Service - Chapters 11-15

"Service" by Marsha L. Robertson
Genre: Drama
Rating: PG13 (a little language, a little violence)
Disclaimer: Paramount owns all this. I'm just happy I get to play here.
Summary: This wasn't on Trip's itinerary for shore leave.

Chapter 11

Travis landed the shuttlepod gracefully, concealing it in a stand of trees. Malcolm looked out over Travis’s shoulder and could just make out a large fence with a man-sized gate in it. He pointed it out to the helmsman.

“That’s it over there.”

Travis nodded. He locked down the shuttlepod controls, and then asked: “How far once we get in?”

“It’s about 500 meters to where we saw him last night. After that, depends on where he gets off to this morning.’

Travis and Malcolm were wearing uniforms that resembled those of the servers. Malcolm picked up two backpacks out of a storage container in the back of the shuttlepod. He checked the contents of each, and handed one to Travis. They donned the packs on their way out of the pod, and once outside, Travis closed and secured the hatch.

Once they were inside the gate and concealed again, Malcolm hailed Enterprise. Travis began scanning the area around them, in case they could pick up Trip’s biosigns.

“Reed to Enterprise.”

Archer replied: “Enterprise here. Go ahead, Malcolm.”

“We’d be grateful for some directions, sir.”

“It looks like Trip has gone to the firing range this morning.”

Travis scanned around. “I have it, sir.”

Malcolm relayed this to the captain. “We’ve located it. We’ll check in again from there. Reed out.” Malcolm stashed the communicator in his pack.

The pair set out and quickly approached the firing range. Reed searched for a hiding place and settled on a spot where they could see those who were waiting in line.

Travis donned a pair of hands-free field glasses from his pack. After a few minutes of searching,
he pulled them off and handed them to Malcolm.

“I think Commander Tucker is the fourth one back in the second group.”

Malcolm took a look. He saw Trip standing in line in full kit, including a rifle slung over one shoulder.

“So he is. Good to see you, Commander.” He handed the glasses back to Travis and pulled out his communicator. “Reed to Enterprise.”

Archer answered again. “Enterprise. What’s your status, Malcolm?”

“Captain, we’ve spotted Commander Tucker. Can you tell where he’ll be going after this?”

“Looks like there’s a cross-country course. It’s about 300 meters northeast of your position.”

Malcolm turned to Travis, who had his scanner out and was nodding.

“Perfect. We’ll intercept him there. The fewer witnesses to his going AWOL, the better, I think. Give us as much warning as you can when he heads our way, if you would, sir?”

“You got it.”

“Thank you, sir. Reed out.”

They worked their way around to the course, staying close to the range until Trip was on the firing line and then moving to their chosen position to wait.

Trip stepped up to the firing line. As usual, there was a helper waiting.

“319, the range is interactive today. Targets will appear real and will move and speak. Any target not in a server uniform or not speaking your language is an enemy and should be eliminated.”

“I understand. I am pleased to serve.”

“Thank you for your service. Your key word is retribution.”

At that, things started to move in the range and Trip started to react.

I know what this is, he thought, as he fired at the first targets. These Zot spawn are after my family! I couldn’t fight back last time, but I damn well can now!

As he began to work his way through the range, he was angry, but by the time he finished, Trip was past that. He was exhausted and almost giddy.

To the afterworld with you, children of Zot! I guess I showed them a thing or two this time…

A helper came to send Trip off to the cross-country course. He jogged off, repeating his homemade cadence.

”I’m 319 and I’m pleased to serve. I’m 319 and I’m pleased to serve.”

Watching from Enterprise, the bridge crew saw Trip move off from the firing range. Archer motioned to Hoshi and she hailed the landing party.

“Enterprise to Lieutenant Reed.”

“Reed here.”

Hoshi relayed the information. “He’s on his way to you. Looks like he’ll be coming over that hill to your right.”

“Grand. We’ll check in again when we’re back at the shuttlepod.”

“Understood. Enterprise out.”

Malcolm and Travis watched as Trip came jogging down the hill and started to pass their position.

“Commander Tucker!”

Malcolm didn’t want to make too much noise, but it appeared that Trip didn’t hear him, because he kept running.

“Dammit. Ensign, stay under cover.”

Malcolm took off running through the brush that they were hiding in, trying to get a little ahead of Trip. He came out onto the edge of the trail, so Trip couldn’t miss him this time.

“Trip!”

Trip had heard Malcolm’s first call. It was in a strange language, and he didn’t see anyone around, so he thought it was carrying over from the firing range. At the sound of the second call, he looked around and spotted Malcolm. Who is that? He’s in the right uniform, but that wasn’t the right language. Trip stopped in his tracks.

Malcolm was glad to see his friend, but reluctant to come out any further. “Come on! Travis and the shuttlepod are waiting. Let’s get you out of here!”

Trip looked at the stranger curiously, then pulled his rifle around from his back. Trip’s face hardened and he demanded, “Who are you? Identify yourself!”

What? Malcolm was briefly confused at Trip’s language. Oh, I get it! “Okay, we do need to make this realistic, don’t we?” He smiled and raised his hands in the air.

“Identify yourself!” Trip demanded again, more insistently this time.

It now occurred to Malcolm that Trip might be serious. He started to put his hands down and walk over to him, but Trip motioned him back with the rifle. Without turning around, Malcolm gave an order.

“Travis, there’s something wrong here. Get back to the shuttlepod and report to the captain.”

Trip tried once more. “Last time. Identify yourself immediately!”

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what you’re asking me.” Of all the stupid things…why didn’t I bring the UT?

Travis had moved up behind Malcolm when he ran after Trip, but didn’t go out by the trail. Now he kept silent in his hiding place. He could see and hear only a little of what was happening, but he didn’t want to move and chance giving himself away.

Trip raised his rifle and fired at Malcolm. Good, another one down. Things will be safer around here now. Trip slung his rifle over his shoulder again and took off down the course.

Malcolm had been watching Trip’s rifle, and jumped when he saw it move. This had the fortunate result of keeping a large hole from being blown in his chest. Instead, he got a not so large hole in his right shoulder. He had intended to roll away, but went sprawling after he was hit, and slid on his arms. Malcolm held very still after he landed, partly from the shock, and partly to listen for what might come next.

Travis watched Trip move on, and then came out to help Malcolm. The lieutenant looked up at him, but Travis couldn’t tell if he was alert or not. “Lieutenant, we’ve got to get out of here. Can you stand?”

Malcolm started to get up, and Travis helped him stand. His forearms were raw and bloody from sliding in the dirt, the right shoulder of his uniform was in tatters, and what was under that wasn’t pretty. Malcolm surveyed his injuries and then looked at Travis.

“He didn’t have a clue who I was. Not a bloody clue.”

Travis started guiding Malcolm off into the brush. Malcolm pulled away, determined to go under his own power.

“What do you think has happened to him, sir?”

“I don’t know, but I’m sure as hell going to find out.”

The pair made good time getting back to the shuttlepod, all things considered. Travis insisted on basic first aid for Malcolm before they called Enterprise and Malcolm complied, mainly because he didn’t have the energy to protest. Once his patient was settled in the back of the shuttlepod, Travis moved up front and began the launch protocol. Malcolm reached painfully for his communicator.

“Reed to Enterprise.”

“Enterprise here.” Archer had been waiting for the call. Hoshi had still had Trip on visual sensors and they had seen Trip shoot Malcolm. “Lieutenant, what the hell happened down there?”

“I wish I knew, sir. Commander Tucker didn’t know me from the man in the moon. And it sounded to me as if he was speaking the native language.”

“We’ll figure it out when you get here. Phlox is on his way to the shuttle bay. Don’t keep him waiting.”

“Thank you, sir, I won’t. Reed out.”

Travis heard the communicator click off, and turned to ask a question. He saw that Malcolm, having finished his immediate duty, had now quietly passed out.

Chapter 12

Malcolm woke in Sickbay. He was lying on his left side on the imaging table. Two pillows were behind him to keep him from rolling back. His arms were folded in front of him and he looked down to see that the wounds had been cleaned and liquid bandage had been applied. They were shiny and sore. Malcolm sighed and tried to turn his head to see his shoulder, but it hurt. He tried once more and managed to get a quick look.

“Not that bloody eel again!”

Archer, Phlox, T’Pol, and Travis came over from the other side of the room. Phlox made sure that the osmotic eel on Malcolm’s shoulder hadn’t been dislodged.

“Lay still, Lieutenant. Let him work. He does his job as well as you do yours.”

Malcolm looked disgusted. Archer and Travis tried not to laugh, with little success.

“How are you feeling, Malcolm?” Archer asked.

“Well enough, sir.”

“Travis told us what he saw, but he wasn’t very close. What happened?”

“When I finally got the commander’s attention, I thought he was trying to act his part in case someone saw us. He wasn’t speaking English, but his tone sounded like he was challenging me. When I tried to go over to him, he waved me back with his rifle. The look in his eyes was no act.”
Malcolm glared at Travis. “At that point, sir, I clearly remember ordering Ensign Mayweather to retreat to the shuttlepod and report in.”

Travis displayed his best wide-eyed innocent look. “Sir, if you did give that order, then I’m sure I didn’t hear it, because if I had, you know I would have followed it.”

“No doubt. In any case, I guess three is not my lucky number, because after he challenged me the third time, the commander hauled off and shot me.”

Malcolm looked at Archer. “Things get a little fuzzy after that, sir. But there’s still no excuse.”

“For what?”

Malcolm tried to sit up and Archer and Phlox both stopped him.

“I was totally unprepared, sir. I failed to anticipate that scenario, and as a result, we were unable to recover Commander Tucker as you ordered. I apologize and I assure you that it will not happen again.”

Malcolm had used up all his energy with his little speech, but he tried to stay focused. Captain Archer was going to reprimand him and he was going to take it. What kind of tactical officer are you, Reed, that can’t even recover one of your own men? Malcolm began imagining his new assignment as Porthos’s steward.

“Malcolm, none of us expected that Trip wouldn’t cooperate in his own rescue.”

“I didn’t even have the UT! What if we had had to talk our way out of there?” You’re not listening. I botched this mission good and proper.

“You and Travis did your best under the circumstances.”

“But, sir.” Malcolm tried to protest. Blast it; I’m trying to take the blame here.

Archer put a hand on Malcolm’s arm, carefully avoiding his injuries.

“Get some rest. I’m going to go get us some answers.”

“Yes, sir.” Fine. Whatever you say. But it’s still my fault that Trip’s not home.

Malcolm took another look at the dreaded eel, sighed, and closed his eyes. Phlox stood by, monitoring his biosigns for a minute or two. He then joined Archer, T’Pol, and Travis.

“He’ll be all right in a few days, Captain. There’s nothing broken, just some soft tissue and tendon damage. Easily treated.”

“That’s good to hear. Any speculation on what’s happened to Trip?”

“Hard to say. Since I don’t happen to believe that Commander Tucker joined this service of his own free will, I assume one of a myriad of mind-control procedures must be involved. However, I would not like to guess which one and then also guess how to reverse it.”

“Understood. We’ll just have to persuade our friends at the Service Department to give us that information out of the goodness of their hearts.”

Archer, T’Pol, and Travis left, and Phlox went back to check on his patient, who, by this time, was sleeping peacefully.

Chapter 13

Archer stood unbelieving in front of his chair on the bridge, staring at a gaudy logo that took up the whole view screen. He had had Hoshi hail the Service Department and asked for the supervisor. They had put him on hold.

All right. Take a deep breath. No yelling. They have something…someone I want.

Their com officer came back on screen.

“Thank you for waiting. She’ll be right with you.”

Archer started to thank the officer, but the hold screen came back. Archer turned away from it in disgust. He started pacing slowly on a course back and forth across the bridge, around the situation room, and then back again. He was clearly about to explode. Hoshi, T’Pol, Travis, and the others on the bridge suddenly became very busy and tried not to notice the captain when he came by their stations.

Phlox, who was with T’Pol at her station, was clearly fascinated by the captain’s behavior. I was right! Exactly the same number of steps each time! I should be recording this. He started to reach for one of T’Pol’s padds, but pulled back at a glare from her.

The logo cleared off the screen and the supervisor was there.

It’s about time. Archer walked down in front of the helm.

“Hello, Captain Archer. It’s a pleasure to finally speak with you.”

“And you. I know you must be very busy, since it was so hard to get through to you. Thank you for taking the time to answer my call.”

“I am pleased to serve. What can I do for you?”

“You’re aware that one of my officers has been taken into your service?”

”Oh, yes. My staff has kept me informed of your inquiries.”

“We’ve asked to contact him, to make sure he’s unharmed. We also need to find out what your procedures are for returning him to our service. So far, we’ve just been kept waiting with no answers. At this point, our ship’s physician is concerned for his health, and I’m afraid that I really must insist that we be allowed to speak with him.”

“Captain, let me apologize for what we’ve put you through. There’s no excuse for this. We forget sometimes that our customs are not as obvious to off-worlders as they are to us. Your questions should have all been answered days ago.”

Archer looked back at T’Pol. Are you hearing this too? Is it going to be this easy to get Trip back? I can only hope… He turned back to answer the supervisor. “Thank you for understanding.”

“Not at all. Now, first, about contacting your officer. The answer is that there is no contact permitted with the servers once they have been selected. Their training does not allow for it and we don’t make exceptions. We have tried it in the past and it only produces confusion on both sides. So, no more.”

Archer started to interrupt, but the supervisor put him off and kept talking.

“As far as his health is concerned, I would just emphasize to you that servers are well provided for and that all his needs are being met, so you should not be concerned. Your officer is fine. I apologize that all of this was not explained clearly enough when you first called. All your worry could have been avoided. Be assured that the situation has been corrected.”

“Well, Supervisor, I can’t say that those were the answers I was looking for.” Sure he’s fine. Right. Your definition of fine is very different from mine, lady.

“I can certainly see your point of view, Captain, but our methods have worked well for us for many years and we are therefore very set in our ways. There are no exceptions.”

Phlox walked up beside Archer. “Captain, if I may?”

“Please.”

“Supervisor, I am Doctor Phlox, the ship’s physician. Captain Archer was correct in saying that I am very concerned about the officer in question. May I ask what methods of training are being used? It has been my experience that the tolerances of humans are much varied from those of other species. His reactions to your training may not be what you expect and I may be able to help you in that regard.”

“Why thank you, Doctor. In fact…”

The supervisor turned to work her computer, and then turned back to the screen.

“Doctor, I’ve authorized the release of your officer’s medical records to your ship. You should receive it within the hour. Please look it over. We would be happy to see any recommendations you might have for adjustments in his training.”

“Thank you, Supervisor. I look forward to it.”

Phlox nodded to the supervisor and the captain and went back over to T’Pol’s station.

“Captain, is there anything else?”

“I think you’ve answered everything for now. If Doctor Phlox or I have questions about the medical records…?”

“Feel free to contact me any time. Although, if we are to make adjustments in the training, that would need to be done soon. This new group of servers is due to be sent to their posts in the next day or two.

“Their posts?”

“We have little need for defense on our home world, but a great need for it on our mining colonies. Most of our servers are sent there for their full terms of service.”

Damn. A deadline. Just what we didn’t need.

“I understand. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you again for your help.”

“I am pleased to serve.”

At Archer’s nod, Hoshi terminated the link.

“Great job, Phlox! Let me know as soon as you’ve been through Trip’s records.”

Phlox nodded and left for Sickbay.

Archer sat down in his chair. His mood had improved considerably, but he was still worried. Hang on, Trip, he thought, we’ll be there soon.

Chapter 14

T’Pol, Malcolm, and Phlox were standing around the display table in the situation room. Archer came out of his ready room to join them.

“Let’s get this started. Doc?”

Phlox punched some buttons and Trip’s records from the Service came up on one of the displays. It included a picture of a very serious-looking Trip in his server uniform.

“Commander Tucker has been subjected to several very potent mind-altering drugs. Those, along with some effective subliminal procedures, constitute his so-called training. We already know that he doesn’t remember Lieutenant Reed. It is very likely that he doesn’t recall any of his life on Enterprise, or anything before that, either. The beauty of the system is that it has its own, shall we say, retraining, built in. It may not be a pleasant experience for the commander, but we should have no problem restoring his memories.”

“Some good news for once.” Archer replied. “Now, how are we going to get him out of there before he gets shipped out?”

It was Malcolm’s turn.

“We wait for Commander Tucker to be taken up to his troopship. We won’t be able to scan for him there, for the usual reason, but no matter. One of us will transport over, take him by force if necessary, and transport back again.”

Archer looked at him. “One of us? Who did you have in mind?” As if I didn’t know.

“I had in mind going myself, sir.”

“Aren’t you still on restricted duty?”

“Well, sir, the doctor and I discussed that. We came to the conclusion that if you don’t inquire about my status then he won’t have to tell you. Seems that it comes under the heading of doctor-patient confidentiality.” You have to let me do this.

“I see.” Archer appeared to think for a minute. “Doctor, there was something else I meant to ask you, but it seems to have slipped my mind.”

“Quite understandable, Captain. You’ve been under some stress lately.”

“Mr. Reed, what are the risks of having you go forward with this?”

“As with anyone, the risk of being injured, captured, or possibly even killed. Wandering through their troopship is a bit riskier than sneaking through the bushes.”

“And the benefits?”

“Besides my tactical expertise, I’m familiar with the commander’s behavior now, so it won’t be a surprise to me.”

“Travis would have the same expectations of the commander’s behavior. And he didn’t have quite the same experience last time as you did.” I’m giving you a chance, Malcolm. I know you want to go, but you’ll have to convince me.

“No disrespect to Ensign Mayweather, sir, but his military experience is limited. Whoever goes to the troopship has to be able to blend in.” And that’s me. Please.

Archer paused again. “Plan approved. Malcolm, get what you need together and leave it at the transporter. I’ll have Hoshi call you in your quarters when we see Trip ship out.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Dismissed.”

Chapter 15

Malcolm, again dressed in a server’s uniform, was standing near the transporter pad. He was fiddling with the Universal Translator. On, off, record, playback, on, off, record, playback…

Archer was waiting at the transporter controls. “Malcolm?”

Malcolm looked up. “Oh, yes, sir.” He put the UT into one of his pockets and walked up onto the pad.

“Ready?”

Malcolm patted his pockets. There was the UT and there was his communicator. “Yes, sir. And, Captain? I won’t let you down again.”

Archer nodded. “Good luck, Malcolm. We’ll be waiting.”

Malcolm waited for the sound of the transporter was powering up. He looked straight ahead and started counting in his head. One, one thousand. Two, one thousand. Three, one thousand… this should be over by the time I get to ten. Come on… Four, one thousand. Five, one thousand. Malcolm only got to eight by the time he materialized on the troop ship. That wasn’t so bad. Maybe I really am getting used to it.

He looked around, confirming that he was in a dead-end corridor. They had tried to pick a secluded spot close to the docking port, and it looked like they had succeeded.

Now, Mal, find Trip and get the hell out of here.

Malcolm triple-checked his UT again and then walked down to the main corridor to get his bearings. There was the docking port. He headed that direction and started looking for someone in charge. He found a server checking in some cargo with a scanner.

“Who has the assignments for quarters?”

“I can look that up.” The server looked at the number on Malcolm’s uniform. “902.”

“No, not mine. I need to find 319. He’s wanted in Medical.”

“Right.” He searched. “Deck 5, forward compartment.”

“Great.” Malcolm took off down the corridor.

“I am pleased to serve.”

“Oh, uh, thanks for your service.”

Malcolm only had to go down one deck. He found the forward compartment by nearly walking into it. He peered through the open door, and saw Trip in a discussion with a couple of other servers. He yelled from the doorway. “319?”

Trip looked up.

“I’m to escort you to Medical. Something about adjustments.”

Trip got up and came over to Malcolm.

“Lead the way.”

Malcolm was going to try to find an empty compartment to lock Trip and himself into while they beamed up. He opened one door and found an occupied office.

“Oh, sorry.”

Malcolm tried another door and that room was occupied too. Trip thought this was a little curious.

“Don’t you know where Medical is?”

“Well, not really. I just got here a little while after you did.”

Trip was staring at Malcolm. This guy looks familiar. Really familiar.

“Where have I seen you before?”

“Oh, I’ve been around.” In the crosshairs of your rifle sight,mate.

Malcolm was now frantic to find a hall, a bathroom, anything. Trying to remain outwardly calm, he turned down a corridor that looked empty. Perfect.

“Here it is down this way.”

“There’s nothing down there but cargo. Look, why don’t I just go on my own?”

Trip started to backtrack. Malcolm grabbed him by the back of the shirt.

“Hey, watch it!”

Trip turned around to fend Malcolm off. Malcolm muttered, “Sorry, Trip…” and popped Trip with a right hook. And then really regretted having used his injured arm to do so. However, it had produced the desired effect. Trip had dropped to his knees and was trying to clear his head. Malcolm pulled out his communicator and then tackled Trip. He hailed Enterprise and hoped he could hold on.

“Enterprise, now!”

Archer, T’Pol, and Phlox were waiting by the transporter for Malcolm’s signal. Phlox had reminded the others, “Don’t be surprised if the commander does not recognize us. Simply try to keep him calm until we can get him to Sickbay.”

Archer manipulated the controls, and Trip and Malcolm were home. As they materialized, it was obvious they had been fighting. Malcolm had Trip pinned to the floor, and Trip was struggling to get free. As Archer reached for Trip, Malcolm slid out of the way and yelled, “He’s armed!”

T’Pol reached in and grabbed Trip’s sidearm. She then helped Malcolm stand up and get out of the way. Malcolm suddenly turned pale, so T’Pol laid the weapon down on the transporter console and helped him sit down. Phlox came over and started scanning Malcolm.

Trip’s anger had turned to fear. Who are these Zotlings? This isn’t my ship! How did I get here? I’m not going anywhere with them…

Archer kept Trip pinned and tried to get his attention.

“Commander!” Trip didn’t answer and continued his struggle.

Archer tried again.

“Trip! Listen to me! That’s an order!”

“Let me go, you offspring of Zot!”

Trip was answering, but Archer couldn’t understand him. He looked around, searching. “Where’s the UT?”

Phlox found it in Malcolm’s pocket and laid it next to Archer. Archer sat up and let Trip go. Trip immediately slid away, and sat up against the wall.

“Trip. Do you understand me now?”

Yes. But I still don’t trust you. Trip’s face hurt from where Malcolm had slugged him. He rubbed the sore spot and tried to think.

I’ll pretend to go along with them until I can figure out something. I guess.

“Where are we?”

Archer looked over his shoulder at Phlox, who gave the captain an encouraging look. Archer looked back at Trip.

“This is the starship Enterprise.”

“And what do you want from me?”

“You’re part of our crew. You’ve been missing and Lieutenant Reed brought you back.”

Nice act, Trip thought. Trying to make me think I belong here. But two can play that game.

“I was missing?” Trip sounded confused. He started to get up, and Archer quickly got up and helped him to stand.

“Yes, and we were very worried about you.”

Trip started to walk off the platform, and Archer supported him.

“I was missing…and you were worried…”

“Yes, but everything will be okay now. No more worries.”

As Trip passed the console, he grabbed his sidearm back. Not giving anyone else time to react, he pushed the captain up against the wall and shoved the weapon against Archer’s temple. Archer looked in Trip’s eyes and thought, Malcolm was right. This is no act. I wonder if I get three chances?

“That’s right, you grandfather of Zot, no worries! However you got me here, you’re going to send me back to my ship, right now!”

Suddenly, Trip looked startled and then his eyes rolled up in his head. He slumped and dropped the weapon. T’Pol let go of his shoulder as Archer and Phlox kept him from hitting the ground.

“Excellent timing, Subcommander,” said Phlox. “Now, if you’ll assist the lieutenant, I believe the captain and I can handle Commander Tucker.”

Archer reached over to the companel on the transporter console.

“Archer to Bridge.”

“Bridge. Mayweather.”

“Travis, get us out of here.”

“Aye, sir.”

As they went slowly down the corridor towards the turbolift, T’Pol looked over at Archer. “Grandfather of Zot?”

Archer laughed. “I don’t know that one, T’Pol. But it sure didn’t sound like a compliment!”

Archer felt the warp engines engage. He looked over at Trip. He was still unconscious from the neck pinch and was starting to get a nice bruise on his left cheek. “Welcome home, Trip.”

Continue to Chapters 16-18

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