A/N sorry that this is a bit short…just a scene-filler really. Chapter 9 will be along
before you know it. Thanks for all the reviews. You're all wonderful people.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Phlox had been in the arena, nauseated by the spectacle before him. He felt every blow that landed on his officers, but it had been the savagery of those around him which had sickened him the most, and he was more than a little apprehensive of the outcome of this particular away mission.
Even though he was more than certain that he was under constant supervision, he knew he simply had to risk contacting the ship, and for that, he would need to retrieve his communicator, if it was still where he'd left it.
He waited until the day's spectacle was over, and mingling with the crowd, he made his way eventually to where he'd hidden the equipment. Looking round for signs of anyone taking more than a passing interest in his actions, he slipped between the bushes. With his heart pounding so loudly he wouldn't have been surprised if it was actually audible to others, he crouched in the shrubbery, quietly activating the communicator.
"Phlox to Enterprise." His voice was barely a whisper.
"Doc! Boy, am I glad to hear your voice. Where are you?" Travis practically shouted his reply.
"I'm on the planet surface, trying to keep an eye on our people, Ensign. Are you able to get a lock on any of us?"
"Negative, Doctor. Their biosigns are just lost in so many that we can't isolate them. Doc, can't you speak up, I can barely hear you?"
"I'd really rather not, Mr Mayweather. I've seen how the others have been treated, and I'd really like to avoid that, if at all possible. And please keep your own voice down."
Travis dropped his voice to a stage whisper. "What about Hoshi and the Sub-Commander? Have they received the same treatment?"
"I haven't seen them today, but from what I could determine last night, they were unharmed. But I'm very worried about Captain Archer, the commander and Lt Reed. They were forced to take part in a very violent confrontation, and something tells me it's not over, yet. Have you an idea of how to rescue them?"
"I contacted the Admiral and filled him in as best I could. He's calling in a few Vulcan favours, but their nearest ship can't get here until the day after tomorrow. Can our people hold out that long?"
Phlox sighed. "They're just going to have to, aren't they?"
*~*~*~*~*~*
That morning, Hoshi had wakened cold, thirsty and more than a little scared. Instantly, she recalled their predicament and looked at her cellmate for some encouragement.
T'Pol sat in the lotus position, her eyes closed as she attempted to meditate. Hoshi marvelled at the Vulcan's ability to rise above the stress of the situation. The previous evening, the sub-commander had taught her a relaxation method, which had greatly helped. She recalled, too, how T'Pol had helped her overcome a panic attack on an alien vessel. How she longed for another lesson, now.
T'Pol's eyes opened suddenly, catching Hoshi off guard, watching her. The young ensign blushed under her senior officer's unwavering gaze. Something about the way the sub-commander was looking at her unsettled Hoshi.
'Is it my imagination, or does she seem really angry about something?' she asked herself.
"Sub-Commander, is everything alright?"
"Does everything appear to be alright, Ensign? Your question is illogical, be quiet!"
Hoshi's cheeks burned with embarrassment at the rebuke. She'd never heard T'Pol speak so sharply before, not even to Commander Tucker, and they often had very public arguments.
Mumbling an apology, she found a fresh pitcher of water had been placed just inside the door. Pouring out several glasses, she handed one to T'Pol, who snatched it and drank it greedily, little rivulets running down from the corners of her mouth. This worried Hoshi even more, as the normally fastidious Vulcan wouldn't usually allow herself to be seen as anything less than perfect.
'Boy, is she acting weird today? I think I'll just stay in the corner and say nothing to provoke her.'
T'Pol rose from her yoga position and replenished her empty glass. She regarded the liquid with enjoyment; she'd always found the simple refreshment of water very satisfying, but this was better than any water she'd ever tasted, and she couldn't seem to slake her thirst. Seizing the pitcher, she retreated to her own corner, jealously guarding her trophy.
'Don't you worry, Sub-Commander, I'm so not going to take any more of your water. I'd rather die first.' Hoshi shrank as far into the opposite corner as she could, a survival instinct telling her that now was just not a good time to ask about relaxation.
TBC