EXPLANATIONS & LIBERATION
~Mess Hall~
Tucker stood in the mess hall beside the table where Archer sat speaking quietly with T'Pol. For a change, Porthos was in his master's lap with his eyes closed. Trip could almost see the smile on the beagle's face as Jon patted him gently. The Engineer couldn't remember the last time he had seen a sight that had once been so common.
"Cap'n, I need to talk to you."
"All right, but first I need you help me find a way to get my officers, and I'm including Hayes when I say this, out of the brig tonight. T'Pol and I have just been discussing what happened tonight."
"I have suggested that the preponderance of the psychological literature in this area indicates that the two groups of humans in conflict should be made to work toward a common goal." T'Pol's quiet voice for once had a calming effect that Tucker could appreciate. That's what he needed right now.
"Well, that sounds fine, but if you wanna reason to get Malcolm and Hayes out of the brig, then I'm it."
"What do you mean? You weren't involved in the scuffle."
"Cap'n, Hayes was being rude to Liz Cutler. Now I know she's a big girl and all, but--ah HELL!" Trip stood up and turned away from the others for a moment.
"Trip? If you wish for me to leave I will--"
"No, no, T'Pol, you're fine." Trip heaved a big sigh and willed himself to blink away the tears.
The rage was always there, but it was the small things that would set off the grief at the death of his sister. His little sister! "Damn, they even have the same name!"
"Who, Trip?" Archer was confused as he saw Trip bring things under control. Then Jon made the connection: Elizabeth Cutler, Elizabeth Tucker. "Liz Cutler, Elizabeth. She reminds you of your sister."
Trip could only nod at this point. "I don't know why I haven't seen it before. Guess I've actually been avoiding Liz Cutler since..."
The engineer shook his head and put his hands behind his back for a moment. He abruptly took a seat and looked at Archer and T'Pol. "Lizzie was just like Elizabeth Cutler. She's bubbly, energetic, always trying to get the right people together, jumping in to help a friend without thinking."
"So Liz Cutler did what? Who was she helping? I just know she's the one who called me in there," said Archer.
"She was helping Ensign Sato and Lieutenant Reed." T'Pol's voice gave the logical conclusion. Archer had given her all the details as he knew them.
Tucker confirmed it immediately. "Hayes was gonna break up Hoshi and Malcolm's movie night, so Liz steps up to him all friendly-like and he was--just rude. And he kept being rude!"
A weird laugh and sob escaped Trip before he continued. "It was just like the time I took Lizzie to the movies so she could make sure her best friend had a perfect time. Lizzie was fourteen and fretting about Amelia Cantrell's first real date. Lord, those two girls were inseparable!"
Trip could hear the two teenagers giggling together in his mind as he recalled that afternoon. Amelia was asking advice of Lizzie, who of course had never been on a date at the age of fourteen! Trip had seen to that! But Trip had promised his sister he'd go with her to watch them from a distance.
"Anyway, Amelia and Pete went to a movie, but this moron named Tanner began hassling them in line. So Lizzie walks right up to this idiot and just started talking to give them time to get away. But Tanner got rude with my sister. I only allowed one foul word before I decked the guy."
"Did you hit Major Hayes?" asked T'Pol. There was no accusation in her voice as there might have been had Jon asked the question.
"Naw, Malcolm pulled Hayes back just as I realized what I was doing, but I bumped into Chang and McKenzie--and created this whole mess."
"Malcolm never deliberately struck Hayes?" asked Archer.
"No, sir, he was trying to ignore the man until Liz Cutler and I decided to help. Can't explain Hoshi, though. She seemed to get pretty pissed to douse McKenzie with popcorn like she said," Trip admitted.
Archer winced when Porthos snorted at the sound of Hoshi's name. "I think I can understand the circumstances leading to Hoshi's, um, loss of decorum."
"I'll go to the brig--" began Tucker.
"I would suspect that Lieutenant Reed and Major Hayes would both refuse to leave." T'Pol answered the question in their gaze. "I have noticed both men have a capacity to be stubborn. Of course, this seems to be a very common trait among human males."
"So what do we offer them as a penance for getting out?" asked Archer of both Trip and T'Pol.
"They disrupted an evening of relaxation and entertainment. Have them in charge of replacing that evening." T'Pol looked at the humans. "I do not suggest anything elaborate, but all three officers could work on an agenda and see to its implementation. You could include McKenzie for balance. Her incident with Sato was not entirely free of provocation."
Archer suddenly grinned. "I'm not sure what type of entertainment they'll come up with, but even if it's a fight, at least it will be on the agenda."
Archer slapped his leg which startled Porthos. "Come on, let's go release our officers."
"Cap'n, if you don't mind, I think I'll pass. Malcolm didn't want any more help from me tonight." Tucker was sheepish as he said this.
"Fine, take Porthos to my quarters and wait for me. You and I need to have a talk, Trip."
"You bet, Cap'n." Trip sat back, closed his eyes, and felt Porthos relaxing against him. He didn't want to move for just one minute. There was something very soothing about sitting here with the dog--and the Vulcan. One good thing about T'Pol: she in no way reminded him of his sister.
~~~~~
~Brig~
"Is everything settled?" asked Hoshi as Malcolm left Hayes and entered their cell. McKenzie had left only moments before.
"I still have to clear the war games idea with the Captain, but I think he'll see the value of it. After a few rounds we can even split up teams so that the Starfleet Officers can learn to work with the MACOs on procuring the target."
Malcolm sat down beside Hoshi and said earnestly, "Thank you."
"What for? Getting thrown in the brig with you?"
"That level of loyalty is certainly heartwarming, but I meant, thank you for not giving up on me."
"I'm stubborn that way when it comes to my friends," said Hoshi with a quick wink. "But I'm wiped out."
Hoshi stood quickly, stretched her arms up revealing that enchanting naval Malcolm had glimpsed during workouts, and heaved herself onto the top bunk.
"I'd have given you this one if you wanted," said Malcolm as he stretched out on the bottom bunk.
Hoshi poked her head over and said, "I like to be on top."
Damn! The woman knew just what to say to provoke him, thought Malcolm. His more lascivious thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Captain Archer's voice.
"Major Hayes, Lieutenant Reed, Ensign Sato." Archer deactivated the cell blocks. "Step forward."
Sato, Reed and Hayes were soon standing at attention in front of the Captain.
"I reviewed the events of this evening. Regardless of the details, the point here is that the three of you managed to disrupt an evening of recreation for the crew--and I'm including all personnel on board when I say this."
"Sir, Major Hayes and I have discussed a solution to avoid such incidents in the future," began Reed. He noted the quick nod from Hayes at his statement.
"I'll be happy to listen, but first, let me outline a task. You owe the crew a night of recreation. I'll give the three of you and McKenzie three days to work out plans for another evening of R and R. Movies, bingo, I don't care as long as the crew gets some stress relief. You are to see to making all arrangements; no one else does the work, understood?"
"Yes, sir." The phrase was echoed as the officers agreed.
"Now what's this solution you've come up with?" asked Archer.
"It has to do with war games competitions, Captain." Hayes was expecting Archer to be reluctant, but the Captain smiled and nodded his head.
Reed added, "Major Hayes and I need to work out the details, but we'd be ready to meet with you tomorrow before lunch."
"Very well, let's discuss it then. For the moment, I want this brig empty and everyone to their assigned quarters. Good night."
~~~~~
~Sato's Quarters~
Hoshi and Malcolm walked down the corridor toward her quarters without speaking. It wasn't an awkward silence driven by fear of saying the wrong thing. It certainly wasn't one of cold displeasure. It was the golden silence of having found peace and neither one wanted to disturb this unspoken communion. But the two finally arrived at their destination and Malcolm followed Hoshi into her quarters automatically.
"You know, this is all I wanted out of the evening, to be able to walk you back to your quarters," admitted Malcolm with that sudden shyness that could be so endearing.
Malcolm was standing just inside her room, so Hoshi moved slowly in front of him, but kept her body just out of touch. She looked directly into his eyes and deliberately placed her hands against the wall to trap his body between her arms. Then she whispered, "You didn't intend to seduce me?"
Malcolm could feel the heat radiating from her body through the short distance that separated them. He admitted in a husky voice, "Oh, I wanted to kiss you. I've been wanting to for a long time now."
"I see," said Hoshi as she brought her mouth close to his, but again just out of reach. "You're a very patient man, Malcolm."
He felt her soft breath against his face as she spoke and closed his eyes as the shiver washed through him. The woman could make words be as effective as a caress. Then he felt her lips against his ear lobe as she added, "Patience should be rewarded, wouldn't you agree?"
Malcolm stood perfectly still as he felt Hoshi slowly and deliberately lean her body into his. He felt the contact of her breasts as she leaned into his torso. He felt her slowly adjust her stance so that her legs straddled his thigh. She increased the intimacy of the pressure deliciously as she brought one hand behind his head just before she moved in for a tender, longing kiss.
She offered him comfort, sanity, faith. She offered him a future free from loneliness. She offered herself so completely in that one moment that he lost the sense of any boundaries between them and felt only a union.
After Hoshi released him, she whispered, "Remember that at the end of all of this, you're mine, Malcolm Reed."
Malcolm brought his arm around her back to prevent her from moving away from him. He used his right hand to tilt her chin up as he brought his mouth onto hers again while their bodies were still molded to each other. His hands moved down her back to cup her against him as they explored each other for this one moment longer. He felt her mouth open in welcome, once again offering herself freely and this time he didn't hesitate to match her response.
Malcolm finally pulled away from Hoshi as both had to catch their breath. They held each other tightly for a moment and just listened to the heartbeat. They had to have faith that one day the time would be right for them.
He touched her face and said before he left, "Remember, Hoshi Sato, I intend to claim what's mine."
As Malcolm walked to his quarters, he knew he could trust Hoshi to keep his heart.
*****
Author Notes:
This was written prior to the Season 3 premiere. This fic developed into a WIP on the R/S forum of LD as readers responded to questions about direction on the plot. Special thanks to javafreak for her faithful comments, and others who helped direct the story (i.e., chopsticks, kylar and other R/Sers!). 24 pages, written August 17, 2003, and posted at LD.
Thanks for reading. No reviews are necessary.
~Mess Hall~
Tucker stood in the mess hall beside the table where Archer sat speaking quietly with T'Pol. For a change, Porthos was in his master's lap with his eyes closed. Trip could almost see the smile on the beagle's face as Jon patted him gently. The Engineer couldn't remember the last time he had seen a sight that had once been so common.
"Cap'n, I need to talk to you."
"All right, but first I need you help me find a way to get my officers, and I'm including Hayes when I say this, out of the brig tonight. T'Pol and I have just been discussing what happened tonight."
"I have suggested that the preponderance of the psychological literature in this area indicates that the two groups of humans in conflict should be made to work toward a common goal." T'Pol's quiet voice for once had a calming effect that Tucker could appreciate. That's what he needed right now.
"Well, that sounds fine, but if you wanna reason to get Malcolm and Hayes out of the brig, then I'm it."
"What do you mean? You weren't involved in the scuffle."
"Cap'n, Hayes was being rude to Liz Cutler. Now I know she's a big girl and all, but--ah HELL!" Trip stood up and turned away from the others for a moment.
"Trip? If you wish for me to leave I will--"
"No, no, T'Pol, you're fine." Trip heaved a big sigh and willed himself to blink away the tears.
The rage was always there, but it was the small things that would set off the grief at the death of his sister. His little sister! "Damn, they even have the same name!"
"Who, Trip?" Archer was confused as he saw Trip bring things under control. Then Jon made the connection: Elizabeth Cutler, Elizabeth Tucker. "Liz Cutler, Elizabeth. She reminds you of your sister."
Trip could only nod at this point. "I don't know why I haven't seen it before. Guess I've actually been avoiding Liz Cutler since..."
The engineer shook his head and put his hands behind his back for a moment. He abruptly took a seat and looked at Archer and T'Pol. "Lizzie was just like Elizabeth Cutler. She's bubbly, energetic, always trying to get the right people together, jumping in to help a friend without thinking."
"So Liz Cutler did what? Who was she helping? I just know she's the one who called me in there," said Archer.
"She was helping Ensign Sato and Lieutenant Reed." T'Pol's voice gave the logical conclusion. Archer had given her all the details as he knew them.
Tucker confirmed it immediately. "Hayes was gonna break up Hoshi and Malcolm's movie night, so Liz steps up to him all friendly-like and he was--just rude. And he kept being rude!"
A weird laugh and sob escaped Trip before he continued. "It was just like the time I took Lizzie to the movies so she could make sure her best friend had a perfect time. Lizzie was fourteen and fretting about Amelia Cantrell's first real date. Lord, those two girls were inseparable!"
Trip could hear the two teenagers giggling together in his mind as he recalled that afternoon. Amelia was asking advice of Lizzie, who of course had never been on a date at the age of fourteen! Trip had seen to that! But Trip had promised his sister he'd go with her to watch them from a distance.
"Anyway, Amelia and Pete went to a movie, but this moron named Tanner began hassling them in line. So Lizzie walks right up to this idiot and just started talking to give them time to get away. But Tanner got rude with my sister. I only allowed one foul word before I decked the guy."
"Did you hit Major Hayes?" asked T'Pol. There was no accusation in her voice as there might have been had Jon asked the question.
"Naw, Malcolm pulled Hayes back just as I realized what I was doing, but I bumped into Chang and McKenzie--and created this whole mess."
"Malcolm never deliberately struck Hayes?" asked Archer.
"No, sir, he was trying to ignore the man until Liz Cutler and I decided to help. Can't explain Hoshi, though. She seemed to get pretty pissed to douse McKenzie with popcorn like she said," Trip admitted.
Archer winced when Porthos snorted at the sound of Hoshi's name. "I think I can understand the circumstances leading to Hoshi's, um, loss of decorum."
"I'll go to the brig--" began Tucker.
"I would suspect that Lieutenant Reed and Major Hayes would both refuse to leave." T'Pol answered the question in their gaze. "I have noticed both men have a capacity to be stubborn. Of course, this seems to be a very common trait among human males."
"So what do we offer them as a penance for getting out?" asked Archer of both Trip and T'Pol.
"They disrupted an evening of relaxation and entertainment. Have them in charge of replacing that evening." T'Pol looked at the humans. "I do not suggest anything elaborate, but all three officers could work on an agenda and see to its implementation. You could include McKenzie for balance. Her incident with Sato was not entirely free of provocation."
Archer suddenly grinned. "I'm not sure what type of entertainment they'll come up with, but even if it's a fight, at least it will be on the agenda."
Archer slapped his leg which startled Porthos. "Come on, let's go release our officers."
"Cap'n, if you don't mind, I think I'll pass. Malcolm didn't want any more help from me tonight." Tucker was sheepish as he said this.
"Fine, take Porthos to my quarters and wait for me. You and I need to have a talk, Trip."
"You bet, Cap'n." Trip sat back, closed his eyes, and felt Porthos relaxing against him. He didn't want to move for just one minute. There was something very soothing about sitting here with the dog--and the Vulcan. One good thing about T'Pol: she in no way reminded him of his sister.
~~~~~
~Brig~
"Is everything settled?" asked Hoshi as Malcolm left Hayes and entered their cell. McKenzie had left only moments before.
"I still have to clear the war games idea with the Captain, but I think he'll see the value of it. After a few rounds we can even split up teams so that the Starfleet Officers can learn to work with the MACOs on procuring the target."
Malcolm sat down beside Hoshi and said earnestly, "Thank you."
"What for? Getting thrown in the brig with you?"
"That level of loyalty is certainly heartwarming, but I meant, thank you for not giving up on me."
"I'm stubborn that way when it comes to my friends," said Hoshi with a quick wink. "But I'm wiped out."
Hoshi stood quickly, stretched her arms up revealing that enchanting naval Malcolm had glimpsed during workouts, and heaved herself onto the top bunk.
"I'd have given you this one if you wanted," said Malcolm as he stretched out on the bottom bunk.
Hoshi poked her head over and said, "I like to be on top."
Damn! The woman knew just what to say to provoke him, thought Malcolm. His more lascivious thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Captain Archer's voice.
"Major Hayes, Lieutenant Reed, Ensign Sato." Archer deactivated the cell blocks. "Step forward."
Sato, Reed and Hayes were soon standing at attention in front of the Captain.
"I reviewed the events of this evening. Regardless of the details, the point here is that the three of you managed to disrupt an evening of recreation for the crew--and I'm including all personnel on board when I say this."
"Sir, Major Hayes and I have discussed a solution to avoid such incidents in the future," began Reed. He noted the quick nod from Hayes at his statement.
"I'll be happy to listen, but first, let me outline a task. You owe the crew a night of recreation. I'll give the three of you and McKenzie three days to work out plans for another evening of R and R. Movies, bingo, I don't care as long as the crew gets some stress relief. You are to see to making all arrangements; no one else does the work, understood?"
"Yes, sir." The phrase was echoed as the officers agreed.
"Now what's this solution you've come up with?" asked Archer.
"It has to do with war games competitions, Captain." Hayes was expecting Archer to be reluctant, but the Captain smiled and nodded his head.
Reed added, "Major Hayes and I need to work out the details, but we'd be ready to meet with you tomorrow before lunch."
"Very well, let's discuss it then. For the moment, I want this brig empty and everyone to their assigned quarters. Good night."
~~~~~
~Sato's Quarters~
Hoshi and Malcolm walked down the corridor toward her quarters without speaking. It wasn't an awkward silence driven by fear of saying the wrong thing. It certainly wasn't one of cold displeasure. It was the golden silence of having found peace and neither one wanted to disturb this unspoken communion. But the two finally arrived at their destination and Malcolm followed Hoshi into her quarters automatically.
"You know, this is all I wanted out of the evening, to be able to walk you back to your quarters," admitted Malcolm with that sudden shyness that could be so endearing.
Malcolm was standing just inside her room, so Hoshi moved slowly in front of him, but kept her body just out of touch. She looked directly into his eyes and deliberately placed her hands against the wall to trap his body between her arms. Then she whispered, "You didn't intend to seduce me?"
Malcolm could feel the heat radiating from her body through the short distance that separated them. He admitted in a husky voice, "Oh, I wanted to kiss you. I've been wanting to for a long time now."
"I see," said Hoshi as she brought her mouth close to his, but again just out of reach. "You're a very patient man, Malcolm."
He felt her soft breath against his face as she spoke and closed his eyes as the shiver washed through him. The woman could make words be as effective as a caress. Then he felt her lips against his ear lobe as she added, "Patience should be rewarded, wouldn't you agree?"
Malcolm stood perfectly still as he felt Hoshi slowly and deliberately lean her body into his. He felt the contact of her breasts as she leaned into his torso. He felt her slowly adjust her stance so that her legs straddled his thigh. She increased the intimacy of the pressure deliciously as she brought one hand behind his head just before she moved in for a tender, longing kiss.
She offered him comfort, sanity, faith. She offered him a future free from loneliness. She offered herself so completely in that one moment that he lost the sense of any boundaries between them and felt only a union.
After Hoshi released him, she whispered, "Remember that at the end of all of this, you're mine, Malcolm Reed."
Malcolm brought his arm around her back to prevent her from moving away from him. He used his right hand to tilt her chin up as he brought his mouth onto hers again while their bodies were still molded to each other. His hands moved down her back to cup her against him as they explored each other for this one moment longer. He felt her mouth open in welcome, once again offering herself freely and this time he didn't hesitate to match her response.
Malcolm finally pulled away from Hoshi as both had to catch their breath. They held each other tightly for a moment and just listened to the heartbeat. They had to have faith that one day the time would be right for them.
He touched her face and said before he left, "Remember, Hoshi Sato, I intend to claim what's mine."
As Malcolm walked to his quarters, he knew he could trust Hoshi to keep his heart.
*****
Author Notes:
This was written prior to the Season 3 premiere. This fic developed into a WIP on the R/S forum of LD as readers responded to questions about direction on the plot. Special thanks to javafreak for her faithful comments, and others who helped direct the story (i.e., chopsticks, kylar and other R/Sers!). 24 pages, written August 17, 2003, and posted at LD.
Thanks for reading. No reviews are necessary.