The Miles That Lay Ahead- Chapter 17

The Miles That Lay Ahead

by Gabi

Genre: Action/Adventure/Angst
Rating: PG-13 (one or two chapters will be rated R later on)

Disclaimer: I guess I own the aliens in this story, the friendly as well as the unfriendly ones, but unfortunately none of the Enterprise staff.

~~~~~~

Chapter 17

Trip was comfortably sitting at the table and looking at the communicator he'd been taking apart. Beside him Malcolm was checking the phase pistols. He had asked Erianna whether she would mind him working with weapons in her house but she had only shaken her head. On the contrary, she seemed to be very interested how the phasers worked and asked Malcolm to explain their different functions to her. She even begged him to let her try some shots. Hidden behind some bushes in the garden, Malcolm had arranged some target practice. Erianna had been very excited when after a few tries she managed to hit the target, blushing when Malcolm told her she had a very good aim. Now she was sitting at the other side of the table and watched Trip building an emergency signal with the two broken communicators.

"Your ship is scheduled to arrive today, isn't it?" she asked.

Trip shrugged. "There's no real way of tellin' when they're gonna be here. A lot of things can happen that might slow them down. If Enterprise had flown at top speed all the time she would've arrived yesterday. We were hopin' that was gonna be the case, but the warp reactor can't work on its limits all the time. But I'm sure the cap'n is gonna try and pick us up as soon as possible. Who knows, Shuttlepod Two might be landin' in your backyard this very afternoon."

"The captain wouldn't be so careless as to land in the middle of a settlement when he doesn't know anything about a planet," Malcolm objected.

Trip sighed in frustration. "Of course he wouldn't, Malcolm. I was only jokin'. Could you hand me the microlaser, please?"

Before Malcolm had a chance to react Erianna handed Trip the requested tool. He gave her a surprised look.

"How did you know which tool I was talkin' about?"

She smiled. "Sometimes I think I would have been a rather good engineer. I had already started the training."

"Why did you stop?" Trip asked.

Erianna shrugged. "Let's say I had other priorities. And besides, they never started the space program I was hoping to work for."

"Why not?"

"Our governors agreed to use our resources to solve Renelan's problems. They decided that space travel is irrelevant."

"That's a pity."

"Yes, it is," Erianna sighed. "I would have loved to see the asteroid field with my own eyes. Or go and visit Alkira or Menaos. But perhaps I'll still get a chance to do so at some point in the future."

Trip eyed Erianna thoughtfully. She was about his age and if Renelan hadn't started his own space travel program yet it would be much too late for her to join it. In her eyes he saw that she knew this just as well as he did. But she was already smiling again, pointing at Trip's work. "Aren't you going to finish it?"

Trip was adjusting the signal carefully to Starfleet's frequency. "I'm done." He threw a critical look at his work. "I don't think T'Pol would be very impressed, but when Shuttlepod Two is in range they'll hear it." He stowed the device away in the arm pocket of Malcolm's uniform.

"Shouldn't you keep that?" Malcolm asked.

"Better keep it in your uniform pocket where it's safe. I guess as soon as the cap'n has located you he'll find me as well."

Malcolm smiled thinly. Indeed he had been planning to keep Trip within his sight.

All three of them looked up when Jeren entered the room. He was smiling but the expression seemed to be somewhat forced. "Are you ready for your visit at the governor's palace?"

"As ready as ever."

Erianna had washed Malcolm's uniform and they had both taken a shower and had shaved in preparation for their visit.

"I'm afraid the governor will invite you to stay over night," Erianna said.

"That a problem?" Malcolm frowned.

"I would prefer to have you back here for the night." Erianna was clearly feeling uncomfortable, even though they couldn't see why. "But you can't decline his invitation without being rude."

"You seem a little upset about this visit." Malcolm was beginning to feel suspicious, and didn't bother to keep the question out of his voice.

"Don't worry about it." Jeren bent down to pick up Trip, and the engineer wrapped an arm around the doctor's shoulders. "The governor is a very friendly and hospitable man. He'll probably ask you hundreds of questions, but will give you an interesting evening." Straightening up with Trip in his arms, he nodded at Malcolm to follow him.

"Listen, Trip," Jeren continued when they had all taken their seats in the flitter and he was boosting the engines. "Governor Tasur has his own medical advisor who is also a very important person at the Health Center. He might ask you if he can examine you. You should decline that offer. Be as friendly as you can, but make clear that you won't allow an examination."

"He'll ask why, I guess."

"You can say that you've had enough examinations during the last few days and you're just fed up with it. Tell him to contact me about the results."

"Why do I have a feelin' that he won't do that?" Trip muttered.

"I'm sure he won't, but you can't know that, can you? And please don't tell them anything about the T-14 or the cure in your bloodstream."

"What d'you suggest I tell them when they ask me about my paralysis?"

Jeren never missed a beat. "Just say that the nerves in your legs are torn. Tell them I said human nerves needed more time to heal than ours, and even our advanced medicine wasn't able to speed up the recovery process. Say that you're expecting to be able to walk again in no more than a few days. And it's very important that you don't let them take a blood sample."

"Why not? You took a blood sample yourself back at your place."

"Yes, but I would appreciate it if you didn't mention that. In fact, I must ask you to lie when they ask you about it."

"Why?" Trip asked, beginning to feel slightly irritated. He couldn't make any sense out of what Jeren was telling him.

Jeren sighed. "Renelans are a little bit paranoid where blood taking is concerned. It's considered almost a crime to take a blood sample without permission. And there are only a few doctors at the Health Centers who are allowed to do so."

"And you're one of them," Trip stated.

"No, I'm not. Unfortunately. I would get in big trouble if one of you told anyone about me taking blood from you."

Trip and Malcolm looked at each other, confused. "Why the hell is takin' a blood sample supposed to be a crime? It's one of the first things medical students on Earth learn to do."

"Well, as I said, Renelans are a little paranoid about that. And no one at the palace knows that it's different with your species. So everyone would understand if you denied this request with the simple explanation that you're not comfortable about giving your blood."

Malcolm regarded him doubtfully. "Would you mind explaining what's so special about Trip's blood? Or why else don't you want Trip to be examined by this doctor? I have the feeling that something's going on here, and that it has something to do with us. When you talked to Erianna last evening you mentioned some sort of danger. Are we in any danger? Is Trip in danger? I'd've brought my weapon in that case."

Jeren shook his head. "It would have been of no use. The moment you enter the palace you'll be scanned for weapons. The governor is extremely cautious. He'll make sure that you're no threat to him."

"A threat?" With raised eyebrows, Trip looked pointedly down at his legs.

Jeren smiled understandingly. "He just wants to be sure. He would be offended if you brought weapons into his house. I don't think that you're in any danger, though. But I must ask you, Malcolm, not to leave Trip alone there. Not even during the night. Ask for a double room. It might cause a few raised eyebrows, but I'm sure you'll find a plausible reason to do so. Stay together during your visit. I'll be back to pick you up tomorrow afternoon."

Malcolm threw a side-glance at Jeren. Their new friend was worried. He tried to hide it but his efforts to do so were futile. Of course this only served to increase Malcolm's own anxiety, especially because he didn't have a clue what was going on here.

"Why don't you just accompany us?"

"Because I'm not invited." Jeren sighed. "Tasur doesn't like me. He never mentioned it, but I know that I'm not welcome in his palace."

"Why not?"

"That's a long story."

"Why don't you simply tell us what all of this is about?" Malcolm sounded unnerved.

"Yes, I guess you have a right to know," Jeren admitted. "But right now we don't have time for that. Tomorrow evening, okay? And don't be concerned, I guess there's nothing to worry about. Just be careful."

Jeren flew an arc, bringing down the flitter on a widespread landing area in front of an imposing building. Actually, it didn't quite deserve the name palace, but it wasn't like all the other buildings. Somewhat resembling an old Mexican hacienda, the house was situated in an extravagant park with lots of lawns and trees. When Jeren shut down the flitter's engines some people appeared at the top of the grand staircase.

"The elderly man in the middle is Governor Tasur," Jeren explained when he lifted Trip out of the vehicle. "The man beside him is Harek, his personal guard." Jeren grimaced.

"Seems you know him." Becoming aware of how tense he was feeling, Trip tried to ease his grip on Jeren's shoulders somewhat. He felt terribly humiliated that he couldn't meet the governor on his own feet.

"We were friends when we were young," Jeren explained. "Very good friends, you could say. He fell in love with Erianna and for a while I was hoping they were going to marry. But then he decided to join the governor's guard. It was the only possibility for him to play with the weapons he adored so much."

"You disagreed with his decision?"

"It wasn't only his affection for weapons. There's much more to it. His relationship with Erianna ended with his decision, and it was very hard for her." Jeren fell silent when Harek came down the stairs to meet them. He smiled amiably.

"Hi Jeren, nice to see you." He turned to Malcolm and Trip. "In behalf of Governor Tasur I welcome you in his palace." He nodded to Trip. "I've heard that you're not able to walk at the moment. If you don't mind, I'll carry you."

Trip did mind. It had been hard getting used to being carried by Jeren whom he now considered a friend, but it was a different story being picked up by a total stranger. But there was nothing he could do. Harek had already extended his arms and Jeren handed the engineer over to his former friend. Trip felt like a doll going from hand to hand and he didn't like this feeling at all.

"Take good care of him," Jeren told Harek, a distinct warning in his tone.

"I will. Don't worry," Harek promised.

"Okay." Jeren's face softened as he accompanied them up the stairs to the waiting governor. After greetings had been exchanged, he introduced them as Commander Tucker and Lieutenant Reed, gave them a last smile and left. Rather regretfully, Trip watched him walk down the stairs. He couldn't help the feeling that now the only person they could really trust was gone. The unfamiliar surroundings made him feel rather self-conscious, but fortunately he still had Malcolm at his side.

The governor welcomed them with a broad smile. "I'm glad to have you here at my home," he beamed. "I'm Governor Tasur," he introduced himself, then gestured at a young woman standing next to him. "This is my daughter, Farina."

Tasur was a stately man who held himself very straight, which made him look even taller. He was about fifty years old and had a very jovial manner. His daughter Farina seemed to be about twenty years old and was very beautiful with long silky lightbrown hair and sparkling green eyes. She smiled shyly, her eyes lingering on Malcolm just a little too long.

Tasur introduced his attendants. "My attorney, Javor, and my personal physician, Dorsik."

Trip was beginning to feel rather ridiculous in Harek's arms. Tasur's guard held him with a strong and reliable grip but this position and his dangling legs didn't help his self-confidence in any way.

"Please accompany me to my office," Tasur said. "I'm sure you understand that I have a lot of questions. I hope you don't think us rude but it's the first time we have visitors from so far away." He pointed at an open door. Harek set Trip down at a table with drinks and refreshments. Malcolm sat down beside him and Tasur, his attorney and his doctor took seats at the other side of the table. Farina sat down next to Malcolm. Fluttering her silky eyelashes, she glanced furtively at him from time to time.

"I understand that you had to make an emergency landing out in the desert," Tasur initiated the conversation. "It's not the best region of our planet."

Trip cleared his throat. "You could say so, Governor. It's hell of a place to be stranded. We were quite relieved to find out that Renelan is inhabited at all. We'd already assumed the whole planet consisted of one big desert."

The men laughed and Farina chuckled.

"How are you, Commander Tucker?" Tasur asked. "Jeren told me that you've been severely injured. My medical advisor, Dorsik, would like to examine you."

Trip sighed. "No offence, but Jeren examined me so many times during the last two days that for now I'm really fed up with doctors pokin' and proddin' me."

Tasur smiled broadly and didn't show any sign of resentment. "I can understand that, but Dorsik is a very capable physician. No offence, but he's certainly better than Jeren."

Trip doubted this, given the fact how quickly Jeren had been able to heal Malcolm's hands. But of course he didn't voice his thoughts. Remembering Jeren's advice, he said: "I'm really sorry, Governor, but I don't think there's any examination procedure Jeren didn't do at some point which would help my current condition."

"Jeren told you why you're not able to walk?"

Trip threw a glance at Malcolm. Now was the time when he had to start lying, hopefully without anyone noticing that he wasn't exactly telling the truth. "Of course he did. He told me the nerves in my legs were torn, and that a human body takes longer to heal than a Renelan one. He also said there was nothin' he could do to speed up the healin' process with Renelan medication, but he was pretty sure that I'll be able to walk again in a few days."

"It must be very uncomfortable for you, not being able to walk." Tasur's voice was full of genuine sympathy.

"It sure is. But I'm confident that it won't take too long for my legs to heal."

"Well, despite Jeren's opinion I might still be able to do something to help you." It was the first time Dorsik had said something.

"I'm sure Jeren would be happy to give you all of his results," Trip suggested and saw Dorsik flinching imperceptibly. "No offence, but I don't want to undergo any more examinations right now."

"Of course, Commander Tucker." Tasur still was smiling broadly. "You're not here to undergo more tests. Dorsik can ask for Jeren's results and if he finds another possibility to help you he'll contact you."

Dorsik hesitated. "Will you allow me to take a blood sample? It would be very helpful."

Trip pretended to think over the question, then shook his head. "No, I don't want that."

Dorsik lifted his head and threw Trip a suspicious look. "Did Jeren take a blood sample?"

"No, he didn't." Trip decided to use Jeren's own words. "Humans are a little paranoid where blood takin' is concerned. I apologize but we feel rather uncomfortable givin' blood."

"You don't have to apologize, Commander Tucker." Tasur who had been smiling all the time now shot Dorsik a reproachful look. "We apologize for being so rude. It's the same here on Renelan. We don't like to give our blood, either. In fact there are very little examinations that require a blood sample. I'm sure our scanners will be pretty much adequate in your case and of course Jeren has already performed all necessary tests. Now let's talk about something different. I was told your home planet is called Earth?"

Trip breathed a sigh of relief, glad for the change of subject which allowed him to return to telling the truth. "Yes, that's right. Earth is the only inhabited planet in a system with eight other planets."

"And what brings you so far away from your home?"

"We are explorers," Malcolm joined the conversation. He explained Enterprise's mission to Tasur and his staff, telling them why they were stranded on Renelan. All three men and especially Farina hung on his lips. Trip used the time to take a good look at their hosts. Tasur was a little too friendly for his tastes. His jovial cheerfulness was very different from Erianna's and Jeren's open and heartfelt manner. The man seemed very diplomatic and likeable enough, but without being able to explain it even to himself Trip felt uncomfortable in his presence. He had no idea where this feeling came from. Perhaps Jeren's dislike of the governor had affected him more than he had realized. However, he was pretty sure about his feelings concerning Dorsik. He didn't like the doctor at all. For Trip's taste he was far too obtrusive, although he hadn't really said enough to substantiate this feeling. Javor, the attorney hadn't said a word up to now, and after a while you simply forgot that he was there. You couldn't say that of Farina, though. Seeing all the shy glances the young woman had thrown at Malcolm, Trip smiled involuntarily. It seemed that the lieutenant had found a new admirer. Briefly, Trip wondered if he should be annoyed at the fact that this beautiful woman had not given him so much as a second glance. She even seemed to avoid looking at him. Okay, he had to admit that hanging in Harek's arms he hadn't looked very attractive when they had first met.

Malcolm asked Tasur to tell them about Renelan, and the governor gladly complied. He told them nothing different than they knew from Jeren but was more precise about logistics and the management of the various provinces. Finally he stood up. "Please follow me to the dining room. Our cooks have prepared a special meal for you, and Farina put together an interesting entertainment program." Fondly, Tasur looked at his daughter. "I hope you'll stay for the night."

Trip and Malcolm exchanged glances.

"Don't tell me you're not going to stay," Tasur exclaimed. "We've been so looking forward to your visit, you can't disappoint us now."

Trip forced a smile. "Of course we'll stay, Governor."

"That's wonderful. Please follow me. Harek, you take care of the Commander."

Harek appeared from the corner of the room where he had been waiting patiently during their conversation. He smiled. "May I?" he asked and picked Trip up.

'No, you may not' was the first thing that came to Trip's mind. He was beginning to feel more and more uncomfortable being carried this way. But at the moment there were no other possibilities for him to get from one place to another. He saw Malcolm glancing at him from the corner of his eye. It was strangely comforting to know that his friend knew exactly how he felt.

They met a group of armed men in the corridor and stopped to let them pass by. Malcolm looked at the weapons with interest.

'"My guard," Tasur introduced them proudly. "They are on their way to do some target practice."

Trip bit his lip when he saw Malcolm's eyes lighting up. Tasur saw it as well and smiled patronizingly.

"Would you like to take a look? Only the governor's guards are allowed to carry weapons. Actually, guns are forbidden on Renelan, but important people like governors are still entitled to protect themselves. My men have a very good aim but some target practice from time to time is very helpful."

They followed the men until they arrived at an empty hall, where some targets were hanging on the wall. On the opposite side of the room was a row of lockers where the weapons were stored. Malcolm looked at Trip and raised his eyebrows. This didn't look very professional to him.

One after another the men raised their weapons, aimed and fired. The guns looked ancient, and it seemed the Renelans were still using bullets like people had on Earth nearly half a century ago. But of course on Renelan there had never been a reason to construct advanced weapons.

For a few minutes Trip forgot about his embarrassing position in Harek's arms. It was very interesting to watch Tasur's guard at their shooting practice. Two or three of the men did quite a good job, hitting the bull's eye more often than not. A man called Rassik definitely had the best score. The rest of the men, however, hardly succeeded in hitting the target on its edges. Trip didn't consider himself a good shot but he knew for sure that even with his limited skills he would have done a lot better than most of Tasur's men. He caught Malcolm's eyes and knew that the armory officer was shocked at such a lack of experience. The worst shot of his own crew would have been able to easily outdo these bunglers.

Tasur seemed to misinterpret their expressions. "They're good, aren't they?" he asked with a proud smile.

The corners of Malcolm's mouth twitched. Tasur misinterpreted this as well. "Do you want to try, Lieutenant?"

"Sure." Malcolm took a step forward and Rassik handed him a weapon, loaded with ten bullets. Being twenty centimeters taller than Malcolm, Rassik looked at the smaller man with hardly hidden contempt, explaining the weapon's functions to him like he would have done to a child. Given his enthusiasm for ancient weapons, Malcolm had known at once how the pistol worked, but he listened politely to Rassik's explanation without showing any sign of annoyance at being treated in such a condescending way.

Malcolm aimed and fired. The bullet hit the outermost edge of the target. The men of the guard exchanged derisive looks. Tasur kept his friendly smile but his eyes betrayed his amusement. Malcolm looked at the gun in his hands. Even with a crude weapon like this, he wouldn't have expected such a deviation. Now he knew why the men weren't able to hit the targets properly. Briefly, he calculated the deviation and then fired the rest of the bullets right into the bull's eye, leaving a large hole in the middle of the target.

Trip looked down to hide his amused grin. Never mess with a Reed, he thought. He loved the flabbergasted look on Tasur's face. Still, it was clear that with his little demonstration Malcolm hadn't won any friends among the guards. Rassik's eyes displayed undisguised hate when the lieutenant handed him back the weapon with an innocent smile.

-###-

"That was unbelievable." Tasur was still pondering Malcolm's shooting abilities when they were already sitting at the table. "I could use a man like you in my guard, Lieutenant. Is there any chance of persuading you to stay on Renelan?"

"Thanks for the offer, Governor. But I have to go back to my ship. I'm needed there."

"That's a pity. Usually we're not very enthusiastic about aliens living on Renelan since our planet is already somewhat overcrowded. But I would gladly arrange for an exception in your case."

"I appreciate that." Malcolm suppressed a frown. The offer was clearly addressed only at him, not at Trip as well. He had also noticed that he was served with much more care than Trip. Tasur's servants seemed to feel uncomfortable around the engineer, most of them avoiding his eyes while serving his food. Malcolm also noticed that both Tasur and Javor's questions were mostly directed at him, and not Trip. Ever since his performance in the shooting gallery, they apparently thought of him as the superior officer. Trip didn't seem to be bothered, but Malcolm was. Despite the fact that Trip was handicapped, he still had the right to be treated with the same respect that they showed Malcolm. But Trip busied himself with eating and was content with Malcolm taking care of the conversation. Malcolm was glad when the meal was over and the entertainment program Tasur had mentioned started, allowing him a short break. It was incredible how much Tasur had wanted to know. His questions were intelligent and to the point, but Malcolm always had to think briefly before answering. Fortunately, Tasur hadn't been too eager to know about Enterprise herself but had mostly been asking about their missions.

Farina laid her hand on his. "I hope you'll like the play I've chosen." She beamed at him.

"I'm sure I will." Malcolm returned the smile briefly. He didn't know what to do with this young woman. Not for the first time he wished to have a little of Trip's natural charm. He liked her well enough, but still found himself sitting there like a lemon without a clue what they should talk about. However, it turned out soon enough that he wasn't required to do the talking. Farina babbled the whole time trying to explain the play to him and didn't seem to expect an answer.

Trip stifled a yawn behind his hand, trying not to let his exhaustion show. It had been a long day. The chairs all had a very straight and hard back and weren't exactly comfortably for him to sit on. Although he could lean against the back rest, he had to tense the muscles of his stomach all the time so as not to lose his balance and the strain was beginning to make itself felt. With a little sigh he thought of the easy comfort of his wheelchair back on Enterprise.

Malcolm glanced at him with a worried expression in his eyes. Trip nodded reassuringly. It wasn't that bad yet.

After the play a group of dancers showed wild acrobatics, and he was quite impressed with their performance. Malcolm seemed to be as well, joining the audience's enthusiastic applauding. Still, both of them were glad when Tasur finally stood up.

"We've prepared rooms for you. I hope you'll find them agreeable."

Malcolm threw a glance at Trip. He felt uncomfortable with the question he was going to have to ask and for a split second he wondered whether it was really necessary. Maybe Jeren was somewhat overreacting where the governor was concerned. None of the questions the man had asked had been critical in any way. And while he didn't seem very interested in Trip, he had always acted very polite in Trip's presence. Malcolm didn't expect any threat to Trip or to himself. But he had promised to Jeren to keep an eye on Trip and he intended to keep his promise.

"We'd prefer a double room," he told Tasur. "If that's possible?"

The corners of Tasur's mouth twitched slightly, and he glanced at Javor who answered the smile with a knowing grin. "Is there any particular reason for that, Lieutenant?"

"Commander Tucker may need my help. I just want to stay near him."

"But you don't have to do that. My staff can take care of Commander Tucker."

"Thank you, I'll be fine," Malcolm answered stiffly. He had seen the horrified look in Trip's eyes at Tasur's words. It would be terribly embarrassing for him, having to rely on the assistance of these people who could hardly bring themselves to look at him. "It is my job to take care of him. Commander Tucker is my friend, but he's also my superior officer."

Tasur looked at Trip in mild amazement. "You're his superior officer?"

"Commander Tucker is Enterprise's first officer. He's the acting captain when Captain Archer's not aboard," Malcolm explained. He saw Trip's barely concealed smile and was sure T'Pol would forgive him that he'd put Trip's rank before hers. He just couldn't allow Trip to be discriminated against only because he couldn't walk.

Bewildered, Tasur sought for words. "I didn't mean to offend you. I was under the impression..."

"...that Lieutenant Reed's the superior officer because of his fine shootin'," Trip finished the sentence. "That's no problem, Governor."

Tasur straightened his posture. "I apologize, Commander Tucker. I didn't know enough about your military hierarchy when I made my assumption. It's an unforgivable mistake. But please, allow me to have my staff take care of you. I don't want people calling me a careless host." He snapped his fingers and ordered two young men to show Trip and Malcolm to their rooms. The men glanced at Trip, then looked down at their feet. Tasur inhaled audibly, his eyes dark with anger. He opened his mouth, about to say a few sharp words when Harek stepped up beside him. "If you don't mind, Governor, I'll take care of that." He nodded at Trip. "Okay with you?"

Nodding his affirmation, Trip allowed Harek to pick him up. Followed closely by Malcolm, Harek carried him upstairs. "Please don't be angry at them," he told Trip. "There's no one on Renelan who can't walk. They're simply not used to someone like you. They don't know how to act around you. Tasur's never told them about your accident, he never wastes his time to tell them anything. He believes all of his staff to be stupid and uneducated. And to be honest, some of them really are. I guess they all believe you're suffering from CDS."

"CDS? What's that?"

"A disease that affects mostly old people. But younger people can get infected as well when their immune system is down. A growing paralysis is one of the symptoms."

"Wait a minute," Malcolm interrupted. "You just told us you don't have paralyzed people on Renelan."

"That's right. The paralysis is the final stage of the disease. Only very few would be able to survive it, but most people suffering from CDS would go to the Health Centers before their bodies became paralyzed. Well, here we are, Lieutenant. Would you please open this door? This is Commander Tucker's room. Your's is straight ahead."

Malcolm opened the door of a big room. Because of its size, it looked sparely furnished but it provided for all their needs. The bed looked comfortable and there was a large wardrobe as well as a table with two chairs in a corner of the room. Trip knew he wouldn't need the furniture, he simply looked forward to lying down and allowing his body some much needed rest.

Harek sat him down on one of the chairs, and pointed at the numerous panels on the wall. "You'll only have to ring if you need something. I'm sure the servants are getting quite a dressing-down right now because they've insulted Tasur with their behavior. He won't tolerate these things under his roof. No one will take any more liberties with you, Commander."

"It's okay, Harek," Trip answered. "I'm not as helpless as it might seem. I'm pretty much able to help myself."

"Good." Harek smiled and pointed at a door in the rear. "There's the bathroom. And like I said, just ring if you need help."

Harek left to show Malcolm his room. Trip leaned back and exhaled, relieved to finally get some rest. It was almost midnight, his joints were aching badly and he was so tired he could hardly keep his eyes open. He grimaced. His condition was really frustrating, he hated his body not being able to handle any stress.

He also needed to go to the bathroom rather badly. But he was simply too exhausted to lower himself to the floor and to pull himself over to the adjoining room. For a moment he pictured having to call one of the governor's employees and explain his needs to him, and shuddered at the thought. That was not an option. But fortunately it wasn't going to be necessary, either. Not for the first time today he was glad to have a good friend with him.

That moment Malcolm knocked and entered the room.

"What's going on?" he teased. "Not going to call a servant to help you?"

"I'm quite glad that I have my personal servant with me." Trip smiled, relieved. "Can you bring your actin' cap'n to the bathroom?"

Malcolm crouched down to take Trip on his back. "You're not going to tell T'Pol that I've promoted you, are you? I don't know how Tasur could get the impression that I'm your superior officer. I just wanted to make sure he understands your position aboard Enterprise."

"I guess it was because you're wearing a uniform and I'm not. Or maybe he was just impressed with your shootin' abilities."

"But that has nothing to do with my rank." Malcolm opened the bathroom door, chuckling derisively. "By the way, I would be ashamed if my staff had such a bad aim. Although I have to admit that it's nearly impossible to shoot properly with these weapons. Not even a computer would be able to calculate that deviation."

"Well, you were. You did a pretty good job back there."

Grinning embarrassedly, Malcolm lowered Trip to the floor. "You'll manage?"

Trip looked around, noticing the chair that was standing in front of the sink. He would be able to take care of himself.

He nodded. "Shouldn't be a problem."

"Okay. Call me if you need help."

-###-

A few minutes later, Malcolm carried Trip to the bed.

"D'you know what I'm really missin'?" Trip asked when Malcolm set him down.

"You mean besides the Enterprise, your precious warp engine and perhaps the captain?"

"Hm, yeah."

"Maybe your wheelchair?"

Trip grimaced. "It's strange. I'd never thought I'd ever say that."

"Well, I can imagine why you would feel that way. I have to admit, it was quite a shock for me as well when I first saw you sitting in that wheelchair. But I guess as soon as you have to do without it, you realize that it's actually only a device designed to help you get from one place to another, and not some kind of... symbol of your handicap. I can imagine today wasn't easy for you."

Trip shrugged and pulled his t-shirt over his head. "I like Harek okay. But you can imagine how it feels bein' carried around like a doll all the time."

Malcolm nodded. "It's really strange that they haven't got something like a wheelchair. I mean, what do they use in their hospitals? You don't have to be paralyzed to need a wheelchair. What about people with broken legs, for example?"

"Exactly." Trip pushed his legs under the sheets. "Or old people who are too weak to walk. How do they transport them?"

Malcolm looked at him. That was exactly the point. Now he was finally able to put a finger on the strange feeling he'd had on the way to the Health Center the day before. "Believe me or not, Trip, but this planet doesn't have any old people."

"C'mon, Mal. There're old people in every society."

"Tasur's by far the oldest person I've seen so far. And he looks very healthy and strong, certainly not like he's going to drop dead any minute. Still, even at this Health Center I've seen no one older than perhaps fifty. No old Renelans. No disabled. No sick people."

"Perhaps their advanced medicine can really heal everythin'."

"Except for that strange disease Harek told us about. Could it be the reason why all people older than Tasur die?"

Trip regarded him thoughtfully. "I think Jeren has a lot of explainin' to do tomorrow evenin'." He saw that while he'd been in the bathroom Malcolm had brought a blanket and a pillow from his own room. "What's this about?" he asked, amused.

"Keeping my promise."

"C'mon, Mal. What do you think can happen to me here? Go to your own room and get some rest."

Malcolm shook his head, a stubborn expression on his face. "I promised Jeren to keep an eye on you and that's exactly what I'm going to do."

"You're not serious, Malcolm."

The lieutenant stiffened. "I certainly am. If you don't like having me here, you can always kick me out."

"That's not fair, Mal."

"You're right. It's not." Malcolm smiled. "So you'd better deal with it that I'm going to spend the night right here." He laid the blanket and the pillow on the floor next to the bed. Trip looked at him with big eyes.

"What're you doin', Malcolm?"

"What does it look like? As you can see they've forgotten to put a couch in here. And to be honest I can't be bothered to ask for one right now."

Trip smiled at this sudden frustrated outburst, then sighed. "C'mon, Mal, don't be silly. If you're gonna insist on playin' motherhen, then you don't have to sleep on the floor. The bed is big enough."

"But it's not a double bed, Trip. Tasur already thinks that we're a couple. Did you see how he looked at that attorney of his?"

"So what? I couldn't care less what he's thinkin'. And besides, he doesn't need to know that you're sleepin' in here. C'mon, Mal, don't be stupid."

Hesitantly, Malcolm got up. The floor did indeed look rather hard and uncomfortable. "You don't mind?"

Trip chuckled. "I've already slept in the cap'n's arms, so I guess it can't get any worse."

Malcolm snorted. "Just so you don't get any ideas, Commander, you're certainly not going to sleep in my arms."

Trip was still chuckling when Malcolm laid his pillow on the bed. Suddenly the lieutenant stopped in his tracks, frowning at him. "You've slept in the captain's arms?"

"Yeah." Trip sighed, sobering up again. That evening three weeks ago wasn't exactly one of his happiest memories. "Remember when I was completely paralyzed, and Jon took me back to his quarters for the night? Well, seems like I started cryin' in my sleep and Jon was tryin' to comfort me, but then he fell asleep himself."

Malcolm only nodded and made no further comment, seeing that it wasn't easy for Trip to talk about these things.

Trip smiled at him. "Could you help me turn over? There's no bed rail I can grab hold of."

Malcolm answered his smile, and helped Trip roll onto his side. "Good night, Commander."

TBC

Continue to Chapter 18

Return to Chapter 16

Back to Fan Fiction Main Menu

Have a comment to make about this story? Do so in the Trip Fan Fiction forum at the HoTBBS!

One person has made comments

Glad to see you're a quick writer :) Enjoying all the twists and turns, looking forward to next chapter.