CHAPTER 4: LABOR
Day 6
The Evanais delegates observed the Starfleet officers who had chosen to enter the events under the family name of Enterprise. This was the first time an alien species had been involved in the competition and most of the delegates were quite curious as to how the day would play out.
The two humans, Reed and Sato, appeared to have the same relationship as most spouses on the islands. The two would be seen arguing, then talking quietly, then lying by each other on the beach at night. It was clear the two had a connection. The Evanais wondered why Sato had not introduced Reed as her spouse and only indicated that he was spoken for in terms of marriage. The Evanais decided Reed and Sato were still in their courtship rituals.
The Vulcan, on the other hand, did not fit a normal family role. The delegates assumed T'Pol held the place of sister to one of the humans, but could not determine which one. Both humans appeared to be trying to teach the Vulcan the skills she needed in the competition. It was obvious that the Vulcan was the weakest member in terms of family bond or the desire to form one. The Evanais wondered if the Enterprise crew would actually achieve family status. The events of the day began.
-----
Ensign Hoshi Sato stood in front of Lieutenant Reed and Sub-Commander T'Pol on the stage. They were dressed in loose garments of shiny red with long sleeves. They performed their routine with Sato leading the others with her fluid movements. Reed could only feel relaxation as he executed the familiar hand forms and body movements. He also enjoyed his position behind the young Ensign because it allowed him to watch her graceful body.
T'Pol maintained her synchrony with the humans, but her face did not hold the relaxed features of her colleagues. The routine was brief, just 5 minutes. Soon the officers executed a bow and exited the stage. Sato turned to the delegates to get feedback while the other two waited.
"Well, we impressed them with the synchrony of our movements." Sato tried to be as enthusiastic in her report as possible.
"That's good, isn't it?" offered Reed. He certainly hoped he wasn't wearing the shiny red outfit for nothing. T'Pol merely stood silently.
"Yes, but they wanted to see more of a connection among us. I'm not sure what they want exactly. Anyway, since the volleyball is a team sport, there should be ample opportunity to show the delegation our good teamwork."
The officers nodded and prepared for the next event.
------
"What do you have us wearing now?" asked Reed as Sato threw him a t-shirt and shorts. These, too, were red and had a name written on the back of the shirt in white letters.
Reed looked at his, then shot Sato a glance of pure murder. "Cabana Boy!"
"Don't worry, no one here will read English. It's customary to have a nickname when you play the game. I'm Cricket," said Sato waving her shirt in a taunting manner at Reed with her name showing.
Reed just rolled his eyes. He had shot her his best glare and she had ignored it completely. It appeared that someone needed another dunking in the ocean. That thought eased his mood.
Sub-commander T'Pol opened her shirt to read the nickname the young Ensign had selected for her. "Spike. That is not a proper name."
"Trade you. It's better than Cabana Boy," said Reed, his words being muffled as he took off his shiny red shirt to put on the t-shirt.
"Spike is not an uncommon nickname for humans and don't listen to Malcolm. I personally know he likes being referred to as Cabana Boy," said Sato, purring the last part of her statement at Reed and laughing softly when he blushed. Really, for such a tough guy he was the easiest man to embarrass.
"I'll go change in the other room. See you outside, Cricket. Spike."
-----
The Starfleet officers took to the court that was demarcated in the sand. They were required to play three games against the same opponent to show their solidarity as a family. Unlike the game on Earth, this game ended when the first team scored five points.
Reed's native competitiveness made him fervently wish that some luck would be on their side. He didn't look forward to losing all three games. He noticed that Sato also had a competitive streak in her. T'Pol just looked as if she wanted to end the day now. Odd how subtle changes in the Vulcan's features would betray her less than calm demeanor.
The first game was horrible. The first time Sato set up the ball, it had bounced off of T'Pol's head toward the backcourt. Only Reed's quick movements to send the volley over the net had saved the play, but the Enterprise team did not recover fast enough to prevent the score. They were soon down three to nothing.
T'Pol was beginning to find her groove, however. She finally managed a great spike into the opposing court that scored their first point after Reed's serve. Reed and Sato's hands met in a high five and turned immediately to offer the Vulcan the same accolade. Instead both officers wound up slapping the Vulcan on either cheek as she stood there unaware they had expected her to put her hands up as well.
The humans cringed at their mistake, apologized profusely to the Vulcan, then set up for Reed's next serve. This time he was able to score a point off of the serve. His next serve was returned, however, and the game was soon over with a five to two score.
"Okay, I think we've learned something here. Let's just keep working as a team. Malcolm, if we get the first serve I want you to start the rotation. And T'Pol, just put your hands up as a target so that we don't slap you again in our exuberance if you happen to score, okay? Water, I need water!"
-----
The second game gave the crew an advantage as the Enterprise team got the first serve. Reed had finally mastered his technique and quickly scored three points in rapid succession. Of course, it helped that every time he scored Sato would jump in delight and run to give him a big hug. She certainly knew how to keep her teammates motivated!
The opposing team was able to score twice on them, but T'Pol was getting her groove with the spiking and soon added the two points that won the game. The Vulcan quickly threw her hands palm out in front of her face as her ecstatic colleagues gave her a high five. This time they executed the salute without slapping the Vulcan silly.
Sato then threw away all decorum to jump on top of Reed's back singing, "We are the champions, no time for losers..." while waving her arms with fists clenched. Reed didn't seem to mind as he joined in her off-key wailing.
"Okay, you can put me down now, Malcolm." Hoshi slid off of her colleague's back still flush with victory. Now what was it they said about transfer of excitation, she thought. Malcolm just kept getting more attractive every day she was with him. She soon got her thoughts under control as she told herself to get a grip and act like the team captain.
"Alright. We've met our goal of getting at least one win, so this last game should be nice and relaxed. We don't have to worry about proving anything, just enjoy the game." Sato stopped abruptly when she saw Reed standing with his arms across his chest.
"Oh, who am I kidding? I WANT TO WIN ANOTHER ONE, YOU GOT THAT! Now let's get out there and KICK BUTT! Water, where's the water?"
-----
Their third game became a pendulum for exchanging points, but the Enterprise crew now demonstrated the teamwork that typically reflected their endeavors. Reed remained in the backcourt while Sato appeared to be everywhere at once. T'Pol generally stepped aside to let her colleague set up the ball, reluctant to just spike the ball on her own.
The Vulcan did have an exchange at the net with a strong opposing player, both participants trying to slam the ball back down the other's throat. T'Pol felt a strong sense of satisfaction when she scored on that play.
The game was eventually tied at four points. Once again T'Pol and the opposing player were hammering it out just at the net when suddenly Sato moved in and gave the ball the lightest tap. The ball did a graceful flip over the net and dropped like a deadweight into the sand of the opposing team's court. The players on both teams were stunned to have the very physical game end with the soft touch of the linguist.
Malcolm was soon running to Hoshi, lifting her up and twirling with her. Hoshi was waving both hands over her head, then she did a slow slide down his body and planted a kiss on Malcolm's mouth. Both officers pulled back in stunned silence and immediately turned to T'Pol, not daring to look each other in the eye.
"We did it! That was great, T'Pol. This was won on real teamwork," said Sato as she and Reed patted T'Pol on the back.
"But we did not win with power," said T'Pol. She thought she had understood the nature of the game.
"Sometimes it just takes a little finesse, Sub-commander. And I think you'll agree that our comm officer has plenty of that," said Reed, giving Sato's shoulder a light punch..
"Water! I need water!"
------
"Where's T'Pol?" asked Sato when she came back from the delegates' table after seeing how the Orphan Family had fared after the volleyball games.
"She went to meditate again. The surfing starts in late afternoon, so we have a few hours to recover. You look worried? I thought we did well." Reed reached out a hand to squeeze Sato's shoulder.
The Ensign released a sigh. "We've made progress and shown good teamwork, but it still appears that T'Pol's detachment may be working against us."
"Hoshi, she's a Vulcan. She won't be able to show the emotion we do during the competition. In fact, considering the trouble she's having with surfing, that's probably for the best. Look, you've worked hard. Don't sell yourself short on what you have accomplished even if we fail to gain family status. I'm very proud of your work here," admitted Reed.
"You are?" Sato looked at her superior officer. He was always honest with his assessments of her performance and treated her as an equal in this regard. He would argue with her as readily as he would argue with Trip, but he would also praise her when it was genuinely deserved. He didn't leave her feeling like the little sister one had to humor over the rough spots. To have him say he was actually proud of her made her heart swell. This was another odd feeling to add the new sensations she was experiencing around Reed lately.
"Yes, I am. I think the Captain would have been the only person who could have pulled this off any better. Now, come on. Your cabana boy awaits your command."
------
Lieutenant Reed looked out at the swells, already knowing where he would go to catch the large, hollow waves that would give him the thrill he enjoyed. He thought about the Pipeline of Hawaii and the Cloudbreak of Fiji, both of which he had experienced with his father. The waves here broke just as consistently.
He was the first on his team to ride the waves of this alien planet today and it was a perfect day for the activity. The waves he found were three times his height and he reveled in the ecstasy and isolation he felt as he rode the shoulder.
Sato watched the magnificent male specimen on the waves and knew she needed to rein in her emotions. Reed had made it clear that he was not interested in shipboard romances.
Reed soon met his teammates on the beach and basked in Sato's praises. He was still high from the victories in volleyball and the great surfing. Malcolm thought he'd forget about dunking Hoshi in the ocean tonight. Even T'Pol had noted the pleasure with which the Lieutenant performed his task.
"That was fantastic, Malcolm. I wish I could handle the bigger waves like that," said Sato enthusiastically.
"It's a joy like nothing else. But I expect you to stay with the medium waves as your largest, understood? Let's move down to where those smaller waves are crashing."
The team moved to Sato's spot marked by her surfboard. Cameras gave the Evanai delegates views of the beach, so the team did not have to stay in one area. Sato threw a hasty wave back as she took her surfboard out to enjoy the waves. As she paddled out, she wondered again how family regard could be found in an event such as surfing. What could the Evanais be looking for in an event where individuals performed?
Sato abandoned her thoughts as she caught the waves, the ones she rode came to just above her head. Her first ride was shorter than she liked. The second was shortened with a wipeout, but her last wave was glorious! She rode the shoulder, her hand dipping behind her in the wall of water.
Malcolm thought Hoshi loked like a goddess as he watched her, but soon changed his line of thought. He was here to see to the welfare of his crew, not spend his time mooning over a vision from heaven.
Too soon, Sato was heading back to her companions, a broad grin on her face, with a high five to both of them. T'Pol had actually learned to connect with a palm slap rather than just offer a target to the humans. Reed and Sato now looked to T'Pol, a question in their eyes.
"Sub-commander, if you do not want to-- Reed began.
"I am part of the away team and will fulfill my obligations for the success of the mission." T'Pol took a deep breath. "The both of you have been very helpful. I thank you for the consideration you have shown me."
"Fine. Let's move where the swells are the gentlest. The waves will be no more than chest high to you." The team moved to the area indicated by Reed.
"Be careful."
The two humans watched T'Pol paddle out. Reed nodded quickly to Sato, and they both swam out to be near her without interfering with her surfing. While participants generally surfed alone, Sato had verified that swimming near the surfer was not technically against the rules. Both officers had spent some time body surfing, so they could handle the swells T'Pol would meet.
T'Pol paddled out and caught her first wave. Too mushy, as Reed would say. She knew she had to do better. She went again, drifting toward the larger swells and caught a small, but hollow wave. She was in a low crouch when she wiped out. She quickly grabbed for the board and waved to her companions to indicate she was unharmed. She got on the board again determined to perform the necessary maneuvers.
T'Pol drifted into an area that had even bigger swells, but her attention was focused on finding the peak to catch the incoming wave. The Vulcan's hearing could barely recognize her name being shouted as she got up from crouching position. She rode the wave for a mere second before the wall of water above her head came crashing down.
Reed immediately went after her, but the Vulcan was in an actual panic when he reached her. T'Pol brought her hands around Reed's neck, not realizing that she was holding too tightly and not allowing him to breath. Sato soon arrived and was shouting at her in Vulcan. The words finally registered and she moved her hands onto Reed's shoulders, allowing Reed to take a large lungful of air. Sato had reached their side now and together they swam to the beach.
The two humans collapsed on the sand and T'Pol immediately went to Reed, checking his vital signs and taking note of the bruises she had left on his neck. She was still speaking in Vulcan.
"She's apologizing, Malcolm." Hoshi put her right arm around T'Pol who did not shrug off her contact. Instead she looked at the young Ensign and tried to recover her English.
"Ensign, I could have killed Lieutenant Reed if you had not intervened." T'Pol looked completely drained. Hoshi reached out to Malcolm with her other hand, quickly inspecting the bruises.
"Actually, Malcolm, the bruises look like some pretty nice hickies. Trip's going to wonder what kind of action you've been getting on this mission," Hoshi said, clearly relieved that their Armory Officer would survive yet another injury.
Malcolm burst out with a rasping laugh at Hoshi's comments and brought himself up onto his elbows. He lost his balance again when Hoshi gave him a strong embrace, whispering, "Thank God you're alright, Malcolm!"
Malcolm returned her embrace as best he could and brought himself into sitting position. He was surprised to feel another touch on his left shoulder. He looked into the eyes of the Vulcan.
"The blame for the failure of this mission is all mine, Lieutenant. Ensign, I believe you would have earned family status if I had not been a member of the away team. You have worked diligently in helping me. I thank both of you for your assistance in the water."
"No one gets left behind, T'Pol," said Hoshi as she released Malcolm from her embrace to put her right hand atop T'Pol's where she touched the Lieutenant on the shoulder. "And the idea behind the Orphan Family is bringing individuals who stand alone together into one unit. I FEEL closer to you after our experience here. I'm sure Malcolm would echo that."
Malcolm nodded and brought his right hand to rest on top of Hoshi's, the three hands together in a universal gesture of solidarity. This is what the Evanai delegates saw. And they smiled.
------
The Starfleet officers were finally clean and dressed for the evening banquet. Despite their failure, the two humans were in good spirits and even T'Pol appeared to be relieved of burden.
T'Pol could logically accept that under specific circumstances, humans could outperform a Vulcan. Reed and Sato had not expressed anger, only relief that she was safe. They had not even expressed much disappointment in their lack of success. Instead T'Pol had heard them debating the merits of how to approach the Solstice competitions the next year. The resilience of humans was something T'Pol was beginning to appreciate. They thrived on hope.
As the leading delegate called out the names of the Orphan Families to be recognized, it came as a surprise to the away team when they heard her call out, "Enterprise."
Reed and Sato looked at T'Pol, smiles appearing on their faces as realization dawned. They had succeeded! Sato put her arms around both her comrades as they stood to receive recognition of family status.
"And who is the head of the Enterprise family," asked the leader. Reed and T'Pol both indicated that Sato should go forward to receive the bracelet that signified clan leader. Reed gave her a gentle shove while T'Pol indicated with a gesture of her hand.
Sato had to ask, although she feared their designation was some error. "Your honor, we did not perform well on our last event. Our last member was unable to handle the waves."
"Yes, but what you did for each other when she faltered, that is how a family should behave. We were not judging on physical performance alone, but on communication. You have a gift for that, young one. Your family will be strong as a result and we will begin discussing this technology you offer us first thing in the morning."
Sato bowed to show her gratitude. "Is there any legal document we are required to provide?"
"We have already taken care of that. In our records you will be the Enterprise family. Sato is the designated leader, your spouse is Reed and your sister bond is T'Pol. Is this not accurate?"
"Well, actually, Reed should be recorded as a brother because--" Sato was interrupted before she could complete her thought.
"Oh, no! No, no, that relationship would be unclean here. We have seen how you and Reed interact." With a sly smile, the Evanai leader continued, "We know you share blankets on the beach at night; my granddaughters have seen you. He could be no designation but spouse."
Sato saw that there was no sense arguing the point, but decided she would keep that little detail about their "family" to herself.
******
No reviews are necessary. Thanks for reading.
Day 6
The Evanais delegates observed the Starfleet officers who had chosen to enter the events under the family name of Enterprise. This was the first time an alien species had been involved in the competition and most of the delegates were quite curious as to how the day would play out.
The two humans, Reed and Sato, appeared to have the same relationship as most spouses on the islands. The two would be seen arguing, then talking quietly, then lying by each other on the beach at night. It was clear the two had a connection. The Evanais wondered why Sato had not introduced Reed as her spouse and only indicated that he was spoken for in terms of marriage. The Evanais decided Reed and Sato were still in their courtship rituals.
The Vulcan, on the other hand, did not fit a normal family role. The delegates assumed T'Pol held the place of sister to one of the humans, but could not determine which one. Both humans appeared to be trying to teach the Vulcan the skills she needed in the competition. It was obvious that the Vulcan was the weakest member in terms of family bond or the desire to form one. The Evanais wondered if the Enterprise crew would actually achieve family status. The events of the day began.
-----
Ensign Hoshi Sato stood in front of Lieutenant Reed and Sub-Commander T'Pol on the stage. They were dressed in loose garments of shiny red with long sleeves. They performed their routine with Sato leading the others with her fluid movements. Reed could only feel relaxation as he executed the familiar hand forms and body movements. He also enjoyed his position behind the young Ensign because it allowed him to watch her graceful body.
T'Pol maintained her synchrony with the humans, but her face did not hold the relaxed features of her colleagues. The routine was brief, just 5 minutes. Soon the officers executed a bow and exited the stage. Sato turned to the delegates to get feedback while the other two waited.
"Well, we impressed them with the synchrony of our movements." Sato tried to be as enthusiastic in her report as possible.
"That's good, isn't it?" offered Reed. He certainly hoped he wasn't wearing the shiny red outfit for nothing. T'Pol merely stood silently.
"Yes, but they wanted to see more of a connection among us. I'm not sure what they want exactly. Anyway, since the volleyball is a team sport, there should be ample opportunity to show the delegation our good teamwork."
The officers nodded and prepared for the next event.
------
"What do you have us wearing now?" asked Reed as Sato threw him a t-shirt and shorts. These, too, were red and had a name written on the back of the shirt in white letters.
Reed looked at his, then shot Sato a glance of pure murder. "Cabana Boy!"
"Don't worry, no one here will read English. It's customary to have a nickname when you play the game. I'm Cricket," said Sato waving her shirt in a taunting manner at Reed with her name showing.
Reed just rolled his eyes. He had shot her his best glare and she had ignored it completely. It appeared that someone needed another dunking in the ocean. That thought eased his mood.
Sub-commander T'Pol opened her shirt to read the nickname the young Ensign had selected for her. "Spike. That is not a proper name."
"Trade you. It's better than Cabana Boy," said Reed, his words being muffled as he took off his shiny red shirt to put on the t-shirt.
"Spike is not an uncommon nickname for humans and don't listen to Malcolm. I personally know he likes being referred to as Cabana Boy," said Sato, purring the last part of her statement at Reed and laughing softly when he blushed. Really, for such a tough guy he was the easiest man to embarrass.
"I'll go change in the other room. See you outside, Cricket. Spike."
-----
The Starfleet officers took to the court that was demarcated in the sand. They were required to play three games against the same opponent to show their solidarity as a family. Unlike the game on Earth, this game ended when the first team scored five points.
Reed's native competitiveness made him fervently wish that some luck would be on their side. He didn't look forward to losing all three games. He noticed that Sato also had a competitive streak in her. T'Pol just looked as if she wanted to end the day now. Odd how subtle changes in the Vulcan's features would betray her less than calm demeanor.
The first game was horrible. The first time Sato set up the ball, it had bounced off of T'Pol's head toward the backcourt. Only Reed's quick movements to send the volley over the net had saved the play, but the Enterprise team did not recover fast enough to prevent the score. They were soon down three to nothing.
T'Pol was beginning to find her groove, however. She finally managed a great spike into the opposing court that scored their first point after Reed's serve. Reed and Sato's hands met in a high five and turned immediately to offer the Vulcan the same accolade. Instead both officers wound up slapping the Vulcan on either cheek as she stood there unaware they had expected her to put her hands up as well.
The humans cringed at their mistake, apologized profusely to the Vulcan, then set up for Reed's next serve. This time he was able to score a point off of the serve. His next serve was returned, however, and the game was soon over with a five to two score.
"Okay, I think we've learned something here. Let's just keep working as a team. Malcolm, if we get the first serve I want you to start the rotation. And T'Pol, just put your hands up as a target so that we don't slap you again in our exuberance if you happen to score, okay? Water, I need water!"
-----
The second game gave the crew an advantage as the Enterprise team got the first serve. Reed had finally mastered his technique and quickly scored three points in rapid succession. Of course, it helped that every time he scored Sato would jump in delight and run to give him a big hug. She certainly knew how to keep her teammates motivated!
The opposing team was able to score twice on them, but T'Pol was getting her groove with the spiking and soon added the two points that won the game. The Vulcan quickly threw her hands palm out in front of her face as her ecstatic colleagues gave her a high five. This time they executed the salute without slapping the Vulcan silly.
Sato then threw away all decorum to jump on top of Reed's back singing, "We are the champions, no time for losers..." while waving her arms with fists clenched. Reed didn't seem to mind as he joined in her off-key wailing.
"Okay, you can put me down now, Malcolm." Hoshi slid off of her colleague's back still flush with victory. Now what was it they said about transfer of excitation, she thought. Malcolm just kept getting more attractive every day she was with him. She soon got her thoughts under control as she told herself to get a grip and act like the team captain.
"Alright. We've met our goal of getting at least one win, so this last game should be nice and relaxed. We don't have to worry about proving anything, just enjoy the game." Sato stopped abruptly when she saw Reed standing with his arms across his chest.
"Oh, who am I kidding? I WANT TO WIN ANOTHER ONE, YOU GOT THAT! Now let's get out there and KICK BUTT! Water, where's the water?"
-----
Their third game became a pendulum for exchanging points, but the Enterprise crew now demonstrated the teamwork that typically reflected their endeavors. Reed remained in the backcourt while Sato appeared to be everywhere at once. T'Pol generally stepped aside to let her colleague set up the ball, reluctant to just spike the ball on her own.
The Vulcan did have an exchange at the net with a strong opposing player, both participants trying to slam the ball back down the other's throat. T'Pol felt a strong sense of satisfaction when she scored on that play.
The game was eventually tied at four points. Once again T'Pol and the opposing player were hammering it out just at the net when suddenly Sato moved in and gave the ball the lightest tap. The ball did a graceful flip over the net and dropped like a deadweight into the sand of the opposing team's court. The players on both teams were stunned to have the very physical game end with the soft touch of the linguist.
Malcolm was soon running to Hoshi, lifting her up and twirling with her. Hoshi was waving both hands over her head, then she did a slow slide down his body and planted a kiss on Malcolm's mouth. Both officers pulled back in stunned silence and immediately turned to T'Pol, not daring to look each other in the eye.
"We did it! That was great, T'Pol. This was won on real teamwork," said Sato as she and Reed patted T'Pol on the back.
"But we did not win with power," said T'Pol. She thought she had understood the nature of the game.
"Sometimes it just takes a little finesse, Sub-commander. And I think you'll agree that our comm officer has plenty of that," said Reed, giving Sato's shoulder a light punch..
"Water! I need water!"
------
"Where's T'Pol?" asked Sato when she came back from the delegates' table after seeing how the Orphan Family had fared after the volleyball games.
"She went to meditate again. The surfing starts in late afternoon, so we have a few hours to recover. You look worried? I thought we did well." Reed reached out a hand to squeeze Sato's shoulder.
The Ensign released a sigh. "We've made progress and shown good teamwork, but it still appears that T'Pol's detachment may be working against us."
"Hoshi, she's a Vulcan. She won't be able to show the emotion we do during the competition. In fact, considering the trouble she's having with surfing, that's probably for the best. Look, you've worked hard. Don't sell yourself short on what you have accomplished even if we fail to gain family status. I'm very proud of your work here," admitted Reed.
"You are?" Sato looked at her superior officer. He was always honest with his assessments of her performance and treated her as an equal in this regard. He would argue with her as readily as he would argue with Trip, but he would also praise her when it was genuinely deserved. He didn't leave her feeling like the little sister one had to humor over the rough spots. To have him say he was actually proud of her made her heart swell. This was another odd feeling to add the new sensations she was experiencing around Reed lately.
"Yes, I am. I think the Captain would have been the only person who could have pulled this off any better. Now, come on. Your cabana boy awaits your command."
------
Lieutenant Reed looked out at the swells, already knowing where he would go to catch the large, hollow waves that would give him the thrill he enjoyed. He thought about the Pipeline of Hawaii and the Cloudbreak of Fiji, both of which he had experienced with his father. The waves here broke just as consistently.
He was the first on his team to ride the waves of this alien planet today and it was a perfect day for the activity. The waves he found were three times his height and he reveled in the ecstasy and isolation he felt as he rode the shoulder.
Sato watched the magnificent male specimen on the waves and knew she needed to rein in her emotions. Reed had made it clear that he was not interested in shipboard romances.
Reed soon met his teammates on the beach and basked in Sato's praises. He was still high from the victories in volleyball and the great surfing. Malcolm thought he'd forget about dunking Hoshi in the ocean tonight. Even T'Pol had noted the pleasure with which the Lieutenant performed his task.
"That was fantastic, Malcolm. I wish I could handle the bigger waves like that," said Sato enthusiastically.
"It's a joy like nothing else. But I expect you to stay with the medium waves as your largest, understood? Let's move down to where those smaller waves are crashing."
The team moved to Sato's spot marked by her surfboard. Cameras gave the Evanai delegates views of the beach, so the team did not have to stay in one area. Sato threw a hasty wave back as she took her surfboard out to enjoy the waves. As she paddled out, she wondered again how family regard could be found in an event such as surfing. What could the Evanais be looking for in an event where individuals performed?
Sato abandoned her thoughts as she caught the waves, the ones she rode came to just above her head. Her first ride was shorter than she liked. The second was shortened with a wipeout, but her last wave was glorious! She rode the shoulder, her hand dipping behind her in the wall of water.
Malcolm thought Hoshi loked like a goddess as he watched her, but soon changed his line of thought. He was here to see to the welfare of his crew, not spend his time mooning over a vision from heaven.
Too soon, Sato was heading back to her companions, a broad grin on her face, with a high five to both of them. T'Pol had actually learned to connect with a palm slap rather than just offer a target to the humans. Reed and Sato now looked to T'Pol, a question in their eyes.
"Sub-commander, if you do not want to-- Reed began.
"I am part of the away team and will fulfill my obligations for the success of the mission." T'Pol took a deep breath. "The both of you have been very helpful. I thank you for the consideration you have shown me."
"Fine. Let's move where the swells are the gentlest. The waves will be no more than chest high to you." The team moved to the area indicated by Reed.
"Be careful."
The two humans watched T'Pol paddle out. Reed nodded quickly to Sato, and they both swam out to be near her without interfering with her surfing. While participants generally surfed alone, Sato had verified that swimming near the surfer was not technically against the rules. Both officers had spent some time body surfing, so they could handle the swells T'Pol would meet.
T'Pol paddled out and caught her first wave. Too mushy, as Reed would say. She knew she had to do better. She went again, drifting toward the larger swells and caught a small, but hollow wave. She was in a low crouch when she wiped out. She quickly grabbed for the board and waved to her companions to indicate she was unharmed. She got on the board again determined to perform the necessary maneuvers.
T'Pol drifted into an area that had even bigger swells, but her attention was focused on finding the peak to catch the incoming wave. The Vulcan's hearing could barely recognize her name being shouted as she got up from crouching position. She rode the wave for a mere second before the wall of water above her head came crashing down.
Reed immediately went after her, but the Vulcan was in an actual panic when he reached her. T'Pol brought her hands around Reed's neck, not realizing that she was holding too tightly and not allowing him to breath. Sato soon arrived and was shouting at her in Vulcan. The words finally registered and she moved her hands onto Reed's shoulders, allowing Reed to take a large lungful of air. Sato had reached their side now and together they swam to the beach.
The two humans collapsed on the sand and T'Pol immediately went to Reed, checking his vital signs and taking note of the bruises she had left on his neck. She was still speaking in Vulcan.
"She's apologizing, Malcolm." Hoshi put her right arm around T'Pol who did not shrug off her contact. Instead she looked at the young Ensign and tried to recover her English.
"Ensign, I could have killed Lieutenant Reed if you had not intervened." T'Pol looked completely drained. Hoshi reached out to Malcolm with her other hand, quickly inspecting the bruises.
"Actually, Malcolm, the bruises look like some pretty nice hickies. Trip's going to wonder what kind of action you've been getting on this mission," Hoshi said, clearly relieved that their Armory Officer would survive yet another injury.
Malcolm burst out with a rasping laugh at Hoshi's comments and brought himself up onto his elbows. He lost his balance again when Hoshi gave him a strong embrace, whispering, "Thank God you're alright, Malcolm!"
Malcolm returned her embrace as best he could and brought himself into sitting position. He was surprised to feel another touch on his left shoulder. He looked into the eyes of the Vulcan.
"The blame for the failure of this mission is all mine, Lieutenant. Ensign, I believe you would have earned family status if I had not been a member of the away team. You have worked diligently in helping me. I thank both of you for your assistance in the water."
"No one gets left behind, T'Pol," said Hoshi as she released Malcolm from her embrace to put her right hand atop T'Pol's where she touched the Lieutenant on the shoulder. "And the idea behind the Orphan Family is bringing individuals who stand alone together into one unit. I FEEL closer to you after our experience here. I'm sure Malcolm would echo that."
Malcolm nodded and brought his right hand to rest on top of Hoshi's, the three hands together in a universal gesture of solidarity. This is what the Evanai delegates saw. And they smiled.
------
The Starfleet officers were finally clean and dressed for the evening banquet. Despite their failure, the two humans were in good spirits and even T'Pol appeared to be relieved of burden.
T'Pol could logically accept that under specific circumstances, humans could outperform a Vulcan. Reed and Sato had not expressed anger, only relief that she was safe. They had not even expressed much disappointment in their lack of success. Instead T'Pol had heard them debating the merits of how to approach the Solstice competitions the next year. The resilience of humans was something T'Pol was beginning to appreciate. They thrived on hope.
As the leading delegate called out the names of the Orphan Families to be recognized, it came as a surprise to the away team when they heard her call out, "Enterprise."
Reed and Sato looked at T'Pol, smiles appearing on their faces as realization dawned. They had succeeded! Sato put her arms around both her comrades as they stood to receive recognition of family status.
"And who is the head of the Enterprise family," asked the leader. Reed and T'Pol both indicated that Sato should go forward to receive the bracelet that signified clan leader. Reed gave her a gentle shove while T'Pol indicated with a gesture of her hand.
Sato had to ask, although she feared their designation was some error. "Your honor, we did not perform well on our last event. Our last member was unable to handle the waves."
"Yes, but what you did for each other when she faltered, that is how a family should behave. We were not judging on physical performance alone, but on communication. You have a gift for that, young one. Your family will be strong as a result and we will begin discussing this technology you offer us first thing in the morning."
Sato bowed to show her gratitude. "Is there any legal document we are required to provide?"
"We have already taken care of that. In our records you will be the Enterprise family. Sato is the designated leader, your spouse is Reed and your sister bond is T'Pol. Is this not accurate?"
"Well, actually, Reed should be recorded as a brother because--" Sato was interrupted before she could complete her thought.
"Oh, no! No, no, that relationship would be unclean here. We have seen how you and Reed interact." With a sly smile, the Evanai leader continued, "We know you share blankets on the beach at night; my granddaughters have seen you. He could be no designation but spouse."
Sato saw that there was no sense arguing the point, but decided she would keep that little detail about their "family" to herself.
******
No reviews are necessary. Thanks for reading.