CHAPTER SIX
Crewman Johnson noticed a light flashing on the communications console.
"Ensign, there seems to be a pre-recorded message here for you. It's from the sub-commander."
Travis Mayweather looked up in surprise from his seat at the helm.
"Ok, maybe we'll find out what's going on, now. Go ahead and play it."
The monotone voice of the young Vulcan drifted out across the bridge. "The away team have been taken captive, by force, and further violence was threatened against them unless I presented myself on the planet. I understand that this is a trap, set for unknown reasons, and Dr Phlox has insisted on accompanying me. In the likely event that you do not hear from either of us, you are to assume that we, too, are captive. Under no circumstances are you to attempt to transport to the surface. Remain in standard orbit and notify Starfleet. The safety of the ship is now your paramount responsibility."
Travis was a very worried young man. All of the senior bridge crew were now on Solan. He had been left in charge of the ship from time to time, but no amount of Starfleet simulations had prepared him for this scenario. He felt desperately in need of some experienced advice. He called his relief to take over at the helm. Making his way to the captain's ready room, he placed a call through to Admiral Forrest, back on earth.
"So you see, Admiral, we've no way of contacting them, and no way of knowing whether they need any help. It's been four hours since the sub-commander left, and now I know that Dr Phlox went with her, although it would have been nice if they'd told me that, earlier." He tried to hide the sense of exclusion he felt.
"Ok son, I'll see what I can do from here. It's curious, though, the way they requested that the sub-commander remain on board, and then she specifically made a point of ignoring that request. That's a most un-Vulcan action, even by her standards. Remain in standard orbit, Ensign, and notify me of any developments. I'll get back to you when I've something to tell you. Forrest out."
The link was severed and Travis gazed unseeingly at the blank screen, worried beyond measure for the safety of his friends.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Admiral Forrest was as good as his word, placing the call back to Enterprise within the hour. Travis was occupying the captain's chair, feeling totally inadequate for the task.
"A Vulcan starship, the Vellos, is a ¼ light year from your position. Captain Lar has agreed to give assistance. They'll rendezvous with you in about two days if they push up to high warp. That's the best I can do for you, Ensign."
"Thanks a lot, Admiral. It's better than nothing." Travis felt a little of the pressure lift from his young shoulders.
*~*~*~*~*~*
The four men looked at the guards standing before them with apprehension. Somehow, they didn't believe they were about to be released. One of the guards pressed a button on the hand device he held, and the manacles sprang open suddenly, releasing the prisoners' weary arms. Trip bit his lip to stifle the gasp as the unexpected movement brought pain to his injured ribs.
"Where are you taking us?" Jon asked.
"Chancellor Ardl wants to see you."
The three officers struggled to their feet, and together with Phlox, they were ushered along to the chancellor's room. The man seemed in remarkably good spirits.
"So, Captain, how do you like my hospitality?"
"I've had better. I think you owe us an explanation, Chancellor."
"All in good time. But first, tell me how you know this gentleman?" he indicated Phlox, standing slightly behind the three officers.
Jon wondered if Ardl was toying with them, if he really didn't know the connection, but if Phlox's identity was their only ace to play, he wasn't about to reveal his hand. He shrugged his shoulders.
"I've no idea. I thought he was one of your men. He was put in with us, but he hasn't been mistreated and he wasn't manacled, so we assumed he was a stool pigeon."
"A very colourful turn of phrase. Do I understand that you think Mr Phlox to be a spy?"
Phlox thought he could add to the illusion. He stepped forward. "As I tried to explain before, I collect exotica, but I'm also an itinerant physician. Although, I must say I've never been treated quite like this before. Most places that I've visited have either welcomed my medical expertise, or ignored it. Is this really how you want the Solanese reputation to be known?"
Ardl regarded the outspoken Denobulan with mild humour. He admired spunk in a man, and this fellow clearly wasn't cowed by being incarcerated.
"Alright, Doctor. We'll take a chance with you, but I'll be watching your every step. One false move and you'll wish you'd never set foot on Solan. And who knows, we may have need of your medical expertise before long…the games are about to begin."
The three officers didn't like the sound of that; it merely confirmed their suspicions that Ardl had something nasty planned for them.
"What exactly will these games entail?" Phlox was genuinely interested.
"Displays of strength, endurance and agility. The best athletes in the land compete for the titles of champions in their chosen sport. These three will be pitted against others, and the survivors live to fight another day. At the end of the tournament, the champions are handsomely rewarded. But don't let me detain you, doctor. You should have no difficulty in procuring lodgement, and don't forget, you're being watched."
Phlox cast a guarded look at his colleagues before being escorted from the room. He was genuinely worried for their continued well-being, but couldn't see how he was going to be able to do anything about it. Now that he was under suspicion, he daren't even attempt to retrieve his communicator. It was fortunate that he'd kept a hypospray in his travelling bag. Although the guards had found it, Ardl hadn't removed it. He felt that it would be much in demand before too long.
"Now, gentlemen," Ardl addressed the others, "I trust you'll put up a good fight? The crowds expect their money's worth."
"What makes ya think we're gonna do anythin' you ask?" Trip demanded belligerently.
"It's very simple, Commander. I have not only the lovely young lady who travelled here with you, but also a certain Vulcan of your acquaintance. You really don't want to know what will happen to them if you fail to co-operate. Take them to the arena."