J. B. Tilton/Page 7
SIX
"Cap'n, you have to do something," said Trip as Malcolm's friends gathered around.
"I can't," said Archer, looking at Malcolm. "He won't tell me anything. I have no way to defend him."
"Malcolm, what are you doing?" Trip demanded. "Tell the admiral what happened. I know you. If you did this, you had a damn good reason."
"Please, Trip, don't ask," said Malcolm. "There's nothing more I can say."
"I don't understand, Lieutenant," said Travis. "If there's a reason you did this, why not just tell everyone what it is?"
Malcolm didn't say a word. He just continued to stare down at the table. Archer could tell he was hiding something. His refusal to give any explanation for his actions proved that. But Archer could no more figure out what it was than he could get Malcolm to talk.
"Where's T'Pol?" insisted a frustrated Trip. "You'd think she'd want to be here for this."
"She's working on something," said Archer. "Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to help."
"Isn't there anything you can do, sir?" asked Hoshi. "We all know Lieutenant Reed is no traitor. There must be something you can do."
"I'm afraid not," said Archer. "Unless Malcolm will help himself there isn't a whole lot I can do. He's tying my hands."
Admiral De Haan returned to the room a few minutes later. Everyone took their seat to hear his decision. It was obvious, however, that the decision was a foregone conclusion.
"This has been both one of the hardest and easiest decisions for me to make," said De Haan. "Lieutenant Reed's record is exemplary. Every evaluation he has ever received says the same thing. An intelligent, gifted officer. Liked and admired by those in command as well as the rest of his crewmates. Every commander, including your current commander, seems to feel you will make a good officer one day.
"I agree with these evaluations. Which is why my decision has been so hard. It pains me to see such a promising career cut short. Especially in light of the fact that you seem unwilling to even mount a defense for your actions.
"Having said that, this has been one of the easiest decisions for me to make because there really is no decision to make. Lieutenant Reed has admitted, under oath, that he did commit the offense with which he is charged. Since he refuses to offer ANY explanation for his actions, I have no choice in this matter.
"I find there to be sufficient evidence to order that Lieutenant Malcolm Reed be held pending a general court martial. Lieutenant Reed is hereby ordered relieved of all duties and is to be held under armed guard in the brig.
"Captain Archer, you will immediately set course for Earth. Once there, you will transfer custody of the prison to the appropriate authorities who will convene the court martial. I will make arrangements for the Enterprise to remain in orbit around Earth so that those who desire may attend the trial."
"Aye, sir," responded Archer.
"It is the recommendation of this hearing," continued De Haan, "that the following specific charges be brought against Lieutenant Reed. Providing aid and assistance to the enemy in a combat zone. Providing crucial classified and sensitive military information to the enemy during combat. Willful destruction of Star Fleet proper, to wit, the ship, Polaris. And finally the willful and premeditated murder of forty eight Star Fleet officers and crewmen."
Malcolm showed no emotion while De Haan was speaking. He seemed resigned to his fate. Suddenly, T'Pol entered the room.
"Please excuse the interruption, Admiral," she said. "May I have a moment with Captain Archer?"
"Is it related to this hearing, Sub-Commander?" asked De Haan.
"It is, sir," responded T'Pol.
"Two minutes, Captain," said De Haan.
T'Pol and Archer spoke in hushed tones. No one could hear what they were saying. But Archers' face lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Sir," said Archer finally, "the defense requests a short recess to evaluate new evidence that has just come to light. Evidence I believe may have a direct bearing on this hearing."
"Commander Jacobs, does the prosecution have any objections?" asked De Haan.
"No, sir," said Jacobs. "I believe the purpose of this hearing is to get to the truth. If it will further that end, I have no objections."
"Thirty minutes, Captain?" asked De Haan.
"That should be sufficient, sir," said Archer.
"We are in recess for thirty minutes," said De Haan.