship up and running in no time," said Archer proudly.
Trip slowly walked around the shuttle then stopped in front of the open hatch. "Mind if I take a look?" he asked.
"Yes, yes. By all means, Commander," replied Raltus. "Let me explain our controls."
Rhea grabbed her husband's arm, staying him. "Oh darling. I'll show the commander. Why don't you see if Captain Archer will give you a tour of his fine ship? I know how you'd enjoy that."
Malcolm couldn't help but notice the strange look exchanged between the couple. He suddenly felt uneasy in their presence.
"All right, my dear," said Raltus after a moment. He gently patted his wife's hand where she still gripped his arm. "Captain, would you be so kind as to give an old man a tour of this fine vessel?"
"I'd be happy to," replied Archer. The two men started moving to the door. Raltus cast one more glance over his shoulder at his wife but she had already turned her attention to Trip.
Malcolm hesitated. There was something that made him feel very unsettled.
"Lieutenant?" said Archer as he stood waiting by the door. "Are you coming?"
Malcolm watched as Rhea and Trip disappeared into the shuttle then he quickly followed his commanding officer out of the launch bay.
Trip opened a panel in the wall of the shuttle. Rhea stood so close behind him that he could feel her breath on the back of his neck. She was a beautiful woman and Trip had always felt uncomfortably timid in the presence of such beauty but there was something else about her that bothered him. Something he couldn't quite identify.
The engineer turned his head slightly to look at her. "Mind givin' me some room here?" he asked with a smile.
Rhea took a step back. "You're a very attractive species, Mr. Tucker. What are you called?"
"We're Human, ma'am," Trip replied.
"Human," repeated Rhea. "In all of our travels, my husband and I have never met any Humans before."
"Well we're kinda new out here, ma'am. Enterprise is my species' first deep space starship."
"Please call me Rhea."
Trip nodded then he pulled his hand back with surprise. "Damn it!"
Rhea took his hand in both of hers and Trip felt suddenly cold. He quickly yanked his hand from her and backed away, the panel door jabbing him in the back.
"You're hurt," said Rhea softly as she took a step toward him.
Trip swallowed. "Just a little shock," he managed. "Nothing wrong with your electrical systems." He stepped quickly around her then moved to the pilot's chair. In the blink of an eye, Rhea was in front of him. "What the---?" he began.
"Let me look at your hand," the woman whispered. She again took his hand in both of hers. Trip looked at her, suddenly transfixed by her bright blue eyes. She held his gaze while she gently stroked the palm of his hand.
"I'm okay," Trip mumbled. He felt suddenly cold again and he shivered. Rhea moved closer to him as she pulled his hand snugly against her chest. Her face was only centimeters from Trip's. The engineer shivered again, unable to pull his eyes away from hers. He started to feel dizzy.
"Commander Tucker?"
Rhea stepped away, releasing his hand. Trip felt his knees go weak and he caught himself against the wall. He turned around as Ensign Janet Kelly, a member of his engineering team, poked her head through the shuttle hatch.
"Are you okay, sir?" the ensign asked, her voice laced with concern. She stepped inside the little craft.
Trip nodded, pulling himself up straight.
"Captain Archer thought you might need some help," continued Kelly hesitantly. The young woman looked from her commander to Rhea.
Trip ventured a glance at the alien woman. She was smiling brightly at the ensign, her eyes no longer as brilliant as they had been just seconds before. Trip wiped his hand across his forehead and was surprised to find that he was sweating.
"Commander?" said Kelly again.
"Perhaps you should take over here, young lady. Mr. Tucker doesn't seem to be feeling well."
Captain Jonathan Archer motioned for his guests to take their seats at his private dining table. After the Priigels sat, Jon waited for Sub-commander T'Pol to sit then he settled into his chair. He pulled his napkin from the table and laid it carefully in his lap.
"I'm sorry Commander Tucker won't be joining us but he's still working on your ship. He believes he should have your engine back on-line by the end of the day," said T'Pol. "Apparently the problem could have been avoided with proper maintenance."
Jon gave his first officer a warning glance but she simply arched her eyebrow at him.
Raltus laughed. "I'll have to make my formal apology to the good commander for my incompetence, Sub-commander. I know nothing about warp engines."
Jon relaxed a bit at the man's good humor.
"Did Mr. Tucker say how he was feeling?" asked Rhea.
"Was the commander ill?" responded T'Pol.
"He had a dizzy spell while I was showing him around our shuttle. If he didn't mention it to you then it must not have been anything serious."
Jon looked at T'Pol with concern. "Did he seem alright when you talked to him?" he asked.
"He seemed somewhat distracted, Captain, but otherwise well," T'Pol replied.
"I'll make sure he sees our doctor anyway, Rhea. Thank you for saying something," said Jon. He turned as the steward entered the room with an armful of plates then looked again at his guests. "Trip's been putting in a lot of hours in engineering lately. He tends to get so focused on his work he forgets he needs to sleep and eat, too."
Raltus chuckled. "Ah, the dedication of the young," he said.
Jon smiled but made a mental note to haul his friend to see Dr. Phlox the minute he could break away from his guests. He looked down at the plate the steward placed in front of him then waited for the others to be served.
Lunch passed by in relative silence. T'Pol ate her soup and salad while Jon and the others feasted on turkey sandwiches and potato salad. The captain was pleased that his guests seemed to genuinely enjoy their meal.
"So Raltus. You mentioned your homeworld earlier. Kabaltan Minor was it?" Jon asked when the steward appeared to clear away the empty plates.
"Yes, Captain. It's just a small planet in the Kabalt system. Rhea and I spend most of our time traveling just to get away from it." Raltus leaned back as the steward removed the plate in front of him. He nodded his thanks then continued. "We find exploring other worlds and learning about other cultures quite rewarding."
"I found a reference to the Kabalt system in our database but nothing in regards to Kabaltan Minor," said T'Pol.
Rhea eyed the Vulcan. "You've been doing research on us, Sub-commander?" she asked.
"Darling, please," scolded Raltus quietly. He smiled at T'Pol. "Our world is the vacation spot for the rich and famous of our system, Sub-commander. I doubt it would be referenced in anyone's database."
"We own a resort there," explained Rhea. "A friend oversees its operations so that we may be free to travel."
T'Pol nodded her head then turned to Jon. "If you don't mind, Captain, I'm due back on the bridge shortly." She stood. "I'll check on Commander Tucker before I go back on duty."
"Thank you, T'Pol," replied Jon. He rose from his chair, as did Raltus as the Vulcan left the room. The two men settled themselves back in their seats.
"We've only met one other Vulcan in our travels, Captain. They are a most curious species," said Rhea. "Rather cold and rude if you ask me."
Continued