AMICULUS
Chapter Four
"Did you eat three square meals today, Commander?"
Trip stared at his communicator. "Yes, Doc. Three square meals plus snacks. By the time we leave here, I'll have to go on a diet."
"I highly doubt that, Commander," Phlox replied cheerfully. "Were you able to get some exercise?"
"Yep. Went for a nice walk this afternoon while the others swam in the lake."
"Wonderful!" chirped the doctor. "And how did you feel afterwards?"
"Pretty good," replied Trip. "I did need a nap, though."
"That's to be expected," said Phlox. "You're body is still recovering, Commander. Be patient."
"I know, Doc."
"I'll be checking in with you at the regular time in the morning. Sleep well, Commander."
"Thanks, you, too. Tucker out."
Trip flipped shut his communicator, shoved it in his backpack then stepped out of the tent. The sun was just setting and everyone was gathered around the fire. Trip wandered over and sat in his chair next to Archer.
"Everything okay?" the captain asked.
Trip nodded. "What's going on out here?"
"T'Pol was just starting to tell us about the Vulcan Koz Wan ritual," Archer replied.
"Oh yeah. Ten days in the desert?" asked Trip turning his attention to the sub-commander.
T'Pol had her head tipped as if she was listening elsewhere.
"Sub-commander?" prompted Malcolm.
"There is movement in the woods nearby," T'Pol replied.
"An animal?" asked Abby Rowe. The young ensign looked around, her eyes wide with sudden fear.
"If it is, it won't come near the fire," replied Lieutenant Lance Marx. But Trip noted the cocky engineer looked a little worried himself.
T'Pol suddenly stood, turning to face their darkened surroundings.
"Good evening."
Trip started at the sound of the deep voice. He stood and looked in the direction from which the voice came. The others immediately rose to their feet as well.
A group of five heavily armed Medrans stepped into the ring of light thrown off by the fire. They all held phase rifles and pointed them ominously at the Enterprise crew.
"Saltar said you'd be here."
"Who are you?" demanded Archer.
"Which one of you is Commander Tucker?" asked the young Medran, ignoring the captain.
"I asked you a question!" said the captain again.
The Medran grabbed Crewman Joy Bart and held the rifle to her side. "I will only ask once more, which one of you is Commander Tucker?"
Trip stepped forward. "I am, now let her go!" He felt the captain grab his wrist but he pulled it away.
"Ah, Commander," said the man as he shoved Bart away. She fell to her knees just centimeters away from the fire. The Medran quickly moved to Trip's side and motioned for him to step away from the others.
"What do you want with the commander?" asked Malcolm angrily as he helped Bart to her feet.
"Justice," replied the Medran simply. He swung his rifle, hitting Trip square in the back. The engineer dropped to his knees gasping for breath.
"Stop!" shouted Archer. He stepped toward Trip but was immediately felled by phaser fire from one of the other Medrans. He collapsed in a heap next to Trip.
"Cap'n," gasped the engineer. He reached for his friend's wrist, relieved when he felt a strong pulse.
"Take them down to the caves then seal them in," ordered the Medran leader. "We'll let them suffocate just like my sister and the rest of the Kapeera crew!"
"No, please," started Trip. He began to rise but was hit again with the rifle's butt, this time across the side of his face.
"What about Commander Tucker?" asked T'Pol firmly, standing her ground.
"The commander and I will settle things between us, Vulcan," stated the Medran. He motioned at Marx and Ensign Thomas Martin. "You two, take this one here," he said nodding at Archer's prone form.
The two officers picked up the captain between them then were herded with the others away from the fire and into the darkness, leaving Trip alone with the Medran leader. The engineer could hear Malcolm and Travis' shouts of protest as the group disappeared from view.
"You don't have to kill them," gasped Trip. He struggled to rise but was pushed down forcefully by the other man.
"Don't I?" asked the Medran. "You killed my sister, Commander. I think I deserve retribution." He eyed Trip closely. "Saltar said you were the mastermind behind their escape. You don't look very impressive."
"What did you have to do to Saltar to get that little piece of information?"
The man laughed without humor. "Lets just say his happy homecoming was all for not."
Trip looked up at the Medran in anger. "You killed him?"
"Of course."
A distant rumble split the night, momentarily distracting the Medran. Trip took the advantage and lunged at the man, catching him in the mid-section. They both tumbled to the ground then struggled fiercely with each other. Running on pure adrenaline, Trip held his own against the heavier man. He had just landed a hard blow to the Medran's jaw when he was grabbed from behind and hauled to his feet.
"You okay, Motim?"
The Medran leader stood and wiped the dirt off his clothes. Without answering his comrade, he picked up his phase rifle and swung it, catching Trip across his cheekbone. The assault continued until the commander knew only darkness.
Hoshi stepped out of her room into the warm morning sunshine. She looked across the grassy courtyard to see Dr. Phlox standing outside his room. Not liking the look on his face, the young ensign immediately jogged across to him.
"What's wrong?"
The Denobulan looked at her, his bright blue eyes full of concern. "I've been trying to hail Commander Tucker for several minutes. He's not responding."
"Have you tried the captain or Sub-commander T'Pol?"
Phlox nodded. "Yes. I'm unable to raise anyone. I've even tried Ensign Mayweather and Lieutenant Reed."
"Something's happened," said Hoshi, fear suddenly gripping her stomach.
"I agree," replied Phlox. "I think we should gather the others and get up there."
A half hour later, Shuttle Pod Two set down in a small clearing several meters from the campsite. The group of seven made their way quickly up the trail, all the crew except Phlox carrying phase pistols. They all froze momentarily when they entered the camp.
"Help me get him down," said Phlox as he rushed to Commander Tucker's side. The engineer was hanging by his wrists, a rope tossed over a tree limb holding his weight. His feet touched the ground but his legs had long ago buckled putting the burden of his body on his stretched arms.
Tucker moaned at Phlox's touch. "The others," he murmured. "Get the others."
"Where are they, Commander?" asked Hoshi as she helped the doctor hold Tucker's weight while the others untied him.
"Caves. They sealed them in the caves. Been too long. Way too long," the engineer gasped.
Phlox and Hoshi gently lowered the commander to the ground.
"Get to the others, Ensign. I'll take care of Commander Tucker," directed the doctor.
Hoshi stood up and looked at her crewmates. "Does anyone know where these caves are?" she asked hurriedly.
Crewman Michael Rostov nodded. "If I remember the map I studied correctly, they're this way," he said motioning with his hand for the others to follow.
Several long minutes later, Hoshi spied the entrance to a cave. She inhaled sharply at the sight of the debris blocking the way in.
"We're going to need a micro-detonator," breathed Crewman Sara Lars. "There's some in the pod. I'll get them." Then she turned and ran up the trail.
"Sara's good at blowing things up," said Rostov trying to ease the tension. "She's been working with the lieutenant far too long."
Hoshi nodded. "Lets see if we can start clearing some of this away while we're waiting," she said tightly. "And pray that we find them alive inside."
Oxygen had become a rare commodity. Jon forced his eyes open and listened to the labored breathing of Lieutenant Reed next to him. He felt the weight of the armory officer against his shoulder and wondered if he had finally passed out. The captain had lost track of time but he knew they'd been sitting in the darkness for several hours. His thoughts traveled to his chief engineer. Trip was no doubt dead already, thought Jon. He let his eyes slide shut, overwhelmed with his grief. He honestly didn't think he could survive losing his friend again.
"Captain Archer!"
Jon's eyes opened and he peered into the dark.
"Captain Archer! Can you hear me?"
Hoshi, Jon thought but he didn't have the breath to reply.
"We're blowing the entrance, sir!"
The captain's mind worked sluggishly. Was there anyone lying next to the entrance? He didn't think so. T'Pol had directed everyone to crawl to the back of the cave when the Medran's had set their explosives.
Jon drew his legs up to his chest and covered his head as the debris fell from the ceiling. The concussion of the blast shook the wall against which he leaned then a gust of fresh air hit him. The captain lifted his head and squinted against the bright daylight that shone through the huge hole. He inhaled deeply then, as his eyes adjusted, he looked around at his crew. He exhaled in relief when he saw everyone shifting.
"Everyone all right?" the captain called hoarsely. He struggled to his feet coughing.
The cave was filled with positive replies.
Then Hoshi was at Jon's side. "Captain," she said, helping him to stand.
"Trip?"
"Dr. Phlox is with him, sir. He's alive," the ensign replied.
After double-checking on his crew, Jon headed for the entrance. As he made his way up the trail to the campsite, he was startled to find T'Pol appear at his side. She was covered in dirt but otherwise looked unharmed.
"The commander?" she asked.
"Hoshi said he's with Phlox," Jon replied. He moved as quickly as he could, his heart jack-hammering in his chest so hard he thought certainly T'Pol could hear it.
The captain saw the Denobulan doctor first. He was bent over, his medical bag at his side. He turned and smiled when he heard Jon and T'Pol's approaching steps.
"Ah, Captain, Sub-commander," Phlox greeted. "I'm relieved to see you're both well."
Jon dropped to his knees at Trip's side. "Is he okay?"
Trip opened swollen eyes and turned his head. "Cap'n? You're all right," the engineer breathed. "T'Pol and the others?"
"I am also well, Commander," said T'Pol. She knelt beside Jon. "As are the others."
Trip closed his eyes again. "Thank God."
"How's he doing, Doc?" asked Jon. He looked over the engineer and cringed at the darkening bruises and dried blood mottling his face. White bandages damp with red encircled his wrists.
"Surprisingly well considering, Captain," replied Phlox. "There are no broken bones, just severe cuts and bruises as well as a slight concussion."
"He didn't intend for me to die, Cap'n," said Trip. "He wanted me to live with the knowledge that I was responsible for your deaths."
"Who were they? Malcolm said their leader mentioned a sister."
Trip nodded slowly. "His sister was onboard the Kapeera. Motim wanted revenge for her death."
"How did he know you were on Zor Peglos?" asked T'Pol.
The engineer opened his eyes and looked down at the Vulcan. "Saltar," he replied.
"He knew they'd go home," Jon said with sudden realization.
"Saltar's dead, Cap'n."
Jon squeezed his friend's arm. "I'm sorry, Trip," he said quietly.
"Commander!" greeted Malcolm as he entered the camp followed closely by the rest of the crew. He stood behind Jon while the others gathered around.
"Hey Malcolm. Good to see you."
"Same here, sir."
Trip struggled to sit up. "What do you say we get out of here and find us some Medrans," he grunted.
Jon put his hand on Trip's shoulder, staying the commander. "Take it easy, Trip. You need to rest." The captain turned his head. "Malcolm, contact Enterprise. See if they detected the Medran ship leaving orbit then have them find its heading."
"Yes, sir."
To be continued