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 12

Jonathan Archer was growing more frustrated by the moment. According to all the engineers—Vulcan and human—getting the Karil's warp drive online would take days. And the two crews had only a few hours, at most. According to Kras, the approaching ships were capable of at least Warp 5.

We're going to need as big a head start as we can get, Archer realized.

he spoke up, coming to a decision. Put me through to Captain Kovek.

This is Kovek. The voice of the Vulcan captain—the Karil's communications were still down—came from a Starfleet communicator channel.

Captain, my engineers tell me that there is no way the Karil will have warp power before those alien ships get here. Archer wasted no time beating around the bush.

My engineers have come to the same conclusion, Kovek agreed readily, perhaps suspecting where the human captain was heading.

I would advise evacuating all your people to Enterprise, Archer stated. It will be a tight fit, but it's the only way we'll have a chance at avoiding a confrontation with whoever built that weapon.

There was silence as Kovek contemplated his options, coming to the same conclusion as the human captain: there were none.

he finally acquiesced. I will make the necessary arrangements here. Kovek out.

Archer spoke to his Acting Science Officer, who had steadfastly remained at his station. Can you take care of the arrangements on our end?

The elderly Vulcan nodded, but then spoke up. I would make a suggestion, Captain Archer.

Go ahead.

I would advocate setting the Karil to self-destruct before we leave this system.

Archer blinked. He guessed he shouldn't be surprised. It was the logical thing to do. The destruction of the Karil would prevent Vulcan technology from falling into unknown hands, and it would probably buy Enterprise some time as she made her escape.

Very logical, Archer complimented Kras. I will forward your suggestion to Captain Kovek.

Kras bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment and left the bridge to welcome his people aboard the human vessel.

##########

T'Pol and T'Run worked together, preparing Shuttlepod One for a quick exit from Modinok. The two Vulcans completed the necessary tasks in efficient, companionable silence.

T'Pol had to work to focus. Her mind had been in turmoil from the moment she had learned of the secret Commander Tucker had been keeping from her. Everything seemed so clear in retrospect, so obvious. How could she not have realized the truth? She knew inherently that he had gone to Lieutenant Sato to learn Vulcan because he had wanted to surprise her. He had planned it as a sort of gift to her.

And she had accused him of improper behavior.

You seem to have a productive working relationship with the humans on your vessel. T'Run's comment took the Science Officer by surprise.

T'Pol responded curtly, trying to discourage further questions.

Your communication with Lieutenant Reed is most efficient, the older woman continued, oblivious to T'Pol's distress. The success of your mission, particularly in light of the obstacles present, is most impressive.

Our mission will not be successful until both the Karil and Enterprise are safely out of this system. T'Pol hoped her refusal to accept the compliment would end the conversation.

Again T'Run refused to take the hint.

Commander Tucker's effort to learn our language indicates that the humans respect you a great deal, she went on. T'Pol curbed an extremely un-Vulcanlike urge to silence her elder with a nerve pinch. Although I still do not understand why he would choose to learn from a human rather than a Vulcan. T'Run's brow furrowed as she attempted to make sense of the strange behavior.

I have been told that humans sometimes find Vulcans intimidating, T'Pol heard herself say. Perhaps Mr. Tucker felt more comfortable learning our language from a fellow human.

T'Run did not appear convinced. But it is most illogical.

Commander Tucker is one of the more illogical humans that I have encountered, T'Pol conceded.

Then it is well that he is also studying the teachings of Surak, T'Run decided.

T'Pol turned away, fearful that the pain caused by T'Run's innocent statement would be evident on her face.

##########

Malcolm and Solkar crouched in the hallway outside the main control center. Their task thus far had been suspiciously easy. They had come upon Mahdini guards in ones and twos, and the Vulcan had easily dispatched them.

When we return to Enterprise, Malcolm thought, eyeing Solkar jealously, I really must get T'Pol to teach me that neck pinch thing.

The Vulcan, ignorant of his companion's covetous thoughts, was surveilling the Mahdini control room. He turned to Reed, flashing fingers to indicate that there were nine adversaries present. Malcolm nodded once, signaling back that they would attack on the count of three. Solkar moved silently to the other side of the entryway.

Malcolm positioned himself, took a deep breath, and locked eyes with the Vulcan. He raised his hand and began the countdown.

##########

Commander Tucker focused all his attention on a speck on the wall opposite him. In a minute or so, he would shift his focus to another target. He had found that if he closed his eyes or kept his attention in one place for too long, he would get the spins. And the spins usually led to more retching.

So he had engineered a strategy of focusing on minute details for a limited period. Once he felt the planet beneath him revolving on its axis, he would turn his attention to another subject. So far, the technique had been successful. He was quite proud of himself for discovering it.

It's the little things that make a difference, he congratulated himself.

He had just changed his focus to the left foot of his Mahdini guard when all hell broke loose. It sounded like phaser fire. There was definitely a great deal of hollering from the Mahdini in the room. He looked up to see Mir-Dan collapse, phasered once again, but he didn't have time to derive any satisfaction from the sight.

The cacophony, not to mention the swirl of color and movement overloading his field of vision, caused his head to ache and the ground to spin.

Oh no, he begged, not again.

##########

Even before they had neutralized the last Mahdini, Malcolm Reed was charging across the control room to his convulsing friend. Trip looked and sounded for all the world like a cat horking up a hairball.

He knelt by the engineer's side, tentatively placing a hand on his friend's shoulder.

Commander? Trip? he whispered urgently. Are you all right?

Trip raised a pasty, sweaty face to the Armory Officer and glared at him with bloodshot eyes. Dumbass question, he slurred irritably. Do I look all right?

Malcolm was taken aback for a moment, uncertain how to respond. Then suddenly a look of recognition came over the engineer's woozy features. Malcolm? Whatcha doin' here?

Rescuing you, you stupid bastard, Reed retorted, snapping with the tension and yet nearly collapsing in relief.

His testy response apparently made sense to Trip. the engineer chirped obligingly.

Malcolm chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief.

##########

Geerkha pounded along the corridors of the main weapons complex with the Senior Scientist in tow. The last few hours had not been easy for the young Mahdini. The old man had been most unhappy to be wakened in the middle of the night, and he certainly wasn't in shape for the long run from his home to headquarters. Still, Geerkha was determined to help his human friend.

He hoped Trip had not been killed or turned over to the Protectors yet!

The two Mahdini skidded to a halt outside the main control room. Geerkha froze in the entryway, appalled by the sight. The floor was littered with the bodies of guardsmen. At the far end of the room, another human knelt by Trip, attempting to help him rise.

Geerkha felt a surge of rage and regret. He had been completely wrong about the humans. The Protectors were right. They were dangerous after all!

he cried in anguish at the betrayal, alerting the other human to his presence. The alien raised what could only be a weapon toward the two Mahdini. Geerkha realized that he was about to join his comrades in death. And all because of his own gullibility.

Trip's exclamation was simultaneous with the flash that emitted from the alien weapon. The beam went wide, missing Geerkha and the Senior Scientist by centimeters. A surge of hope shot through the young Mahdini, only to be quashed by his increasing fury over the betrayal.

Geerkha accused, storming angrily across the room to confront the human. You said your people meant us no harm! You said you were only here to free your ship!

The human looked up at him desperately. He appeared much worse than the last time Geerkha had seen him. He half-sat up, his arms awkwardly locked around those of his comrade to prevent the other human from firing a second time. the human pleaded. Not dead. Jus' stunned! Trip turned his pale gaze to the other human. Right, Malcolm? he begged. You jus' stunned em, right?

The other human—Malcolm?—looked from Trip to Geerkha nodding. Its fur was darker, but its eyes were pale like Trip's. it said in a clear voice, looking the young Mahdini in the eye. Our weapons have a setting which renders an opponent unconscious. He gestured to one of the fallen Mahdini. They're just stunned, not dead.

Geerkha narrowed his eyes, uncertain whether or not to trust this stranger. Trip obviously believed that the fallen guardsmen were not hurt, but could this human be trusted? He could be as like Trip as Geerkha was to Mir-Dan.

The Senior Scientist resolved the issue for them. He knelt among the fallen guards, checking pulses here and there. After nearly a minute of tense silence, he rose and addressed them.

They are all alive, just unconscious, as the aliens claim, he announced.

Geerkha turned his attention back to the humans, profoundly relieved that his trust in Trip had not been misplaced. The dark-furred human addressed him.

We just want to take our friend and leave, he explained. We won't trouble you any more.

Geerkha looked back to the Senior Scientist hopefully. The old man took only a moment to consider the dilemma. He then nodded solemnly.

I never trusted the Protectors, he stated. Why should they wish to help us? What benefit do they derive? He shook his head. No. You must leave before they get here. I would not willingly put anyone into their hands.

The dark human took only a moment to digest the words of the old Mahdini. We'll be on our way then, he replied, shifting his weight preparatory to levering Trip to his feet.

That will be difficult, another voice announced calmly. Geerkha and the Senior Scientist jumped. A third alien had been hiding behind the generator!

What do you mean? the dark human questioned it anxiously. Obviously this was the other friend of Trip's, Geerkha realized.

There is an extremely large number of Mahdini headed down the corridor to this room.

##########

Captain Archer paced the bridge restlessly. Nearly all the Vulcans were off the Karil. Captain Kovek and Kras were supervising the transfer of any remaining technology and information that could be salvaged from the inevitable destruction of the Vulcan ship.

Where the hell was the away team? Scans indicated that the shuttle had not left the planet yet! The captain decided that he couldn't be patient any longer.

Hoshi, hail the away team, he snapped. The Communications Officer did so, and his Science Officer answered immediately.

T'Pol here.

Sub-Commander, I thought I told you that we didn't have a lot of time. Archer got straight to the point.

Yes, captain, but we have not yet completed our mission, came T'Pol's calm response.

You told me that you had disabled all the relays!

That is true, Captain, the Vulcan answered. But in doing so, Commander Tucker was injured and later captured as a result of his injury.

Archer gaped at the unexpected news, while T'Pol went on. Lieutenant Reed and Solkar are currently engaged in a mission to retrieve the commander. I allotted them an hour in which to complete the task, 35 minutes of which have passed. If they do not arrive within the next 25 minutes, T'Run and I will return without them.

The captain didn't know which piece of information to address first. T'Pol, what the hell...you never...why didn't you—

T'Pol interrupted, I would like to keep this frequency open in case Lieutenant Reed attempts to contact me. And before Archer could respond, the Vulcan cut the communications with a brusque, T'Pol out.

Archer and Hoshi stared at each other.

Who the hell are Solkar and T'Run? the captain demanded.

Hoshi shook her head and shrugged.

##########

T'Run eyed the younger Vulcan speculatively. When T'Pol noticed her elder's regard, she raised an eyebrow in inquiry.

Did you not tell Lieutenant Reed that he had only 30 minutes in which to retrieve Commander Tucker? T'Run asked.



And yet you told your captain that you had allotted Mr. Reed an hour.



T'Run continued to regard T'Pol with interest. T'Pol returned the stare in a manner that was both bland and yet challenging. The older woman eventually accepted that no explanation was forthcoming.

T'Run said.

##########

Mahdini and aliens stared at each other in consternation at Solkar's words. Though the youngest there, Geerkha was the first to react.

he ordered, startling the dark-furred human by pointing at him. Hide with your friend. They will expect Trip's presence in the control room. The other human hesitated only a moment before lowering Trip to the ground and scrambling behind the generator with the third alien.

The sound of pounding feet was now audible and was definitely coming closer. Geerkha shared a look with the Senior Scientist, who seemed to have no idea what to do. The young Mahdini gulped and strode toward the entryway. He had only taken several steps when the first of a large contingent of guardsmen rounded the corner.

he called loudly, raising both hands so there could be no confusion as to his message. The guards in the forefront did so, surprising those in the rear, who cursed loudly and angrily as they collided with the leaders.

Geerkha took a deep breath and continued. The alien contagion has spread! he announced, waving his hands dramatically to the unconscious guards scattered about the control room. Already it has felled many of our number!

The incoming guardsmen gasped in fear and edged back from the entryway. Elated that his plan was working, Geerkha went on in an ominous voice. The Senior Scientist and I are already contaminated. We will stay with the alien until the Protectors arrive. The rest of you must leave the main complex immediately to avoid infection.

The Senior Scientist, once he realized Geerkha's plan, proved a valuable asset. Who is in charge here? he demanded. A guardsman several paces behind the others fearfully raised a hand. You will contact all other guardsmen and scientists in the complex. Tell them to return to their homes until summoned. Once the Protectors arrive, they will provide us with a cure. Then it will be safe for you all to return.

A tense silence held for a moment as the Mahdini took in the message. The Senior Scientist glanced at Geerkha, momentarily concerned by the lack of movement. He barked again. You will be contacted once it is safe to return. Go, quickly!

There was a mad scramble and within seconds every Mahdini outside the control room had disappeared.

The Mahdini inside the control room both released sighs of relief and then turned to their alien visitors. enthused the one called Malcolm, as he and Geerkha moved to crouch at Trip's side. Absolutely brilliant!

Your way should be clear now, the Senior Scientist understated modestly.

The other alien, who Geerkha now noticed was a bit different from the humans, held a device in his hand and pointed it in the direction of the departed guardsmen. he responded after consulting the little machine. I would suggest, Lieutenant, that we do not delay.

said the dark-furred human next to Geerkha. He looked at the young Mahdini. Thank you.

Geerkha smiled. Trip is my friend, he responded, embarrassed by the alien's gratitude. Will you be well, Trip?

The pale human returned the smile wearily, looking even more ghastly in doing so. Be great, Geerkha. Thanks. For ev'rything. His grimace when Malcolm tried to help him to his feet belied the words. Trip wobbled on his knees in the smaller human's grasp, and Geerkha began to wonder how they would escape with Trip so obviously unable to move.

Suddenly a hand reached past him and gave Trip a pinch where his neck met his shoulders. The human slumped to the floor. Both Geerkha and Malcolm looked up at the pointy-earred alien, shocked.

Commander Tucker will be far more comfortable if he is unconscious during our escape, the alien stated in a monotone. He then hoisted the limp figure onto his shoulder with ease and stepped back, looking at Malcolm expectantly.

The dark-furred human blinked, then stood up, still staring at the other alien. he finally agreed with the assessment. He turned his attention to Geerkha and the Senior Scientist. Thank you again.

The pointy-earred alien raised a hand toward them with his fingers spread in a V—an apparent gesture of farewell. Live long and prosper, Geerkha, Senior Scientist, it intoned.

The two Mahdini flicked their ears forward, bowing their heads slightly in the traditional gesture of parting. The aliens nodded back and then hastened toward the exit.

Geerkha cried after a moment. The aliens paused in the entryway, looking back curiously. Tell Trip I was glad to know him and...goodbye! Then he looked at the ground, feeling like a foolish child.

Of course! said the other human. Geerkha looked back up. The human was smiling kindly. He nodded at the Mahdini, and Geerkha nodded back.

Then the aliens were gone.

##########

The flight through the Mahdini forest to Shuttlepod One was a nightmare for Malcolm Reed. His guilt about the completely idiotic way he had treated Trip warred with relief now that it seemed as if he would have the chance to apologize for behaving like an ass. Both feelings were replaced by anguish and panic once he realized how much more than 30 minutes the rescue mission had taken.

Reed to T'Pol! he cried into his communicator, never breaking stride.

T'Pol here, came the calm reply. Malcolm gasped with relief, fighting a nearly uncontrollable urge to kiss the device.

We're on our way to the shuttle! he announced urgently. We have Commander Tucker.

We will make ready to depart as soon as you arrive, Lieutenant, she dispelled all his worries with that simple response. T'Pol out.

Malcolm grinned as he pocketed the communicator. He glanced back at Solkar who apparently had no trouble keeping up with the swift pace despite the added burden of Trip's weight.

Bloody brilliant! Malcolm crowed softly, punching the air slightly as he ran.

##########

T'Pol opened the hatch of the shuttlepod, looking out for any sign of Lieutenant Reed. She felt T'Run's eyes on her back and hoped that ignoring the other woman's interest would deflect her curiosity.

It did not.

You initially told Lieutenant Reed that he had only 30 minutes to retrieve Commander Tucker, T'Run stated. You then told Captain Archer that you had allotted an hour for the rescue. She paused expectantly, but T'Pol said nothing. It has now been 75 minutes, T'Run added.

And you can see how logical it was to wait, T'Pol finally countered. We will have all our colleagues safe, and we will still depart Modinok and rendezvous with Enterprise.

You told your captain you would depart the planet within an hour, T'Run reminded. If he does not wait, there will be no ship with which to rendezvous.

He will wait, T'Pol spoke with a confidence that might be unmerited. He is human.

Humans do not stick to schedules? The older woman seemed more curious than shocked.

Not where the safety of colleagues is concerned, T'Pol explained. They often allow...leeway...in situations such as this, in order to give all those involved a greater chance of success. T'Pol paused for a moment, knowing full well that her statement was full of holes. It is extremely illogical, but then, humans are greatly influenced by their emotions.

There was a silence while T'Run digested this information. T'Pol regretted having to resort to a stereotype, but the older woman's incessant questioning was becoming irritating. I will definitely have to meditate upon my return to Enterprise, she thought.

T'Pol turned back to the open hatch and was rewarded with the sight of Lieutenant Reed and Solkar coming into view. She felt a moment's panic at seeing only two figures, but then realized that the Vulcan was carrying a third.

Of course, she tried to calm herself. Commander Tucker is in no condition to move swiftly.

I am impressed, Sub-Commander, T'Run's comment interrupted T'Pol's train of thought. You have become quite adept at interacting with these humans. And yet you maintain our ways most admirably. You are to be commended.

T'Pol nodded to the other woman, acknowledging the compliment, then both moved to help their colleagues into the shuttle. Without need of words, Lieutenant Reed moved automatically to the pilot's chair, while T'Pol gathered a med kit and knelt by the unconscious engineer.

As Lieutenant Reed piloted the craft away from Modinok, T'Pol pondered T'Run's compliment and realized something else.

I have also become adept at what Commander Tucker would refer to as talking out of my ass.

Glancing sideways to make sure that the attention of her fellow Vulcans was elsewhere, T'Pol allowed herself a tiny smile. She would tell her t'hai'la so once they had returned to Enterprise. He would find it most amusing.