J. B. Tilton/Page 7

SEVEN

Archer turned off the recorder. Malcolm didn't look up. He simply stared straight ahead.

"Why didn't you tell us, Malcolm?" asked Archer.

"It wouldn't make any difference, sir," said Malcolm. "It doesn't change a thing."

"It changes everything," insisted Archer. "This is a mitigating circumstance. It gets you off the hook."

"You can't play that, sir," pleaded Malcolm. "I DID send that transmission. I've already admitted that."

"Malcolm, there's no reason to do this," said Archer. "I think I know what really happened. But I need you to tell the admiral. It's the only way to get you off."

"I won't do that, sir," said Malcolm. "Nothing you say can change my mind."

"Malcolm," began Archer.

"Lieutenant," said T'Pol, "I do not understand your actions. You are clearly not to blame in this matter. You did as you were required to do. As any Star Fleet officer would have. You followed your duty. There is no logical reason to pursue this course of action."

"I don't expect you to understand, Sub-Commander," said Malcolm. "It has to do with feelings and emotions. Things you consistently remind us you don't understand."

"I am aware of that," said T'Pol. "And I do not discount your feelings and emotions even though I may not understand them. Clearly, they hold great importance for you.

"Malcolm," said Archer, "I can't let you do this. Do you know the penalties if you're convicted?"

"Yes, sir," said Malcolm. "I'll be dishonorably discharged from the service."

"In all likelihood," said T'Pol, "you will also be sentenced to spend the rest of your life in a maximum security facility."

"I know," said Malcolm. "It doesn't change anything."

"Well, if you won't answer any questions," said Archer, "at least the recording should mitigate your actions. Admiral De Haan has already heard the recording and authorized me to present it as evidence."

"No, sir," insisted Malcolm. "I can't let you do that."

"Lieutenant," said Archer with every ounce of authority he possessed, "need I remind you that I am the advocate here? It's my decision what strategy for your defense to use. If you won't speak up for yourself, I don't have a choice."

"Lieutenant Reed," said T'Pol. "I did not know Captain Humphreys. But I did look up his service record. It is impressive. For a human."

"He was one-of-a-kind," said Malcolm.

"Would I be correct in assuming that you looked up to him and admired him?" asked T'Pol.

"Of course," said Malcolm. "As I told the captain, he was like a second father to me."

"Then I do not understand why you choose to dishonor his memory in this way," said T'Pol.

"What are you talking about?" demanded Malcolm. "I had nothing but the highest respect for Captain Humphreys. I'm doing this to honor his memory."

"Your actions would belie that statement," said T'Pol. "What I have read about Captain Humphreys tells me he was a very caring individual. His concern for his crew outweighed everything else."

"That's right," said Malcolm. "He often put his career on the line for one of his crew."

"Then don't you understand, Malcolm," said Archer. "T'Pol is right. What you're doing doesn't honor him. Throwing you life away doesn't do anyone honor. At least give yourself a chance."

"Lieutenant," said T'Pol, "do you believe you knew Captain Humphreys very well?"

"Of course," said Malcolm. "He was very open with his crew."

"I assume you valued his opinions and advice," said T'Pol.

"Yes, I did," said Malcolm. "He helped me out more times than I can remember."

"If he were here now," said T'Pol, "how would he advise you? What would be his opinion of your actions?"

Malcolm didn't speak. He stared at the table, thinking about what they had said.

"Captain Humphrey's record indicates he was unusually honest," said T'Pol. "And he insisted upon the same in his crew. In my opinion, I do not believe he would have approved of your actions. I believe he would have insisted that you answer the questions put to you honestly."

"Yes, he would have," said Malcolm.

"Then by doing what you're doing," said T'Pol, "you dishonor his memory. Regardless of the circumstances of the incident, failing to disclose the truth brings dishonor on the memory of this man you admired so much. And honor is something that Vulcans DO understand very well."

"Come on, Malcolm," said Archer. "You know what Captain Humphreys would say to you right now. Tell the truth. Let history make its own decision."

Malcolm didn't say anything for a few moments. He knew Archer and T'Pol were right. Reluctantly, he decided he had to take their advice. It was the only way to truly honor the memory of his mentor and friend.

"Okay, sir," said Malcolm finally. "I'll answer the questions."

"Thank you, Malcolm," said Archer. "Now, while we still have some time, tell me exactly what happened that day on the Polaris."