Chapter Ten –

"Personal Log, Hoshi Sato. May 7, 2151.

"I screamed like a girl. I could see that condescending look on his face – the one that is permanently worn around me. Excuse me for freaking out over dead aliens hanging around on meat hooks.

"I can't sleep. It's been almost a month since Mal – he brought me to Enterprise. My quarters are on the wrong side of the ship. I can hear every creak and moan of the ship. Everybody's still settling in, kind of shocked over the captain's decision to stay out here.

"On a more positive note, we're releasing Sluggo today. I'll miss him or her."

--

"July 3, 2151. Computer, resume recording.

"The UT is improving. Just today, I invaded T'Pol's privacy at a direct order from my captain. And I thought Lieutenant Reed was paranoid.

"Speaking of the annoyingly proper lieutenant – it looks as though he does relax enough to have fun some of the time. I never would have figured him to be a builder of snowmen, much less an artist. The ears on the snowman were inspired, but they were probably Travis' idea."

--

"Chief Medical Officer's Log, July 30, 2151.

I am in a quandary as to what to do about Ensign Sato. Mr. Reed left specific instructions that she was not to leave the ship without him. His instructions counteract his other directions. I'm not to interfere with either of them.

"I'm captivated by the ensign's natural proclivity to visit me. From my understanding, her arrival on board was auspicious as far as the elder Mr. Reed is concerned, but the present Lieutenant Reed has yet to warm up to her.

"Ensign Sato seems nervous around him, which makes me wonder what he told her. Mr. Reed didn't allude to Ensign Sato's 'timeline' being corrupted. But I can't help but reason as to why she is so nervous.

"Seeing as this is an official away mission, I've opted not to alarm Mr. Reed about it. After all, he is from the future and is probably well aware of the upcoming mission."

--

"Personal Log, September 4, 2151, Ensign Hoshi Sato.

"I've successfully alienated Lieutenant Reed for good. As I was trying to find out his favorite food, I propositioned him. At least that's what he thought. Arrogant jerk!

"I hate him! Why I ever kissed him back is beyond me.

"It's been six months…six months since I saw him.

"The waiting is…difficult.

"It's not like I can go up to him and ask him about the future. The lieutenant is clueless.

"When I was captured on Rigel X with Sub Commander T'Pol and Commander Tucker…" She shuddered, her voice trailing off.

"I can't help but feel I've got a guardian angel out there somewhere."

--

"Armory Officer's Log, October 7, 2151, Lt. Malcolm Reed.

"Ensign Sato's performance at target practice is lacking. She needs to relax."

--

"Personal Log, October 7, 2151, Ensign Hoshi Sato.

"Let's see. Where do I start?

"Damn, it's good to be alive! I love their language, but that Klingon ship was way beyond fragrant. The lieutenant doesn't realize how lucky he was, having a cold and all. I still wake up, the smells in my dream so vivid and nauseating.

"But! I'm making progress. At least I didn't scream like a girl in front of him.

"I think the worst part of the away mission was coming back – decon. There I was sitting in between an alien who is stacked and a man whose undergarments left little to the imagination.

"It's bad enough that my dreams are riddled with images of him. I'm tired of taking cold showers."

--

"Chief Medical Officer's Log, November 10, 2151.

"I'm getting the distinct impression that Mr. Reed will become one of my most frequent patients. To date he has been shot in the left leg, been treated for a cold, and is now recovering from hypothermia. In addition, he frequently stops by for his monthly allergy shots. Why the man insists on eating things he knows he's allergic to is beyond me.

"While Mr. Reed was recuperating from hypothermia, Ensign Sato stopped in. Although she primarily expressed concern for Commander Tucker's well-being, I couldn't help but notice her frequent glances toward Lieutenant Reed.

"It makes me wonder as to the nature of their future relationship. Naturally I would intercede in matters such as these, but I must heed Mr. Reed's warnings about not interfering."

--

"Chief Medical Officer's Log, December 24, 2151.

"Treated Lieutenant Reed for right shoulder wound. I wanted to keep him overnight for observation, but he said he was covering everybody's shift for the Christmas party."

--

"Armory Officer's Log, January 15, 2151.

"My brief stint as a Suliban has left a terrible rash. I will see if Phlox has any remedies. I need to get some sleep."

--

"Personal Log, January 25, 2151, Ensign Hoshi Sato.

"Doctor Phlox has expressed concern with my weight loss, and has taken up the habit of inviting himself to my meals.

"I admit I have lost a few pounds, but all the translations the captain has assigned is too much for the UT to handle.

"I think I corrupted the matrix when T'Pol and I cracked that creature's language. I'll have to restore the database to prior to the creature's arrival.

"T'Pol has invited me to her quarters for a quiet evening of meditation. I think I'll take her up on her offer, seeing as I could use the opportunity to distract my thoughts from Malcolm."

--

"Personal Log, February 17, 2152, Ensign Hoshi Sato.

"I did it! I drew a favorable lot for Risa! Two days of total immersion in paradise!

"I have it all planned out. I'll be staying in the same hotel as Malcolm, so technically he'll be there. There shouldn't be any problems. I've even promised myself that I won't stray from the hotel.

"Watch out, Risa! Here I come!"

TBC --