Chapter Four
* * * * *
The Human species continues to fascinate me. Everything they do is
driven by emotion, devoid of logic. I am no nearer to understanding them than I
was a year ago.
Their ability to involve themselves in affairs that are not their own is
especially puzzling. The way Commander Tucker single-mindedly pursues exposing
the Captain and the Ensign's relationship would be commendable if it were
directed toward reigning in his emotions, improving the output of the warp
engine, or even controlling the chaos of his quarters. Instead he is planning
elaborate scenarios wherein Ensign Sato would believe that Ensign Cordoza wants
the Captain for herself, and is 'moving in' on Ensign Sato's 'territory'. The
ensuing 'cat fight' apparently would inform everyone of Ensign Sato's true
feelings.
I was unaware there were any felines on board Enterprise however, and why one would want to set two of these creatures against each other merely to show others how one feels escapes me. I must ask Commander Tucker for clarification of this custom at a later time. A curious friendship has formed between us; perhaps this is why I so readily agreed with him that the rest of the crew needs to be told of the Captain and the Ensign's affair.
The realization disturbs me. I must meditate on this.
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"Good afternoon!" Phlox gave a wide smile to the small group standing in the shade of a large tree. After the preliminary scans had shown that this planet held nothing dangerous to Humans, Vulcans, Denobulans, or Canines, Phlox had convinced the Captain to let him go down to the surface to see if there were any medicinal plants he could use. The doctor had spent a pleasant few hours wandering around by himself, and now was looking for some company.
"Phlox." Malcolm nodded at him. "Did you find anything useful?"
"Perhaps, perhaps … There was one plant that I think the roots would make an excellent congealant. And a spider type insect that the webbing could be used as a bandage, very sticky; but alas, I don't think we'd be able to keep it alive on the ship …" Most of the group's eyes glazed over as Phlox droned on. "… I found that excellent specimen over where the Captain and Ensign Sato were; interesting couple those two make …"
"You know about them too?" Trip's outburst caused Phlox to step back in surprise.
"The Captain and the Ensign? Certainly. I've been watching them from the beginning. Fascinating really, to see the courtship rituals between two people who are already friends and who decide to act on the mutual attraction they feel for each other. I believe it was in Hydroponics that he first kissed her. It certainly looked like it. I was collecting sap from the Bedwellian Carpantha Vine to use on rashes when I overheard voices. I peeked through the foliage to find out who it was just in time to see them …"
"Doctor." T'Pol interrupted Phlox just as he got to the juicy parts. "I do not believe that the Captain would like his personal affairs being … gossiped about."
"Hmmm. Perhaps you're right," he agreed; but looked rather crestfallen at the lost chance to discuss one of his favorite subjects.
Trip looked like he was going to blow a gasket.
