Title: New Friends
Author: Josephine
Email: Lovellama@aol.com
Rating: G
Genre: Challenge/ General
Characters: H, T'P, P, A, a random Vulcan
Summary: Porthos meets and greets.
Notes: This is in response to the challenge in a can Dog – Repulsed – Couple on the Linguistics database, which is based upon the challenge in a can at dymphna.net.
Disclaimer: Paramount owns the Trek dance hall; I like to call the steps once in awhile.
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"What is that … odor?"
Hoshi looked over at Koel. The Vulcan's face had a small moue of distaste on it. "I'm sorry, I don't smell anything." She breathed deeply, trying to identify the offending scent.
Koel turned to T'Pol. "Do you not smell it?"
"I use a nasal numbing agent. Perhaps you would like to avail yourself of it while you are here."
"Perhaps, but I do not think …" Koel stopped short as the three humanoids tuned the corner and came face to face with the source of the smell. "What is that?"
"It is a … canine. A dog to be precise."
"A … dog?" One of Koel's slim eyebrows went up.
"Yes, a male canine. The females are called bitches. This one is the Captain's pet."
"His name is Porthos," Hoshi volunteered. At the sound of his name, Porthos' tail thumped the deck.
"What is it doing?"
"He's happy to see you." The little imp that lived in Hoshi spoke up. "Would you like to pet him?" Kneeling down, Hoshi scratched the beagle behind the ears.
T'Pol looked away as Koel struggled to compose himself. "Thank you, no."
"He talks, you know." Before T'Pol could say anything, Hoshi commanded the pup to speak.
The long metal corridors echoed with the sound of Porthos baying.
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Sitting in the mess hall later that evening, Hoshi looked up as the doors opened and the Captain walked in. She bit back a smile as Porthos slipped though, his tail nearly getting caught. Halfway to the wardroom he stopped, then made a bee line for Koel and T'Pol. He sat by their table, tail thumping the deck again.
Koel and T'Pol tried to ignore him, but Porthos raised up on his haunches and waved a paw at them.
"What does it want now?"
Hoshi spoke up. "He'd like some of your cheese." She nodded at the yellow cubes in front of the Vulcans.
T'Pol pushed the plate of cheese and fruit away from the edge of the table. "Dr. Phlox has forbidden Porthos dairy products."
"Why?" Koel asked.
A loud raspberry sound filled the room.
"That is the reason why."
Koel turned a pale shade of green. "I believe I would like to avail myself of your numbing agent, Sub Commander."
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"It has been an enlightening visit, Sub Commander." Koel stood next to his captain as Archer said goodbye to the rest of the group.
"As it was for me. Your updates on the Falo Nebula are fascinating." Hearing a barking, the two Vulcans paused a moment before turning around.
"Hey Porthos!" Archer watched in amazement as his dog went and gazed up at Koel, his tongue hanging out the side of his face.
"Looks like you made a new friend." Archer picked Porthos up, laughing as the pup licked his face.
Koel looked at T'Pol. "An interesting species."
"They are, indeed."
