"Whatever you're going to say, Baza, I don't want to hear it."R'al ordered as they stepped onto the medical floor of the space station.
Baza ignored the order his career was unimportant right now. Everything was tumbling out of control. "With all due respect, Sir, have you completely lost your mind? We're giving a lower species access to our medical science?"
R'al stopped a few feet from the medical bay struggling to control his temper. Baza was a good officer, he was just young and over enthusiastic.
"Not that I have to explain myself to you."R'al replied tersely."But Doctor Zylen is only going over there to see if he can help their communications officer, nothing more. Doing this is not only an act of good faith for them helping us but it'll also keep their attention diverted."
"I still say it's too risky."Baza muttered as they began walking toward the medical bay.
"That is not your decision to make."R'al replied as he walked through the doors of the medical bay signaling that the conversation was over.
Baza opened his mouth to reply but quickly closed it. Getting kicked off the station wasn't going to help
the situation any. With a sigh Baza pushed through the doors and quickly caught up with his boss.
*********
Captain Jonathan Archer glanced around his ready room at the senior staff gathered. Trip was seated near the window trying not to look like he was about to fall asleep. T'Pol was next to the engineer at the end of the table her hands folded in front of her alert as always. Phlox was next to the sub-commander scrolling through information on the small data padd in front of him.
"I know everybody's tired so I'll keep this short."Archer began as he sat down at the head of the table. "First, I asked the Andorians if their doctor could come over and examine Hoshi. Doctor, I'm not stepping on your toes I just took a chance after I saw their medical bay....."
Phlox shook his head. "No offense taken, Captain. I'm anxious to get a second set of eyes on this data. I've stared at it for so long I don't know what I'm looking at any more."
Trip leaned forward and rested his hands on the table's surface. "Doc, are the Andorians really that far advanced that they might be able to save her?"
Phlox set the data padd down and met the engineer's gaze. He didn't want to give them false hope so he chose his next words carefully. "As you know Commander, the Andorians are an intensely private and paranoid culture. They haven't shared much of their medical science with the rest of us. They may indeed have something that will push the odds in Ensign Sato's favor."
"Their doctor will be arriving in about an hour."Archer stated as he looked at T'Pol. "Sub-Commander, go ahead and tell them what we found."
Tucker glanced from Archer to the Vulcan and back again. "Found? I knew they were up to somethin'."
T'Pol stood and activated the small view screen on the wall. "The Captain and I took a shuttle pod and surveyed the station to see if there had been any damage to their hull. There was minimal damage which was to be expected. Then the Captain noticed this just below the bridge."
"Well now we know why they wanted our help."Trip commented with a shake of his head. "The question is was the attack before or after the plasma storm?"
"These scorch marks are two days old."T'Pol replied as she had the computer magnify the image.
"What did the Andorians say when you asked them about it?"Phlox asked.
Archer exchanged a glance with T'Pol before replying. "We haven't talked to them yet. I don't want to burn any bridges before we know what the whole situation is."
**********
Malcolm Reed stood against the rear wall of Sickbay watching the Andorian doctor, Zylen and his staff run test after test on Hoshi.
It had taken every ounce of will power that Malcolm had left to step away from Hoshi's bed and allow the Andorian's access. Even if they had Archer's permission and were there under the Captain's request.
Trusting people had never been one of Malcolm's strong suits. Especially when it came to the lives of people he loved.
The Andorians didn't trust anybody how could he trust them with Hoshi's life?
But Malcolm had no choice. It was the only way to save her.....it was the only way Malcolm would
ever see Hoshi's beautiful brown eyes again.
So the only thing Malcolm could do now was wait and watch. It was nearly two hours later when Doctor Phlox approached the armory officer.
"Well?"Reed demanded his voice tight with emotion.
"Doctor Zylen believes she has a good chance, Malcolm."Phlox replied relief clearly in his voice. "They've given her a medicine that will begin to reverse the damage done to her brain and nervous system. Doctor Zylen has also given her a drug that will gradually bring down her fever."
Malcolm leaned heavily against the wall not quite believing what he was hearing. Could this nightmare really be over?
"Doctor, are you saying that she's going to make it?"Malcolm asked his emotions in a whirlwind.
Phlox nodded. "Yes, Ensign Sato is going to make a full recovery."
"Thank God."Malcolm whispered as his knees finally gave out and he slid all the way to the floor. Hoshi was going to be fine.....she was going to be healthy and happy. If it took Malcolm to his last living day he'd make sure Hoshi felt loved every day of her life.
"She's going to be fine, Malcolm."Phlox assured his friend as he knelt next to him. "It'll be several hours at best before we can wake her. Why don't you get some rest?"
"Okay."Malcolm replied quietly the small amount of energy he had regained by the few hours of sleep he had earlier had quickly vanished.
But now he could fall asleep without fear that Hoshi wouldn't be there when he woke up.
*******
"Captain."T'Pol began as she reentered Archer's ready room data padd in hand. "The results are back of the second scan of the station's hull."
"Anything interesting?"Archer asked as he sat at the small desk.
T'Pol nodded as she handed him the data padd. "The attack on the station occurred at the same time as the plasma storm."
Archer blinked in surprise. "They used the storm as cover to launch the attack?"
"Yes."
"I thought there were only a few races who had ships that were able to withstand a plasma storm even for a few minutes?"Archer asked not liking where this new information was leading them.
"That is correct."T'Pol confirmed.
"Any theorie....."Archer asked but was interrupted by the intercom.
"Phlox to Archer."
"Go ahead,Doctor."
"Thought you'd like to know, Captain."Phlox replied. "Dr. Zylen has made his prognosis of Ensign Sato. She's going to make a full recovery."
Archer closed his eyes as relief washed over him. "That's good news, Doctor. That's very good news. Tell Dr. Zylen I'll be down in a minute."
"Understood. Phlox out."
After a moment T'Pol asked. "Shall I inform Starfleet of the attack?"
Archer shook his head. "Not yet. I want to give the Andorians one last chance to tell us what really happened."
**********
Archer met Doctor Zylen just inside the doorway of Sickbay. "Doctor, I just wanted to thank you for helping her."
Zylen smiled. "I'm glad we could help, Captain. I have given your doctor the rest of the medicine and instructions of how to replicate more if Ensign Sato needs it during her recovery."
"Thank you."Jonathan replied though the words didn't seem adequate. "Can you pass along a message to R'al for me?"
"Certainly."
"Tell him I'd like to meet with him and Baza on board Enterprise in two hours."Archer stated hoping the Andorians wouldn't balk at the request. He wanted to give R'al a chance to prove the Enterprise sensors wrong. That a trusting alliance could still be built between Starfleet and the Andorians.
"He'll want to know why."Zylen replied.
Archer nodded. "Tell him it's about the repair work we've done to the station. I need to go over some of the reports my crew has submitted and see what other work needs to be done."
"Very well, Captain."Zylen acknowledged.
Archer stepped back and watched the Andorian doctor and his staff leave. He hated lying to the Doctor especially after all Zylen had done to save Hoshi. But Archer knew if R'al knew the real reason for the meeting he wouldn't come.
*******
"Captain, I hope we can conclude this quickly."R'al said as he and Baza entered the small conference room. "There is still much work that needs my attention."
"I understand."Archer replied as he sat down at the table. T'Pol was at his right across from Baza. "There are just a few things we need to go over to speed the repair process."
"What do you need to know, Captain?"Baza asked impatiently.
Archer nodded at T'Pol who stood and walked over to the view screen and activated it.
"For starters you can tell us who attacked you."Archer inquired watching their reactions.
"No one attacked us, Captain."R'al replied. "We were hit by a plasma storm."
"These scorch marks were not caused by the plasma storm."T'Pol countered as she magnified the image. "Continuing to conceal the truth will not help you."
Before R'al could reply Baza rounded the table and came to stand toe to toe with T'Pol. "You're right we did get a glimpse of our enemy as they cowardly ducked in and out of the storm to attack."
"Baza."R'al warned his voice deadly quiet.
"Did you recognize them?"Archer asked as he came to stand next to T'Pol. He knew T'Pol could handle herself in any situation but he didn't trust Baza as far as he could throw him.
"We recognize a Vulcan ship when we see one, Captain."R'al interjected.
"The mighty Vulcans."Baza added his gaze never leaving T'Pol. "They think they're so superior with their controlled emotions and high intellect. But in the end they are nothing but cowards. Cowards who attack and run."
"Vulcan has no reason to attack your station."T'Pol replied coolly.
"You're serving on an Earth ship."R'al countered as he stood. "Do you really think Vulcan high command tells you everything?"
"That's enough."Archer snapped the strain of the last week beginning to take it's toll. "Are you sure it was a Vulcan ship? There was a lot of damage done to your sensors."
"Even without our sensors, Captain."R'al replied angrily. "We know what a Vulcan ship looks like."
"Okay, lets sit down and talk this through."Archer began as he walked back toward his chair. "There has to be an explanation."
R'al moved past Baza and headed toward the door. "There will be no more talking, Captain. You and your crew will no longer be allowed on our station. The Vulcans are now our enemy and since Starfleet has aligned itself with Vulcan you are our enemy as well."
********
Hoshi Sato slowly opened her eyes. She never thought such a small movement could take so much effort.
"Hoshi? Can you hear me?"Malcolm asked anxiously as he hovered by the left side of the biobed.
Hoshi swallowed struggling to get moisture to her dry mouth. She turned her head and saw Malcolm watching her worriedly.
"Malcolm?"The young woman asked hoarsely not quite believing they were back on Enterprise. The last thing she had a clear memory of was the pod slamming into the mountain.
"Yes,luv."Reed replied tenderly as he took her hand in his. "You're back on Enterprise and you're going to be just fine."
Hoshi saw the dark circles under Malcolm's eyes and the gauntness of his face. "Are you alright?"
Malcolm smiled so very typical of Hoshi. She had nearly died and here she was asking how he was. "I'm fine, luv. Just a few scratches."
"Malcolm, what happened after the crash?"Hoshi asked as she struggled to remember.
Phlox smiled as he gently placed a hand on Hoshi's right shoulder. "What happened can keep until later. Ensign, you've had a very rough week. You need to rest."
Hoshi nodded she could already feel what little energy she had gained begin to drain away. She had never felt this weak and tired in her life.
Malcolm watched Hoshi's eyelids droop close. "Get some rest,luv. I'll be right here."
Phlox turned to face the armory officer. "That rest order affects you too, Lieutenant. I want you to get at the very least twenty-four hours of uninterrupted sleep."
"But...."
"Now, Lieutenant or I'll revoke visiting privileges."
Reed's eyes widened. "You wouldn't."
"Try me."Phlox replied with a barely hidden grin.
Malcolm had played enough poker with the Denobulan that he thought he knew when he was bluffing. Right now Malcolm wasn't so sure. "Alright, you win, I'll rest."
"Good."
********
Archer sat down in the desk chair of his ready room and closed his eyes. A tension headache was starting to build and he knew what he was about to do wouldn't help lessen it. Archer hit the key to activate the intercom.
"Ensign Rowden you can route it through now."Archer ordered.
"Yes,Sir."
A light on the consol blinked signaling the incoming call was ready. Archer touched a key to activate the small view screen.
"Admiral Forrest, it's good to hear from you."Archer greeted trying to get the conversation off to a good start because he knew how it would end.
"I wish I could say the same, Captain."Forrest replied coldly. "You've created quite a mess."
Archer blinked in surprise. "I've created a mess? Need I remind you, Admiral that it was your order that sent us here in the first place."
"Sarcasm won't help the situation, Captain."Forrest replied. "I don't know if you realize the importance of this. We can not lose Vulcan as an ali."
"I'm fully aware of the importance, Admiral."Archer snapped. "Heaven forbid Earth would have to do something without the Vulcan's advice. We've been under their thumb for so long that we don't know how to think for ourselves any more."
"For the sake of your career, Captain I will forget I heard that."
"Admiral....."
"The Vulcans deny anything to do with the attack but they will send representatives to investigate. Your orders Captain are to negotiate a workable peace between the Vulcans and the Andorians."
"Admiral, I don't think I'm the right....."
"You have no say in this Captain."Forrest stated as he leaned forward. "You have ruffled quite a few feathers here in Starfleet. If you fail with these negotiations Enterprise will be dry-docked and the starship program could be scrapped entirely. Is that clear?"
"Crystal."Archer replied.
Without another word Forrest ended the conversation and the screen went dark.
With a sigh Jonathan Archer leaned back in his chair. Closing his eyes Jonathan hoped against hope that the upcoming peace talks wouldn't evolve into a firestorm of events that no one could control.
end
To Be Continued in 'Ship in a Bottle'
Baza ignored the order his career was unimportant right now. Everything was tumbling out of control. "With all due respect, Sir, have you completely lost your mind? We're giving a lower species access to our medical science?"
R'al stopped a few feet from the medical bay struggling to control his temper. Baza was a good officer, he was just young and over enthusiastic.
"Not that I have to explain myself to you."R'al replied tersely."But Doctor Zylen is only going over there to see if he can help their communications officer, nothing more. Doing this is not only an act of good faith for them helping us but it'll also keep their attention diverted."
"I still say it's too risky."Baza muttered as they began walking toward the medical bay.
"That is not your decision to make."R'al replied as he walked through the doors of the medical bay signaling that the conversation was over.
Baza opened his mouth to reply but quickly closed it. Getting kicked off the station wasn't going to help
the situation any. With a sigh Baza pushed through the doors and quickly caught up with his boss.
*********
Captain Jonathan Archer glanced around his ready room at the senior staff gathered. Trip was seated near the window trying not to look like he was about to fall asleep. T'Pol was next to the engineer at the end of the table her hands folded in front of her alert as always. Phlox was next to the sub-commander scrolling through information on the small data padd in front of him.
"I know everybody's tired so I'll keep this short."Archer began as he sat down at the head of the table. "First, I asked the Andorians if their doctor could come over and examine Hoshi. Doctor, I'm not stepping on your toes I just took a chance after I saw their medical bay....."
Phlox shook his head. "No offense taken, Captain. I'm anxious to get a second set of eyes on this data. I've stared at it for so long I don't know what I'm looking at any more."
Trip leaned forward and rested his hands on the table's surface. "Doc, are the Andorians really that far advanced that they might be able to save her?"
Phlox set the data padd down and met the engineer's gaze. He didn't want to give them false hope so he chose his next words carefully. "As you know Commander, the Andorians are an intensely private and paranoid culture. They haven't shared much of their medical science with the rest of us. They may indeed have something that will push the odds in Ensign Sato's favor."
"Their doctor will be arriving in about an hour."Archer stated as he looked at T'Pol. "Sub-Commander, go ahead and tell them what we found."
Tucker glanced from Archer to the Vulcan and back again. "Found? I knew they were up to somethin'."
T'Pol stood and activated the small view screen on the wall. "The Captain and I took a shuttle pod and surveyed the station to see if there had been any damage to their hull. There was minimal damage which was to be expected. Then the Captain noticed this just below the bridge."
"Well now we know why they wanted our help."Trip commented with a shake of his head. "The question is was the attack before or after the plasma storm?"
"These scorch marks are two days old."T'Pol replied as she had the computer magnify the image.
"What did the Andorians say when you asked them about it?"Phlox asked.
Archer exchanged a glance with T'Pol before replying. "We haven't talked to them yet. I don't want to burn any bridges before we know what the whole situation is."
**********
Malcolm Reed stood against the rear wall of Sickbay watching the Andorian doctor, Zylen and his staff run test after test on Hoshi.
It had taken every ounce of will power that Malcolm had left to step away from Hoshi's bed and allow the Andorian's access. Even if they had Archer's permission and were there under the Captain's request.
Trusting people had never been one of Malcolm's strong suits. Especially when it came to the lives of people he loved.
The Andorians didn't trust anybody how could he trust them with Hoshi's life?
But Malcolm had no choice. It was the only way to save her.....it was the only way Malcolm would
ever see Hoshi's beautiful brown eyes again.
So the only thing Malcolm could do now was wait and watch. It was nearly two hours later when Doctor Phlox approached the armory officer.
"Well?"Reed demanded his voice tight with emotion.
"Doctor Zylen believes she has a good chance, Malcolm."Phlox replied relief clearly in his voice. "They've given her a medicine that will begin to reverse the damage done to her brain and nervous system. Doctor Zylen has also given her a drug that will gradually bring down her fever."
Malcolm leaned heavily against the wall not quite believing what he was hearing. Could this nightmare really be over?
"Doctor, are you saying that she's going to make it?"Malcolm asked his emotions in a whirlwind.
Phlox nodded. "Yes, Ensign Sato is going to make a full recovery."
"Thank God."Malcolm whispered as his knees finally gave out and he slid all the way to the floor. Hoshi was going to be fine.....she was going to be healthy and happy. If it took Malcolm to his last living day he'd make sure Hoshi felt loved every day of her life.
"She's going to be fine, Malcolm."Phlox assured his friend as he knelt next to him. "It'll be several hours at best before we can wake her. Why don't you get some rest?"
"Okay."Malcolm replied quietly the small amount of energy he had regained by the few hours of sleep he had earlier had quickly vanished.
But now he could fall asleep without fear that Hoshi wouldn't be there when he woke up.
*******
"Captain."T'Pol began as she reentered Archer's ready room data padd in hand. "The results are back of the second scan of the station's hull."
"Anything interesting?"Archer asked as he sat at the small desk.
T'Pol nodded as she handed him the data padd. "The attack on the station occurred at the same time as the plasma storm."
Archer blinked in surprise. "They used the storm as cover to launch the attack?"
"Yes."
"I thought there were only a few races who had ships that were able to withstand a plasma storm even for a few minutes?"Archer asked not liking where this new information was leading them.
"That is correct."T'Pol confirmed.
"Any theorie....."Archer asked but was interrupted by the intercom.
"Phlox to Archer."
"Go ahead,Doctor."
"Thought you'd like to know, Captain."Phlox replied. "Dr. Zylen has made his prognosis of Ensign Sato. She's going to make a full recovery."
Archer closed his eyes as relief washed over him. "That's good news, Doctor. That's very good news. Tell Dr. Zylen I'll be down in a minute."
"Understood. Phlox out."
After a moment T'Pol asked. "Shall I inform Starfleet of the attack?"
Archer shook his head. "Not yet. I want to give the Andorians one last chance to tell us what really happened."
**********
Archer met Doctor Zylen just inside the doorway of Sickbay. "Doctor, I just wanted to thank you for helping her."
Zylen smiled. "I'm glad we could help, Captain. I have given your doctor the rest of the medicine and instructions of how to replicate more if Ensign Sato needs it during her recovery."
"Thank you."Jonathan replied though the words didn't seem adequate. "Can you pass along a message to R'al for me?"
"Certainly."
"Tell him I'd like to meet with him and Baza on board Enterprise in two hours."Archer stated hoping the Andorians wouldn't balk at the request. He wanted to give R'al a chance to prove the Enterprise sensors wrong. That a trusting alliance could still be built between Starfleet and the Andorians.
"He'll want to know why."Zylen replied.
Archer nodded. "Tell him it's about the repair work we've done to the station. I need to go over some of the reports my crew has submitted and see what other work needs to be done."
"Very well, Captain."Zylen acknowledged.
Archer stepped back and watched the Andorian doctor and his staff leave. He hated lying to the Doctor especially after all Zylen had done to save Hoshi. But Archer knew if R'al knew the real reason for the meeting he wouldn't come.
*******
"Captain, I hope we can conclude this quickly."R'al said as he and Baza entered the small conference room. "There is still much work that needs my attention."
"I understand."Archer replied as he sat down at the table. T'Pol was at his right across from Baza. "There are just a few things we need to go over to speed the repair process."
"What do you need to know, Captain?"Baza asked impatiently.
Archer nodded at T'Pol who stood and walked over to the view screen and activated it.
"For starters you can tell us who attacked you."Archer inquired watching their reactions.
"No one attacked us, Captain."R'al replied. "We were hit by a plasma storm."
"These scorch marks were not caused by the plasma storm."T'Pol countered as she magnified the image. "Continuing to conceal the truth will not help you."
Before R'al could reply Baza rounded the table and came to stand toe to toe with T'Pol. "You're right we did get a glimpse of our enemy as they cowardly ducked in and out of the storm to attack."
"Baza."R'al warned his voice deadly quiet.
"Did you recognize them?"Archer asked as he came to stand next to T'Pol. He knew T'Pol could handle herself in any situation but he didn't trust Baza as far as he could throw him.
"We recognize a Vulcan ship when we see one, Captain."R'al interjected.
"The mighty Vulcans."Baza added his gaze never leaving T'Pol. "They think they're so superior with their controlled emotions and high intellect. But in the end they are nothing but cowards. Cowards who attack and run."
"Vulcan has no reason to attack your station."T'Pol replied coolly.
"You're serving on an Earth ship."R'al countered as he stood. "Do you really think Vulcan high command tells you everything?"
"That's enough."Archer snapped the strain of the last week beginning to take it's toll. "Are you sure it was a Vulcan ship? There was a lot of damage done to your sensors."
"Even without our sensors, Captain."R'al replied angrily. "We know what a Vulcan ship looks like."
"Okay, lets sit down and talk this through."Archer began as he walked back toward his chair. "There has to be an explanation."
R'al moved past Baza and headed toward the door. "There will be no more talking, Captain. You and your crew will no longer be allowed on our station. The Vulcans are now our enemy and since Starfleet has aligned itself with Vulcan you are our enemy as well."
********
Hoshi Sato slowly opened her eyes. She never thought such a small movement could take so much effort.
"Hoshi? Can you hear me?"Malcolm asked anxiously as he hovered by the left side of the biobed.
Hoshi swallowed struggling to get moisture to her dry mouth. She turned her head and saw Malcolm watching her worriedly.
"Malcolm?"The young woman asked hoarsely not quite believing they were back on Enterprise. The last thing she had a clear memory of was the pod slamming into the mountain.
"Yes,luv."Reed replied tenderly as he took her hand in his. "You're back on Enterprise and you're going to be just fine."
Hoshi saw the dark circles under Malcolm's eyes and the gauntness of his face. "Are you alright?"
Malcolm smiled so very typical of Hoshi. She had nearly died and here she was asking how he was. "I'm fine, luv. Just a few scratches."
"Malcolm, what happened after the crash?"Hoshi asked as she struggled to remember.
Phlox smiled as he gently placed a hand on Hoshi's right shoulder. "What happened can keep until later. Ensign, you've had a very rough week. You need to rest."
Hoshi nodded she could already feel what little energy she had gained begin to drain away. She had never felt this weak and tired in her life.
Malcolm watched Hoshi's eyelids droop close. "Get some rest,luv. I'll be right here."
Phlox turned to face the armory officer. "That rest order affects you too, Lieutenant. I want you to get at the very least twenty-four hours of uninterrupted sleep."
"But...."
"Now, Lieutenant or I'll revoke visiting privileges."
Reed's eyes widened. "You wouldn't."
"Try me."Phlox replied with a barely hidden grin.
Malcolm had played enough poker with the Denobulan that he thought he knew when he was bluffing. Right now Malcolm wasn't so sure. "Alright, you win, I'll rest."
"Good."
********
Archer sat down in the desk chair of his ready room and closed his eyes. A tension headache was starting to build and he knew what he was about to do wouldn't help lessen it. Archer hit the key to activate the intercom.
"Ensign Rowden you can route it through now."Archer ordered.
"Yes,Sir."
A light on the consol blinked signaling the incoming call was ready. Archer touched a key to activate the small view screen.
"Admiral Forrest, it's good to hear from you."Archer greeted trying to get the conversation off to a good start because he knew how it would end.
"I wish I could say the same, Captain."Forrest replied coldly. "You've created quite a mess."
Archer blinked in surprise. "I've created a mess? Need I remind you, Admiral that it was your order that sent us here in the first place."
"Sarcasm won't help the situation, Captain."Forrest replied. "I don't know if you realize the importance of this. We can not lose Vulcan as an ali."
"I'm fully aware of the importance, Admiral."Archer snapped. "Heaven forbid Earth would have to do something without the Vulcan's advice. We've been under their thumb for so long that we don't know how to think for ourselves any more."
"For the sake of your career, Captain I will forget I heard that."
"Admiral....."
"The Vulcans deny anything to do with the attack but they will send representatives to investigate. Your orders Captain are to negotiate a workable peace between the Vulcans and the Andorians."
"Admiral, I don't think I'm the right....."
"You have no say in this Captain."Forrest stated as he leaned forward. "You have ruffled quite a few feathers here in Starfleet. If you fail with these negotiations Enterprise will be dry-docked and the starship program could be scrapped entirely. Is that clear?"
"Crystal."Archer replied.
Without another word Forrest ended the conversation and the screen went dark.
With a sigh Jonathan Archer leaned back in his chair. Closing his eyes Jonathan hoped against hope that the upcoming peace talks wouldn't evolve into a firestorm of events that no one could control.
end
To Be Continued in 'Ship in a Bottle'