Mentem Mortalia Tangunt
By Thalia Drogna
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, I'm just borrowing them.
Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far!
*************************************************
Chapter 3
Trip had made his way back to Engineering. He still felt too warm but was putting it down to the stress of everything that had happened. He couldn't get it out of his head that the poison had been meant for the Captain. Okay, the two of them weren't quite as close as they had been before Enterprise moved into the Expanse, but Archer was still his best friend. Trip could imagine how he would have felt if the Captain had become sick. Then he thought, except now its me that might be sick. He pulled the zipper on his uniform down so that it exposed more of his undershirt. I really need to check the environmental controls when I get a moment he thought. He ignored the small voice in the back of his head which was telling him that no one else was getting too warm.
"Damn Vulcan," he muttered to himself as he started work on some relays that had been playing up recently. "Why can't she keep her opinions to herself?" Although he knew that to be honest he wasn't really cross with T'Pol, he was taking out his anger on her because he was frustrated that there was nothing he could do until Phlox had completed his tests. Engines he could fix, biology was something else, something that he'd never been able to get a grip on. Machines were predictable, they did what they were programmed to. Biology was unreliable and mysterious as far as Trip was concerned.
He felt a twinge in his side and winced. Must have been working-out too hard last night he thought, then he remembered that he hadn't been able to get to the gym for days. It's just a twinge, he thought, now this poison thing has me worrying about every little ache. He wiped sweat off his forehead with his sleeve and in the process dropped the hydro spanner he'd been using. He cursed loudly, causing a couple of Ensigns near by to look in his direction. Now I'm just being plain clumsy, he thought, my mind's not concentrating on what I'm doing. He picked up the spanner, tried to forget about everything else and concentrated on adjusting the relays.
"Phlox to Commander Tucker," said the com.
"Tucker here, go ahead Doc," said Trip.
"I have completed your test results, Commander, could you come down to sick bay?"
Trip checked the chronometer in Engineering, it was 2200 and he'd completely lost track of time. "I'll be there as soon as I've finished this relay," said Trip.
"I would prefer it if you came as soon as possible," said Phlox.
"Not good, huh Doc?" said Trip, with a sinking feeling in his stomach.
"I'll tell you when you get here, Mr Tucker. Phlox out."
Trip arrived in sick bay to be greeted by Phlox and Archer conversing while looking at the screens above the scanner.
"Ah Commander," said Phlox cheerfully. Trip couldn't decide whether it was false joviality or if the doctor really was pleased to see him. He suspected the doctor was trying to put him at ease but it wasn't working.
"Come on, spit it out. You've brought the Captain down here so I know it can't be good," said Trip.
"Actually, I asked the doctor if he wouldn't mind," said Archer. "He hasn't told me anything that you don't know already. So if you don't want me to hear this, then I can leave."
"I guess you're going to get a report from Phlox on it at some point, it might as well be now," said Trip in a resigned tone.
"Perhaps you would like to take a seat, Commander?" said Phlox.
"I'll stand thanks. Come on Doc, what's the verdict?" asked Trip, in a no nonsense tone.
"The poison is attacking your central nervous system, Commander," said Phlox, suddenly much less jovial than he had been and now looking very serious. "At the current rate, I would say you have approximately 24 hours until the damage it is doing is enough to kill you."
The colour drained out of Trip. "And before it kills me?" he said in a worried tone.
"You will most likely suffer a loss of motor control, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision and inability to regulate your body's temperature," said Phlox. Archer shot Phlox a glance at that point. "Other than that I can't say. This toxin is completely new to me and I haven't been able to find any studies which relate to it."
"Is there anything you can do for Trip?" asked Archer.
"I have taken samples of Commander Tucker's blood containing the toxin. I shall be doing my best to find a cure, however in the mean time I can give the Commander various medications to help with any discomfort and the other symptoms."
"And what are the chances that you will find a cure, before, you know." said Trip, trailing off, not wanting to say the words out loud.
"I will do my best, Commander," replied Phlox inexpertly dodging the question.
"Awe come on Doc, just tell me the truth," said Trip, getting angry.
"I will enlist the Sub-commander's help, but you wanted the truth. Poisons are notoriously difficult to treat and without a sample of the poison in its pure form, finding the antidote is like the proverbial needle in the haystack. I'm sorry Commander," finished Phlox.
"I see," said Trip. He hung his head and leant on a biobed, gathering his thoughts.
"Trip, we'll do everything we can," said Archer putting his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"There's nothing to be done, Captain." Trip sighed and visibly collected himself. "Anyway, I've got work to do. I might as well use what time I've got to work on the engines."
"Commander, I would be happier if you remained in Sick Bay," said Phlox.
"I'm sorry Doc, but no," said Trip, "no way am I spending my last 24 hours in sick bay!" He raised his voice in anger.
"Okay, Trip," said Archer, trying to calm his friend. "Doctor, Trip will report to you if he needs you." He turned to Trip, "and if I find that you haven't reported to the doctor then you will have to answer to me. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," said Trip.
Phlox nodded. "Very well, you don't have to stay, but if you need pain relief then I will be ready with a hypospray."
Trip was calm again at hearing he wasn't going to be kept in sick bay. He nodded. "Sorry I snapped Doc," said Trip.
"It's perfectly understandable, Commander," said Phlox.
"Come on, Trip," said Archer. "I'll walk with you to Engineering." Trip nodded and the two officers left sick bay together.
"Phlox to T'Pol," said Phlox into the com unit after his patient had left.
"Yes, doctor," replied T'Pol from the science lab.
"Have you made any progress with your analysis?" he asked.
"I have not. It is as we thought, the alcohol content of the wine has denatured the protein of the toxin. It is no longer pure. Without a pure sample we are unable to design an antidote," said T'Pol.
"I am well aware of that, Sub-commander," said Phlox. "I suggest you bring your research to sick bay and we will compare results, maybe if we combine the blood test results with your findings we can find a solution."
"I highly doubt that will produce more accurate findings, Doctor," said T'Pol.
"Please, Sub-commander, just humour me," said Phlox.
"If that is what you wish, Doctor. I am on my way. T'Pol out."
Phlox hadn't wanted to admit it, even to himself, but Commander Tucker's condition made him angry. The health of this crew and the prognosis for Commander Tucker were his responsibility, and somehow he felt he had been remiss in his duty to them. He was angry at himself for being unable to do more to find a cure for the Commander. Although Trip could be quite annoying when a patient, Phlox couldn't help but like the human. When he discovered the full nature of the Commander's condition he had felt a deep sadness, something he couldn't afford as a doctor, so he hid his feelings and put on his professional face again. The Commander had taken it surprisingly well, he had seen lesser men crumble with such news, but Commander Tucker was an officer of Enterprise and therefore not a usual human.
****
Archer and Trip walked down the corridor to Engineering. Damn it, thought Archer, what do you say to your best friend who's just been told he's got 24 hours to live. All the words of comfort he could think of sounded flat even to his own ears. He felt so inadequate. Here he was the captain of Earth's first warp five starship and he couldn't even protect his best friend.
"I was thinking about upgrading the inductor coils," said Trip.
Mentally Archer thanked Trip for his choice of topic, it seemed neither of them was ready to talk about the current situation. "Do you think we have enough manpower at the moment?" he asked.
"I think we can do it if I re-arrange the shifts slightly," said Trip. "I'll send you the duty roster and you can let me know what you think. It'll mean we have slightly less people on the main shift but it shouldn't result in any loss in efficiency." Archer was about to answer Trip when suddenly the engineer clutched his stomach and bent over in pain letting out a groan.
"Trip!" said Archer, moving to help.
"I'm okay, Jon," said Trip straightening and waving Archer away. He put out a hand to steady himself against the wall.
"Trip, I can't pretend everything is okay when it isn't," said Archer.
"It's only going to get worse," replied Trip. "Look, the only way I can deal with this is if I pretend it isn't happening. I'm going to keep working for as long as I can and I need your help on this, Jon. I can't let my staff know what's happening. I'll never get anything done if they keep on asking how I am every five minutes." Trip tried to inject some humour into the situation but it fell flat.
"Okay, Trip, if that's the way you want to do it, I'll play along with you. But you have to promise me that you'll let Phlox help you if you need it."
"Jon, I don't see as how I have much choice. I know I'm only going to get more sick and I'll need all the help I can get. Just don't expect me to like it," said Trip.
"I don't like it either, Trip," said Archer, "but don't go through this alone."
"I'm not," said Trip. "But just give me a bit of space."
"Sure, Trip," said Archer. He looked at his friend. Trip's skin was flushed and beaded with sweat, and Archer couldn't do anything to help him. They reached Engineering.
"I'll see you later, Captain," said Trip.
"Okay Trip, but let me know if you need me."
Trip nodded and headed into Engineering, while Archer made for the bridge.
"Lieutenant," Trip shouted as he stepped through the hatch, "get me today's duty roster." Pain shot through him again and he tried to ignore it. He was too hot and his eyes weren't working properly. They refused to focus completely and it was like looking through a misted glass. He blinked twice and concentrated on clearing his vision. It worked for a bit and he moved towards his station. Come on Trip, he told himself, just stay with it long enough to get through this shift.
****
Archer arrived on the bridge to find Lieutenant Reed looking for him.
"I have Captain Milas waiting for you in your ready room, Captain," said Reed.
"Thanks, Malcolm, I have some hard questions to ask him," said Archer. "Did you complete your questioning of the crew who attended the party?"
"Yes, sir," replied Reed. "No one saw anything useful. Although we are fairly sure that the poison was introduced into the glass just before it was served. According to Captain Milas, none of the Jorgans have admitted to being the one to serve you the poisoned glass. No one had time to poison the glass after you took it or while Commander Tucker had it."
Archer nodded, "thank you Lieutenant, I guess this confirms that I was the target."
Reed nodded his agreement. "Captain?" he asked, hesitantly and then as quietly as he could, "what is Commander Tucker's condition?"
"Not good. The Commander would prefer that as few people as possible know about his condition. Phlox has agreed to let him return to duty for the moment," said Archer.
"I understand, sir," said Reed. He understood alright, Trip was ill, seriously ill, but didn't want people worrying or offering him sympathy. He could be damn stubborn when he wanted to be. Reed had feared the worst when he had seen the Commander earlier but the Captain's comment had just confirmed it.
"Let's talk to the Captain," said Archer. Reed followed Archer into his ready room where the Jorgan captain and his first officer waited for him.
"Captain Archer, you wanted to see us?" asked Milas.
"One of my officers has been poisoned and we traced the source of the poison to a glass of the wine that you brought to my ship. I want to know why and what the poison was," said Archer in a determined voice.
Milas looked worried, and then, was it guilty? Archer found it hard to read the alien. "What aren't you telling us?" he asked, angrily.
"We are not hiding anything from you, Captain," said First Officer Magin.
"Then you won't mind if Lieutenant Reed speaks to the Jorgan crewmen who were acting as stewards at the reception," said Archer.
"Of course not," said Captain Milas. "We have nothing to hide."
The ship rocked underneath them. "What the hell was that?" shouted Reed. Archer left the ready room and ran onto the bridge with Reed following him.
"Travis, report," said Archer.
"Internal sensors say we just lost the port warp nacelle," said Travis. "That can't be correct."
"He's half right," said Reed, looking at his own console's readings. "All sensor readings have been cut to the port nacelle but the nacelle is still there. Engineering should be able to tell us more with their sensors."
"Archer to Engineering, report," said Archer.
"We just lost all our telemetry on the port side, Captain," replied Trip. "Something blew on the nacelle. I'm trying to find out what happened but it might be a while." His voice didn't have quite his usual self-assured tone.
"Okay, Trip, keep me informed," said Archer.
"This can't have been accidental, sir," said Lieutenant Reed. "Internal sensor readings were all green up until the explosion."
"You and I have some things to discuss, Captain" said Archer looking directly at Milas. "I want you to tell me what the hell is going on and why I appear to have a saboteur loose on Enterprise!"
"For some time we have believed that the Xindi placed a spy on our ship," said Milas. "We have had no evidence, but too many things went wrong without explanation. It was too much to be a coincidence."
"I thought you said the Xindi were your enemies. Why would any of your crew act as their spy?" asked Archer.
"Things are not as clear as that between us and the Xindi," said the Jorgan. "There are those amongst us who took the side of the Xindi. Before the war with the Xindi began there was a rebellion on our outer colonies which we managed to put down after a long and bitter war. On some of those colonies the Xindi managed to persuade the local population that the Xindi were in the right and that they should side with the Xindi rather than their fellow Jorgans. The Colonial War was a very shameful one for us. It would have been fairly simple for one of those colonial factions to place a man on board my ship."
"And you allowed this member of your crew to come onto my ship," said Archer in a tone which barely hid his contempt for the way the other captain ran his ship. "Lieutenant Reed, I want you to round up all the Jorgans on Enterprise and escort them back to their own ship."
"With pleasure, sir," said the Armoury officer and left the bridge to get his security team together.
"Tucker to the bridge," said the com.
"Archer here, what's the damage Trip?" He tried to keep his tone light but his thoughts were already thinking about worst case scenarios and contingency plans. There were lots of delicate parts that a saboteur could destroy on a starship and while they were in the Expanse they would have no way to replace them.
"It's bad Captain," said Trip. "Someone planted some explosives on two of the plasma conduits and it took out part of the port nacelle support structure. We're not going anywhere at warp for a while. All my telemetry is acting up as well so until we start repairing the damage I've got no way of knowing what else it may have taken out up there."
"Okay, Trip, do your best," said Archer.
"I always do, Captain," replied Trip and for a moment Archer forgot that his friend was seriously ill. Then he heard a gasp of pain over the com. "Trip?" he asked.
"It's okay, Captain, just not looking what I'm doing, Tucker out." replied Trip. Archer knew very well that Trip wasn't the careless type. When working in Engineering, it was too easy to get killed that way. However, what concerned him even more than Trip's illness was the fact the Enterprise was now without warp capability. They were a sitting duck for any alien race which wanted to come by, the only saving grace was that they still had functioning weapons. Although what good the weapons would be without manoeuvrability was anyone's guess.
****
By Thalia Drogna
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, I'm just borrowing them.
Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far!
*************************************************
Chapter 3
Trip had made his way back to Engineering. He still felt too warm but was putting it down to the stress of everything that had happened. He couldn't get it out of his head that the poison had been meant for the Captain. Okay, the two of them weren't quite as close as they had been before Enterprise moved into the Expanse, but Archer was still his best friend. Trip could imagine how he would have felt if the Captain had become sick. Then he thought, except now its me that might be sick. He pulled the zipper on his uniform down so that it exposed more of his undershirt. I really need to check the environmental controls when I get a moment he thought. He ignored the small voice in the back of his head which was telling him that no one else was getting too warm.
"Damn Vulcan," he muttered to himself as he started work on some relays that had been playing up recently. "Why can't she keep her opinions to herself?" Although he knew that to be honest he wasn't really cross with T'Pol, he was taking out his anger on her because he was frustrated that there was nothing he could do until Phlox had completed his tests. Engines he could fix, biology was something else, something that he'd never been able to get a grip on. Machines were predictable, they did what they were programmed to. Biology was unreliable and mysterious as far as Trip was concerned.
He felt a twinge in his side and winced. Must have been working-out too hard last night he thought, then he remembered that he hadn't been able to get to the gym for days. It's just a twinge, he thought, now this poison thing has me worrying about every little ache. He wiped sweat off his forehead with his sleeve and in the process dropped the hydro spanner he'd been using. He cursed loudly, causing a couple of Ensigns near by to look in his direction. Now I'm just being plain clumsy, he thought, my mind's not concentrating on what I'm doing. He picked up the spanner, tried to forget about everything else and concentrated on adjusting the relays.
"Phlox to Commander Tucker," said the com.
"Tucker here, go ahead Doc," said Trip.
"I have completed your test results, Commander, could you come down to sick bay?"
Trip checked the chronometer in Engineering, it was 2200 and he'd completely lost track of time. "I'll be there as soon as I've finished this relay," said Trip.
"I would prefer it if you came as soon as possible," said Phlox.
"Not good, huh Doc?" said Trip, with a sinking feeling in his stomach.
"I'll tell you when you get here, Mr Tucker. Phlox out."
Trip arrived in sick bay to be greeted by Phlox and Archer conversing while looking at the screens above the scanner.
"Ah Commander," said Phlox cheerfully. Trip couldn't decide whether it was false joviality or if the doctor really was pleased to see him. He suspected the doctor was trying to put him at ease but it wasn't working.
"Come on, spit it out. You've brought the Captain down here so I know it can't be good," said Trip.
"Actually, I asked the doctor if he wouldn't mind," said Archer. "He hasn't told me anything that you don't know already. So if you don't want me to hear this, then I can leave."
"I guess you're going to get a report from Phlox on it at some point, it might as well be now," said Trip in a resigned tone.
"Perhaps you would like to take a seat, Commander?" said Phlox.
"I'll stand thanks. Come on Doc, what's the verdict?" asked Trip, in a no nonsense tone.
"The poison is attacking your central nervous system, Commander," said Phlox, suddenly much less jovial than he had been and now looking very serious. "At the current rate, I would say you have approximately 24 hours until the damage it is doing is enough to kill you."
The colour drained out of Trip. "And before it kills me?" he said in a worried tone.
"You will most likely suffer a loss of motor control, dizziness, headaches, blurred vision and inability to regulate your body's temperature," said Phlox. Archer shot Phlox a glance at that point. "Other than that I can't say. This toxin is completely new to me and I haven't been able to find any studies which relate to it."
"Is there anything you can do for Trip?" asked Archer.
"I have taken samples of Commander Tucker's blood containing the toxin. I shall be doing my best to find a cure, however in the mean time I can give the Commander various medications to help with any discomfort and the other symptoms."
"And what are the chances that you will find a cure, before, you know." said Trip, trailing off, not wanting to say the words out loud.
"I will do my best, Commander," replied Phlox inexpertly dodging the question.
"Awe come on Doc, just tell me the truth," said Trip, getting angry.
"I will enlist the Sub-commander's help, but you wanted the truth. Poisons are notoriously difficult to treat and without a sample of the poison in its pure form, finding the antidote is like the proverbial needle in the haystack. I'm sorry Commander," finished Phlox.
"I see," said Trip. He hung his head and leant on a biobed, gathering his thoughts.
"Trip, we'll do everything we can," said Archer putting his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"There's nothing to be done, Captain." Trip sighed and visibly collected himself. "Anyway, I've got work to do. I might as well use what time I've got to work on the engines."
"Commander, I would be happier if you remained in Sick Bay," said Phlox.
"I'm sorry Doc, but no," said Trip, "no way am I spending my last 24 hours in sick bay!" He raised his voice in anger.
"Okay, Trip," said Archer, trying to calm his friend. "Doctor, Trip will report to you if he needs you." He turned to Trip, "and if I find that you haven't reported to the doctor then you will have to answer to me. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," said Trip.
Phlox nodded. "Very well, you don't have to stay, but if you need pain relief then I will be ready with a hypospray."
Trip was calm again at hearing he wasn't going to be kept in sick bay. He nodded. "Sorry I snapped Doc," said Trip.
"It's perfectly understandable, Commander," said Phlox.
"Come on, Trip," said Archer. "I'll walk with you to Engineering." Trip nodded and the two officers left sick bay together.
"Phlox to T'Pol," said Phlox into the com unit after his patient had left.
"Yes, doctor," replied T'Pol from the science lab.
"Have you made any progress with your analysis?" he asked.
"I have not. It is as we thought, the alcohol content of the wine has denatured the protein of the toxin. It is no longer pure. Without a pure sample we are unable to design an antidote," said T'Pol.
"I am well aware of that, Sub-commander," said Phlox. "I suggest you bring your research to sick bay and we will compare results, maybe if we combine the blood test results with your findings we can find a solution."
"I highly doubt that will produce more accurate findings, Doctor," said T'Pol.
"Please, Sub-commander, just humour me," said Phlox.
"If that is what you wish, Doctor. I am on my way. T'Pol out."
Phlox hadn't wanted to admit it, even to himself, but Commander Tucker's condition made him angry. The health of this crew and the prognosis for Commander Tucker were his responsibility, and somehow he felt he had been remiss in his duty to them. He was angry at himself for being unable to do more to find a cure for the Commander. Although Trip could be quite annoying when a patient, Phlox couldn't help but like the human. When he discovered the full nature of the Commander's condition he had felt a deep sadness, something he couldn't afford as a doctor, so he hid his feelings and put on his professional face again. The Commander had taken it surprisingly well, he had seen lesser men crumble with such news, but Commander Tucker was an officer of Enterprise and therefore not a usual human.
****
Archer and Trip walked down the corridor to Engineering. Damn it, thought Archer, what do you say to your best friend who's just been told he's got 24 hours to live. All the words of comfort he could think of sounded flat even to his own ears. He felt so inadequate. Here he was the captain of Earth's first warp five starship and he couldn't even protect his best friend.
"I was thinking about upgrading the inductor coils," said Trip.
Mentally Archer thanked Trip for his choice of topic, it seemed neither of them was ready to talk about the current situation. "Do you think we have enough manpower at the moment?" he asked.
"I think we can do it if I re-arrange the shifts slightly," said Trip. "I'll send you the duty roster and you can let me know what you think. It'll mean we have slightly less people on the main shift but it shouldn't result in any loss in efficiency." Archer was about to answer Trip when suddenly the engineer clutched his stomach and bent over in pain letting out a groan.
"Trip!" said Archer, moving to help.
"I'm okay, Jon," said Trip straightening and waving Archer away. He put out a hand to steady himself against the wall.
"Trip, I can't pretend everything is okay when it isn't," said Archer.
"It's only going to get worse," replied Trip. "Look, the only way I can deal with this is if I pretend it isn't happening. I'm going to keep working for as long as I can and I need your help on this, Jon. I can't let my staff know what's happening. I'll never get anything done if they keep on asking how I am every five minutes." Trip tried to inject some humour into the situation but it fell flat.
"Okay, Trip, if that's the way you want to do it, I'll play along with you. But you have to promise me that you'll let Phlox help you if you need it."
"Jon, I don't see as how I have much choice. I know I'm only going to get more sick and I'll need all the help I can get. Just don't expect me to like it," said Trip.
"I don't like it either, Trip," said Archer, "but don't go through this alone."
"I'm not," said Trip. "But just give me a bit of space."
"Sure, Trip," said Archer. He looked at his friend. Trip's skin was flushed and beaded with sweat, and Archer couldn't do anything to help him. They reached Engineering.
"I'll see you later, Captain," said Trip.
"Okay Trip, but let me know if you need me."
Trip nodded and headed into Engineering, while Archer made for the bridge.
"Lieutenant," Trip shouted as he stepped through the hatch, "get me today's duty roster." Pain shot through him again and he tried to ignore it. He was too hot and his eyes weren't working properly. They refused to focus completely and it was like looking through a misted glass. He blinked twice and concentrated on clearing his vision. It worked for a bit and he moved towards his station. Come on Trip, he told himself, just stay with it long enough to get through this shift.
****
Archer arrived on the bridge to find Lieutenant Reed looking for him.
"I have Captain Milas waiting for you in your ready room, Captain," said Reed.
"Thanks, Malcolm, I have some hard questions to ask him," said Archer. "Did you complete your questioning of the crew who attended the party?"
"Yes, sir," replied Reed. "No one saw anything useful. Although we are fairly sure that the poison was introduced into the glass just before it was served. According to Captain Milas, none of the Jorgans have admitted to being the one to serve you the poisoned glass. No one had time to poison the glass after you took it or while Commander Tucker had it."
Archer nodded, "thank you Lieutenant, I guess this confirms that I was the target."
Reed nodded his agreement. "Captain?" he asked, hesitantly and then as quietly as he could, "what is Commander Tucker's condition?"
"Not good. The Commander would prefer that as few people as possible know about his condition. Phlox has agreed to let him return to duty for the moment," said Archer.
"I understand, sir," said Reed. He understood alright, Trip was ill, seriously ill, but didn't want people worrying or offering him sympathy. He could be damn stubborn when he wanted to be. Reed had feared the worst when he had seen the Commander earlier but the Captain's comment had just confirmed it.
"Let's talk to the Captain," said Archer. Reed followed Archer into his ready room where the Jorgan captain and his first officer waited for him.
"Captain Archer, you wanted to see us?" asked Milas.
"One of my officers has been poisoned and we traced the source of the poison to a glass of the wine that you brought to my ship. I want to know why and what the poison was," said Archer in a determined voice.
Milas looked worried, and then, was it guilty? Archer found it hard to read the alien. "What aren't you telling us?" he asked, angrily.
"We are not hiding anything from you, Captain," said First Officer Magin.
"Then you won't mind if Lieutenant Reed speaks to the Jorgan crewmen who were acting as stewards at the reception," said Archer.
"Of course not," said Captain Milas. "We have nothing to hide."
The ship rocked underneath them. "What the hell was that?" shouted Reed. Archer left the ready room and ran onto the bridge with Reed following him.
"Travis, report," said Archer.
"Internal sensors say we just lost the port warp nacelle," said Travis. "That can't be correct."
"He's half right," said Reed, looking at his own console's readings. "All sensor readings have been cut to the port nacelle but the nacelle is still there. Engineering should be able to tell us more with their sensors."
"Archer to Engineering, report," said Archer.
"We just lost all our telemetry on the port side, Captain," replied Trip. "Something blew on the nacelle. I'm trying to find out what happened but it might be a while." His voice didn't have quite his usual self-assured tone.
"Okay, Trip, keep me informed," said Archer.
"This can't have been accidental, sir," said Lieutenant Reed. "Internal sensor readings were all green up until the explosion."
"You and I have some things to discuss, Captain" said Archer looking directly at Milas. "I want you to tell me what the hell is going on and why I appear to have a saboteur loose on Enterprise!"
"For some time we have believed that the Xindi placed a spy on our ship," said Milas. "We have had no evidence, but too many things went wrong without explanation. It was too much to be a coincidence."
"I thought you said the Xindi were your enemies. Why would any of your crew act as their spy?" asked Archer.
"Things are not as clear as that between us and the Xindi," said the Jorgan. "There are those amongst us who took the side of the Xindi. Before the war with the Xindi began there was a rebellion on our outer colonies which we managed to put down after a long and bitter war. On some of those colonies the Xindi managed to persuade the local population that the Xindi were in the right and that they should side with the Xindi rather than their fellow Jorgans. The Colonial War was a very shameful one for us. It would have been fairly simple for one of those colonial factions to place a man on board my ship."
"And you allowed this member of your crew to come onto my ship," said Archer in a tone which barely hid his contempt for the way the other captain ran his ship. "Lieutenant Reed, I want you to round up all the Jorgans on Enterprise and escort them back to their own ship."
"With pleasure, sir," said the Armoury officer and left the bridge to get his security team together.
"Tucker to the bridge," said the com.
"Archer here, what's the damage Trip?" He tried to keep his tone light but his thoughts were already thinking about worst case scenarios and contingency plans. There were lots of delicate parts that a saboteur could destroy on a starship and while they were in the Expanse they would have no way to replace them.
"It's bad Captain," said Trip. "Someone planted some explosives on two of the plasma conduits and it took out part of the port nacelle support structure. We're not going anywhere at warp for a while. All my telemetry is acting up as well so until we start repairing the damage I've got no way of knowing what else it may have taken out up there."
"Okay, Trip, do your best," said Archer.
"I always do, Captain," replied Trip and for a moment Archer forgot that his friend was seriously ill. Then he heard a gasp of pain over the com. "Trip?" he asked.
"It's okay, Captain, just not looking what I'm doing, Tucker out." replied Trip. Archer knew very well that Trip wasn't the careless type. When working in Engineering, it was too easy to get killed that way. However, what concerned him even more than Trip's illness was the fact the Enterprise was now without warp capability. They were a sitting duck for any alien race which wanted to come by, the only saving grace was that they still had functioning weapons. Although what good the weapons would be without manoeuvrability was anyone's guess.
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