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The tour went surprisingly well. The Nausicaan captain was open and inquisitive, and while Malcolm had first thought he was looking for classified information on Enterprise' vital systems, that did not seem to be the case. The tall alien told them tales of his own experiences in space, and was impressed with the beauty and efficiency of his host's ship. His loud, booming voice filled the cramped corridors through which the party moved from deck to deck.

His three companions were a contrast in their silence. Malcolm quietly named the tallest Fezzik, for his large stature made him almost bump his head in the doorways. Then there was Prince Humperdinck, who wore a bright red leather sash. Malcolm wondered what it was made for: weapons, tools, or a symbol of an honourary title? And if the last, why did the captain wear none? Lastly, there was Vizzini. Malcolm rolled his eyes. Watching "The Princess Bride" during last week's movie night had been Trip's idea.

Vizzini, the smallest of the Nausicaans, but still a head taller than Malcolm, finally showed some interest when they visited sickbay. He asked so many questions of Phlox that the good doctor, recognizing a colleague, requested he stay with him for an in-depth discussion on the topic of tissue regeneration. Archer supported the exchange heartily, and Malcolm had no choice but to order Corporal Romero to stay with the doctors.

Their final destination was the mess hall, where Chef had prepared a buffet with a diversity of dishes from the region. Malcolm noticed the characteristic scent of Vulcan Pok Tar and the sweet aroma of Denobulan sausages. A wide variety of Earth cuisine had also been placed upon the table. Perusing the fare, Malcolm could not detect any strange or suspicious edibles to offend the sensitive palate. Then again, some species don't need much to be offended, he thought darkly.

He positioned himself in a corner, nodding to Kemper to stay near the door. He did not want to appear conspicious, giving their guests room to relax and enjoy themselves, but not too far away, in case a quick response was needed.

The mess hall was already filled with a dozen crewmembers, who all seemed curious about the small delegation, since many of them had never met members of the Nausicaan race before.

Captain Archer invited his guests to sample the buffet, which they seemed to accept gratefully. Fezzik and Humperdinck were busy filling their plates with chicken wings and sausages as if they had not had decent food for weeks. Malcolm shrugged; they were having problems with their climate control, maybe their cooling storage had given out as well.

The enticing smell of roasted meat permeated the room, and the low rumbling of his stomach made Malcolm stand a little straighter. He wasn't going to succumb to the succulent chicken wings, freshly baked bread with butter… and were those mushy peas? He shook his head to clear his wandering thoughts as his hand reassuringly touched his phase pistol. He probably had misread the situation, and the Nausicaans were in no hurry to raid Enterprise. But that did not mean he was free to loaf around, and that included eating.

He looked at Fezzik, who had speared a chicken wing with his fork, and tried in vain to eat it with an awkward show of old-fashioned, upper class manners. Liz Cutler was standing next to him, plate in hand, looking up at the tall Nausicaan and trying to strike up a conversation. Malcolm was surprised when Fezzik stopped eating, looked Cutler in the eye, and nodded with a small smile. Well, at least someone is able to get him out of his shell, Malcolm noted drily.

Humperdinck had already finished his first plate, and was now discovering the delights of Asian cuisine. Malcolm was astonished at the amount of food the Nausicaan was piling onto his plate. Chef would be pleased.

There was still no sign of Phlox and Vizzini, and Malcolm was becoming concerned that something was amiss. He looked over at Kemper near the door as he took the communicator out of his pocket. He was about to contact Romero in sickbay when the booming laughter of the Nausicaan captain made him turn his head. He relaxed slightly when he saw the smiling faces of Hoshi and Archer, but a fierce growl and the sound of tableware hitting the deck made his head snap around. His hand was immediately on his phase pistol, but he did not draw the weapon completely as he assessed the scene in front of him.

Both Fezzik and Cutler's dinner plates had fallen to the deck, and their colourful content had spilled on the floor. The food left artistic traces on the white cloth of the buffet table as well as on the uniforms of anyone in close proximity. Fezzik and Cutler however, did not seem aware of the mess they had created.

The towering Nausicaan was clutching Cutler's upper arm, dragging her closer to him. He had thrust his face close to hers as his enraged eyes seemed to bore into her frightened ones. Cutler's feet were barely touching the floor. A deadly silence fell over the mess hall.

"What seems to be the problem?" Archer's voice was calm yet demanding. The Nausicaan captain seemed less controlled as he simultaneously thundered in indignation, "Kartaak! What are you doing?"

Kartaak alias Fezzik did not look away from Cutler, who was still in his vicelike grip, as he replied in a voice heavy with anger. "This human insulted me with her scornful comments on my honour!"

Malcolm slowly eased the pistol out of its holster, making sure that his movements were surreptitious. A quick look at Kemper assured him that the MACO was ready and waiting for his signal. He glanced at Humperdinck who was staring openmouthed, a spoon halfway to his mouth forgotten, at his angry colleague.

"Kartaak, we are here as guests! There's no need to be rude and abuse their warm welcome!" The alien captain seemed more irritated than worried about his crewman's behaviour. "Let the woman go!"

But instead of letting go, Kartaak gave Cutler a shake and shouted, "Is it an Earth custom to treat other species with contempt and call them vile names?" Malcolm's eyes widened, and a startled gasp went out from the crowd as they saw the fork in Kartaak's hand. It was a simple utensil, but its sharp prongs were pointed directly at Cutler's bare throat.

"Kartaak!" The Nausicaan captain sounded surprised to Malcolm. This was getting out of hand.

Archer held up his hands complaisantly as he soothingly said, "We can talk this out. There's no need to threaten a member of my crew."

Cutler's feet were still restlessly searching for solid ground as she whimpered, "I'm sorry….I don't know…what…I'm sorry…"

Kartaak let out a sneer. "Do you still think that I am a coward? Now you know that I do not make idle threats."

The last words had barely left his mouth before a beam of red energy struck him in the abdomen, while another discharge hit him in the side. Kartaak screamed, letting go of Cutler and the fork as his hands covered his stomach. He dropped to his knees, let out a groan as he keeled over, and lay still.

TBC

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