Disclaimer: This is a fan written work. The copyrights and trademarks of Star Trek are owned by Paramount Pictures, CBS Corporation and there licensee, Pocket Books. The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

Chapter 2

July 2, 2161

Lieutenant Reed was shifting at the tactical station, glancing around the bridge. 'Captain looks weary of war, as are we all. 13 crew members is quite enough people to lose.' It had been a long and bloody final battle with the Romulans near the planet Cheron and signing of the United Federation of planets was a tension filled week. Enterprise was on her way back to Earth for some much needed shore leave and were passing by Babel on just this side of non-Andorian space. Tensions with the Andorians had lessened when the coalition against the Romulans was still intact. However, there was always the chance something would set the aliens off and Reed would not let his guard down until the ship was docked at Jupiter station for some much needed repairs. Sato interrupted Reed's musings.

"Captain." Sato was listening intently to her earpiece, hand pressed against it, head tilted to the side.

Archer got out of his chair, walking swiftly to Sato's station, "What is it Hoshi?" looking the junior officer over, "Is it the Romulans?"

"No. I don't think so Captain," Sato pushed a few buttons on the console, "It is very faint and coming from one of the surrounding moons. I believe the reason we are able to pick up the signal is because we are close to the origin." An intermittent tone began to play on the speakers of the bridge. Three short tone bursts followed by three long tone bursts repeating.

"Captain. If I may?" Reed leaned forward, head tilting as if the signal would clear up, and awaited Archer's nod to continue, "I believe this tone was used in rescue operations in the United States Military before the time of the eugenics war."

Archer took a step back from Sato's console facing the science station, "T'Pol?!" Sato turned off the signal.

"There is a reading of a spacial anomaly dissipating on the moon Zion around the planet Babel." T'Pol was looking more closing at the console, "There is one bio-sign on the surface. However, there is ionization in the atmosphere making it difficult to determine the exact location and species."

"I'd like you to contact the Andorians. See if they have done any investigations." T'Pol nodded as Archer turned to tactical, "Malcolm, start getting a team together, when we have a better idea of what might be going on, I want you to be ready and waiting on my order to go down to the surface. This might be more than what it seems."

Reed nodded going to the turbolift.

"Malcolm," Reed stopped in front of the lift, turning to Archer, "meet in the situation room at 1700 for a mission brief with those you have chosen and the senior staff."

"Aye Captain." Pushing the button on the turbolift after the lift doors closed, Malcolm pushed the comm, "MACO squad meet in cargo bay 3 in five minutes."

Arriving at the cargo bay, Reed addressed the MACO's "Alright men," the MACOs facing Reed were haggard with uniforms fraying on the edges; all stood straight, waiting for the next challenge,"This is a simple SAR (Search and Rescue) mission. Maybe even first contact." walking in front of the ten personal from one edge to the other, "Who is willing to stretch their legs for a day?" Reed smiled to himself as Sargent Greer and Corporal Kane stepped out first. "Greer and Kane, standby. As for the rest of you, Fall Out."

"Aye, Sir."

When the cargo bay was clear of onlookers Reed began, "Follow me to the bridge. We are to be briefed in the situation room in a few minutes."

"Sir?" Kane following behind Reed and Greer.

"Yes Corporal?"

"Do you think we will run in to anymore Romulans this trip?"

Reed stopped, turned, placing his hand on Kane's shoulder, "There is always that possibility. This mission has been comparable with the Xindi attack." Reed took his hand back and gave a small smile, "However, I think the most you'll have to worry about is who this lone person or thing is. This might be a trap but we will plan for a SAR mission. Understood?"

"Yes Sir!" Said the MACOs

"Come on now. We have a captain to impress." Reed walked onwards to the door. 'Well, here we go for another away mission. Hopefully we will all come out of this in one piece.' The small group exited the bay and headed for the turbolift. Reed almost ran into Trip and T'Pol halfway to the lift. The convoy seemed to have interrupted the couple from a conversation when both were silent and glaring at each other.

Reed cleared his throat and raised his eyebrow in Trip's direction before focusing on T'Pol, "I was on my way to the bridge for the briefing. As I have you two here now, is there anything on what my team should expect from the surface? Is there any interference we should look out for which will affect the equipment besides the ionization in the atmosphere?"

T'Pol answered before Trip could get a word in, "The commander and I were on our way to the situation room as well. All the data is there to supply the answers Lieutenant Commander." T'Pol started to walk toward the bridge before either Malcolm or Trip could say otherwise. Both looked at each other before following T'Pol to the turbolift. At the door, T'Pol pushed the control panel for the bridge. Trip gave T'Pol his most charming smile, however, she dismissed him. Reed shook his head at the antics of his two friends. T'Pol lead the way out of the turbolift followed by Trip still making silent entries to T'Pol. Once Reed and his men were out of the turbolift, Reed turned to the MACOs as the door closed, "If I hear of any gossip of the discussion from this short ride, I will see to it neither of you will be fit for another away mission until after we arrive on Earth. Understood?"

The two gave each other a quick look before going to attention, "Understood Sir!"

"Good." Reed growled out as he followed the senior officers footsteps.

Captain Archer saw Trip and T'Pol coming on the bridge from the captain's chair, "Hey there T'Pol. Trip giving you a hard time?" T'Pol ignored Archer's greeting. Archer turned as Reed and the MACOs stepped away from the turbolift, "You ready for the away mission Malcolm?" Archer asked as he followed the group to the situation room, "I am aware you are taking these two MACOs with you. Are you positive having three personal will be enough? How about taking your Commanding Officer along for the ride? You should have an experienced pilot along for trip." The door to the situation room closed with a quiet swish.

Reed suppressed his sigh, "Sir. If an experienced pilot is required for the away mission, I request Lieutenant Mayweather while you and Commander Tucker stay on the bridge out of harms way."

"I concur with the Lieutenant Commander." T'Pol spoke, "There is no reason for the Commanding Officer or the Chief Engineer to go on a routine mission." Reed gave T'Pol a nod of acknowledgement.

"Very well Malcolm. Request granted, take Travis as pilot." Mayweather nodded in acknowledgement as Archer continued, "It looks like a bumpy ride down to the surface. T'Pol what did the Andorians have to say about our inquiry?"

"The Andorian whom I contacted have requested we keep their government apprised of our investigations and to expect a rendezvous with one of their commanders in the near future."

"Thank you T'Pol. I know contacting the Andorians is never an easy task." T'Pol gave a dignified nod, accepting Archer's appreciation, "Please tell us about what else can be expected from the planet?"

T'Pol looked to her screen, "The moon's surface is covered in 88% water with rainfall in close random intervals. There are a few islands and one main continent of 1,500 km2. I suggest looking along the coastlines of the continent first. There is heavy interference in the atmosphere. Your instruments and equipment will not work properly. Perhaps Commander Tucker would be able to advise on a way for the ionization effects to be limited."

"I'll see what I can come up with." Tucker said, looking at the calculations for the atmosphere, "Though, I don't see a way of doing anything with great effect in the time limit," Facing the officers, "If there is a person down there, they'll need our help. I'll do the best I can to modify the scanners before you leave. Or take Hess with you, as I'm not allowed to come," Giving a scathing look at Reed who smirked right back, "Scanners may not be Hess's speciality, but she at least has experience working on 'em."

Reed nodded, "Lieutenant Travis, Lieutenant Hess, these two fine MACO's and myself. The ride down to the planet will be crowded, not to mention a tight fit back up to Enterprise if there is a person who would like a ride back."

"Come to think of it," Archer put in, "A medical crewman should go down to the planet with the team."

"Captain," Reed stepping in front of Archer at attention, "With all due respect. There may not be any signs of danger from the scans as of now, however, it is best to err on the side of caution with the interference in the atmosphere. I will accept either an engineer or a medic, not both."

Archer paused, "Malcolm, do not push me on this. Phlox will be able to set you up with a crewman who has been down on an away mission and knows what to expect from someone being on the moon's surface for an extended period of time."

"Aye Sir." Reed relaxed his stance, "Commander Tucker, please notify Lieutenant Hess to meet in launch bay 1 at 0800 with an extra uniform in a waterproof container. I will go and speak with Doctor Phlox about a medical crewman."

"Expecting to get dirty Malcolm?" Trip joked.

Reed smirked, "Of course. No other way to go about the mission." Reed turned to Travis, "Make sure you have the extra uniform. I don't want us to go without our best pilot due to hypothermia."

"Aye Sir."

"That goes for you two as well. Can't have anyone sick in the near future."

"Trip, inform Ericka she is needed for the away team tomorrow at 0745." Archer remarked, "I understand she has been late for more than one shift this week."

"Yes Capt'. I'll brief her."

"Very well. Dismissed."

Reed addressed the MACOs, "See you in launch bay 1 at 0800 gentlemen."

"Aye sir." Sargent Greer taking the lead out of the situation room with the senior officers strangling out. Reed looked around as he was the last to exit the room. Sato and Mayweather were back at their stations, Trip and T'Pol were back to discussing the finer points of scanners and atmospheric ionization at the science station, and Archer caught his gaze, walking over to Reed.

"Malcolm, I suggest you head down to sickbay and talk to Phlox about the crewman who will be accompany the team."

"Aye Captain." Reed nodded and took off before he had to explain why having a medical crewman was not necessary to a fatigued superior officer. Stepping into the turbolift, Reed pushed the control panel for E deck and let out the breath he was holding once the doors were closed. 'Better get this over with as soon as possible.' Walking on autopilot, 'Can't stand sickbay at the best of times. Though I guess having a medic on the team won't be terrible as long as they can keep up.' Reed looked up in time to see the doors of sickbay open for him. "Doctor Phlox?"

"Ah, Mr. Reed," Phlox greeted, bent over, feeding one of his many animals, "How may I be of service today?"

"Well, Doctor. I need to recruit one of your crewmen for the away mission tomorrow." Phlox turned from his precious pets and gave Reed his full attention, "I understand it is short notice and if there is no one available I will be out of your way." Reed turned to leave and give Phlox his sickbay back.

"Of course I have a crewman available Mr. Reed." Phlox scoffed and gave one of his signature smiles.

Reed muttered, "I was afraid of that."

"What was that?" Phlox finished putting his feeding supplies away.

"Who do have?"

"Hhmm." Phlox gave a small frown and motioned toward the door, "Follow me. Crewman first class Ballard is in the hydroponics bay gathering a few samples for me." Phlox stepped over the threshold, "He should will be the perfect man for the job."

"How so?"

"Ah, she is a most attentive medic with a passion for plants. Hence her going off to the hydroponics every chance she has as long as it doesn't interfere with her courting Crewman second class Ross. She has been courting or dating Mr. Ross..."

"Doctor." Reed interrupted clearing his throat, "How many missions has she been on? Is there a speciality she is working on?"

"Crewman Ballard has been on three away missions without mishap. She does not have a speciality as of right now. But I expect her to be working towards one in pharmaceuticals. Well here we are." Phlox pushed the door control and called out as he stepped through, "Crewman Ballard, there is someone who would like to speak with you."

"Yes Doctor. One moment." A alto voice from the far left of the room called. There was some shuffling and an "Opps" later a woman of early 20's, dark hair, tall, and somewhat pretty came from behind a hydro pod, straightening to attention, "Lieutenant Commander Reed."

'A cliche rolled into one.' Reed internally shook his head, "At ease Crewman. Thank you Doctor for the escort. I'm sure Crewman Ballard will be a fine replacement."

Phlox looked from Reed to Ballard and back. Seeing there was nothing else for him to do, gave a nod, "My pleasure Mr. Reed. Crewman I'm sure you'll show the very best of the hydroponics to Mr. Reed. And please come see me if there are any questions." Giving a smile and before Ballard could voice a very present question, Phlox turned away with the door closing behind him, trapping the Crewman with Reed.

"So Crewman, Doctor Phlox tells me you have been on three away missions." Reed steps forward and motions the woman to walk with him, "Tell me about them."

"Well, sir, the first one was, uh, about three years ago. I went down with two other, uh, medics to help with giving out a vaccine, uh, Phlox found for a population suffering from an alien flu." Ballard was focused on the floor or the plants, "The other two were routine science expeditions, as I was there for, uh, just in case, and nothing happened," She spared a glance at Reed who was studying her intensely, "Recently I have had, uh, lot of experience, mh, helping Phlox in emergency situations, ah, due to the Romulans." Ballard was intently looking at an orchid, lost in the memories. Reed related, having a few memories of his own, clearing his throat bringing Ballard back to the task at hand. Ballard shook her head as if to clear the cobwebs.

"What do you know about the mission?"

"Nothing." Ballard looked up from the plants and made eye contact, the first since being introduced, "I know the planet we are orbiting is mostly covered in water." Narrowing her eyes in concentration, "Hypothermia will be a possibility for most humanoid species. Especially because the rains are unpredictable and the temperature is around four degrees Celsius." Reed was taken aback for a second. It was the first sentence which Ballard had spoken without pausing. Ballard looked back to the plants as if nothing out of the ordinary had taken place.

"Phlox has great faith in your abilities for the mission. And as you so eloquently put, there is a high chance for a medical situation." Reed took a look around the bay, "With your expertise on plants and taking samples, such a skill will be helpful," nodding Reed went on, "Alright Ballard come with me," stepping in the corridor, 'Ballard will either follow and be part of the team, or she will be left behind here and now.' Reed thought.

"Where are we going sir?" Ballard asked a little out of breath behind Reed.

Reed gave a small smile with his back to Ballard who would not see it, "We are going to meet up with the MACO's who are part of this mission. I want you to tell them all about the basics of hypothermia and what symptoms to watch for in themselves and others."

"Yes Sir." Ballard's less than enthusiastic reply came from a little behind Reed's left.

"Do you know anything about the plant life on the planet?" Reed asked to try and relax the young woman.

"The information about the surface flora is very limited at this time. What has been found is there are a few tree like plants with fruit, which is safe to eat. Though, there is no way to tell if the fruit is palatable until we can get a sample to the ship." Ballard took a pause to breathe, "There are a couple of plants which look to be medical and one to be both poisonous and healing. Sir, I would like permission to retrieve a sample of this plant to find if the plant is indeed medically useful."

"It would depend on where the plant is. This is not a science exploration mission, but a rescue operation."

"Rescue?" Ballard asked more to herself then to Reed, "Who are we rescuing sir?"

"I don't know yet Ballard. And I don't know how you came about such specific information on plants when we even can't pinpoint one biosign." Reed groused.

"I have a friend in the science department who, uh, tells me a bit about each planet. They only tell me about the flora. And since there is, uh, very limited variety, it is easy to figure out, which signature comes from what plant."

"Hm, maybe we can use that." Reed and Ballard came to Launch Bay 1, "Ready for your introductions?"

"Yes, Sir." Ballard spoke in barely more than a whisper. Reed smirked as he pushed the control panel for the door. Greer and Kane were inspecting the shuttle for damage and restocking the supplies.

"Greer, Kane." Reed barked. They came over, standing at ease as they inspected the medical crewman next to their commanding officer. "I'd like to introduce Crewman first class Ballard. She'll be the medic who will accompany us on this mission. This is Sargent Greer and Corporal Kane."

Recognition glinted in Kane's eye, "Crewman Ballard," looking at Ballard than Reed, "Commander this woman saved my life after the terrible skirmish a few months back. Remember the time I was laid out for nie on two weeks?" Reed nodded as Kane motioned to Ballard, "Well, she made sure it wasn't for a lifetime." Holding out his hand to Ballard to shake, "I for one am glad you're coming along."

Ballard took Kane's hand, "Well I must, uh, say this is a better reception than I, hm, was expecting."

Greer held out his hand for a shake, "Welcome to the away team." Ballard took the hand, "Don't get use to it." Greer muttered, squishing Ballard's hand.

"Wouldn't, hm, dream of it," Ballard muttered right back through the pain. Greer let go of Ballard with one last hard squeeze.

"Now that everyone has been introduced," Reed turned to the medic. "What did the fine Doctor brief you on Crewman?"

Ballard stopped shaking out her hand and stood straighter, "To be ready to treat a patient who may be suffering from hypothermia."

"What are the symptoms of hypothermia? What is the threat level of hypothermia for us?" Reed emphasized.

"The symptoms range from mild to severe. The first stages are shivering, fatigue, some difficulty with speech. Moving on to the body shutting down; discontinued shivering, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, etc. For the team there is moderate risk as we will only be there for a couple hours. However, I suggest, be vigilant. It does not take long for the first stages to show and most patients do not even realize they are suffering until it is too late." Ballard paused for a second looking from Reed to the MACO's, before looking down "Also, uh, sir, there is a chance we must remove, um, wet clothing, cover them with dry blankets and start the rewarming process as soon as possible without jolting the patient."

Reed's eyes opened slightly, taking a cleansing surreptitious breath turned to the MACO's, "Very well. Kane, Greer, make sure we have enough towels and blankets for seven people and a stretcher. And as for the removal of clothing or any other coverings, Ballard and myself will deal with the situation." Reed focused his gaze on the MACO's, "Understood?"

"Yes sir." Greer and Kane replied.

"Is there anything else sir?" Greer asked with a little laugh.

Reed held his arms at his side, speaking between his teeth, "We will depart at 0800. Anyone not ready will be left behind. Dismissed." Reed turned and walked out of the bay, heading to the bridge.

"Well, mh, see you both tomorrow." Ballard moved off from the MACO's.

"Hold up there Ballard." Greer barked.

Ballard turned with shoulders up before standing straight again, "Yes?"

"Since you so helpfully brought it to the Lieutenant Commander's attention. How about you find and stow the gear for the possible hypothermic patient. I'll check the gear in one hour." Greer bent at his waist to be at eye level, pointing at her, "It better be done to perfection otherwise," poked her in the shoulder, "It won't be a great trip back to the ship." Greer slowly straighter, glaring down on Ballard before breaking eye contact and leaving.

Kane walked up behind Ballard making her spin around, "Easy there." Kane held up his hands, "Didn't mean to startle you," putting his hands down, "Want some help getting those supplies?"

Ballard rubbed the back of her neck with a slightly trembling hand, "I would really appreciate it."

Kane smiled, "Follow me. I know the perfect place to get the stretcher."

Ballard gave an answering smile, "Let me guess, Sickbay."

"Correctamoondo!" Kane exclaimed as he held his arm out to allow Ballard to lead the way.

Giggling, Ballard asked, "Correctamoondo? What is that? I've never heard it."

Walking to the turbolift, "Well I don't really know where it came from. My late great grandma said it a few times."

"She had a wonderful way with words." Ballard pressed the control panel to sickbay on the lift door.

As the door closed, Kane placed his hand on Ballard's shoulder, "I am glad you are on this mission. I know Greer can be a pain, but I would rather have you along than any other medic."

"Thank you." Ballard gave a shrug, "Hopefully I can change his mind about me at the end of this mission."

Kane patted her, "I'm sure you can. Now come on. The gear is waiting and I want to get to the mess early so I miss the rush.

The turbo doors opened, "I know what you mean. Hopefully Doctor Phlox can do without me for a while."

"I'm sure he can. You can give the excuse that you have to follow Greer's order first and foremost."

"True." By this time they were at sickbay's door. "Ready?" Ballard asked Kane.

"As ready as I ever am to go into sickbay," Kane held a smile in his eyes, "No matter the circumstance."

"Don't worry. I'll make sure Doctor Phlox doesn't hold you for any experiments."

"That is very comforting," the sickbay doors opened as Ballard pressed the control panel, "Crewman Ballard." finished Kane hastily.

"Ms. Ballard and Mr. Kane." Phlox came over to them with a pad in his hands, "How can I help you today?"

"Doctor," Ballard began, "We require one stretcher, blankets and towels for seven personal to take with us to the planet tomorrow. Can you point us in the right direction?"

"Certainly! Follow me. I have the perfect set of fabric for you as well as a stretcher Mr. Kane can carry." They walked to the right of the main exam table, past a computer station to a storage area. "The fabric is light, strong, flexible, and wonderfully warm." Phlox opened a small locker and pointed to another, "Mr. Kane the stretcher is there. It is made from the silk of a unique spider species from the planet we came by a few months back. The natives gave me quite a lot of it in return for some medical supplies they needed." Hauling out a huge arm full asked, "Do you think this will suffice?"

"I should certainly hope so." Ballard laughing replied, "Is there a way to place two three by two meters in seven separate bags?"

"I'm sure we can come up with something." Phlox moved out of the room with his load.

"Do you need any assistance Corporal Kane?" Ballard asked as she saw Kane struggle with the latch to release the stretcher.

"Corporal now?" Kane asked as he struggled on.

"It began with Crewman after the doors opened," Ballard replied with her arms crossed.

Kane stopped and looked up, "You're right. Yes, I would like your assistance Ballard."

"Better." She stepped forward pushing a button to the left of the holder. "Get ready to catch." The stretcher was deployed from its holster and about knocked Kane over.

"Thanks for the warning." Kane gave grudgingly as he hauled the compact stretcher out the door.

"Your welcome." Ballard said as she followed feeling quite pleased.

"I'll meet you back at the shuttle pod." Kane told Ballard as he wrestled with the equipment. Ballard pressed another button to the right of the contraption, two small wheels popped out.

"That should make it a little easier. I'll be down in about fifteen minutes."

Kane nodded as he situated the wheels on the ground, "Perhaps next time I take the fabric and you can have the stretcher."

"Deal." Ballard smirked and Kane smiled leaving for the shuttle bay.

"Hm," Ballard jumped as Phlox stood behind her, "Are you sure a monogamous relationship with Crewman Ross is what you want?"

Ballard cleared her throat turning to the fabric on the computer station, "How can I help?"

Phlox smiled, "If you would retrieve seven containers of 700mL from the bottom left..."

"Doctor Phlox?!" Came a voice from the entrance of sickbay. Phlox quickly walked to see what was needed. Lieutenant Hess stood swaying back and forth, her face was pale and eyes were unfocused.

"Oh my. Ballard please get Ms. Hess seated on the table. I will be right back."

'I guess Hess and I won't be going on an away mission.' Ballard forced her attention back to the person who needed her now, "Lieutenant come this way. We'll get you right as rain in no time."