Chapter Twenty-Eight: Follower

"Captain."

"Yes, Travis."

"Our sensors are indicating something or someone, following us."

"Are you sure?" Archer asked.

"They've been on this course for fifteen minutes, sir."

Archer turned to Malcolm. "Just in case, I want you to be ready to fire."

"Yes, sir."

"Captain, it seems we have a small spaceship on our tail," Travis said.

"Spaceship?"

Archer looked at Hoshi. "Hail them."

After a few seconds, "I can't, sir. There's no communication."

"Captain?" Travis interrupted, worried.

"What is it?"

"I think our follower has someone following it, too. And it looks…bigger."

"Another starship?"

"I think so."

Suddenly, Enterprise shook violently.

"We're being fired on!" Malcolm exclaimed. "Shall I engage the weapons?"

"Wait," Archer said. "Hoshi, hail the starship."

Another hit shook Enterprise. Frantically, Hoshi tried to contact the other starship. "I can't get through to them. They won't answer!"

The lights on the bridge began flickering.

"I don't usually attack before asking questions, but now's an exception. Lieutenant, fire those missiles!" Archer ordered.

"The other starship is retreating, sir," Travis said.

"We're receiving distress signals from the small spaceship," Hoshi broke in. "I think they were trying to escape from the other starship; probably why we were fired on."

"If anyone can answer my questions, it might as well be our follower. Travis, can you detect any biosigns?"

"Yes; there are two of them."

"Good." Archer smiled. "Hoshi, tell Lieutenant Hubbert to transport the two onto the ship, and have reinforcements, just in case."

"Is that wise, Captain?" T'Pol asked.

"We'll soon find out," Archer replied. "I will get answers."

"Hubbert to Captain Archer."

"Yes, Lieutenant?"

Pause. "I think your presence in transporter bay is needed."

"Is there something I should know?"

"It's best you see for yourself, Captain." The lieutenant's voice was a bit shaky.

Everyone looked at each other.

-----

Hoshi craned her neck and stretched as she walked to her quarters.

"Hoshi."

"Uh…hi, Malcolm," she greeted.

"You look a little stiff. Are you feeling well?"

"Yeah." Hoshi smiled. "Today has just been hectic. We found someone following us, were attacked, transported aliens on board, and we still don't know what's going on."

"It is quite strange. Have you heard from the captain, yet?"

"Nope."

They stopped outside Hoshi's room. "Well, I should head on inside and get some rest."

She turned and Malcolm gently grabbed her arm.

Hoshi paused and looked at him. "That's becoming a trademark move."

"Um…sorry…I just…I wanted…to ask you…"

"Malcolm," Hoshi stopped him. "I would love to."

"But you don't even know what I'm about to ask."

Hoshi sighed. "I would love to attend whatever or wherever you're inviting me to."

He took a deep breath. "Tonight. Movie." He exhaled.

Hoshi smiled, amused. "I can hardly wait."

Hoshi keyed in her access code and stepped into her room. "Oh, my god." She gasped and backed into her wall.

Malcolm heard her and rushed inside. "Hoshi, are you alright?" Her face looked as if she'd seen a ghost.

Slowly, he turned in the direction she wouldn't take her eyes off. Malcolm froze.