Those You Cannot Leave Behind

Those You Cannot Leave Behind

by Rhylo

Author's e-mail : _idic_ted2trip@tiscali.co.uk
Genre : Action/Adventure/Angst/Romance
Rating : PG-13 (Chapters Three and Five : NC-17)
Summary : Trip's offer of help to an alien community leads to more than he bargained for!
Feed Back : Please, if you'd like to.
Archive : Please feel free.
Disclaimer : Enterprise and all of its characters belong to Paramount. I do this for love and am not receiving any monetary gain. No infringement of copyright intended.

A/N : I said I probably wouldn't be doing any more NC-17 stuff......well, okay, I lied!! But only a little!! Once again, this story is dedicated to that boyishly charming, illegally handsome Chief Engineer, Commander 'Trip' Tucker.

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Part 1

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CHAPTER ONE

"Dammit!"

Commander Tucker had one hell of a headache. A real kicker. Made worse by the heat. He hated the heat most of all. It drained him. Sucked the life out of him. He squinted his smarting eyes against the shimmering blaze of the afternoon sun dipping down the cloudless sky and gingerly pressed both temples between his forefinger and thumb, massaging the persistent throb. The hammering in his skull eased a few decibels. Trip felt completely whacked ~ probably not helped by the fact he was getting dehydrated. He unscrewed the lid on the small container by his side and gulped down a mouthful of tepid water that barely coated his dry mouth, let alone quenched his thirst.

He'd been working flat out most of the day repairing an ageing generator that fuelled the power supply to the Anjaani community, residents of the tiny inshara
class planet on the outer rim of the Killitian Quadrant. Tired, grimy and slick with perspiration, Trip was stripped to the waist lying on his back in the dirt, struggling to free up a rusted exhaust outlet. Even with the aid of a hypospanner the one remaining bolt was steadfastly riveted in place, stubbornly refusing to budge, corroded into the metalwork. Trip shook the sweat out of his eyes. His neck muscles complained bitterly from having to support his head at an awkward angle. Whichever way he positioned himself he was still half-blinded by flashes of sunlight, making focusing on the job in hand somewhat difficult.

He reached into his tool kit for a microcaliper to support the ceased up bolt, locking the spanner in opposition to get better leverage. Pushed and strained as hard as he could.

"C'mon, you bitch.......move!" he swore out loud in exasperation.

From a little way above him and directly behind him a startled feminine voice answered, "Excuse me?"

Trip nearly jumped out of his skin. He hadn't realised anyone was there. She'd crept up on him so softly. The tenuous grip he had on the bolt folded, his palm glancing off a jagged spike of metal. Biting back the urge to curse again, he shielded his eyes with his hand and peered upwards.

An attractive young woman with dark waistlength chestnut braided hair gazed back down at him with wide startled eyes. She was barefoot ~ probably accounting for her silent approach ~ and was wearing a short bleached white ruffled tunic edged in a colourful embroidered trim. Very short.

Trip came close to blushing. Looking upwards he had an almost uninterrupted view up her clothing. As if by reflex he quickly averted his eyes, the gentleman in him now doubly embarrassed and flustered.

"Oh....ah....sorry, Ma'am," he apologised in his soft Southern lilt. He gestured towards the offending pipework. The bolt hadn't budged so much as an inch. "I meant this....not you....er...."

She smiled, warm and pretty, then noticed the trickle of blood on his hand. She
gasped, concerned. "You've injured yourself!"

Trip looked at his palm. Sucked the wound clean with his mouth. "Nah, it's nothin'. Only a graze." Nodding his head towards the generator he said, "This thing's in real bad need of an overhaul. It's ceased up through lack of maintenance. If I can just get this bolt undone I can fix a new exhaust manifold and you'll be back in business."

The girl stepped nearer. "Perhaps I could be of assistance?"

Trip let his head sink back into the sand. Thought it over. Maybe she could at that. He beckoned her closer. Positioned the microcaliper back in place. "D'you
think yer could hold onto this for me while I try to loosen the bracket? Maybe I can get a better grip with two hands."

She knelt down beside him and did as he instructed, her long brown tresses falling over one shoulder, brushing against his bare arm.

"By the way, I'm Trip," he introduced himself informally, using his nickname. "What's your name?"

"Alaais." A moment's hesitation, then, "I heard your Captain say you're an engineer?"

Trip chuckled. "Chief Engineer, actually......Only means I'm responsible for everythin'.....Everythin' that goes wrong, that is!"

She gave that soft smile again. Trip hunkered up close to her. "Okay....hold onto that caliper as tight as ya can."

He twisted the spanner with every ounce of strength he had, the effort showing in the taught sinews that stood out along his neck. Suddenly the bolt surrendered the battle and came free with a rusty groan.

Trip grinned broadly. "Now we're in business. Gimme another hour an' I'll have this baby purrin' like a kitten."

Alaais gave him a quizzical look. Obviously she had no idea what he was talking about. Trip was about to attempt an explanation when his thoughts were interrupted by another voice ~ this time male. It belonged to Governor Crann, the Chief Provost of this remote little province.

"Ah, Commander Tucker....I see you've met Alaais."

Without waiting for a reply he turned to stare coldly at the girl. "Get back to your duties and prepare for our guest." Stern, with a threatening edge, he barked it like it was an order. Funny how the tone of that one simple remark was enough to rub Trip up the wrong way.

Slowly, Alaais rose to her feet, eyes lowered.

Trip cranked himself up onto one elbow. "Thanks for yer help," he told her. "Couldn't have done it without ya!"

She gave him a wan smile and silently headed off back towards the nearby encampment.

Crann eyed up Trip's handiwork on the generator. "So....how's the work coming along?"

"Pretty much done," Trip replied, ripping off the rotted piping. "I've fixed the coolant leak and replaced the old transducer so she'll soon be as good as new. But if ya don't start takin' better care of her, she'll be givin' ya more problems before long." He wiped his grubby hands on a rag tucked into his waisband, adding, "Yer may want to think about givin' her a little oilin' once in a while."

Big and fleshy, Crann guffawed heartily. "Just like a woman, hey, my friend?Keep her well lubricated and she'll service you tirelessly."

Trip didn't find his attempt at joviality particularly amusing. In fact he thought the lewd inference rather insulting. Disturbing to his upbringing ~ his somewhat 'old-fashioned' Southern values. He'd heard the way Crann had spoken to Alaais. Treated her almost like she was his property. He'd also quietly noted her reaction. Resentful obedience. What was all that about? Uncharacteristically, he felt himself beginning to form a rather intense dislike of this burly, creepily overbearing man who seemed way too full of his own self-importance. Trip trusted his own judgement. He found he usually wasn't far off the mark in his ability to sum people up.

Yet the Captain was into visiting as many new worlds as possible, forging friendships, lending a helping hand whenever he could and for the most part Trip was all for it. That, after all, was the premise of their whole mission. The reason they were there. The reason Trip had signed on. Meeting new species, new civilizations, keeping an open mind about different cultures. Didn't mean he had to like them all, though, or agree with their moral values ~ or lack of them. Not that the Commander could have been described as prudish. Far from it. He just had certain principles ~ one of which was to treat a lady with respect.

Two days ago, when Enterprise's long-range scanners picked up this M-Class planet that wasn't recorded on the Vulcan star charts, Captain Archer had instructed his young helmsman, Travis Mayweather, to set a course straight for it. Like a bee to a honey pot. Governor Crann had answered their hail and cordially invited them down for a look see. Technically, in some respects, the Anjaani were not that well advanced, still relying on an isolytic powered generator to provide their main source of energy, but it worked well enough. Or at least it would have, had it been in receipt of the regular necessary maintenance. Just by the cranky sound of it, Trip had straightaway realised it was going to give out before long. So it seemed only courteous to volunteer to help give it a new lease of life and replace the malfunctioning parts before it gave up the ghost for good. Actually, to be more specific, it had been the Captain who had 'volunteered' Trip for the job. Still, what were friends for? Trip hadn't really minded. His kind hearted, easy going manner could be a godsend sometimes.

Unusually though, Governor Crann had only succeeded in royally pissing him off. His arrogant attitude and the fact that the climate was so damnably hot convinced Trip he just wanted to finish the job and get cleaned up so he could 'phone home' for Travis to come pick him up in the shuttlepod.

Crann must have been reading his thoughts.

"When you've finished, Commander, I would be most honoured if you would return to our humble settlement so we can properly show our appreciation for yourinvaluable help."

"Thanks, but I wouldn't want to put yer to any trouble....."

"Nonsense, I insist!" Seemingly Crann wasn't going to be that easily swayed. "We've already prepared some refreshment and a meal for you. It would be churlish not to take advantage of our goodwill."

Trip could see no way out of this. Crann's mind was obviously made up.

"Well since yer put it that way....I appreciate yer generosity, Governor." Trip accepted with good grace.

"Good....good. I've already spoken to your Captain and he's agreed to your spending the night with us....Take some time out to relax and enjoy our hospitality."

Trip's face dropped as he inwardly baulked at the idea, although in fairness he did try to hide it as Crann continued, "That way we can make certain the generator is functioning properly before you leave."

Trip stared at him fixedly. Blue eyes narrowing. The crafty sonofabitch! Generosity be damned. Crann just wanted his pound of flesh. Still, he supposed the weasel had a point.

He shook his head. Smiled wryly. "Guess I'll catch up with ya later, then."

With a satisfied smile on his weathered grey whiskered face, Crann turned to go. "I'll send Alaais to show you to your room. You'll no doubt wish to freshen up before you eat."

*You got that right* Trip thought. *Must stink riper than a skunk in a swamp.*

********************

True to his word, Trip had the generator up and running perfectly within the next hour. The gentle steady thrum of the power surging through the circuits played like music to his ears. A symphony of energy containment. Gathering up his tools, he picked up his discarded clothing, pausing to flip open his communicator.

"Tucker to Enterprise."

"How's it goin', Trip?" Jonathan Archer's unmistakable voice came back crystal clear from the NX-01 currently in orbit around the planet.

"Job done, Cap'n. It should be good for....oh, at least another lifetime. Providin' these people don't forget it needs tendin' to now and again."

"Good work!" Archer sounded pleased. Trip could visualize him on the Bridge, a big broad grin creasing his rugged face. "Won't be dark for a while yet, so it still leaves you plenty of time to work on your tan."

Trip raised his eyes skywards. "Yeah, right....Thanks for that, Cap'n.....an' while we're on the subject, whose idea was it for me to stay the night down here?"

"Actually it was Governor Crann's. He seemed keen to extend his hospitality....Have you stay a while."

"That figures!" Trip muttered under his breath.

"Say again?"

"Nothin', Cap'n."

Archer must have sensed the uncertainty and distinct lack of keenness in his friend's voice. He knew him only too well after all these years. Could read him like a book. Hell, more like a library!

"Go enjoy yourself, Trip," Archer encouraged him. "You've earned it."

Trip rolled his eyes and let out a heavy sigh, remembering all too clearly the last time he'd been in a similar situation. Only the Captain had been with him on that occasion. They'd ended up dining on God alone knew what's extremities and being treated to a rough and tumble contest of physical endurance masquerading under the misnomer of a traditional game of Geskana. On a full stomach. And while this place wasn't exactly a desert it was still ~ to coin a phrase ~ hotter than hell.

"Okay," Trip relented. "But I'm tellin' ya, Cap'n....if they so much as serve up anythin' remotely resemblin' eyes, brains or other obscure body parts, I'm outta here!"

He could hear Archer chuckling. "Stop complaining. Where's that spirit of adventure you're always going on about?"

Trip wiped a broad arm across his forehead, smearing a trail of grease in its wake. It was okay for him. He wasn't stuck down here on this bloody archaic planet! "Right now I'd trade it in for a long shower and an ice cold beer!"

"I'm sure Crann will provide you with the best facilities they have to offer. He seemed very grateful when we spoke. Go get some 'r and r'.....Travis'll pick you up at oh-eight-hundred tomorrow."

Trip nodded, resigned. "Look forward to it....Tucker out!"

With a flick of his finger he snapped the communicator shut. Loosening the sleeves of his jumpsuit which he'd tied around his waist, he wriggled back into it and pulled the front zipper part way up. Turned to see Alaais standing watching him not half a dozen meters away. Jesus, he wished she'd stop creeping up on him like that. She flitted around like some kind of ghost! Did she get some kind of perverse kick out of scaring the living shit out of him? He wondered just how long she'd been there. If she'd overheard his misgivings about staying. He felt
a little guilty that he'd sounded less than enthusiastic. Maybe even a touch petulant.

"Sorry, I was just checkin' in with ma Cap'n."

Alaais stared, enthralled. "You can talk to your ship through that device?" she asked him, gesturing towards the tiny rectangular shaped piece of metal he was holding.

Trip nodded. "Sure can....It's called a communicator. Flip it open and Enterprise's scanners'll lock onto these co-ordinates, so they know exactly where I am at any given moment."

Alaais' eyes widened, her intent face angled up at him. "Does it do anything else?"

"Well, we can also use it to transport up to the ship in an emergency....although we don't use it much for that....It can be kinda....unpredictable sometimes."

The young woman's eyes widened even more. "How does it do that?"

Trip tilted his head and smiled. *Nice one, Tucker,* he thought. *You walked straight into that one!* Where the hell did he start?

"Good question. Basically when the ship's transporter locks onto yer co-ordinates it converts the molecular structure of yer biosignal so that the molecules get resequenced....." He could see this was getting a tad complicated. "Well....puttin' it simply....it just splits yer up into little pieces and then puts them all back together again at the other end." He so wanted to add *hopefully all in the right order,* but thought better of it.

As it was, Alaais looked shocked enough. "Doesn't it hurt?"

Trip gave a wry grin, looking sideways at her. "Dunno.....never tried it ma'self!" He saw the vague tinge of horror in her eyes, quickly adding, "But I have it on good authority yer don't feel a thing. It sounds a lot worse than it really is."

He held the communicator out so she could get a better look as she stepped closer. Her curiosity suitably piqued she reached out and tentatively stroked the metal casing nestled snugly in his hand. "It won't bite yer!" Trip assured her, his smile growing wider, amused by her reaction. He slid the communicator back inside the zipped pocket in his uniform sleeve.

Alaais regarded him more seriously now. "If you're ready I've come to take you to the room I've prepared for you in the Governor's quarters. I'm sure you'll find it quite comfortable. There are washing facilities before you eat....and I'm certain you'll find the meal to your liking."

*Dammit!* Trip thought. She had heard. Sometimes he just couldn't keep his foot from clogging up his mouth. Alaais must think him really ungrateful. Probably accounted for the sudden overt formality that had sneaked into her tone. Sheepishly he tagged along by her side. He noticed the way she carried herself. Tall and graceful. Her movements fluid. Naturally elegant. Her willowy figure nimble and agile.

"So." Trip attempted polite conversation to break the silence. "What d'ya do here?"

"Do?" she repeated, unsure.

"Yeah....ah....d'ya have a family? Someone to take care of ya?"

Alaais hesitated. "My husband is dead." She said it so matter of factly that for a brief moment Trip wondered if he'd heard her right. Her voice was flat....almost emotionless. His breath hitched and his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Now he'd done it. Three strikes and he was most definitely out. No matter what he said to this girl he just seemed to keep digging himself into an ever deepening hole. Any deeper and he'd be in danger of disappearing altogether.

"I'm sorry," he apologised. "I didn't mean to sound like I was pryin'."

"Don't concern yourself....It's of no importance."

Alaais' head dipped a fraction ~ the only outward sign he'd unwittingly touched a raw nerve. Given his current propensity for running his mouth off Trip decided to just shut up and say nothing for the time being. That way he couldn't land himself in any more trouble.

********************

CHAPTER TWO

The Governor's quarters were significantly grander compared to the rest of the settlement. Single storey and built from pale brick along two sides of a central courtyard. Ornate potted palms and a multitude of flowering bushes Trip had never seen the likes of thrived here. His nostrils registered blended scents of honeysuckle, jasmine, orange blossom and citronella ~ fragrances that instantly reminded him of Earth....of home....so far away now. Tiny humming birds only marginally bigger than his thumbnail zipped to and fro, fastidiously sipping nectar, fragile wings vibrating impossibly fast, their iridescent plumage glittering like prismed jewels reflecting the light. Lilting background sounds of trickling water touched Trip's ears and bathed his tired senses as they entered, his booted footsteps on the cool tiled floor beneath him softly echoing around the high white-washed walls.

Trip drank it all in, open mouthed, gazing about him in sheer wonderment at the most perfect oasis of a sanctuary he could never have imagined existed here. A faint whisper of a breeze was just beginning to stir, sending tinkling caresses through a windchime directly above his head. Soft motes of rainbowed sunlight filtered through the shrubbery, giving everything an ethereal, surreal aura.

"Holy cow!....Would ya look at this place?!....It's incredible!" Trip gasped, slowly turning full circle, holding his arms out in amazed admiration. His eyes fell on Alaais, openly anticipating some kind of favourable response to his genuine approval, but instead of the charming smile she had treated him to earlier in the day, her face was now oddly expressionless. For some inexplicable reason he was having trouble reading her. Was it him or was she suddenly deliberately keeping herself distant? He got the subtle impression there was plenty going on inside. She was just keeping a tight lid on it.

"D'ya live here, too?" he asked, hoping to coax her into being a bit more talkative.

"In a manner of speaking." A reply, certainly, but not one that was conducive to further conversation. There she went again, Trip thought, answering him in single sentences. Elusive. Giving nothing away. Why the sudden change in demeanour and how in hell had he managed to so obviously piss her off? Had his questions inadvertently upset or annoyed her in some way? He certainly had never meant to offend her.

Alaais led him through the main entranceway and down a corridor, stopping to open a door at the end.

"This is your room." She stepped aside so he could pass. "You'll find everything you need inside."

Trip smiled his thanks warmly. He noticed she averted her gaze, not meeting his eyes. Was it shyness? Or was it something else? Ever sharp, his senses picked up a trace of fear in her. Of him? Surely not. Despite the undisputed beauty of this place, Trip had a gut feeling there was more going on here than met the eye. And it unsettled him. Yet at the same time it intrigued him. He couldn't explain it, but somehow he knew it involved the enigmatic Alaais.

"Will I see ya later?" he asked. "At dinner, maybe?"

She nodded. "Yes....I will be there."

"Great!....See ya soon, then."

Alaais said nothing, but took her leave instead. Trip watched her disappear down
the corridor without so much as a backward glance, narrow hips giving the faintest of sways, her posture straight and proud. And suddenly it struck him who she reminded him of.....Enterprise's Science Officer and resident Vulcan, Sub-Commander T'Pol. So weird, but she really did. Her mannerisms. Her one-line answers. Even the casual, naturally sexy way she moved. Just his bloody luck to be marooned down here in paradise with only a Vulcan doppelganger for company! Still, he supposed there was always Crann. On second thoughts he much preferred Alaais' awkward reticence. No contest.

His room was spacious. Stylishly ambient and refreshingly cool as evening approached. A bed had recently been made up with crisp, scented sheets. Washing facilities were basic, but more than adequate and plump fresh towels had been thoughtfully provided along with soap and even a razor. Someone had obviously gone to a great deal of trouble to make him feel comfortable.

Double, windowed doors looked out onto the courtyard giving him another angle to that amazing view. Trip drew the filmy, organza-like curtains across for privacy, stripped and washed half the planet's ingrained dirt off him, feeling instantly revived. He towelled himself dry. Ran his fingers through his damp hair. Shaved and re-dressed. Okay, same clothes, but he felt and no doubt smelled a hell of a lot better. Certainly presentable.

He heard a light tap on his door.

"Come in," he called, rinsing out the washbowl and drying his hands on the last of the clean towels.

He turned to see Alaais just inside the doorway and had to do a double-take to check it was really her. Holy crap! If he'd thought she was attractive before, she
was nothing short of stunning now. The braid in her hair was gone, her thick, copper-toned tresses free to cascade uninterrupted over her shoulders and down her back ~ a shining mane of spun silk that Trip was sure would have mirrored his own reflection had he been close enough. A short, low cut, diaphanous dress clung to her alluringly, outlining every curve of her feminine figure and leaving little to his imagination. God, she was exquisite. Trip gulped like an adolescent schoolkid. Desperately tried to wipe the stupefied daze off his face. Momentarily at a total loss for words he found himself unable to tear his eyes away from her, while his conscious thoughts strayed disconcertingly and began to stir him in places he fervently hoped she wouldn't notice. *Oh, Christ, get a grip on yourself, you dumbass* he thought. *A hard-on before dinner is not exactly appropriate for a senior Starfleet Officer representing his ship!*

Alaais' dark eyes regarded him carefully through long-fringed eyelashes.

"Governor Crann requests the honour of your presence in the dining hall."

The irony in her voice stung him. He pulled himself together, trying not to look and sound like a complete idiot.

"Lead the way," he replied in an attempt to deflect his acute embarrassment. Only the husky tone of his voice betrayed him.

Once again he fell in step alongside her as she escorted him down the corridor to the other side of the building where the dining hall was located. A long central
table was practically overflowing with displays of exotic fruits and pitchers of
mulled wine. Crann was already seated at the head of the table, but stood as Alaais and Trip entered.

"Ah, Commander....Come and join me."

He extended his arm indicating for Trip to take a seat next to him. Trip obliged with a nod and a smile.

"Governor."

Crann sat back down and glanced up at Alaais.

"Where are your manners, Alaais?" he chided. "Pour our guest some wine."

Mildly surprised, Trip thanked her as she filled his glass. He noticed Crann hadn't
offered her a seat at the table.

"Aren't ya eatin' with us?" he asked her.

Again the silent dip of her head.

"Alaais will be serving the meal," Crann explained. "Attending to our needs."

"But...."

Trip's voice trailed off, confused. He'd expected her to be dining with him, not waiting table on him. Somehow it just didn't seem right. Her whole bearing exuded grace and refinement ~ not the demeanour of a servant. He tried not to let his disappointment show.

Crann spent much of the next hour or so regailing him with stories of their homeworld. How they traded with passing merchant ships ~ mostly fresh organic produce ~ hoping to build on their current technology to make the community more self-sufficient. Trip tried to appear politely interested. Nodded in all the right places. Put to the back of his mind the fact that Crann's oily pompous manner was annoying the hell out of him. Trusting your first impressions could sometimes be a mistake, but in this case Trip knew he'd been right from the very beginning.

Alaais' presence drew his attention like a magnet as she came and went, quietly unobtrusive, bringing dishes of carved meats, mashed and diced vegetables and platters of a doughy-type delicacy. Served warm it had the consistency of oatmeal bread, but was sweeter. It smelled heavenly and tasted delicious. The main course had been seasoned to perfection and Trip consumed it gratefully, not even thinking about asking what he was eating. After the stresses and strains of the long tiring day he was so hungry he was just thankful it was edible. Citrus fruit sorbets and truffles followed, by which time Trip was feeling so full and more than a little heady from the wine he could barely move. He made a mental note to ask Crann if he could take a couple of litres of the stuff back with him to share with the Captain. It had a smooth, mellow flavour, but kicked like a bloody horse! Hell, even Crann was beginning to sound vaguely entertaining!

Wiping his mouth with his napkin, Trip eased his chair back from the table a little to give himself more breathing space. It had been a glorious feast. Nothing like what he'd anticipated. It could only have been bettered if he'd been able
to share it with Alaais for company. He wondered if she had prepared it all by herself. He neither heard nor saw any signs of other staff, which seemed a trifle strange for a building of this size. As she began to clear away the empty dishes he pointedly thanked her for a wonderful meal. Alaais calmly nodded her appreciation.

Crann noted the way Trip looked at her, his cold, piercing eyes missing nothing.

"She's beautiful, is she not, Commander?"

The sudden, direct question caught Trip off guard so that he hesitated, but only briefly.

"Yeah," he responded honestly in a low voice. "She is."

He sensed Alaais' increasing awkwardness as she stood by his side.

"Tell me....do you find her....attractive?"

Crann's follow-up question began to set him on edge. It was like he was talking about her as if she wasn't there. Trip glanced up at her briefly. Alaais looked away immediately.

Trip cleared his throat. "Of course....Wouldn't any man?"

He squirmed, flustered at being deliberately put on the spot, not sure where this conversation was headed, or why it had even started. He reached for his glass to break the exchange. Felt Alaais growing ever more distressed. Her hand was trembling. Her fingers sought the edge of the table for support as if she already knew what was coming next.

"Take her.....She's yours for the night."

Crann's off-handed statement caught Trip mid-swallow so that he almost choked
on his wine.

"I beg your pardon?" he spluttered, though he'd heard perfectly well enough. It was more an involuntary reaction of absolute shock.

Crann regarded him smugly. "Come now, Commander.....You're a strong, virile
young man. I presume you have certain physical needs just like the rest of us." Crann managed to phrase it so clinically, relishing the prospect of what he was suggesting. "Alaais will take care of those needs....fulfil your every fantasy....pleasure you in any way you wish."

Trip's jaw dropped wider than a tunnel. He flushed, hot and self-conscious. "Governor.....I don't think ya....."

"Do not refuse me this, Commander." The steely stubbornness Crann had exhibited earlier was raising its ugly head again. "Alaais knows what is expected of her in order for her to remain here. I have opened up my house to you. Shared my table with you....and now I wish to share my....concubine." Out of the corner of his eye Trip saw Alaais flinch as Crann uttered those words, adding, "You should feel honoured, my friend. I do not offer her to you lightly."

Trip felt like he'd been hit by a phase pistol set on stun, but without any of the pain. Crann was watching his reaction. Smirking. Trip so wanted to wipe that undercurrent of a malicious grin off his face, but wisely figured it would only cause unnecessary trouble. He'd learned from the errors of previous over-hasty reactions. The situation called for careful defusing with tact and diplomacy. Crann was offering a night of mind blowing passion with this luscious young woman ~ no strings attached ~ as payment for his knowledge and expertise in repairing the generator. He'd already spent eight hours lying on his back in less than comfortable surroundings under the gruelling heat. Crann obviously assumed spending several pleasanter ones under his mistress would be suitable compensation. A fair trade. And how masterfully did the imperious Crann wallow in smug delight at the accuracy of that assumption.

Hurriedly downing the last dregs of his wine, Trip did what common sense and every basic red-blooded male instinct in him ordered him to do. He accepted Crann's offer. Willingly and without another word.

********************

CHAPTER THREE

A low light bathed Trip's room with a gentle, suffused glow. The bed linen had already been turned back, the pillows plumped. Everything perfect. Well....almost everything.....

After they'd left the dining hall Alaais had taken Trip's hand in hers and silently led him back to his room. The Governor's unexpected proposal had hit him like a bombshell, rendering him speechless and leaving him numb. Either that or the copious amount of wine he'd consumed at dinner was now having a cumulative
effect. He was starting to feel lightheaded. His senses a little off-centre. His body more than a little turned on. Somewhere, on a vague sub-conscious level, he realised he was in trouble. Yet rational thought seemed to be running rings round him at that moment.

Behind closed doors, Alaais guided him nearer the bed and turned to face him. Her dark, liquid, unfathomable eyes locked onto his hazy blue pools and kept them captive as if she were trying to reach inside his mind, hoping to find something hidden there. Something to latch onto.

Trip felt his breath catch. Her unblinking stare probed his very soul. Intense. Pleading. Exerting such a powerful influence over him. She was so incredibly beautiful. A man would have to be blind or dead to ignore that fact. And Trip was neither. Everything about her excited him.

Slowly she reached up and softly touched his cheek, her fingertips tracing the firm, angular outline of his handsome face. Her eyes continued to mesmerize him, causing his thoughts to melt into molasses, viscous and sluggish, smothering the cracks in time and reality. Trip swallowed hard, unable to focus. Christ, could he really be that drunk?

With only a whispered hesitation Alaais pressed herself up to him, her full moist lips the merest of heartbeats away from his. Her fingers brushed the nape of his neck, tickling the sensitive nerve endings as they stole upwards into his hair, coaxing him closer until her mouth met his.

Trip's senses glassed over. Paralysed, he inhaled the euphoria-inducing scent of her, unable to determine whether it was perfume, pheromones or a volatile combination of both. Her first breath of a kiss was silken sweet. Almost chaste. Innocence verging on purity. It filled him so full of aching want it erased all other coherent thought. His legs felt weak, barely able to support him. Alaais followed the kiss with another, firmer, stronger and this time Trip responded. He was flying on auto-pilot, his fervour rising, his own parted lips an open invitation, willing her to explore new territory. His pulse soared as he felt her velvet tongue slide inside his mouth, their kisses deepening into a seemless, passionate embrace that threatened to suck the very air from his lungs. Flames of desire danced around him. Incandescent. Simultaneously pleasurable and painful. With a soft moan Trip allowed them to swallow him up. He wanted to be consumed by them.

So aroused now, he was aware of Alaais sliding her arms around his waist, drawing him nearer. His breathing rapidly accelerated to catch up with his racing pulse sending strident echoes bouncing around his head. As if pulled by invisible threads Trip's hands were drawn towards her breasts, so round and firm, gently stroking her supple flesh. Dizzy with physical desire he sensed his responses were on the verge of spiralling out of control. Free-falling......

For the briefest of moments the world slipped away as he drew her into him, wrapping his strong arms around her slender body, acutely aware of the glorious throbbing waves of need centering around his entire lower abdomen. He was already rock hard. Had been from the minute Alaais had closed the bedroom door. His body sought relief. Craved the release it so desperately needed.

As if in silent response, Alaais' hand slid forwards and downwards towards his
groin and took hold of him, pressing ever more firmly. Trip gasped and groaned out loud, shuddering now as expert fingers fondled and massaged him intimately through his uniform. He gulped, breathless at the almost unbearable friction Alaais was creating, rocking her hips against him in a blissful relentless rhythm til he feared he would come fully clothed where he stood, his mind oblivious to the consequences. His eager body was screaming to be unleashed. Jesus, he wanted her so badly. Could easily have taken her there and then......almost did. Except for one nagging little blade of remaining sanity that somehow managed to stab its way through his alcohol-induced, lust-crazed stupour to save them both in the nick of time.......The fact that this was not right. Was not in fact consentual in the true meaning of the word. No matter how you looked at it Alaais was still being coerced. Forced against her will into doing this for whatever reason he may never even know, let alone understand.

Alaais' hands had now travelled upwards. Her shaking fingers were starting to undo the front zipper on his Starfleet uniform. Against every yearning natural impulse in him begging for immediate gratification, Trip quietly placed his hand on hers and stopped her.

"Yer don't have to do this." His voice caught somewhere in his throat. He felt her body tremble, soft and vulnerable against his pounding erection.

"You don't understand.....I must....."

She tried to continue undressing him, almost desperate in her efforts to please him. Trip took hold of both her wrists in a gentle restraint.

"No," he said firmly. "Alaais.....I'm tellin' yer to stop."

An anguished cry formed in her throat. She struggled against him, her powerlessness blatently obvious against his superior strength. The thought of what he could easily have done to her, had he so chosen, was not lost on her. Realising it was useless to fight him, her body surrendered and went limp against him. Tears welled up in her eyes as he released his grip on her. Comforted her as she began to sob in his arms.

"Why don'tcha start by tellin' me what the hell is goin' on here?" His voice was kind and low.

Plummeting from his euphoric high, Trip felt the overwhelming need to sit down before his legs buckled beneath him. He steered Alaais over to the bed and eased her down next to him. She hadn't answered him. Couldn't even meet his eyes. He stroked her hair away from her damp cheeks, felt her tremble against him as he slid a reassuring arm around her. She was wired as tight as a bow, her heart crushed with the weight of her inner turmoil and torment.

"Am I so unattractive to you? Is that why you won't join with me?" she murmured, her voice punctuated by tiny sobs.

Trip gave a start of surprise. "No.....God, no!....It's not that," he affirmed. "It's just that where I come from it's not considered right to make someone do somethin' they don't want to.....A man has no right to force himself on a woman."

He felt her shoulders give an involuntary tremour. "Try telling that to Crann." There was a frightened, clipped edge to her shaky voice. Alaais bit her lip as if in instant regret of the words she had just spoken. Trip cupped her chin in his palm. Gently raised her head, turning her sorrowful face towards him. Tentatively seeking out her gaze. Willing her to look at him. Wanting her to explain.

"Does he make you do this often?"

He saw something flicker in her expression. A single tear spilled from the corner of one eye and trickled onto his hand.

"Only if it suits him.....especially when he knows how much it will hurt me."

Trip was watching Alaais closely. A deep frown clouded his caring face.

"Hurt ya?....I don't understand.....I would never hurt ya.....even if....."

Alaais shook her head.

"No.....when I say hurt.....I don't just mean in the physical sense."

Trip still wasn't getting it. She wasn't making any sense.

"I'm sorry.....I don't follow."

She gave a defeated sigh, her shoulders visibly slumping as she finally found the courage within herself to look at him.

"You remind me so much of my husband, Trip," she told him. "Caleb was warm.....decent.....gentle.....just like you. He meant everything to me and when he died part of me died along with him. Crann knows this. He exploits it. He meant me to be with you tonight to remind me of what I've lost."

Trip's eyes narrowed, uncomprehending.

"Why?....Why would he do that?"

"Because he likes to manipulate people.....control them.....just as he now has control over me."

Trip thought a moment, considering her words, trying to whittle out the subtle underlying meaning that was lurking behind them.

"Why does he control you?" he asked. "What are you to him?"

She looked away, but he refused to release his grip on her.

"Alaais.....why d'ya let Crann treat yer like this?.....And what did he mean earlier when he said yer knew what yer had to do to stay here?"

He could feel her tensing up against him again, pulled apart by such strong sentiments the cause of which he had no concept of.

"Please.....let me go. I've said too much already," she blurted out, pulling away from him, slipping out of his relaxing grasp. She shook in spasms of raw emotion. "I wish you had never come here," she told him in a hushed voice.

Trip sensed she meant no offense towards him. She was simply expressing an inner pain that stemmed from such deep sorrow. Something precious had been torn from her and lost for all time. His heart went out to her.

"What can I do?" he asked her. "How can I help ya?"

She gave him a thin watery smile that even in the depths of its misery still managed to bewitch him.

"No-one can help me," she replied simply. "What is done, is done.....My destiny is already written."

Such a calm, emotionless tone. Resigned to her fate.

Trip opened his mouth, but found he had no response. What the hell was she talking about ~ her destiny was already written? He sighed helplessly, chewing at his lower lip, at a complete loss for words.

Almost as an afterthought Alaais looked up at him, her red-rimmed eyes silently pleading.

"There is one thing you could do for me."

"Name it," Trip responded without hesitation.

"If Crann asks.....tell him I pleased you tonight."

Trip's expression tightened at the fear in her voice. Fear that raised emotions
deep within himself that disturbed him to the core of his being. What dark haunting terror would have induced her to even ask that of him?

"You got it," he smiled, hoping to reassure her. "I promise yer. You have my word."

She blinked a wordless thank you, suddenly looking small and exhausted.

"C'mon," Trip told her. "It's been a long day. Yer look like yer could use some sleep."

He patted the bed, indicating she should climb in under the covers. Hesitantly she did so, letting him tuck her in as if she were a child. But instead of getting in
beside her, he reached for a spare blanket and pillow and spread them out on the floor.

Alaais anxiously propped herself up on her elbows.

"What are you doing?" she asked him. "You can't sleep there......You're our guest."

Trip flashed his charmingly boyish smile. "Believe me, I've slept in far worse places." He gave the merest hint of a wink. "Our secret, huh?" He held her gaze until she smiled back at him. Slowly nodded.

"You're a good man, Commander Tucker," she said softly, never having felt so safe in a very long time.

********************

Outside in the dark stillness of the night air lit by a full moon an unseen presence peered in from the shadows at the two sleeping forms within through a tiny chink between the filmy curtains. Governor Crann was not amused by what he saw. In fact he was intensely angered, pouting and sulking like a spoilt child deprived of its favourite toy. He had expected the Commander and Alaais to be providing him with some 'entertainment' ~ not sleeping like babies. And separately at that!

A treacherous expression took shape, spreading throughout him, forming a life of its own. Alaais had deceived him despite all warnings that she would be severely punished if she were to disobey his instructions. So be it. Once the Commander had taken his leave in the morning he would personally see to it that she would suffer the consequences of her duplicity. She would never have the chance to defy him again. Only by learning the hard way would she discover the meaning of true pain. She had succeeded in depriving him of his pleasure tonight, but that same pleasure would be all the sweeter for the wait. Yes, Alaais would live to regret this day. Consumed by insane outrage as he was she would be lucky if he allowed her to live at all.

********************

CHAPTER FOUR

Trip awoke early to the soft muted call of doves outside in the courtyard. He sat
up, rubbed his face and stretched, easing the stiffness from his muscles and joints, feeling refreshed despite the hardness of the floor. He glanced up, expecting to see Alaais still sleeping and was mildly surprised to see she was not there. The bedsheets had been smoothed and straightened, erasing all trace of her ever having been there. He wondered when she had taken her leave. Marvelled at the quietness of her departure. He must have been in a deep sleep not to have heard or felt her moving about him.

He tidied the floor and quickly washed, finding himself looking forward to the arrival of Travis in the shuttlepod. Opening the doors to the courtyard he felt the morning rays of sunlight already warming his face. It wasn't long before he heard the familiar drumming of the engine in the distance growing louder as the compact outline of the little transport vehicle came into view and circled overhead, looking for an appropriate spot to land.

Inside the shuttlepod, Ensign Mayweather engaged the descent thrusters and set down safely with an ease borne of practise. He was an expert pilot ~ the best they had ~ and he could land virtually on a pinhead if the need arose. Today, however, he had a whole back yard. A veritable baseball field to choose from.

Trip came striding over as the hatch door clicked open and the handsome young Ensign hopped out onto firm ground.

"Hey, Travis!....Good to see ya!" Trip greeted him with a friendly slap on the shoulder.

"How're you doing, Commander?" Travis flashed him a broad grin, his teeth sparkling white against his dark skin.

"Never better!" Trip returned the grin. "Did ya miss me?"

Mayweather took a second to think.

"Well, Chef did think it a little strange there was still food left over after breakfast!"

"Hope he's kept somethin' warm for me," Trip chuckled, suddenly
realising he was starving in spite of the previous night's banquet. His mouth
watered at the thought of a plate piled high with scrambled eggs......freshly made coffee......

Travis' eyes looked across to a point behind Trip and, hearing footsteps, the Commander turned to see Governor Crann hurrying towards them. Alaais followed on several paces behind, struggling to carry two large sealed pitchers.

"I noticed you seemed to enjoy your wine last night, Commander Tucker," Crann beamed. "I had Alaais prepare you some as a parting gift to remember your stay with us and to thank you once again for your invaluable assistance."

Seeing her difficulties, Trip immediately went to Alaais' aid and relieved her of her burden. She smiled up at him gratefully. The jars were made of stoneware
and doubly heavy once filled to the brim. Trip hefted their weight easily, passing them over to Travis who stowed them aboard the waiting craft.

"Thank you, Governor. That's real generous of yer."

He searched for a smile inside himself, but one wouldn't surface. He'd completely forgotten about the wine. In fact, given the choice, he'd have much preferred to be taking Alaais back with him than leave her alone down here with Crann. But he knew that was impossible.

The Governor clasped Trip's hands in the traditional Anjaani gesture of farewell, but did not release them immediately. Instead he drew the Commander closer.

"I trust you have no complaints about our hospitality then?"

Trip inwardly recoiled from his touch, but held his ground nevertheless.

"None at all.....On the contrary.....everythin' was perfect."

Crann was watching him with interest.

"Did Alaais perform to your expectations?"

Trip stiffened uncomfortably. Just stared at him. God, how he wanted to knock this prick on his butt. He wondered if Crann had any inkling just how much he genuinely despised him. Missing nothing, Travis couldn't help but overhear their exchange, quietly curious at the direction their conversation was going.

"Like I said....everythin' was perfect," Trip repeated. "And since yer asked....Alaais was.....more than perfect. You're a very lucky man, Governor."

Crann gripped his hands tightly before finally breaking his hold.

"How true, Commander.....How very true."

As he turned back, Alaais lightly caught his arm. Gone were the sparkly high heels and floaty dress she'd been wearing last night. She was once again barefoot and clothed in a short tunic tied in at the waist. She reached up and kissed him softly on the cheek.

"Thank you," she whispered, stretching up on tiptoe to reach his ear, so that only he could hear what passed between them.

Trip's eyes mirrored his smile, gentle and sad.

"You're welcome," he replied, adding, "You take care, huh?"

She gave an almost imperceptible nod, her eyes uneasy and glistening, close to tears as her hand slipped from his arm. Trip steeled himself one last look then boarded the shuttlepod after Travis and sealed down the hatch.

********************

Still brooding and deep in thought, the Commander spoke very little on the flight back to Enterprise ~ a significance the importance of which was certainly not lost on Travis. The normally outgoing Chief Engineer usually couldn't wait to start recounting his adventures or at the very least engage in friendly banter. Travis bit back his inquisitiveness for the moment, but the silence was killing him and he was just itching to know what Governor Crann had been referring to over the young woman......the very gorgeous young woman. Hell, Trip always had all the fun!......Maybe he'd be able to find out more later, perhaps via Lieutenant Reed. But then again the British Armoury Officer could be very tight lipped if sworn to secrecy. One way or another though, he and Hoshi would do their utmost to prise it out of him.

********************

CHAPTER FIVE

As soon as Trip had boarded the shuttlepod Alaais had excused herself and taken her leave, her heart too desolate to simply stand and watch the craft take off and carry him back to his ship. She had straightaway gone back to his room under the pretence of tidying up, unaccountably wanting to be near the things Trip had touched as if those few inanimate objects could provide her with the comfort she craved so badly.

She picked up the pillow he had used to rest his head on his makeshift bed and folded her arms around it, inhaling the last vestige of his smell. So torn apart by bleak despair to even form the tears with which to cry. Overwhelmed by dark, haunting images, blurred and shapeless, felt more than seen, Alaais was damaged in many subtle ways. Last night she had wanted to explain so many things to Trip, to answer all of his questions, but what would have been the point? He was in no position to help her. He was a visitor, nothing more, and his memory would soon become as distant to her as his Starship would be to their planet. Hundreds of light years separating them. Yet just for those few brief hours he had made her feel special. Much more than that he had treated her with kindness and respect, uncovering distant memories of the person she had once been. Loved and protected. Kept safe and warm. Cherished.

"Lost in thoughts of Commander Tucker, my sweet?"

Crann's mocking voice behind her startled Alaais. She did not ~ could not ~ reply, but instead stood resolutely facing the window, her back to him, unable to move. Instinctively she knew it would only serve to anger him.

"Look at me when I'm speaking to you," Crann growled.

Alaais realised it would not take much to provoke him. And by all that she held dear, she dared not risk doing that. Slowly she turned, still clinging to the pillow.

"That's better," Crann told her in a satisfied voice. "Tell me.....compared to Caleb.....was he a good lover?"

Alaais was speechless. Transfixed. She felt a rising tide of emotion swamp her body.

"Answer me!" Crann's voice was rising steadily in pitch. "You will tell me every detail of your night together." Slowly he walked towards her, fixing her with a menacing stare. "Tell me....did he make you come?"

He reached out and stroked her cheek. She felt rigid to his touch.

"Please....," was all she could blurt out.

"Please," he mimicked back at her. "Is that what you said to him?.....Please, Commander, make love to me.....just like my husband used to."

His hand slipped down to her shoulder where his fingers nipped her tightly. Alaais knew only too well where this was leading. Debasing her was always a prelude to his own arousal. It disgusted her to even think of him in the same breath as Trip or Caleb.

"Well?"

Her face solemn she looked him straight in the eye.

"Yes....it was just as you said."

"You did everything he asked of you?"

Alaais swallowed, her heart pounding. "Yes."

Crann scrutinised her face with deep, cruel eyes that were as black as graphite. Cold. Hard. Like a viper's eyes. A violent wave of intense anger erupted within him and exploded out of control.

"Liar!"

Alaais took the full force of the blow against her cheek. She staggered, knocked off balance. The pillow she had been clinging onto flew out of her hands and across the room. She felt a severe, blinding flash of pain as her neck snapped backwards from the whiplash. A sickening fear welled up inside her. Her silence spoke volumes to Crann ~ far more than any words could ever have done.

"I watched you both through the window." Crann's voice was razor edged. "He never laid a finger on you."

Alaais' soulful gaze dropped to the floor. He had caught her out so easily. Crann shook his head slowly from side to side in an air of apparent mild censure. But his demeanour was far from mild. It was menacing. Threatening.

"I'm surprised at you, Alaais.....Surprised and disappointed to think that you would lie to me knowing full well what is at stake.....And not only do you lie to me, you disobey my wishes......Ignore my strict instructions....."

"I can explain," Alaais interrupted, trying to sound bold, yet her voice came out as a weak whisper. "The Commander wouldn't let....."

Crann dismissed her attempted explanation with an off-handed wave. Not interested in listening. His own agenda in full swing.

"You must take me for a fool." He paused before continuing ominously, "But know this.....One small disobedience leads to another and another unless it is nipped in the bud. You are only here because it pleases me. That can change at any moment.....You would do well to remember that." He let his words sink in. For a moment they just stared at eachother. "Now come here."

Alaais dropped her eyes and swallowed hard. Her feet stepped falteringly towards him until mere inches separated them. Crann gave a smug smile.

"That's better.....Now.....take off your clothes."

Alaais began to shake, struggling with her emotions, her pretty features taught
with the rising anxiety of countless fearful images. Crann was fast becoming impatient.

"I said take off your dress.....or would you rather have me rip it off you?"

Alaais did as she was told. Trembling fingers fumbled with the knotted waistband of her tunic until it came free and she stood naked and humiliated in front of the man she detested more than any other. A gleam of unrestrained arousal lay heavy in Crann's eyes as they devoured every morsel of her lithe young body. He shoved her roughly backwards onto the bed so that she lay spreadeagled out on the silky white sheets, too terrified to even move. She watched him quickly disrobe and intoned a silent prayer that what was about to happen would soon be over. Just as she had done on countless previous occasions. She put up no resistance as Crann threw himself on top of her, his immense erection penetrating her viciously without any foreplay. Alaais cried out in pain, not yet ready for him, fingers clinging onto the bedsheets in balled fists, willing herself to relax to try to ease the searing agony of dry tissue being ripped and torn inside her as Crann thrust himself ever deeper towards his lusting climax. She clamped her eyes shut and tried to think of Caleb, but the memory of him refused to surface. Instead it was Trip's gentle smiling face that broke through the threshold of her pain, his strangely lilting voice softly calming and comforting her, his sky-blue eyes so sad and caring.

Within minutes it was all over. Crann gave an excited strangled cry as he climaxed fairly rapidly and pulled out of her almost immediately. Alaais' own cry was one of pain mingled with a violent urge to be sick. Her head swimming, she drew her knees up into her stomach to try to ease some of the agony. The movement caused her insides to spasm and she felt the warmth of her own blood trickle from between her legs and stain the sheet beneath her.

Yet her ordeal was far from over.

Crann had already finished dressing. Bending down, he snatched up Alaais' dress from the floor and flung it at her in a gesture of undisguised disdain.

"Clean yourself up!" He snorted derisively. "You're not even worth the effort anymore."

Alaais eased herself slowly up. Held the dress so that it covered her from his view.

"When can I see Taami?" she asked in a hushed tone. Crann ignored her. "Please...." Alarm was beginning to creep into her voice. "You said I could see her soon.....You promised!"

Crann moved in closer. Jerked her head up sharply.

"I've changed my mind."

Alaais' heart missed a beat, gripped within the walls of a prison that had no physical boundary.

"Why?.....I don't understand. I've done everything you've asked of me....."

Crann's look was one of unmitigated vindictiveness.

"All actions have consequences, Alaais. You of all people should know that. And a price must be paid for your actions. You openly lied to me.....which makes your position here no longer tenable."

He watched as every expression evaporated from Alaais' face. Her stunned eyes widened out of all proportion as Crann delivered his final verbal assault that crippled her more than any physical injury he could ever have inflicted upon her.

"Pack your things. I want you gone from here in an hour."

Panic flared up inside her.

"What about Taami?"

Crann couldn't hide the subversive satisfaction he was getting out of watching her suffer, wringing out every last shred of heartache she had left inside her.

"She is no longer any of your concern. As of now she belongs to me. You will never see her again.....and when she is old enough she will take her place in this house.....just as you once did."

With a surge of fury so intense. Alaais lunged at Crann like something gone wild, clawing and scratching, tearing at any part of him that was within her reach, oblivious now to her own inner searing pain. With a single stinging blow, Crann knocked her off her feet and sent her sprawling. She tasted fresh blood in her mouth.

Crann glowered at her, barely able to contain his contempt.

"If you're still here when I return I'll have the guards throw you out!"

He turned his back on her, leaving her huddled and shaking in a heap on the floor. The sound of the door as it slammed shut behind him was like the final nail being driven into her breaking heart, crucifying everything she held dear ~ her sanity, her self-respect and above all else.....her child. Left alone now, Alaais dressed slowly, as if in a trance. Her mind in a daze she ignored the bruised and battered state she was in. She thought only of Taami, the daughter she had not seen in almost six months when Crann took her away. Who by now had most likely forgotten her or, worse still, had been led to believe she had been abandoned by a mother who no longer wanted her. She would be six years old next month. What lies had Crann been feeding her all this time? Holding Taami hostage was the one certain guarantee of total obedience Crann had exploited beyond all imaginable extremes. The reason she had submitted to every disgusting and humiliating act he had demanded of her.

As she fastened the tie around her waist, her fingers brushed against something small and hard in her pocket. Unconsciously closed around it and slid it out. For a moment blank, unregistering eyes stared down at the object she held in her hand. The communicator. Trip's communicator. The one she had quietly removed from his uniform. Or, more precisely, the one she had surreptitiously stolen from him as he slept soundly last night. At the time she hadn't the faintest idea why she had done it. A keepsake perhaps? A reminder of him and the kindness he'dshown her.

Now its presence started to take on a whole new meaning. A dim flicker of hope began to form in her mind. What was it Trip had said? He could talk to his ship through this device? But she had no idea how to open it. She tapped it once....twice....harder....but nothing happened. Maybe it would only work for Trip. Abject tears formed. Helpless and hopeless. She shook the damn thing in frustration, her wrist giving it a sharp flick, the sudden movement activating the opening mechanism. She jumped back, almost dropping it in shock as it gave an odd little chirrup and glowed blue in her hand.

"Hello," she cried anxiously into it. "Please....if anyone can hear me......"

********************

TBC

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