NOTE: When I realized how long this chapter had gotten I considered breaking it up, but decided to leave it as is. Everyone has waited so patiently (and for so long!) it seemed appropriate to reward that patience with a long chapter. Not sure when the next installment will be ready but hopefully it won't take as much time as this one did.
Chapter Eleven
Elizabeth Cutler hustled to the door as Phlox and Trip entered Sickbay. "I was just going to call you," she told the doctor. "Something's wrong with Lt. Reed. He's having some sort of nightmare or something, but I can't wake him." She led the way to the biobed, pulling back the privacy curtain as she reached it. All three stopped in their tracks. Malcolm was shifting about and moaning softly, head lolling back and forth on the upraised head of the bed. D'von was kneeling on the bed alongside the lieutenant, desperately stroking Reed's face and squeaking in frantic despair.
Trip's first impulse was to go snatch the child away before he could suck up any more of Malcolm's "energy" but Phlox put out a restraining hand and stepped over to the bed. When D'von looked at the doctor Tucker got a good look at the boy's face and felt like an ass: the kid was obviously as concerned as they were—moreso, judging from his tear-filled eyes and the noises he was making. 'Not a kid, remember?' Trip reprimanded himself. 'The lieutenant declared that moniker to be disrespectful.'
The Denobulan calmly but quickly took a scan and checked readings, at last placing a comforting hand on the child's shoulder. "Shh," he urged tenderly. "You need to calm down, D'von...and stop trying to speak before you do damage to your vocal cords, hmm?" With a hiccupped snuffle the boy fell silent and nodded, looking down at Malcolm and silently stroking the man's cheek.
Though he was still asleep Reed's hand slowly moved, coming to rest on D'von's cheek. Blinking away tears the boy smiled as he lowered his head and tenderly laid his forehead against Malcolm's. The lieutenant instantly went still, a sigh escaping from him. The monitor on D'von's chest began chirping madly, bringing a look of deep concern to the doctor's face. Before Phlox could try to tell the boy to break the connection, however, Malcolm's eyes opened, bringing a smile to D'von's face before the tot leaned away from Reed and tipped over backward, eyes fluttering closed.
Still standing directly behind the child, Phlox kept him from falling off the bed, steering the semiconscious Lehrite's body to rest alongside the lieutenant. With an ill-concealed frown he scanned D'von, his features at last relaxing as he declared with relief, "His vital signs are returning to normal."
"What just happened?" Malcolm croaked groggily, looking at the others in puzzlement.
"It would seem," Phlox replied, "that D'von sensed that you were in distress and tried to help you."
"Is he all right?" Malcolm urgently demanded. "He hasn't injured himself, has he?" He examined the child but saw nothing amiss.
"His vital signs did become rather erratic but they've leveled of now. He's just overextended himself a bit—he'll be fine once he's had a chance to rest."
Reed squinted suspiciously at the doctor. "Overextended himself how?"
Phlox puckered his lips thoughtfully. "Several times while the two of you have been sleeping," he began slowly, "there were episodes when you and D'von touched foreheads."
"Ms. Cutler mentioned that earlier," Malcolm responded. "She referred to it as 'the head thing.'"
Liz shrugged sheepishly at the Denobulan. "I didn't know what else to call it," she explained.
Phlox smiled. "Yes, well, during each 'head thing', there was an exchange of energy." The doctor then launched into his phase pistol analogy. "It would seem that during this last contact," he concluded, "D'von either expended much of that energy or returned it to you. It will take a little time for him to recoup his losses, but his condition is stable."
"Why would you risk doing such a thing?" the lieutenant softly pondered aloud as he looked down at the boy's face.
{We ams famblee,} the boy's voice slurred in his head. {Yew hadz dream that yew ams fraids an' loss. I hadza fines yew. Hadza hewp.} The golden eyes creaked open tiredly. {Yew hewped me on da bad ship, an' in da blue room when I was fraids. Hadza hewp yew back.}
Malcolm opened his mouth but couldn't push the words past the lump in his throat. Looking at the three people standing at his bedside and swallowing hard, he at last found his voice. "He says he had to help me," he explained softly.
Trip looked shamefaced. "Well now I do feel like a damned idiot. I thought his hookin' up with ya again might hurt ya. I was gonna try ta stop him."
{What ams dam-id-yot?} D'von asked, slightly more awake.
Malcolm stifled a chuckle with only partial success. "I believe it would be best to watch your language, Commander. D'von wants to know what a 'dam-id-yot' is. Would you care to elaborate for him?" Reed fixed mirthful eyes on the engineer, one eyebrow sliding upward with a grace that would have put T'Pol to shame.
The commander's face went red. "Oh jeez...I wasn't...I didn't think he was payin' attention!" he stammered.
{Oooo,} D'von marveled as he sat up, now wide awake and bright-eyed. {Dinnint know Hoomins could change colors! Red is priddy. Can do udder colors?}
Seeing the widening grin on the lieutenant's face, Trip grew more flustered. "He said somethin' about me, didn't he? Spill it, Malcolm—whaddid he say?"
Malcolm sat up, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder. "He wasn't aware that humans could change their pigmentation and wants to know if you can do other colors. He seems to think red is a pretty shade for you, though. What do you think, Crewman?"
Cutler pretended to seriously consider the question, cocking her head to one side and fighting back a grin as she studied the commander. "Hmm...I'm not certain. It's okay, I suppose. Doesn't really match his eyes, though." She finally shone a broad smile at Tucker.
"Very funny, Liz," Trip drawled back with a grin of his own, the blush fading from his features. He looked into the inquisitive little face staring up at him and shrugged. "Sorry little guy, red's the only other color I've got. It's called 'blushing'—usually happens when a person's embarrassed about somethin'. Like usin' language that I shouldn't have in front of a little boy. I'm sorry 'bout that."
D'von's head tipped first to one side and then the other as he pondered Trip's words. {Jus red when bare-assed. Hokay good.} The boy turned his attention to Malcolm, his tone suddenly urgent. {Mao-kim? Goddago.}
Still amused by the lad's mangling of 'embarrassed', Reed had to mull over 'goddago' for a few seconds. "You don't need to go anywhere," he assured the boy once he'd deciphered the new word. "You're fine right here."
D'von shook his head emphatically. {Nuh-uh. Goddago. Goddago naow.} To emphasize his words the boy bounced his bottom on the bed several times, clutching himself "down below" with both hands. {Goddagogoddagogoddago,} he chanted in Malcolm's mind. At the same time Reed was abruptly confronted with the sensation of a very full bladder.
Though they all realized simultaneously what the problem was, Liz had the quickest reaction time. "I've got him," she volunteered, scooping up the tot and grabbing Hoshi's camisole from the utility table. With D'von and the shirt firmly in one arm Cutler wrapped her free hand around the IV pole and towed it alongside as she bustled toward the bathroom. "You just need to hold it for a few more seconds, okay?" Liz urged.
{Hokay. Ams ho-ding,} D'von politely replied, heard by none except Malcolm. {Yew ams booo-ti-ful, Hoomin lady. Cans walk fasser, please?} he added, voice fading from the lieutenant's mind as he was carried off. The lieutenant was grateful to find the ever-increasing pressure on his own bladder fading as well.
Relieved, Malcolm sank back on the bed and watched them disappear from sight. "Close call," he observed before looking at his remaining visitors. Watching their faces grow more serious, he grew uneasy. "I presume this isn't a social visit." Seeing the hesitation in their eyes as Phlox and Trip exchanged looks drew an impatient sigh from Malcolm. "Let's have done with it, shall we?" he urged, sitting up again. "From the looks on your faces I should be planning my funeral—has there really been that much damage to my grey cells?"
"No, no," Phlox rushed to assure him. "Indeed, there doesn't appear to be any damage at all. However, the Vulcans finally sent the information we were waiting for. It would seem that when you touched his face earlier, when you were reassuring him about the imaging chamber, he thought he was being given permission to Join with you. We've also learned that once a Lehrite is Joined with someone, the connection is...permanent." The doctor proceeded to give a detailed recap of the conference which had taken place in the Captain's Mess, complete with descriptions of the subsequent contacts that had taken place between Malcolm and the boy, the potential that D'von would expect to eventually be Joined with the rest of the crew, and a tactfully phrased outline of the Vulcan's fate. The doctor then hastened to add the same assurances that he'd offered the captain about the lack of synaptic damage and offering the option of neurosedation if it became necessary. Leaving out any mention of Commander Tucker's vampire comment, he finished by mentioning the information he planned to put together for the crew and the task of explaining to the young Lehrite that Joining with additional crewmembers would be unacceptable.
The lieutenant listened with uncharacteristic patience, giving an occasional nod of acknowledgement but maintaining a contemplative silence throughout the doctor's oration. When Phlox at last fell silent Malcolm looked away from the Denobulan, still saying nothing. Trip had been braced for a variety of reactions, expecting anything from a full-blown "why do these things always happen to me" rant to some classic Malcolmesque "it's all my fault" self-flagellation, or perhaps something somewhere between the two. This prolonged silence, with the Armoury Officer staring pensively at the foot of the biobed, was unanticipated and worrisome. And damned near unbearable. Hell, T'Pol had displayed more emotion in the Captain's Mess when she'd told them about the whole Vulcan/Lehrite Joining thing.
"Malcolm?" Trip looked at his friend with concern, no longer able to stand the quiet. "You haven't said anything fer awhile. You okay?"
"Hmm? What? Oh...sorry, Trip," Malcolm looked up at his friend, snapping out of his reverie. "It's just taking some time to absorb all of this, I suppose." He slowly turned his attention back to the doctor. "Being Joined with a Human isn't going to harm D'von, is it?"
Phlox looked surprised: the possibility hadn't occurred to him. "I shouldn't think so—Joining is something that he's accustomed to, something his brain is designed to do. Nevertheless, I'll be monitoring both of you for a while yet, just to be safe."
Malcolm sighed with relief, closing his eyes in thought for a moment. He drew a deep breath before looking at the two men again, fresh resolve in his voice as he spoke. "I'll talk to him, Phlox. I'll explain about not Joining with anyone else."
"Are you certain?" Phlox asked, looking relieved at the offer.
"Quite. Besides, I'm the only one who can hear him right now, so it makes sense that I be the one to do it. After all, how will you know if he truly understands what you're trying to tell him? I'd have to be there as a sort of translator anyhow, so it seems more practical for me to go ahead and talk to him rather than go through a bunch of back-and-forth between the two of you."
The Denobulan's head tipped sideways in contemplation. "I suppose you're right. I must confess, I was dreading having to explain it to him. If you're sure you don't mind, I would welcome being relieved of that particular chore."
"It's settled then. I'll tend to the explanations to D'von, and that will free you to direct your attention to other tasks. I would like to read the information about his people when you get it together, if you don't mind."
"You'll be the first. Perhaps you'll be able to offer some insights or add anything I might miss, hmm?"
Reed shot an amused glance at the doctor. "I'd be happy to, though I'm not sure how much help I'd be with that. All I know about Lehrites so far is what I've heard from you and Subcommander T'Pol. There is something I've noticed, though—have you found any information regarding how strong this connection is? When Crewman Cutler took D'von away, his voice grew fainter as they moved off. I can still sense him, mind you," he added, tapping a finger against his temple, "but it's rather like having someone whispering to me from two rooms away. Is there some sort of...I don't know...range to the bond?"
"I'm not sure," Phlox admitted, "but I'll certainly check into it. If there's nothing else, I'll go check on Crewman Cutler and our young friend and let you two have a visit. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything, Lieutenant." With that the doctor strode away, leaving the two friends to their own devices.
Pulling the nearby chair alongside the bed, Trip settled in and studied Reed's face. "You sure yer okay? I mean, with all this Joining stuff? You didn't say much after Phlox got through talkin'."
"Well, it was a lot to take in." Going silent for a moment Malcolm thought back to what the commander had said earlier and fixed a skeptical eye on him, folding his arms across his chest. "You really thought D'von would hurt me?"
"Of course not," Trip defended himself. "At least, I didn't think he'd hurt ya on purpose. It's just that...well, Phlox had just gotten through telling us about D'von drawin' energy from you, then we came in here an' found you havin' some sorta nightmare, an' Cutler couldn't wake you up. An' the little guy was tryin' ta connect with ya again...I didn't realize he was tryin' ta help ya, Mal. At first I thought he was lookin' for another recharge an' I was worried that, in the state you were in, another hookup would mess you up more. Musta been a helluva dream, the way you were tossin' around...but I guess whatever D'von did helped, huh?"
"He did quite well," Reed replied with a measure of pride, then grew thoughtful before answering the question in Trip's eyes. "And yes, it was a hell of a dream. I was looking for Maddie. She was in trouble and calling me, only I couldn't find her. I was here—on Enterprise—only none of the doors or corridors went where they were supposed to. I kept winding up either going in circles or stuck in dead ends, and I was getting frantic to find Maddie but didn't even know where I was. Then I rounded a corner and D'von was standing there next to the turbolift, holding his hand out to me." He chuckled at the memory of the image. "He looked quite chuffed with that big grin on his face. Same expression you get when you make off with the last piece of pie in the Mess Hall," he commented with a teasing smirk. "I took hold of his hand and made to get into the lift with him, and woke up to find you lot hovering over me."
"I think 'hovering' is a bit of an exaggeration," the engineer protested mockingly. "Besides, we were worried aboutcha. An' D'von kinda tipped over when he got done, so it's a good thing Phlox was standin' close to tha bed."
"Tipped over? What do you mean?" Malcolm demanded.
"The little guy kinda swooned. He snapped right out of it, though. Doc said he'd be okay once he rested, remember?" Trip reassured him. The friends fell silent, pondering the morning's events, until a thought occurred to Trip. "You never did get a chance to explain that whole 'quid pro quo' thing that you an' Phlox were talkin' about last night. And what was D'von wiggling that had the two of you so amused?"
Malcolm laughed aloud. "It was quite a sight. Seems the tot is fascinated by human feet, since he'd never seen any before yesterday, and I wiggled my toes for him. According to Phlox, Lehrites are quite keen on repaying people who do things for them. Since D'von couldn't very well wiggle his toes back at me he bent over, pulled the blanket out of the way, and wiggled his tail. My friend, I believe you are looking at the first Human to have been mooned by a Lehrite."
"An' I missed it," Trip lamented with a chuckle. "Damn."
"As I said before, Commander, you might want to start minding your language," Malcolm reminded him with good humor. "You've yet to explain 'dam-id-yot' to D'von, and I'd rather he not pick up too many of your more colorful phrases. Wouldn't want to shock his parents too greatly once we get him back to them—might cause an unpleasant diplomatic incident between our two species."
Tucker failed in his attempt to keep a straight face. "Aye, sir," he replied, tossing off a salute for good measure. After a few moments' silence curiosity got the best of the engineer. "Malcolm...what's it feel like?" he asked with a slightly awestruck tone. "You said the connecting part didn't hurt, but...what's it like?"
Malcolm had to give it some thought: his earlier attempts to describe any of it had seemed wholly inadequate, and he still didn't feel that he could put the experience into words. Still, it couldn't hurt to try. "It's quite pleasant for the most part. A little disorienting at times, I'll grant you, especially when D'von thought Phlox was angry with him. There was a fraction of a second when I felt it too—it was just a brief flash, but I felt what the doctor was feeling. I suppose D'von...transmitted it to me." Malcolm grew somber at the memory. "Angry hurts," he mumbled softly.
"Beg pardon?"
"D'von told me that 'angry hurts,'" Reed answered. "And there was a slight sting to it, now that I think about it. Nothing too terrible, though. Rather like a bee sting, or maybe a small electric jolt—unpleasant but not unbearable."
Trip thought a moment. "Better let Phlox know about that. Ah'm serious, Malcolm," he added, seeing the dismissive expression on his friend's face. "Yer the tactical expert, always planning for every potential problem. So stop an' think about it for a second: that 'small electric jolt' was from one person gettin' angry for a few seconds. What happens when D'von gets a little empathic whiff of the whole crew? We can't all be happy twenty-four hours a day—there will be negative emotions floating around here from time to time. An' I'm pretty sure keepin' the little fella isolated or cooped up indefinitely won't be a viable option. So don'tcha think it might be a good idea to talk to Phlox and get some feedback from him?"
Grudgingly conceding the point with a tip of his head Malcolm started to reply, but was cut off by a delighted feminine shriek.
"Oh you're so adorable!" Hoshi's voice wafted through Sickbay. "And the shirt fits—oh Liz, it looks so nice on him!"
Malcolm's eyes drifted shut as waves of glee washed over him. "Definitely...must discuss this...with Phlox," he mumbled.
D'von's satisfied voice worked its way through, made faint by distance but still distinct. {Oooo...boootiful Hoomin laydees luvs meee...dis ams niiice.}
Indeed it is, Malcolm agreed, drifting along with the sensation as the child's giggles filled his mind. Awfully nice.
"Malcolm?" Tucker's concerned voice quietly urged from what seemed a great distance. "You still with me?"
"Sod...off," the lieutenant demanded softly, intent on basking in the pleasure washing over him.
"Come again, Loo-tenant?" Trip's stern voice cut through the mental fog like a plasma torch.
Reed's eyes snapped open, shocked at the realization of what he'd just said. "I'm sorry sir, I—" The apology froze in his throat at the sight of Commander Tucker's smirk.
"That's more like the Malcolm I know. Apology accepted. And you are gonna have that talk with Phlox, aren't you?" Trip asked in a tone that allowed only one response.
"Yes sir. Absolutely." Malcolm couldn't quite banish the embarrassed half-grin from his lips. "The little mite keeps catching me off-guard," he explained. "I'm all right now, though."
"Sure you are," Tucker drawled teasingly as he rose from the chair, giving his friend a reassuring clap on the shoulder before quietly sliding the privacy curtain aside enough to catch a glimpse of Liz and Hoshi doting on D'von as Phlox removed the IV lines and small scanner from the youngster. Turning back to Malcolm the engineer put a finger to his lips and motioned the lieutenant to come over. "You gotta see this," he whispered before cautiously pulling the curtain aside further.
The smitten, cooing women were flanking the boy, who was perched on the exam table plainly enjoying every second of the affection he was receiving. They reminded Trip of a group of giddy schoolgirls at the high school prom, and D'von, soaking up the attention like a sponge, was the popular guy trying to decide who to dance with first.
Tucking the scanner in his pocket the doctor placed a fond hand on the boy's shoulder. "I know you're not exactly fond of it," he said, "but I'd like to get some more readings with the imaging chamber."
D'von squirmed uneasily on the exam table, casting his gaze to the floor. {Dunnint unnerstans why hafsa go in dare. Dunnint likes in dare. Ams not dead.}
Brow furrowed in puzzlement Malcolm stepped forward, ignoring the others. "D'von? I don't understand. Why would you think—?" He stopped as the boy looked at him.
{Ams where peeple goes when dey ams dead. Can show yew,} he offered. {Works besser if yew close yore eyes.} D'von closed his eyes, a relaxed sigh slipping between his lips.
Malcolm closed his eyes as well, and found himself in a chilly cavern standing a short distance from a honeycombed wall of the cave. The grotto was, he thought, surprisingly well-illuminated, though there were no indications of artificial lighting that he could see. Looking up gave Malcolm an answer as to the light source: a long, wide crack ran along the high ceiling of the chamber, letting in a great deal of sunlight but nothing in the way of warmth. A breeze blowing through the subterranean cathedral added to the chill in the dry, crisp air. After gazing at the slit of turquoise sky for a few moments Malcolm turned his attention back to the wall before him.
There were many hundreds of rough-hewn, evenly spaced holes extending five or six meters up the wall, each hole just over half a meter across. Many of the openings were bricked up with carefully placed rocks, no mortar used to hold them in place; each closed-off hole had a small engraved plaque embedded in the wall over it. A large, intricately carved stone bowl filled with ash and hundreds of incense sticks was perched on carved stone feet, positioned a few feet in front of the wall. After watching the smoke from the incense waft skyward for a moment Malcolm took a halting step toward the wall. A small hand gripped his wrist.
{I go wiv yew,} D'von whispered with a reverence suitable to the setting. Allowing himself to be led by the boy Malcolm soon found himself standing at eye level with one of the chambers. Many of the rocks that had once sealed its opening had fallen aside, and D'von dropped his hand away from Malcolm's wrist to pick up a small stone from the cave floor. {We come from mon-tims, so when we ams dead we go back inna mon-tims. Sometimes dey shake, an' we hafsa come do fixes,} he added, straining to respectfully place the rock he was holding into the opening but not quite able to reach. Malcolm obligingly lifted the tot, taking the opportunity to take a closer look into the niche as D'von put the rock back in its home. He could see horns and the desiccated remains of a Lehrite occupying the small vault.
There was a momentary sensation of vertigo as the scene shifted and Malcolm, still holding D'von, realized he now seemed to be on a spaceship—decidedly not Enterprise, though. The small room they now occupied, only slightly larger than his own quarters, was softly illuminated with candles, the walls painted with realistic murals of mountainscapes. In the middle of the room stood a small, ash-filled stone bowl on a low table, long sticks of burning incense stuck into the ash and a lit candle firmly planted in the center. The wall they were facing had several rows of holes almost identical to, though smaller than, the opening of the imaging chamber.
{If sum-fing happens when we're on our ship, dead peeple go here until we can takes dem home,} D'von explained, head bobbing toward the only closed cell in what Malcolm could now only think of as a mausoleum.
"Catacombs," Reed said aloud as he opened his eyes, the sweet fragrance of the incense lingering in his nose. "They bury their dead in catacombs," he told the perplexed people staring at him. "And on their ships they have what I assume are stasis chambers that they use temporarily. That's why D'von is so uneasy about going in there, Doctor—it looks like one of their burial chambers. Of course," he continued as he aimed an affectionate stare at the boy, "he should realize by now that it isn't the same thing at all."
D'von shifted on the exam table. {I know it ams safe,} he replied with a bit of a pout. {Not fraids...jus dunnint likes in dare.}
Perching on the exam table next to his charge Malcolm draped a commiserating arm over D'von's shoulders. "I don't fancy it when I have to go in there either, you know. No one I've ever met enjoys being injured or sick, but it's one of those things we have to endure from time to time. You still require medical attention, and part of that attention entails Dr. Phlox using the imaging chamber. So chin up," he urged, lifting the tot's head with a finger under the bearded chin. "The sooner you go in, the sooner you come out."
D'von gave a resigned, pouty sigh but then the boy's face brightened as an idea occurred to him. {Ams hun-gree. Can have food naow an' do im-jing fing layder?} he asked despite knowing that that Mao-kim was on to him.
"I know stalling when I hear it," the lieutenant accused with a grin before turning to explain to the others. "He's not afraid of it—just doesn't like the idea of going in there. And he's trying to delay the inevitable by asking for breakfast first. We'll have to ask Phlox if you can eat yet," he told D'von, "but I'm sure breakfast can wait long enough for you to get scanned."
{How 'bout drinks? Ams firsty, too. Can haves wadder, please? Do imjing affer drinks?} D'von inquired with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
"Water...after...the scan," Malcolm insisted, hard-pressed to keep from chuckling aloud and unable to keep an entirely straight face.
{Or maybe sleepy snuggles?} the undaunted boy persisted in an innocent tone. {Ams tired liddle bits. Do sleepy snuggles for liddle whiles, den do imjing layder, hokay?} He stretched his arms out and gave a huge, purely theatrical yawn for good measure.
Malcolm quickly look down at the floor as he battled to keep his composure, clearing his throat to cover a laugh. Features finally smoothed into an impassive façade he fixed his eyes firmly on the tot, struggling to maintain a no-nonsense tone of voice. "Scan first. Then food and water, if Phlox says it's all right. Then a nap. After the scan."
"Wow," Trip teased, "you're strict. Won't even let the poor little fella have a glass of water."
Hoshi nodded, joining in. "Yeah...depriving him of food and water isn't fair. Don't you worry, D'von," she comforted, giving the boy a loving pat on the shoulder, "Liz and I will get you something to eat and drink, won't we?" She looked to the nodding crewman for support before fixing a playfully defiant stare on Lt. Reed.
Phlox intervened before Malcolm could form a reply. "The lieutenant is quite correct," he calmly urged. "There are dietary restrictions we need to observe, and I do believe it would be best to get the scans out of the way first. However," he added, retrieving a padd from the nearby counter and scrolling through some information on it, "I do agree that he is probably ready to have some real food. It should be something that won't be too demanding on his digestive system and it must be vegetarian in nature. Any suggestions?"
"When I've been feelin' under the weather I usually go for scrambled eggs, but those aren't vegetarian," Trip said. "Maybe just some toast, with a little cinnamon sugar?"
"Doesn't sound very substantial," Liz observed. "There's no telling when his last meal was...but I guess toast would be a good start."
"Oatmeal," Malcolm and Hoshi said simultaneously, then shot startled looks at each other.
"With a little brown sugar?" the ensign ventured.
Malcolm nodded. "And a splash of milk, of course," he added, relieved to see Hoshi's head bob in agreement.
The doctor grinned his approval. "That should do quite nicely. Crewman Cutler, would it be an inconvenience for you to bring our young friend a small bowl of oatmeal and some toast from the Mess Hall? I'll contact Chef to make certain he has it ready."
"I kin get it, if ya want," Trip volunteered. "I don't hafta be in Engineering for a while yet—I'll bring D'von's stuff back here, an' that way Liz can get some breakfast for herself. That work for you?" he asked the crewman.
"That would be great, if you're sure it's not a bother," Cutler replied.
"Nah...I figure you've earned a break, especially after that warp-speed potty trip you made with the little guy. So I'll go with ya to the Mess Hall an' bring D'von's breakfast back here." He looked at the lieutenant with a grin. "An' I guess I could bring somethin' for you, too," he teased. "What'llya have?"
"You're much too kind, Commander," Malcolm returned the jesting attitude before offering a serious reply. "The same as D'von, I think. And maybe a fruit cup if there's one available." He looked down at the boy, who happily nodded in agreement.
"Maybe D'von could have some fruit, too?" Hoshi asked the doctor.
"That would be fine," Phlox agreed, entering information into the padd before handing it to Liz. "If you would be so kind as to give this to Chef I would appreciate it. If he has any questions he should contact me so we can discuss Lehrite dietary restrictions in greater detail."
"Sure thing, Phlox," Liz replied as she tucked the padd into her pocket and headed for the door, Trip hot on her heels.
"An' don't you worry, little fella," the engineer assured D'von, "yer Uncle Trip'll be back here with yer breakfast in no time."
"Uncle Trip?" Malcolm commented with an incredulous squeak as the doors slid shut, mental giggles from D'von tickling his mind.
{Ahn-klah?}
{}{}{}{}{}{}{}
Once in the corridor Trip gently seized the crewman's arm. "Listen," he said softly, "I gotta make a quick run to my quarters, so you go on ahead to the Mess Hall an' wait for me there, okay?"
Liz gave him a dubious look. "What are you up to?"
"I'm not up ta anything," he tried to convince her, giving a furtive glance at the doors to Sickbay before guiding Cutler down the corridor. "I just...well, I forgot somethin', that's all." Seeing the suspicion still lingering in her eyes, he confessed. "Okay, here's tha thing—when we were in Decon I was wishin' I had my camera, 'cuz tha little guy's so damned cute, right?" That earned him a nod from the woman. "But then this whole Joining thing happened," he continued, "an' I was too worried about Malcolm to think much about takin' pictures. But now that the doc's so sure that Malcolm's not in any danger, an' D'von's doin' better—"
"You want to go get your camera," Liz finished for him, sounding slightly miffed. "And you used coming with me as an excuse to get back into Sickbay and snap off a few frames. The fact that you're not really doing this to be helpful doesn't even matter to you, does it? You probably don't even care whether I get any breakfast or not," she added indignantly, stopping in the middle of the corridor and folding her arms across her chest.
"I didn't mean it like that," Trip tried to apologize, looking like a scolded puppy. "I just figured if I offered ta bring the food to Sickbay it would save you the trip back here, plus I could..." His voice trailed off as he saw the playful gleam in her eyes, and he gave a sigh of relief. "You had me goin' for a minute, there. So you'll wait for me, right?"
Cutler chuckled as she nodded, then grew momentarily serious. "Two conditions: One, if you get in trouble for this, you take the fall alone."
"Fair enough. What's the second condition?"
Liz grinned broadly. "I'm the first one to get copies."
{}{}{}{}{}{}{}
D'von looked up at Malcolm with an impish little grin and innocent mischief in his eyes. {Food layder, an' drinks layder, an' naps layder. Hokay. But...can do mung a'fore imjing? Pleeease?} Head canting to one side the boy batted his long eyelashes at the man.
Reed had been fully prepared to once again deny the boy's request but was stopped short by the peculiar word. He didn't suppose he could well refuse something if he didn't know what it was, and couldn't come up with any potential English word that the boy might have been trying for. "I'm not sure," Malcolm answered. "What's mung?" He cast a glance at Hoshi and Phlox but could tell by their expressions that they didn't know either. Besides, after the way he'd bellowed earlier he'd be lucky if Hoshi ever translated anything for him again. Lehrite giggles filled his mind.
{Mung ams...mung,} D'von replied, simultaneously amused and puzzled that he had to explain the concept. {Ams cuddle-snuggle-huggy-luvvies. We do mung furst, den imjing, hokay?}
Well, he could hardly deny the boy some cuddle-snuggle-huggy-luvvies. Or rather, he knew he'd never hear the end of it if he did, either from Trip or Hoshi.
Or maybe from D'von, who was even now merrily singsonging into his brain. {Mung, mung, mungmungmung, mung, mung, mungmungmung, mung, mung, mungmung—}
Malcolm nodded, chuckling as he conceded defeat. "All right, we'll do mung. But then it's into the imjing—um, imaging chamber, understand?"
Eagerly reaching to wrap his arms around Malcolm's neck D'von grinned victoriously as he climbed onto the lieutenant's lap. Reed wrapped his arms around the tot and pulled him close, luxuriating in the ecstatic snickers and intoxicating euphoria flowing from the boy's mind and through his own as D'von clung to him and nuzzled his neck. After indulging the boy—and himself—for a few blissful moments Malcolm gently pried the boy loose. "Ready now?"
{Nuh-uh,} D'von answered teasingly before planting a long kiss on Malcolm's cheek and rubbing noses with the man. Meeting the lieutenant's gaze with another lopsided grin D'von gave a crisp nod. {Hokay. Naow ams ready for imjing.} His eyes remained on Malcolm's face as the lieutenant stood up and situated him on the exam table. Once he'd laid down, though, the boy spared a glance first at Phlox then a longer look at Hoshi. Studying her face, D'von's features clouded with puzzlement and he turned his attention back to Reed. {Can ax question, please? Why ams bootiful Hoomin laydee wiv long hair nervous at yew?}
When he risked a self-conscious glimpse at the ensign Malcolm felt it, too, though as with the doctor's anger it lasted only an instant: Hoshi had a severe case of butterflies in her stomach. I think it's because we had a little misunderstanding earlier, he thought to the lad, not wanting the others to hear. While you're in the imaging chamber I'll have a talk with her so she won't be nervous any more.
{Dat would be a good fing,} D'von agreed, {'cuz she ams niiice.} After thinking about it for a few seconds the boy's brow furrowed in confusion. {Why cannint she hear me in her mind? Udder Hoomin laydee cunnint hear me, ee-vur. Whycome yore herd cannint hear me? I ams Joinded wiv yew, so dey should hear me naow, right? Dare ams sumfing wrong?}
"That may take some time to explain," Malcolm said softly. "Let's get you finished here first, all right? We can talk about it in more detail after we've had our breakfast."
All traces of concern and confusion faded from the boy's face. {Hokay.} But a sudden panic came over him and he gripped Malcolm's hand with a gasp. {She gave me a priddy shirt an' I dinnint give anyfing back! Will hafsa return da shirt! An' da udder laydee hewped wiv goddago an' I dinnint do anyfing back for her—hafsa do sumfing back for dem, Mao-kim!}
Malcolm gave the boy's hand a few soothing pats, nudging aside the emotion coming from the tot. "Don't worry yourself about that right now. We'll find out what they'd like later. Right now Phlox is waiting to start your scan, so let's get to it, shall we?" His concerns allayed D'von nodded, closing his eyes and easing his hand out of Malcolm's tender grip as the table slid into the chamber.
As the door closed the lieutenant spared a glance at the others, noting Hoshi's nervous, puzzled expression and the doctor's barely-suppressed grin. "He wants to repay you for the shirt," he told the ensign, "and Ensign Cutler for assisting him earlier. You might want to be thinking about what you'd like."
Nonplussed, Hoshi stayed silent and slack-jawed for several seconds. "He doesn't need to repay me," she at last replied. "I was happy to give it to him. And Liz enjoyed helping him, I'm sure."
"Well, you'd best think of something anyhow," Reed suggested. "He thinks he'll have to give the shirt back if he doesn't compensate you somehow." Turning his attention to Phlox, Malcolm continued. "I'm sure it will occur to him at some point that he'll need to repay you for all you've done, as well."
Phlox nodded. "Of course. I'm sure we can come up with something." He turned to Hoshi. "Lehrite social mores dictate repayment for services rendered, Ensign, no matter how trivial or unimportant those services may seem. Rest assured, payment doesn't have to be extravagant but he will insist upon doing something. And as I understand it, he will return the shirt if he can't reimburse you somehow—Lehrites worry about accusations of thievery if they don't reciprocate for such things." Returning his full attention to the readouts Phlox shook his head in wonder. "Amazing...his injuries are healing at a remarkable pace. If it continues at its present rate he should be walking unassisted in a few days, and perhaps talking by tomorrow morning. I believe that is due to you, Lieutenant. His ability to draw energy from you has no doubt helped accelerate the recovery process. Quite remarkable," he murmured under his breath, mesmerized by the readings before him. He took no notice as Malcolm tapped Hoshi's shoulder.
"Ensign," Malcolm said softly, "I'd like to have a word with you, if I may." He didn't need D'von to tell him how nervous Hoshi was now.
Swallowing hard, she nodded and followed him as he walked back toward the biobeds. "I'm soo sorry, sir. I really thought I had the meaning right on that phrase. There wasn't any direct translation but from the information I had—"
Malcolm cut her off with a raised hand. "Please, don't," he said sympathetically. "You did the best you could with the available information, and I truly appreciate it. You certainly don't owe anyone any apologies, least of all me. In fact, I'm the one who should be apologizing. Phlox told me that he was on the comm with you when I awoke earlier, and that you heard me yelling."
"Yes sir," Hoshi nodded, perplexed at the turn of events. "And from what I've heard you had every right to be angry; I thought I was helping you calm him down and instead I had you tell him God-knows-what—"
"That's just it, Hoshi," Malcolm assured her, "it did calm him down. Granted, I still don't know what it means, but it worked, and as far as I'm concerned there was no harm done. I just wanted you to know that, when I shouted like that, I wasn't angry. Flustered, confused, and a tad scared, yes...but not angry. Well...not too much, anyhow." he added with a sheepish grin.
Phlox's voice cut off any reply from Ensign Sato. "When I'm finished with D'von I'd like to do a scan of you, too, Lieutenant, hmm?" he called out casually.
The automatic protest died on his lips—what message would that send to the lad, after all?—and Malcolm found himself nodding his assent. "Yes, of course. But do you suppose I could slip back to my quarters after breakfast? I'd like to get a change of clothing, and I'm in desperate need of showering."
The doctor gave an amused chuckle. "Depending on the results of your scan it should be all right...if D'von approves, that is. He may not want you getting that far away from him just yet."
"I'll be sure to clear it with him first," the lieutenant quipped, stepping back toward the imaging chamber as the doctor concluded the scan. He chuckled as the Lehrite-laden table trundled out of the chamber: D'von's eyes were squeezed tightly shut, his whole muzzle scrunched up as if fending off a great stench or bitter taste.
{Dunnint likes in here. Wanda be wiv Mao-kim,} the boy's displeasure nibbled at Malcolm's mind, his pouty voice little more than a whisper. {Been imjing for. EVER. Wanda haves drinks an' sleepy snuggles, an' more mungmung...}
Bending over the lad Malcolm gently rubbed his nose against the tip of D'von's muzzle. "All finished," he purred. "Shall we get that drink now?"
Snapping open, D'von's eyes sparkled with delight. {Ams dun?} he asked happily, the glee pouring from him and washing over the lieutenant.
"Yes, you're done...and you did very well," Malcolm told him, helping the tot sit up. "Dr. Phlox wants to scan me, too, so once I get you back to bed and fetch you a drink I'll have to leave you for a few minutes." Malcolm blinked in surprise as fresh fear and trepidation slammed into his mind.
{But...yew gunda come back...riiight?} D'von's timid whisper came back, his eyes huge and ears drooping.
"Of course," Reed assured him. "Besides, I'm only going to be just across the room from you, you know."
A flush of embarrassment came from the boy. {Oh. Right. Yew gunda be here,} he confirmed, patting on the exam table.
"Right. And you'll be just over there," Malcolm pointed to the biobed. Their biobed. "Hopefully Commander Tucker will be back with our food by the time I'm done and we can have breakfast—"
{An' sleepy snuggles?} D'von's ears perked up hopefully. {Yew sed after imjing I do eats an' drinks an' sleepy snuggles, right?}
"Indeed I did," the lieutenant confirmed as he lifted the boy. "If breakfast hasn't arrived by the time Dr. Phlox is done with me we'll do sleepy snuggles then. For right now, though, let's get that drink, shall we?" Malcolm suggested as he carried D'von back to bed.
{Dat would be...awe-flee nice,} the lad grinned at him before joyously nuzzling the man's neck.
Casting a quick look at the others, the lieutenant offered a brief explanation. "Just going to get him settled in and get a drink for him, then I'll be back over for my scan."
Watching Reed tending to the little boy, Phlox and Hoshi exchanged amused looks before the doctor set about preparing the imaging chamber for the next patient.
"I never imagined he'd be so cute," Hoshi confided as she stepped closer to the Denobulan.
"Phlox chuckled. "Nor did I," he agreed. "D'von is quite adorable as well."
Hoshi clapped her hands over her mouth to capture her laughter. "You're wicked," she finally managed to giggle at him. The doctor's reply was a wordless, mirthful grin and a nod. Hoshi let a few moments pass before pulling a padd from her pocket. "I didn't want to mention it in front of D'von or Malcolm," she said, growing serious, "but you got a reply to the message you sent. I'm afraid it's not exactly good news," she added as she handed the device to Phlox.
He studied first her face then the padd, puzzled by her dampened spirit. The Denobulan's expression morphed into stunned surprise as he finished reading the message. "Well I didn't anticipate anything like this," he said.
"Didn't anticipate what?" Malcolm's voice interrupted from behind them. "Have you found something amiss with D'von's scan?"
"No no, nothing like that," Phlox assured him. "I sent a message to a friend of mine in the Denobulan Diplomatic Corps, hoping she could contact the Lehrite government on our behalf. According to her reply, however, Lehrites have no government."
"But that's impossible," Malcolm replied. "They must have some sort of government—how else could they get anything done, or enforce their laws? How do they maintain order?"
Phlox gave a shrug. "It isn't entirely unheard of for a society to have little or nothing in the way of an organized government, though Lehrites are no doubt a far more peaceful example of such a society. And they probably don't need many laws, if any. They're empaths," he reminded Reed and Sato. "Any harm they inflict upon someone else they themselves would experience as well. Would you really need a law to tell you to not cause injury to another if you would literally feel the pain you inflicted?"
"I suppose not," Malcolm conceded.
Hoshi still looked doubtful. "But wouldn't they need some sort of bureaucracy or infrastructure, or something, in order to have developed space travel?"
"Perhaps they did have one," Phlox offered, "but once they were out here they no longer needed it. Or they may have simply—you'll pardon the expression, Lieutenant—joined forces and worked together toward a common, mutually beneficial goal. There could even have been outside influences: just because Vulcans strive to avoid 'cultural contamination', that doesn't mean someone else didn't lend a helping hand, you know. Now Lieutenant, if you would be so kind?" The doctor motioned to the exam table. "If you don't mind, Ensign Sato, I'd like you to send a brief reply—can you stay a few more moments?"
"Of course," Hoshi nodded.
Seeing Malcolm's deflated appearance Phlox gave him an encouraging clap on the shoulder, as he'd seen other crewmembers do with one another. "No need to worry, Lieutenant. This shouldn't take very long."
"It's not that," Reed insisted as he laid down. "It's just that...if there's no Lehrite government we can contact, how in the world are we going to find this boy's family?"
"Don't give up just yet," the Denobulan encouraged. "There may be no government, but Lehrites still have ships out there. My friend assures me that she will continue attempting to make contact and will convey news of D'von's situation to any Lehrites she is able to locate. Optimism, Mr. Reed!" Phlox urged before sending the exam table into the chamber.
After initiating the scan Phlox tapped out a short message on the padd then handed it to Hoshi. "Thank you so much, Ensign. If you could send this at your earliest convenience?"
"Sure thing, Doctor. I'll send it out as soon as I get back to the Bridge," she assured him as she headed for the door. Hesitating she turned back and went to the biobed, smiling at D'von. "I have to leave now," she told him softly. "It was wonderful to meet you."
Bashfully, D'von grinned back at her as Hoshi snugged the blanket up under his chin. {Ams wunnerful meeting yew, too. An' ams glad yew am-int nervous at Mao-Kim endee-more.}
After placing a tender kiss on the boy's forehead Hoshi affectionately stroked his cheek, smiling as she looked at him. "You have the most beautiful eyes," she said.
D'von's grin broadened as his fingertips brushed lightly against Hoshi's cheek. {We gunda do Joinding naow? Dat's good,'cuz den yew can hears me.}
"Ensign Sato," the doctor's calm but urgent voice interrupted, "could I speak with you for a moment please?" Hoshi stepped away from the bed, giving a smile and a wave before walking away.
D'von returned the wave with a tiny waggle of his fingertips. {Bai,} he said with a mingled sigh of contentment and disappointment. {Sorry Joinding got inderrup-sed. But we try again layder, hokay?} Yawning broadly he curled up on his side and snuggled under the blanket, contentedly dozing off as the doctor spoke with Hoshi.
{}{}{}{}{}{}{}
Perched on the edge of the bed, Malcolm gently rubbed the back of the sleeping tot's head. "You're quite certain?" he asked, looking up at the doctor.
With a faint smile, Phlox nodded. "I was able to call Ensign Sato away before the contact was completed. No harm done."
"This time," Malcolm replied, looking down at the slumbering child. "I'd hoped to have a little more time to contemplate how to explain things to him. But I guess my time is fast running out—before he went into the imaging chamber D'von asked me why no one else could hear him."
"What did you tell him?"
"I wasn't quite sure what to say, so I stalled—told him it would take some time to explain and that we'd discuss it after breakfast."
Phlox nodded in approval. "I think that was the best approach. And it might be better to not make too much of his encounter with Ensign Sato. From what she told me I believe she inadvertently initiated contact, much as you did. Now, since breakfast hasn't arrived yet perhaps you should get a little rest as well, hmm?" Seeing the man's listless nod, Phlox took pity on him. "I know you said you would do it, but if you've changed you mind I can speak with him about it."
"No," Reed pronounced with soft determination, still stroking D'von's head. "I should be the one to do it. I just have to figure out how to phrase things without upsetting him too much. But thank you for the offer," he added gratefully before climbing gingerly under the blanket next to the tot. "When you put together the information for the crew," he advised, "it would probably be wise to tell people how to avoid inadvertently Joining with him, in case I'm less than successful in explaining that he mustn't do it anymore."
"An excellent suggestion in light of recent events," Phlox agreed. "I believe I have enough information to be helpful to the crew, but to be honest I haven't determined how to ensure that everyone actually reads it once it's distributed."
"Ask Captain Archer to make it mandatory," Reed suggested matter-of-factly.
The doctor looked surprised then pleased at the advice. "I believe I shall do precisely that," he replied happily. Noticing the pensive look that had slowly come over the lieutenant's face, the doctor looked at him quizzically. "Is everything all right?"
"It's just that there's something I've been putting off telling you. After the first scan you took of D'von, you became angry—justifiably so—at the people who hurt him. I suppose it goes without saying that D'von felt it, but...well...so did I. Only for an instant," he added hurriedly, "and it wasn't anything unbearable, but I did feel it. I suspect that D'von transmitted it to me, if that makes any sense."
Phlox's head bobbed in agreement and understanding. "It makes a great deal of sense, and it was rather obvious that you were experiencing something out of the ordinary. I appreciate you telling me, though. If anything similar happens," he started, but was stopped by the amused but slightly embarrassed expression on Malcolm's face.
"Well...if the truth be known," Reed confessed, "when the ladies were with D'von earlier, the sensation was quite...intense. And extremely pleasant. And, for a few seconds, very disorienting. But mostly pleasant."
Phlox chuckled softly. "I imagine it was quite pleasant, judging from D'von's reaction to their attention. Did you have any difficulty overcoming the sensation?"
Lips pursed in thought, Malcolm shook his head. "Not really. Commander Tucker helped to refocus my attention," he admitted, "but I'm sure I would have been alright even without his help. And I was fine afterward." He could tell from the look in the Denobulan's eyes that Phlox didn't believe that any more than Trip had. Indeed, Malcolm hadn't entirely convinced himself of it.
The doctor didn't give voice to his doubt, though. "In the short time I've known you, I have found you to be a very strong-willed individual," he said, meaning it to be—for the most part—a compliment. "Given a little more time I'm certain that you'll learn to anticipate and compensate for such episodes. Now, you should rest a bit while I try to track down your breakfast. Commander Tucker should have been here by now, so I suspect that perhaps Chef is annoyed at the idea of special orders. But I would like to discuss these sensations in more detail later, hmm?"
"Of course." He suspected he wouldn't really be given a choice in the matter, anyhow, so there was little point in arguing.
Listening to Phlox walk away, Malcolm shifted until he was on his side, cautiously fidgeting himself into a reasonably comfortable "sleepy snuggle" position without disturbing D'von. He marveled at how soundly the boy slept then remembered what the doctor had said about the energy exchanges that had apparently occurred. If D'von had been drawing energy from him it would explain his own earlier bouts of grogginess; if the lad had expended or returned a good deal of it then it was little wonder he remained asleep despite the adult jostling about in bed next to him. Tucking one arm beneath his head, Malcolm wrapped the other around the boy's midriff and delicately pulled D'von close before closing his eyes and letting sleep come.
{}{}{}{}{}{}{}
{Hai!} D'von excitedly greeted him while climbing onto his lap. Letting the gloriously warm emotions wash over him as D'von hugged and nuzzled him, Malcolm wrapped his arms around the boy and serenely took in his surroundings. They were again sitting on the bench in Decon but this was the first time he'd noticed how huge the room seemed. It took a moment for him to make sense of it: he was seeing their surroundings as D'von did, so of course the room appeared larger than it actually was.
Hello, Malcolm replied after a few seconds, remembering his first mental conversation with the lad when he'd been admonished to "say hai backs." Joy, love, and pleasure swirled delightfully in his mind while happy humming, mewing sounds from D'von filled his ears. Following the most enjoyable eternity Malcolm had ever experienced the boy gave a long, satisfied sigh, ceasing his affectionate nuzzling of the man's neck and sliding slowly back down onto the bench beside the lieutenant.
Leaning his back against the man, D'von tipped his head back and gave a lopsided grin as their eyes met. {Ams gunda haves food soon?} he asked hopefully, rubbing his tummy for emphasis. {Ams hun-gree.}
As am I. Commander Tucker hasn't returned yet, but I'm sure he'll be back with our food very soon, he assured the boy. Dr. Phlox is checking on it for us, so we shouldn't need to wait much longer.
{Hokay,} D'von chirped, accepting Malcolm's words without reservation. Squirming on the bench he nestled himself against the man and closed his eyes with a contented sigh.
Malcolm settled in as well, draping an arm across the boy and letting the lad's tranquil satisfaction soak into him. Resolving to stick with his original plan to speak with D'von after breakfast he quickly pushed aside thoughts of the conversation he'd soon be having with his charge. Too late he realized that he hadn't pushed them aside quickly enough: the feelings emanating from the Lehrite had subtly but distinctly changed. Looking down at D'von, he found those golden eyes gazing up at him with perplexed trepidation.
{Sumfing ams...wrong?}
No. No, nothing's wrong, I...I just... Reed stammered as he momentarily cast his gaze to the floor. It's just that...I need to speak with you about something. Time to take the bull by the horns, he supposed, taking a deep breath to steady himself before looking D'von in the eye again.
The boy was decidedly worried now, and had reached up to shield his horns with his hands. {Yew gunda take my horns?}
Goodness, no! That's just...it's a figure of speak, luv. No one is going to take your horns.
The boy looked slightly less worried as his hands drifted cautiously away from his horns and onto his lap. {Finks I dunnint likes dat figger-a-speech.}
It just means that there's something I have to do and I need to get to it and not put it off any longer, Malcolm tried to explain. D'von's uncertainty and worry gnawed at the edges of his mind, doing little to help his concentration. With another deep breath he gathered his thoughts before starting again. I have to talk to you about something important, and I'm a bit concerned about how to go about it. That's probably why it feels as though something is wrong. But everything is fine and there is nothing for you to be worried about, okay?
{Ho...hokay,} D'von answered dubiously with uncertain eyes still locked on Malcolm. {Ams really im-por-nant?} Malcolm gave a smile and a nod. {Ams serious, huh?}
Yes, I suppose you could say that.
D'von shifted about on the bench until his legs were straddling the seat and he was facing the lieutenant. Once he'd gotten settled he again looked up at Malcolm. Most of the uncertainty had dissipated, replaced by puzzlement and curiosity. {Ams lis-ning,} he assured the man with a tone of intense concentration.
Right then. Reed held his breath a moment then exhaled slowly as he decided how to begin. Do you remember earlier, when you asked why the others couldn't hear you in their minds?
{Ya-huh. Yew sed we could talk 'bouts it affer brefass.}
That's right. But since breakfast has been delayed, maybe we should discuss it now. Now, you already know that Humans and Lehrites are a bit different from one another—for example, Humans have toes and feet rather than hooves, and we don't have horns.
{Dass hokay—yew ams still very priddy.}
Thank you, Malcolm replied with a surprised smile, momentarily thrown off his stride by the compliment. Um, yes...back to it then. There are some things that are the same, and some that are different. And one of the differences has to do with Joining. You see D'von...Humans don't have the same sort of abilities that Lehrites do. We can't feel what others are feeling, and we don't have the ability to Join with one another the way Lehrites can.
That definitely had the boy confounded. {Yew dunnint do Joinding?} Malcolm shook his head. {Never?}
Never.
{But...but,} D'von tried to puzzle it out, {how do yew know what the ress of yore herd ams finking, or feeling? How do yew lissen to each uver?}
Well...we just communicate those things with one another differently than Lehrites do.
There was a long silence as the boy thought about that. {If Hoomins dunnint do Joinding wiv each udders,} D'von pondered, {whycome yew Joinded wiv me?}
Well...I fear that happened quite by accident. You see—
{Cannint do Joinding by axdent,} D'von protested before realizing that he'd interrupted. He offered a bashful, apologetic smile. {Oopsorry. Not posta innderup.}
Apology accepted, Reed assured him. Now, from what Dr. Phlox has told me, when I was trying to help you calm down the first time he wanted you to go in the imaging chamber, I gave you permission to Join with me when I put my hands on your face.
{Ya-huh...dass right. Yew holded my face, an' I was happy 'cuz yew wanded to do Joinding. So I holded yore face too, an' den we Joinded.} Fixing a perplexed stare on the lieutenant D'von considered the man's words a long while before comprehension and dismay crossed his face. He cautiously slid away from Malcolm. {Yew...yew dinnint wanda do Joinding?} At Malcolm's tiny headshake D'von slid to the end of the bench and hurried to the corner of the room, huddling on the floor with his arms covering his head. {Dis ams bad, badbadbad.}
Malcolm cautiously followed, wishing he didn't feel as though he'd simultaneously kicked a puppy and been the puppy being kicked. D'von, please listen to me. Please. He knelt next to the boy. It's all right. Look at me, please? Lowering his arms D'von lifted his head and stayed perfectly still as Malcolm wiped tears from his fuzzy cheeks. It wasn't bad, D'von, it was just...unexpected. I didn't know anything about Lehrites, I hadn't ever heard of them, or seen one before I met you. Not even a picture of one. And I didn't know about Joining, or that I'd given you permission to do it, until after it was done. I thought I was just helping keep you calm so Phlox could get you into the imaging chamber and take care of you. I didn't know that holding your face like that was the same as telling you to Join with me. For us, that kind of touching is meant as a display of affection, or a way to offer comfort. You didn't do anything wrong, D'von, you did what you thought you were supposed to do.
{Not posta do Joinding wivout permission,} the tot moaned. {Ams very very very bad fing.}
Malcolm gently gripped the boy's shoulders. But you thought you had been given permission, remember? And I'm the one who gave you permission...I just didn't know that at the time. It was simply a misunderstanding, and there's been no harm done. He was relieved to feel some of the boy's guilt and anxiety fading, and hugged D'von as he took a moment to gather his thoughts. Planting a kiss firmly on the boy's forehead Malcolm relaxed his grip and looked him in the eyes. Let's go sit back on the bench...it's a bit more comfortable than being all scrunched up on the floor, don't you think?
A hesitant smile finally found its way to D'von's face, and he gave a nod. {Hokay.} He wrapped his arms around Malcolm's neck as the man lifted him from the floor, loosing his grip when he felt the bench under his bottom and soberly staring at the floor while the lieutenant settled in next to him. At last he looked up. {Mao-kim...can ax question?}
Of course.
{When yew was doin' imjing da Hoomin laydee—da one dat gave me da shirt?—came to tell me bai, an' I started ta do Joinding wiv her 'cuz I thought she wanded me to.} D'von paused as he considered what had happened with Hoshi. {But...she wasn't tryin' ta do Joinding, was she?}
No, she wasn't, Malcolm answered gently.
{Oh...hokay.} There was another, painfully long silence, uncertainty flowing from the boy and lapping at Malcolm's mind. {Do yew fink dat...she will still wanda be frens wiv me? Or ams she gunda be...end-gree?}
Reed wrapped a comforting arm around D'von's shoulders, pulling him close. Dr. Phlox explained Joining to Ensign Sato. He also told me what happened, and he said that Hoshi wasn't at all angry about it. I'm quite certain that she still very much wants to be your friend. The tot heaved a huge sigh, relief washing away the last vestiges of melancholy and trepidation. Leaning against the lieutenant he wrapped his arms around Malcolm's waist to return the hug. There is something else, D'von, Malcolm said, still embracing the youth. Something very important. I need you to remember that Humans don't do Joining—we're not really designed to do it—so you need to promise that you won't Join with anyone else on board, all right? Not even if you think they've given you permission. Do you understand?
D'von looked up with adoration. {Ya-huh. Unnerstans...no Joinding wiv endy-buddy else on da ship. Hokay good.} Tightening his grip, he happily leaned his head against Malcolm's midsection.
As the two embraced, adoration and ecstasy swirling powerfully through his mind, it occurred to the lieutenant that part of him wouldn't mind staying here for the rest of his life.