CONGREGATION & ALTERCATION
~Recreation Hall~
Malcolm sat in his chair and crossed his legs. He tapped his fingers on his thigh as the other clutched the bag of popcorn. The movie was scheduled to start in exactly 3.8 minutes and no Hoshi.
Malcolm uncrossed his legs and began tapping his toe quietly on the floor that provided an odd backbeat to the drumming of his fingers. Who knew the woman could turn him into a human percussion instrument?
He told himself not to fret. Hoshi had not decided that being seen with Malcolm Reed at the movies tonight was a living nightmare. In fact, at this moment she was probably spending extra care on her appearance just to impress--who was he kidding? He released a sigh as another explanation battered his brain. Hoshi had probably forgotten all about their date.
Malcolm's mood was not lightened when he saw three of the MACOs walk in: Hayes, Chang and McKenzie. Instead of taking seats, they each took a position to survey the crowd. Did they think they were fooling anyone with this poor excuse for covering a surveillance training session? He wondered who their target was. He had complaints already of MACOs "stalking" various crewmembers and frankly it was creepy.
The theme music began for the movie and Malcolm's heart sank. He'd been so preoccupied with the MACOs he had forgotten his own dilemma. Stood up. That's all there was to it. He had been stood up. He sat for a few moments as he watched the opening scene unfold, but shook his head. No, it would be too unbearable. He might as well get up and leave.
-----
Trip Tucker walked into the rec room with the intention of checking up on Hoshi and Malcolm's date. It diverted his thoughts from his sister's fate and why the Enterprise was out in the Delphic expanse. He frowned when he saw the MACOs hovering, but then if he wanted payback they were a necessary element. He diverted his thoughts to look for Malcolm and found him sitting alone. Damn! What had the man done to Hoshi this time?
-----
Malcolm finally gave up five minutes into the movie. He rose out of his seat, but then he felt a soft hand on his shoulder. He turned and had sufficient light from the movie screen to see Hoshi Sato.
"Hello, Malcolm. I'm sorry I'm late."
Hoshi kept her eyes averted and waited for him to say something. Knowing how easily Malcolm got flustered around her, she was prepared to forgive the first stumble. The second stumble would earn him a good punch in the shoulder, though.
-----
Liz Cutler arrived at the rec room catching her breath. She had literally run here after returning Porthos to the Captain. She noticed Trip Tucker standing against the wall and moved by him to spy on their two friends. Trip showed his crossed fingers to Liz and she copied the gesture. Would Put-Foot-in-Mouth Reed make an appearance tonight?
-----
Malcolm blinked several times as the thoughts ran through his mind while he gazed upon Hoshi. Something was different. Her hair! Her beautiful long hair had been cut! He caught himself before blurting out, "Oh no, what did you do to your hair?"
-----
Commander Tucker would have been proud, but at the moment merely felt relief. He turned to Liz and whispered, "Well, quiet is better than stupid."
"Unless it's an extended quiet," responded Liz. Trip chucked his tongue in an Aw shucks response.
-----
Malcolm reviewed the situation. He needed to employ just the right tactics or Hoshi would use him as target practice during their next session. Hoshi's hair was still to the tip of her chin and looked rather sleek with the part to the side, all in all a nice effect.
Malcolm cleared his throat and said, "I had no idea you planned on cutting your hair."
-----
Trip groaned softly and closed his eyes, then emitted an oof when Liz elbowed him in the gut.
-----
Malcolm winced as soon as his words were out. "I mean, your hair was--is very lovely, Hoshi. B-but the new look is quite flat, uh, fetching."
"You don't hate it? It wasn't planned and so I was late getting here," said Hoshi with uncertainty.
"A new adventure, a new look. It's only fitting. Why don't we sit down?" Malcolm gestured to the seat.
Trip and Liz released synchronous sighs when their friends took their seats.
-----
Major Hayes leaned against the wall and smirked. Had they just discovered Lieutenant Reed's weak spot? Hayes couldn't decide whether this was a new relationship because Reed and Sato seemed at ease after a brief awkward moment. Perhaps a change in direction in a friendship? He signaled to McKenzie and Chang with a clear indication of their target. He saw their lips quirk in response. It should be an entertaining movie night.
-----
Malcolm was actually enjoying the movie--if only for Hoshi's presence. She had been leaning into him to make quiet comments about the characters. She was wearing a gardenia scent, one of the few flowers he was not allergic to, so he delighted in those little moments. What could go wrong now?
Malcolm suddenly felt the presence at his back, but didn't even stiffen. He was not on duty, he wanted no distractions from Hoshi, and he'd be damned if he let Hayes get a reaction out of him.
Hoshi was whispering something to Malcolm when she looked up to see Major Hayes looming over them. She quietly patted Malcolm's thigh as she whispered her comment. He touched her hand lightly in affirmation. Apparently Malcolm knew who was standing behind them.
Hayes was waiting for Reed to give some sign he had registered his presence. The Major knew he reeked of command, unlike others he could mention with a look over his shoulder at that Engineer. Heaven help us all from rabid Southerners! The Ensign had noted his presence, but Reed still failed to acknowledge him. Reed didn't want his little date ruined, did he?
Just as Hayes was about to tap Reed on the shoulder, he felt his own arm being clasped. He looked down to find a cute brunette at his arm smiling up at him.
"Major Hayes? I don't think we've met. I'm Elizabeth Cutler, exobiologist and field medic." Liz had moved to stand by the man and Tucker was her immediate shadow.
Hayes took the proffered hand the woman extended. The Enterprise had some fine looking women on board. At that point Chang and McKenzie moved to his side.
Liz continued, "Maybe we should go outside to make proper introductions. I don't know the names of your subordinates."
"We're on a training mission, Miss Cutler--"
"Call me Liz."
"As I was saying, Miss Cutler, we're on an exercise, so leave."
"You've got no cause to be rude, Major. Liz was just being friendly," said Tucker as he shoved himself between Liz and Hayes. At that point Liz decided she better contact the Captain.
Malcolm closed his eyes and told himself not to groan. He stood up and turned to face Hayes and Tucker just as the Major responded.
"Friendly? That's been the problem with Starfleet all along, Commander. We don't' need to be friends, we just need some competent people out here."
"I would remind you that this is a recreation hall, so I suggest we quit disrupting the movie." Reed made his statement calmly hoping to prevent Tucker from an outburst. His friend sometimes had trouble reining his emotions and he looked very upset.
"Movies and handholding? You people are wasting your time on making out when you should be training." McKenzie's voice held a bit of venom--or was that jealousy that Hoshi registered in her tone. Sato also stood.
"It keeps us human, Corporal. And the crew of the Enterprise has an excellent record, Major, even by Vulcan standards as you well know." Reed's voice was firm.
"I wouldn't trust any assessment by your Vulcan. She seems little more than a convenience for the Captain." Hayes knew his words were provocative, but wondered how far he could go in testing their tempers. He was attacking the Vulcan, not a human.
To his surprise it was Tucker who responded. "Just what are you implying, Major? T'Pol is a trained scientist, a damn fine officer, and she's become a friend to some of us."
"Yes, your Captain has a reputation for being very friendly with aliens," replied Hayes with a smirk.
This sent Tucker over the edge. Hayes had displayed bad manners to Liz Cutler and now was insulting two close friends. He barely registered Reed's warning when he threw his fist toward Hayes.
Reed tossed the bag of popcorn to Sato and jerked Hayes toward him out of the path of Tucker's fist. Instead Tucker's momentum sent him into Chang who tumbled into McKenzie.
The two MACOs were sent into Reed and Hayes. McKenzie managed to knock Reed's elbow. This in turn sent Reed's fist straight into the Major's face. Hayes immediately responded with a short jab to Reed's stomach, but Sato tripped Hayes before he could strike again.
"What's going on here!" Captain Archer entered the rec room as the movie was halted.
"Sir, we've had a misunderstanding," said Reed quietly with one arm across his abdomen. This was just perfect. He was certain Hoshi would place this into the Date from Hell Chronicles.
"That resulted in a swollen lip?" asked the Captain incredulously as he stared at Hayes.
"A training mission was interrupted by your crew, Captain." Hayes picked himself off the floor and wiped his mouth, still wondering how he had been tripped and by whom. Surely not the little Ensign with Reed?
"And it seemed to have backfired on you."
"Now, Captain, there was some provocation here," said Tucker as he began to take responsibility, but he was hushed by on look from Archer.
"Don't harass my crew, Major. We're all uptight and don't need to be badgered. We're supposed to be working together. Major Hayes, Lieutenant Reed, both of you have set poor examples for your subordinates tonight."
"Yes, sir," said Reed and heard the echo from his colleague.
"Commander Tucker, seeing as you're the senior officer here, escort these men to the brig for tonight."
Reed stood firmly at attention and was matched by Hayes. Both men were thinking about the blemish on their record, but only one was thinking about the dismal failure of the date.
Malcolm turned briefly to Hoshi and said, "I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening, Ensign. Good night."
-----
Hoshi watched Malcolm leave with Major Hayes at his side. No one could have been a better match for step or rigid posture. Tucker walked behind them and Hoshi knew he was feeling responsible for the entire incident. Her Engineer friend had a lot of things still left to work through. Hoshi registered that now Travis had joined the remaining party of Captain Archer, Corporal Chang and McKenzie.
"Major Hayes only acted in self-defense, Captain. He shouldn't be sent to the brig like that, sir," insisted McKenzie with her eyes flashing.
"Mac, simmer down." The quiet warning from Chang did nothing to dissuade his colleague, however. Chang could see the warning signs flaring up. He exchanged a quick glance with the Enterprise helmsman, Travis Mayweather, the only member of the starship crew that he had begun to know. The man seemed concerned about the Ensign at his side as well.
"Captain, Lieutenant Reed did not punch Major Hayes on purpose. These two--oafs--stumbled into him. It was Hayes who made the deliberate blow." Sato was squeezing the popcorn back tightly and the air was compressing making the plastic bag balloon.
Before Archer could say anything, McKenzie continued and made the mistake of shoving Sato's shoulder to make her point.
"The Major would never misread a situation. Unlike your Lieutenant, he's a professional, not some weapons jock who likes to play with toys. Why do you think they sent the MACOs out on this mission?"
That's when the explosion occurred. Mayweather had been anticipating it, and even Archer, having borne the brunt of a Sato rant during the Crossing, expected something, but this was a new one.
BANG!
Sato placed the bag over McKenzie's head and burst it with a sharp rap against the heel of her palm.
The popcorn rained upon the MACO with little rivulets of butter streaming down her face while the fluffy kernels bounced merrily on her head. A few kernels were stubborn and insisted on a slow ride down McKenzie's hair on a sled of butter. All in all, the popcorn appeared jubilant at having escaped the bag and the gaping mouth of a human.
The men stood perfectly still for a moment. This gave Sato time to wipe the butter left on her hand on the shoulders of McKenzie's shirt. Imagine that? Butter did make it better.
"Augh!" McKenzie aimed for Sato, but her blow landed nowhere as Sato quickly twisted the plastic bag around her arm to immobilize the MACO.
"Just a trick I learned from Lieutenant Reed, Corporal," said Sato sternly.
Chang moved immediately to hold McKenzie back from Sato. The comm officer also registered that Mayweather had grabbed her shoulders and was hauling her back, so Sato let go of the bag.
"Ensign Sato!" Archer was clearly perturbed.
"Sir, I fully accept any disciplinary action." Sato stood at attention and reminded Archer of another of his officers.
"Brig." Archer said the one word and turned expecting Sato to follow him.
Mayweather let go of her shoulders and whispered, "I'll clean up the mess here."
Sato nodded her thanks, exchanged a glare with McKenzie, and followed her Captain. She felt much better now.
*****
~Recreation Hall~
Malcolm sat in his chair and crossed his legs. He tapped his fingers on his thigh as the other clutched the bag of popcorn. The movie was scheduled to start in exactly 3.8 minutes and no Hoshi.
Malcolm uncrossed his legs and began tapping his toe quietly on the floor that provided an odd backbeat to the drumming of his fingers. Who knew the woman could turn him into a human percussion instrument?
He told himself not to fret. Hoshi had not decided that being seen with Malcolm Reed at the movies tonight was a living nightmare. In fact, at this moment she was probably spending extra care on her appearance just to impress--who was he kidding? He released a sigh as another explanation battered his brain. Hoshi had probably forgotten all about their date.
Malcolm's mood was not lightened when he saw three of the MACOs walk in: Hayes, Chang and McKenzie. Instead of taking seats, they each took a position to survey the crowd. Did they think they were fooling anyone with this poor excuse for covering a surveillance training session? He wondered who their target was. He had complaints already of MACOs "stalking" various crewmembers and frankly it was creepy.
The theme music began for the movie and Malcolm's heart sank. He'd been so preoccupied with the MACOs he had forgotten his own dilemma. Stood up. That's all there was to it. He had been stood up. He sat for a few moments as he watched the opening scene unfold, but shook his head. No, it would be too unbearable. He might as well get up and leave.
-----
Trip Tucker walked into the rec room with the intention of checking up on Hoshi and Malcolm's date. It diverted his thoughts from his sister's fate and why the Enterprise was out in the Delphic expanse. He frowned when he saw the MACOs hovering, but then if he wanted payback they were a necessary element. He diverted his thoughts to look for Malcolm and found him sitting alone. Damn! What had the man done to Hoshi this time?
-----
Malcolm finally gave up five minutes into the movie. He rose out of his seat, but then he felt a soft hand on his shoulder. He turned and had sufficient light from the movie screen to see Hoshi Sato.
"Hello, Malcolm. I'm sorry I'm late."
Hoshi kept her eyes averted and waited for him to say something. Knowing how easily Malcolm got flustered around her, she was prepared to forgive the first stumble. The second stumble would earn him a good punch in the shoulder, though.
-----
Liz Cutler arrived at the rec room catching her breath. She had literally run here after returning Porthos to the Captain. She noticed Trip Tucker standing against the wall and moved by him to spy on their two friends. Trip showed his crossed fingers to Liz and she copied the gesture. Would Put-Foot-in-Mouth Reed make an appearance tonight?
-----
Malcolm blinked several times as the thoughts ran through his mind while he gazed upon Hoshi. Something was different. Her hair! Her beautiful long hair had been cut! He caught himself before blurting out, "Oh no, what did you do to your hair?"
-----
Commander Tucker would have been proud, but at the moment merely felt relief. He turned to Liz and whispered, "Well, quiet is better than stupid."
"Unless it's an extended quiet," responded Liz. Trip chucked his tongue in an Aw shucks response.
-----
Malcolm reviewed the situation. He needed to employ just the right tactics or Hoshi would use him as target practice during their next session. Hoshi's hair was still to the tip of her chin and looked rather sleek with the part to the side, all in all a nice effect.
Malcolm cleared his throat and said, "I had no idea you planned on cutting your hair."
-----
Trip groaned softly and closed his eyes, then emitted an oof when Liz elbowed him in the gut.
-----
Malcolm winced as soon as his words were out. "I mean, your hair was--is very lovely, Hoshi. B-but the new look is quite flat, uh, fetching."
"You don't hate it? It wasn't planned and so I was late getting here," said Hoshi with uncertainty.
"A new adventure, a new look. It's only fitting. Why don't we sit down?" Malcolm gestured to the seat.
Trip and Liz released synchronous sighs when their friends took their seats.
-----
Major Hayes leaned against the wall and smirked. Had they just discovered Lieutenant Reed's weak spot? Hayes couldn't decide whether this was a new relationship because Reed and Sato seemed at ease after a brief awkward moment. Perhaps a change in direction in a friendship? He signaled to McKenzie and Chang with a clear indication of their target. He saw their lips quirk in response. It should be an entertaining movie night.
-----
Malcolm was actually enjoying the movie--if only for Hoshi's presence. She had been leaning into him to make quiet comments about the characters. She was wearing a gardenia scent, one of the few flowers he was not allergic to, so he delighted in those little moments. What could go wrong now?
Malcolm suddenly felt the presence at his back, but didn't even stiffen. He was not on duty, he wanted no distractions from Hoshi, and he'd be damned if he let Hayes get a reaction out of him.
Hoshi was whispering something to Malcolm when she looked up to see Major Hayes looming over them. She quietly patted Malcolm's thigh as she whispered her comment. He touched her hand lightly in affirmation. Apparently Malcolm knew who was standing behind them.
Hayes was waiting for Reed to give some sign he had registered his presence. The Major knew he reeked of command, unlike others he could mention with a look over his shoulder at that Engineer. Heaven help us all from rabid Southerners! The Ensign had noted his presence, but Reed still failed to acknowledge him. Reed didn't want his little date ruined, did he?
Just as Hayes was about to tap Reed on the shoulder, he felt his own arm being clasped. He looked down to find a cute brunette at his arm smiling up at him.
"Major Hayes? I don't think we've met. I'm Elizabeth Cutler, exobiologist and field medic." Liz had moved to stand by the man and Tucker was her immediate shadow.
Hayes took the proffered hand the woman extended. The Enterprise had some fine looking women on board. At that point Chang and McKenzie moved to his side.
Liz continued, "Maybe we should go outside to make proper introductions. I don't know the names of your subordinates."
"We're on a training mission, Miss Cutler--"
"Call me Liz."
"As I was saying, Miss Cutler, we're on an exercise, so leave."
"You've got no cause to be rude, Major. Liz was just being friendly," said Tucker as he shoved himself between Liz and Hayes. At that point Liz decided she better contact the Captain.
Malcolm closed his eyes and told himself not to groan. He stood up and turned to face Hayes and Tucker just as the Major responded.
"Friendly? That's been the problem with Starfleet all along, Commander. We don't' need to be friends, we just need some competent people out here."
"I would remind you that this is a recreation hall, so I suggest we quit disrupting the movie." Reed made his statement calmly hoping to prevent Tucker from an outburst. His friend sometimes had trouble reining his emotions and he looked very upset.
"Movies and handholding? You people are wasting your time on making out when you should be training." McKenzie's voice held a bit of venom--or was that jealousy that Hoshi registered in her tone. Sato also stood.
"It keeps us human, Corporal. And the crew of the Enterprise has an excellent record, Major, even by Vulcan standards as you well know." Reed's voice was firm.
"I wouldn't trust any assessment by your Vulcan. She seems little more than a convenience for the Captain." Hayes knew his words were provocative, but wondered how far he could go in testing their tempers. He was attacking the Vulcan, not a human.
To his surprise it was Tucker who responded. "Just what are you implying, Major? T'Pol is a trained scientist, a damn fine officer, and she's become a friend to some of us."
"Yes, your Captain has a reputation for being very friendly with aliens," replied Hayes with a smirk.
This sent Tucker over the edge. Hayes had displayed bad manners to Liz Cutler and now was insulting two close friends. He barely registered Reed's warning when he threw his fist toward Hayes.
Reed tossed the bag of popcorn to Sato and jerked Hayes toward him out of the path of Tucker's fist. Instead Tucker's momentum sent him into Chang who tumbled into McKenzie.
The two MACOs were sent into Reed and Hayes. McKenzie managed to knock Reed's elbow. This in turn sent Reed's fist straight into the Major's face. Hayes immediately responded with a short jab to Reed's stomach, but Sato tripped Hayes before he could strike again.
"What's going on here!" Captain Archer entered the rec room as the movie was halted.
"Sir, we've had a misunderstanding," said Reed quietly with one arm across his abdomen. This was just perfect. He was certain Hoshi would place this into the Date from Hell Chronicles.
"That resulted in a swollen lip?" asked the Captain incredulously as he stared at Hayes.
"A training mission was interrupted by your crew, Captain." Hayes picked himself off the floor and wiped his mouth, still wondering how he had been tripped and by whom. Surely not the little Ensign with Reed?
"And it seemed to have backfired on you."
"Now, Captain, there was some provocation here," said Tucker as he began to take responsibility, but he was hushed by on look from Archer.
"Don't harass my crew, Major. We're all uptight and don't need to be badgered. We're supposed to be working together. Major Hayes, Lieutenant Reed, both of you have set poor examples for your subordinates tonight."
"Yes, sir," said Reed and heard the echo from his colleague.
"Commander Tucker, seeing as you're the senior officer here, escort these men to the brig for tonight."
Reed stood firmly at attention and was matched by Hayes. Both men were thinking about the blemish on their record, but only one was thinking about the dismal failure of the date.
Malcolm turned briefly to Hoshi and said, "I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening, Ensign. Good night."
-----
Hoshi watched Malcolm leave with Major Hayes at his side. No one could have been a better match for step or rigid posture. Tucker walked behind them and Hoshi knew he was feeling responsible for the entire incident. Her Engineer friend had a lot of things still left to work through. Hoshi registered that now Travis had joined the remaining party of Captain Archer, Corporal Chang and McKenzie.
"Major Hayes only acted in self-defense, Captain. He shouldn't be sent to the brig like that, sir," insisted McKenzie with her eyes flashing.
"Mac, simmer down." The quiet warning from Chang did nothing to dissuade his colleague, however. Chang could see the warning signs flaring up. He exchanged a quick glance with the Enterprise helmsman, Travis Mayweather, the only member of the starship crew that he had begun to know. The man seemed concerned about the Ensign at his side as well.
"Captain, Lieutenant Reed did not punch Major Hayes on purpose. These two--oafs--stumbled into him. It was Hayes who made the deliberate blow." Sato was squeezing the popcorn back tightly and the air was compressing making the plastic bag balloon.
Before Archer could say anything, McKenzie continued and made the mistake of shoving Sato's shoulder to make her point.
"The Major would never misread a situation. Unlike your Lieutenant, he's a professional, not some weapons jock who likes to play with toys. Why do you think they sent the MACOs out on this mission?"
That's when the explosion occurred. Mayweather had been anticipating it, and even Archer, having borne the brunt of a Sato rant during the Crossing, expected something, but this was a new one.
BANG!
Sato placed the bag over McKenzie's head and burst it with a sharp rap against the heel of her palm.
The popcorn rained upon the MACO with little rivulets of butter streaming down her face while the fluffy kernels bounced merrily on her head. A few kernels were stubborn and insisted on a slow ride down McKenzie's hair on a sled of butter. All in all, the popcorn appeared jubilant at having escaped the bag and the gaping mouth of a human.
The men stood perfectly still for a moment. This gave Sato time to wipe the butter left on her hand on the shoulders of McKenzie's shirt. Imagine that? Butter did make it better.
"Augh!" McKenzie aimed for Sato, but her blow landed nowhere as Sato quickly twisted the plastic bag around her arm to immobilize the MACO.
"Just a trick I learned from Lieutenant Reed, Corporal," said Sato sternly.
Chang moved immediately to hold McKenzie back from Sato. The comm officer also registered that Mayweather had grabbed her shoulders and was hauling her back, so Sato let go of the bag.
"Ensign Sato!" Archer was clearly perturbed.
"Sir, I fully accept any disciplinary action." Sato stood at attention and reminded Archer of another of his officers.
"Brig." Archer said the one word and turned expecting Sato to follow him.
Mayweather let go of her shoulders and whispered, "I'll clean up the mess here."
Sato nodded her thanks, exchanged a glare with McKenzie, and followed her Captain. She felt much better now.
*****