Miscommunication

by Ragua

Disclaimer: Paramount owns all. I'm just borrowing.

A/N: All Vulcan terminology courtesy of the Vulcan Language Institute


Thanks to Peter Simon for doing beta honors.

Chapter 11

Trip's first thought as he stared at the two Vulcans was that T'Luki was way too old for Sonok. A Vulcan cradle-robber! he marveled, gazing dizzily at the silver-haired woman. Sonok appeared closer to middle-age, while T'Luki was definitely an elder.

Then he frowned. Maybe T'Luki was Sonok's mom. The lessons never specifically said that the two were married. Only that they worked, worked, worked all the livelong day.

Poor Sonok, Trip sympathized. He'll never get a woman, still living with Mom at his age.

At this point, he realized that the Vulcans were likewise contemplating him. Only they were doing so aloud. In Vulcan.

Could this mean that the humans have come to our aid?

It is possible. But why send only one man?

Perhaps their ship was also disabled, and he was sent to the surface in an escape pod, as we were.

At first, Trip wanted to tell them how rude it was to speak about him as if he wasn't there. But following their conversation slowly led the engineer back to reality.

Obviously they weren't T'Luki and Sonok. They were from the Karil. Somehow the Vulcan ship had managed to send them here on a mission similar to his own. And they weren't speaking to him because they assumed he wouldn't understand. The male Vulcan was definitely holding the destroyed communicator in his hand.

He's obviously been injured.

But not before completing his task. The male Vulcan gestured toward the generator.

The female Vulcan frowned. This generator does not power the weapon. It is unlikely to help free our ship.

Trip didn't like the implication that he wasn't intelligent enough to figure that out. Generator help...no, he whispered in Vulcan and was rewarded as stunned expressions came over their stoic faces.

Zhel-lan Tucker, Trip introduced himself. Mishek feihan. Yel-hali Enterprise.

You speak Vulcan?

Some words. I study. Trip hoped they would understand that this meant they would have to speak slowly. Enterprise finds Kras. We come to help Karil.

Your ship located our Science Officer and is here to free our vessel? not-Sonok translated.

Trip managed a nod. Team here. Disable power...gizmos. Five gizmos.

The woman who wasn't T'Luki supplied the correct phrase.

Power relays, yes.

But you were captured?

Injured. I to stay. Team to finish disable gizmos...power relays.

You were injured, so your colleagues left you behind in order to finish the mission, Sonok repeated, wanting to make sure he understood.

Trip frowned. Was the Vulcan condemning his friends' decision? Spunau bolayalar t'Wehku bolayalar t'Zamu il t'Veh! he explained, deciding that a little Surak might convince the man to keep his judgments to himself.

Both Vulcans sat up a bit straighter. With Vulcans, quoting Surak was better than Open Sesame! and combined. It certainly got them to shut up and listen. Trip took advantage of their respectful silence.

More bad. Colleagues captured. I hear. Trip gestured toward Mir-Dan's unconscious form. Need help. Finish mission. Please to help?

Of course, Commander. T'Luki nodded briskly. Can you tell us where they might be found?

Trip drooped. He had no idea where they were! But they had to have been captured somewhere between the third and fifth relay stations. How could he explain that?

Disabled two gizmos. Then hurt. Team continues, he stumbled along, hoping his words made sense. Start south. Move north. Team north?

You began to disable the relays in the south, therefore your team should be somewhere north of the second power relay? Sonok guessed.

Trip smiled. Damn! Either he was making more sense than he thought, or Vulcans were as smart as they were always claiming to be.

Will they also be able to understand us? T'Luki queried.

Yes. Universal Translator. Trip smiled again, adding, And Sub-Commander T'Pol.

T'Luki raised an eyebrow, apparently intrigued by the addendum to his response.

Trip didn't like that raised eyebrow. He tried to distract her. Please to help? he repeated. Hurry fast!

The Vulcans exchanged a look and T'Luki responded for both. Yes, Commander, we will go. She paused. And you?

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one, Trip repeated. I stay here.

The Vulcans exchanged another look, and then T'Luki turned to him again.

Dif-tor heh smusma, osu Tucker, she bade him farewell solemnly. Sonok echoed her formal leave-taking.

Peace and long life, Trip gave the proper response, even though he didn't think he'd be living for very long or prospering in the near future. The Vulcan woman gazed intently into his face and then to Trip's utter surprise, touched his forehead gently. Before he could react, she and Sonok were gone.

Wow! he thought, amazed that a strange Vulcan had made physical contact with him. And did she just call me honorable?'

The world must be coming to an end. He'd apparently just made a good first impression on a Vulcan!

He closed his eyes and sighed. Too bad it would probably be a last impression.

##########

Jonathan Archer couldn't deny it. Forty-two minutes were up.

Lieutenant, contact the away team, he ordered.

Hoshi complied with alacrity, and the bridge sat in tense silence as they waited for a response.

None came.

The captain nodded at his Communications Officer to try again. Once again, there was no answer to the hail.

Try the Karil one more time, Archer ordered.

A third silence told the captain that they were out of options.

##########

Malcolm and T'Pol sat up rigidly scarcely daring to breathe. Though the communicator signal was muffled from its location in Reed's jumpsuit pocket, nearly every Mahdini ear in the vicinity had pricked up at the sound. The second alert signal had focused all eyes and ears on the captives.

From its hiding place, the Universal Translator on the communicator could not function properly, but Reed could understand enough of what the Mahdini were saying to become increasingly nervous.

...that noise?

...definitely...the aliens.



...they haven't...

...preparing to...



Now all Mahdini weapons were trained on the Enterprise officers. Reed glanced sidewise at his Vulcan companion.

Sit perfectly still. Say nothing, T'Pol murmured. We do not wish to provoke them any further.

A sudden cry from the rear of the Mahdini contingent made everyone jump, but by some miracle, none of the nervous guardsmen fired. An underling ran up, seeking a superior.

T'Pol and Reed watched as the messenger and a Mahdini officer exchanged information. It involved a great deal of arm-waving, pointing, frightened looks, and head-shaking. Again the UT only managed to pick up a few words, none of which were reassuring.

From what Malcolm could deduce, something unpleasant had occurred elsewhere, and the messenger had been sent to collect reinforcements. The officer pointed at Reed and T'Pol several times during the argument, apparently unwilling to give up the manpower he felt he needed to guard them.

The messenger, however, must have had some clout, because in the end, the officer barked an order and half the Mahdini surrounding them marched off. Malcolm and T'Pol eyed each other. The odds were still daunting, but an opportunity like this could not be ignored. T'Pol gave an almost imperceptible nod.

Reed slowly moved his hand to the pocket where he had secured his weapon. Beside him, he felt T'Pol do the same.

How soon? he whispered to her.

We will wait until we are sure the others are out of earshot. Perhaps ten minutes, to be safe.

Ten minutes! Malcolm agonized, gently sliding the phaser out of its hiding place. That's a bloody long time.

##########

The captain raised his eyes to his Acting Science Officer. Kras, are you getting anything from the planet?

Negative, Captain, the Vulcan responded. There is no way to tell whether the mission was successful or not.

Since the away team hasn't answered us, Archer stated, we're going to have to assume it was not successful.

Hoshi protested. There are any number of reasons why they might not be able to respond. It doesn't necessarily mean the mission failed!

I know that, Lieutenant. We'll hope for the best, the captain replied. Then he grimaced. But we have to prepare for the worst.

Then he turned to Enterprise's helmsman. Okay, Travis, set a course for the Karil.

##########

Only five of the ten minutes had passed when Reed felt T'Pol stiffen sharply. He glanced at her, and she nodded slowly towards the trees behind their guards where a figure moving silently.

Trip! Malcolm thought, elated. His heart leaped in hope, but then he caught a glimpse of jet black hair. Before disappointment could set in, the realization that the figure had hair caused his spirits to lift again.

Before he knew what had happened, two of the Mahdini guards slumped forward, unconscious. Several others turned at the sound and suddenly the air was full of phaser fire. Malcolm threw himself to the left, firing at those Mahdini still on their feet. He was vaguely aware that T'Pol was doing the same thing off to his right.

Shortly, the forest was littered with unconscious Mahdini. T'Pol stood quickly, calling out in Vulcan. A voice answered her from the trees, and then two Vulcans emerged from the woods.

Malcolm hurriedly retrieved the communicator from his pocket so he could understand the conversation taking place between his Science Officer and their newfound allies. The UT sputtered for a moment, as if confused about the switch from Mahdini to Vulcan, then magically leaped into action.

...told us of your mission, the female Vulcan was saying. How many of the power relays have you disabled thus far?

T'Pol responded. She brought her tricorder from her pocket and consulted it. And we are less than half a kilometer from the fifth relay.

Your progress is most impressive, the male Vulcan stated. We will do whatever is necessary to assist you in completing your mission.

Your assistance has already proven most advantageous, T'Pol replied, gesturing to the fallen Mahdini. She then turned to Reed. Lieutenant Reed is Enterprise's Tactical Officer. Second Engineer T'Run and Deputy Science Officer Solkar were sent in an escape pod from the Karil. Their mission is the same as ours.

Unfortunately, it took us several days to reach the weapons complex, Solkar added. Vulcan escape pods are not maneuverable enough to ensure arrival at a specific location.

Reed nodded in understanding and immediately got back on task, scanning the forest in the direction of the fifth relay. It was lucky that you happened upon us when you did! he said as he scanned. The way looks clear, Sub-Commander.

It was not luck, T'Run corrected. Your Commander Tucker provided surprisingly accurate directions, considering his condition.

Malcolm stopped scanning and gaped at her. T'Pol, realizing that the human had missed the first part of her conversation with her fellow Vulcans, explained.

T'Run and Solkar came across the commander at the main building of the weapons complex. Apparently he was discovered by the Mahdini and taken to their headquarters.

And you left him there?! Malcolm demanded, appalled.

The Vulcans from the Karil exchanged puzzled looks. He told us of the importance of your mission and that you had been captured. He requested that we assist you, Solkar responded. It was, of course, the logical action.

Malcolm turned his eyes to T'Pol for support of some kind, but she silenced him with her stoic Vulcan mask. As I have told you before, Lieutenant, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. She paused. Or the one. Commander Tucker understood this.

I understand it, too, Sub-Commander, Reed hissed between gritted teeth. But that doesn't mean that I like it.

T'Pol's mask wavered. Nor do I, Lieutenant, she said softly.

Reed turned away. We should get moving. We don't have much time. He took point, striding briskly away without looking to see if any of the Vulcans were following him.

##########

Enterprise moved slowly and cautiously toward the crippled Vulcan ship. Tension on the bridge grew at the same rate as the size of the Karil on the view screen.

Archer ran over his plan with the crew. We'll secure it with the grappler and pull it from orbit.

We'll be sitting ducks, sir, Mayweather commented.

I know, Travis, but the only other option is docking with the Karil, Archer responded. That leaves us even more vulnerable. At least with the grappler, both ships will be moving. However slow, as moving targets we'll be harder to hit.

Aye, sir, the helmsman agreed, somewhat dubiously.

Just be ready for evasive maneuvers, Archer told him.

##########

Malcolm led his party through the forest at a rapid pace. Everything the Vulcans had said about the needs of the many was true, but he was still furious. Maybe because they were right. Maybe because there was an increasingly distinct possibility that he might never get to make it up with his friend.

The Armory Officer ground his teeth in frustration. Behind him, he heard T'Pol query the other Vulcans.

What was the commander's condition when you encountered him? she asked.

Initially, he was semiconscious. He seemed extremely ill and feverish. And both of his hands appeared to be injured, Solkar stated after a brief pause. The right was swollen excessively, while he appeared to have suffered burns of some kind on the left.

Most likely when he blew up the generator with his phaser, T'Run added. When both T'Pol and Malcolm turned startled looks on her, she continued. I surmise, of course. The generator had been destroyed, the overloaded phaser was across the room, and Commander Tucker was resting on the access panel when we arrived. I regret that I did not have the opportunity to learn the exact details of what occurred.

The Armory Officer slowed his pace a bit, frowning. That must have been what the messenger was jawing about, he told T'Pol. That's why half the Mahdini guarding us took off so suddenly. The thought of Trip managing to help them despite his injury, when they had abandoned him, infuriated Malcolm anew. He picked the pace up again.

They traveled in silence for a while, and then T'Run spoke again. I really must commend you, Sub-Commander, she said, on your instruction.

I beg your pardon? T'Pol was perplexed.

Commander Tucker's vocabulary was quite extensive. How long has he been studying Vulcan?

This time the prolonged silence was charged. Malcolm could tell that T'Pol was extremely disturbed by the question. He slowed his pace to a crawl—mission be damned!—so that he could follow the conversation.

Eventually T'Pol found her voice. The commander spoke to you in Vulcan? We left him with a communicator. All Starfleet communicators are equipped with the Universal Translator.

You needn't be concerned, Sub-Commander, T'Run misinterpreted the reason for T'Pol's evasion. Your student did not shame you or himself. For an obvious beginner, he was most proficient in our language.

His fluency was quite fortuitous, in fact, Solkar added. The translator had been destroyed. We found it across the room from Commander Tucker when we first arrived in the command center.

T'Pol did not respond, and the party continued to move on in silence. Malcolm felt a knife of dread touch his guts. Why should something as innocent as Trip learning Vulcan generate such a sense of foreboding? The atmosphere was extremely uncomfortable by the time the Science Officer spoke again.

Forgive me, she said. As much as I would like to accept your commendation of my teaching skills, Commander Tucker has not been studying Vulcan with me.

This confused T'Run. But I understood that you were the only Vulcan on Enterprise. The only Vulcan on any human vessel, for that matter.

Solkar was also puzzled. From whom else could the commander learn our language, if not you? he asked.

Enlightenment came suddenly and painfully, forcing Malcolm to enter the conversation. I suspect that he was receiving lessons from our Communications Officer, Lieutenant Sato, he said, casting an aggrieved look over his shoulder at T'Pol. She is extremely proficient in languages, he added brusquely, speeding up again.

It is extremely illogical to learn our language from a human, when a Vulcan is available to teach it, T'Run commented after taking a moment to digest Reed's information.

It would explain the strange accent, though, Solkar muttered.

##########

Trip crouched in a corner of the Mahdini control center retching unproductively, to the obvious disgust of his guard. The engineer had been hovering in a netherworld of nausea and delirium when he had been yanked roughly away from the cool access panel. His whimper of protest earned him a kick in the ribs, which had in turn brought on a new bout of dry heaves.

The Mahdini had returned to the building, and they were angry. He had no idea what they were saying, but he didn't need a UT to know that it was nothing complimentary about his species.

Several congregated around the fallen form of Mir-Dan, jabbering worriedly. Others began to attempt repairs of the generator. One had apparently been assigned to stand guard over the alien. Whether his orders required him to glower at his prisoner and poke him periodically with the rifle, Trip was unsure.

But he's doin' a great job of it, the engineer thought sourly, wincing at another jab in his shoulder. He watched the progress of the repair team working on the generator with vague concern.

Take your time, guys, he coached silently. Slow and easy. Give all the humans and Vulcans a chance to blow this popsicle stand.

The Mahdini guard jabbed him again.

the engineer swore aloud.

The guard stepped back hastily, obviously believing the Vulcan word was a prelude to more regurgitation. Trip allowed himself a weak smile, enjoying the sight of his enemy retreating.

Gotta tell Malcolm when I see im, he mused with black humor. Great potential as a defensive weapon.

Kinda messy, though.

##########

Ensign Mayweather released his breath slowly. Enterprise had secured the Karil with the grappler. It was now up to him to pilot both ships away from Modinok. While dodging hostile alien energy beams, of course.

All in a day's work, Travis told himself. But I sure better get a commendation of some sort if I pull this off.

One quarter impulse, the captain said quietly, looming like a gargoyle somewhere over the ensign's right shoulder.

The helmsman's fingers danced over the console, and the ship swung gracefully away from the planet. There was a brief hesitation as the grappler line grew taut, then Enterprise picked up momentum and slowly towed the Vulcan ship away from Modinok's orbit.

Travis did not allow himself to relax. His hands hovered over the controls, ready to send the ship into evasive maneuvers at a moment's notice, should the Mahdini fire their weapon at Enterprise.

But nothing happened.

The captain was unwilling to relax. Get us back to our hiding spot, Travis, he ordered tersely.

the helmsman responded, somewhat disappointed at losing the chance to display his finesse.

I could've dodged that energy weapon, he thought sulkily.

##########

Malcolm Reed controlled his urge to do a victory dance, complete with war whoop. T'Pol had just disabled the fifth power relay. Their mission was complete. He scanned the exterior of the building mechanically, his mind leaping ahead to his next course of action.

No Mahdini in the vicinity, Sub-Commander, he announced, as the Vulcans all moved in his direction.

T'Pol nodded, flipping open her communicator. T'Pol to Enterprise. There was a moment's delay. Malcolm held his breath. Had Enterprise been crippled by the Mahdini weapon as well?

Finally, Hoshi's voice responded. Enterprise here. Go ahead, Sub-Commander.

We have disabled all five power relays. It is safe to proceed with the plan to free the Karil, T'Pol stated formally.

Way ahead of you, Sub-Commander. The captain's voice replaced Hoshi's. We've got the Karil in tow, and we're trying to get her ready to go to warp.

Is there some concern? T'Pol asked.

Only if you consider three alien vessels speeding towards this system something to be concerned about, Archer replied. Discretion is the better part of valor, so I'd say we need to exercise some serious discretion and get the hell out of here as soon as possible.

Understood, Captain. We will proceed back to Shuttlepod One immediately, T'Pol acknowledged.

Don't take too long, the captain warned.

T'Pol nodded, despite the fact that Archer couldn't see her. T'Pol out. She turned to Reed and fired him a challenging look. Obviously, time is of the essence.

The Armory Officer understood completely. I won't waste any, then, he responded to the Science Officer's unspoken command.

Thirty minutes, T'Pol stated.

Malcolm echoed her response to the captain.

T'Run and Solkar had been monitoring the cryptic conversation between the Enterprise officers as if it had been a Ping-Pong match. The two seemed to be speaking in a kind of shorthand.

T'Pol turned to them. I will take you to our shuttle. Lieutenant Reed has one more task. He will join us as soon as he is able, she explained.

If this task involves collecting Commander Tucker, I would like to offer my assistance, Solkar—very quick on the uptake—volunteered.

T'Pol and Reed exchanged a look. Malcolm accepted the offer with Vulcan-like practicality. Appreciated. Let's go. Solkar nodded, and the two men set off in the direction of the main weapons complex.