This is in answer to Jenna's challenge, or as we say in the SCA, "I accept!" The world is borrowed from Sheri S. Tepper's 'Grass', as well as the beasts. I'm not sure if I should inflict the Hippea on them though, their mental attacks too powerful for a Vulcan to survive unless a foxen decided to help. If you're curious, read the book, it's library of congress no. is 89-30105.
The usual disclaimer, not mine, blah, blah, blah! Now let's get on with it already!
Title - Making Due
Author - Talani Silverwolf
Codes - Answer to a challenge/Romance, Rated PG
As the sun rose over the wide grassy plain, Captain Archer was awakened by the ray of light that warmed the side of his face that was turned towards the shattered fairing. Grunting as he sat foreword, he groggily took in the rest of the survivors.
Commander Tucker was curled up like a squirrel in one corner while Ensign Sato was stretched across the meager bunk. He glanced over to the other control seat and managed to suppress the grin that threatened to break free as he took in the sight of Sub-commander T'Pol sleeping in an upright position with her feet tucked under her neatly folded legs.
She reminded him of a child that might have fallen asleep while on the way home from a late-night function in the back seat of the family vehicle. He didn't let that vision fool him though, she had more guts and determination than any person he had ever met. His mind again ran through the sequence of events that had led to their current dilemma.
It all started so innocently, a routine away mission to investigate a newly discovered planet. Once they had determined that there was no higher life forms than quasi-mammalians, he had begun putting together a team. When word came that ruins had been detected, he included their bright intelligent communications officer, Ensign Hoshi Sato.
It had seemed like no time at all before they were approaching the surface when the first sign of trouble had started. Commander Tucker had noticed a slight decrease in the engine's efficiency, but hadn't been worried at the time. As the began their decent into the atmosphere a warning light had come alive, quickly followed by an alarm. A bit alarmed himself, Captain Archer had yelled out, "I thought you said it was nothing?"
"Sorry Capt'n, I thought it was!"
The urgency of their immediate problem kept the captain from saying anything further, to intent on trying to bring the shuttle down in one piece. It had been a hard landing, but somehow they had all managed to survive with minimal damage, that couldn't be said for the poor little shuttle. It was apparent, at least to the captain, that it would never fly again.
With only one course of action left them, they had set about making camp and attempting to contact Enterprise to let them know they had survived. After several hours Trip had finally climbed out of the pilot's seat and dejectedly announced that the transmitter was inoperable.
Archer placed a consoling hand on the engineer's shoulder and quietly said, "You did what you could, I'm sure that Lieutenant Reed will send out a search party to locate us."
Nodding, Trip had muttered, "Yeah, I guess you're right."
With a little effort, they had a impromptu camp set up and sleeping arrangements settled, although T'Pol had complained that with all of them secured in the cabin, she was uncertain even with the nasal inhibitors, she'd be able to tolerate the smell.
It was Commander Tucker who snidely commented, "Ya better get used ta it now, cause we might be here awhile."
The Captain had looked at him while shaking his head and grumbled as he stalked off, "I can't take you any place without a sitter!"
Trip rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms and muttered under his breath, "Yeah, well ya shoulda brought a muzzle for miss congeniality!"
"Commander!" He jumped as Hoshi came up behind him, his face going hot. Rubbing the back of his neck as he noted the slight frown on her face, he pleaded, "I'm sorry Hosh, but iffin I gotta be cooped up with that 'woman', there's gonna be trouble for sure! She gets on my nerves with her not so subtle, superior than thou attitude!"
"If the Captain heard you say that, there really would be trouble! Tsk! I'm ashamed of you Commander, you're suppose to be an example of tolerance."
"There's limits to what I'm willin' ta tolerate, and being constantly insulted aint one of 'em!"
He stomped off in the direction of the deep grasses and quickly disappeared from view, Hoshi sighed and went back into the craft to finish setting up make shift cots. Hopefully, it would only be for a couple of nights at most. The rations that they had were limited and not meant for extended emergencies, in the event they were stranded here more than a few days, there was going to be at least one person who'd be unhappy with the only option left to survive.
When night fell, the temperature dropped dramatically. Everyone took their assigned spots and settled in for the evening. Archer had to shift about somewhat to get comfortable, but was tired enough that it was only a short time before he was fast asleep.
T'Pol sat silently and listened to the soft sounds that the Human's breathing made, trying to center herself after the long day. She wasn't having much luck as a loud snore emanated from the far corner. With a low suffering sigh, she closed her eyes and willed herself to sleep.
After several days, it became apparent that for whatever reason, Enterprise wasn't going to find them. It troubled the captain and that only added to the already tense atmosphere that was building among them. Trip complained bitterly about 'certain persons', making outlandish requests considering the circumstances. T'Pol cooly commented that some of those present lacked the common courtesy to restrain from loud nocturnal apnea. Poor Hoshi finally fed up, marched off in a huff and vanished into the grasses.
The entire world was covered with the stuff, in more colors than anyone had ever imagined. From a more familiar green all the way to a vibrant crimson, blue, yellow and orange also touched the crowns of some stands. Some stands were short, barely ankle high, while others grew taller then the tallest bamboos. Some grew in thick clusters that resemble pampas while others sprouted in amazingly long strands as wide as a mans palm. Throughout it all, small pools fed by underground springs dotted the otherwise level ground.
Commander Tucker was the first to notice her absence, his ire quickly turning to apprehension, "Hey, where'd Hoshi go?"
There was a bone chilling howl in the distance, they froze for a second, then as a unit, rushed into the growth to find Hoshi before whatever had made that noise did.
Ensign Sato sat motionless as she observed the frightening beast that snuffled through the clearing she had hastily vacated when she heard the howl, it's long snout equipped with long menacing fangs. The shaggy coat covered a lean powerful body with long agile legs; perfect for chasing prey through the tall grass. Until now, they had seen very few of the animals that inhabited this world, but she knew now what made the graceful gazelle-like creatures so skittish. Lifting its head, it sniffed the air. The hot red eyes suddenly locked on her position in the tree-grass she'd clambered up.
Stalking towards the base, it growled as it stared at her. A shiver ran through her as she watched it lift both front paws and placed them on the trunk. The lips pulled back as in crouched and made a leap at her. She screamed, the monster answered with another throaty growl. As it jumped at her again, she could feel its hot breath on her leg. Instinctively, she thrust out with her foot and caught the beast full in its face.
In a rage, it began snapping and tearing at the base of her perch , taking chunks out as it did. She screamed and cried, this wasn't how she had imagined dying. A loud screeching yelp made her open her eyes and look down, Commander Tucker stood at the edge of the glen with his phase pistol pointed at the now still beast.
Checking to be certain the creature was dead, he rushed over and helped her climb down. Holding her as she clung to him and sobbed, he gently stroked her hair as he softly said, "There, there. Your all right now."
He felt relieved that he'd made it in time, that thing had almost completely chewed through the thick stem she'd been hanging onto. Waiting till she quieted some, he reluctantly stepped back and asked if she was all right.
She hiccuped as she answered, "I, think so." The anguish in her next words tore at his heart, "I thought I was going to die, and no one would ever know what happened to me!"
The rustling on the other side of the clearing alerted them, Trip drawing the pistol as he whirled to face the unknown menace. He sagged with relief as Archer and T'Pol broke through, his head jerked in the direction of the predator, "We're gonna haveta watch ourselves a little bit better from now on Capt'n."
"What the hell is that?"
"A lotta teeth backed by a bad attitude."
The captain walked over as T'Pol paused to examine the carcass. Archer looked at Trip before placing his hand on Hoshi's arm, "Are you OK Hoshi?"
She nodded as she tried to regain some composure, "I'm fine, really. Thank you."
Glancing around in the waning daylight, Captain Archer calmly said, "Let's get back to camp."
They arrived in subdued silence, and while they were preparing dinner, T'Pol made an observation.
"It would appear that the recent incident, while upsetting, would warrant greater caution in leaving the immediate vicinity of camp. It would be advisable that any further excursions be made as a group."
Trip turned and stared at her a moment as his eyes narrowed, his voice deathly calm, "Aren't you the least bit concerned that Hoshi almost got ett by that damn thing?"
"She was not however."
He would have said more, but a strange cry echoed across the darkening skies. They all held still as it sounded again, this time closer. Tucker exchanges looks with Archer as they simultaneously pulled their phase pistols. In a hushed tone, the captain said, "Hoshi, you and T'Pol get in the shuttle while me and Trip try to figure out what that is."
T'Pol would have argued, but something in the captain's voice made her hold off as the cry continued to come closer. She faced Hoshi and quietly commented, "Come, we can watch from the shuttle." Hoshi's voice cracked as she responded, "What if it's more of those things?"
"I am certain the Captain and Commander Tucker are quite capable of dealing with them."
The two woman climbed into the craft and positioned themselves in a strategic location where they could view most of the meadow. What came crashing through the tall grasses was a nightmare.
Remotely resembling a horse, the large creature that appeared was covered in a dark blue armored hide. Along the top of the arched neck were long wicked looking flat barbs that clashed as the beast tossed its head. It looked at the puny forms before it out of red gleaming eyes that held a mocking laughter. As it rose onto its rear legs to paw the air with its fore cloven hooves, it screamed a challenge at them, revealing sharp strong fangs on upper and lower jaws.
Acting in unison, the men fired at it, the Captain's struck it square in the face. With a mighty lunge it sprawled across the mossy grass at it attempted to get them even as it died. They stood staring at it until it ceased twitching.
"I think we should start looking for a better place to camp." Archer quietly said. Trip just nodded in agreement.
The next morning they packed all essential supplies and left the emergency beacon on repeat in case their ship returned to look for them. They marched off in the direction of a grass forest that had been noted in the original survey. It took them most of the morning to reach the outer edge of the place, but it was worth it. The thick boled grasses were this world's answer to trees, many of which grew together as a whole to spread near the top like branches.
"Wow." That soft intonation from Archer summed it up. They stepped carefully through the dappled shadowed roots, small streams made the going rough. Coming to a halt, the Captain held one hand up as he spotted something odd ahead in the trees.
Motioning for them to wait, he cautiously approached and stopped as he realized it was a small city built along graceful pathways high up near the crown. Looking for any possible accesses, he finally made out a ladder or stairway in the distance. He turned and called out, "Come on, I think I've found the perfect place!"
Once they reached the lower paths, it was easy for them to explore the many abandoned dwellings. Long ago there must have been an interesting people who could build such amazing structures that could survive so long without any upkeep from native grasses. For the hanging paths and connecting buildings seemed sturdy enough, not a creek or snapping to indicate decay.
The center of 'town', held the largest buildings, some of which Archer decided would make perfect accommodations for them.
"All right people, pick a place and we'll call it home for now."
By evening they had chosen huts close to each other with a communal fir pit. The small moon that rose cast a dim yellow light across the deck they sat on. Trip had ventured into the surrounding woods to search for edibles. He'd returned with a variety of new fruits and vegetables. He also had a small carcass slung over his back, as he lowered it by the fire he cheerfully quipped, "Thar ya go, somethin' for everybody!"
He took perverse delight in the obvious distaste on the Sub-commander face as he skinned and dressed his prize for cooking, unable to resist an opportunity to tease her, "Ya know Sub-commander, if this place goes through seasons, we might not have any other food source available except wild game during tha winter."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, she turned her head and ignored his comment as he chuckled. Archer shook his head as he wondered if they'd ever be rescued. Thoughts he had no right to be thinking crept into his brain. In a kind of trance, he envisioned what might be. As his mind slipped deeper into that state, he felt a faint tickling as though something was tentatively tasting his thoughts. With a start, he bolted straight up and glanced around searching for what, he wasn't quite sure of.
T'Pol noted his preoccupation and quitely inquired, "Is everything all right Captain?"
"Something's watching us."
She looked around, unsure if he sensed a real threat or not. Now that he had said something, she to had felt as though she was under observation, but had hesitated to mention it due to Commander Tucker's annoying habit of questioning every comment she made.
A movement caught her eye as she turned her head, as she tried to focus on it, it faded into shadows. "Sir', she whispered, "I believe I saw something over there." She pointed over to a neighboring cluster of buildings.
"Any idea what it was?"
"No, I was unable to make out much detail."
Archer stared at the location she pointed to and felt a chill run down his back. He stood and crouched next to Trip, and quietly asked, "How long can the phase pistols last?"
"Without recharging 'em? Maybe several more rounds."
"I think we should team up tonight in case something tries to attack us."
"Ya mean like boy, girl, boy, girl?"
"Yeah, just for tonight. Whatever I felt, it didn't indicate benign intentions."
Tucker nodded as he glanced up and surveyed the empty paths. He pulled the meat from the fire and set it on a grass mat Hoshi had woven before cutting it into portions. The meal was eaten in silence as they each spent time keeping their eyes open for any lurking beasts.
After banking the fire they split into pairs, Hoshi quickly stating she'd stay with Trip. T'Pol followed the Captain into the abode he'd chosen. It's thatched walls had intricate designs woven into it, the linguist had already taken notes for later comparisons. There were low sitting benches in most of the buildings that were perfect for make shift beds. He'd already made two of them here suitable for that purpose.
He motioned for her to pick a bench, laying down on the other.
He couldn't remember falling asleep but was suddenly awakened by a faint noise. He looked over and saw a dim outline outside the small window. Carefully sliding out of bed, he crossed the room and lightly placed a hand over T'Pol's mouth, laying a finger across his lips as her eyes opened, he pointed to the window.
She sat up while he moved towards the door, the shadowy figure moved out of view. She glanced at him as he slowly inched the door open. Without really knowing why, she got up and went over to him and barely whispered, "It is too dangerous. There could be many more out there."
He studied her a moment before saying, "What if the others are in trouble?"
"I believe Commander Tucker is quite capable of fending for himself as well as Ensign Sato. Besides, he would have alerted us to any trouble."
Archer considered her words before finally closing the door. "You're right, he would alert us. Let's go back to bed."
Soon his mind drifted off and his dreams shifted from the mundane to more disturbing images of prancing beasts with fangs and hooves stomping through their former camp site, an evil gleam in the burning red eyes. As he tossed on his cot, a new form entered the dream. Out of focus, it purred as it sent images of them, curious to their differences.
First it clearly showed Captain Archer, *Different?* Then T'Pol, *Why?* It took him a moment to figure out what it was asking, his response was tinged with amusement. He was male, T'Pol was female. Both of them came from species that were comprised of two different sexes. The curiosity deepened, *But why? Why this difference?* So we can procreate, mate and have offspring.
Astonishment mixed with sudden insight, *Show me!* Embarrassed, Archer declined. Confusion, *Why not?* Not appropriate. *Why? Explain.* We aren't together that way. We're only friends. Amazement mingled with disbelief. *That's all?*
The presence faded only to return moments later with new questions. *Why does female deny own feelings* It's how her people are, the control their emotions. Shock, *That's sad.* Sad, he thought. This was getting too strange for him, his mind fought to wake.
As it did, he tossed and moaned in his sleep waking T'Pol who went over and shook him as she softly said, "Captain. Are you all right?"
He sat up and held his head, it was pounding so hard he could barely hear her. "I just had the weirdest dream!" He groaned. She watched him carefully as he tried to get up, his legs gave as he stood. The world seemed to swim around him as he passed out.
T'Pol wasn't certain what was afflicting the Captain, a cold chill came over her as she tried to rouse him but got no response. His skin felt cold and damp, and when she peeled back an eyelid, his eye was rolled back. An eerie sensation touched at her mind, it didn't feel menacing, in fact, it sent a mental purr as though to reassure.
Blackness closed around her vision and she was aware of someone else in her mind. Hesitant, *You will explain?* What have you done to the Captain? Agitated, *He will not show us.* Perhaps if you tell me what it is you wish to know... Indecision, *Give word first, then he will be allowed to awake.* She fought down the fear those words raised. Whatever it was had put Captain Archer in his current state! Curiosity, *Archer? Why refer to male this way?* It is part of his name, Jonathan Archer. Excited insight, *You have name too?* Yes, I'm called T'Pol. Amusement, *Much shorter then Archer.* You must release the Captain from your hold. I am not certain he can bear this type of restraint. Concern tinged with sorrow, *We NEED to understand differences of new comers. When others came from the stars, Hippea destroyed them. Do not want to see history be repeated.*
Steeling herself for the answer, she inquired. Who are the Hippea? Pause, shame, appeasement, the image of a beast similar to the one they had killed the prior day. *Your males killed one, yes?* Yes. A very Human sounding sigh issued from the shadowy form. I would like to see you more clearly. *No.* It faded, and her sight returned to the here and now.
Whatever had made contact with her mind had left, she shook her head as she looked at Jonathan. He was still unconscious. Panicked, she cried out, "You can not leave him like this!" A movement caused her to turned and there in the corner of the room, something crouched. In as calm a voice as she could muster, she quietly said, "Please, you must release him." There was uncertainty in its response, *You have feelings for him?* Somehow she knew it would detect any dissemblence on her part. "Yes, I do."
The form cautiously approached and layed a clawed hand on Archer's head.
With the apparition this close she could now make out more details. The large furry head had a long narrow muzzle equipped with deadly fangs, the feet as well as the powerful arms were tipped with ebony claws. But for all her concentration the outlines remained fuzzy, a natural camouflage that allowed it to move unseen.
As it backed off, the Captain gasped and began to rouse, T'Pol looked at the creature and whispered, "Thank you." It nodded, *He too holds feelings for you.* She could sense it's confusion over their denial of how they felt for one another. An almost desperate plea touched at her as it left, *Remember that!*
She helped the Captain sit, his eyes were glassy as he gazed at her. He finally spoke in a hoarse voice, "What hit me?"
"I wish I could tell you, but it would not give me an answer."
"Then you heard it too?"
"Yes, appearently it is quite curious as to our phsical differences."
Even in the dim lighting, she could see that he was blushing as he replied, "Uh, yeah. It wanted me to 'demonstrate', why!"
"Understandable if it's kind reproduce by other means."
He gave her a baffled look as she helped him back to his bunk, uncertain what she meant by that. If he didn't know better, he would've sworn she was open to the notion! He mentally kicked himself for imagining things, she was a Vulcan incapable of expressing real affection to anyone. He sighed as he lay silently in the dark, wishing he hadn't been reminded about how he truely felt about her. Over the last few months he'd actually managed to convince himself it was a futile goal, better to just forget it. Now he was once again seized by the desire of holding her in his arms and feeling the warmth of her body against his as he kissed her.
T'Pol could tell he wasn't sleeping, something must be bothering him because he kept softly sighing as he tossed and turned on the other side of the room. She pondered weather she should say anything or not to ease his mind about their recent experience, but held off due to her own confused thoughts.
Both of them spent the remainder of night in sleepless contiplation.
To be continued...........
The usual disclaimer, not mine, blah, blah, blah! Now let's get on with it already!
Title - Making Due
Author - Talani Silverwolf
Codes - Answer to a challenge/Romance, Rated PG
As the sun rose over the wide grassy plain, Captain Archer was awakened by the ray of light that warmed the side of his face that was turned towards the shattered fairing. Grunting as he sat foreword, he groggily took in the rest of the survivors.
Commander Tucker was curled up like a squirrel in one corner while Ensign Sato was stretched across the meager bunk. He glanced over to the other control seat and managed to suppress the grin that threatened to break free as he took in the sight of Sub-commander T'Pol sleeping in an upright position with her feet tucked under her neatly folded legs.
She reminded him of a child that might have fallen asleep while on the way home from a late-night function in the back seat of the family vehicle. He didn't let that vision fool him though, she had more guts and determination than any person he had ever met. His mind again ran through the sequence of events that had led to their current dilemma.
It all started so innocently, a routine away mission to investigate a newly discovered planet. Once they had determined that there was no higher life forms than quasi-mammalians, he had begun putting together a team. When word came that ruins had been detected, he included their bright intelligent communications officer, Ensign Hoshi Sato.
It had seemed like no time at all before they were approaching the surface when the first sign of trouble had started. Commander Tucker had noticed a slight decrease in the engine's efficiency, but hadn't been worried at the time. As the began their decent into the atmosphere a warning light had come alive, quickly followed by an alarm. A bit alarmed himself, Captain Archer had yelled out, "I thought you said it was nothing?"
"Sorry Capt'n, I thought it was!"
The urgency of their immediate problem kept the captain from saying anything further, to intent on trying to bring the shuttle down in one piece. It had been a hard landing, but somehow they had all managed to survive with minimal damage, that couldn't be said for the poor little shuttle. It was apparent, at least to the captain, that it would never fly again.
With only one course of action left them, they had set about making camp and attempting to contact Enterprise to let them know they had survived. After several hours Trip had finally climbed out of the pilot's seat and dejectedly announced that the transmitter was inoperable.
Archer placed a consoling hand on the engineer's shoulder and quietly said, "You did what you could, I'm sure that Lieutenant Reed will send out a search party to locate us."
Nodding, Trip had muttered, "Yeah, I guess you're right."
With a little effort, they had a impromptu camp set up and sleeping arrangements settled, although T'Pol had complained that with all of them secured in the cabin, she was uncertain even with the nasal inhibitors, she'd be able to tolerate the smell.
It was Commander Tucker who snidely commented, "Ya better get used ta it now, cause we might be here awhile."
The Captain had looked at him while shaking his head and grumbled as he stalked off, "I can't take you any place without a sitter!"
Trip rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms and muttered under his breath, "Yeah, well ya shoulda brought a muzzle for miss congeniality!"
"Commander!" He jumped as Hoshi came up behind him, his face going hot. Rubbing the back of his neck as he noted the slight frown on her face, he pleaded, "I'm sorry Hosh, but iffin I gotta be cooped up with that 'woman', there's gonna be trouble for sure! She gets on my nerves with her not so subtle, superior than thou attitude!"
"If the Captain heard you say that, there really would be trouble! Tsk! I'm ashamed of you Commander, you're suppose to be an example of tolerance."
"There's limits to what I'm willin' ta tolerate, and being constantly insulted aint one of 'em!"
He stomped off in the direction of the deep grasses and quickly disappeared from view, Hoshi sighed and went back into the craft to finish setting up make shift cots. Hopefully, it would only be for a couple of nights at most. The rations that they had were limited and not meant for extended emergencies, in the event they were stranded here more than a few days, there was going to be at least one person who'd be unhappy with the only option left to survive.
When night fell, the temperature dropped dramatically. Everyone took their assigned spots and settled in for the evening. Archer had to shift about somewhat to get comfortable, but was tired enough that it was only a short time before he was fast asleep.
T'Pol sat silently and listened to the soft sounds that the Human's breathing made, trying to center herself after the long day. She wasn't having much luck as a loud snore emanated from the far corner. With a low suffering sigh, she closed her eyes and willed herself to sleep.
After several days, it became apparent that for whatever reason, Enterprise wasn't going to find them. It troubled the captain and that only added to the already tense atmosphere that was building among them. Trip complained bitterly about 'certain persons', making outlandish requests considering the circumstances. T'Pol cooly commented that some of those present lacked the common courtesy to restrain from loud nocturnal apnea. Poor Hoshi finally fed up, marched off in a huff and vanished into the grasses.
The entire world was covered with the stuff, in more colors than anyone had ever imagined. From a more familiar green all the way to a vibrant crimson, blue, yellow and orange also touched the crowns of some stands. Some stands were short, barely ankle high, while others grew taller then the tallest bamboos. Some grew in thick clusters that resemble pampas while others sprouted in amazingly long strands as wide as a mans palm. Throughout it all, small pools fed by underground springs dotted the otherwise level ground.
Commander Tucker was the first to notice her absence, his ire quickly turning to apprehension, "Hey, where'd Hoshi go?"
There was a bone chilling howl in the distance, they froze for a second, then as a unit, rushed into the growth to find Hoshi before whatever had made that noise did.
Ensign Sato sat motionless as she observed the frightening beast that snuffled through the clearing she had hastily vacated when she heard the howl, it's long snout equipped with long menacing fangs. The shaggy coat covered a lean powerful body with long agile legs; perfect for chasing prey through the tall grass. Until now, they had seen very few of the animals that inhabited this world, but she knew now what made the graceful gazelle-like creatures so skittish. Lifting its head, it sniffed the air. The hot red eyes suddenly locked on her position in the tree-grass she'd clambered up.
Stalking towards the base, it growled as it stared at her. A shiver ran through her as she watched it lift both front paws and placed them on the trunk. The lips pulled back as in crouched and made a leap at her. She screamed, the monster answered with another throaty growl. As it jumped at her again, she could feel its hot breath on her leg. Instinctively, she thrust out with her foot and caught the beast full in its face.
In a rage, it began snapping and tearing at the base of her perch , taking chunks out as it did. She screamed and cried, this wasn't how she had imagined dying. A loud screeching yelp made her open her eyes and look down, Commander Tucker stood at the edge of the glen with his phase pistol pointed at the now still beast.
Checking to be certain the creature was dead, he rushed over and helped her climb down. Holding her as she clung to him and sobbed, he gently stroked her hair as he softly said, "There, there. Your all right now."
He felt relieved that he'd made it in time, that thing had almost completely chewed through the thick stem she'd been hanging onto. Waiting till she quieted some, he reluctantly stepped back and asked if she was all right.
She hiccuped as she answered, "I, think so." The anguish in her next words tore at his heart, "I thought I was going to die, and no one would ever know what happened to me!"
The rustling on the other side of the clearing alerted them, Trip drawing the pistol as he whirled to face the unknown menace. He sagged with relief as Archer and T'Pol broke through, his head jerked in the direction of the predator, "We're gonna haveta watch ourselves a little bit better from now on Capt'n."
"What the hell is that?"
"A lotta teeth backed by a bad attitude."
The captain walked over as T'Pol paused to examine the carcass. Archer looked at Trip before placing his hand on Hoshi's arm, "Are you OK Hoshi?"
She nodded as she tried to regain some composure, "I'm fine, really. Thank you."
Glancing around in the waning daylight, Captain Archer calmly said, "Let's get back to camp."
They arrived in subdued silence, and while they were preparing dinner, T'Pol made an observation.
"It would appear that the recent incident, while upsetting, would warrant greater caution in leaving the immediate vicinity of camp. It would be advisable that any further excursions be made as a group."
Trip turned and stared at her a moment as his eyes narrowed, his voice deathly calm, "Aren't you the least bit concerned that Hoshi almost got ett by that damn thing?"
"She was not however."
He would have said more, but a strange cry echoed across the darkening skies. They all held still as it sounded again, this time closer. Tucker exchanges looks with Archer as they simultaneously pulled their phase pistols. In a hushed tone, the captain said, "Hoshi, you and T'Pol get in the shuttle while me and Trip try to figure out what that is."
T'Pol would have argued, but something in the captain's voice made her hold off as the cry continued to come closer. She faced Hoshi and quietly commented, "Come, we can watch from the shuttle." Hoshi's voice cracked as she responded, "What if it's more of those things?"
"I am certain the Captain and Commander Tucker are quite capable of dealing with them."
The two woman climbed into the craft and positioned themselves in a strategic location where they could view most of the meadow. What came crashing through the tall grasses was a nightmare.
Remotely resembling a horse, the large creature that appeared was covered in a dark blue armored hide. Along the top of the arched neck were long wicked looking flat barbs that clashed as the beast tossed its head. It looked at the puny forms before it out of red gleaming eyes that held a mocking laughter. As it rose onto its rear legs to paw the air with its fore cloven hooves, it screamed a challenge at them, revealing sharp strong fangs on upper and lower jaws.
Acting in unison, the men fired at it, the Captain's struck it square in the face. With a mighty lunge it sprawled across the mossy grass at it attempted to get them even as it died. They stood staring at it until it ceased twitching.
"I think we should start looking for a better place to camp." Archer quietly said. Trip just nodded in agreement.
The next morning they packed all essential supplies and left the emergency beacon on repeat in case their ship returned to look for them. They marched off in the direction of a grass forest that had been noted in the original survey. It took them most of the morning to reach the outer edge of the place, but it was worth it. The thick boled grasses were this world's answer to trees, many of which grew together as a whole to spread near the top like branches.
"Wow." That soft intonation from Archer summed it up. They stepped carefully through the dappled shadowed roots, small streams made the going rough. Coming to a halt, the Captain held one hand up as he spotted something odd ahead in the trees.
Motioning for them to wait, he cautiously approached and stopped as he realized it was a small city built along graceful pathways high up near the crown. Looking for any possible accesses, he finally made out a ladder or stairway in the distance. He turned and called out, "Come on, I think I've found the perfect place!"
Once they reached the lower paths, it was easy for them to explore the many abandoned dwellings. Long ago there must have been an interesting people who could build such amazing structures that could survive so long without any upkeep from native grasses. For the hanging paths and connecting buildings seemed sturdy enough, not a creek or snapping to indicate decay.
The center of 'town', held the largest buildings, some of which Archer decided would make perfect accommodations for them.
"All right people, pick a place and we'll call it home for now."
By evening they had chosen huts close to each other with a communal fir pit. The small moon that rose cast a dim yellow light across the deck they sat on. Trip had ventured into the surrounding woods to search for edibles. He'd returned with a variety of new fruits and vegetables. He also had a small carcass slung over his back, as he lowered it by the fire he cheerfully quipped, "Thar ya go, somethin' for everybody!"
He took perverse delight in the obvious distaste on the Sub-commander face as he skinned and dressed his prize for cooking, unable to resist an opportunity to tease her, "Ya know Sub-commander, if this place goes through seasons, we might not have any other food source available except wild game during tha winter."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, she turned her head and ignored his comment as he chuckled. Archer shook his head as he wondered if they'd ever be rescued. Thoughts he had no right to be thinking crept into his brain. In a kind of trance, he envisioned what might be. As his mind slipped deeper into that state, he felt a faint tickling as though something was tentatively tasting his thoughts. With a start, he bolted straight up and glanced around searching for what, he wasn't quite sure of.
T'Pol noted his preoccupation and quitely inquired, "Is everything all right Captain?"
"Something's watching us."
She looked around, unsure if he sensed a real threat or not. Now that he had said something, she to had felt as though she was under observation, but had hesitated to mention it due to Commander Tucker's annoying habit of questioning every comment she made.
A movement caught her eye as she turned her head, as she tried to focus on it, it faded into shadows. "Sir', she whispered, "I believe I saw something over there." She pointed over to a neighboring cluster of buildings.
"Any idea what it was?"
"No, I was unable to make out much detail."
Archer stared at the location she pointed to and felt a chill run down his back. He stood and crouched next to Trip, and quietly asked, "How long can the phase pistols last?"
"Without recharging 'em? Maybe several more rounds."
"I think we should team up tonight in case something tries to attack us."
"Ya mean like boy, girl, boy, girl?"
"Yeah, just for tonight. Whatever I felt, it didn't indicate benign intentions."
Tucker nodded as he glanced up and surveyed the empty paths. He pulled the meat from the fire and set it on a grass mat Hoshi had woven before cutting it into portions. The meal was eaten in silence as they each spent time keeping their eyes open for any lurking beasts.
After banking the fire they split into pairs, Hoshi quickly stating she'd stay with Trip. T'Pol followed the Captain into the abode he'd chosen. It's thatched walls had intricate designs woven into it, the linguist had already taken notes for later comparisons. There were low sitting benches in most of the buildings that were perfect for make shift beds. He'd already made two of them here suitable for that purpose.
He motioned for her to pick a bench, laying down on the other.
He couldn't remember falling asleep but was suddenly awakened by a faint noise. He looked over and saw a dim outline outside the small window. Carefully sliding out of bed, he crossed the room and lightly placed a hand over T'Pol's mouth, laying a finger across his lips as her eyes opened, he pointed to the window.
She sat up while he moved towards the door, the shadowy figure moved out of view. She glanced at him as he slowly inched the door open. Without really knowing why, she got up and went over to him and barely whispered, "It is too dangerous. There could be many more out there."
He studied her a moment before saying, "What if the others are in trouble?"
"I believe Commander Tucker is quite capable of fending for himself as well as Ensign Sato. Besides, he would have alerted us to any trouble."
Archer considered her words before finally closing the door. "You're right, he would alert us. Let's go back to bed."
Soon his mind drifted off and his dreams shifted from the mundane to more disturbing images of prancing beasts with fangs and hooves stomping through their former camp site, an evil gleam in the burning red eyes. As he tossed on his cot, a new form entered the dream. Out of focus, it purred as it sent images of them, curious to their differences.
First it clearly showed Captain Archer, *Different?* Then T'Pol, *Why?* It took him a moment to figure out what it was asking, his response was tinged with amusement. He was male, T'Pol was female. Both of them came from species that were comprised of two different sexes. The curiosity deepened, *But why? Why this difference?* So we can procreate, mate and have offspring.
Astonishment mixed with sudden insight, *Show me!* Embarrassed, Archer declined. Confusion, *Why not?* Not appropriate. *Why? Explain.* We aren't together that way. We're only friends. Amazement mingled with disbelief. *That's all?*
The presence faded only to return moments later with new questions. *Why does female deny own feelings* It's how her people are, the control their emotions. Shock, *That's sad.* Sad, he thought. This was getting too strange for him, his mind fought to wake.
As it did, he tossed and moaned in his sleep waking T'Pol who went over and shook him as she softly said, "Captain. Are you all right?"
He sat up and held his head, it was pounding so hard he could barely hear her. "I just had the weirdest dream!" He groaned. She watched him carefully as he tried to get up, his legs gave as he stood. The world seemed to swim around him as he passed out.
T'Pol wasn't certain what was afflicting the Captain, a cold chill came over her as she tried to rouse him but got no response. His skin felt cold and damp, and when she peeled back an eyelid, his eye was rolled back. An eerie sensation touched at her mind, it didn't feel menacing, in fact, it sent a mental purr as though to reassure.
Blackness closed around her vision and she was aware of someone else in her mind. Hesitant, *You will explain?* What have you done to the Captain? Agitated, *He will not show us.* Perhaps if you tell me what it is you wish to know... Indecision, *Give word first, then he will be allowed to awake.* She fought down the fear those words raised. Whatever it was had put Captain Archer in his current state! Curiosity, *Archer? Why refer to male this way?* It is part of his name, Jonathan Archer. Excited insight, *You have name too?* Yes, I'm called T'Pol. Amusement, *Much shorter then Archer.* You must release the Captain from your hold. I am not certain he can bear this type of restraint. Concern tinged with sorrow, *We NEED to understand differences of new comers. When others came from the stars, Hippea destroyed them. Do not want to see history be repeated.*
Steeling herself for the answer, she inquired. Who are the Hippea? Pause, shame, appeasement, the image of a beast similar to the one they had killed the prior day. *Your males killed one, yes?* Yes. A very Human sounding sigh issued from the shadowy form. I would like to see you more clearly. *No.* It faded, and her sight returned to the here and now.
Whatever had made contact with her mind had left, she shook her head as she looked at Jonathan. He was still unconscious. Panicked, she cried out, "You can not leave him like this!" A movement caused her to turned and there in the corner of the room, something crouched. In as calm a voice as she could muster, she quietly said, "Please, you must release him." There was uncertainty in its response, *You have feelings for him?* Somehow she knew it would detect any dissemblence on her part. "Yes, I do."
The form cautiously approached and layed a clawed hand on Archer's head.
With the apparition this close she could now make out more details. The large furry head had a long narrow muzzle equipped with deadly fangs, the feet as well as the powerful arms were tipped with ebony claws. But for all her concentration the outlines remained fuzzy, a natural camouflage that allowed it to move unseen.
As it backed off, the Captain gasped and began to rouse, T'Pol looked at the creature and whispered, "Thank you." It nodded, *He too holds feelings for you.* She could sense it's confusion over their denial of how they felt for one another. An almost desperate plea touched at her as it left, *Remember that!*
She helped the Captain sit, his eyes were glassy as he gazed at her. He finally spoke in a hoarse voice, "What hit me?"
"I wish I could tell you, but it would not give me an answer."
"Then you heard it too?"
"Yes, appearently it is quite curious as to our phsical differences."
Even in the dim lighting, she could see that he was blushing as he replied, "Uh, yeah. It wanted me to 'demonstrate', why!"
"Understandable if it's kind reproduce by other means."
He gave her a baffled look as she helped him back to his bunk, uncertain what she meant by that. If he didn't know better, he would've sworn she was open to the notion! He mentally kicked himself for imagining things, she was a Vulcan incapable of expressing real affection to anyone. He sighed as he lay silently in the dark, wishing he hadn't been reminded about how he truely felt about her. Over the last few months he'd actually managed to convince himself it was a futile goal, better to just forget it. Now he was once again seized by the desire of holding her in his arms and feeling the warmth of her body against his as he kissed her.
T'Pol could tell he wasn't sleeping, something must be bothering him because he kept softly sighing as he tossed and turned on the other side of the room. She pondered weather she should say anything or not to ease his mind about their recent experience, but held off due to her own confused thoughts.
Both of them spent the remainder of night in sleepless contiplation.
To be continued...........