A/N: Missing scene from the episode "The enemy". What happened after Worf, Geordie and Bochra left the bridge at the end of the episode?
This is my first attempt at writing fanfiction and English is not my native language. So, I'll appreciate any form of constructive criticism. :)
Don't own.
Bochra squinted against the bright light that illuminated the corridors of the Enterprise, as he followed Lieutenant Commander La Forge and the Klingon officer to the transporter room. He felt dizzy and nauseous, heart still beating too fast and legs barely cooperating.
Being in such a vulnerable state on a ship filled with people he'd been taught to consider his enemy made him uneasy. He was glad about La Forge's presence at his side. Somewhere in his dazed mind the ridiculousness of a human, a Starfleet officer no less, being his greatest source of comfort registered, but he was too exhausted to dwell on that. La Forge had saved his life and, by doing so, established some sort of connection between them.
They walked in silence, the aura of disdain exuding from the Klingon making it too uncomfortable to speak. Bochra didn't mind though, since keeping a straight line was becoming more and more of a struggle for him. His ribs hurt, making it increasingly difficult to breathe and there was a sharp pain in his head that just wouldn't go away.
He grit his teeth, willing his body to keep up with the pace of the Klingon. Back on the planet, it had been surprisingly easy to rely on La Forge for support, using his strength while Bochra had guided them towards the neutrino signal.
But he could not appear weak now. Not in front of the Klingon. His vision was starting to grey out. He blinked, trying desperately to clear his head. He could make it; they were almost there… Then the room started to tilt.
He stumbled, losing his balance. Someone – La Forge? – grabbed his arm in an effort to steady him. He had the impression that someone was calling his name but he wasn't too sure. His mind had already begun to shut down. Everything felt numb. He was dimly aware of someone catching him when he started to crumble, then his awareness faded to black.
Geordie had been keeping an eye on his newfound Romulan ally – friend? – since they'd left the bridge. His vision hadn't fully returned yet, but it was enough to make out the unsteady movements of the man beside him, the way he had wrapped his arm protectively around his ribs and the rapidly beating heart.
He'd thought about offering his help, but had quickly dismissed the idea. Romulans were a proud species and he was sure that Bochra didn't want to show any weakness in front of the passing Starfleet officers who kept eyeing him with either curiosity or contempt. He was prepared though, when the Romulan suddenly faltered.
He grabbed his arm, steadying him. "Bochra?... Bochra!", Geordie's concern morphed into fear when the other man staggered against him, threatening to collapse. He quickly wrapped his arms around Bochra's chest, catching him in his fall, and slid with him to the floor.
Worf whipped around, phaser in hand, undoubtedly assuming an attack by the treacherous enemy. He paused when he saw the limp Romulan in Geordie's arms.
"What's wrong with him?", he demanded.
Geordie shook his head, "I'm not sure. The electromagnetic storm really messed with his nervous system. We need Dr Crusher."
Worf hesitated, "Sir, what if this is a trick?"
"Well, if it is, then the guy's one hell of an actor.", Geordie felt a shiver run through Bochra's body, "Besides, I doubt the Romulan commander will be thrilled, if we let his precious officer die right in front of our transporter room."
Worf didn't seem convinced, his phaser still pointing at Bochra, as he reluctantly activated his combadge, "Worf to sickbay. We need medical assistance near transporter room one. There has been a second Romulan survivor who seems to be experiencing physical distress."
"Understood.", came the curt reply.
Geordie frowned. Dr Crusher's voice had sounded unusually frosty. And what was that with Bochra being the second Romulan. Had there been a first one? He shot a questioning glance at Worf, but the Klingon didn't elaborate.
A few tense seconds passed like that; Geordie sitting on the floor with the unconscious Romulan slumped against him and Worf towering over them, ready to shoot.
"You said earlier that you have to thank the Romulan for your return.", Worf suddenly broke the silence. Geordie looked up. He knew that the thought of cooperating with a Romulan must have sounded absolutely repulsive to the Klingon.
"Yeah, I mean we had a rocky start, not gonna lie, but he eventually came around. I wouldn't have made it to the beacon without his help.", Geordie looked at Bochra pensively, "You know, maybe we could get along with them, if we tried."
"I highly doubt that, Sir."
Their conversation was interrupted by Dr Crusher exiting the turbolift and rushing to their side. She dropped on her knees and pulled out a tricorder.
"There is some minor damage stemming from blunt trauma. Nothing serious, mainly bruising and a mild concussion. Otherwise, he's unharmed.", she said after a quick scan, "The main issue is the strain his nervous system and metabolism suffered by the prolonged exposure to the electromagnetic storm. Combined with the pain of his injuries and the stress of surviving a shuttle crash, it was a bit too much for his body to handle."
"Will he be okay?", asked Geordie.
Dr Crusher gave him a reassuring smile, "He should recover quickly when given proper treatment and some rest."
"Can you help him?"
"The medics on the Romulan ship will be better equipped to help him. And I presume we're supposed to return him anyway."
"They won't be pleased if we return him in such a state."
"I'll give him something to wake him up. That should be enough for him to transport."
With these words, Dr Crusher produced a hypospray from a pocket in her coat and administered it.
It took only a few seconds and Bochra's eyes fluttered open.
"Wha-", for a moment, he seemed utterly confused.
It was the most innocent Geordie had ever experienced a Romulan to be.
As he became aware of the situation, he instantly slipped back into his stoic demeanour and shakily stood up, "I should return to my ship now."
He didn't resist when Geordie put an arm around his shoulder to support him.
Dr Crusher touched his arm. "We will beam the other Romulan officer with you.", she shot a glance at Worf, "I did everything I could, but unfortunately wasn't able to save him. I'm sorry. My staff has already prepared everything."
Bochra only nodded gravely. Dr Crusher collected her medkit and left.
The three men entered the transporter room. O'Brien was manning the console and on one of the transporter platforms stood the coffin that held the deceased Romulan officer. Bochra stopped to salute his fallen comrade.
"He was a loyal officer.", he said quietly, then stepped on the next platform.
He looked at Geordie, "I… Thank you for saving my life. I will not forget it, Lieutenant Commander Geordie La Forge."
Geordie smiled and squeezed the Romulan's shoulder one last time before stepping down from the transporter, "Take care, Bochra."
"You too. Jolan tru."
"What does that mean?"
"It's a Romulan saying. It can mean either hello or goodbye."
"I see. Well, I hope the next time you'll say it will be under different circumstances."
"Less sand?"
Geordie laughed, "You bet! I could do with fewer death threats, too."
This elicited a small smile from Bochra.
He nodded at O'Brien, indicating that he was ready to be beamed. Geordie felt a twinge of regret, as he watched the two Romulans dissolve into blue energy.
"If anyone asks, I'll be in my quarter taking a two-hour bubble bath.", he announced and left the transporter room.
On his way, he thought about the weird feeling he'd had when he watched Bochra disappear. How strange it was to feel such a strong sense of camaraderie towards someone who was not only their declared enemy, but had also started their relationship by pointing a disruptor at him and being very eager to take him prisoner. In hindsight, it was kind of understandable though. For Bochra, the situation had been quite desperate. As soon as he'd seen a Starfleet officer, his options had narrowed down to either capture him and hope a Romulan ship would pick them up, be captured himself or die. He must have been terrified, even though Geordie knew that a Romulan would rather jump into an active warp core than admit that.
His musings were interrupted by Worf, who had caught up with him. The two walked in silence for a while.
"The Romulan thanked you for saving his life. That was… honourable.", if Geordie hadn't known better, he would've thought that Worf sounded confused.
"Yeah, I guess it was."
"I did not expect such a behaviour."
"You know, this morning, I wouldn't have either."
Ugh, I loved the interaction between Geordie and Bochra (and Tomalak's concern for the well-being of his officers – I refuse to believe that his feelings weren't genuine). It was a great way to humanise the Romulans and illustrate the nuances of the complex relationship they have with the Federation. It's a shame they never mention it again, but I firmly believe that Bochra and Geordie met again after the Romulan empire collapsed and became good friends.
Hope you liked it. :)