SEVEN

"Transporter accident?" questioned Tucker. "You mean his people have transporter technology just like we do?"

"Apparently so," said Phlox. "It really is a fascinating story. I shall allow him to tell it to you. But, please, Captain, do not keep him occupied for too long. He still requires a great deal of rest."

"Thanks, Doc," said Archer.

He, Tucker, and T'Pol walked over to the biobed where their guest lay. He presently had his eyes closed but opened them when approached. He sat up in the bed and smiled.

"You must be Captain Archer," said the alien. "My name is BolTak of the Caddorrian people. I greatly appreciate your rescuing me as you did. I was afraid I was destined to remain in that nebula forever."

"Our pleasure," said Archer. "This is my science officer, T'Pol and my chief engineer, Commander Tucker. The doctor tells me that you ended up out there because of a transporter accident."

"Yes, quite," said BolTak. "I am a senior member of the Caddorrian Science Council. Our recent development of warp technology allowed us to inspect the nebula in person for the first time. I was lucky enough to be selected as the head of the expedition."

"It must be a great honor," said T'Pol.

"Oh, it is, I assure you," said BolTak. "For centuries my people have observed the nebula from our planet. Surely you have detected it. On the other side of the nebula."

"Yes," said Archer. "We just recently detected it."

"Well," continued BolTak, "we sent three ships. We wanted to gather as much information on the nebula as possible. We were scheduled to remain at the nebula for one month. Then, we would return to Caddorria to analyze the readings."

"But something went wrong," said Archer.

"Yes," said BolTak. "Three weeks into our survey, my ship ventured too close to the nebula. We were caught in a plasma storm, much like the one which you encountered. The plasma storms are quite frequent in the nebula."

"You know about the plasma storm?" asked Tucker.

"Yes," said BolTak. "In energy form, I was able to inhabit your entire data base. I learned a great deal about you. It is also how I learned of the plasma storm you encountered. It is also how I learned your language."

"So what happened?" asked Archer.

"Well," said BolTak, "I'm afraid my ship was unable to withstand the storm. We experienced multiple hull breeches. Many of my crew died instantly. Virtually all of our systems were malfunctioning and we were in danger of being drawn deeper into the nebula. Where the storms are even more severe.

"There was only one option left for us. One of the other ships attempted to use their transporter to beam us off the ship. There was myself and seven other of my crew. I'm not sure exactly what happened, but instead of materializing on the ship, I suddenly found myself inside the nebula. In a state of virtually pure energy."

"Fascinating," said T'Pol. "I would not have believed it possible. How long were you in this state?"

"I really don't know," said BolTak. "I had no way of telling time while in the nebula. It seemed like a very long time. A very long time indeed."

"How did you get aboard the Enterprise?" asked Tucker.

"Through your bussard collector," said BolTak. "I was part of the plasma storm that you experienced. Before you moved away from the nebula, I was caught in the collector and sucked into the ship's nacelle. Once inside, I began to search for a way out."

"But you couldn't find a way out?" asked T'Pol.

"No," said BolTak. "In addition, I found myself getting weaker. The energy of the nebula sustained me while I was in it. But inside your ship, I was cut off from that energy. Once you opened a pathway to your warp core, I was able to replenish what I had lost."

"So, let me get this straight," said Archer. "While you were being transported using a transporter beam, some accident or malfunction never reintegrated you on your ship. You remained in the nebula until we came along, where you became trapped in my ship. Then we used our transporter reverse the process and bring you back. Is that about the size of it?"

"In a nutshell," said BolTak, "as you humans say. I understand we are currently on course for my home world."

"Yes," said Archer. "We thought you were an energy creature and we thought that planet might be able to help us with you. I'm glad to say we won't need that help now. We'll be able to return you to your home."

"I am grateful, Captain," said BolTak. "I wonder how much it has changed since I've been gone."

"It is possible that it has been only a few weeks or a few months since your accident," said T'Pol. "You may find that very little has changed in that time."

"Or he could have been in there for years," said Tucker. "He might find that everything has changed."

"Always looking on the bright side as usual, Commander," said T'Pol.

"We won't know until we get there," said Archer, trying to diffuse the ever present verbal sparring that T'Pol and Tucker seemed to thrive on. "I'm sure that no matter how much time has passed, your people will be glad to have you back."

"I believe that will be enough for now," interrupted Phlox. "My patient still needs some rest. I can assure you he will be almost totally recovered by the time we reach his home planet. Now, if you will excuse us."

"Certainly, Doctor," said Archer. "BolTak, I'll let you know when we're in orbit around your home world."

"Thank you, Captain," said BolTak.

Archer and T'Pol went back to the bridge while Trip returned to engineering. In a couple of hours, they would return BolTak to Caddorria.