Author's Note: This chapter is shorter than the others, but we got back from vacation, and our computer has been infected with that about:blank. I've been spending most of my free time at night trying to get rid of the thing, with no luck yet. I gave it up and decided to work on this so I could get out the next chapter before you all gave up on me! I promise updates will keep coming, just be patient, if we can't eradicate this thing, we are going to have to reformat which will be a mess. The good news is we have an alternate computer so I won't leave you all hanging! Thanks for bearing with me, as always please read and review, a writer's best asset are the readers!

Chapter 3

Conspirators...what conspirators?


"If I catch the driver of the train, I'm going to kill him." Archer growled.

Reed looked up from his position in a chair across the room. Finally! "What train would that be Sir?" He asked.

"I think the Cap'n is referring to the train running through our heads..." Trip said groggily, curled on the bed next to Archer, "I think I'm gonna be sick."

Archer rolled himself away from Trip, "Fine, just not by me."

Hoshi stared at the pair, "We warned you not to drink that stuff."

"So you did Ensign." Archer swung his feet to the floor, cradling his head with his hands, "What exactly was that stuff?"

"Veen claims it was a recreational drink." Malcolm replied. He was sitting in the chair, and shredding something into tiny pieces, of which he tossed to the floor.

"And you don't believe him?"

Malcolm threw one of the pieces down harder, "Not bloody likely. He's locked us up, given you and Trip some type of truth serum...I would say not trusting him is an understatement." He threw another piece viciously.

"Truth serum, where did you get that idea?" Trip raised his head, then dropped it down when the effort became too much to maintain.

Reed tossed the remaining bits to the floor, and got up, "Hoshi, why don't you see if Commander Tucker is all right, I'll check on the Captain."

Archer looked at Malcolm with confusion, "I don't need..."

"We aren't SURE what kind of lasting effect it will have." He exaggerated, waggling his eyebrows, and jerking his head at the ceiling.

Archer considered himself a fairly intelligent man, but he was tempted to ask Malcolm if he was having some sort of epileptic fit. He found his own head bobbing in rhythm with Malcolm's. "I...think I..." He looked at Malcolm who smiled, nodding, "I...feel a little...shaky?" He said. Malcolm was beaming at him.

Hoshi fussed over Trip, who laid back, groaning. Archer gouged him with an elbow, "Don't over do it, Trip." He mumbled.

Reed knelt down in front of Archer, and pretended to examine him. "Play along." He whispered.

"Why?" He asked, speaking through his teeth.

"We are being monitored...YOUR PULSE IS A BIT FAST...I was approached by a group that call themselves the conspirators...ANY HEADACHE...he's the one who told me the drink contained G'Tag, a truth serum type drug."

"Yes, MY HEAD DOES HURT A BIT." Archer followed Malcolm's lead, "Did he say how to get out of here?"

"MAYBE WE CAN ASK THEM FOR SOME PAIN RELIEVER...he didn't, he did say they would try to help us if they can." Malcolm made a show of pushing Archer against the pillow.

Archer glared, if he wanted to lie down he would've done so, "I'M FINE I REALLY DON'T NEED TO LAY DOWN...what are you doing Lieutenant?"

"Would you just do as I ask, if they think you need assistance, then maybe we can get some answers...YOU LOOK AWFULLY PALE SIR."

Archer rolled his eyes, this was ridiculous, if the aliens waited long enough T'Pol would be breathing down their proverbial necks. She could intimidate that toad of a Prime Minister in her sleep.

Trip emitted a long held moan. Archer winced, good God, get the man acting lessons! "COMMANDER, ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?" He tried for the 'very concerned' look.

Tucker winked, "NO SIR, I THINK I'M REALLY SICK." He cradled his abdomen and made another painful moan. "Do you think it's working?"

Archer gritted his teeth, if it wasn't, he'd really be hurting in a minute. Archer would do it for him. His head did hurt. Archer looked over at Hoshi. She looked worried (not surprising), but she still had her hand resting on Trip's arm. She caught his gaze and noticed as it followed her down to her hand. Blushing, she jerked it back.

Their efforts were rewarded when the door slid open to reveal the prime minister, and two additional Taltaxins the away team had yet to meet. Despite the headache he did actually have, Archer glared at Veen with more energy than he believed possible.

"I want an explanation, Prime Minister."

The entire away team was surprised by Veen's response. Gone was the fake simpering; in place was a hardened cold individual.

"You are in a position to demand nothing, Archer." Veen walked towards the group, hands clasped behind his back, stalking as a cat approaching its prey. "Tell me, who concocted this scheme?" He paused, considered the four, and then continued, "It was quite elaborate. I had no idea the conspirators were in a position to carry on such a charade. In fact, I had no idea our eradication program failed so miserably as to allow this many to escape."

Trip and Archer shared baffled looks. Malcolm's lips tightened.

"I have no idea what you are talking about, but if we fail to contact our ship, they will come looking for us." Archer sat up, all pretense dropped. "We don't take kindly to being locked up, drugged and accused of being members of some radical faction on your planet."

Veen studied Archer, "If you are who you say you are, then there is still four hours before your ship will even attempt to find you."

Archer fought to contain his displeasure at realizing his conversation with T'Pol had been monitored. He forced himself to his feet, unsteady and hoping it wasn't obvious, "I wouldn't suggest you wait for them to come looking."

Veen laughed, "Archer, I'm afraid I must insist. You see, whether you are a conspirator or not, and I'll concede that you may be who you claim to be, but I still have a missing criminal. We were moments away from locating her when your ship arrives. A distraction that cost us a great deal." He paced away from Archer, executed a smart turn, and then faced the away team; "I intend to find out how you helped her, with or without your cooperation." He nodded to the two aliens by his side, "Bring him."

They came at Archer, who quickly nodded at Malcolm and Trip. The three men lunged forward, tackling the Taltaxins. Archer knew it was a mistake seconds after hitting his victim. The Taltaxin felt as if his body was lined in steel. He was swatted away as if he were no more than a fly. That didn't help his headache. He looked over and was dismayed to see Malcolm and Trip had fared little better. Trip was flat on his back, Malcolm climbing to his knees.

"As you can see, we are a little bit stronger than you. I suggest you remember that in the hours ahead." Veen said. He had stood impassively while their escape attempt had been rebuffed.

Veen's henchmen grabbed Archer, and began to drag him towards the door.

"What are you doing with him?" Trip hollered.

Veen smiled, kind, as if placating a child, "Do not worry Charles, your turn will be soon enough."

The door snapped shut behind them; a shocked silence covered the room. The three away team members each considering what was going to happen to their Captain.