A few months later --
For the first time in years, Malcolm felt as though a sense of normalcy and calm were attainable. The briefing with the captain had given him more than he could have ever hoped for.
After Archer's initial reaction, Malcolm felt as though he wouldn't be able to count on the man, but recent events had changed that perception.
Although Starfleet didn't exactly sanction the "creative" way in which the information was obtained, the records could not be ignored. Hoshi had discovered a definitive pattern of financial transactions between Soval and Mare Vaporum, the political, and only legitimate wing of the LIM.
That coupled with the recent assassination attempt and Byrant's subsequent death led to more questions and a search for more information.
Diplomacy between Earth and Vulcan was at stake, as the captain kept reminding Malcolm. In the end, Archer had forwarded all the information to Admiral Forrest.
Where the evidence went from there, Malcolm could only guess, but public opinion on Vulcan was at an all time low once the story broke. Soval was recalled and Vulcan issued a formal apology for "the unauthorized use of rank and privilege," convincing many that Soval's support of the LIM did not mirror its government's policy.
Normalcy was overrated and downright boring. His duties on board Enterprise were challenging enough, especially with a captain who ignored just about every safety protocol he suggested. He definitely kept Malcolm on his toes.
If he wasn't working a double shift, Malcolm was either sleeping, eating or in the gym. Social activities held no allure for him, as he didn't need to be reminded he had lost her to somebody else. It was difficult to ignore the gossip, especially the most recent.
Malcolm didn't know if it was just dumb luck or bad, but the chief engineer always singled him out in the mess hall. He was going to have to start taking his meals in his quarters if this didn't stop.
"How ya doin', Malcolm?" Trip asked, taking the seat next to him.
Grunting a quick response, Malcolm shoved a rather large portion of potatoes into his mouth. Why did the man feel it necessary to spread gossip? Did he have a "dump gossip here" sign on his forehead?
Listening half-heartedly to the Southern twang drone on about who's dating whom, Malcolm kept shoving food in his mouth in the hoping he would either choke to death or finish his meal more quickly.
"And I think Travis is going to ask Hoshi to marry him," Trip announced in a conspiratorial whisper.
Malcolm's eyes watered as he choked on his last bite. He quickly washed the food down with a drink and glared at Commander Tucker. "What did you say?"
"Travis is going to ask Hoshi to marry him. I saw him buy a ring yesterday when we were down on Regulas," Trip said with a blissful smile. "It's about time too…all their sneaking back and forth between cabins at all hours."
Malcolm had gone back to his quarters and proceeded to drink himself to sleep. It numbed the pain, but the morning came nonetheless, along with a hangover.
--
Suffice it to say, his mood didn't improve when Malcolm walked into the gym and he saw Travis stretching.
"Morning, Lieutenant Commander," Travis greeted with a cordial smile.
Being in the middle of Hoshi and Malcolm was wearing on Travis and putting a cramp in his own dating plans. All of the false rumors he had planted with the help of Commander Tucker were starting to spill out to the general public, and Hoshi was getting pissed at him. He rolled his eyes as he thought back to his dealings as matchmaker on the Horizon.
"Care for an unscheduled sparring match, Lieutenant?" asked Malcolm suddenly. "I really could use the workout." He cringed as the blatant lie passed his lips, but the prospect of beating the shit out of the object of his frustration suddenly brightened his day.
"Sure," Travis replied.
Travis dodged all of Malcolm's attacks with ease and skill, never landing any blows on his commanding officer. Malcolm was barely civil to him, and Travis took that in stride. They parried and moved, almost as if they were dancing. Then Hoshi's voice rang out over the com for Travis, which distracted him. With a guttural growl, Malcolm's fist connected with Travis's jaw and the force knocked him to the ground.
Travis accepted Malcolm's hand up and answered the com, purposely keeping his voice low so Malcolm couldn't overhear the conversation. She was calling to see if he wanted to go to breakfast. He said no but then added really loud so that Malcolm could hear, "I'll see you later tonight."
Malcolm was in for it now. Travis could tell he was angry and wanted to kick his ass by the redness creeping up his neck and spreading through his face. So, Travis threw off the kid gloves he had been handling Malcolm with and went at him with all he had.
Unfortunately, Malcolm wasn't an easy opponent. They were equally matched. So Travis started taunting him with words, trying to throw him off balance. "Now that the investigation is over, what are your plans?" he asked Malcolm between pants.
"I manage to stay busy," came the reply and an attack.
"Well, when you get the time, you should come to a movie with Hoshi and me. She…" That was as far as he got as Malcolm pegged him in the nose, knocking him out.
He wasn't out for long because when he woke up, Malcolm was still at the com panel calling sickbay. "I'm okay," Travis croaked, wincing as he felt the swelling begin.
"We still need to get you to sickbay. Are you okay?" Malcolm asked worriedly.
"Permission to speak freely, sir?" retorted Travis.
Malcolm nodded.
"You are the dimmest light bulb in the box, sir. You drag me into this kickboxing match under false pretenses because you are too scared to admit how you feel about Hoshi. I think it's time you admit…no, no…you show her you still care for her. Otherwise somebody else might snatch her up."
Travis took Malcolm's offered hand and tugged himself up.
Malcolm was beet red. "I thought you two were engaged," Malcolm stated through gritted teeth, awaiting confirmation of the dreadful news.
"That was a rumor I spread, you idiot, sir." Travis dabbed at his nose. "She never stopped loving you. For the life of me, I just can't figure out why you stopped…caring for her." Travis knew he was on dangerous ground, realizing this was a make-or-break conversation.
"Well, I'm telling you now if you don't make a move toward Hoshi, I'm going to encourage her to graze in greener pastures."
Travis didn't wait for a reply from the open-mouthed man, and started walking to sickbay.
--
He didn't know what he was doing. Travis's admission had spurred a dormancy to life inside him he had tried to ignore ever since he had come back. He cringed as he thought of his behavior toward Travis and Hoshi. He had broken the helmsman's nose and in all likelihood alienated Hoshi.
Malcolm walked to his safe place – the armory -- and contemplated his next move. He wanted to go to Hoshi and do what to her, he wasn't quite sure, but he looked at the clock and knew that was out of the question. They were both due on duty shortly, and it would be improper to approach her. Then it clicked. It was time for breakfast.
Maybe he could catch her there.