Psyche and Sound- Chapter 10

Psyche and Sound

by Orion9

Disclaimer: Enterprise and all related characters belong to Paramount.

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Chapter Ten – Progress

“Keep me updated on his progress every half hour. I want immediate notice if he gets any worse.”

“Certainly, Captain. Phlox out.”

With a grim expression, Archer closed and pocketed his communicator. He ducked his head, staring at the ground as he sought hard to gather his thoughts. Whatever he was expecting, it wasn’t the doctor’s latest report. Trip’s health was deteriorating fast. The last time they heard from the Denobulan, just over an hour ago, they’d all been encouraged by the remarkable recovery that the engineer had been making. You’re losing him. You’ve failed…

Fists clenched tight, he flinched inwardly as the overwhelming sense of pending defeat swept over him. Quick to rein it in, Archer reminded himself harshly that, as long as Trip was alive, there was still hope. Glancing up, he met Koerin’s eyes, recognising the sympathy in the other man’s earnest gaze.

“I am sorry about the relapse, Captain,” Koerin said gently. “But Commander Tucker must come down to the surface for the Cleansing Ceremony. It can only be performed in the most ancient chamber of the castle.”

He focused on the old man’s words with some difficulty, the bad news that he’d just been given still ringing in his ears. “Doctor Phlox is doing his best but Trip may be too ill to be moved right now.”

“You understand that the ceremony must be conducted shortly or else it may be too late…”

”I do,” Archer replied, acknowledging the urgency in the quietly spoken statement. He knew that Phlox was doing his best up there on Enterprise. The whole problem was getting Trip down here without further endangering his life. Heaving a frustrated breath, he hoped that whatever Phlox had planned, it’d better be soon, before time ran out for his best friend.

* * * * *

“Nnnghh…”

Phlox looked up, eyes widening in dismay at the faint groan coming from the only presently occupied biobed. Hurrying to the patient’s side, he quickly ran a bioscan, frowning at the emerging results. It wasn’t good. For one thing, the amount of sedatives that he’d just been given should have had kept the Chief Engineer asleep for the next three hours or so.

It obviously hadn’t.

“Doc…?” Trip rasped, disorientated. He peered blearily at the Denobulan. What happened? What day was it?

“Well, Commander, it seems that my medication is no match for your increased metabolism,” Phlox shook his head, concern muting his normally cheery demeanor.

“Huh?” Staring with mouth slightly agape at the man standing over him, Trip tried to get the significance of the words past the raw, muddled, throbbing lump that was masquerading as his head at the moment.

The very last thing he remembered was lying down on the biobed, thinking about his friends – friends who were down on an alien planet, somewhere, all because of him. His heart constricted at that thought and he swallowed, choking back a startled whimper when the stabbing pain in his throat took him by surprise. It was difficult to focus properly, let alone talk. On top of that, his voice seemed to have decided to take a short vacation somewhere at the moment. Covering his face with his hands, he let out a soft, distraught moan, wondering what was wrong with him.

“Commander…?”

The concerned tone eventually penetrated the thick, dark cloud of frustration that had suddenly enveloped him and he peered from beneath his fingers at the Denobulan. Lowering his hands, Trip moistened dry lips with his tongue and tried again, “What … d’you … mean, just now?”

Phlox gave the unnaturally pale officer a somber look, his manner subdued. “Well, apparently, your system is purging the medication quicker than I had expected. At this rate, I may not have anything left very soon to help keep you asleep without killing you in the process.”

The engineer blinked at the information, and then winced as the returning pain suddenly made itself known. To make matters worse, his chest was starting to ache again, making it exceedingly unbearable to take even a simple breath. Squeezing his eyes shut, he spent the next few seconds attempting to get air into his lungs, each inhalation an all-consuming, agonising effort.

As it turned out, he hardly noticed the soft touch of the hypospray when Phlox bent down and gave him the much-needed shot. Awareness of his surroundings only returned when the medication gradually elevated the tight, burning sensation in his chest. Slowly, Trip opened his eyes, instantly seeking out the other person in the room with him, who immediately beamed back at him.

“Better?”

“Yeah. Jus’…”

“Yes?” Phlox prompted when the other man didn’t go on.

“…a lil’ woozy. How…” Trip swallowed, struggling to talk. His voice was barely above a whisper. “How long … how long was I out?”

“Scarcely forty minutes, I’m afraid. That’s hardly enough time for your body to rest. Or for me to move you,” Phlox frowned, turning away to check on a nearby monitor.

“Move me?”

“Yes. To Launch Bay One. We need to get you down to the surface as soon as possible.”

“Surface?” Trip repeated and then grimaced, feeling foolish the moment the word slipped out. With his hoarse rasp and now, a new penchant for repetition, he was beginning to sound like a damn parrot that somehow got into the medicine cabinet and was currently high on some happy drug. Ignoring the urge to ask if this was one of the more inane symptoms of his condition, he breathed out his next question. ”What … for?”

“I believe it is for some sort of healing ceremony.”

Right. Ceremony. Great... The engineer shifted restlessly on the biobed, trying to find a spot on his body that was not sore for him to lie on. Every part seemed to be sensitive to even the lightest of contact. Hissing through his teeth at the discomfort, Trip focused pain-glazed eyes on the Denobulan.

“Okay. What … now?” he forced out the words through the soreness of his throat, coughing a little. He nodded his thanks at the glass of water that was pushed into his shaking hands, and gratefully took several slow sips.

“Well, I’m going to try a higher dosage than what is normally prescribed,” Phlox said slowly, removing the now empty glass from the patient’s slacked grip.

“Isn’t that … a little risky?” Trip asked, noisily sucking in each precious breath of air – air that wouldn’t seem to come.

“Under normal conditions, yes. But with your increased metabolism, it should be relatively safe. Hopefully, the dosage will help keep you asleep long enough for us to get you down there.”

Trip stared mutely at Phlox, the soft wheezing of his breathing the only sound in the sudden silence. Then his mouth twitched to form the slightest of smiles.

“Doc?”

“Yes?”

“Try not … t’kill me … in the process, ‘kay?”

Recognising the familiar expression in the wry, shaky tone, Phlox felt the first prick of humour, and his spirits lifted for the first time since Tucker had unexpectedly woken up. The young officer never ceased to amaze him. Even at a time like this and in his acute condition, he could still find the words to elevate a tense moment. Phlox replied with a chuckle, “I wouldn’t worry, Commander. You’re in very safe hands.”

With a nod, Trip closed his eyes, trying his best to relax. “I know, Doc, I know. All … right. Let’s … do this …”

* * * * *

From not too far away across the room, Malcolm watched the conversation between his Captain and the old scholar with narrowed eyes. Suppressing a sigh, the Lieutenant wished that he’d been a little nearer when the call from Enterprise came through. At least then, he’d be able to hear the report from the doctor. Although, if he were completely honest with himself, he wasn’t very sure that he really wanted to know what it was all about. Judging from the look on Archer’s face, it definitely wasn’t good news.

Pushing his private thoughts and worries into one corner of his heart, the Lieutenant stole a glance at the ensigns with him. Hoshi was paying close attention to the conversation between Taelek and another J’rall but Travis was trying his best not to fidget while he stood beside her.

Malcolm could empathise with the young navigation officer’s restlessness and impatience. Not for the first time, he wondered if there was something else that they could do to help. Although common sense told him that they really had no choice, especially considering the circumstances, Malcolm couldn’t help but to wonder. That waiting had never been one of his stronger points didn’t help with the situation, or elevate his tension, one bit.

“Lieutenant Reed...”

Snapping to attention, he looked across the room. “Yes, Captain?”

“We’ve just got word from Phlox. They’re getting ready to leave Enterprise and should be here in about thirty minutes. Taelek is going to meet the shuttlepod outside the city. I want you to go with him. Take Travis and Eric with you.”

Malcolm hesitated. Although there was finally something to do besides the waiting game, he wasn’t really comfortable with the thought of splitting up the team and leaving a group behind with these people. Not when they still knew next to nothing of their pleasant but extremely mysterious hosts. What's more, assurances from Koerin aside, he was still somewhat leery of those who had the capability of reading another’s mind. Then there was that confrontation between Koerin and his fellow elders just now…
“With all due respect, Captain…” he began, taking a step forward.

“It’s okay, Malcolm,” Archer interjected, understanding where the younger man was going. Although the J’ralls that were with them had been nothing but courteous and helpful so far, past experiences had taught him to be more cautious during first contact, more so when dealing with an unknown species. Until Trip was completely healed, though, he’d no intention of letting Koerin out of his sight. For all they knew, he might be the only key to the cure. And judging from the confrontation they’d just witnessed, he wouldn’t be at all surprised if guards suddenly burst into the room and dragged their only hope away.

Grimacing inwardly at his runaway imagination, Archer reflected that Malcolm’s paranoia was definitely rubbing off on him. Looking at his Tactical Officer straight in the eyes, he continued in a low voice, stressing lightly on the words, “Don’t worry. We’ll be all right. Just get Trip here as soon as you can.”

Quickly stifling the protest that had automatically appeared on his lips, Malcolm nodded stiffly, conscious of the open curiosity of their audience.

“Aye, Sir.”

* * * * *

“Careful now,” Phlox cautioned, walking behind the medical team as they moved a gurney down the corridor. He’d made the decision to transfer the unconscious Chief Engineer to the shuttle bay the moment his vitals had stabilised enough for him to travel. Checking his medical tricorder from time to time as they made their way towards the turbolift, Phlox was elated to note that Tucker’s vitals were holding steady for the moment.

They reached their destination without any complications, and the patient was swiftly loaded into Shuttlepod Two. Ensign Chris Tanner and Crewman Ryan Michaels were already there, taking over from the medical team once the Commander was properly secured for the coming journey. When everything was ready, Phlox climbed in after the ensign and pulled the door closed. At the helm, Michaels acknowledged the flight clearance from the bridge, and the small shuttle took off, heading straight for the bluish-hued planet down below.

* * * * *

Jonathan Archer peeked surreptitiously at the time and bit back a curse. It was now a little more than twenty hundred hours. Malcolm and his team had been gone for almost an hour. They should’ve been back by now. He gave up the pretense and glared at the chronometer. What’s keeping them?

“Captain…”

His head jerking up, he glanced over at the direction of the voice. “What is it, T’Pol?”

“Koerin was wondering if you would like to see the rest of the castle while we await the return of Lieutenant Reed and his team.”

For one fleeting moment, Archer was tempted to say yes but his primary concern for Trip had taken away much of the excitement of this first contact. He shook his head. “Please let Koerin know that I’ll love to, but not while Trip is not yet out of danger.”

“Very well,” T’Pol said, turning away to relay the message. She paused and then turned back towards her commanding officer. He was lost in thought, staring unseeingly at the wall in front of him, arms crossed over his chest. She studied him for a moment, taking in the worry lines that fanned out about his green eyes. It wasn’t hard to understand his feelings in this matter. Somehow, in his own distinctive way, Commander Tucker had also made an indelible impression in her life, although she’d never admit it to anyone else how truly important he’d become to her. It was difficult enough acknowledging that small fact to herself.

Her expression unchanged, T’Pol silently admonished herself for that slight slip, and if it was possible, pulled herself even straighter. Making a note to herself to increase the duration of her next meditation session, she allowed herself to focus on the only acceptable conclusion to all this – that Commander Tucker would be all right. He was the most stubborn man she’d ever met and she knew indubitably that he would fight this to the very last. She’d always regarded that one particular characteristic of his as one of his most effective, aggravating as it was, knowing that the Commander’s tenacity had helped him out of tight spots more than once.

Suppressing words of comfort hovering somewhat uncomfortably at the tip of her tongue, T’Pol took one last look at Archer before turning away, heading towards where Koerin waited with several of his people. She knew, without having to ask, that the Captain preferred some quiet time of his own at this moment, knowing how much the Commander meant to him.

Deeply submerged in his own thoughts and memories, Archer wasn’t even aware of his First Officer’s slight hesitation or her brief observation. All he was aware of was the constricting pain somewhere within the region of his heart, as he finally allowed himself to face the bleak thought that had hovered so closely throughout this whole time – the terrifying possibility that he might just lose the one person who was the closest that he’d ever had to a younger brother.

To family.

Swallowing hard, he wondered what he’d do if that happened. To tell the truth, he’d never met anyone like Trip. The young officer basically looked at most things with wonder-filled eyes, making even the most mundane event seemed unique. There were times when Trip reminded him strongly of a child on Christmas morning, one who’d just been told he had a ton of presents to open. If there was one thing that he was sure of right now, it would be that space exploration would never be the same again without the gregarious engineer on board.

It was some time before he mastered his rioting emotions and looked away from the door, his green gaze finally focusing on the small group standing beside the table. He had enough of cautious responses and cryptic replies. It was time he got some real answers. With that thought in mind, Archer walked purposefully towards Koerin, who was standing beside T’Pol and Hoshi. The old scholar had a small smile on his face as he listened intently to the talented linguist.

“… many sentinels are there among your people?” Archer heard Hoshi ask as he drew nearer the small group.

“We make about 45% of our entire society.” Looking towards the Starfleet Captain as he approached, Koerin asked with a warm smile, “Yes, Captain?”

“What exactly is this Cleansing Ceremony that Commander Tucker is supposed to undergo?”

Koerin leaned heavily on his staff, his amiable expression unchanged. “As I had told the Sub-Commander earlier, I am afraid that it would be impossible to explain the exact nature of the ceremony but I will try my best to do so once the rest of your people are here. However, be not at fear, it will remove from Commander Tucker the venom that is within him.”

More cryptic replies… Trying hard to not grind his teeth in frustration, Archer shot him a dark look and said tightly, “All right. But how many times have you actually carried this out?”

“Not too many. Although our choices are rarely wrong, the ceremony would be performed when the chosen youth had been unable to fulfill his or her calling.”

“Calling? As a sentinel, you mean?”

“Yes.”

“What about side effects?” the Starfleet Captain pressed on, allowing his worry and irritation to show. “Will there be any?”

All of a sudden, the weight of several pairs of eyes was upon him, their anticipation almost tangible as they anxiously awaited his response. Somberly, the old man considered the question for a moment and then gave a slow shake of his head. “No. At least, not to the best of our knowledge.”

“Forgive me if that doesn’t reassure me one tiny bit,” Archer snapped caustically, cynicism giving a cold edge to his voice. “I’m not sure I’m willing to take the chance of losing an invaluable officer … and friend … based on that ambiguous guarantee…”

“Please, Captain, try not to worry,” Koerin said soothingly. Archer didn’t reply but Koerin didn’t have to be telepathic to know what was going through the Starfleet Captain’s mind or to sense the worry that was eating him inside. Unperturbed by Archer’s brusque manner, he gave the scowling man a light, reassuring pat on his arm. “Things will be just fine.”

TBC
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A/N: *wince* All right. I really hope that wasn’t too mushy or anything. More of Trip, Malcolm and the rest of gang coming up next…! Thank you so much for reviewing Chapter 9.

Neo Getz: I did quite a bit of research on castles before I wrote that bit… there were so many terms that were used that I got really confused at times. Glad to see it worked out ok though. Hmm… I didn’t know that English schools taught about castles in History. Thanks for the bit of general knowledge there! :)
tracy-thepleasedcube: *best innocent voice* More bad things? Really…? ;)
myst123: The setting kinda popped up by itself… guess it goes well with the robes and all that. :D So glad you liked it!

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Four of you have made comments

Wow, nice chapter, plz let him b ok , plz!!!!!

Side effects, nooooooo! dont let there b any!

Cryptic answers r so annoying and yet ppl do them all the time.

We learn alot of boring stuff in history, castles, medieval weapons, fort design, how to plan world domination and why it goes wrong everytime.... really boring. We even did a patch on the History of vessels named enterprise.

Loved this chapter. Why has it taken so long for malcolm to return? Why wont they diclose anything about the ceromony? Will trip keep his hightened telepathic powers? Plz answer these sometime in the next few chapters, suspense kills, but the chapters r worth it. :D

*snicker* without killing him!

No not too sappy at all, actually rather fitting and very real feeling.

love that Archer too is hanging on to his paranoia and that Mal is not the only one this time.

Am really enjoying this! Pls write more soon. I love how everyone is always torturing poor Trip :-)

No Tourturing our GOD!!!!