Chapter Two

The Starfleet-wide competition gets under way, and Malcolm does some tai chi.

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At breakfast with the captain next day, Trip was informed that Crewman Kelly had been temporarily released from her duties in engineering because Admiral Forrest had been so impressed with her organisation of the competition that he wanted her to draw up a set of rules for all the other ships and facilities to use in selecting their representatives.

"But that's ridiculous, Cap'n." Trip was astounded. "It's simple enough. Why can't they just make up their own rules? As long as they send someone, does it matter how he's chosen?"

"It's not for the likes of us to decide, Trip. The admiral wants it done fair and square, and that means all using the same rules."

"So how long am I going to be without Kelly in engineering, then?"

"A few days. I've asked her to get it done as quickly as possible, and to ask for any help she needs."

"Is there any date set for this Grand Final?" Trip wanted to know.

"Not yet, but I'm sure we'll hear as soon as it is."

"I think I'm beginning to dislike this as much as Mal does." Trip muttered.

T'Pol, who had been listening to this exchange without comment, now spoke up.

"I'm sure Mr. Reed will enjoy it when it gets going. Look at the way he perked up after winning our competition. I did wonder if he intended to remove more than just his shirt."

"I doubt that very much, T'Pol. But then, you never can tell with him. I would never have expected him to do what he did do." Trip had to smile at the memory of Malcolm taking off his shirt to the accompaniment of 'The Stripper'.

Captain Archer grinned. "That was certainly an unexpected sight. But much appreciated by the crew."

"Yeah. Well, I'd better get down to engineering. We've got work to do and I'm a man short." Trip took his leave and headed for the door.

Later that day Trip changed into workout gear and went to find Malcolm who he knew had been busy in the gym instructing some younger crewmembers in self-defence. Now, having finished with them, he applied himself to practising some of his tae kwon do skills. The crewmen had been about to leave, but when they realised what Mr. Reed was doing, they stopped to watch. After all, they might learn something. They moved to the edge of the room and sat on the floor.

Trip had arrived whilst Malcolm was still teaching, but he also decided to just sit and watch the show, rather than using the stationary bikes as he had intended.

Malcolm seemed oblivious of his audience and was unknowingly giving them a fantastic demonstration of the art. He was a seventh dan black belt - and it showed.

Having finished a series of complicated kicks and punches, he stood quietly in the middle of the room, feet slightly apart, eyes closed. For a moment he stayed thus, just concentrating on breathing, then he started to move - very slowly and in complete contrast to the earlier exercises - he raised his arms up to chest height and swivelled on the balls of his feet to the left, making controlled but gentle movements with his hands and arms. He continued performing what some of the onlookers now recognised as tai chi. After the hard, fast and furious kickboxing, this was slow and beautiful to watch. Trip thought that the way Malcolm was doing it made it look like dancing; it was so slow, so precise, and so sensual. It lasted about eight minutes and in all that time, Malcolm never seemed to open his eyes.

When he came to the end, his small but very appreciative audience, burst into spontaneous applause.

He looked around seeing the crowd for the first time, and blushed. Then he saw Trip coming towards him.

"I've never seen you do tai chi before, Mal." Trip flung his arm around Malcolm's shoulders, "That was absolutely beautiful. And real sexy, too."

"It's not supposed to be sexy. It's supposed to be contemplative."

"It can be sexy as well, you know. Did you do the whole thing with your eyes shut?"

"Mostly. It concentrates the mind. If you know what you're doing you don't need to be able to see."

"Well, you gave those crewmen a great show, kick-boxing followed by tai chi! They'll be telling all their friends about it right now."

"I thought they would all have gone." Malcolm picked up his towel and wiped his face and neck. "I need a shower. Are you staying here?"

Trip looked over to the bikes that were now both in use. "Nah. Don't think I'll bother. I'll come back with you. Room for two in the shower?"

"You haven't done anything to deserve it."

"Let's get to my quarters and we can soon change that." Trip grinned.

"OK. You win." Malcolm smiled at him and led the way from the gym.

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