Beta: MisterB

Disclaimer: I don't own Enterprise in any way shape or form. It belongs entirely to Paramount. This is just for fun. I think that fanfic is a good way to explore what happens in between, and as a result of, the episodes. So, on with the exploration.

Spoilers: Cold Front

Notes: Based on my favourite scene in the whole of Season One, and the moment I became a dedicated Malcolm Reed fan. Just for fun. Thanks to volley for talking me into posting this.

The Captain's Chair

Part One - Ensign Travis Mayweather

"You have the bridge Ensign." The Lieutenant gives me a curt nod as he leaves the bridge, and I continue with my work, thinking nothing more of the instructions I have been given.

"Aren't you gonna take the chair?"

Hoshi's question takes me by surprise. She is speaking in her most conspiratorial voice, accompanied by her 'innocent little girl' look. Her tone implies fun and mischief. She can't possibly mean…

"What?" I feign innocence.

"You're in command." She does mean that!

I look around at the chair in question. The Captain's Chair. The seat of all authority. The centre of the universe. Tempting… Very tempting. But I just grin and shake my head with a little laugh, trying to sound convincing.

"I'm fine right here."

"Haven't you ever wondered what it's like?"

Well, of course I've wondered. Hasn't everyone? What would it be like, even just for one moment? But that's not what I'm supposed to be doing right now.

"I can wait till I'm promoted." Maybe if I say it like I mean it then I will believe that I mean it.

"Okay." She's sucking her teeth, and drawing the word out. Baiting me. Daring me. She's not buying my "I'm fine where I am" routine.

Heck, I'm not even buying it! Well maybe it will be ok. Just for one minute. Who's going to know? I mean, I am in command here. So I'm trying not to let her talk me into it and I've just talked myself into it. With a grin I can't stop I secure my station, and move to centre of all power.

Wow! This feels good. Really comfortable chair I've gotta admit. Wonder if I can get one like it for the helm.

Hoshi is sitting there nodding at me. "Nice fit."

Certainly feels like a nice fit from where I am sitting too.

"Bridge looks a lot different from here." I can hear the awe in my own voice. I'm feeling like a little kid again, and it gets me wondering how long I have had the dream of being captain of a ship of my own. Probably my whole life.

Captain Travis Mayweather…

Now that sounds good.

Feeling exhilarated I activate the arm console. Can't really leave without exploring the gadgets now can I? Just wouldn't be right. The screen comes to life at my fingertips. Hard to believe that from this one small touchscreen I can access to most important ships systems. The heart of Enterprise herself.

"Think anyone would mind if I fired a torpedo?"

It's a daft question really. As if I ever would. Hoshi never gets the chance to answer though, as she is interrupted by an unmistakable sound. The forward starboard doors onto the bridge are opening. I watch the look on Hoshi's face change from relaxed amusement to sudden surprise, which must surely match my own, as we both realise what that sound means.

That was fast! Maybe it should be reassuring that our Tactical Officer is so efficient at his job, but me being in the Captains chair when he walked back onto the bridge was never part of the plan. Then again, maybe there wasn't ever a plan in the first place. How did I let myself get talked into this? Not that I took much persuading.

I feel like a ship caught in a gravity well for what feels like a very long moment as I fervently hope he didn't hear me. Then Malcolm Reed rounds the corner and the brief look of mild surprise that crosses his eyes as he looks me up and down is reassuring on that point at least.

For a split second we just look at each other, before my brain kicks into gear and I shut down the chair's arm console and stand up to face him. His face is a mask that I can't read, and I feel uneasy. I can't remember feeling uneasy with this man before. He is a good and comfortable friend to me. But I know from scuttlebutt that he can be a sharp officer. I've never faced that from him and I don't want to now. How's he going to react to this?

"Permission to take my station."

There is a tiny smile on his face and quiet humour in the voice and eyes. He's teasing me? Well it could be worse. That's your cue by the way Travis.

"Sorry sir."

My unease gives way to embarrassment, as I move to take my station, trying my best to avoid looking at Malcolm. But I can feel his keen gaze on me as he watches me cross the bridge. Glancing quickly at Hoshi, she gives me a sympathetic look. Out of the corner of my eye I can just about make Malcolm out, shaking his head slightly as he takes his own station.

When I look across he is still watching me with a small smile on his face. I turn and concentrate 110 percent on my own work, skilled in the art of industrious activity even when there is little to do.

And then it occurs to me. I haven't heard the last of Malcolm Reed's teasing on this subject…

'Oh great.'