A/N: In response to a few questions, this story is about 7-10 parts. I haven't decided fully yet how some of the division will go. As for the "ladies man" comment Trip made, I know it's been a while since I've watched it but this story was written back when Enterprise was still airing, relates to a conversation Trip and Malcolm had in the episode "Shuttlepod One".

He felt a pressure on his neck and heard the sound of a hypospray being used. Malcolm's eyes fluttered open and he saw Dr. Phlox bending over him.

"Doctor-?"

"We'd best step back out of the cell, doctor," the security guard behind Phlox said. The two moved into the outer area and slid the bars closed as Malcolm struggled up into a sitting position.

The world spun and Malcolm fought the urge to vomit. He saw a tray of food and his stomach twisted, but he fought back his nausea. He looked at Phlox, still standing on the other side of the bars even though the guard had left.

"The affects of the tainted alcohol you consumed are beginning to wear off," Dr. Phlox said as he observed Reed with his bright blue eyes.

"So this is what it feels like to be better," Malcolm commented sarcastically. He picked up the cup of water on the tray and drank greedily, the cool liquid soothing his parched mouth and throat. He wiped his lips with the back of his hand and looked at Phlox. "Doctor, wasn't there any evidence, any at all that pointed to someone else?"

"You mean someone else who could have killed Ensign Sato?" Phlox clarified. He shook his head. "All DNA evidence I found belonged to you."

"And there were no signs of an intruder on the ship? Anything?" Malcolm's voice began to take on a note of desperation.

"We combed the entire ship."

"Well there has to be another explanation!" Malcolm exploded. He winced as his head throbbed madly. He pressed the heel of one hand pressed against his right eye. "I…did…not…kill…Hoshi."

"Well, perhaps you'll be able to find some other evidence." The tone of the Denobelan's voice indicated he did not believe that would happen.

Malcolm laughed hollowly. "Damn little I can do locked up here." He looked up. "Aside from that tape, I'd like to see the evidence against me."

Phlox puffed out a gentle breathe. "That would have to be something the Captain decides, I'm afraid."

"Could you ask him for me?" Malcolm lurched towards the bars and peered intently at the alien. "Please, I can't believe I did something like that. I don't remember anything. I need to see everything for myself."

Dr. Phlox hesitated, but he finally nodded. "I will see what I am able to do."

"Thank you," Malcolm whispered in relief.

Phlox nodded again and left. Malcolm was alone once more. He glanced over at the food tray, but knew he wouldn't be able to stomach anything. His head still hurt. He slid down against the bars and stared at the blank wall at the opposite end of the cell.

How could this be happening? Malcolm thought. Never, never had he even thought of Hoshi in that way. Yes, she was attractive, but so young and sweet and he still wasn't sure what her relationship was with the Captain. When he thought she had been interested in him, he had quickly retreated, only to realize she was merely acting as the Captain's agent in finding out his favorite food. Again, that link with the Captain. He knew enough to not encroach on what may be his commanding officer's territory. He wouldn't be foolish enough to risk something like that.

Why would he suddenly and abruptly suggest Hoshi sleep with him, even order her to do so?

There had to be an explanation. There had to be a reason. A foreign toxin in his system? Malcolm paused. Maybe the bourbon wasn't tainted, maybe he was given something prior to that. Would Phlox have found anything while he was being treate? Not if he wasn't looking for it. He needed to examine the evidence they had gathered.

It had to be something like that, Malcolm decided. Because I can't live with it if what they say is true.