Chapter Fourteen

"Personal Log, Lieutenant Reed, June 30, 2154. It's been six months since Hoshi confided in Em, telling her about the overseers, Mars colony, and her telepathic abilities. In turn, Em told the senior staff. It made the hair on the back of my neck stand on edge, thinking of the camps and the living conditions, not to mention her father coming home covered in blood. Apparently, I remind her of her father, which would explain her initial attachment to me.

"Captain Archer informed Admiral Forrest about Hoshi's story. The Admiral gave his assurances his adjunct would halt any and all searches for Hoshi's identity. Both senior officials knew there had to be sniffers out there waiting to be triggered and it was decided that all information and logs regarding Daven Five were to be destroyed.

"Although Hoshi lacks a certain sophistication, she has made herself an invaluable member of the crew especially regarding work on the UT. She also settled in quite well with Em.

"Phlox ran several tests on Hoshi, unable to find any anomalies to explain her ability. I was there during her initial exam, yet unable to provide little comfort. She hardly speaks to me anymore, probably because I kicked her out. Well, if she wishes to remain as stubborn as a mule, then so be it. I've got better things to do with my time."

Malcolm shut the computer off in frustration and started getting ready for his next shift.

"May I sit here?" Malcolm asked Hoshi, who was sitting at a table near the window admiring the view of the stars and tapping on a PADD Phlox had given her with a history of Denobula. Hoshi nodded, but didn't look up. She could feel questions on his mind and she wasn't in the mood to answer them.

Malcolm took the seat next to her, taking in her features. Her hair was pulled back in a raven ponytail and she was wearing… makeup? What the hell was Em doing to her? Sure the makeup was subtle and appealing, but she didn't need it. She…

"It's impolite to stare, Lieutenant Reed," she stated without looking up from the PADD.

Like a kid caught with his hand it the cookie jar, Malcolm stuttered, "I-I'm s-sorry. I d-didn't mean to. I-I…"

"What do you want?" Hoshi inquired, deciding that the best defense is a good offense. At least that is what Trip always said. For some reason, he always said that whenever he got around Em.

Malcolm didn't know what to make of "assertive" Hoshi, as she was no longer the child who had come aboard. Her growing disdain toward him had been coming on gradually over the last few months. At first, he chuckled at her attitude, likening it to the way all of his other relationships with women wound up. But now, he was at a loss for words as he sat there and concentrated on his meal, not particularly hungry. Although he had been relieved to have his quarters to himself, he had felt a certain loss when she left. Most notably, he had to admit, he missed the subtle scent she left behind after she showered.

He would never forget that day when he stood in the situation room and Em had relayed everything. Malcolm's initial reaction was one of alarm especially when Em mentioned overseers, Hoshi's greatest source of anxiety and nightmares since he had known her. He squelched the pity he felt for her, as it served no purpose other than to detract from protecting her.

Malcolm handed her a PADD, motioning to it. "You are to report to self-defense training and weapons training at 0800 tomorrow morning. Don't be late."

Malcolm picked his tray up, stood, put it in the recycle bin, and left.

Malcolm paced the gym. She was late. Finally, she arrived with an air about her – an air that she didn't want to be there. "Where the hell have you been? I said 0800, not 0830!"

Hoshi shrugged her shoulders in a petulant manner and took in his workout outfit. It looked like white pajamas with a black sash.

"Here," he said, throwing a bundle at her. "Put these on."

She caught it with ease, rolled her eyes and walked toward the locker room.

After she changed and walked out into the workout area, she watched as he sat with his legs crossed and eyes closed, relaxed with his guard down. She studied him, noting the angles of his face, normally strained with a disapproving frown, now at peace. She noted his cheekbones and arch of his brow; both prominent as were his jawline and chin, very rarely given the opportunity to grow stubble.

The closed lids and upturned lashes fluttered open as he felt her presence in the room. She refrained from jumping back as his stare encompassed her with its intensity. She could feel something emanating from him, which made her feel something she was unfamiliar with.

He was neither relaxed nor focused – his goal that he strove to achieve.

He exhaled in frustration and looked up at her. "Sit," he ordered.

Surprisingly, she did, naturally folding her legs as Malcolm had his. Antagonizing him wouldn't be a good idea. She squirmed uncomfortably as she let his feelings wash over her and settle in the pit of her stomach.

"Place your hands on your knees like this," he stated simply. "Take five slow, deep breaths and allow your knees to gently and naturally lower. Keep your back straight and push your pelvis down."

Hoshi did as she was told, knowing all too well the discipline Malcolm was trying to impart. Her mother had taught her the basic positions of yoga and had been moving on to teaching her daughter to defend herself with another discipline before she was killed. Hoshi took a deep breath and exhaled, raising her arms before Malcolm could tell her to.

"Have you done this before?" he asked, noting her movements.

"Yes," she sighed. "My mother taught me."

She continued to perform the ritual her mother carried out every morning and gently pushed down on her knees, breathing deeply and closing her eyes.

Malcolm stared at her unbelieving that anyone would be able to teach a six-year-old yoga. He consumed the view of her relaxing form, her facing missing the ever-increasing frown line between her eyes whenever he was around. The almond shape of her eyes, the delicate height to her cheekbones and the stubborn tilt of her chin all grasped his attention. But, it was the bow of her lips that captivated him.

As if she could read his exact thoughts, she licked her lips.

Malcolm's back was ramrod stiff as were other parts of his anatomy. He wanted to lean over and kiss her, as he was sure no other man had kissed her before, to steal the moisture she had just imparted onto her elegant lips. But, he didn't want to stop there. Reality came crashing down on him as she opened her eyes, her dark eyes unusually black and her breaths coming in short pants.

He could see his own desire for her reflected back at him. "Fucking hell!" he thought. " She read my mind!" He stood up quickly, turning his back to her, and grabbed his towel. "Em will take care of your training from here on out," he stated flatly, and without another glance back at Hoshi, left for the locker room.

Hoshi looked after him, confused.