Note: I want to personally thank ArchersEnsign, plumtuckered, Rae,
Braycat, GhostWriter25, and Gotta Love Trip, you guys have continued to
review and encourage me to continue writing. I will be on the look out for
your stories and review them for you.
Chapter 9
Malcolm leaned his head against the bulkhead and closed his eyes. He was beginning to see double. How long had he been awake? His eyes felt full of sand and his head was pounding. If he could just take a 15-minute catnap, he'd be o.k. Malcolm drifted off on that thought.
"Malcolm, Malcolm," Captain Archer said shaking him awake.
Opening his eyes he was mortified to find the captain squatting in front of him, "I'm sorry Sir, I must have dozed off. I'll get back to work right away." He jumped up scattering scanners and parts across the floor.
Amused, the captain watched him gathering the scattered materials. "Calm down Lieutenant, I'm not upset you fell asleep. How long has it been since you've seen the inside of your quarters?"
Malcolm looked thoughtfully at the captain, "What time is it, Sir?"
"0430."
"Well, the commander and I were up at 0200 yesterday working on the modifications so that makes it a little over 26 hours," Malcolm replied.
The captain reached up and rubbed a hand across his bristly chin. "Get cleaned up Malcolm and meet me in the captain's mess in 30-minutes, you, T'pol, and I are going to have breakfast together and try to figure this thing out." He saw Malcolm open his mouth to protest, "That's an order Lieutenant. I need your help in deciding how we can help Trip."
"I'll do my best Sir. For the record Captain, I've gotten to know the commander quite well and doing something like this would go against everything he believes in."
"I know Malcolm." He continued seriously, "I'm glad you're his friend because before this is over he may need all the friends he can get. I'll meet you in 30-minutes."
"Yes Sir," Malcolm said and headed for his quarters.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Sit down T'pol, Malcolm." The captain waved his hand at the set table. "I asked Chef to prepare a feast for us because I'm not sure how long it will be before we can sit down to a proper meal again." Malcolm and T'pol took their places on either side of the captain.
"Sir, I overheard something I think you should know," Malcolm said uncomfortably.
"You listen in on other people's conversations, Lieutenant?" T'pol asked.
"I assure you it was unintentional," Malcolm said stiffly.
"I'm sure it was," Archer said smoothly. "Now what did you hear?"
"Two crewmen were discussing Commander Tucker. They believe he is responsible for the accident. They knew about his DNA being found on the components that triggered the explosion. From what they said the whole ship knows about it."
Archer pushed back his chair, "It was bound to get out sooner or later. I was hoping it would be much later. That makes the situation more urgent; we need to clear Trip as quickly as possible to prevent any backlash from the crew. T'pol I know I put you in charge of this investigation but I'd like you to check the internal sensor logs, find out where the commander was between 0800 and 1200 hours yesterday. If we can establish his whereabouts during that time, it may help his case. Malcolm any progress in engineering?"
Cracking a smile he said, "Captain, Commander Tucker's fingerprints are all over engineering. I think he has personally handled every circuit, conduit, panel, and relay in there. His signature was on everything I scanned along with different team members."
"Commander Tucker is an efficient, and dedicated engineer," T'pol said evenly.
Archer and Malcolm stared at her in astonishment. "That's high praise coming from you Sub-Commander," the captain replied in amusement.
"I am merely stating a fact concerning the commanders work ethic, nothing more," T'pol declared.
"Hoshi to Captain Archer," Archer turned and pressed the comm. "What is it Hoshi, I asked not to be disturbed until after breakfast."
"I thought you'd want to know there is an incoming transmission from Admiral Forrest."
"Thanks Hoshi, put it to my ready room." Turning to Malcolm he said, "Malcolm get back to engineering when you're through eating and see if you can find any evidence of a temporal anomaly. Maybe Silik is up to his old tricks." Grabbing two pieces of toast, he loaded it with eggs, bacon, and cheese. "I have a feeling I shouldn't talk to the Admiral on an empty stomach." Saluting T'pol and Malcolm with his sandwich he headed for his ready room.
^^^^^^^^^^^
"I'm afraid I have some bad news for you Jon," Admiral Forrest said as soon as they were connected.
Sighing deeply, Archer leaned forward in his chair; "I never expect good news when the Vulcan's become involved in our business. How long do we have before they get here?"
"The Vulcan ship, T'lar, will make contact with your present location in two days. Three Vulcan's from the Vulcan Legal Justice Department will disembark and set up a board of inquiry. They request all pertinent data on the accident be available for them to go over at 1800 hours the day they arrive."
"A Vulcan board Admiral? I expected a board made up of humans and Vulcan's."
"The Vulcan High Command convinced most of the members of Starfleet that a board of inquiry made up of Vulcan's who in their words, "will be completely impartial and able to make a logical decision based solely on the evidence and not on an emotional reaction," was for the best and Starfleet bought it." Admiral Forrest paused for a moment then continued; "I have more bad news for you Jon."
Archer stood up abruptly and walked away from the monitor stopping to stare out the window then turned around with a steely look in his eyes demanded, "What else do they want Admiral?"
"As of this moment, no one is to touch anything related to the incident except T'pol. The Vulcan's wanted to reduce the chances of evidence being lost accidentally."
"What! Accidentally lost, Admiral the Vulcan High Command must know by now I would never allow anything to jeopardize this mission." Pacing back and forth in front of the monitor he continued, "If someone on this ship is responsible for what happened, I don't care who it is, he or she will be turned over to Starfleet for disciplinary action. This is our problem, we should be allowed to handle it."
"I agree, but I couldn't change the minds of the rest of the command. You'll have to comply Jonathan. Good Luck." Admiral Forrest disconnected leaving Archer staring at a blank screen. Moving to the wall, he pressed the comm., "Archer to T'pol and Lieutenant Reed, come to my ready room, immediately."
T'pol and Malcolm acknowledged the captain's command.
^^^^^^^
"Two days Captain, we can't possibly be ready in two days," Malcolm protested.
T'pol spoke up, "Captain, we can be ready in two days if I have help analyzing the various sensor logs. Lieutenant Reed can utilize some of the engineering crew to help in the search for evidence."
"Sorry T'pol, but the Vulcan High Command has convinced Starfleet to allow only you to continue gathering evidence." Archer continued angrily, "They don't believe I can be trusted to conduct an impartial investigation. I've been ordered to keep the rest of the crew away from all materials pertinent to the incident."
Stunned Malcolm took a step toward the captain, "Sir, without our help the Sub-Commander won't have time to clear the commander and find the real culprit."
"I know Malcolm, but I am confident Sub-Commander T'pol will do her best to find the answers," he looked at her expectantly.
Quietly she replied, "I shall do my best Captain." Archer acknowledged her with a nod of his head. She turned and left the room.
"What can I do Captain?" Malcolm asked.
"Get back to the armory and check on things there, and if by chance your scanner happens to pick up any unusual readings, I'm sure you'll let T'pol know."
Malcolm grinned, "Aye, Sir."
"Good man," Archer replied and slapped him on the back as he turned to leave.
^^^^^^^^^^^
24 HOURS LATER Captain's Ready Room
"Nothing Captain, no unusual readings of any kind." Malcolm handed the captain a PADD. "I just don't understand it, if it wasn't Silik who could it be?"
Archer looked over the data then at Malcolm, "If it wasn't Silik, there is only one other possibility, someone on the ship."
"Why would anyone try to destroy the ship and blame the commander?"
Archer answered, "I don't know Malcolm, but I intend to find out. Turn your findings over to T'pol and see if she needs anything. I'm going to see Trip."
Malcolm asked curiously, "Will Doctor Phlox let you see him? From what I hear, the doctor wouldn't even allow T'pol to talk to him, so how are you going to get in?"
Archer just smiled and said, "Dismissed Lieutenant." Malcolm nodded and turning swiftly left the room.
^^^^^^^^
The captain looked through the sickbay doors trying to spy the doctor. Seeing no one, he quickly entered and stealthily moved towards Trip's room. Not hearing any noise from behind the curtain, he ducked around it. Trip was snoring softly his blond hair lay damply against his forehead. Archer moved to his side and lightly shook him.
"Trip, wake up," Archer whispered.
Trip opened fever bright eyes and stared at the captain for a second before recognition set in. "Cap'm, what's goin' on?"
"Keep your voice down or I'm going to get kicked out." Archer stared toward the curtain hoping he wouldn't see the doctor's form outlined by the curtain.
"Why don't ya want the Doc to see ya?" Trip began to sit up but Archer stopped him, pushing him back against the pillow.
"Phlox isn't letting anyone see you, but I need to ask a few questions."
"I guess that means I'm still on the hook for damaging the ship."
Nodding his head Archer asked quietly, "Can you think of anyone who might have a grudge against you?"
Trip shook his head no, "I've thought about that and I can't think of anyone. What's gonna happen to me if ya can't find the person responsible?" Trip stared at the captain's grim face and whispered, "I'm screwed." .
"Trip, I'm not going to give up; there's something somewhere that will prove you're innocent and I won't stop until I find it. Now I want you to listen to me, three Vulcan's from the Vulcan Legal Justice Department will be here tomorrow to go over all the data connected with the incident, then they'll make a recommendation to Starfleet on their findings."
Trip stared at the captain in disbelief. The implications were staggering; he was going to be held responsible for what happened. Tiredly he acknowledged, "I know the procedure, if the evidence points to me, I'll be sent back to earth and court-martialed. I'll be stripped of my rank and sent to a penal colony for life."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves Commander," Archer remarked dryly. "The Vulcan's don't arrive for 24 hours, I'm sure something will turn up by then."
"Captain, I left strict orders Commander Tucker was not to be disturbed," Phlox said as he came into the room. "Take a good look at him Captain, did you notice his high fever or dark circles under his eyes. His body is fighting off an infection and any type of stress placed on him at this point could prevent his recovery." Archer looked hard at Trip, noticing his condition for the first time. His face was very pale and small beads of perspiration stood out on his face.
"It's alright Doc, I asked him ta come," Trip said innocently. "I needed ta know what's goin' on with my engines."
Phlox looked from one to the other knowing he was being lied to but letting it slide. "If you're through Captain, I'd appreciate it if you would leave."
"I'm going Doctor," turning to Trip he said, "I'll make sure your engines get a thorough overhaul, so don't worry about a thing." Moving around Phlox he said, "Take good care of him Phlox, I can't do without my Chief Engineer for too long." The captain pushed the curtain aside and headed for the doors.
Trip asked thoughtfully, "Doc, what are the chances I could get outta here tomorrow?"
Phlox chuckled, "not very good commander. I'd say it would take at least a week before you're ready for any type of travel."
Trip looked at Phlox surprised, "ya sneaky devil, you were listenin' to us."
"I might have overheard a little of your conversation, but rest assured Commander no one will be taking you off this ship anytime soon."
"Thanks Doc," Trip replied relieved.
"Now I'm going to give you something to help you sleep." Phlox injected Trip with a sedative, "as you humans would say, "sleep well Commander."
^^^^^^^^
"T'pol looked up when she heard the door open to the mess hall. Captain Archer walked in, stopped, and stared. T'pol was surrounded by PADDS and plastic tubs one filled with parts from engineering and one from the armory.
"Any progress Sub-Commander?" Archer asked advancing to her table.
"I have nothing to report Captain. I regret I will be unable to finish my examination of the data before the board convenes tomorrow. I will request a continuance on the grounds of insufficient time to do a thorough assessment of all the pertinent information."
Archer settled into a chair beside T'pol, "The Vulcan's never need to know if I help you review some of the material." He looked at her questioningly.
"I could not allow you to jeopardize your position, Captain. You are needed on Enterprise."
"Uh huh, so in your eyes Commander Tucker is expendable but I'm not."
"I did not say that," she stated.
"You implied it Sub-Commander." Archer leaned forward in his chair and fixed T'pol with an unyielding stare, "No one on my ship is expendable, Sub- Commander."
T'pol was not intimidated by his look, she stated clearly, "I believe you are allowing your feelings to override your better judgment, Captain. If I find irrefutable evidence linking Commander Tucker to this incident, I will recommend he be sent back to earth for Starfleet to deal with."
Sitting back he said, "I wouldn't have it any other way T'pol. Just make sure you interpret the evidence without prejudice."
"I shall do my best Captain." Archer nodded and stood up, pushing his chair out of the way. T'pol watched him walk out the door.
TBC...Please read and review. This chapter is shorter cause I got tired.
Chapter 9
Malcolm leaned his head against the bulkhead and closed his eyes. He was beginning to see double. How long had he been awake? His eyes felt full of sand and his head was pounding. If he could just take a 15-minute catnap, he'd be o.k. Malcolm drifted off on that thought.
"Malcolm, Malcolm," Captain Archer said shaking him awake.
Opening his eyes he was mortified to find the captain squatting in front of him, "I'm sorry Sir, I must have dozed off. I'll get back to work right away." He jumped up scattering scanners and parts across the floor.
Amused, the captain watched him gathering the scattered materials. "Calm down Lieutenant, I'm not upset you fell asleep. How long has it been since you've seen the inside of your quarters?"
Malcolm looked thoughtfully at the captain, "What time is it, Sir?"
"0430."
"Well, the commander and I were up at 0200 yesterday working on the modifications so that makes it a little over 26 hours," Malcolm replied.
The captain reached up and rubbed a hand across his bristly chin. "Get cleaned up Malcolm and meet me in the captain's mess in 30-minutes, you, T'pol, and I are going to have breakfast together and try to figure this thing out." He saw Malcolm open his mouth to protest, "That's an order Lieutenant. I need your help in deciding how we can help Trip."
"I'll do my best Sir. For the record Captain, I've gotten to know the commander quite well and doing something like this would go against everything he believes in."
"I know Malcolm." He continued seriously, "I'm glad you're his friend because before this is over he may need all the friends he can get. I'll meet you in 30-minutes."
"Yes Sir," Malcolm said and headed for his quarters.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
"Sit down T'pol, Malcolm." The captain waved his hand at the set table. "I asked Chef to prepare a feast for us because I'm not sure how long it will be before we can sit down to a proper meal again." Malcolm and T'pol took their places on either side of the captain.
"Sir, I overheard something I think you should know," Malcolm said uncomfortably.
"You listen in on other people's conversations, Lieutenant?" T'pol asked.
"I assure you it was unintentional," Malcolm said stiffly.
"I'm sure it was," Archer said smoothly. "Now what did you hear?"
"Two crewmen were discussing Commander Tucker. They believe he is responsible for the accident. They knew about his DNA being found on the components that triggered the explosion. From what they said the whole ship knows about it."
Archer pushed back his chair, "It was bound to get out sooner or later. I was hoping it would be much later. That makes the situation more urgent; we need to clear Trip as quickly as possible to prevent any backlash from the crew. T'pol I know I put you in charge of this investigation but I'd like you to check the internal sensor logs, find out where the commander was between 0800 and 1200 hours yesterday. If we can establish his whereabouts during that time, it may help his case. Malcolm any progress in engineering?"
Cracking a smile he said, "Captain, Commander Tucker's fingerprints are all over engineering. I think he has personally handled every circuit, conduit, panel, and relay in there. His signature was on everything I scanned along with different team members."
"Commander Tucker is an efficient, and dedicated engineer," T'pol said evenly.
Archer and Malcolm stared at her in astonishment. "That's high praise coming from you Sub-Commander," the captain replied in amusement.
"I am merely stating a fact concerning the commanders work ethic, nothing more," T'pol declared.
"Hoshi to Captain Archer," Archer turned and pressed the comm. "What is it Hoshi, I asked not to be disturbed until after breakfast."
"I thought you'd want to know there is an incoming transmission from Admiral Forrest."
"Thanks Hoshi, put it to my ready room." Turning to Malcolm he said, "Malcolm get back to engineering when you're through eating and see if you can find any evidence of a temporal anomaly. Maybe Silik is up to his old tricks." Grabbing two pieces of toast, he loaded it with eggs, bacon, and cheese. "I have a feeling I shouldn't talk to the Admiral on an empty stomach." Saluting T'pol and Malcolm with his sandwich he headed for his ready room.
^^^^^^^^^^^
"I'm afraid I have some bad news for you Jon," Admiral Forrest said as soon as they were connected.
Sighing deeply, Archer leaned forward in his chair; "I never expect good news when the Vulcan's become involved in our business. How long do we have before they get here?"
"The Vulcan ship, T'lar, will make contact with your present location in two days. Three Vulcan's from the Vulcan Legal Justice Department will disembark and set up a board of inquiry. They request all pertinent data on the accident be available for them to go over at 1800 hours the day they arrive."
"A Vulcan board Admiral? I expected a board made up of humans and Vulcan's."
"The Vulcan High Command convinced most of the members of Starfleet that a board of inquiry made up of Vulcan's who in their words, "will be completely impartial and able to make a logical decision based solely on the evidence and not on an emotional reaction," was for the best and Starfleet bought it." Admiral Forrest paused for a moment then continued; "I have more bad news for you Jon."
Archer stood up abruptly and walked away from the monitor stopping to stare out the window then turned around with a steely look in his eyes demanded, "What else do they want Admiral?"
"As of this moment, no one is to touch anything related to the incident except T'pol. The Vulcan's wanted to reduce the chances of evidence being lost accidentally."
"What! Accidentally lost, Admiral the Vulcan High Command must know by now I would never allow anything to jeopardize this mission." Pacing back and forth in front of the monitor he continued, "If someone on this ship is responsible for what happened, I don't care who it is, he or she will be turned over to Starfleet for disciplinary action. This is our problem, we should be allowed to handle it."
"I agree, but I couldn't change the minds of the rest of the command. You'll have to comply Jonathan. Good Luck." Admiral Forrest disconnected leaving Archer staring at a blank screen. Moving to the wall, he pressed the comm., "Archer to T'pol and Lieutenant Reed, come to my ready room, immediately."
T'pol and Malcolm acknowledged the captain's command.
^^^^^^^
"Two days Captain, we can't possibly be ready in two days," Malcolm protested.
T'pol spoke up, "Captain, we can be ready in two days if I have help analyzing the various sensor logs. Lieutenant Reed can utilize some of the engineering crew to help in the search for evidence."
"Sorry T'pol, but the Vulcan High Command has convinced Starfleet to allow only you to continue gathering evidence." Archer continued angrily, "They don't believe I can be trusted to conduct an impartial investigation. I've been ordered to keep the rest of the crew away from all materials pertinent to the incident."
Stunned Malcolm took a step toward the captain, "Sir, without our help the Sub-Commander won't have time to clear the commander and find the real culprit."
"I know Malcolm, but I am confident Sub-Commander T'pol will do her best to find the answers," he looked at her expectantly.
Quietly she replied, "I shall do my best Captain." Archer acknowledged her with a nod of his head. She turned and left the room.
"What can I do Captain?" Malcolm asked.
"Get back to the armory and check on things there, and if by chance your scanner happens to pick up any unusual readings, I'm sure you'll let T'pol know."
Malcolm grinned, "Aye, Sir."
"Good man," Archer replied and slapped him on the back as he turned to leave.
^^^^^^^^^^^
24 HOURS LATER Captain's Ready Room
"Nothing Captain, no unusual readings of any kind." Malcolm handed the captain a PADD. "I just don't understand it, if it wasn't Silik who could it be?"
Archer looked over the data then at Malcolm, "If it wasn't Silik, there is only one other possibility, someone on the ship."
"Why would anyone try to destroy the ship and blame the commander?"
Archer answered, "I don't know Malcolm, but I intend to find out. Turn your findings over to T'pol and see if she needs anything. I'm going to see Trip."
Malcolm asked curiously, "Will Doctor Phlox let you see him? From what I hear, the doctor wouldn't even allow T'pol to talk to him, so how are you going to get in?"
Archer just smiled and said, "Dismissed Lieutenant." Malcolm nodded and turning swiftly left the room.
^^^^^^^^
The captain looked through the sickbay doors trying to spy the doctor. Seeing no one, he quickly entered and stealthily moved towards Trip's room. Not hearing any noise from behind the curtain, he ducked around it. Trip was snoring softly his blond hair lay damply against his forehead. Archer moved to his side and lightly shook him.
"Trip, wake up," Archer whispered.
Trip opened fever bright eyes and stared at the captain for a second before recognition set in. "Cap'm, what's goin' on?"
"Keep your voice down or I'm going to get kicked out." Archer stared toward the curtain hoping he wouldn't see the doctor's form outlined by the curtain.
"Why don't ya want the Doc to see ya?" Trip began to sit up but Archer stopped him, pushing him back against the pillow.
"Phlox isn't letting anyone see you, but I need to ask a few questions."
"I guess that means I'm still on the hook for damaging the ship."
Nodding his head Archer asked quietly, "Can you think of anyone who might have a grudge against you?"
Trip shook his head no, "I've thought about that and I can't think of anyone. What's gonna happen to me if ya can't find the person responsible?" Trip stared at the captain's grim face and whispered, "I'm screwed." .
"Trip, I'm not going to give up; there's something somewhere that will prove you're innocent and I won't stop until I find it. Now I want you to listen to me, three Vulcan's from the Vulcan Legal Justice Department will be here tomorrow to go over all the data connected with the incident, then they'll make a recommendation to Starfleet on their findings."
Trip stared at the captain in disbelief. The implications were staggering; he was going to be held responsible for what happened. Tiredly he acknowledged, "I know the procedure, if the evidence points to me, I'll be sent back to earth and court-martialed. I'll be stripped of my rank and sent to a penal colony for life."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves Commander," Archer remarked dryly. "The Vulcan's don't arrive for 24 hours, I'm sure something will turn up by then."
"Captain, I left strict orders Commander Tucker was not to be disturbed," Phlox said as he came into the room. "Take a good look at him Captain, did you notice his high fever or dark circles under his eyes. His body is fighting off an infection and any type of stress placed on him at this point could prevent his recovery." Archer looked hard at Trip, noticing his condition for the first time. His face was very pale and small beads of perspiration stood out on his face.
"It's alright Doc, I asked him ta come," Trip said innocently. "I needed ta know what's goin' on with my engines."
Phlox looked from one to the other knowing he was being lied to but letting it slide. "If you're through Captain, I'd appreciate it if you would leave."
"I'm going Doctor," turning to Trip he said, "I'll make sure your engines get a thorough overhaul, so don't worry about a thing." Moving around Phlox he said, "Take good care of him Phlox, I can't do without my Chief Engineer for too long." The captain pushed the curtain aside and headed for the doors.
Trip asked thoughtfully, "Doc, what are the chances I could get outta here tomorrow?"
Phlox chuckled, "not very good commander. I'd say it would take at least a week before you're ready for any type of travel."
Trip looked at Phlox surprised, "ya sneaky devil, you were listenin' to us."
"I might have overheard a little of your conversation, but rest assured Commander no one will be taking you off this ship anytime soon."
"Thanks Doc," Trip replied relieved.
"Now I'm going to give you something to help you sleep." Phlox injected Trip with a sedative, "as you humans would say, "sleep well Commander."
^^^^^^^^
"T'pol looked up when she heard the door open to the mess hall. Captain Archer walked in, stopped, and stared. T'pol was surrounded by PADDS and plastic tubs one filled with parts from engineering and one from the armory.
"Any progress Sub-Commander?" Archer asked advancing to her table.
"I have nothing to report Captain. I regret I will be unable to finish my examination of the data before the board convenes tomorrow. I will request a continuance on the grounds of insufficient time to do a thorough assessment of all the pertinent information."
Archer settled into a chair beside T'pol, "The Vulcan's never need to know if I help you review some of the material." He looked at her questioningly.
"I could not allow you to jeopardize your position, Captain. You are needed on Enterprise."
"Uh huh, so in your eyes Commander Tucker is expendable but I'm not."
"I did not say that," she stated.
"You implied it Sub-Commander." Archer leaned forward in his chair and fixed T'pol with an unyielding stare, "No one on my ship is expendable, Sub- Commander."
T'pol was not intimidated by his look, she stated clearly, "I believe you are allowing your feelings to override your better judgment, Captain. If I find irrefutable evidence linking Commander Tucker to this incident, I will recommend he be sent back to earth for Starfleet to deal with."
Sitting back he said, "I wouldn't have it any other way T'pol. Just make sure you interpret the evidence without prejudice."
"I shall do my best Captain." Archer nodded and stood up, pushing his chair out of the way. T'pol watched him walk out the door.
TBC...Please read and review. This chapter is shorter cause I got tired.
