Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to their creators. I don't Enterprise and I don't claim to.
Saying of the Day: May the Great Lord take a liking to you. But not too soon.
Note: This is my first Enterprise fic so please be kind if it sucks. The story is slash (Archer/Tucker). I have only done a couple of slash stories before and this one is much more "descriptive" than I usually write. I hope it's good. Please read and review. Not that it's graphic in any way (I'm too much of a coward to write something like that yet.)
'' = Thought
"" = Speech
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Hell in Heaven
By Kalika
Chapter One: Invitations
Captain Jonathan Archer sat waiting in his ready room for his chief engineer to arrive. Enterprise had just come across a small planet called Tryta. Magistrate Shazal, leader of the Trytearian people, had extended an invitation for a visit. Archer had decided to ask Commander Tucker to join him.
"Enter," Jon called when the door chimed.
Commander Tucker walking in with a slightly apprehensive expression on his face. "You wanted to speak to me, Captain?"
"Yes I did, Trip. We've just received an invitation from the Trytearian people to visit their capitol city. The Magistrate thought that we could spend a couple of days there to learn about the people. There is a rather well attended holiday coming up and people from all over the planet will be present. She believes it will give us a chance to see many of the cultures that inhabit this planet. Unfortunately, since so many people will be present she will only be able to accommodate two people." Jon asked. The visit sounded like it would be quite relaxing, and Commander had been working incredibly hard lately. Maybe he would appreciate the short break. " Would you like to come with me?"
"You sure you wouldn't want to take T'Pol or Hoshi. I'm not that great when it comes to diplomatic relations," Tucker explained. He was a bit surprised that he had been considered for this mission.
Jon smiled slyly as he stood up and walked over to his subordinate. "I could ask them, but I don't think they'd appreciate what I was planning to do in the spare time on this visit." He took Trip's hand and gave it a slight squeeze. "How long has it been since we were able to be together without having to worry about someone finding out about us?"
"Too long." Trip's voice was low and husky. "I'm really starting to like this idea of yours." Stepping forwards he wrapped his arms around his lover seductively and captured Jon's mouth with his own.
Gently, Archer ran his hands down Trip's body. He licked at the Commander's lower lip until his mouth was opened and the Captain could thrust his tongue in. Pushing slowly he succeed in pressing the engineer back against the wall.
"T'Pol to Archer"
With an annoyed growl Jon pulled back from his companion. He walked over to, and turned on, the communicator. "Archer here."
"Captain the Trytearian Magistrate has just contacted us inquiring about your answer. Shall I tell her that you have yet to make your decision." T'Pol relayed the information in her flat, expressionless voice unaware of what she had interrupted. "She also said to remind you that there in room to accommodate only two people."
"I'll talk to the Magistrate now, thank-you T'Pol. Could you patch the signal in here?" Jon scowled playfully at the knowing smile on Trip's face. Sitting down at his desk, the Captain activated the communication. He was careful to keep his back to Trip. Perhaps it would allow him to maintain a serious attitude.
"Hello Magistrate Shazal. I thank you for your patients. I'm afraid that I was in the middle of something." Jon could see Trip's face reflecting in a picture on the wall and only just managed to hold down his own smile.
"Good-day Captain Archer. Have you made your decision yet?"
Is it my imagination or is the Magistrate nervous.' He pushed the thought away and replied, "Yes I have. My Chief Engineer and myself will be coming down to visit your planet. When would you like us?"
"Sooner is probably better. Just to make sure that you don't get caught in the holiday crowds. I will give your Sub-Commander the coordinates. There will be someone waiting to show you around."
"Of course. We will be down as soon as we can. Thank you again for your invitation." Jon transferred the signal back to the bridge and leaned back in his chair. "Well I guess we should get packed and head down."
"You positive we don't have a little time before we have to go?" Trip stepped up behind Archer and wrapped his arms around him. Leaning down, he kissed the back of Jon's neck softly as his lover chuckled. "I doubt that the Magistrate can't wait twenty minutes."
*****
Archer nodded to the large man who ushered them into the main hall. Trip flashed the man a brief smile as he passed. The two of them walked up to the dais at the head of the hall.
The Magistrate motioned to two chairs in front of her and waited until they were seated before speaking. "Captain Archer, I am so glad that you accepted my invitation."
"Thank you, Magistrate. I'd like to introduce my chief engineer Commander Trip Tucker."
The Magistrate nodded to him absently before turning back to Archer with troubled eyes.
"I'm afraid I haven't been entirely honest with you Captain Archer. I didn't invite you down here just to be diplomatic. I had an ulterior motive." Shazal paused for a moment to take in her guest's reactions. Captain Archer seemed to be patiently awaiting her explanation, while Commander Tucker seemed to be trying to calculate the best route by which to escape the room. The Magistrate took a deep breath before continuing. "I asked you here because I need help. My people need help."
"What kind of help?" The suspicion in Captain Archer's voice was very thick.
"My government had recently instituted a few, more strict, policies. Don't get me wrong, the policies serve only to benefit the people. Unfortunately, a few of the activist who protest these policies have decided to become violent. They use terror attacks to frighten others into joining them and to try and force us into adhering to their demands."
"What exactly are you expecting us to do about it?" Trip asked in confusion. What was she expecting two men to do?
"I'm getting to that Commander Tucker." The Magistrate shifted her concentration back to Archer. "You have a powerful ship with a large crew. If you were to assist us in apprehending these activists it would be much appreciated.
Jon shot a quick glance at Trip. The engineer shrugged slightly in response to the unvoiced question. His actions my have been nonchalant but his posture practically radiated anger. Archer turned back to the Magistrate and said. "We're going to need some time to think about this. I'd also like to contact my ship."
"Please, go ahead."
There was no response when Archer pulled out his comm. and attempted to contact the Enterprise. A loud buzzing was the only reply. Trip took it and inspected it quickly. "The signal is being blocked. There's some kind of interference."
Shazal turned to her aide and demanded to know what was going on. In a few moments they had their answer. An electrical storm in the atmosphere was blocking their communications with Enterprise.
"They aren't expecting to pick us up for five days," Archer said, exasperated.
"You are still my guests, Captain. I have a room that you can use until the storm clears up. As I told your sub-commander you're going to have to share a room as we're running short." The Magistrate indicated the man who was to show them to their room. As they reached the door she spoke again. "Please consider my request Captain. We desperately need your help."
*****
To Be Continued
Another Note: Please review if you liked the story. You can send me an e-mail if you like. If you see a lot of grammar mistakes or words that are in the wrong places, it is because I am a very crappy proofreader.