Title: Enthrallment
Chapter 3
Author's Notes: I've decided that "The Council" and "Countdown" never happened, so don't expect me to deal with those shows in this fic. I'm going to plunge merrily on and write whatever I want! ; )
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"So, Major," Captain Archer says in a commanding, but casual voice. "I can count on you?"
I nod. "Of course, sir."
Crossing his arms, Captain Archer flashes a satisfied smile. "Good. Dismissed. And remember," he says firmly, "Your men are looking to you for leadership."
"Yes, sir," I say, and then I hurry out the door, my face starting to flush.
I just had the dubious honor of being lectured by Captain Archer for the second time since my tenure on Enterprise began. Before this mission, I had a spotless record. That all ended after my fight with Lt. Reed. The Captain hadn't been amused at all, and had dressed Lt. Reed and me down for it.
This time, the problem was with one of my men…or rather, one of my women. According to the Captain, Cole got into a "physical altercation" with one of Lt. Reed's armory officers. Cole told me what really happened, though. Apparently, Ensign Morey made a few lewd comments to Cole, and then put his hand somewhere Cole didn't want it. She removed said hand and told Morey what she thought of him. Period. But Morey went crying to Lt. Reed, and I was hauled into the Captain's office and given a lecture on being a better example to my men.
The Captain feels that my "less than amiable relationship" with Lt. Reed is "sending a negative message" to my MACOs. He feels that I need to "reach out to Lt. Reed, try to find common ground."
Whatever.
Still, the Captain is the Captain, and an order is an order.
Stepping into the lift, I head for the armory. Somehow, I have to suck it up and make nice with Lt. Reed. Cole owes me for this one.
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"Hello, Lt. Reed," I say, standing at attention.
"At ease, Major," he says, absentmindedly running his fingers through his hair. "What can I do for you?"
My jaw tightens. "I was wondering if I could be of any assistance."
He glances around the armory. "Well, Major, are the security measures in place for the Ambassador's visit?"
No, I think. I thought I'd shirk my responsibilities and endanger the mission. "Of course, sir," I say. "My men are ready to go, and Commander Tucker is double-checking the decoy shuttlepod." I smirk slightly on the last two words. Lt. Reed had been vocally against using a decoy.
Lt. Reed tightens his lips, making them appear even thinner than normal. "Very good, Major."
Fabulous. I've earned a scrap of praise.
Lt. Reed gazes at me for several seconds, and I find myself feeling a bit uncomfortable. Finally, he says, "Actually, Major. I'm about done in here. Why don't we grab a bite to eat?"
I lick my bottom lip. "Yes, sir."
Lt. Reed smiles. "It's not an order, Major. It's a suggestion."
In light of the Captain's lecture, I don't think I have much of a choice. "Dinner would be fine, sir."
"Wonderful. Let's head to the mess hall."
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I don't understand that man at all.
This morning, Lt. Reed was ready to throw me out an airlock for questioning his precious authority. Now, he's sitting across from me, acting more than a little antsy, asking me about my life. I feel like we're on a first date.
"So," he says with a little too much enthusiasm. "You come from a military family. That's no surprise, I guess."
"No, sir," I answer.
"Strict parents, I suppose."
I nod, and half-smiling, I say, "My father used to check my bed for military corners."
He chuckles. "My father used to quiz me on naval history."
We're the only two in the mess hall right now. Of course, sane people are probably in bed. About a half hour ago, Doctor Phlox strolled by and grinned a little too broadly, made some comment about the pie, and said, "I'll just leave you two alone!" Then he scurried away laughing to himself. If I didn't know better, I'd think he shares Hawkins' opinion about my relationship with Lt. Reed.
I let out a breath. "Can I ask you something, sir?"
"Of course, Major," Lt. Reed says.
I sit up straight. "The incident with Ensign Morey…"
He waves me off. "I've spoken to Ensign Morey. He will be more respectful of his fellow crewmates from now on."
Frowning, I half-shrug. "You don't fault Cole?"
"Of course not," he says impatiently.
I decide to drop the issue and turn my attention to my half-finished pie.
"It was an isolated incident," Lt. Reed says.
I glance up. "Then why did you approach Captain Archer?" I ask, the words flowing out of my mouth before I can stop them.
He frowns. "I didn't. The Captain approached me after Ensign Morey went to him."
Oh.
"Oh," I say.
"I got quite a lecture about it, actually," he says.
I half-smile. "So did I. Consequence of being in charge. Everything is your fault."
Leaning back in his chair, Lt. Reed grins. "Oh yes. So, did you get the 'Your men are looking to you for leadership" speech'?"
Unbelieving, I with my mouth slightly open. Finally, I say, "Yes, sir. I got that one."
"So did I, Major." He chuckles. "Captain Archer is right, you know. We should find some kind of common ground."
"Agreed," I say, smiling. Common ground. It can be done. "So, sir. Naval history?"
