Chapter 5

Around the ship, tongues were wildly wagging at the escapades of the armory officer playing with fire. There were many theories as to his eminent demise that ranged from being launched into a system's sun, to being fed alive to Phlox's carnivorous zoo animals.

It was lunchtime and Jon made a special point to go to the crew mess, where he found Malcolm and Trip sitting together. He noticed the uncomfortable silence of the room as he approached the table. "Malcolm, after lunch, I need to see you in my ready room to go over some of your new security protocols."

"Yes sir. I'll be there."

"Trip? How much longer will the deflector array be off line?"

"Three...four hours tops. The security protocols are slowing us down, Cap'n." He shot a look at Malcolm.

"Well, hopefully after my discussion with Mr. Reed, that will change."

"Let's hope." Trip muttered.

Jon looked down at Trip's plate and scowled. Although the food had been pushed around, he could tell by the amount that Trip hadn't eaten any. He leaned down and gave Trip a quick kiss.

Jon wasn't too much on the PDA rules and the crew had often seen a peck here and there between the pair, figuring that in his way, the Captain was marking his territory, but they always kept it at a little peck, nothing overly sensual and no one really thought too much about it.

Jon leaned over and gave Malcolm a quick peck. He spoke loud enough, without actually yelling, for the room to hear. "See you in my ready room...sweetheart." He took a step back, behind Trip so he couldn't see, he got Malcolm's attention and pointed at Trip then to his plate. Malcolm understood the message and nodded.

After Jon left, the room shot shocked glances towards Trip and Malcolm. They both looked around and in unison questioned. "What?" Everyone in the room quickly turned to their plates and continued eating in a rushed manor.

"Well...looks like Cap'n is anxious to get the array back on line, so I better get at it." Trip started to stand.

"Hold on there. Eat your lunch."

"Mal...I really have a lot of work to do, besides, I ate some of it."

"No you didn't. I've been watching you and you haven't eaten a bite. Sit down and eat."

Trip leaned in towards Malcolm, and with a smirk, he quietly questioned. "Or what? You gonna spank me?"

"Maybe. You might want to ask sir about that though. Seems he rather prefers red than my hand."

Trip gulped. "He wouldn't let you do that."

"You willing to test it? Sit down and eat, remember...I'm watching you."

Trip sat in a huff and shoved a large fork-full of the pasta into his mouth, over exaggerating the swallow to prove that he actually swallowed it. Malcolm smirked as he had an idea. Tonight Trip would get a little surprise at dinner.

XXX

"Do you really think all these security procedures are necessary?" Jon questioned Malcolm as he leaned back in his chair.

"I believe so sir. I mean...if one Romulan operative was able to get on the ship...how do we know it won't happen again?"

"I agree that security needs to be tightened on the ship, in light of what happened, but I really think you've gone overboard with this. I'm getting complaints from every department head on the ship. Hell! Even T'Pol is complaining!"

"Sir, all due respect, I believe it's just because it's something new. Give it time for people to get used to it and things will run more smoothly and the complaints will stop."

"The complaints will stop if I do nothing because people will get the sense that the complaints are falling on deaf ears. Fix it Malcolm. That's an order."

"Aye sir. I'll work on the changes more."

"Good. Now, on a personal note, did Trip eat his lunch?"

"Half of it. He filled up more on the bread though."

"Over half his breakfast this morning and half his lunch...I guess that's some progress."

Malcolm smiled. "I have a pretty good feeling he'll eat all of his dinner tonight. Between the two of us...we may break him of this self starvation habit."

"What makes you so sure he'll eat all of his dinner?"

"Let's just say I have a little surprise cooked up."

"Malcolm?"

"You'll see."

XXX

The three were at the dinner table as chef brought in their plates. Trip was last to be served and his was the only plate covered. He cocked his head at this and gave Jon a questioning look.

"Don't look at me, I have no clue. This was Malcolm."

Chef pulled the cloche to reveal two large portions of pan fried catfish. Trip gave a wide grin as his eyes sparkled and he licked his lips. "Catfish, hushpuppies and cole slaw? It's not my birthday...is it?"

When the cloche lifted, Jon looked at the plate and thought. I made the right choice. Malcolm will be very good for him.

Malcolm smiled. "No. Not your birthday. Just thought you might enjoy a taste of home. Thought we all would. Bangers and mash for me, T-bone for Jon, catfish for you. Everybody enjoy."

Trip raised his brows at the gull of Malcolm calling Jon by his name. The relationship couldn't be at the level for that type of informality so soon, could it?...surely a good spanking would come his way, but he was too focused on the smell of catfish invading his nostrils to peruse the thought as he began wolfing down the meal.

"This was an excellent idea, Malcolm. Thank you." Jon smiled at him.

"You're welcome. So, Trip. I've been going over the security protocols again. Do you have any suggestions to make things better?"

Trip took a moment to swallow the mouthful of food before answering. "Well, first of all, why do I need different codes for each process? Take today for example. I had to take the deflector array off line to make adjustments. That took one code. In order to do that, I had to bypass the array sensors through the back-up comms sensors, which took another code. Then when I got in there to make my adjustments, I had to input a third code just to lock in the adjustments I made and a fourth code to bring everything back online. It's the same thing with everything I have to do. If I have to get a tool, I need a code for that too!"

"Engineering is one of the most critical areas of the ship. It should be the most protected to prevent someone of sabotage."

"I get that Mal. But all these codes. Sometimes myself and my crew forget what code is for what, and sometimes by the time I go through all these codes and steps, I forget what I was doing in the first place. Hell! I can't even get access to a replacement coil without a code!"

"Malcolm, I agree. A code for everything is a bit much. I need a code to get on the bridge, a code to get in my ready room, which is accessed through the bridge by the way...hell! I had to have a code just to go to the damn bathroom in my own damned ready room!" Jon quickly pointed out.

"Wouldn't want to have someone surprise you in the loo with your pants down would you?" Malcolm retorted.

"If an intruder got onto the bridge and into my ready room, maybe I deserve to be caught with my pants down. At least I'd be in the right place when I piss myself." They all laughed at that thought.

"That would be some report! Cap'n Jonathan Archer taking on a Klingon in the crapper with his pants around his ankles. Please let me be there when the Admirals read that report!" Trip hooted as they all laughed at the image.

Trip got them all back on track with a thought. "Malcolm, another critical area is the armory. I bet you got that place locked down tighter than Fort Knox. Remember the time the entire crew was knocked out by that gas except for me? What if something like that were to happen again? How would a ligament officer get access to the weapons? It could mean the difference of saving the ship. Saving Jon's life even."

Malcolm rubbed his chin in thought. "I guess I really didn't think about that. You're right. Even my own team is complaining about it. Ok. I get it. I'll lighten up on the security codes, but the critical areas still need better protection. Thumbprint ID maybe?"

"Well...if my thumb goes missing..." Jon shuddered at the thought.

They sat and thought for a few minutes when Trip spoke up. "What about voice ID? Each person has their own code that can access anything they need. A code that only they know, and if they are somehow being forced into using their code, they could deliberately say the wrong code and it would send an alert that there's a security breach."

Malcolm gave him a look of approval. "Yeah. I could set it up so that the signal goes to Starfleet Command as well. They would know that something is wrong and send help without us having to contact them. It would be useful in the event we're not able to contact them."

Jon was pleased with this idea. "I like it, but Malcolm, hold off on the signal to Command for now, just until we get the bugs worked out. No need to for the calvary to come running over a false alarm."

"Alright then, I'll get to work on it first thing in the morning."

"Good. Now that that's settled. Malcolm, I want you to get ready for tonight. I expect to see you in my quarters."

"2130?"

"No. Right away. Be waiting when I get there."

Malcolm nodded his head before leaving. Jon looked over at Trip's empty plate and smiled. He was very pleased that Trip ate all of his meal and even asked for a second helping of hushpuppies. Malcolm would be generously rewarded for this.

Trip crinkled his brows at Jon. "Jon...what's going on here?"

"What do you mean?"

"Malcolm. You let him get away with calling you by your name...not even a sir?"

"You call me by my name."

"Yes, but even when getting prepared...well...part of the preparation is getting into the mindset of the night's activity. He's being too informal." Trip lowered his eyes. "Do...do you love him more than me? AM I being replaced? Have you gotten tired of me?"

Jon took Trip's hand. "Oh honey. Is that what you think? No. You'll never be replaced. I love you. We've been together for over ten years." Jon smiled at him. "Sweetheart, I know it seems like I'm spending more time with Malcolm, but he has a lot to learn, and right now I need to focus on him, to teach him what he needs to know."

"Why did you bring him into our relationship?"

"I know you've been attracted to him for a while now and that's ok. I'm attracted to him as well. This way we can both have him without fucking up what we have. Like I said, he has a lot to learn."

"I can be there, help teach him."

"Not with what I have in mind Trip."

"And what exactly do you have in mind?"

Jon let out an exasperated breath. "Trip. It's something I'm not ready to talk about yet. Just trust me with this. Ok?"

"But-" Trip quickly stopped and lowered his eyes when he saw Jon's hand twitch and the look on his face. "Yes sir."

"Good. Any plans for tonight?"

"I was thinking about going to the mess for movie night, sir."

"Good movie playing tonight?"

"White Lightening, sir."

Jon lowered his head and let out a long sigh. "Trip. Look at me. Honey. I love you, I really do. I promise I'm not leaving you. I just need for you to trust me with this for a while. You'll see, once I work with Malcolm some...well...you'll see. Can you do that for me? Give me and Mal a little time...time so that things will be better for you?"

"I guess. I just wish I knew what was going on. Why you're doing this. Why you're spending so much time with him."

"You'll spend time with him too. Later tonight, after the movie, I'll send him to you. Sound good?"

"No. I'd rather be a part of...whatever it is you're doing."

"Trust me honey...you're a huge part of what I'm doing. I just need for you to be tolerant. Ok love?"

"Ok. I'll do my best."

Jon smiled. "That's all I ask. Now you go enjoy the movie and Malcolm will see you later." He leaned over and gave Trip a deep kiss. Brushing his lips against Trip's neck. "I love you sweetheart. Don't ever think differently."

XXX

Jon walked into his quarters and grinned. Malcolm was already undressed, clothes neatly folded on the table and laying on the bed waiting. What made Jon smile even more was Malcolm's rock hard erection waiting for him. "I know what you did for Trip. Thank you." He said as he leaned down, grasping Malcolm's hardness and giving him a kiss on the lips.

"Oh that? Figured he wouldn't pass on catfish. That man loves his catfish."

"It says a lot knowing that his sir is watching out for him, taking very good care of him."

"Well, unfortunately we can't feed him catfish every meal, but at least it's a start. We'll have to pay more attention to other foods he won't turn down."

"He likes prime rib."

"We'll try that tomorrow then. So, what's on the agenda for tonight?" Malcolm gave Jon a mischievous smile.

"Blindfolded again."

Jon pulled out the silk scarf and tied it around his eyes. "No handcuff this time, sir?"

"Not this time. I don't want you breaking a bone. My armory officer is no good to me if he can't shoot a phase pistol."

Malcolm chuckled. "Yes sir." He felt a light touch of something soft running up his leg, across his groin then up to his stomach. When it reached his side he jumped and let out a small laugh. "Tickles."

"Is that a red?"

"No sir."

"Good." Jon flicked the object at Malcolm's side more, making him twitch, squirm and giggle.

"Sir! That tickles!" Malcolm continued his giggling.

"But still not a red?" Even though Malcolm couldn't see it, Jon was smiling widely at his squirming and giggling.

"Getting to be borderline, sir."

Jon moved the object down to his groin, stroking and flicking with it. "Does it tickle here?"

Malcolm's back arched. "No sir. That feels...oh God sir. Please sir...suck me."

"Not tonight love." Jon moved the object down, lightly circling the pucker with it as Malcolm squirmed more.

The light touches, tickling and teasing his entire body lasted for hours. Jon never once touched him, only the soft object. Anytime Malcolm became close to the edge, Jon would stop, waiting for Malcolm to calm himself, denied the much needed release.

When it was over, Jon pulled the blindfold from him. For the first time, Malcolm could see the soft object that teased at him was a feather. He could also see that Jon was so deliciously hard and wanted that hardness inside of him. He reached up, rubbing his hands along Jon's legs up to his groin as he began stroking at Jon.

"Put your hands behind your back." Jon ordered.

Malcolm complied as Jon slid his hardness into his mouth, thrusting his hips until he felt the tightening of his muscles and the release of his essence spilling out into Malcolm's mouth.

He looked at the time on his bedside table. "Malcolm...get dressed."

Malcolm looked up, wiping at his mouth as his hard member ached in protest. "Sir?"

"Get dressed. Don't touch yourself and don't make yourself come. Trip should be back in his quarters by now. Go to him."

"Yes sir."

Malcolm got dressed, slowly, as his tingling body and screaming brain made it difficult for him to move without wanting to be satisfied.

Before he left, Jon turned to him. "Malcolm, look at me. Give Trip a big reward for eating all of his meal."

"Yes sir. I will." Malcolm had a devilish thought to how he would reward Trip. "Sir. If I may?" He glanced at the closet.

Jon smiled brightly. "Yes, of course you may. Any item you want."

Malcolm chose the claws, grinning at Jon, he made his exit.

Malcolm entered Trip's quarters and practically attacked him. "Hey whoa Mal! What the hell?"

Malcolm was quickly stripping off his clothes as he spoke. "You don't know what sir did to me! Get your beautiful ass over here and fuck the hell out of me now!" Malcolm flopped to his back on Trip's bed as he worked the claw glove onto his hand.

Trip was slightly confused, slightly amused and completely willing. "No foreplay first?"

"Foreplay later. Fuck now. Where's your lube?"

"Bedside drawer." Trip said as he started to get undressed.

Malcolm reached into the drawer and tossed the tube at Trip. Trip got down onto the bed, pulling Malcolm's legs into his arms, spreading him wide as he slipped his slick member into him.

He felt the claws digging into his hip, driving him fast and hard. Malcolm was on the edge when he walked into the room, so it only took a few fast pumps before Trip felt the warm liquid of his lover splashing onto his chest and dribbling down his stomach. Poor Trip wasn't anywhere close yet, as he continued his thrusts.

The claws digging into his hip, raking down his back, clutching at his firm, rounded ass all of which driving him deeper into this beautiful man under him. Malcolm's moans of delight filling his ears as his blue eyes gazed into the hazel grey.

Trip threw his head back in a deep growling moan as the claws dug hard into the small of his back, holding him deep inside of Malcolm as his wave of ecstasy spilled into him. In the same moment, more of his lover's thick liquid coating his chest, to join the previous plastering.

Trip let go of Malcolm's legs, dropping himself onto the small man as he gasped for air. He rolled off of Malcolm, looking quite amused. "Wanna tell me what the hell that was all about?"

"S-Sir...did...wow! Fucking wow!"

Trip propped himself on his elbow, chuckling. "Ok Mal. Take it slow. Breathe. What did sir do to you?"

"Nothing really. He touched me...with a feather!"

"Ohhh! Yeah...that's pretty amazing isn't it? Told you he had ways...but uh...how come you was still so worked up when you came in here?"

"He didn't...didn't...let me...everytime I got close, he stopped!"

Trip's grin about split his face apart. "Oh shit Mal! No wonder! Fuck...I'm surprised you made it to my quarters without running in somewhere to jerk off!"

"Believe me Trip, I wanted to...I really wanted to, but I was afraid that sir was watching me on the security monitors."

"Yeah. He probably was. Sooo...the Cleopatra Claw? How is it that you have it?"

"Cleopatra Claw? Is that what this thing is called? It's your reward for eating your dinner. I know you liked to be scratched and sir said I could use it. I didn't hurt you did I?"

"Naw. You coulda scratched harder if you wanted to. Take a shower lover?" Trip gave Malcolm a small kiss.

"Yeah. Kind of made a mess on you didn't I?"

After the shower, they laid in bed snuggling each other. "Why is it called a Cleopatra Claw?"

Trip chuckled. "We picked that up in Egypt. The guy that sold it to us said that Cleopatra herself would dawn those claws to scratch and gouge out the eyes of her enemies. Of course it was just a story to make a sale. I'm betting he had a couple dozen of these claws behind the counter. We didn't care. We had our own thoughts of what to use it for...obviously."

"How can you be so sure this didn't belong to Cleopatra?"

"First off, if it did belong to Cleopatra, it would be in a museum somewhere, not a Cairo street market. Second, it's made of aluminum alloy...waaay past Cleo's time."

Malcolm chuckled. "Good point. So um...what's up with the tee-shirts and jogging pants?"

"Sir likes to see my...our muscles. The jogging pants? Easier and faster to strip off in the heat."

"And his choice of jeans? So tight, not that easy to strip off."

"Tell you a story. He bought those jeans in Italy. They were tight back then, but damn if they wasn't sexy on him and I let him know how sexy they were, so, he bought them. He's bulked up and more muscular now, so he can't button or zip them. Those were the jeans he was wearing the first time he spanked me."

"Well, I have to admit, first time I saw him wearing them...I wanted to rip them off with my teeth!"

"Yeah. Know what you mean."