"Anything from Trip and T'Pol?"Archer asked trying to mask the worry in his voice. It wouldn't do the crew any good to know their Captain was worried.
Ensign Rowden shook his head. "No, Captain, but I do have an incoming message from Admiral Forrest."
Archer stifled a sigh as he sat down in the captain's chair. "Put it on screen, Ensign."
"Yes,Sir."Rowden replied."It may take a few seconds to route everything through."
"Understood."Archer acknowledged though his thoughts were on his crew on the planet below. T'Pol said they had found
Malcolm and Hoshi alive. But it sounded like that Hoshi's condition was very serious. Archer wished he could help them more
but whatever was in that planet's atmosphere was blocking just about every sensor they had.
"Transmission ready."Rowden reported dragging the Captain's thoughts back to the situation at hand.
"Put it through."Archer ordered as he straightened in the chair. But he wasn't going to stand, not for Forrest.
"Aye,Captain."
The viewscreen flared to life revealing Admiral Forrest's livid face. "Captain, I've been more than patient...."
"We had our discussion earlier, Admiral."Archer replied keeping his voice level. "You know where I stand."
"Your ten hours are up, Captain."Forrest retorted. "And things have changed on the Andorian side....their space
station was hit by a plasma storm. They need our immediate assistance....and that is you, Captain."
"I'm not finished here yet, Admiral."Archer stated firmly. "Tell the Andorians that we're aware of what happened and will be there as soon as we can. Archer out."
Rowden cut the transmission and the view screen flickered back to the familiar view of the planet below.
Archer let out a slow breath. When all this was over he wondered what careers he could do outside of Starfleet that would
still allow him to do the one thing he loved....fly in space.
********
The walk back to the shuttlepod was slow going due to the weather and rocky terrain but they did make it in less time than
Trip had estimated.
T'pol got into the pilot seat while Trip carefully secured Hoshi in the back.
It really worried the chief engineer that Hoshi hadn't stirred once during their journey back to the shuttle pod. That
couldn't be a good sign and Trip knew that Malcolm was thinking the same thing.
"See if you can jury-rig those straps so that they'll hold her in more."Tucker ordered as he started to make his way
up front. "I have a feelin' it's going to be just as bumpy going up as it was coming down."
"Yes,Sir."Reed acknowledged weakly. He swallowed hard trying to get moisture to his dry mouth. The walk back to the
shuttlepod had been harder than he thought. Several times dizziness had nearly claimed Malcolm but he hadn't allowed
himself to pass out. Hoshi needed him and no matter what Malcolm wasn't going to let her down again.
"Stay with us, Hoshi."Malcolm pleaded softly as he maneuvered the safety straps so they fit around Hoshi's waist. "We're almost home."
"Tucker to Enterprise."Trip called as he hit the correct keys. He knew the captain had wanted to keep an open com channel
the entire time but he wasn't sure if it had held up with all the interference. "We're just about to start back, Cap."
"I'm glad to hear that, Commander."Archer replied static piercing his voice slightly. "How are Hoshi and Malcolm?"
"They've both seen better days, Cap."Trip reported as he glanced toward the back of the shuttlepod to see Malcolm hovering over Hoshi's still form oblivious to Archer's question. "But Hoshi still hasn't regained consciousness."
"Dr. Phlox is standing by."Archer assured them praying that Hoshi would pull through this. After all he was the one who dragged her out into space when she didn't want to go.
"We're lifting off now, Captain."Tucker stated as he watched T'Pol hit the right keys to activate the engine.
"Okay."Archer acknowledged quietly. "We'll see you soon. Archer out."
********
"How is she?"Jonathan Archer asked anxiously as Phlox approached. The away team had been back on board Enterprise for just over an hour. As soon as the shuttle pod doors had opened Phlox had his team take Hoshi to Sickbay. That was the last time Archer had seen Phlox.
The Denobulan stopped a few feet from the Captain. "I repaired her internal injuries and she's holding her own."
Archer heard something in Phlox's voice that he didn't like. "And?"
Phlox turned and looked back at Hoshi's still form lying on one of the biobeds. "I couldn't get her fever to go down so I ran a few tests on her blood."
"What did you find?"Archer asked though part of him really didn't want to know.
Phlox met his gaze. "A parasite has infected her blood stream affectively shutting down the immune system. If the fever
gets any higher...."
"She'll die."Archer finished sadly.
"We did manage to get the parasite out."Phlox reported. "But most of it had already dissolved. I will attempt to analyze what's left and see if there's something I can use."
Archer nodded. "Does Malcolm have it?"
Phlox shook his head. "If he does the decontamination chamber should take care of it. It only infected Ensign Sato so severely because of her already weakened state."
"Have you told the others?"Archer inquired he knew of Hoshi and Malcolm's romantic relationship and wasn't sure how the armory officer was going to take the news.
"No,they're still in the decontamination chamber."Phlox replied quietly."I thought it best to wait for the results of the
tests before I gave them an update."
"Let me know when they're finished."Archer stated."And I'll fill them in on Hoshi's condition."
"Very well,Captain."Phlox acknowledged."The decontamination should be complete in twenty minutes."
********
"Malcolm, you alive over there?"Trip asked worriedly. Reed hadn't said a word since they had entered the decontamination chamber.
T'Pol glanced over at the armory officer who was sitting in the far corner with his knees drawn up to his chest. His eyes were closed. "Perhaps he's asleep."she suggested quietly.
"No, I'm not."Malcolm replied wearily. "I just want to get out of here."
"She's going to be okay, Malcolm."Trip assured his friend.
"You don't know that."Reed replied as he stood. He hated not knowing what was going on in Sickbay. Phlox was hard to read on his best days but when the doctor had taken Hoshi away Malcolm had not gotten a good vibe.
"Malcolm....."Tucker began.
Reed whirled to face his friend. "She only woke once since we crashed."his voice started to tremble."No matter what I
tried I couldn't get her to wake up."
"Ensign Sato's injuries required her body to rest."T'Pol replied.
The computer beeped signaling the end of the decontamination cycle.
"About time."Tucker commented echoing everyone's thoughts as he reached over and hit the button to open the doors.
They were all surprised to see Captain Archer waiting for them.
"Cap?"Tucker asked worriedly feeling dread creep up his spine. He could tell from the look on Archer's face that it was
about Hoshi.....if she had died while they were stuck in there....
Archer's gaze settled on Reed. "Get dressed. I have some news but it'll keep until you come back."
Malcolm however refused to budge his palms were slick with sweat. "Captain, is Hoshi....is she....."he couldn't bring himself to finish the question.
Archer shook his head as he walked over and placed a reassuring hand on the younger man's shoulder. "She's still with us, Malcolm. Go get changed and then I'll tell you what Phlox told me."
Fifteen minutes later Trip,T'Pol and Malcolm returned to the small area just beyond the decontamination chamber.
Archer took a deep breath and decided the best way was just to tell the facts. "Hoshi made it through surgery fine.Her internal injuries have been repaired."
Malcolm felt intense relief wash over him as he leaned back against the wall. He could feel his exhaustion creeping in. "So she's going to be okay?"
The Captain met his gaze. "I'm afraid there's more, Malcolm and you might want to prepare yourself."
Reed blinked. "Prepare myself?"he repeated weakly.
"I thought you said she made it through surgery?"Trip asked not wanting to even imagine Hoshi not being a part of this crew. Not wanting to imagine Hoshi not being a part of his life.
Archer nodded as he started to pace a tight circle. "She did but the doctor couldn't bring down her fever so he did a few tests. He found that her blood had been infected by a parasite that had shut down her immune system."
"Oh God."Tucker whispered as he slumped back against the wall closing his eyes. Hoshi didn't have the strength to fight the fever on her own and without the immune system to help.....
"What?"Malcolm demanded as he looked from Trip's ashen face to Archer's and back again. The lack of sleep was making it very difficult to think.....why was it so hard to put two thoughts together?
T'Pol turned to face Reed. "If Ensign Sato's fever isn't brought down immediately she will die."
Malcolm suddenly found it very hard to breathe.....it felt like there was an elephant camped out on his chest. The Vulcan's words kept echoing through his mind and Malcolm shook his head to clear it.
"No!"Malcolm replied fiercely as he started toward the door.
"Malcolm...."Trip began as he walked toward his friend worry clearly etched on his face.
"She's going to be fine."Reed protested as he turned and quickly left the room.
Trip instantly moved to follow Reed but Archer placed a restraining hand on his shoulder. "Let him go, Trip. He needs to work this out on his own."
Several minutes after Malcolm left T'Pol cleared her throat. "I'll report to the bridge, Captain."
Archer nodded. "Okay and tell Mayweather to lay in a course to the coordinates Forrest gave us."
"Yes,Sir."T'Pol replied as she left.
"Think Malcolm will be okay?"Trip asked with concern as they walked toward the door.
Archer shook his head. "I honestly don't know, Trip. Hoshi's been his rock....if he doesn't have her to lean on..."
"Malcolm will pull through this."Tucker replied not sure if he was reassuring himself or the Captain. "And so will Hoshi."
"Try to get some rest,Trip."Archer ordered as they turned right and headed down the corridor.
"I don't think I could sleep,Cap."Tucker replied with a shake of his head. "I'll head to Sickbay to visit Hoshi and then to engineering....I'm sure there's a pile of work with my name on it."
Archer stopped. "You need sleep....I could make it an order."
Tucker grinned. "Has that worked before?"
"No."Archer replied ruefully.
"Okay then."Trip stated as they started walking again. "If anybody needs to be ordered to get some shut eye it's Malcolm. He looks like he's about to fall over."
"I'll talk to Phlox."Archer replied as they stepped into the turbolift. "Hoshi needs Malcolm to keep a clear head right now."
**************
Malcolm Reed quietly stepped into Sickbay but stopped a few feet from the doorway. A quick scan of the room showed no sign of Phlox.
The only other occupant besides himself was the still form of Hoshi Sato
Malcolm swallowed hard, T'Pol's prognosis still fresh in his mind. Hoshi couldn't have survived the crash only to die from some tiny parasite? Fate wouldn't be that cruel would it?
"Lieutenant."Phlox began quietly as he entered Sickbay. "You're blocking the doorway."
Malcolm jumped guiltily and moved quickly out of the way. "Sorry, I didn't hear you."
"No harm done."Phlox replied gently as he took in the younger man's tattered appearance. His uniform was clean and new but Reed's face, knuckles and arms still were covered in bruises and tiny scratches.
"You should get those cuts attended to."Phlox added as he walked into the center of the room.
"They're fine."Reed replied. "I'll do it later."
Malcolm's gaze moved back to Hoshi. She looked so small and frail.
"I can do it now."Phlox stated. "It'll only take a moment."
"I'll take care of it later."Reed repeated his gaze never leaving Hoshi.
"You can sit with her if you'd like."Phlox suggested as he moved the small counter against the wall.
Reed hesitated. "I-I don't want to wake her."
Phlox turned and met his gaze briefly. "Ensign Sato is unconscious, Lieutenant, you won't wake her. But she will know that you are there. Talk to her."
"Talk to her?"Reed repeated angrily. "What good will that do if she's unconscious?"
"It's been proven that they can hear us."Phlox replied as he began putting instruments away. "If you feel uncomfortable with it I can give you a sedative to help you sleep."
Reed looked back at Hoshi. It was his fault she was laying there...."I'll sit with her for a little while."
Phlox nodded. "I'll be over here if you need anything."
Malcolm walked slowly over to Hoshi's biobed. He stood at the foot of it for a long moment before he moved around the bed and found a small metal chair. Malcolm moved the chair as close to Hoshi's bed as he could before he collapsed into it. His legs were so tired they were barely supporting him any more.
Malcolm reached over and tenderly took Hoshi's left hand in his. "I'm here,luv."he said quietly.
********
Trip stepped through the doors of Sickbay and stopped dead in his tracks. A sad smile crossed his face at the sight of
Malcolm holding Hoshi's hand tightly in his as if that alone would keep her alive.
Trip moved back quietly not wanting to intrude. As Tucker opened the doors he caught Phlox's gaze and motioned for the doctor
to join him in the hallway.
As the doors closed behind Phlox, Trip asked anxiously. "How's she doin'?"
"Ensign Sato's temperature has increased six degrees since we completed the surgery."Phlox replied sadly.
"Damn."Trip swore as he leaned back against the wall. "What if we ignored the Andorians and took her back home?"
Phlox shook his head. "Starfleet medical wouldn't be able to do anything more for her than I can do for her here."
"I didn't mean to say that you weren't."Tucker said quickly.
"I understand, Commander."Phlox replied. "You just want to do everything you can to help your friend. As do I, she's my friend as well."
Tucker nodded as he stepped away from the wall. "I don't want to disturb Malcolm and Hoshi. I'll come back later to visit her."
"I'll let you know if there's any change."
"Thanks Doc."Tucker replied as he left.
*********
"Travis, what's our ETA?"Archer asked as he sat down in the Captain's chair.
Travis glanced down at his consol. "We should arrive at the Andorian space station in five hours."
Archer nodded. "Good."he turned to communications. "Ensign Rowden, let Starfleet know of our progress."
"Yes,Sir."
"Captain, why don't you take this opportunity to get some rest?"T'Pol suggested.
"I think I will."Archer replied as he headed toward the turbolift. "T'Pol, you have the bridge."
***********
Malcolm reached over and tenderly brushed a stray black hair off of Hoshi's forehead.
"Dr. Phlox said I should talk to you."Malcolm began his voice barely above a whisper. "But all I can think of is how much you've changed my life. You can't leave now, Hoshi.....you just can't. I need you too much."
Phlox watched as Malcolm's head drooped and then finally rested on the edge of Hoshi's bed. The Denobulan waited until Reed was asleep until he walked over to one of the storage compartments and pulled out a blue blanket. The doctor walked back over to Reed and gently draped the blanket over the armory officer.
Phlox walked around the bed and checked Hoshi's vital signs before he walked over to the wall and dimmed the lights in Sickbay. With a worried sigh the doctor made his way to his desk and sat down. He turned on a small light and stared once again at Hoshi's data wishing there was something he could do with it.
********
Archer laid down on his bed but sleep was slow in coming. Porthos walked across his master's chest his tail wagging.
"When did life get to be so difficult?"Jonathan asked the small dog.
Porthos's only response was to yawn once before curling up and falling asleep.
"Glad it's so easy for you."Jonathan mumbled darkly as he absently stroked the dog's head.
Archer closed his eyes and tried to sleep.
Half an hour later he was wide awake.....with a sigh Jonathan closed his eyes and tried to sleep again....but the only image he kept seeing was that of his fallen communications officer......of his fallen friend....
Archer didn't want to give up on Hoshi....she was one of the strongest women he knew.....but the odds were definitely stacked against her.
But if it was one thing Jonathan Archer had learned in his two years as Captain of the Enterprise....odds could change....very fast.
**********
Right on schedule the Enterprise arrived at the Andorian space station T'Li. From Archer's perspective the pine cone shaped
station hadn't suffered that much structural damage. However the station was drifting slightly which indicated its gravity was off line and possibly its stabilizers.
"Doesn't look too bad from here."Trip commented echoing Archer's thoughts.
"Well looks can be deceiving."Archer replied. "They had to be in serious trouble to ask for our help. Ensign Rowden, let's see if their communications are working."
"Yes,Sir."The young man acknowledged. "Channel open."
"This is Captain Jonathan Archer of the starship Enterprise. Permission to come aboard?"
An Andorian male appeared on the screen the area behind him looked to be the station's bridge. The Andorian was grasping
onto a nearby railing to keep his body in place.
"Certainly, Captain. Thank you for coming. My name is R'al. As you can see our gravity is off line at the moment but we are very close to getting it repaired. Once that is fixed we'll welcome you aboard properly."
Archer stepped forward. "We don't mind roughing it. We could help fix your gravity system."
The Andorian shook his head both hands still firmly holding the railing. "Thank you, Captain, but the gravity situation
is one thing my people are in control of. I'll let you know when it's safe for you and your crew to board."
Archer nodded. "Okay, we'll see you shortly. Archer out."
As the viewscreen flickered back to the space station Archer turned to face his senior staff acutely aware that they were two short. He really didn't want to pull Malcolm out of Sickbay unless it was absolutely necessary.
"We're short handed for this,"Archer began quietly. "So Trip, T'Pol you're with me. Travis you have the bridge. Once we know what repairs they need we'll regroup."
"Yes,Sir."A chorus of voices answered back.
An hour later the Andorians hailed saying the gravity was working again. Archer, T'Pol and Trip headed toward the shuttle bay.
******
Trip easily maneuvered the shuttle pod into the Andorian's large ship bay.
As they waited for the area around the shuttle pod to pressurize Trip asked. "Has anybody else wondered why a race as advanced
as the Andorians asked for our help?"
T'Pol looked out the window and saw a light on the wall go off signaling that the area was stable. "Perhaps they require more than repairs."
"Still why us?"Tucker asked as he stood and walked over to the exit hatch and began to open it. "There are a lot of races out there higher up the totem pole than us."
"Maybe they just trust us,Trip."Archer commented as he and T'Pol came to stand next to the Chief Engineer.
"Remember, Captain,"T'Pol interjected."The Andorians are a highly paranoid race. They do not have a word for trust."
Archer met her gaze. "Maybe they're trying to change that. Let's go."
An Andorian male about T'Pol's height was waiting when the Enterprise crew exited the shuttle pod.
"Captain Archer, my name is Baza, I am the second in command. Follow me."
Before Archer could reply the Andorian turned on his heel and headed toward the door.
"Nice to meet you too."Tucker muttered just loud enough for Archer and T'Pol to hear.
Ensign Rowden shook his head. "No, Captain, but I do have an incoming message from Admiral Forrest."
Archer stifled a sigh as he sat down in the captain's chair. "Put it on screen, Ensign."
"Yes,Sir."Rowden replied."It may take a few seconds to route everything through."
"Understood."Archer acknowledged though his thoughts were on his crew on the planet below. T'Pol said they had found
Malcolm and Hoshi alive. But it sounded like that Hoshi's condition was very serious. Archer wished he could help them more
but whatever was in that planet's atmosphere was blocking just about every sensor they had.
"Transmission ready."Rowden reported dragging the Captain's thoughts back to the situation at hand.
"Put it through."Archer ordered as he straightened in the chair. But he wasn't going to stand, not for Forrest.
"Aye,Captain."
The viewscreen flared to life revealing Admiral Forrest's livid face. "Captain, I've been more than patient...."
"We had our discussion earlier, Admiral."Archer replied keeping his voice level. "You know where I stand."
"Your ten hours are up, Captain."Forrest retorted. "And things have changed on the Andorian side....their space
station was hit by a plasma storm. They need our immediate assistance....and that is you, Captain."
"I'm not finished here yet, Admiral."Archer stated firmly. "Tell the Andorians that we're aware of what happened and will be there as soon as we can. Archer out."
Rowden cut the transmission and the view screen flickered back to the familiar view of the planet below.
Archer let out a slow breath. When all this was over he wondered what careers he could do outside of Starfleet that would
still allow him to do the one thing he loved....fly in space.
********
The walk back to the shuttlepod was slow going due to the weather and rocky terrain but they did make it in less time than
Trip had estimated.
T'pol got into the pilot seat while Trip carefully secured Hoshi in the back.
It really worried the chief engineer that Hoshi hadn't stirred once during their journey back to the shuttle pod. That
couldn't be a good sign and Trip knew that Malcolm was thinking the same thing.
"See if you can jury-rig those straps so that they'll hold her in more."Tucker ordered as he started to make his way
up front. "I have a feelin' it's going to be just as bumpy going up as it was coming down."
"Yes,Sir."Reed acknowledged weakly. He swallowed hard trying to get moisture to his dry mouth. The walk back to the
shuttlepod had been harder than he thought. Several times dizziness had nearly claimed Malcolm but he hadn't allowed
himself to pass out. Hoshi needed him and no matter what Malcolm wasn't going to let her down again.
"Stay with us, Hoshi."Malcolm pleaded softly as he maneuvered the safety straps so they fit around Hoshi's waist. "We're almost home."
"Tucker to Enterprise."Trip called as he hit the correct keys. He knew the captain had wanted to keep an open com channel
the entire time but he wasn't sure if it had held up with all the interference. "We're just about to start back, Cap."
"I'm glad to hear that, Commander."Archer replied static piercing his voice slightly. "How are Hoshi and Malcolm?"
"They've both seen better days, Cap."Trip reported as he glanced toward the back of the shuttlepod to see Malcolm hovering over Hoshi's still form oblivious to Archer's question. "But Hoshi still hasn't regained consciousness."
"Dr. Phlox is standing by."Archer assured them praying that Hoshi would pull through this. After all he was the one who dragged her out into space when she didn't want to go.
"We're lifting off now, Captain."Tucker stated as he watched T'Pol hit the right keys to activate the engine.
"Okay."Archer acknowledged quietly. "We'll see you soon. Archer out."
********
"How is she?"Jonathan Archer asked anxiously as Phlox approached. The away team had been back on board Enterprise for just over an hour. As soon as the shuttle pod doors had opened Phlox had his team take Hoshi to Sickbay. That was the last time Archer had seen Phlox.
The Denobulan stopped a few feet from the Captain. "I repaired her internal injuries and she's holding her own."
Archer heard something in Phlox's voice that he didn't like. "And?"
Phlox turned and looked back at Hoshi's still form lying on one of the biobeds. "I couldn't get her fever to go down so I ran a few tests on her blood."
"What did you find?"Archer asked though part of him really didn't want to know.
Phlox met his gaze. "A parasite has infected her blood stream affectively shutting down the immune system. If the fever
gets any higher...."
"She'll die."Archer finished sadly.
"We did manage to get the parasite out."Phlox reported. "But most of it had already dissolved. I will attempt to analyze what's left and see if there's something I can use."
Archer nodded. "Does Malcolm have it?"
Phlox shook his head. "If he does the decontamination chamber should take care of it. It only infected Ensign Sato so severely because of her already weakened state."
"Have you told the others?"Archer inquired he knew of Hoshi and Malcolm's romantic relationship and wasn't sure how the armory officer was going to take the news.
"No,they're still in the decontamination chamber."Phlox replied quietly."I thought it best to wait for the results of the
tests before I gave them an update."
"Let me know when they're finished."Archer stated."And I'll fill them in on Hoshi's condition."
"Very well,Captain."Phlox acknowledged."The decontamination should be complete in twenty minutes."
********
"Malcolm, you alive over there?"Trip asked worriedly. Reed hadn't said a word since they had entered the decontamination chamber.
T'Pol glanced over at the armory officer who was sitting in the far corner with his knees drawn up to his chest. His eyes were closed. "Perhaps he's asleep."she suggested quietly.
"No, I'm not."Malcolm replied wearily. "I just want to get out of here."
"She's going to be okay, Malcolm."Trip assured his friend.
"You don't know that."Reed replied as he stood. He hated not knowing what was going on in Sickbay. Phlox was hard to read on his best days but when the doctor had taken Hoshi away Malcolm had not gotten a good vibe.
"Malcolm....."Tucker began.
Reed whirled to face his friend. "She only woke once since we crashed."his voice started to tremble."No matter what I
tried I couldn't get her to wake up."
"Ensign Sato's injuries required her body to rest."T'Pol replied.
The computer beeped signaling the end of the decontamination cycle.
"About time."Tucker commented echoing everyone's thoughts as he reached over and hit the button to open the doors.
They were all surprised to see Captain Archer waiting for them.
"Cap?"Tucker asked worriedly feeling dread creep up his spine. He could tell from the look on Archer's face that it was
about Hoshi.....if she had died while they were stuck in there....
Archer's gaze settled on Reed. "Get dressed. I have some news but it'll keep until you come back."
Malcolm however refused to budge his palms were slick with sweat. "Captain, is Hoshi....is she....."he couldn't bring himself to finish the question.
Archer shook his head as he walked over and placed a reassuring hand on the younger man's shoulder. "She's still with us, Malcolm. Go get changed and then I'll tell you what Phlox told me."
Fifteen minutes later Trip,T'Pol and Malcolm returned to the small area just beyond the decontamination chamber.
Archer took a deep breath and decided the best way was just to tell the facts. "Hoshi made it through surgery fine.Her internal injuries have been repaired."
Malcolm felt intense relief wash over him as he leaned back against the wall. He could feel his exhaustion creeping in. "So she's going to be okay?"
The Captain met his gaze. "I'm afraid there's more, Malcolm and you might want to prepare yourself."
Reed blinked. "Prepare myself?"he repeated weakly.
"I thought you said she made it through surgery?"Trip asked not wanting to even imagine Hoshi not being a part of this crew. Not wanting to imagine Hoshi not being a part of his life.
Archer nodded as he started to pace a tight circle. "She did but the doctor couldn't bring down her fever so he did a few tests. He found that her blood had been infected by a parasite that had shut down her immune system."
"Oh God."Tucker whispered as he slumped back against the wall closing his eyes. Hoshi didn't have the strength to fight the fever on her own and without the immune system to help.....
"What?"Malcolm demanded as he looked from Trip's ashen face to Archer's and back again. The lack of sleep was making it very difficult to think.....why was it so hard to put two thoughts together?
T'Pol turned to face Reed. "If Ensign Sato's fever isn't brought down immediately she will die."
Malcolm suddenly found it very hard to breathe.....it felt like there was an elephant camped out on his chest. The Vulcan's words kept echoing through his mind and Malcolm shook his head to clear it.
"No!"Malcolm replied fiercely as he started toward the door.
"Malcolm...."Trip began as he walked toward his friend worry clearly etched on his face.
"She's going to be fine."Reed protested as he turned and quickly left the room.
Trip instantly moved to follow Reed but Archer placed a restraining hand on his shoulder. "Let him go, Trip. He needs to work this out on his own."
Several minutes after Malcolm left T'Pol cleared her throat. "I'll report to the bridge, Captain."
Archer nodded. "Okay and tell Mayweather to lay in a course to the coordinates Forrest gave us."
"Yes,Sir."T'Pol replied as she left.
"Think Malcolm will be okay?"Trip asked with concern as they walked toward the door.
Archer shook his head. "I honestly don't know, Trip. Hoshi's been his rock....if he doesn't have her to lean on..."
"Malcolm will pull through this."Tucker replied not sure if he was reassuring himself or the Captain. "And so will Hoshi."
"Try to get some rest,Trip."Archer ordered as they turned right and headed down the corridor.
"I don't think I could sleep,Cap."Tucker replied with a shake of his head. "I'll head to Sickbay to visit Hoshi and then to engineering....I'm sure there's a pile of work with my name on it."
Archer stopped. "You need sleep....I could make it an order."
Tucker grinned. "Has that worked before?"
"No."Archer replied ruefully.
"Okay then."Trip stated as they started walking again. "If anybody needs to be ordered to get some shut eye it's Malcolm. He looks like he's about to fall over."
"I'll talk to Phlox."Archer replied as they stepped into the turbolift. "Hoshi needs Malcolm to keep a clear head right now."
**************
Malcolm Reed quietly stepped into Sickbay but stopped a few feet from the doorway. A quick scan of the room showed no sign of Phlox.
The only other occupant besides himself was the still form of Hoshi Sato
Malcolm swallowed hard, T'Pol's prognosis still fresh in his mind. Hoshi couldn't have survived the crash only to die from some tiny parasite? Fate wouldn't be that cruel would it?
"Lieutenant."Phlox began quietly as he entered Sickbay. "You're blocking the doorway."
Malcolm jumped guiltily and moved quickly out of the way. "Sorry, I didn't hear you."
"No harm done."Phlox replied gently as he took in the younger man's tattered appearance. His uniform was clean and new but Reed's face, knuckles and arms still were covered in bruises and tiny scratches.
"You should get those cuts attended to."Phlox added as he walked into the center of the room.
"They're fine."Reed replied. "I'll do it later."
Malcolm's gaze moved back to Hoshi. She looked so small and frail.
"I can do it now."Phlox stated. "It'll only take a moment."
"I'll take care of it later."Reed repeated his gaze never leaving Hoshi.
"You can sit with her if you'd like."Phlox suggested as he moved the small counter against the wall.
Reed hesitated. "I-I don't want to wake her."
Phlox turned and met his gaze briefly. "Ensign Sato is unconscious, Lieutenant, you won't wake her. But she will know that you are there. Talk to her."
"Talk to her?"Reed repeated angrily. "What good will that do if she's unconscious?"
"It's been proven that they can hear us."Phlox replied as he began putting instruments away. "If you feel uncomfortable with it I can give you a sedative to help you sleep."
Reed looked back at Hoshi. It was his fault she was laying there...."I'll sit with her for a little while."
Phlox nodded. "I'll be over here if you need anything."
Malcolm walked slowly over to Hoshi's biobed. He stood at the foot of it for a long moment before he moved around the bed and found a small metal chair. Malcolm moved the chair as close to Hoshi's bed as he could before he collapsed into it. His legs were so tired they were barely supporting him any more.
Malcolm reached over and tenderly took Hoshi's left hand in his. "I'm here,luv."he said quietly.
********
Trip stepped through the doors of Sickbay and stopped dead in his tracks. A sad smile crossed his face at the sight of
Malcolm holding Hoshi's hand tightly in his as if that alone would keep her alive.
Trip moved back quietly not wanting to intrude. As Tucker opened the doors he caught Phlox's gaze and motioned for the doctor
to join him in the hallway.
As the doors closed behind Phlox, Trip asked anxiously. "How's she doin'?"
"Ensign Sato's temperature has increased six degrees since we completed the surgery."Phlox replied sadly.
"Damn."Trip swore as he leaned back against the wall. "What if we ignored the Andorians and took her back home?"
Phlox shook his head. "Starfleet medical wouldn't be able to do anything more for her than I can do for her here."
"I didn't mean to say that you weren't."Tucker said quickly.
"I understand, Commander."Phlox replied. "You just want to do everything you can to help your friend. As do I, she's my friend as well."
Tucker nodded as he stepped away from the wall. "I don't want to disturb Malcolm and Hoshi. I'll come back later to visit her."
"I'll let you know if there's any change."
"Thanks Doc."Tucker replied as he left.
*********
"Travis, what's our ETA?"Archer asked as he sat down in the Captain's chair.
Travis glanced down at his consol. "We should arrive at the Andorian space station in five hours."
Archer nodded. "Good."he turned to communications. "Ensign Rowden, let Starfleet know of our progress."
"Yes,Sir."
"Captain, why don't you take this opportunity to get some rest?"T'Pol suggested.
"I think I will."Archer replied as he headed toward the turbolift. "T'Pol, you have the bridge."
***********
Malcolm reached over and tenderly brushed a stray black hair off of Hoshi's forehead.
"Dr. Phlox said I should talk to you."Malcolm began his voice barely above a whisper. "But all I can think of is how much you've changed my life. You can't leave now, Hoshi.....you just can't. I need you too much."
Phlox watched as Malcolm's head drooped and then finally rested on the edge of Hoshi's bed. The Denobulan waited until Reed was asleep until he walked over to one of the storage compartments and pulled out a blue blanket. The doctor walked back over to Reed and gently draped the blanket over the armory officer.
Phlox walked around the bed and checked Hoshi's vital signs before he walked over to the wall and dimmed the lights in Sickbay. With a worried sigh the doctor made his way to his desk and sat down. He turned on a small light and stared once again at Hoshi's data wishing there was something he could do with it.
********
Archer laid down on his bed but sleep was slow in coming. Porthos walked across his master's chest his tail wagging.
"When did life get to be so difficult?"Jonathan asked the small dog.
Porthos's only response was to yawn once before curling up and falling asleep.
"Glad it's so easy for you."Jonathan mumbled darkly as he absently stroked the dog's head.
Archer closed his eyes and tried to sleep.
Half an hour later he was wide awake.....with a sigh Jonathan closed his eyes and tried to sleep again....but the only image he kept seeing was that of his fallen communications officer......of his fallen friend....
Archer didn't want to give up on Hoshi....she was one of the strongest women he knew.....but the odds were definitely stacked against her.
But if it was one thing Jonathan Archer had learned in his two years as Captain of the Enterprise....odds could change....very fast.
**********
Right on schedule the Enterprise arrived at the Andorian space station T'Li. From Archer's perspective the pine cone shaped
station hadn't suffered that much structural damage. However the station was drifting slightly which indicated its gravity was off line and possibly its stabilizers.
"Doesn't look too bad from here."Trip commented echoing Archer's thoughts.
"Well looks can be deceiving."Archer replied. "They had to be in serious trouble to ask for our help. Ensign Rowden, let's see if their communications are working."
"Yes,Sir."The young man acknowledged. "Channel open."
"This is Captain Jonathan Archer of the starship Enterprise. Permission to come aboard?"
An Andorian male appeared on the screen the area behind him looked to be the station's bridge. The Andorian was grasping
onto a nearby railing to keep his body in place.
"Certainly, Captain. Thank you for coming. My name is R'al. As you can see our gravity is off line at the moment but we are very close to getting it repaired. Once that is fixed we'll welcome you aboard properly."
Archer stepped forward. "We don't mind roughing it. We could help fix your gravity system."
The Andorian shook his head both hands still firmly holding the railing. "Thank you, Captain, but the gravity situation
is one thing my people are in control of. I'll let you know when it's safe for you and your crew to board."
Archer nodded. "Okay, we'll see you shortly. Archer out."
As the viewscreen flickered back to the space station Archer turned to face his senior staff acutely aware that they were two short. He really didn't want to pull Malcolm out of Sickbay unless it was absolutely necessary.
"We're short handed for this,"Archer began quietly. "So Trip, T'Pol you're with me. Travis you have the bridge. Once we know what repairs they need we'll regroup."
"Yes,Sir."A chorus of voices answered back.
An hour later the Andorians hailed saying the gravity was working again. Archer, T'Pol and Trip headed toward the shuttle bay.
******
Trip easily maneuvered the shuttle pod into the Andorian's large ship bay.
As they waited for the area around the shuttle pod to pressurize Trip asked. "Has anybody else wondered why a race as advanced
as the Andorians asked for our help?"
T'Pol looked out the window and saw a light on the wall go off signaling that the area was stable. "Perhaps they require more than repairs."
"Still why us?"Tucker asked as he stood and walked over to the exit hatch and began to open it. "There are a lot of races out there higher up the totem pole than us."
"Maybe they just trust us,Trip."Archer commented as he and T'Pol came to stand next to the Chief Engineer.
"Remember, Captain,"T'Pol interjected."The Andorians are a highly paranoid race. They do not have a word for trust."
Archer met her gaze. "Maybe they're trying to change that. Let's go."
An Andorian male about T'Pol's height was waiting when the Enterprise crew exited the shuttle pod.
"Captain Archer, my name is Baza, I am the second in command. Follow me."
Before Archer could reply the Andorian turned on his heel and headed toward the door.
"Nice to meet you too."Tucker muttered just loud enough for Archer and T'Pol to hear.