Thanks for the feedback :) Cindy
"Firestorm"
Chapter three
"I'm sorry I couldn't meet you myself in the ship bay, Captain."R'al stated as the Enterprise crew stepped onto the station's bridge. "But as you can see things needed my attention here."
"I understand."Archer replied as he walked toward the station's administrator. "We're here to help, tell us what we can do."
"You might regret that enthusism."R'al replied with a grim smile. "The plasma storm did a lot of damage to our internal systems."
Trip looked around at the various bridge stations trying to get a feel for what they were up against. He saw consol lights blinking or out completely, section of metal panel's were hanging loose, floor plating was jarred loose, and wiring was exposed.
".....with both crews working together we should be able to get your station back up and running in three days."Archer was saying when Tucker refocused his attention on the conversation.
R'al nodded."My people may never acknowledge this but we do appreciate your help, Captain."
"We're happy to help."Archer commented as he surveyed the damage on the bridge. "Looks like that storm hit you pretty hard."
"It was a rough ride for awhile."R'al replied. "Baza will show your crew around and give you more details on where repairs need to be made."
"Captain."T'Pol stated. "We are going to need at least three teams working six hour shifts to complete the repairs."
Archer turned to face his science officer. "Contact Travis and help him organize the teams."
T'Pol nodded. "Yes,Sir."
**********
Malcolm awoke feeling disoriented. His mouth was dry and his tongue felt like sandpaper, his head was pounding and his neck had a hell of a kink in it.
Then the memories came crashing back.....sickbay....Hoshi.....but why was he lying flat the last thing Malcolm remembered was talking to Hoshi.
The armory officer opened his eyes and quickly looked around. He was lying in the biobed to Hoshi's left. Relief washed over Malcolm as he looked at Hoshi's unconscious form.....she was still here....she hadn't left.
"You're awake."Phlox commented as he approached Reed. "I was hoping you would sleep for awhile longer."
Malcolm struggled into a sitting position. "How long was I asleep?"he asked hoarsely.
"A few hours."The Doctor replied as he moved toward the food replicator near his work station. "We've arrived at the Andorian space station."
Phlox hit the correct keys and a glass of cold water appeared in the replicator. He took the glass out and
walked back over to Malcolm.
"Drink this."Phlox ordered handing the glass to Reed.
Malcolm took the glass of water and drank it greedily. "Thanks."
Phlox nodded. "You're dehydrated and malnourished I'd like to start you on a vitamin treatment to get your strength back up."
Malcolm shook his head but as a wave of dizziness washed over him he changed his mind. "Alright. Is solid food part of that treatment?"
Phlox smiled. "Yes but take it easy. Start with soup or something light. You haven't eaten for nearly five days."
Reed nodded as his stomach began to growl. "Soup is fine."he looked worriedly over at Hoshi. "How is she?"
Phlox followed his gaze. "As well as can be expected. Her temperature hasn't increased any."
Malcolm tried to fight the surge of hope that flooded through him. "That's a good sign, isn't it?"
Phlox shook his head. "I wish it was, Lieutenant, but the fever has already done too much damage."
Reed kicked off the blanket and swung his legs over the side of the bed his gaze never leaving Hoshi. "She's held on this long, that has to mean something, doesn't it?"
"I'm afraid that sometimes even a strong will to live just isn't enough to overcome the body's frailties."
Malcolm swallowed hard as he got off the bed and took Hoshi's hand in his. "Miracles happen all the time."he replied firmly.
Phlox didn't respond as he stepped away moving back toward the food replicator. Part of him wanted to agree with Malcolm's statement about miracles but he didn't want to give his friend any false hope.
Malcolm gently stroked Hoshi's hand hoping she knew he was there. He didn't know why but he just wasn't ready to say goodbye to Hoshi yet. Maybe some of Trip's never ending supply of optimism had finally rubbed off on him.
*******
After his shift had ended Trip found Archer with his head and shoulders underneath one of the bridge stations.
"Captain?"Tucker asked as he knelt down so he was eye level. "My shift's about over. Permission to head back to Enterprise to grab something to eat and change before I come back?"
Archer gingerly maneuvered his arms away from the exposed wiring and looked at his chief engineer. Trip was literally covered head to toe in every kind of grit, dirt and oil imaginable.
"What happened to you?"Archer asked with a grin. "You look like you've been crawling through pipes."
Tucker smiled as he reached up and tried to wipe away some of the black oil on his face. "Pretty much was. The elevators
still aren't runnin' on all decks so we've had to access some sections by their jefferie tubes and those things are smaller
than ours. One coolant pipe broke right above me and oil went everywhere."
"Go ahead and head back."Archer replied. "Take one of the teams back with you and send the next shift change over. T'Pol and I are going to take one of the pods and take a look at the station's hull so we can start teams on that."
"Okay."Trip acknowledged. "I'll be back in two hours."
*********
In a hallway on the fourth deck of the Andorian space station Baza caught up with his boss.
"How long are we going to tolerate them being here?"Baza demanded as the two halted near a doorway.
"They'll stay as long as they're needed."R'al replied quietly.
Baza's antennas bobbed back and forth as his anger grew. "We do not need their help. Did you not notice they have a Vulcan on board?"
"Of course I noticed."R'al hissed not happy at being talked to this way by a subordinate."She's only one Vulcan and a member of their crew. She has to answer to Archer she won't be any trouble to us."
"Vulcans are always trouble."Baza replied darkly.
R'al ignored the comment. "Let's get back to work. I would at least like the computer system back up and running by the end of the day."
"Yes,Sir."Baza replied as he turned and walked back the way he had come.
******
Once back on Enterprise Trip headed to his quarters where he grabbed a quick shower and changed into a fresh uniform.
His stomach growled reminding him he hadn't eaten a real meal in nearly twenty four hours. Trip walked out of his quarters deciding to head to Sickbay first. He needed to spend some time with Hoshi and Trip wanted to check on Malcolm.
"Commander."Phlox acknowledged as Tucker entered sickbay.
"Doc."Trip replied as he glanced over at Malcolm who was sitting by Hoshi holding her hand. "How's she doin'?"
"About the same. Her temperature hasn't risen any but it's still dangerously high."Phlox reported as he came to stand next to the engineer.
"Mind if I sit with her for a little while?"Trip asked quietly.
"Go right ahead. "Phlox replied."I think your visit will be good for both of them."
"Thanks,Doc."Trip said as he walked toward Hoshi's biobed.
********
Archer was on his way to meet T'Pol in the ship bay when he met R'al as the administrator entered the bridge. "R'al."
"Captain."The Andorian replied as they moved back onto the bridge clearing the doorway. "Things seem to be coming along remarkedly well. We should be up and running again ahead of schedule thanks to your crew."
Archer nodded. "Glad we could help."
R'al started to move away. "If you'll excuse me, Captain...."
"Maybe there's something you can help us with."Archer began. He knew it was an extreme long shot but for Hoshi he had to ask.
R'al paused and turned back to face Archer. "What is it?"
Archer clasped his hands behind his back as he stepped forward. "I noticed that your medical lab covers a whole floor and that you have two others dedicated solely to research."
R'al nodded. "That's true."
"My communications officer has fallen ill and there's nothing that our Doctor can do for her."Archer replied quietly. "I was hoping that since your medical science is more advanced than ours that...."
R'al nodded. "I'll be happy to send our Doctor over."
"Thank you."Archer replied gratefully.
"I hope he can help."R'al replied."There's nothing worse than losing an officer who's under your command."
Archer nodded solemnly."My crew has been very lucky so far....no losses."
"You've been very lucky."R'al replied. "Luck and space travel often do not go together well."
"If you'll excuse me, Administrator."Archer stated as he stepped toward the door. "I have to meet with my science
officer."
"Of course, Captain."R'al replied. "I'll contact our doctor and have Baza escort him to your ship."
"Thank you."Archer replied as he left.
********
Archer sat in the co-pilot's seat letting T'Pol take the controls of the shuttle pod. Within minutes they were out of the ship bay.
On their second pass of the station Archer spotted something just below the station's bridge. "Do you see that?"
T'Pol nodded. "I'll bring us closer."
Archer frowned as he leaned forward in his chair. "Am I seeing things or does that look like scortch marks from weapons fire?"
"There is nothing wrong with your eyesight, Captain."The Vulcan confirmed as she brought the shuttle pod lower. "That does indeed appear to be damage from weapons fire and is not caused by the storm."
"Maybe it's old."Archer suggested scrambling for a reason why the Andorians didn't tell them.
T'Pol shook her head as she looked at the sensor readouts. "Those marks are less than two days old."
"Who would attack an Andorian space station that's out in the middle of nowhere?"Archer wondered.
T'Pol raised an eyebrow.
Archer held up a hand cutting off whatever reply she was going to make. "I know I know the Andorians are paranoid and distrustful probably have an enemy list two miles long. I'm just trying to figure it out, T'Pol. They asked Starfleet for help. Why wouldn't they mention they had been attacked?"
"Pride makes people do foolish things, Captain."T'Pol replied as she rested her hand on the keys. "Do you wish to go around the station again?"
Archer shook his head as he leaned back in the chair. "No, take us back to Enterprise. I want to run a full scan of their hull."
T'Pol nodded. "Yes,Sir."
*****
Malcolm glanced up as Tucker approached. "Commander."
Trip looked at Hoshi's pale face and then back at Reed. "How are you doin'?"
Malcolm shook his head as he leaned back in the chair. "I feel so damn helpless. She means everything to me and I can't do anything to save her......nothing....."
Trip swallowed hard, he hated seeing his friends in pain. "This isn't your fault, Malcolm."
Reed shook his head fiercely. "I was piloting the shuttle pod......"
"Listen to me Malcolm....it could've been me, T'Pol, Travis or the Captain piloting that craft and it would've ended up the same way. There was nothing you could do to avoid that crash so quit beating yourself up about it."
Reed nodded weakly. "I just wish she'd wake up......I need to hear her voice one more time."
"You're not giving up on her are you?"Trip asked even though he knew Phlox's prognosis. But there was something inside Trip that just couldn't give up on Hoshi. She was too good of a friend.
Malcolm's head snapped up. "Of course I haven't. I'm just being realistic."
"Malcolm, how many times have we had this discussion?"
Reed glared at his friend. "Right and look where it got me? I believed in your happily ever after and now I'm watching the woman I love die."
Trip winced at the bitterness. "Malcolm...."
"I'm sorry Trip, this is all just...."
Tucker placed a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder. "I know.....remember Hoshi's an honorary Tucker and Tucker's don't give up no matter what the odds."
"Firestorm"
Chapter three
"I'm sorry I couldn't meet you myself in the ship bay, Captain."R'al stated as the Enterprise crew stepped onto the station's bridge. "But as you can see things needed my attention here."
"I understand."Archer replied as he walked toward the station's administrator. "We're here to help, tell us what we can do."
"You might regret that enthusism."R'al replied with a grim smile. "The plasma storm did a lot of damage to our internal systems."
Trip looked around at the various bridge stations trying to get a feel for what they were up against. He saw consol lights blinking or out completely, section of metal panel's were hanging loose, floor plating was jarred loose, and wiring was exposed.
".....with both crews working together we should be able to get your station back up and running in three days."Archer was saying when Tucker refocused his attention on the conversation.
R'al nodded."My people may never acknowledge this but we do appreciate your help, Captain."
"We're happy to help."Archer commented as he surveyed the damage on the bridge. "Looks like that storm hit you pretty hard."
"It was a rough ride for awhile."R'al replied. "Baza will show your crew around and give you more details on where repairs need to be made."
"Captain."T'Pol stated. "We are going to need at least three teams working six hour shifts to complete the repairs."
Archer turned to face his science officer. "Contact Travis and help him organize the teams."
T'Pol nodded. "Yes,Sir."
**********
Malcolm awoke feeling disoriented. His mouth was dry and his tongue felt like sandpaper, his head was pounding and his neck had a hell of a kink in it.
Then the memories came crashing back.....sickbay....Hoshi.....but why was he lying flat the last thing Malcolm remembered was talking to Hoshi.
The armory officer opened his eyes and quickly looked around. He was lying in the biobed to Hoshi's left. Relief washed over Malcolm as he looked at Hoshi's unconscious form.....she was still here....she hadn't left.
"You're awake."Phlox commented as he approached Reed. "I was hoping you would sleep for awhile longer."
Malcolm struggled into a sitting position. "How long was I asleep?"he asked hoarsely.
"A few hours."The Doctor replied as he moved toward the food replicator near his work station. "We've arrived at the Andorian space station."
Phlox hit the correct keys and a glass of cold water appeared in the replicator. He took the glass out and
walked back over to Malcolm.
"Drink this."Phlox ordered handing the glass to Reed.
Malcolm took the glass of water and drank it greedily. "Thanks."
Phlox nodded. "You're dehydrated and malnourished I'd like to start you on a vitamin treatment to get your strength back up."
Malcolm shook his head but as a wave of dizziness washed over him he changed his mind. "Alright. Is solid food part of that treatment?"
Phlox smiled. "Yes but take it easy. Start with soup or something light. You haven't eaten for nearly five days."
Reed nodded as his stomach began to growl. "Soup is fine."he looked worriedly over at Hoshi. "How is she?"
Phlox followed his gaze. "As well as can be expected. Her temperature hasn't increased any."
Malcolm tried to fight the surge of hope that flooded through him. "That's a good sign, isn't it?"
Phlox shook his head. "I wish it was, Lieutenant, but the fever has already done too much damage."
Reed kicked off the blanket and swung his legs over the side of the bed his gaze never leaving Hoshi. "She's held on this long, that has to mean something, doesn't it?"
"I'm afraid that sometimes even a strong will to live just isn't enough to overcome the body's frailties."
Malcolm swallowed hard as he got off the bed and took Hoshi's hand in his. "Miracles happen all the time."he replied firmly.
Phlox didn't respond as he stepped away moving back toward the food replicator. Part of him wanted to agree with Malcolm's statement about miracles but he didn't want to give his friend any false hope.
Malcolm gently stroked Hoshi's hand hoping she knew he was there. He didn't know why but he just wasn't ready to say goodbye to Hoshi yet. Maybe some of Trip's never ending supply of optimism had finally rubbed off on him.
*******
After his shift had ended Trip found Archer with his head and shoulders underneath one of the bridge stations.
"Captain?"Tucker asked as he knelt down so he was eye level. "My shift's about over. Permission to head back to Enterprise to grab something to eat and change before I come back?"
Archer gingerly maneuvered his arms away from the exposed wiring and looked at his chief engineer. Trip was literally covered head to toe in every kind of grit, dirt and oil imaginable.
"What happened to you?"Archer asked with a grin. "You look like you've been crawling through pipes."
Tucker smiled as he reached up and tried to wipe away some of the black oil on his face. "Pretty much was. The elevators
still aren't runnin' on all decks so we've had to access some sections by their jefferie tubes and those things are smaller
than ours. One coolant pipe broke right above me and oil went everywhere."
"Go ahead and head back."Archer replied. "Take one of the teams back with you and send the next shift change over. T'Pol and I are going to take one of the pods and take a look at the station's hull so we can start teams on that."
"Okay."Trip acknowledged. "I'll be back in two hours."
*********
In a hallway on the fourth deck of the Andorian space station Baza caught up with his boss.
"How long are we going to tolerate them being here?"Baza demanded as the two halted near a doorway.
"They'll stay as long as they're needed."R'al replied quietly.
Baza's antennas bobbed back and forth as his anger grew. "We do not need their help. Did you not notice they have a Vulcan on board?"
"Of course I noticed."R'al hissed not happy at being talked to this way by a subordinate."She's only one Vulcan and a member of their crew. She has to answer to Archer she won't be any trouble to us."
"Vulcans are always trouble."Baza replied darkly.
R'al ignored the comment. "Let's get back to work. I would at least like the computer system back up and running by the end of the day."
"Yes,Sir."Baza replied as he turned and walked back the way he had come.
******
Once back on Enterprise Trip headed to his quarters where he grabbed a quick shower and changed into a fresh uniform.
His stomach growled reminding him he hadn't eaten a real meal in nearly twenty four hours. Trip walked out of his quarters deciding to head to Sickbay first. He needed to spend some time with Hoshi and Trip wanted to check on Malcolm.
"Commander."Phlox acknowledged as Tucker entered sickbay.
"Doc."Trip replied as he glanced over at Malcolm who was sitting by Hoshi holding her hand. "How's she doin'?"
"About the same. Her temperature hasn't risen any but it's still dangerously high."Phlox reported as he came to stand next to the engineer.
"Mind if I sit with her for a little while?"Trip asked quietly.
"Go right ahead. "Phlox replied."I think your visit will be good for both of them."
"Thanks,Doc."Trip said as he walked toward Hoshi's biobed.
********
Archer was on his way to meet T'Pol in the ship bay when he met R'al as the administrator entered the bridge. "R'al."
"Captain."The Andorian replied as they moved back onto the bridge clearing the doorway. "Things seem to be coming along remarkedly well. We should be up and running again ahead of schedule thanks to your crew."
Archer nodded. "Glad we could help."
R'al started to move away. "If you'll excuse me, Captain...."
"Maybe there's something you can help us with."Archer began. He knew it was an extreme long shot but for Hoshi he had to ask.
R'al paused and turned back to face Archer. "What is it?"
Archer clasped his hands behind his back as he stepped forward. "I noticed that your medical lab covers a whole floor and that you have two others dedicated solely to research."
R'al nodded. "That's true."
"My communications officer has fallen ill and there's nothing that our Doctor can do for her."Archer replied quietly. "I was hoping that since your medical science is more advanced than ours that...."
R'al nodded. "I'll be happy to send our Doctor over."
"Thank you."Archer replied gratefully.
"I hope he can help."R'al replied."There's nothing worse than losing an officer who's under your command."
Archer nodded solemnly."My crew has been very lucky so far....no losses."
"You've been very lucky."R'al replied. "Luck and space travel often do not go together well."
"If you'll excuse me, Administrator."Archer stated as he stepped toward the door. "I have to meet with my science
officer."
"Of course, Captain."R'al replied. "I'll contact our doctor and have Baza escort him to your ship."
"Thank you."Archer replied as he left.
********
Archer sat in the co-pilot's seat letting T'Pol take the controls of the shuttle pod. Within minutes they were out of the ship bay.
On their second pass of the station Archer spotted something just below the station's bridge. "Do you see that?"
T'Pol nodded. "I'll bring us closer."
Archer frowned as he leaned forward in his chair. "Am I seeing things or does that look like scortch marks from weapons fire?"
"There is nothing wrong with your eyesight, Captain."The Vulcan confirmed as she brought the shuttle pod lower. "That does indeed appear to be damage from weapons fire and is not caused by the storm."
"Maybe it's old."Archer suggested scrambling for a reason why the Andorians didn't tell them.
T'Pol shook her head as she looked at the sensor readouts. "Those marks are less than two days old."
"Who would attack an Andorian space station that's out in the middle of nowhere?"Archer wondered.
T'Pol raised an eyebrow.
Archer held up a hand cutting off whatever reply she was going to make. "I know I know the Andorians are paranoid and distrustful probably have an enemy list two miles long. I'm just trying to figure it out, T'Pol. They asked Starfleet for help. Why wouldn't they mention they had been attacked?"
"Pride makes people do foolish things, Captain."T'Pol replied as she rested her hand on the keys. "Do you wish to go around the station again?"
Archer shook his head as he leaned back in the chair. "No, take us back to Enterprise. I want to run a full scan of their hull."
T'Pol nodded. "Yes,Sir."
*****
Malcolm glanced up as Tucker approached. "Commander."
Trip looked at Hoshi's pale face and then back at Reed. "How are you doin'?"
Malcolm shook his head as he leaned back in the chair. "I feel so damn helpless. She means everything to me and I can't do anything to save her......nothing....."
Trip swallowed hard, he hated seeing his friends in pain. "This isn't your fault, Malcolm."
Reed shook his head fiercely. "I was piloting the shuttle pod......"
"Listen to me Malcolm....it could've been me, T'Pol, Travis or the Captain piloting that craft and it would've ended up the same way. There was nothing you could do to avoid that crash so quit beating yourself up about it."
Reed nodded weakly. "I just wish she'd wake up......I need to hear her voice one more time."
"You're not giving up on her are you?"Trip asked even though he knew Phlox's prognosis. But there was something inside Trip that just couldn't give up on Hoshi. She was too good of a friend.
Malcolm's head snapped up. "Of course I haven't. I'm just being realistic."
"Malcolm, how many times have we had this discussion?"
Reed glared at his friend. "Right and look where it got me? I believed in your happily ever after and now I'm watching the woman I love die."
Trip winced at the bitterness. "Malcolm...."
"I'm sorry Trip, this is all just...."
Tucker placed a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder. "I know.....remember Hoshi's an honorary Tucker and Tucker's don't give up no matter what the odds."