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Chapter 9The away team entered the wrecked ship through a gaping hole in one side. Just inside, they paused, eyes adjusting to the dim light. Jon's eyes watered from the smoke and dust in the air.
"Travis, you're familiar with this ship?"
"Like I said, Captain. I saw the ship a few times as a kid; I don't know how much I remember."
"Well, you're our best bet right now. We have to find Trip and Hoshi. We'll follow your lead."
Travis moved slightly ahead, Archer at his side. Jon glanced back at the rest of the team. Malcolm and Phlox followed behind him. Three of Malcolm's men—Benjamin, Stone, and Drake—walked close behind Malcolm, scanning the dimness. Like Malcolm, they moved briskly, alert to possible danger. Trying to be subtle, Jon scrutinized Malcolm. The lieutenant was still deathly pale, but his eyes were clear. His breathing was a bit shallow, but his phaser hand didn't shake.
"I'm all right, Captain," Malcolm said softly, impatiently, without looking at him. He was busy working his scanner, searching for human life signs. "There are two humans several hundred meters ahead, Captain." His severe look relaxed a little. "It looks like they survived the crash."
Jon grinned in reply, and gestured for Malcolm to take the lead. Seconds later, they heard shouting. 'Trip's voice', Jon thought. The team rushed ahead; the sounds of a fight rang ahead of them. They reached a door and Malcolm set to work opening it.
"Travis?"
"This leads to the lower deck of the bridge, I think, sir."
The noises on the other side of the door abruptly stopped. Malcolm swore, pushed several more buttons, and the doors slid open silently. Jon stepped through first, in time to see Viren fire a weapon. The energy burst hit Trip, sprawled on the upper deck, and Jon saw his friend slump. 'Oh, God, we're too late.'
Hoshi screamed. At the same time, Travis shouted, "NO!" Alerted, Viren bent down and wrapped long fingers around Hoshi's slim throat, yanking her in front of his obese body. She wept hysterically. Viren's grip was all that was keeping her standing.
When Viren grabbed her, the Enterprise team immediately aimed their weapons at the upper deck. Viren's crew responded in kind. Several tense seconds passed before Archer spoke.
"Let her go." Conscious of Malcolm and his team backing him up, he continued coldly. "Kill her and you'll be dead in seconds." Viren snorted. "Let her go and walk away. We'll even give you a head start before we come after you."
Viren shook his head, amused. "Humans. The Vulcans say your arrogance will be your downfall. Perhaps they are right." Hoshi coughed as his grip on her throat tightened. Jon felt Malcolm tense, and he shook his head faintly. Viren continued. "We are leaving. But I am taking this one. She killed my mate; she will repay that debt. If you follow, I will kill not just her but you as well."
He motioned to his men, who began slipping out the door behind them.
"Captain." Malcolm murmured.
Jon tamped down his own frustration. "Let them go."
"Captain! I can…"
"My orders, Lieutenant," Jon's said harshly, eyes locked with Viren's.
Viren dragged a limp Hoshi back three steps and paused. "Captain, I must admit I was surprised when you fired on our ship. Your willingness to sacrifice your own people in order to destroy your enemies is impressive. The Vulcans are wrong as usual—you are a powerful leader."
Archer glared at him. "A little advice, Viren. Power doesn't make a good leader."
"Really?" he replied acidly.
"No. It's the strength of the people he leads."
A blast from the side hit Viren directly in his face. He dropped to the ground and Hoshi fell forward, catching herself on the railing.
Trip lowered the weapon he had lifted from Sh'ral's corpse. Meeting Jon's eye, he fell back against the console behind him. "I warned the son of a bitch about touching her," he rasped.
Viren's people, standing behind Hoshi, stared dumbfounded at their dead leader. They looked back at the Enterprise team, whose weapons were still trained on them. They felt no loyalty to Viren. Without further reaction, the Obeexan crew turned and left the bridge.
Once they had cleared the room, Malcolm and his team lowered their weapons. Hoshi rushed to Trip's side, crying his name. He gave her a half-smile and she laughed with relief, covering his face with kisses.
Jon raised a quizzical eyebrow at Travis, who grinned and shrugged.
Phlox had remained at the back of the group during the confrontation, but now he hurried past them to the upper deck. He glanced at Hoshi but she waved him off. As he examined Trip, the Commander looked past him to the Captain. "It's about damn time," he told Jon roughly. Pleased to hear him joking, Jon grinned back at his friend. "Better late than never, right?"
Trip rolled his eyes.
Phlox interrupted their reunion. "Captain, Commander Tucker's injuries are extensive. I suggest that we return to the Enterprise quickly."
"Agreed, doctor. Stone, Mayweather, assist the doctor in moving the Commander. Malcolm…"
He was already at Hoshi's side, gently helping her to her feet.
"Malcolm!" Hoshi threw her arms around him. Seeing Travis over Malcolm's shoulder, she smiled tearfully. "I knew you weren't dead!"
For just a second, Malcolm closed his arms around her. Then he stepped back slightly, still holding her arm, looking uncomfortable. Hoshi reached beyond him and wrapped her slender arm around Travis' neck, planting a huge smacking kiss on his cheek. Travis grinned. "It's good to see you, Hoshi."
"Captain," Phlox said impatiently. "Perhaps it would be best if we were to beam myself and Mr. Tucker directly onto the Enterprise."
Jon hesitated (Phlox had much more confidence in the transporter than he did) but he contacted T'Pol and gave the orders. Trip looked at Hoshi. "See you at home," he murmured.
She gave him a concerned smile as he and Phlox disappeared in the energy beam. Jon reached for her free arm and squeezed it reassuringly. With the Captain and Malcolm supporting Hoshi on either side, the team headed for the shuttlecraft.
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