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Chapter 5

"See, I told you he's stubborn," Michael said. He casually leaned back in his chair and chuckled. "Malcolm's always been a wet blanket. Bring him to a party, and he could turn a good time into a wake." Michael lifted the pitcher of iced tea and poured himself a glass, wishing he hadn't left his flask back in the cabin.

"He is a very competent officer," T'Pol remarked. She was seated to his left, while Archer sat opposite Michael with Trip to his right.

"That's Vulcan-speak for 'he's the best armory officer she's ever worked with' -- Human armory officer, that is," Trip said with a smile aimed at the Vulcan.

T'Pol merely met his gaze and then addressed their guest. "Mr. Tucker is correct. Mr. Reed does display exceptional skills and thought processes. In some ways, he -would- make a good Vulcan."

Michael roared with laughter. "I could see that. Malcolm with pointy ears and never laughing."

Unable to help themselves, Trip and Jon chimed in with laughter of their own.

"But I see," T'Pol continued, "that the same can not be said of you."

"Trust me, T'Pol," Michael said. "Once you get to know me, you'll find out just how right you are. In fact, you may find out how much more fun I am than my twin. If I know Malcolm, he's having one superb sulk -- and that can be so tiresome." He sighed deeply. "Pity really. He is so terribly good looking!"

"Here he comes," Liz Cutler said as she continued to jog on one of the treadmills in the gym. "Isn't he gorgeous?"

Hoshi, who was running on the treadmill beside Liz, looked up to see Michael strut into the ship's gym, a trail of crewwomen following in his wake. "I guess," she replied.

"C'mon, Hoshi. Look at him! He's got it all -- looks, charisma, confidence, that killer accent..." Catching Michael's eye, Liz blushed, giggled, and waved to him, wiggling her fingers.

"Oh, I'll admit it's hard to resists his charm. In fact it looks like the entire female contingent of the crew, and actually some of the men, have all reverted back to high school."

"What's the matter with you? I think you'd appreciate someone like Michael. You seem to get along with Malcolm, and Michael is just so much more."

Hoshi increased her speed. "He is more," she admitted. "More arrogant, more annoying, more...er...he can be such acoglione!"

"Hoshi?" Liz questioned. "Are you telling me you prefer Malcolm over Michael? Are you ill?"

The communications officer shot her friend a look of disgust. "Why do people have a problem with Malcolm?" she challenged. "He's at least honest. You know where you stand with him."

"Yeah, and it's boring. I prefer some excitement in my men!"

"I'd prefer someone who's not looking in the mirror all the time. I prefer someone who cares more about his friends than himself."

Liz turned off the treadmill and stepped off. "Sounds like you might be as boring as Malcolm. Perhaps you're made for each other?" she shot over her shoulder as she walked away.

End of Chapter 5