Dr. Phlox was waiting for them as they disembarked from the shuttle pod. After taking a quick scan of each of them, he stopped Malloy and Archer.
"Ah, just as I feared," he said, examining the readings on his scanner. "You two have been exposed to a particularly unusual contaminant. I'm afraid you'll need to spend some time in decon."
"The captain was scratched by one of the native plants," Mallory replied. "My scan for contaminants was negative. No doubt you are reading the broad spectrum antibiotic I applied."
"Antibiotics don't read as contaminants, Doctor. You'll find the appropriate decon gel in the chamber. I'll see you two in an hour."
"Well, it seems we'll be cooped up together for awhile," Archer said. "T'Pol, you have the bridge."
"Of course, Captain."
Passing their equipment to T'Pol, Mallory and Archer headed toward to decon chamber. They paused in the small dressing area outside of the chamber to shed their outer garments. Stripped to their undergarments, they then proceeded into the chamber.
They each took a small canister from the shelf, which, upon opening, revealed a clear ointment. Without speaking, they began smearing the ointment on. Turning to ask Archer to do her back, Jordan had to supress a smile at the sight she encountered. Archer was twisting about, attempting to spread the decon gel on his own back. Clearing her throat, Jordan schooled her voice into a normal tone.
"Wouldn't it be easier if I did that for you?" she asked.
Archer looked at her uncomfortably. "I wouldn't want to trouble you," he replied stiffly.
"It's no trouble. Besides, you're giving me a backache just watching you. Turn around."
Still hesitant, he turned around. "Thanks," he murmured.
"Guess this puts us on a first name basis," Jordan quipped as she applied the ointment to Jonathan's well-muscled back.
"I would have thought you would have called me by my first name by now, given your rank and background."
"Didn't seem right, somehow. Gets a little confusing, though, doesn't it, with us having the same rank? I confess I've never really understood all the military stuff. That's why I've basically stuck to 'doctor'."
He considered, surprised. "I guess you're right. I hadn't really noticed before."
"I'm not completely tactless. Just a little bit tactless," she said impishly. "Do me, please?"
After smearing each other with cream, they settled onto the bench. The temperature of the room increased to 36 degrees centigrade, inducing a sense of lethargy in both of them. They sat in silence for some time, eyes closed.
"You know, if one has to go through decon, this isn't such a bad way to do it," Mallory commented. "Although I suppose you might prefer different company."
Archer opened his eyes. "Whatever gave you that idea?"
"I just sense that I'm not your favorite person in the universe, that's all."
"Not at all. You do come on a little strong, though."
"I suppose I do. It hasn't been easy, you know. I've had to fight a lot of resentment."
"Resentment?"
"Yes. I've stepped on your toes a few times. And I know that some members of the crew aren't too happy with me, mostly because I tread on their territory, and nobody really likes to be corrected all the time. It's only natural for people to resent my presence. It would be a little easier, however, if you weren't so hostile."
"Me?" Jonathan exclaimed.
"Yes, you. I heard what you called me behind my back. 'Lab rat', wasn't it? 'Has no idea of what to do on a starship'?"
"Where did you hear that?"
"I have ears in many strange places. That's beside the point. Anyway, now that I've saved your ship for you, I think we can agree that I'm more than a lab rat."
"I never really saw you as that," Archer said. "However, I think that you don't always realize how you sound. You give good advice, no doubt. And your judgment has been very sound. You've increased efficiency on board by an easy ten percent. And yes, if it hadn't been for you, there's no telling what shape the ship would be in right now. But you have a way of being irritatingly right, if you know what I mean."
She looked away from him for a moment. Tough as it sounded, she knew he was telling the truth. "I know," she finally said, sighing. "I guess I spent a little too much time locked in the lab. But while we're being so honest, how about you stop punishing me for being assigned here? That was Admiral Forrest's idea, not mine."
He looked stunned. "Do you really believe I feel that way?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
"Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact." He broke off.
"In fact, what?"
He had no idea what he was saying. He felt dizzy, and her proximity was suddenly very disturbing. Taking a deep breath, he considered his next words carefully, and the dizziness passed. "In fact, I think you've made a fine addition to the crew. However, you might want to give Trip a chance to get used to you a little more before you recommend anymore changes to his engines."
Jordan laughed, "Yes, all engineers resent us theorists." She extended her hand. "Pax?"
He took her hand, holding it a trifle longer than necessary. "Pax."