Author's Note: My daughter told me I should put down Author's note when I
want to say something. So here we go last chapter. Please review my whole
story if you can't remember it. I need all the constructive criticism I
can get for my next story.
Chapter 13
Trip leaned his head against the shower wall letting the hot water pummel his back, soothing his aching muscles. He didn't know he could hurt so much. When he woke up this morning he could barely move, only after numerous attempts to get out of bed had he made it. Now all he could do was hope the hot water would relax him enough to let him get dressed. In 20 minutes Hess would be at the door with the reports he requested. He didn't want to show her the weakness he felt, so he pushed away from the wall and forced himself to finish washing.
ENGINEERING
Lieutenant James finished dictating the night shift report. Looking around engineering she felt great satisfaction knowing it was due to her efforts everything was almost back to normal. She had pushed everyone beyond the limit; when they complained she threatened them. Tucker would soon be out of the way. Hess was becoming a problem but she was a brilliant problem solver. Satisfied with her speculation she took a last stroll around before the morning shift arrived.
Lieutenant Hess hurried to engineering a frown marring her face. She needed to speak to Ashley about Commander Tucker. The early call for her to bring him some reports really shook her up. Entering engineering she quickly spied James by the reactor and walked quickly to her.
Panic edged her voice, "Ashley we need to talk."
Ashley checked to make sure no one was watching and grabbing Hess's arm dragged her into a small maintenance room. Angrily she asked, "What the hell is wrong with you Jennifer? You're falling apart."
Jennifer pulled her arm from Ashley's grip, "They know Ashley."
Ashley mocked her, "Get a grip, they know only what I allow them to know. There is nothing to link us to the accident. Everything points to the commander. Even the internal sensor logs will condemn him."
Jennifer started shaking, "But Ashley, Commander Tucker asked me to bring him the engineering reports. He could have asked a crewman, but he asked me. Why would he do that unless he knows something? You told me this would be simple; no one would get hurt. Because of us, Commander Tucker almost died. I can't do this anymore." Starting to cry she turned toward the door, "I'm going to tell the captain everything. I wish I'd never listened to you. I like Commander Tucker and Enterprise; it's become a home to me."
Ashley's eyes glittered with rage, two and a half years of planning about to be destroyed by this sniveling coward. She wasn't about to let that happen. A slight change in plan was in order. Keeping her voice pleasant she said, "You're right Jennifer, things got out of hand. I appreciate all your help and support, but it's time to throw in the towel. I think we should tell Commander Tucker first since my plan was aimed at him. I'll tell him it was my idea and you were coerced into helping me."
Jennifer turned her tear-streaked face to Ashley; "You can't take all the blame Ashley; I willingly helped you. We'll share the blame equally, it's the right thing to do."
Ashley lowered her triumphant gaze, "I suppose you're right. Get the reports he wants and meet me at Commander Tucker's door."
Jennifer nodded and opened the door. Looking back at Ashley she smiled, "Thank you."
"No problem, now hurry up or we'll be late." Jennifer headed toward Trip's desk. Ashley looked around, seeing no one went to the wall-mounted weapons locker, and punched in the code to unlock the door. She pulled a phase pistol out and changed the setting from stun to kill. Unzipping a pocket she pushed the pistol deep inside. Smiling to herself she headed to Commander Tucker's quarters.
TRIP'S QUARTERS
"Come in," Trip said in answer to the door buzzer. Jennifer Hess entered followed quickly by Ashley James. Once in the room, James shoved Hess forward into Trip knocking them to the floor. Pulling out the pistol James aimed it squarely at them both.
"What the hell is goin' on?" Trip hollered struggling to his feet. Pushing Hess aside he took a step toward James.
Gripping the pistol tighter James raised it slightly until it was aimed at Trips' heart, "I wouldn't Commander, from this range I won't miss and I will kill you."
Trip looked into her determined face and took a step backward. "What do ya want Lieutenant?"
Hess pleaded, "Ashley what are you doing? Put the pistol down you said we were going to turn ourselves in."
Looking at Hess with contempt, James replied, "I didn't like that plan so I changed it. Now both of you shut up and sit down." Trip and Hess sat on the edge of the bed. "That's better, now I'm going to tell you both a story. I'm sure Commander it will answer all the questions buzzing around your head." Pulling out a chair James sat, the pistol in her hand not wavering.
Leaning back in the chair she smiled at Trip, "You're exactly as Gary described, strong-minded, athletic, and fun-loving. You're only failing, according to Gary, is your sense of right and wrong. He never did forgive you for betraying him. I liked Gary, it's to bad he had to die."
Trip's eyes widened, "What?"
"Oh, you poor man," Ashley said with false sympathy, "didn't anyone tell you Gary is dead? I guess the authorities didn't see fit to tell you. Yes, it was a tragic accident. One that I arranged."
Trip looked into her eyes hoping to see remorse where there was none. His eyes burned and his fists ached from being clenched so tightly. In a strangled voice he asked, "Why?"
"That's the best part Commander. I did it because I could. It was so simple. He was like a puppy following me around, telling me his life story. The funny thing is, I already knew all about him. You see my employers made sure I received all the pertinent information on my target; I guess I should say targets."
Trip and Jennifer looked at James puzzled. Hess said hesitantly, "You told me we were doing this to get back at Commander Tucker. You said he was the spy who sold out to Space Concepts and framed Gary." Looking at Trip she said sincerely, "She showed me evidence against you but she said you and the Captain twisted it and Gary was convicted."
Trip's eyes narrowed as comprehension dawned, "Just who the hell are you and why are you on Enterprise?"
"Finally, a light bulb goes on," James sarcastically replied. "I thought I was going to have to spell it out for you. Let me introduce myself, Traina Gavin, at your service. I guess you'd say I'm a high-priced problem solver for Space Concepts. My employers don't like it when outsiders interfere with their business deals. It's my job to send a strong message to those who get in their way, and a warning to those who deal with Space Concepts."
Trip forced himself to relax. He needed to keep her talking and buy time for Hess and himself. He didn't doubt as soon as she got tired of telling her story she would kill them. He smiled and spoke mockingly, "so you're plannin' on what, killin' Lieutenant Hess, myself, and the captain? Gimme a break. As soon as you pull the trigger, security will come runnin'."
Gavin laughed, "You don't know me at all Commander. I've been in this business too long not to have thought out my escape route. I've planned for all contingencies." Her eyes hardened into a dagger-like gleam. "I'm tired of this game. I have other things to do, such as killing a captain. So long Commander, Ashley, I won't say it's been fun, but it has been interesting." Taking aim at Lieutenant Hess's chest she started to squeeze the trigger. She halted at the sound of Archer's voice through the comm.
"Archer to Trip." Trip breathed a sigh of relief, saved by the bell.
"He's probably wondering why I'm late for breakfast." Trip said innocently.
Gavin aimed at Trip's head, "Tell him you'll be there in a few minutes."
Trip keyed the comm. beside the bed, "Trip here sir. Sorry I'm late for breakfast. I'll be there in a few minutes." Not waiting for a reply he cut the captain off.
"That was very good Commander. Shall we try this again?" Smiling at Hess she again prepared to fire. Before she could pull the trigger the lights went out plunging the room into total darkness.
Trip lunged toward Gavin knocking her off the chair and landing on top of her. The pistol was knocked out of her hand and skittered across the floor. Trip knew he had to subdue her fast before his strength gave out. Before he could move a sharp blow to his mid-section caused him to gasp and double over. Gavin slammed a fist into his jaw and pushed him off. Feeling around she frantically searched for the pistol. Trip shook his head to clear it. Reaching out he made contact with one of her ankles. Grabbing her ankle with both hands he quickly stood and twisted his wrists flipping her onto her back. Screaming in frustration she kicked out with her free leg catching his kneecap. "Son-of-a-bitch," he hissed between gritted teeth. Dropping her ankle he threw himself forward on top of her, knocking the breath out of her. Finding her arms he pinned them above her head.
"Hess," Trip called.
"Yes, Sir?" Hess answered.
"Find the pistol, it should be near the window."
Hess quickly found the pistol. "What should I do now, Commander?"
"We wait for the cavalry, they should be arrivin' any second."
The door slid open and the lights come on simultaneously. Archer, Malcolm and a security team piled in the door their weapons drawn and aimed at the three of them.
Malcolm's lips twitched when he saw the Commander's predicament. Leave it to Trip to find the most compromising position possible in any situation. Archer went to Trip and kneeling down, reached out a hand, "Do you need a hand Commander, or am I interrupting something?"
Trip glared at the Captain, "Ya took your sweet time gettin' here. I had to do everythin' myself, but it's all under control." Grasping Archer's hand Trip pulled himself upright. "Malcolm you need to keep an eye on these two; they're responsible for the trouble we've had." Looking back at the Captain, Trip said, "If it's alright with you, I'll explain what happened later. Right now I think I need to visit Doctor Phlox." He brushed his hand across the front of his uniform; then turned his fingers so Archer could see they were smeared with blood.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
SICKBAY
"Really Commander, you messed up some of my best work." Phlox ran his scanner over Trip's prone body, shaking his head and making small sounds of annoyance.
"Sorry Doc," Trip muttered in a subdued voice.
Treating Trip to one of his famous smiles Phlox replied, "Oh well Commander, at least with you on the ship my job will never get boring."
"Is he going to be alright?" Archer asked from the other side of the bed.
"Fine, fine, Captain. He didn't rupture the internal stitches, just the external ones. I'll have him patched up in a few minutes."
T'pol's voice came over the comm., "T'pol to Captain Archer."
Archer squeezed Trip's shoulder lightly then walked to the comm., "Archer here."
"A Romulan ship has decloaked in front of us."
"I'll be right there." Archer headed toward the doors when he was hailed again, "Lieutenant Reed to the Captain."
Hitting the comm. button he replied, "What is it Lieutenant?"
"Sir," Malcolm said in a puzzled voice, "Lieutenant James just disappeared. She was here one minute and the next she dematerialized."
"Damn it, Archer to T'pol, is the Romulan ship still there?"
The comm. was silent for a second, "No Captain, it recloaked almost immediately." ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A/N: Well I thought this would be the last Chapter but it isn't. Please read and review. The next chapter is just about done. Thank you.
Chapter 13
Trip leaned his head against the shower wall letting the hot water pummel his back, soothing his aching muscles. He didn't know he could hurt so much. When he woke up this morning he could barely move, only after numerous attempts to get out of bed had he made it. Now all he could do was hope the hot water would relax him enough to let him get dressed. In 20 minutes Hess would be at the door with the reports he requested. He didn't want to show her the weakness he felt, so he pushed away from the wall and forced himself to finish washing.
ENGINEERING
Lieutenant James finished dictating the night shift report. Looking around engineering she felt great satisfaction knowing it was due to her efforts everything was almost back to normal. She had pushed everyone beyond the limit; when they complained she threatened them. Tucker would soon be out of the way. Hess was becoming a problem but she was a brilliant problem solver. Satisfied with her speculation she took a last stroll around before the morning shift arrived.
Lieutenant Hess hurried to engineering a frown marring her face. She needed to speak to Ashley about Commander Tucker. The early call for her to bring him some reports really shook her up. Entering engineering she quickly spied James by the reactor and walked quickly to her.
Panic edged her voice, "Ashley we need to talk."
Ashley checked to make sure no one was watching and grabbing Hess's arm dragged her into a small maintenance room. Angrily she asked, "What the hell is wrong with you Jennifer? You're falling apart."
Jennifer pulled her arm from Ashley's grip, "They know Ashley."
Ashley mocked her, "Get a grip, they know only what I allow them to know. There is nothing to link us to the accident. Everything points to the commander. Even the internal sensor logs will condemn him."
Jennifer started shaking, "But Ashley, Commander Tucker asked me to bring him the engineering reports. He could have asked a crewman, but he asked me. Why would he do that unless he knows something? You told me this would be simple; no one would get hurt. Because of us, Commander Tucker almost died. I can't do this anymore." Starting to cry she turned toward the door, "I'm going to tell the captain everything. I wish I'd never listened to you. I like Commander Tucker and Enterprise; it's become a home to me."
Ashley's eyes glittered with rage, two and a half years of planning about to be destroyed by this sniveling coward. She wasn't about to let that happen. A slight change in plan was in order. Keeping her voice pleasant she said, "You're right Jennifer, things got out of hand. I appreciate all your help and support, but it's time to throw in the towel. I think we should tell Commander Tucker first since my plan was aimed at him. I'll tell him it was my idea and you were coerced into helping me."
Jennifer turned her tear-streaked face to Ashley; "You can't take all the blame Ashley; I willingly helped you. We'll share the blame equally, it's the right thing to do."
Ashley lowered her triumphant gaze, "I suppose you're right. Get the reports he wants and meet me at Commander Tucker's door."
Jennifer nodded and opened the door. Looking back at Ashley she smiled, "Thank you."
"No problem, now hurry up or we'll be late." Jennifer headed toward Trip's desk. Ashley looked around, seeing no one went to the wall-mounted weapons locker, and punched in the code to unlock the door. She pulled a phase pistol out and changed the setting from stun to kill. Unzipping a pocket she pushed the pistol deep inside. Smiling to herself she headed to Commander Tucker's quarters.
TRIP'S QUARTERS
"Come in," Trip said in answer to the door buzzer. Jennifer Hess entered followed quickly by Ashley James. Once in the room, James shoved Hess forward into Trip knocking them to the floor. Pulling out the pistol James aimed it squarely at them both.
"What the hell is goin' on?" Trip hollered struggling to his feet. Pushing Hess aside he took a step toward James.
Gripping the pistol tighter James raised it slightly until it was aimed at Trips' heart, "I wouldn't Commander, from this range I won't miss and I will kill you."
Trip looked into her determined face and took a step backward. "What do ya want Lieutenant?"
Hess pleaded, "Ashley what are you doing? Put the pistol down you said we were going to turn ourselves in."
Looking at Hess with contempt, James replied, "I didn't like that plan so I changed it. Now both of you shut up and sit down." Trip and Hess sat on the edge of the bed. "That's better, now I'm going to tell you both a story. I'm sure Commander it will answer all the questions buzzing around your head." Pulling out a chair James sat, the pistol in her hand not wavering.
Leaning back in the chair she smiled at Trip, "You're exactly as Gary described, strong-minded, athletic, and fun-loving. You're only failing, according to Gary, is your sense of right and wrong. He never did forgive you for betraying him. I liked Gary, it's to bad he had to die."
Trip's eyes widened, "What?"
"Oh, you poor man," Ashley said with false sympathy, "didn't anyone tell you Gary is dead? I guess the authorities didn't see fit to tell you. Yes, it was a tragic accident. One that I arranged."
Trip looked into her eyes hoping to see remorse where there was none. His eyes burned and his fists ached from being clenched so tightly. In a strangled voice he asked, "Why?"
"That's the best part Commander. I did it because I could. It was so simple. He was like a puppy following me around, telling me his life story. The funny thing is, I already knew all about him. You see my employers made sure I received all the pertinent information on my target; I guess I should say targets."
Trip and Jennifer looked at James puzzled. Hess said hesitantly, "You told me we were doing this to get back at Commander Tucker. You said he was the spy who sold out to Space Concepts and framed Gary." Looking at Trip she said sincerely, "She showed me evidence against you but she said you and the Captain twisted it and Gary was convicted."
Trip's eyes narrowed as comprehension dawned, "Just who the hell are you and why are you on Enterprise?"
"Finally, a light bulb goes on," James sarcastically replied. "I thought I was going to have to spell it out for you. Let me introduce myself, Traina Gavin, at your service. I guess you'd say I'm a high-priced problem solver for Space Concepts. My employers don't like it when outsiders interfere with their business deals. It's my job to send a strong message to those who get in their way, and a warning to those who deal with Space Concepts."
Trip forced himself to relax. He needed to keep her talking and buy time for Hess and himself. He didn't doubt as soon as she got tired of telling her story she would kill them. He smiled and spoke mockingly, "so you're plannin' on what, killin' Lieutenant Hess, myself, and the captain? Gimme a break. As soon as you pull the trigger, security will come runnin'."
Gavin laughed, "You don't know me at all Commander. I've been in this business too long not to have thought out my escape route. I've planned for all contingencies." Her eyes hardened into a dagger-like gleam. "I'm tired of this game. I have other things to do, such as killing a captain. So long Commander, Ashley, I won't say it's been fun, but it has been interesting." Taking aim at Lieutenant Hess's chest she started to squeeze the trigger. She halted at the sound of Archer's voice through the comm.
"Archer to Trip." Trip breathed a sigh of relief, saved by the bell.
"He's probably wondering why I'm late for breakfast." Trip said innocently.
Gavin aimed at Trip's head, "Tell him you'll be there in a few minutes."
Trip keyed the comm. beside the bed, "Trip here sir. Sorry I'm late for breakfast. I'll be there in a few minutes." Not waiting for a reply he cut the captain off.
"That was very good Commander. Shall we try this again?" Smiling at Hess she again prepared to fire. Before she could pull the trigger the lights went out plunging the room into total darkness.
Trip lunged toward Gavin knocking her off the chair and landing on top of her. The pistol was knocked out of her hand and skittered across the floor. Trip knew he had to subdue her fast before his strength gave out. Before he could move a sharp blow to his mid-section caused him to gasp and double over. Gavin slammed a fist into his jaw and pushed him off. Feeling around she frantically searched for the pistol. Trip shook his head to clear it. Reaching out he made contact with one of her ankles. Grabbing her ankle with both hands he quickly stood and twisted his wrists flipping her onto her back. Screaming in frustration she kicked out with her free leg catching his kneecap. "Son-of-a-bitch," he hissed between gritted teeth. Dropping her ankle he threw himself forward on top of her, knocking the breath out of her. Finding her arms he pinned them above her head.
"Hess," Trip called.
"Yes, Sir?" Hess answered.
"Find the pistol, it should be near the window."
Hess quickly found the pistol. "What should I do now, Commander?"
"We wait for the cavalry, they should be arrivin' any second."
The door slid open and the lights come on simultaneously. Archer, Malcolm and a security team piled in the door their weapons drawn and aimed at the three of them.
Malcolm's lips twitched when he saw the Commander's predicament. Leave it to Trip to find the most compromising position possible in any situation. Archer went to Trip and kneeling down, reached out a hand, "Do you need a hand Commander, or am I interrupting something?"
Trip glared at the Captain, "Ya took your sweet time gettin' here. I had to do everythin' myself, but it's all under control." Grasping Archer's hand Trip pulled himself upright. "Malcolm you need to keep an eye on these two; they're responsible for the trouble we've had." Looking back at the Captain, Trip said, "If it's alright with you, I'll explain what happened later. Right now I think I need to visit Doctor Phlox." He brushed his hand across the front of his uniform; then turned his fingers so Archer could see they were smeared with blood.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
SICKBAY
"Really Commander, you messed up some of my best work." Phlox ran his scanner over Trip's prone body, shaking his head and making small sounds of annoyance.
"Sorry Doc," Trip muttered in a subdued voice.
Treating Trip to one of his famous smiles Phlox replied, "Oh well Commander, at least with you on the ship my job will never get boring."
"Is he going to be alright?" Archer asked from the other side of the bed.
"Fine, fine, Captain. He didn't rupture the internal stitches, just the external ones. I'll have him patched up in a few minutes."
T'pol's voice came over the comm., "T'pol to Captain Archer."
Archer squeezed Trip's shoulder lightly then walked to the comm., "Archer here."
"A Romulan ship has decloaked in front of us."
"I'll be right there." Archer headed toward the doors when he was hailed again, "Lieutenant Reed to the Captain."
Hitting the comm. button he replied, "What is it Lieutenant?"
"Sir," Malcolm said in a puzzled voice, "Lieutenant James just disappeared. She was here one minute and the next she dematerialized."
"Damn it, Archer to T'pol, is the Romulan ship still there?"
The comm. was silent for a second, "No Captain, it recloaked almost immediately." ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A/N: Well I thought this would be the last Chapter but it isn't. Please read and review. The next chapter is just about done. Thank you.
