Unexpected - Chapter 4

Unexpected

by Orion9

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

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Chapter Four: Plans and Decisions

Captain’s Ready Room
Enterprise
0730 hours

“He did what?!” Lieutenant Malcolm Reed exclaimed incredulously. “Sorry, sir,” he added quickly, embarrassed by his slight outburst.

“That’s all right, Malcolm,” Archer bit back a smile. “As you were, Lieutenant.”

“Thank you, sir,” Malcolm complied with a soft sigh. He grimaced faintly. How Mr Tucker always manages to get himself into these sorts of situations is beyond my comprehension. Then again, there was that Xyrillian ship … and Risa …

“No one else was allowed to remain in the palace except Trip and the other suitors,” Archer’s voice cut his musings short. “But they did agree to let him keep the UT.”

“That was mighty … generous … of them.”

“Yes … well, the Royal Family isn’t too pleased with the whole incident either. This is the first time anything like this has ever happened before,” Archer said, paying no attention to Malcolm’s sarcastic tone. He too did not like being forced to leave a crewman behind, for whatever reason, even if it was for only four days.

“What about the communicator and the phase pistol?”

Archer shook his head.

“No outside contact allowed. And only guards at the palace are allowed to carry weapons.”

“The Royal Guards assigned to Commander Tucker will ensure that he is protected at all times,” T’pol spoke up from beside Archer. As usual, she stood straight and deceptively relaxed, her hands clasped loosely behind her. Her striking features were devoid of any expression.

Malcolm nodded at the Sub-Commander’s words but still looked doubtful.

“We experienced a slight problem locating and keeping track of your biosigns when the four of you were down there yesterday. But only during certain periods,” he reported.

“That would be due to the solar flares from the planet’s twin suns,” T’pol said.

Archer frowned slightly.

“Solar flares?”

“Yes, they take place several times a day and have been known to interfere with signals from orbiting ships.”

“Are they consistent?” he asked T’pol. “Can we tell when they are going to take place?”

“Not exactly. The number of solar flares differs from day to day. However, we should be able to detect each, at least up to twelve hours in advance, before it occurs.”

Archer nodded.

”Monitor the flares. I want to know when each one is scheduled to happen.”

“Yes, Captain.”

Archer looked out the viewport at the curve of the planet below. Other than the fact that it was mostly in hues of green and purple, Zenandria looked a lot like Earth. After a moment, he turned back to his officers.

“What do you have in mind, Malcolm?”

“Perhaps an extra security plan, Captain. Just as backup.”

“Good idea. Let me know what you come up with.”

The young lieutenant nodded and then asked, “What do we do in the meantime, sir?”

“We wait. Trip will be allowed to leave once the ceremony is over.”

“But what if Commander Tucker gets picked in this … ceremony?”

“He won’t,” T’pol answered equably. “Since Commander Tucker had unwittingly accepted the sher’lk, as a formality, he has to stay to complete his part in the ceremony. However, to make up for her … error in judgment, Princess Xadria has agreed to not select the Commander when the time comes for her to make her choice.”

“Since there will be four others to choose from, there shouldn’t be any problems,” Archer added.

“With all due respect, Captain, the princess doesn’t sound too trustworthy – especially after pulling a stunt like this,” Malcolm persisted. “What happens if she changes her mind halfway through?”

Archer sighed tiredly. That disturbing thought had crossed his mind more than once already. He looked at his Tactical Officer.

“Let’s just hope it won’t come to that.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Royal Zenandrian Palace
Zenandria
1220 hours

A child’s voice echoed throughout the palace hallways.

“Can’t catch me!” Another shriek of laughter accompanied this bit.

Palace attendants looked on in amusement as ten-year-old Princess Xanindra shot past them at full speed, laughing as she did so. Seeking refuge behind her governess’ skirts, she peered out cautiously at the tall, blond-haired man who was slowly approaching, a mock scowl on his face.

Jhanine’s fascination increased as she caught sight of the normally expressionless Royal Guards, who were following the human at a discreet distance. In all her years as Xanindra’s governess, she has never seen anything remotely resembling a smile on their faces – until now. She turned her attention back to Trip as he came nearer. He reached out a hand and wiggled his fingers at the child standing behind her.

“Gotcha!”

Evading his hand, the young princess gave another delighted shriek and ran off. Trip stood there, with arms akimbo and a smile on his face, as he watched her scamper away. He waited until she was some distance away before cupping his hands to his mouth and calling out to her.

“Hey! Come back here!”

He winked at Jhanine and then went after the child. She watched them disappear into the next corridor, a tinge of red on her cheeks. It was Commander Tucker’s third day here in the palace and she was glad to see that he wasn’t as uncomfortable or as tense as he was when he had first arrived.

Although too curious by Zenandrian standards, which had thoroughly exasperated palace officials, the Commander’s open friendliness had made him very easy to like. However, what had endeared the Commander to the palace attendants was him winning over young Princess Xanindra’s trust and friendship.

The normally taciturn princess had opened up to the Starfleet officer after he had repaired a broken toy for her. Since the death of her third brother, whom she had been closest to, Xanindra had became quiet and withdrawn. Those who love the young princess were delighted to hear her laugh again after so long.

Jhanine smiled to herself as she remembered how they had looked, heads close together, Xanindra’s jet-black hair contrasting starkly with the Commander’s dark blond head. The princess had watched in mute fascination until Trip had finished the repairs. Then she had asked so many questions that he had jokingly asked for mercy. Now the princess spends whatever free time she has in the Commander’s company. Lucky girl…

* * * * *

“Hey … wait up!” Trip yelled after the child. “Stop!”

He grinned and held up his hands in a gesture of surrender when she looked back at him. The game had taken them all around the palace and out into the palace gardens.

“Al’right, al’right, you win. For one so tiny you sure have plenty o’ energy. Yer not runnin’ on some secret power source now, are you?”

Xanindra giggled. As she ran back towards him, Queen Mylir called out from where she had stood watching near the palace doors.

“Xanindra, it is time for your lessons.”

“Aww, Mother…,” Xanindra groaned and flopped dramatically onto the grass.

He pretended to cough and looked away, trying his best not to laugh as the queen proceeded to lecture her youngest child on the conduct befitting a royal princess. However, she was smiling and her tone lacked the necessary bite.

When Mylir had finished her impromptu lecture, Xanindra picked herself up, ran up to her mother, and gave her a hug. She then waved goodbye to Trip, who lifted his hand in reply, before following Jhanine to the Study Room.

Trip was about to ask to be excused when Mylir addressed him.

“Please, Commander Tucker, take a walk around the garden with me while I get some flowers for the hallway.”

He complied, falling into step with her. He took a quick look behind. The Royal Guards assigned to him and Mylir’s own Imperial Guards were close, but not near enough to hear their conversation.

He shot the queen a sideways glance. She seemed to be lost in her own thoughts. His curiosity was beginning to get the better of him when she spoke.

“My daughters seem to be spending an inordinate amount of time in your company, Commander,” Mylir began with a smile, her words startling an apology out of him.

“I’m sor–“

“Don’t be,” she waved a hand at his direction, stopping him before he could complete the sentence. “It wasn’t meant as a criticism. Quite the opposite, actually. ”

Trip looked questioningly at the woman walking beside him.

“Your Majesty?”

“You see, Commander Tucker, it has been quite a while since I’ve seen Xanindra this happy. And as for Xadria, being the next in line for the throne has put a lot a pressure on her. However, ever since you’ve been here, I believe she has laughed more often these last two days than in the past few weeks. I’ve also noticed she has spent more time in your company than anyone else’s, although she is supposed to be giving all her suitors an equal amount of attention.”

Trip’s eyebrows rose as he listened to the queen. He was still looking for the right words when Mylir stopped suddenly and turned to him.

“Has your stay been well, Commander?”

“Yes, very … but I’m afraid I’m still not used to being followed ‘round everywhere I go.”

“I’m afraid that comes with the territory. After a while, you’ll forget that they are even there,” she said and laughed at his disbelieving look.

Mylir soon paused beside a shrub with lilac- and maroon-coloured flowers. Trip breathed in their sweet scent as the queen proceeded to cut off several flowers on long red stalks.

“I know we’ve agreed that Xadria will select someone else at the Ceremony of Choosing tomorrow,” Mylir said as she placed the blooms into her basket. “However, I was wondering if you would consider allowing my daughter to choose you, if she so desires.”

The request caught him off guard and he just stared at the queen, dumbfounded. She smiled at his stunned expression.

“Although there has never been an inter-species marriage in Zenandria before, I am sure the people will accept you in due time. I’ve noticed that you’re already doing quite well at the palace. Perhaps it is time to change that ancient custom, especially if it is for the good of Zenandria.”

“Pardon my askin’, Your Majesty,” he began slowly. “But why this sudden …uh–?”

“Change of heart? Like all mothers, Commander Tucker, I only wish to see my daughter happy. And you seem to do that very well. Furthermore, our species do not differ that much physically.”

Trip opened his mouth to say something but closed it again when nothing suitable came immediately to mind. They walked on in silence as he mulled over the queen’s words. After a while, he cleared his throat awkwardly and turned to her.

“It’s a great honour an’all, Your Majesty, an’ no one would be prouder to be given such a chance …”

“Please, Commander, you may speak freely,” Mylir encouraged softly when he lapsed into silence again.

“Ah, well … I’d rather that we keep to the original plan. This has been a terrific experience but the thing is, my whole life’s on Enterprise...,” he trailed off.

He wanted to say more but it was difficult to put his exact feelings into words. The irony of it all didn’t escape him. Trip Tucker! At a total, complete loss for words! He couldn’t remember the last time that happened. He could just imagine the look on the Captain’s face right now. His friend would probably wonder if he was coming down with something.

Trip made a helpless gesture with his hands. He just hoped that, in spite of all his failure to explain, Queen Mylir would understand why he couldn’t say yes to her request. He met her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” he said simply.

Mylir nodded gracefully at his answer. Her lovely face was serene as she looked up at the Starfleet officer.

“There’s no need for you to be, Commander. I didn’t think you would say yes but I thought I’d just give it a try anyhow.”

She gave him an affectionate pat on the arm.

“You’re a remarkable man, Charles Tucker. Not many would give up the chance to be part of a royal family.”

There was a wry smile on her face as she continued, “Well, at least the ones I know anyway.”

Relieved by her response, Trip visibly relaxed. He flashed her a grin of his own.

“Maybe I should get m’head examined.”

The queen’s eyes widened. Amused at her own reaction to the engineer’s charming smile, she shook her head and said, “I can certainly see why my daughter likes you so much.”

“Princess Xadria is an amazin’ woman,” he replied, a little embarrassed by the compliment.

“Yes, she is,” Mylir smiled. “I’m glad we had this chance to talk, Commander.”

“So am I, Your Majesty.”

They walked on in companionable silence until they finally reached the palace doors. The queen paused on her way in.

“She’s a lucky woman,” she observed candidly.

“Who?” Trip asked absently, his mind still on the conversation they just had.

“That special one on Enterprise whom you care for.”

Mylir patted Trip fondly on his arm one more time and left him staring after her, a bemused expression on his face, as her parting words echoed in his mind.

TBC

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