Service

Service

by Marsha Robertson

Genre: Drama
Rating: PG-13

*******

Chapter 1

This is one fine shore leave, Trip Tucker thought to himself. Fine scenery, as he looked at the sunset out the bay window of the tavern. Fine drink, as he sipped from his mug. Fine company, as he surveyed the room, his gaze lingering on the women.

Several of the women had stopped to talk to Trip during the evening, and he had his eye on a particular brunette. He looked around the room, spotted her at a table with a group, and started over to show her the full power of the Tucker charm. Having his lucky shirt on wasn’t going to hurt, either.

As Trip got to the table, a man in official-looking coveralls burst in the front door of the tavern and yelled over all the noise.

“Congratulations! You’ve been selected!”

Only a few heard him directly, but the word and excitement quickly spread around the room.

“We’ve been selected!”

Trip looked around, trying to understand what was happening. It looked like a good thing, since everyone seemed terribly happy, but why? Trip went over to the bartender. “What’s going on?”

The bartender slapped him on the back, said, “You’ve been selected, man. Congratulations!” and moved on down the bar.

Trip, still confused, said, “Thanks, I think,” to the man’s back and looked around again. One of the bar employees came up with a tray of shot glasses and offered him one.

“What’s this?” Trip asked.

“You’ll need it for the toast, of course.”

Of course, why didn’t I think of that? What toast? Trip took one of the shots.

Trip started over to the brunette’s table again, thinking he could get a straight answer from her. On his way, he noticed that more people in coveralls had made their way into the room and were standing up against the walls. Looks like security’s here. Are they expecting a riot?

At that moment, the man who had made the announcement at the door climbed up on a table. “Everyone got a drink?”

The crowd all turned towards him, holding their drinks up and answering in the affirmative, so Trip did too.

The man on the table said, “Again, I want to congratulate you all for being selected. It is a great honor for both you and your families, and you should all be proud!”

The crowd cheered, and Trip looked around, still trying to figure out if he had won the lottery or a door prize or what. The man on the table then held up a glass and said “A toast: To service!”

The crowd returned the toast in unison, “To service!”

What’s service? Don’t be rude, Tucker, drink up! Trip joined in and downed his drink.

He finally made it to the brunette’s table. He sat down next to her and said, “Hi! Nice party!”

She smiled at Trip, clearly happy about something. “Hi! Isn’t this is great?”

“Can you tell me what the big deal is?”

“Well, it may not be a big deal for your family, but having all their expenses paid for two years is for mine!”

“How did we win that?”

Confused, the woman looked at Trip.

“Why, for our service, of course!”

She pointed across the room and started to clap and cheer.

“Look, here we go!”

Trip looked and saw a semi-conscious man being carried out the door by two of the people in coveralls. Everyone in the room, one by one, was becoming woozy and getting escorted out the front. Those who had not yet succumbed were applauding. Looks like it’s time to go, Tucker. This party is getting weird. Trip stood up, but the room started to spin, and he . He took a deep breath and things seemed to straighten out. He then headed for the back door, intending to go outside and hail Enterprise, but just as he got there, his knees buckled.

Damn. Come on, just a couple more steps…

Trip tried to cover up by leaning on the wall, but one of the coveralled helpers spotted him and came over.

“Take it easy, everything’s fine”, she said. Another helper came up to assist. They took Trip under the arms and turned to go out the front.

“No, you don’t understand!” he protested. The helpers stopped, but they didn’t let go.

“Did you already serve?” one of them asked. “You know we’ll find you on the list if you did, and you’ll be home tomorrow.”

“No, no, I didn’t, I don’t even know what it is!” Trip tried to explain, but he couldn’t hang on to his thoughts.

“I have to call… Enterprise…” The room started to spin again, and Trip shut his eyes.

“That’s it. Just relax. Everything will be fine.” The helpers headed for the door and took Trip out into the night.

Chapter 2

The vehicle Trip was riding in finally came to a halt.

Oh, man. Please don’t start this thing up again. And I thought those Risan mai tais were bad.

Trip tried to curl up over his stomach, but he was harnessed into his seat. He had to settle for folding his arms across his ribs and holding tight. He managed to look down the aisle and saw that the helpers were now taking everyone out one at a time, just like they’d been brought in.

Okay. I’ll just rest here for a minute. When they get me outside, I’ll make a run for it…

Trip closed his eyes. The next thing he knew, the helpers were standing over him and undoing his harness. One of them was holding his UT.

“All set?”

“Do I have a choice?” Trip was in no mood for small talk.

One of the helpers took a closer look at Trip.

“I don’t think he’s supposed to be that color.”

The other one took a closer look as well.

“I think you’re right. Wasn’t he pink when we picked him up?”

“Let’s take him to Medical first. Can’t hurt.”

The helpers got on either side of Trip and lifted him out of his seat.

“Hey, be careful…oh…fellas, you’d better…”

Trip’s eyes got big and then closed as his stomach finally rebelled. He vomited all over himself, the seat, the floor, and the helper standing in front of him. When it was over, he opened his eyes and looked at the result. “Sorry, fellas.” Serves you right. At least I feel a little better now.

The unfortunate helper just sighed. The other left and came back with cleaning supplies.

“Let’s clean the two of you up and leave the rest for later.”

“Sounds good. We’ll have to get his clothes cleaned too.”

As they were wiping the mess off Trip, one of them looked at his face again.

“Well, he’s a different color now.”

“True, but he’s still not pink. I still think Medical’s the best place for him.”

“I agree.”

Trip had watched the cleanup in silence. He was gathering his wits and strength for the escape. As the helpers finally started to take him off the vehicle, Trip was ready to make his move. Okay, get me past the door and I’m outta here.

The helpers eased Trip out the door. Trip looked around and his heart sank into his abused stomach. The vehicle was parked inside a hangar-type building. Other parked vehicles that were being divested of their passengers filled the building. Too many people. Well, maybe I can get lost in the crowd.

Trip pulled away from the helpers and tried to run. To his dismay, he discovered that his legs were no longer listening to his brain. He only got about three meters away when he hit the ground in an undignified heap. Son of a bitch! What’s wrong with me?

Trip looked up at the helpers and tried to crawl away from them as they approached. It was no effort for them to catch up to Trip and lift him off the ground. “Come on, friend. We’re sorry you’re not feeling well. This doesn’t normally happen. We’ll get you to Medical and they’ll take care of everything.”

Trip tried to explain. “Look, I’m Commander Charles Tucker from the starship Enterprise. It’s in orbit around your planet and some of us came down for shore leave. Just let me contact my ship and we can straighten all this out.”

“Sorry, but once you’ve been selected, there’s no contact with your family.”

“They’re not…” I guess they are my family. Trip tried again. “Look, I’m sick and I want my own doctor. Call Enterprise and he’ll come down.”

“Medical can handle whatever the problem is. Don’t worry.”

Trip did his best to put up a fight, but his body wasn’t cooperating. The helpers carried him across the big room and out a door.

Chapter 3

Archer was sitting on his bed, playing tug-o-war with Porthos. The sock they were fighting over was bright red and well used. Porthos was growling and digging his paws into the mattress, trying not to lose his balance. Archer was pulling the sock back and forth, trying to dislodge Porthos.

“Oh, yeah? Are you a tough dog? You’re no tough dog. Give it up! It’s mine!”

Porthos just dug in harder and pulled back. Just then, the doorbell rang. As Archer called “Come in!” Porthos was distracted and loosened his grip on the sock for just a second. Archer pulled on the sock and got it away from the beagle, just as T’Pol came in the door. Porthos jumped on Archer, trying to get the sock away, and they wrestled for a moment. Archer ended it by pinning Porthos on his back, tickling his belly, and dropping the sock on the dog’s face. Porthos grabbed the sock and ran off to his cushion to finish killing his prey.

Archer looked over at a patiently waiting T’Pol and acknowledged her. “Subcommander.”

“Captain.”

T’Pol handed Archer a padd. “Here’s the evening report.”

“Anything of note?” Archer only half glanced at it.

“Nothing out of the ordinary, sir. No problems reported from the shore leave parties, and all shifts have successfully compensated for the crew that is on leave.“

Archer tossed the padd down on the bed. “Good, a quiet night, then.”

T’Pol nodded in agreement.

Archer motioned for T’Pol to sit down. She chose to perch on the desk chair.

“So, have you changed your mind about shore leave yet?”

T’Pol looked at Archer impassively. “No. Is there some reason that I should?”

“You’ve declined it every time we’ve had the opportunity. Are you sure you don’t need a break? Some time off?”

“Vulcans don’t…”

Archer interrupted her. “…Take vacations. I know.” He thought for a moment. “Okay, then, a new place to meditate. There must be some peaceful place you can find and at least get off the ship for awhile.”

“If I am meditating properly, then my surroundings have no impact. I am focused inward.”

Damn. Think fast, Jon; don’t let her win this one. “Their information packet said that they have archeological digs that are open to visitors. You can study history and science all in one spot. Doesn’t that sound like fun?”

“If you’d like me to study their ruins, all you need do is order a survey.”

“Ordering you to have fun misses the whole point.”

“Fun is a human concept. Vulcans don’t engage in frivolity.”

“Of course not, how could I forget?” I give up. It’s too late at night for me to beat her at this. “I’m going to wait and go on the third rotation, so if you do decide to go, you’d need to be ready when Trip’s group comes back.”

T’Pol got up from the chair. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“I’m sure you will. Have a good night, Subcommander.”

“And you, sir,” replied T’Pol as she quietly slipped out the door.

Archer looked over the edge of the bed for Porthos. The beagle had his sock tucked under both front feet and was fast asleep. Archer chuckled and shook his head. He picked up the padd, tossed it onto his desk, grabbed a book from the headboard, and settled back to read.

Chapter 4

Trip was floating. It was nice. There was music playing. That was nice too. Occasionally, there was some noise mixed in with the music. That wasn’t so nice. Trip started to relax, but a thought was nagging at him. There was something he wasn’t supposed to forget. He managed to tune out the music and remember. I’m Commander Charles Tucker and I need to call Enterprise. That was it. Don’t forget it again. I’m Commander Charles Tucker and I need to call Enterprise. I’m Commander Charles Tucker…

“… And I need to call Enterprise.”

Trip was stretched out in a reclining chair, slightly titled back. One of his helpers was in attendance and heard Trip start to speak. He listened closely for a minute and then stood up and looked around the room for his supervisor. He signaled her and she came over. They stepped away from Trip’s chair to talk.

“What’s going on?”

“I don’t know. He should be echoing at this point, but he’s still not saying anything I understand.”

“What’s his species type?”

“He’s a new one. Similar to B14, I think.” The helper went to the side of Trip’s chair and checked his biosigns. “That should be it.”

“Be right back.”

The supervisor quietly went across the room to an attendant sitting behind a desk. She passed other chairs with other occupants and helpers along her way. She briefly spoke with the attendant, took the disc that was handed over the counter, and slipped back to Trip. She held the disc out to his helper.

“Here. They found a translation device with him when he was selected. This one includes the information we downloaded before we sent it back.”

Trip’s helper went to the back of the chair and started to switch discs. Trip, still repeating his thought, got distracted when the music stopped. He opened his eyes and grew quiet. The supervisor was in his field of vision. Trip tried to focus on her, but couldn’t quite.

“I’m…Commander Charles Tucker and…and I need…to call… Enterprise.”

The supervisor smiled at Trip, but didn’t say anything. The music started up again, and Trip closed his eyes. This time, instead of noise, he now heard a voice with the music. Trip started to listen to the persistent voice. It wanted him to repeat what it was saying. No! Wait! Don’t forget! Trip tried to ignore it and keep his own thoughts.

“I’m…Commander…Charles Tucker…and…”

And… what? I wish that voice would shut up. Maybe I’ll listen for just a minute. Okay, but don’t forget!

“I’m…Commander…Charles… Tucker…and… I’m… pleased… to… serve.”

That’s not right… but that’s what it wants me to say. Maybe if I say it, it’ll go away. Then I’ll remember…

“I’m…pleased…to…serve. I’m…pleased…to…serve.”

The helper noticed that Trip had changed phrases, but still didn’t understand him. He waited another minute or two, and was rewarded with Trip speaking awkwardly in their language:

“I’m pleased… to serve.”

The helper nodded and looked up at his supervisor, “That did it, thanks!”

“No problem. Did Medical get him straightened out?” she asked.

“I think so. He was pretty sick when we brought him in, but they recalculated the dosages and he seems fine now.”

“Good.” The supervisor went on her way.

The helper fussed around Trip for a few minutes. He checked the drug feed in Trip’s arm, looked at biosign readings on the side of the chair, covered Trip with a light blanket, and finally, sat down keep watch.

Chapter 5

Hoshi bounced up the steps out of the shuttlepod, her carryall and a box under one arm.
She breezed by the crewman at the top of the steps. “Thanks, Tim!”

“Looks like someone had a good leave,” Tim said to her back, since she was already to the door.

“It was great!” Hoshi answered over her shoulder. “I found a library!”

Tim shook his head and laughed as he watched the com officer go out the door.

Hoshi made her way to her quarters and tossed the box on her bed. She rummaged around in her carryall, pulled out a book, and carefully examined it.

That librarian was cute, she thought. Too bad I didn’t meet him until the last evening. Hopefully he won’t get into too much trouble for giving me this. Well, he said it was a duplicate, and nobody checks out poetry anyway. In any case, it’s mine now!

Hoshi found a safe place for her new possession and continued unpacking. As she put her carryall away, the box caught her eye. She went to the companel on her desk and tapped a couple of buttons.

“Ensign Sato to Captain Archer.”

A familiar voice replied, “Archer. Welcome back, Hoshi.”

“Sir, there was a package delivered for you at the inn while I was there. When the host found out that you wouldn’t be there until the end of the week, he suggested I deliver it to you.”

“What is it?”

“I don’t know, sir, but our host evidently thought it was something special.”

“I’m in my ready room. Bring it on up.“

“On my way, sir.”

Hoshi got up, quickly grabbed a brush and straightened out her hair, brushed off her clothes the best she could, and headed out the door. The door closed, then reopened, and Hoshi ran in, snatched the box off her bed, and ran back out.

As Hoshi got off the turbolift and walked onto the bridge, she saw Travis looking at her over his shoulder and smiled at him.

Travis asked, “How was it?”

“Beautiful!”

“Can’t wait.”

He went back to working on his panel, while Hoshi stepped down to the ready room door, and rang the bell.

“Come in,” she heard Archer say, so she did.

“Good morning, Hoshi. Juice?”

Archer was at his desk with breakfast and a pitcher of juice.

“Good morning, sir. Yes, thank you.”

She waited while Archer poured her a glass and passed it over.

“Have a seat.”

Hoshi sat down and put the box on the arm of the chair in front of her. As she sat, she noticed Porthos sitting at the captain’s feet, his gaze fixed firmly on Archer’s plate of food.

“Good morning, Porthos.”

Porthos didn’t move a muscle. Archer looked down at his dog and sighed. He picked a piece of food off the plate and tossed it towards Porthos, who caught it neatly and inhaled it.

“Now go!”

Archer looked at the dog and pointed away from the desk. Porthos, happy now, found a corner and curled up in it for a nap. Archer looked at Hoshi, who was trying to suppress a grin.

“And yes, I picked the cheese out.”

Hoshi gave into her grin.

“Doctor Phlox would be proud of you, sir.”

Archer just shook his head. He picked up his juice and leaned back in his chair.

“So, tell me about your trip.”

Hoshi related her adventures from the past two days. Archer did not interrupt her, choosing instead to finish his breakfast. When she finished, Hoshi realized that she had been doing all the talking.

“And that’s what I did on my summer vacation.”

Archer smiled.

“I’ll give you an A+ for that report, Ensign.”

“Why, thank you, sir!”

“You packed a lot into two days.”

“I do my best, sir.”

Archer rolled his chair around the desk and picked the box up from Hoshi’s chair. “Let’s see what we have here.”

Pushing the breakfast dishes to one side, he opened the box, looked in, and pulled out a piece of paper. He looked it over front and back, and then handed it to Hoshi. “This’ll make more sense to you than it will to me.”

Hoshi glanced at the paper.

“Sir, I uploaded a new language matrix from the shuttlepod. It’ll be quicker if I go scan this in.”

“By all means.”

Hoshi took the paper and went out to her station on the bridge, nodding at T’Pol as she passed. Just as she sat down, Archer came striding out of his ready room, a look of concern on his face. He tossed something in his chair and went up to the rail in front of T’Pol.

“Has Commander Tucker checked in?”

T’Pol checked the computer.

“Not yet. The last group returning this morning is still in transit.”

“Find out if he’s there or not,” Archer ordered.

He turned to Hoshi and said, “How’s that translation coming?”

“It’ll be a few minutes, sir.” She looked up, curious.

At the same time, T’Pol announced, “The commander is not on the shuttle, sir. He has not checked in, nor does he answer his communicator.”

Hearing this, Travis turned around to pay closer attention. Hoshi’s expression changed from curiosity to worry.

“That’s because his communicator is right here.”

Archer held out his hand, face up, and displayed the device.

“Hopefully that letter will tell us why Trip’s communicator and lucky shirt came back and he didn’t.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Hoshi saw Trip’s clothes in a pile in the captain’s chair. She flinched, then looked down at her console and tried to will the UT to hurry, please hurry.

Continue to Chapters 6-10

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!

No one has made comments