Amanda

Amanda

by RHMichaud

Email: catz5m@netscape.net
Archive: Yes, but please let me know where.

Rated: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Angst

Disclaimer: Paramount owns Enterprise and the crew. No financial gain is being made from this fiction.

~~~~

How did they get into this mess anyway? Didn't seem like it was going to be a tough mission. Stay away from the colony on the other side of the planet and grab a few samples. What could go wrong?!

Lieutenant Malcolm Reed couldn't help feeling responsible, after all he is the armory and tactical officer of Enterprise. His job is to protect the crew, and in this instance he had not been successful. Oh, Commander ‘Trip’ Tucker wouldn't let Reed take the blame. Trip was stubborn, but he was also pushing it with their captors. His big mouth gets him in way too much trouble and this time was no different. It didn't take long before he had some bruises.

Reed and Trip had been put in different cells, “don't want you getting any ideas about escaping.” Of course, Trip got in with the ‘wrong’ crowd. Maybe it was his boyish good looks or, more likely, his smart mouth, but it wasn't long before he was sporting a bruised cheek and some mighty sore ribs.

During the day, they were made to work in a mine. They had no communicators or weapons. The phase pistols had been confiscated along with their communicators. Getting close enough to chat was tough too. Reed made a mental note: Need to get communicators and weapons back. Have to contact Enterprise, don't want a search party to meet the same fate.’ How could they have not seen this coming?

Trip was beginning to feel the pain of being insubordinate. Twice the guards had nearly beaten the daylights out of him. Today, a very hot day, Trip was in a sweat box. It was a small metal like box set in the blazing direct light of an unforgiving sun. One small barred window let Trip see out, but all he could see was that damn sun.

Reed was worried. He hadn't seen Trip all day. It wasn't like him to be nowhere to be found. They always saw each other even if a conversation was not possible. Reed made his way over to a couple of the big fellows that he knew were in the same cell area as Trip. He didn't know how he was going to get an answer from them or even if he could summon the nerve to ask. Now he knew why Trip looked like hell, he probably wasn't getting much sleep. Reed knew that he wouldn't be getting much sleep either if he had to keep an eye open for these goons. Reed had been lucky, the cell he had been thrown into was full of mild mannered “people” who weren't looking to fight anyone at anytime. Finally, Reed got up the nerve to put forth his question.

“Could you possibly tell me what happened to one of the people in your cell-Tucker?”

The goon gave Reed a good close look. His breath stank and Reed had all he could do not to push the goon back. “He your buddy?”

“Yes,” Reed replied, “he is a friend of mine, do you know where he is?”

“He needed to learn himself a lesson. They're sweating it out of him.”

“ ‘Sweating it out of him?’, I don't understand.”

“I ain't got time to chat, can't stop working. Don't want to end up like your buddy, that's one hot box.”

Reed was starting to get the picture...Trip had ticked someone off again and this time he had done it to the wrong person. He must be in some sort of sweat box. “God Trip,” thought Reed, “I hope you can stand it.” He hadn’t thought to ask the goon how long this punishment usually lasted. He knew the days were scorching hot and the nights were quite cool. He hoped that it was only a few hours and that Trip would be back in his cell before nightfall.

That was his hope.

~~~~

Trip could feel the energy drain from his body. The heat was unbearable, it was like being in an oven. Time seemed to linger, drag by. He had no idea how long he had been in that box. A shadow started to fall across the barred window. Trip blinked his eyes and tried to peek out to see just what or who had caused the shadow. Two deep brown eyes peered in at him, he was startled to see that it appeared to be a girl, or young woman staring at him. She held a finger to her lips indicating for him to be silent. Her other hand came up with a white cloth. She poked the cloth through the bars so that Trip could get it. It was cold-very cold and wringing wet. Trip eagerly sucked the water from the cloth and then wiped his face with the cloth. She was gone. Was he dreaming? Had she really been there? She had to have been, he had the cloth to prove it. He stuffed the cloth into his pocket so no one would know. But who had this girl been, and what is she doing in a prison mine camp, and why did she help me, thought Trip.

~~~~~

She wept quietly in her “cell.” She wasn’t sure about these two new offworlders, but they certainly looked like humans and that taller one, he bled and bruised like a human. Maybe she would be rescued after all. It had been too many years and she had about given up hope of ever getting out of here. Oh, she wasn’t made to work in the mines and being a young female did give her some perks. They didn’t feel she was any kind of a threat, she had no where to go, she knew no one.

It was after dark before they opened the sweat box and dragged Trip back to his cell.

His cell mates weren’t too happy to see him. “Your antics cost us half our rations for today.”

“You stupid piece of shit.”

“What good are you?”

They ranted a bit more, spat on him and kicked him for good measure. Trip didn’t even have the energy to try and fight back. He just lay there on the cool dirt floor, shivering. Heat exhaustion was taking its toll on his battered body. Where wasEnterprise?

The big goon, whom Reed had spoken to earlier in the day, kicked Trip again. “Your little buddy was asking about you today. Maybe we should shove you through these bars and let him take you to his cell. I think he misses you.”
They all laughed until the guards yelled, “Lights out.” Then they quieted down.

~~~~

The next day, Trip could barely move. Every muscle in his body screamed for mercy. He had to go to the mines and work like everyone else. He was so cold and nauseous. They were all marched to the mess hall before heading to the mines. Trip avoided the food line as his stomach wasn’t up to food. He found a spot away from others, he slid down the wall and sat on the floor, his knees to his chest and his head resting on his knees. Boy, did his head hurt.

Reed spotted Trip and headed straight over to him.

“Oh my, Commander, are you all right?”

Trip managed to squeak a reply- his voice stolen by the heat and exhaustion,

“I’ve been better.”

“What happened?”

Trip related his tale of how the guards had provoked him into a fight then thrown him into the sweat box. “I think they just wanted to fill the box for a while,” Trip quipped.

“This is no joke Commander, you are not well.”

“Really? I hadn’t noticed.” Then Trip told Reed about the girl. Trip still wasn’t convinced she was there, but wait- she had to have been, he had the cloth to prove it. Just as Trip pulled the cloth out of his pocket to show Reed, a guard came from nowhere and snatched it from his hand.

“Thief, where did you get this?”

“I found it.” He got kicked for that remark.

“Liar. Thief. You stole it.”

Trip couldn’t tell them where he had gotten it, he was sure it would mean trouble for the girl if he did. She had saved him from dying of thirst and the heat. No, he wouldn’t tell them anything.

Two more guards came over. They hauled Trip to his feet. Reed tried to stop them. “Get back or you will also be punished.”

“Malcolm, no. Let it go. I’ll be fine,” Trip told him.
“But sir...”

“No buts. Back off. That’s an order.”

Reed knew he had to do something, but what could he do? He watched as
Trip was marched out to what hell he didn’t know.

The young woman who helped Trip, Amanda, didn’t know what to do. She had seen what happened in the mess hall. It was all her fault. She shouldn’t have helped him, now he was in more trouble. But if she hadn’t helped him he could have died in that box. She wiped a tear from her eye and turned back to her work. She was painting a mural on the wall of the Overseer’s office. But she wanted to know the plans for the tall blonde man. What would they do to him now?!

~~~

Back on board Enterprise... Captain Jonathan Archer asks Hoshi, “How long before we are back in comm range?”

“Should be in range in less than an hour sir.”

“Is there something wrong Captain?” asks T’Pol , ever insightful of the Captain’s changing moods.

“I just didn’t like leaving them for this long out of contact.”

“Their mission was not dangerous Captain.”

“I know. I just have this sinking feeling. Anyway, Mr. Mayweather, increase speed to warp 4.”

“Aye sir.”

~~~~~

Meanwhile, back at the prison mine camp... the guards dragged Trip from the mess hall. Reed knew something very bad was coming next, but he didn’t know just how bad it was going to be. What could he do?

Amanda overheard the loud voice of the Overseer. “Take him to the arena. We will make an example of him and his rebellious ways.”

Amanda stood motionless, shocked. Anyone who enters the arena is destined for death if not while in the arena, then shortly afterwards from the beating the guards would inflict. What could she do?!

The Overseer’s Page, a puny, scrawny, dorky looking man, entered the mess hall. A guard quieted the room for him and he spoke as Reed stared at him. “Today we will have a break from work as there is to be a punishment in the arena. You will all attend.”

One of the goons poked Reed. “Now your buddy’s gonna get it,” and he laughed a horrid, evil laugh.

The Page spoke again. “You must all now file out to the arena viewing area.
Do it quickly as the Overseer wants to be sure you do not miss a moment.”
Everyone headed outside. Reed couldn’t move for a moment, but then pushed his way to the door.

In the center of the arena, the guards were chaining Trip’s hands above his head to an archway. Trip could barely stand. He was weak and even though the sun was steaming hot already this morning and he was sweating, he shivered: he was cold-so cold.

~~~~

The Overseer had just starting to speak as Reed made it out to the viewing area. The area was up higher than the floor of the arena and it was fenced in; there was no way to get down into the arena. Reed couldn’t see Trip as the Overseer started to speak: “Listen up. You all know what happens when you disobey my rules or try to rebel in any way, make trouble and you are going to be punished. This fool did not heed the warnings and now he will serve as an example to you all. He will pay the price for his insolence. Guards, you may begin.”

Amanda had watched from the window. Fear and anger welled up inside her as she had watched the guards chain the blonde man to the whipping posts. No, they wouldn’t do that, they couldn’t. She turned away from the window and began to search the Overseer’s desk, pulling open drawers, searching, searching. At the first crack of the whip, she froze. A stifled cry came from the blonde man. The crowd made lots of noise.

Reed pushed his way to the fence. He saw Trip, barely on his feet. They had stripped his shirt off him and that crack of the whip had left a red welt on his back. “Oh, God Trip.” What could he do? Reed looked for a way around the fence, over it, anyway to get to Trip.

Another crack of the whip and Amanda was more determined. She was so angry now. She pushed everything off the desk. A small box hit the floor and opened. Two small grey and black flat “boxes” tumbled out. Amanda stared at them for just a moment then she scooped them up and ran out the door.

~~~

Reed was horrified. There was nothing he could do. He watched as blood flowed from the whip marks on Trip’s back. What could he do?!

~~~

Amanda saw the blonde man’s friend in the crowd of the viewing area. She slipped into the crowd and was beside Reed in a moment. She grabbed his hand and pressed one of the grey/black boxes into it. She said only one word in a hushed tone that Reed barely heard above the noise of the crowd, “Hurry”. Then she was gone. Reed was speechless. It was his communicator. He wasted no time trying to contact Enterprise.

On the bridge of Enterprise, Archer asked, “Are we within communication range yet Hoshi?”

Hoshi began, “Just a... I have something sir. It’s barely getting through.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“...to Enterprise, come in. Reed to Enterprise, please come in.”

“Archer here Lt. Reed, we are barely reading you.”

“Captain, thank God.”

“Malcolm, what’s wrong?” Archer asked suddenly becoming very concerned and worried.

“No time sir. Can you transport us out?” Archer looked over to T’Pol.

She shook her head. “One minute, Captain.”

“Not yet Malcolm.”

“Captain, you must transport Commander Tucker immediately.”

T’Pol spoke, “I cannot get a lock on the Commander at this time. With your permission, Captain, I will continue to attempt to get a lock from the transporter room.”

“Go,” was all Archer said and T’Pol left the bridge. “Malcolm, what’s wrong, what is happening?”

“Oh, God, NO!” was what they heard from Reed next as he forgot the comm was open.

~~~~

Reed stared in horror as he saw the young woman who had given him his communicator. She was in the arena. How in hell did she get down there and what the bloody hell was she doing? She stood in front of Trip’s back, between him and the guards. They were going to have to go through her to get to him.

~~~~

“Lt. Reed, can you get the Commander to open his communicator so I can get a lock on his position?” T’Pol asked.

“He doesn’t have it and he can’t open it if he did. He is approximately 500 meters from my position. Can you get a lock on...NO!” Reed couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

They had stopped the whipping when the young woman had put herself between them and Trip. But now, the Overseer told the guards: “Continue the whipping, she will move or she will face his fate for being insolent. Whip her if she refuses to move.”

Reed again was staring in horror as the guard’s whip stung the young woman. Nothing for a moment, then blood, red blood trickled from her neck across her chest following the whip mark. It stained her gauzy white gown dark red. She gasped and turned her back to the guards, but held her ground. She was smaller than Trip, but the blows were going to be mostly on her. Trip knew something was up when he heard the whip crack but felt nothing. Maybe he was losing feeling. Then he felt her press against him. “No, they’ll kill you., he hoarsely cried at her. The only sound she made was a small gasp at the crack of the whip again. She clung tight to him. Reed now saw that she wasn’t going to give up easily. Her back was covered in blood, the gown she wore was nearly torn to shreds.

~~~~

“Malcolm, what’s happening?” asked Archer.

“Two at Commander Tucker’s position. Two when you get a lock. Please don’t let it be too late,” Reed prayed. Then he saw the young woman’s hand move ever so slightly. No, could it be? She had Trip’s communicator. Incredibly, she flipped it open.

~~~~

T’Pol was on it in a heartbeat. “I have a signal Captain.”

“Lock on and transport two now. As soon as they are up get Lt. Reed.” Archer told T’Pol. “Archer to Phlox- get a medical team to the transporter room immediately.”

~~~~

T’Pol and security were in the transporter room. Security was there in case they transported someone they hadn’t intended. But it was Commander Tucker who appeared on the transporter platform. His hands were above his head and he fell forward as he materialized. Security caught him and was surprised to see a very bloody, barely clothed young woman clinging to his back. Phlox and his medical team were there ushering them both off to sickbay as soon as they got the young woman’s arms to release from Trip.

~~~~

Archer arrived at the transporter room just as Reed materialized on the pad.

“Malcolm, what happened?” Archer wanted to know, but Reed asked, “How’s Commander Tucker and the woman, did they transport okay?”

Archer nodded. “Yes, they are on their way to sickbay, let’s get you there as well. We can talk on the way.”

~~~~

Reed explained to Archer about how they had been attacked at their campsite and taken to the mine/prison. How Trip was beaten, put in a sweatbox and then put out for a whipping. Oh, and about the young woman who had helped Trip while he was in the sweatbox and at the whipping. She had put herself between the whip and Trip and ultimately saved both Trip and himself.

Archer was stunned to say the least. “What would make her do something like that?”

“I don’t know, sir. She could have been killed by doing what she did.”

“Maybe she was hoping they would stop if she got in the way. Let’s hope she can tell us why she did what she did.” Archer was hoping for some answers.

~~~~~

They stopped outside of sickbay, pausing for a moment before entering. Trip was laying face down on a biobed while Ensign Cutler was gently cleansing his wounds. Archer could see the red, swollen welts, some had just stopped bleeding. There were also a number of bruises in different stages of healing. They indicated that he had been taking a beating for a couple days.

“How is he?” Archer asked hesitantly.

“Dr. Phlox still needs to give him a thorough check over. I’d rather not make any comments, other than he will live.” Ensign Cutler told them.

“Where is Phlox?” Archer asked as he looked around.

“He’s in surgery. That girl was sliced up pretty badly.” When Ensign Cutler said that, Reed turned away and walked over to the door.

Archer knew it was time to go. “We’ll let you get back to helping Trip. Have Phlox contact me as soon as he has news.”

“Yes Captain.”

Archer took one more look at the beaten body of his best friend, then turned to Reed who stood by the door, staring at it. Archer opened the door and guided Reed out.

Reed spoke in a hushed tone, “I should have stopped this. I should never have let this happen.”

“Malcolm, you can’t blame yourself. I don’t have all the facts yet, but I am sure you did all you could.”

“It wasn’t enough!” Reed blurted out, then he continued after a brief pause. “I’m sorry Captain, please forgive my outburst.”

“Relax Malcolm, you have been under stress. Go back to your quarters, get showered and changed. Relax. When I hear from Dr. Phlox, I will let you know and we can have Phlox check you out.”

“Thank you sir, but I am quite all right.”

“That wasn’t a suggestion, it was an order- shower, change, relax and then sickbay for a check up.”

“Yes sir.”

~~~~

To Reed, the waiting seemed like an eternity. He didn’t realize he had dozed off until the door chime woke him up. He got up and opened the door.
Archer was there. “I didn’t mean to wake you, Malcolm.”

“I just closed my eyes for a moment sir. Is Trip okay?”

“I was on my way to sickbay just now. Thought you would like to come along.”

“Yes sir,” replied Reed and they headed for sickbay.

~~~~

As they entered sickbay. Phlox met them just inside the doors. Archer was quick to ask, “How are they, Doctor?”

“Commander Tucker is resting quite comfortably I should imagine. Ensign Cutler cleaned his wounds and then we applied a dermal layer to help with the healing. I have him on a fluid drip and a strong pain medication. He is suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration. He has significant bruising and I would say some mighty sore ribs, but there doesn’t seem to be anything broken. He should heal quite nicely, provided he gets his rest.”

Reed was relieved to hear that news, but he had to ask, “What about the young woman? How is she?”

“She is in the ICU recovering from the surgery. Some of the lacerations on her back were rather deep, and she doesn’t have the tough skin that Commander Tucker does. I closed most of those with a few stitches, staples. The laceration across her neck and chest was the one that required the surgery. It seems the tip of the whip caught her trachea and larynx, they had to be repaired.”

“Will she be okay?” Archer asked the question that Reed had wanted to ask.

“I believe she will recover with only minor scarring. The condition of her voice, well, that is up to how she heals.”

“Thank you, Doctor, I know you have done your best.”

“Can we see Trip?” Reed asked anxiously.

“Yes, but only for a moment, he needs his rest.”

The three went over to Trip. His eyes fluttered open as they approach the bed.

“Hey- how you feeling?” Archer asked.

Trip’s voice was rough and strained as he replied. “Been better I suppose Cap’n, feel drained.”

“You need a lot of rest Commander.” Phlox chimed in. “You could be worse.”

Trip’s eyes went wide “What happened to that woman, or was I dream’n?” Trip started to get anxious. “Did she really take on the guards? What happened to her?”

“Calm down Trip.” Reed insisted.

“Commander, you need to relax. She is resting and you need to as well.” Phlox told him. Trip was about to protest when he felt the cool of the hypospray as Phlox gave him a sedative. He drifted off to sleep in seconds.

Phlox checked the monitors then turned to Reed. “Now, Lt. Reed, I believe you are due for a check up.”

“ I am fine Doctor.”

“Malcolm...,” Archer started.

“Alright. Let’s get this over with.”

“Just lie down on that biobed there and we’ll get some scans. You will be out of here in no time.”

Archer quietly asked, “Doctor, would it be okay if I looked in on your other patient?”

“Of course, Captain, but just for a moment.”

Archer quietly entered the ICU while Phlox gave Reed the once over. The lighting was dimmed. The young woman lay motionless. Her neck was bandaged. An IV in her left hand and blood dripped into her right arm. She was intubated as well. Archer noticed her pale face, very striking petite features. Her strawberry blonde braided hair lay over the back of the pillow. Her slender body was covered by the light blue standard sickbay blanket. Thoughts were flooding through Archer’s mind... who is she, why was she in that mine/prison camp- hell, what was she doing on that planet, and why did she put herself in so much danger to help Trip? His thoughts were interrupted as Phlox came in to the room.

“Like a young Sleeping Beauty if I have the reference correct,” Phlox said. “She is human, Captain.”

“Human, are you sure? What was she doing on that planet? How did she get here?”

“Yes, she is as human as you are. As for how she got here, I do not have an answer to that question.”

“Do what you can for her, Doctor.”

“As I always do, Captain.”

~~~~

Archer left Phlox in the ICU and met with Reed just outside sickbay.
“Dr. Phlox wants me to take a couple days off to rest.” Reed told Archer.

“Other than that, a clean bill of health?”

“Just some extra vitamins, some rest and I will be good as new.”

“Then I guess you are off duty for two days. Go get some sleep.”

~~~~

As Captain Archer walked on to the bridge, most eyes were on him. T’Pol got up from her perch on the edge of the Captain’s chair and took her place at the science station.

“Commander Tucker is going to be fine.” Archer stated to alleviate any worry the bridge crew had, especially Travis and Hoshi who he knew were anxious to hear some news. He couldn’t help but notice a quick, almost inconspicuous sign of relief cross T’Pol’s very rigid Vulcan face. Archer continued, “He is resting comfortably in the Doctor’s care, recovering from heat exhaustion mostly. Give him a day or so before you try visiting.”

He paused here before turning to T’Pol. “T’Pol, I need to speak with you in my ready room, Travis, you have the bridge.”

Archer keyed the door open and let T’Pol enter first.

“How did we misjudge the inhabitants of this planet? Why did we not know more about this prison camp?”

“The scans we took of this planet prior to sending the Commander and Lt. Reed down to the surface showed no indication that these inhabitants had ever been away from that small area. There were no signs of ships or vehicles of any kind.”

“Is it possible they were cloaked or hidden behind a force shield of sorts?”

“There were no anomalous readings at that time to indicate any such technology. I am attempting a more thorough scan.”

“Find out why we didn’t detect anything and why they haven’t tried to contact us yet. They have to know we are here.”

“Sir, I have been monitoring the activities on the surface and all indications are that they have gone back to work. We have detected no transmissions, seen no signs of aircraft, or any weapons.”

“Keep an eye on them. I guess I will have to decide if I want to try contacting them or wait for them to make the next move. Dismissed.”

~~~~

It was early evening in sickbay. Phlox checked on his two patients. Trip was still resting. He had been utterly exhausted and drained. He was still hooked up to an IV replenishing his lost fluids. Phlox checked the bio scanner, made some notes on his padd, and then he went to the ICU to check his other patient.

He checked the monitors on the biobed above the young woman, then ran a scanner over her. He disconnected the empty blood drip. When he next looked at her, he was surprised to see her eyes were open. Phlox gave her one of his big smiles. He saw the look in her eyes, scared-lost. He spoke gently to her.

“You are safe here. Just relax. I am Doctor Phlox. You have been through some surgery. I can remove the breathing tube now if you promise to remain calm. Do we have a deal, hmm?”

The young woman closed her eyes and did a very small quick nod. “This may be a bit uncomfortable, but the discomfort will ease when the tube is out.” The young woman never even flinched when Phlox removed the breathing tube, put in during surgery to protect her airway and keep swelling from becoming a problem. With her eyes still closed a few tears made their way out of the corner of her eyes. Phlox dabbed them gently with a tissue.
“Rest now. I will be close if you need anything.” Phlox dimmed the lights again as he left the room and went to his office.

~~~~

Later that night, Amanda opened her eyes. Without moving her head she took a look at her surroundings. Where was she? How did she get here? And then she wondered about the blonde man. What had happened to him, was he okay? She just had to know. She tried to clear her head. Okay. She was in a bed in a closed room with white curtains. She lifted her right hand to touch her neck. Her neck was bandaged. Right. That doctor had said something about surgery. He wasn’t human, but this wasn’t the mine camp either. Where was she? She lifted her left hand- ow. She saw the IV still attached. Okay, that could be a problem. At least she didn’t have a catheter. She summoned her strength to sit up. Her head swam for a moment, for she was dizzy. She slid her legs out from under the blanket and over the side of the bed.

Her feet had barely touched the floor when Phlox was at the door. “And where do we think we are going?” He asked as he came to her side and supported her as she was having trouble staying upright.

She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She looked up at him with those deep brown eyes. He could see the determination and worry in her eyes as they started to fill with tears.

“Let’s get you back into bed, young lady. You are in no condition to be out of bed. Your back and neck need time to heal. You shouldn’t be trying to talk either. Your vocal cords need to remain unstressed.” He could tell that she didn’t want to get back into bed, but she gave no resistance. She did just as he asked and sighed in defeat.

“Close your eyes and try to get some sleep.” Phlox checked her IV and vitals then left the room once again. Amanda closed her eyes and wept silent tears of frustration. She slipped into a broken sleep.

~~~~

It was early morning when Phlox came out of his office to check on his patients. What he saw surprised him. How did this happen? He quickly went over to the unmoving young woman who lay face down on the floor of sickbay, halfway between the ICU and Trip’s biobed. Phlox took a scan before he gently rolled her over, picked her up and headed back into the ICU with her. He lay her down on the biobed and pulled the blanket up over her body. The floor of sickbay is not a warm place to sleep. He reinserted the IV in her hand and checked the information on the monitors. He looked down at her. He got a damp cloth and wiped the dried tears from her face.

~~~~

Archer was woken by a call from the bridge. “Archer here. Go ahead, Hoshi.”

“Sorry to wake you Captain, but we are being hailed from the surface.”

“I’m on my way.”

Within minutes, Archer made his way onto the bridge. “Put them through Ensign...This is Captain Archer of the star ship Enterprise. What can I do for you?”

The ugly face of the Overseer appeared on the screen.

“I am Overseer Dolun, I run this mining camp. You have taken prisoners from my workforce. You will return them immediately!”

“I can not do that Overseer Dolun. I rescued my men, one of whom was being tortured.”

“I am sure your people were being dealt with as they deserved. All criminals are treated the same. You must return them at once so they may pay for their crime.”

“And just what crime have they been accused of, Overseer Dolun?”

“They were caught trespassing on my land.”

“Trespassing? And for that you throw them in prison? Did they get a trial, a chance to explain?”

“They had their say, and they were guilty.”

“I’m sure they told you we are peaceful explorers and that we did not know this was all your land. We were unaware that it was against the law to be here. We meant no harm.”

“That was the story they gave me.”

“It is no story, it is the truth. I will not turn my officers over to you. We will agree not to set foot on your planet again.”

“Very well, but what about my muse?”

“Your ‘muse?’ I don’t understand.”

“My muse, my toy... Oh, what did she call herself, Amenduh.”

T’Pol spoke up. “Captain, I believe he may be referring to the young woman we transported with Commander Tucker.”

“Yes, the young woman. I want her returned to me right now.”

“I’m afraid she isn’t going anywhere at the moment.”

“Are you planning on keeping my property? This would be grounds for charges. I will have you in my prison for this. I demand you return her to me now!”

Archer was beginning to raise his voice now too. “She can’t be returned to you at this moment because your guards nearly killed her. She is under the care of my ship’s doctor after having undergone surgery.”

“Oh. She was damaged. I want to speak with her.”

“Well now, that might be a bit of a problem there too. First, I’m not sure she has regained consciousness and second, when she does come to she may not be able to speak.”

Dolun was shocked. “WHAT!?”

“Your guards did a number on her neck and damaged her vocal chords. My doctor isn’t sure if she will regain her voice or not.”

Dolun began to stumble over his words. “I...will...be in touch with you. Do not leave orbit!” And with that said, he cut the transmission.

“I’ll be in sickbay.” Archer exclaimed as he bolted for the turbolift. “Have Lt. Reed meet me there.” He told Hoshi just as he entered the lift.

~~~~

Archer stopped outside of sickbay to gather his thoughts before he went in. He put his hand on the wall, hung his head and brought his other hand up to his face. Just then Reed came up.

“Are you alright, Captain?”

Archer snapped back into his role as Captain. “I’m fine Malcolm. Let’s go see how Trip’s feeling this morning.”

They entered sickbay. Phlox was removing the IV from Trip’s hand. Trip was awake, sitting up and smiled as he saw them come in.

“Mornin’ Cap’n…Malcolm. Did you come to spring me?”

“How are you feeling Trip?” Archer asked.

“Kinda like I’ve been run over, but a whole lot better than yesterday.”

“You look better, Commander,” Reed said.

“So when can I get outta here, Doc?”

Phlox looked at his patient. “Provided you get complete bed rest for the next day or so, I see no reason you can’t return to your quarters to recuperate. I will check on you throughout the day.”

“Sounds great Doc,” Trip exclaimed as he slid off the bed.

“Commander, you must notify me if you are feeling dizzy or have any major pain. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Doctor,” Trip agreed to Phlox’s conditions of release then pulled the curtain to get dressed.

~~~~~

Archer, Phlox and Reed moved a few steps away. Archer, who had been slightly distracted, spoke.

“Doctor, how is your other patient doing?”

Trip popped his head out from behind the curtain. “I wasn’t dream’n’, she really did take on the guards.” He was starting to get anxious. He pulled back the curtain. He had managed to get his pants on, but was still shirtless. His increased breathing was making his sore ribs ache through the painkillers. Malcolm got to his side to help him stay upright as Trip continued.

“Where is she, how is she, -what- hap...happened?”

Archer was at his other side in seconds.

“Calm down Trip,” he told him.

Archer and Malcolm helped Trip sit back on the biobed. Phlox came at him with a hypospray.

Trip held him off. “No...I’m...fine...just....”

“Commander Tucker,” Phlox began, “You are not fine. Your heart rate is up, your breathing is shallow and you are obviously in pain.”

“I...don’t...want....”

“Trip,” Archer interrupted him. “Phlox isn’t going to knock you out, just something to help with the pain and let you relax.”

Trip hung his head in defeat. He felt the cool of the hypospray against his neck, the soft hiss as its contents were injected. Soon, his breathing became more regular and the pain subsided. They waited a moment longer for Trip to regain his composure. Then Phlox answered the Captain’s question.

“The young lady is quite a trooper. I am finding it hard to keep her in bed.”

“Doctor?” Archer asked, indicating he wanted more of an explanation.

“Last evening, when she awoke after the surgery, I caught her trying to get out of bed. Well, she did stand for a moment.”

Malcolm spoke up now, “She was up after the surgery?”

Trip’s eyes had gone wide at the first mention of her having undergone surgery. Now his face was getting pale as Phlox continued.

“Yes, quite amazing considering her injuries. I was even more shocked and perplexed when this morning I found her lying on the floor out here in sickbay.” Even more color drained from Trip’s face.

Phlox continued, “She must have gotten so far and passed out. I still don’t understand why the alarms on the monitors did not go off.”

Archer glanced at Trip and saw how pale he had become. “Trip, are you okay?” Now all three men were staring at Trip. Phlox got his medical scanner as Trip opened his mouth to speak.

“It’s...my fault.”

“No, Trip.”

“Yes.”

“No, you didn’t ask her to do what she did. You didn’t make the guards whip her.”

Trip closed his eyes and asked, “Why?”

“We don’t know the answer to that yet, Trip.” Archer had wanted to discuss the demand of Overseer Dolun, to return his ‘muse,’ but he knew that Trip wasn’t quite up to it.

“Commander,” began Phlox, “you are still suffering from heat exhaustion. This condition is affecting your emotions and judgment. I will still allow you to rest in your quarters, but you must rest.”

Trip nodded then said, “I want to see her.”

Archer looked at Trip for a moment. “I’ve never really seen her, just her eyes.” Archer looked at Phlox.

“Her condition is stable at the moment Captain. I see no reason why Commander Tucker can’t see her,” Phlox continued, looking at Trip, “provided it is a quick visit and then back to your quarters to rest. Understood?”

“You got it , Doc.” Trip slid off the biobed, with Reed and Archer on either side of him. He swayed just a moment then steadied himself.

Phlox went in first. He went over to the bed to check the monitors and her IV. Trip paused at the door.

“You okay?” Reed asked tentatively.

“Ya, just...” Trip went through the doorway and over to the bed. This was the first time he had really seen her. He recalled the time in the sweatbox (a shiver ran down his back), her finger to her lips, those deep brown eyes. Her eyes were closed now. Trip saw the bandage on her neck. Phlox saw the question in Trip’s eyes before he could ask it.

“She suffered a lash to her trachea and larynx, but both should heal nicely.”

“Her voice?” Trip all but whispered.

“That, I cannot say at this time. The damage was repairable, however, injuries such as these heal differently depending on the individual.”

Reed interjected, “I’m sure she will be fine.”

Archer also insisted, “She is very strong, Trip.”

Trip never stopped staring at her. He whispered, “She’s so small.”

They all stood there for a few moments in silence. Archer and Reed watched Trip, and Phlox watched them all.

Archer broke the silence, “Let’s get you back to your quarters, Trip.”

Reluctantly, Trip turned and they headed out of ICU. Just as Phlox was going to dim the lights, he saw a single tear fall from the corner of her eye.

~~~~

Back at Trip’s quarters, Archer and Reed were just leaving after getting Trip settled in. They were out in the corridor. “Let’s go back to my ready room. I have a few questions maybe you can answer for me.” Archer stated.
“I will try my best, sir.”

Archer, Reed and T’pol were seated at the table in the Captain’s ready room. Reed had again related their experience on the planet.

“I am not sure I can shed any more light on this Captain. I only saw her that one time when she gave me my communicator. She was there one moment, then she was gone.” Reed said.

“Did she say anything to you?”

“Only one word, and it was in a very soft tone. She said “hurry,” and then she was gone.”

“Why would she do that?” Archer wondered. He looked at T’pol. “Do you have any insight on this, Sub-Commander?”

“There are too many unanswered questions: her choice to help Commander Tucker; putting herself in danger to do so; her knowledge of where the communicators were; and her knowledge of what they were as well. She found Lt. Reed in a crowd of prisoners and was able to make her way into a fenced off arena that appeared to have no access. She did this to again help Commander Tucker. Why?”

“And what was a human doing on that planet, how did she get there to begin with?!” Reed interjected. He was getting tired, physically and emotionally.

Archer sensed this and decided the meeting was over. “I think we should continue this discussion later. Dismissed.”

T’Pol rose gracefully and left. Reed wearily got to his feet.

“You should get some lunch, Malcolm, then go back to your quarters and rest.”

“Aye, sir.” Reed agreed.

~~~~

Phlox was in his office. Ensign Cutler knocked on the open door.

“Doctor, why don’t you go grab some lunch. You’ve been working nonstop.”

“Ensign Cutler, you are beginning to sound like me.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” she quipped.

Phlox didn’t get up. He was still looking at his computer screen.

“So, are you going to go eat or do I have to kick you out of here?”

“You’re right, Ensign. I mustn’t neglect my own health.”

“I’ll hold the fort while you are gone. Try to relax for a change.”

Phlox got up and headed for the door. “I’ll be in the mess hall, if you need me.”

~~~~~

Phlox entered the mess hall and picked up something that looked appetizing. He was looking for a place to sit when he spotted Lt. Reed absently pushing his food around his plate.

“Mind if I join you?” Phlox asked.

Reed looked up. “Be my guest, although I might not be much on conversation today.”

“That’s alright. I do enjoy the ambiance of eating with friends. No words are necessary.”

They sat there in silence. Phlox was eating while Reed was still playing with his food.

After a while Phlox asked, “Is there something on your mind, Lieutenant?”

“Huh, oh I just...” Reed didn’t get to finish his sentence. They both tensed when they heard:

SECURITY, REPORT TO SICKBAY. SECURITY , REPORT TO SICKBAY.

~~~~

Phlox and Reed entered sickbay to find Ensign Cutler talking to two officers from Security. Archer came through the doors about that time, and the security officers went into ICU followed by Reed.

~~~~

Ensign Cutler came over to Phlox and Archer. “I’m sorry sir. I don’t know how it could have happened. She’s gone.”

Archer stood stunned for a moment. “What do you mean ‘gone’?” he asked.

Phlox was a bit more calm. “Explain what happened please, Ensign.”

“I was in your office checking a file. I wasn’t in there more than a few minutes. When I came out, I went to check on her. She was gone. I don’t know how she could have gotten out.”

By this time the security team had left to search. Reed was still checking the ICU. Archer went in to talk to Reed.

“I have posted security at all the air locks and in the shuttle bay as well as the transporter room.”

Archer went to the comm panel on the wall. “Archer to T’pol.”

“T’Pol here, Captain.”

“Check the sensors for any unusual readings- transport, ships....”

“There have been no unusual readings, Captain.”

“Keep a close eye on them for anything out of the ordinary. Archer out.” He turned back to Reed. “I thought you were off duty for a few days.”

“I was, I am, I just heard the page and....”

“I know. I had to come down too.”

As Phlox and Cutler entered the ICU, Reed turned towards the empty biobed and said, “There doesn’t appear to be any signs of a struggle.”

“This would not be the first time she has gotten out of bed without setting the alarms off.” Phlox offered.

“But how could she have done that?” Cutler asked.

Reed countered with, “Good question. I will have Lt. Hess take a look at the alarm system as soon as she can.”

“Thank you Lt. I should have insisted on having it looked at the first time it happened.”

“It’s my fault. I should have been paying more attention,” Ensign Cutler stated. Archer was quick to say, “We’ll settle the blame after we find her. If she left on her own she couldn’t have gotten very far.”

“My men are searching. Is she in any danger, Doctor? How ill is she?”

“I don’t like any of my patients walking the corridors without having been discharged and especially within hours of having had surgery. I can’t say how much pain she will be in. Without the IV giving her painkillers, she may be quite uncomfortable. I dare say she will not be too energetic.” Phlox told them. “So, there’s a very good chance that if she did walk out of here on her own, that she is somewhere close.”

Archer and Reed headed out of sickbay, Reed saying, “I’ll go check the internal sensors, maybe they can tell us something.”

~~~~

“Bridge to Captain Archer.”

“Archer here. Go ahead, Hoshi.”

“Captain, Overseer Dolun wants to speak with you.”

“Tell him I’m busy. Take a message. Archer out.” What timing. Now what does he want?

~~~~

Trip was asleep in his quarters. He didn’t think he needed more sleep, but looking at some engineering reports had made him very tired. Probably Doctor Phlox’s medication was part of the culprit.

The call for security hadn’t woken Trip, but something else did now…his door chime. He got out of bed groggily. He was wearing sweat pants and a t-shirt, feet bare. He pushed the control to open the door and turned his back to it before it opened.

“Geez Doc, I thought you’d let me get a few more hours of sleep before checking up on me.”

The door closed before he finished his sentence. He had made it over to his bed by the time he turned to look and see that it wasn’t Phlox who was standing just inside his door.

Trip was stunned when he turned around and saw that it wasn’t Phlox who had come in. It was the young woman who had risked her life for him standing there just inside his door. There she stood-barefoot, wearing that oversized sickbay gown. It was too big for her slender frame and hung off her left shoulder. The red welt from the whip showing from her bandaged neck down towards her left side. Trip was absolutely stunned. He stood there just staring at her. She was shorter, more petite than Hoshi.

Finally, Trip found his voice. “Does Phlox know you are out of sickbay? Are you okay?”

He began to notice how pale her face was as she stared back at him. Her eyes red, welling with unshed tears. One single tear rolled down her cheek. She opened her mouth, but her voice was not cooperating.

She attempted to say , “I had to see that you were alright.” Oh her mouth formed the words, but her voice wasn’t up to the task. It sounded more like, “- ---- -ad – s– th– — –er ------t.” She coughed and strained to make her voice work and Trip could see the frustration and pain in her face.

“Don’t try to talk. I think you need to go back to sickbay.” Trip said as he took a step towards her.

Again, she tried to speak-well yell- “NO!” but nothing came out.

Trip stopped. “Okay,” he said.

She turned around to the door looking for the way to open it. With her back to Trip for the first time he could see the terrible red welts and gashes the whip had made. The sickbay gown she wore was tied only at the butt level and it hung half off her exposing most of her back.

Trip stepped forward now. “Whoa. Don’t leave.”

She started to turn around, but just crumbled to the floor at the door, sobbing. Trip wasn’t sure what he should do. He squatted down beside her, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. Her sobbing subsided, her body still trembled.

They were both startled by the door chime. She looked up at him, holding her breath, still shaking. The door chime rang again.

Trip, still by her side, looked into her eyes and said, “If I don’t answer, they will come in anyways.” Another big tear rolled down her cheek as she closed her eyes and bowed her head. She was practically in Trip’s lap. Trip’s long arm reached up and pressed button to open the door.

Archer stood in the open doorway taking in the site before him. His chief engineer squatted down at the door with a barely clothed young woman almost in his lap.

“We’ve been worried about you.” Archer spoke softly to the young woman. She didn’t move. She was still shaking. Archer went to the comm panel in the corridor. “Archer to Lt. Reed.”

“Reed here sir.”

“Let Dr. Phlox know we have located his missing patient. I don’t believe we had any intruders. Stand down from alert.”

“Acknowledged, Sir.”

While Archer was talking to Reed, Trip was trying to get the young woman to stand up. He took her hand in his-how small and delicate it was-and put his other hand at her elbow to help her to stand. She grabbed his hand with both of hers, to pull herself up. She stumbled a little and leaned on him for support. Trip pulled the back of her gown together, covering her back and shoulders. She stood there shaking, still grasping his hands. Archer walked back to them.

“Let’s get you back to sickbay.” When Archer said this, Trip looked at him. He felt the young woman’s grip tighten, but she didn’t move.

Trip spoke, “I think she likes sickbay less than Malcolm does.”

“I know we all like to avoid sickbay, but sometimes we all need the Doctor’s help to get better.”

The young woman was still shaking, gripping Trip’s hand. She took a small tentative step through the doorway. Trip was right there with her. Archer saw that she was shaking and slipped into Trip’s quarters returning with a blanket from Trip’s bed. He gently draped it over her shoulders. She looked so fragile. They took a couple more steps in the corridor and she started to stumble. Archer caught her and couldn’t believe how light she was as he picked her up in his arms. She hadn’t let go of Trip’s hand until then. She buried her face into Archer shoulder.

~~~~

As soon as they entered sickbay, Phlox was right there. He ushered them over to the nearest biobed and started scanning her before Archer had set her down. Her shaking had stopped. Her tear rimmed eyes were red. She looked from Archer to Trip, stared for a moment into Trip’s blue eyes.

She tried to speak. Her lips formed the words “I’m sorry,” but no sound came out, just a squeak. Then she closed her eyes.

Phlox pressed a hypospray to her neck then pulled the blanket around her. He motioned Archer and Trip away from the bed and pulled the curtain as they stepped away to talk.

“She is exhausted. Her injuries need time to heal and she needs rest. I gave her a sedative along with a strong painkiller. I am amazed at her tenacity. Where did you find her?”

“She was in Trip’s quarters.” Archer answered and Phlox gave Trip a quizzical look.
“She came on her own.” Trip explained how he had been half asleep when the door chime rang and how it thought it was Phlox checking up on him, but it was her. “She tried to tell me something, but her voice....”

“She shouldn’t be trying to talk. Her vocal cords need to heal,” Phlox stated.

“She’s scared, very scared, but of what?” Trip thought aloud.

“While we were searching for her, Overseer Dolun wanted to speak to me. Maybe I should find out what he wanted,” Archer said, and continued, “keep me informed of her condition.”

“Of course, Captain.”

“I’d like to stay here for a while, if that’s okay Doc?” Trip asked as Archer left sickbay.

“She will not awake for some time Commander, but you may stay. I would like the opportunity to check your wounds and see that you get some rest.”

~~~~

Archer sat in his ready room watching the message that Overseer Dolun had left for him. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing this ‘man’ say. And he had sent video clips to back up his offer. It was making Archer sick to hear and see, but he had to view the entire message. No wonder this young woman was scared.

Archer opened the comm.. “Archer to Hoshi.”

“Go ahead, Captain.”

“I need Lt. Reed, Commander Tucker, and Sub-Commander T’Pol in my ready room as soon as possible.”

“Yes sir.” Archer sat back in his chair, thinking. He needed to know what his senior officers had to say about this proposal. He was sure that Trip wasn’t gonna like what he heard, but leaving him out of this meeting would be an even bigger mistake.

~~~~

T’Pol came right in from the bridge and Archer quickly gave her a summary of Overseer Dolun’s offer. She remained emotionless, but made the comment that neither Lt. Reed or Commander Tucker would be so detached.

Both men soon arrived and Archer began. “Overseer Dolun has made me an offer.”

“What kinda offer, for what?” Trip asked.

“I’m getting to that, Trip. He, well, he wants to sell the young woman to me.”

“Excuse me?!” Trip was floored.

Reed was confused, “I don’t understand Sir, sell her to you?”

Trip interjected, “What is she a piece of....” He stopped. It suddenly dawned on him just what she probably was to him. He went pale and felt sick.

Reed continued Trip’s thought. “You can’t possibly mean she is his, his....”

Archer stopped him. “More like his show toy, maid, entertainment, and ....”

Trip started to gag. He coughed a bit and sat there covering his mouth, his head on his hand, elbow on the table.

T’Pol spoke up, “Perhaps the video would be a simpler way to comprehend the relationship, or should I say ownership, Overseer Dolun possesses with this young woman.”

Trip’s head snapped up and he blurted out, “He sent video of this?”

“It’s okay, Trip. It’s not what you think, but I will tell you the video clips may be disturbing.”

Archer nodded to T’Pol, and she started the video.

~~~~

The ugly face of Overseer Dolun appeared. He started off saying he was sorry that Captain Archer was unavailable to take this conversation in person, but hoped that they would meet soon to discuss his offer.

“The injury you say she has suffered makes her not as appealing for my use of her. I am sure you will find more uses for her as she is the same species as you. And should her injury heal, you will no doubt find other things to do with her as well. She is usually very obedient and well behaved. Always willing to please. I will let you keep her for another two revolutions of the planet, then you can tell me what price you will pay me for her. Trades are not out of the question. Perhaps you have another female you would care to trade, maybe one a bit more mature. I have sent some vid clips of my muse –
enjoy them as you consider my offer. I am giving you first option, but there are others who will not hesitate to make this purchase. They would no doubt pay quite a bit to possess her. I look forward to hearing from you.”

He signed off and the video kept going. The subject in the video clips was the same young woman who was now lying in sickbay.

She was beautiful. The first clip was taken when she was younger, but she was indeed the same woman. She was wearing a gauzy dress, light pink in color. It accentuated her strawberry blonde hair. She sat in a field of flowers, just staring at the sky, humming what could have been “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”. A gruff voice from off camera made her jump to her feet, and she was gone. In the next clip she was painting a mural on the wall inside a building. It was an amazing landscape. It looked like Mt. Fuji on Earth.

Next clip was in a hall, Overseer Dolun at a table with another alien man. They were having drinks. A very melodic voice was singing, “You Are My Sunshine”. The camera angle widened to reveal that the singer was the young woman. She was wearing a provocative halter top and sheer skirt all in black. The alien man with Overseer Dolun spoke: “So you are offering her for tonight to seal this deal?” “Nothing but the finest. I’m sure your men will enjoy her.” They shook hands.

Trip got up and went to the window.

The next clip started, but Archer had T’Pol stop it right there.

“You don’t have to stay for this, Trip.”

“It’s gonna get worse isn’t it? I mean...,” Trip started, but Archer interrupted him.

“No, Trip. I told you it wasn’t what you are thinking. Either sit down or wait outside.”

Trip plopped back down in his chair. He let out a big sigh.

“Okay, T’Pol continue,” Archer told her.

The vid clips started up and it was an area aboard the alien’s star ship, probably a mess hall. The young woman was scantily clad, dancing and singing in a strange language-presumably the native language of these aliens.
The next clip was Overseer Dolun and the alien man. “I can’t believe this strange female can produce those notes correctly. Are you sure she had never heard that piece before today?”

“She is quite adept at learning music. Perhaps you would like to stay for more? Maybe purchase a few more hours?”

“I do not have the time or the money to do that right now, but she was wonderful, worth the price. Are you sure you won’t part with her? She would make our trip much more enjoyable.”

“I think I will keep her for now. If I decide to sell her, I will keep you in mind.”

The video clips ended there.

No one spoke for a few moments.

Reed broke the silence. “It sounds like she is an entertainer for him. A singer, dancer perhaps.”

T’Pol added, “And with the possibility that she may not be able to speak again due to her injury, she would be of no use to him.”

“So, he wants to make the most of this situation by selling her to us,” Archer finished.

There was a moment of silence again. Archer was studying Trip. Trip was still staring at the now blank computer screen.

“Any thoughts on this, Trip?” Archer asked. “Trip?”

Trip slowly turned his head to face Archer.

“So, he is unloading her like a used, broken toy,” Trip finally said.

“What do you suppose he would do with her if you didn’t accept his offer to buy her from him?” Reed asked.

Trip was quick with, “You don’t think the Cap’n ... Jon, you wouldn’t….”

“Relax Trip. There is no way that I want to let this woman return to the planet, but I need some answers. T’Pol, have you heard back from Starfleet about missing persons?”

“I have not. Doctor Phlox and I have been checking her DNA. Perhaps she will be alert enough soon to assist us with answers.”

“Phlox gave her a sedative when we brought her back to sickbay. I’m not sure when she will be waking up. She shouldn’t be talking with her injury. Let’s hope she can write in English.”

“Or maybe Hoshi would be able to translate it,” Reed suggested.

“Good idea Malcolm, Hoshi may be of help. Until then, T’Pol, keep trying missing persons reports from freighters, cargo ships, anything. We don’t know how long she has been out here. Dismissed.”

T’Pol and Reed left the room. Trip got up to leave, but Archer stopped him. “Wait a minute Trip, sit back down.”

Trip sat and another big sigh escaped his lips.

“You okay?” Archer asked, his concern showing in his gentle tone.

“Yeah, just a little tired.”

“That’s not what I was referring to, although it is good you’re willing to admit that you are tired. You look exhausted.”

“I don’t know how I am Jon. I guess confused... angry... and more confused. I just don’t understand any of this.”

“You’re not alone there Trip. I have a lot of questions for Overseer Dolun and this young lady.” Archer paused here to take a look at his friend, then he continued. “Why don’t you go back to your quarters and get some rest.”

“I want to be there when you question her. I gotta know why.”

“I promise, I’ll let you know when she is ready to ‘talk’ to.”

“Thanks Jon.”

“Go get some sleep.”

~~~~

Trip is in his quarters, asleep in his bunk. He has obviously taken his pants off and just crashed. He lay on his stomach, arms around his pillow, sound asleep. He awoke suddenly to the sound of his door chime. He got up groggily and opened the door.

Archer stood there at the door, Hoshi was behind him, but she had a good view of Trip.

Archer held back a chuckle as he told Trip, “You might want to put some pants on…we’re headed to sickbay.”

“Just give me a minute to freshen up. Be right with ya.” Trip disappeared back into his quarters leaving Archer and a stunned Hoshi standing in the corridor.

“Are you sure the Commander is up to this? He looks, well....”

Archer finished Hoshi’s comment: “Beat?”

“Yeah, just completely worn out.”

“I promised him that if he got some rest I would wake him for the questioning. He needs answers too.”

A moment later Trip joined them. His hair was wet, but at least he had pants on now.

As the trio walked into sickbay, Hoshi made a small gasp and put her hand to her mouth.

Phlox looked over at them. “Just a moment, Captain.”

With Ensign Cutler’s help, he was reapplying a dermal layer to the young woman’s worst whip wounds. Hoshi hadn’t seen the woman until now and she was surprised at the sight of her wounds.

When Phlox had finished dressing her wounds, he and Ensign Cutler helped the young woman lay back and adjusted the bed into a more comfortable position. Phlox checked the monitors and then looked directly into the young woman’s eyes. “Now remember what I told you, ‘no talking’, your vocal chords need to heal. Understood?”

She nodded as she looked at him with a scolded puppy look.

“Captain Archer and Commander Tucker have some questions for you. Do you feel up to it?”

She closed her eyes briefly and nodded slowly.

“Very well, Captain, try not to wear her out. I will be right over here if you need me.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Archer said as Phlox moved over to do some work, just nearby in case he was needed. Archer stepped close to the bed followed by Hoshi. Trip stood at the other side of the bed.

“I’m Captain Jonathan Archer.”

She managed a small smile.

“I’m sure you remember Commander Tucker.”

She nodded in Trip’s direction looking right into his eyes. Her face got a shade lighter and her smile faded as she saw how tired he still looked. Archer continued.

“This is Ensign Hoshi Sato, our communications officer and our linguistics specialist.”

The young woman slowly looked from Trip to Hoshi and managed another small smile, nodding in acknowledgment.

Archer held out a padd. “Can you write?” he asked her.

She took the padd eagerly and began to write. A moment later, she handed it back to Archer. He looked at it, and then handed it to Hoshi.

Hoshi looked at it briefly and smiled.

“Hi, Amanda. It is nice to meet you.”

Archer looked at Hoshi and she explained. “It’s not exactly English, Captain, but I think I can translate it. It is a mix, the spelling is almost phonetic, and there is another language that I am not familiar with.”

Amanda listened to Hoshi, a look of frustration briefly crossing her face. She gestured for the padd and Hoshi handed it back to her. With a look of concentration, Amanda cautiously wrote a few lines. She handed the padd back to Hoshi, who studied it again for a few moments. “Captain, can we....” and, speaking to Amanda, said, “we will be right back.”

Hoshi and Archer moved to the other side of the room. Amanda looked confused and let out a big sigh.

Trip tried to alleviate her confusion. “It’s okay, Hoshi often has to check with the Captain before reading out loud.”

Amanda just stared at Hoshi and Archer.

Trip comes over to join them. “What’s up? She’s gettin’ nervous.”

“I need some time to translate this. I thought she knew English, but this isn’t normal English that she is writing.” Hoshi explained.

Archer was a bit disappointed. “We may have to wait till she can talk before we find out any information, or at least till Hoshi can find some sort of pattern to translate this.”

Trip was adamant. “She does know English. What about lip reading Hoshi?”

“I might be....”

They were interrupted by the sound of the bed alarm going off and a bit of commotion as Phlox was at Amanda’s side before they could react.

Amanda was ‘standing’, leaning on the biobed trying to get away from Phlox who was attempting to keep her calm. Amanda was trying to talk, or yell. Nothing but some hoarse squeaks and groans were escaping her bruised and sore throat. Amanda got around Phlox who was being gentle not to injure her any further. She fell into Trip’s grasp.

“Whoa there. It’s okay. Stop!” Trip pleaded with her.

“Hold her, Commander, while I get a sedative.”

Amanda stopped, except for the shaking of her head and the forming of the word ‘NO’ on her lips. She was breathing hard, her breath coming in gasps. She looked up into Trip’s eyes. ‘No, please’ was on her lips. She clung to the front of Trip’s shirt and melted in his grasp.

Trip picked her up and placed her back onto the biobed. She wouldn’t let go of his shirt.

Phlox came over with a hypospray and Amanda buried her head into Trip’s chest. “Do you really need ta use that Doc? I think she’s just scared.” Trip asked.

“It’s a very mild sedative, to help calm her breathing.”

Trip tried to get Amanda to look at him. She slowly raised her face to look into his eyes.

“It’s okay. No one here is gonna hurt you. I promise.”

“This will help you to breathe easier,” Phlox explained, as he pressed the hypospray against her neck.

Amanda still clung to Trip. Her breathing became more regular, still a little raspy. She fought the sleepy feeling she because she didn’t want to go to sleep. She was still clinging to the front of Trip’s shirt; he held her as she drifted off to sleep.

“I believe she is asleep Commander.”

“She is so scared.” Trip stated as he gently laid her back on the bed.

She was still clutching the front of Trip’s shirt tightly in her fist. Phlox reached over and gently pried her hand from his shirt. Archer came over now. Hoshi still stayed in the back not wanting to intrude.

“I am sorry, Captain. I did not expect her to have a reaction such as this. It appears she became quite agitated,” Phlox stated.

“She is so scared,” Trip repeated, not taking his eyes off her.

Archer was concerned. “Is she alright?”

Phlox was running a scanner over her. “She is exhausted, much like someone else I see here,” he continued, as he ran the scanner over Trip.

Trip still hadn’t taken his eyes off Amanda.

“Any suggestions, Doctor?” Archer asked, looking at Trip.

“Perhaps. I could give him a strong sedative and provided he can get a good amount of undisturbed sleep, he should be feeling much better.”

“And do you think he will let you give him a sedative?” Archer asked, knowing Trip was unlikely to want to rest.

“As a physician I can deem it medically necessary, but ethically, I cannot give it to him without his consent. He is obviously under a lot of stress and is not thinking clearly.”

Archer looked at Trip, “He has no idea that we are talking about him now. He looks like he could fall asleep at any moment.” Archer paused here then continued. “Get the sedative ready. I will walk him back to his quarters and see that he gets some rest. Make it strong enough to keep him out for a while, he needs it.”

“I would prefer that he remain here so that I may monitor him. He just might be in a bit more agreement if he will be staying close to this young woman.”

“Amanda. We did find out her name, Amanda. Well, let’s get Trip settled.”

Phlox stepped beside Trip. “Commander, I would like to see you get some undisturbed sleep.”

“Huh, um, I just took a nap a little while ago. I’m fine,” Trip argued.

“Trip, this is not an option. You are exhausted and need rest. Phlox is going to give you a sedative and keep you here to see that you get the rest you need,” Archer told him.

“But,” Trip began, Archer cut him off.

“No. No buts. I will make it an order if I have to.”

Trip hung his head. Phlox led Trip over to the next biobed.

“Over here Commander. You will be close to Amanda, and if anything happens, I will make sure you are woken, but you must remain in bed and relax. This sedative will help you to get the rest you need to recuperate properly.”

Trip sighed in defeat. He lay back on the biobed after taking his shoes off. The hypospray was cool against his neck and his eyelids were getting very heavy. Archer stood by, but it wasn’t long before Phlox stated, “He is asleep Captain. They both are now.”

“Good, now to get some answers. If she can’t give them to me, somebody had better be able to.”

Archer headed for the door. Hoshi turned to follow Archer as he got to the door. “Let’s make an appointment with Overseer Dolun, Hoshi.” Archer said to Hoshi. Then he turned back to Phlox and added, “Keep me informed of any changes in their conditions, Doctor.”

“Of course, Captain.”

~~~~

Archer and Hoshi walked on to the bridge. Hoshi went straight to the comm station, Archer was barking orders.

“Get me Overseer Dolun. I want some answers.”

All eyes were on Archer as he paced back and forth.

He stopped when Hoshi announced, “I have him Captain.”

“On screen,” Archer said, as he straightened his jacket.

The ugly face of Overseer Dolun appeared on the screen.

“Captain Archer. I did not expect to hear from you so soon. Have you decided to purchase my muse? Isn’t she just the most?”

“I have a number of questions I need answered, before I make any decisions regarding Amanda.”

“I see... and she has not been forthcoming in her answers to you? She should be punished for this insolence.”

“No. She hasn’t refused to answer, she is too ill to answer questions.”

“Oh, perhaps I can help you with that as well.”

“What do you mean?”

“It is a long story. We should meet in person to finish our discussion. You should bring her down with you when you come.”

“I would prefer if you came here, Overseer Dolun. I don’t think that my doctor will allow Amanda to be moved at this time.”

“Very well, very well. I will consult my guards and be with you shortly.”

The screen suddenly went blank. Archer stood there for a moment.

“Hoshi, I need you to work on translating the information that Amanda wrote. T’Pol, I need you and Lt. Reed in my ready room.”

T’Pol nodded then proceeded to contact Reed. “T’Pol to Lt. Reed.”

“Reed here.”

“Please come to the Captain’s ready room.”

“I’m on my way.”

~~~~

A little while later, Hoshi interrupted the trio in the Captain’s ready room. “Overseer Dolun’s ship is requesting permission to dock.”

“Grant it, we will meet him at the starboard docking port. Archer out.”

~~~~

About that same time, back in sickbay, Amanda woke up. She lay there quietly taking in her surroundings yet again. Her breathing became rapid. Phlox was there.

“I see we are awake.”

Amanda turned her head to look at Phlox. She opened her mouth.

“Uh, uh, no talking,” Phlox scolded.

Amanda closed her mouth and stared at Phlox.

“That’s better.”

Phlox checked the monitors and looked over to note that Trip was still sound asleep. Amanda’s mind raced. Her breathing was still rapid. She needed to get out of bed. She sat up.

“Where do we think we are going?” Phlox asked.

Amanda raised her hand to her mouth as if she had a cup in it. Didn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that kind of sign language.

“I see, you are thirsty. One moment.”

Phlox went to get a glass of water. He returned and Amanda grabbed the glass from his hand.

“Slowly now,” Phlox told her, but she had already upended the glass, spilling water on herself and onto the floor.

“Oops, let me get something and clean this up.”

Phlox again turned his back to get a towel. His head snapped around when the bed alarm went off.

Amanda was out of bed, and she had broken the glass. She was backing away from Phlox towards Trip’s biobed. Phlox was moving slowly and talking in a low soothing tone when he saw that she had the smashed water glass in her hand. She held the glass towards him as she backed up to Trip’s bed. She stopped and gasped as her wounded back hit the edge of the bed.

“Everything is okay Amanda. No one wants to hurt you or Commander Tucker. Let’s put the glass down and get back to bed.”

Phlox noticed that Amanda had stepped on the broken bits of glass. Blood spots were on the floor where she had walked and now where she stood, a small puddle of blood oozed from around her left foot. Amanda shook her head and held the broken glass tight. She was trembling and her eyes showed fear. Phlox now saw on the monitor above Trip’s head that he was waking up.

Well, with all that noise, who could sleep. Trip’s eyes opened and Phlox spoke quickly.

“Do not move, Commander. Lay still.”

“What’s goin’ on?”

Amanda turned to look at Trip, but then back at Phlox quickly as she sensed him move closer. She kept shaking her head ‘no’. Her breathing was more rapid and her eyes darted around the room.

“I believe Amanda is quite upset. I have not determined why, but she has a broken glass and does not want to be approached.”

Trip moved a bit so he could sit up a little. Amanda whipped her head around to him.

“It’s okay, no one’s gonna hurt ya. Why don’t ya give me the glass,” Trip tried. Amanda stared at him, then she looked at the glass.

~~~~

Meanwhile, at the starboard docking port, Archer, T’Pol, Reed and two security officers were awaiting the arrival of Overseer Dolun and his party.
When the docking sequence was complete, Reed unlocked the port and the Page came through announcing: “Overseer Dolun graces you with his presence.”

And with that said, Dolun came out, followed by a guard.

“Captain Archer. Good to meet you in person. This is my guard Fodor and my Page.”

“Overseer Dolun. Thank you for coming aboard. This is Sub-Commander T’Pol, you may remember Lt. Reed, and these are security Evans and Hanks.”

Reed stepped forward. “I will have to ask you to leave any weapons back on your ship.”

Archer added “Just a precautionary measure.”

Dolun was not fazed by the request, he simply answered, “We thought as much and have left all weapons on board. You may search us if you like.”

“That will not be necessary. Shall we get this meeting underway, the conference room is this way,” Archer stated motioning down the corridor.

Dolun didn’t move. “I would like to see my muse before we begin, Captain Archer.”

Archer looked at T’Pol for a second and she responded.

“It would be unwise to disturb sickbay without consulting with the Doctor first, Captain.”

“You’re right, Sub-Commander. One moment Overseer Dolun.” He moved to a comm panel. “Archer to sickbay.”

~~~~

Back in sickbay....

“Archer to sickbay.”

Phlox moved to the comm panel as Amanda tightened her grip on the broken glass and glared in the direction the voice had come from. Trip sat trying to decide how to get the glass from Amanda with out trouble.

“Phlox here, Captain.”

“Doctor, how are your patients doing? I have Overseer Dolun here and he would like to see Amanda.”

At the mention of Dolun, Amanda suddenly moved towards Phlox, or was it just the direction of the comm.? Trip tried to grab her as her moved away from his biobed, but he wasn’t quick enough. Phlox had opened the comm.
“Now is not a good time Captain,” and, as he saw Amanda coming with the glass in front of her, continuted, “I will let you know when. Phlox out.”

Phlox cut the comm just in time to stop Amanda from ramming the broken glass into the comm panel. He held her by the wrists.

“That’s enough, young lady,” he scolded firmly.

By that time Trip was there. “Gimme the glass Amanda.”

Amanda was crying, breathing hard and trying to talk.

“Come on now, stop cryin’,” Trip spoke softly to her.

Amanda looked up at Trip, Phlox let go of her wrists and took the broken glass from her trembling hand. Tears flowed down her cheeks. Her mouth was opening and closing as she tried to form words that her voice wasn’t ready to give. She was making only some squeaks. She kept shaking her head slowly and started to back away from both of them.

“Her foot is bleeding Commander,” Phlox told him.

Trip squatted down in front of Amanda as she backed up to the counter. “You need your foot looked at, it’s bleedin’.”

She just stared at him.

“I’m not gonna let anyone hurt you. No one’s gonna take you anywhere. They will have to go through me first.”

“They will have to go through me as well.” Phlox added.

Amanda’s breathing started to slow, becoming a bit more regular, but not completely. She was still a bit raspy. She took a step towards Trip. He took her hand, stood up and picked her up.

~~~~

Back in the corridor, Archer was explaining to Dolun. “I am sorry, Overseer Dolun, but if my doctor says that now is not a good time, then you will have to wait to see Amanda.”

“As you wish, it is your ship. However, if she has become uncooperative and violent, as I suspect she may have, you may want to see that she gets a dose of this.”

The Page produced a small, blue, glass bottle containing a dark liquid.

“What is this?” Archer asked as he was handed the unlabeled bottle. He turned it then handed it to T’Pol.

The Page looked at Dolun who nodded briefly and the Page spoke.

“It is an extract from a plant. For some, it has calming affects. It can also become addictive if not handled properly.”

“Are you saying Amanda is addicted to this drug?”

Archer was not happy.

The Page replied snottily, “It is not a drug, per se, it is more of a, medicine.”

“So now you are telling me that Amanda is ill?”

Dolun spoke up now, “No, it is difficult to explain. We should get more comfortable before we continue this discussion, but as I said before, you may want to give her a dose of this to help make her more -shall we say- agreeable.”

Archer didn’t like where this conversation was heading, so he decided to let T’Pol take care of this extract.

“T’Pol, take that down to Dr. Phlox. Analyze it before he decides what to do with it.”

“Of course, Captain.”

T’Pol headed one way, while the rest of the group headed for the conference room.

~~~~

When T’Pol got to sickbay, the doors would not open. She pressed the comm. “T’Pol to Dr. Phlox, is everything all right?”

There was a moment of silence, then Phlox’s voice through the comm.

“Are you alone Sub-Commander?”

“Yes,” she replied. The doors to sickbay opened.

“Come in Sub-Commander, but no sudden movements.”

T’Pol entered sickbay and surveyed the scene.

Amanda was sitting up on a biobed, but her view of the door was strategically blocked by Trip who was standing beside the bed. He was holding Amanda’s hand and talking quietly to her.

As T’Pol came further into the room, Amanda looked around Trip to see who was there. T’Pol could hear what Trip was saying.

“It’s all right. It’s just T’Pol. She’s a friend and she isn’t gonna hurt you.”

Amanda kept trying to look around Trip and then she spotted the bottle in T’Pol’s hand.

Trip felt her stiffen. Phlox, who had removed the glass and dressed her wounded foot, also felt Amanda tense up. He stopped to see why. T’Pol saw the look in Amanda’s eyes and saw that she was fixed on the bottle. T’Pol quickly hid the bottle and moved to the far side of the room.

“When you have a moment, Doctor.”

“I will be with you in just a minute or two.”

Amanda relaxed a bit now that T’Pol was out of her sight, but she was still looking in the direction that T’Pol had gone. Trip put his hand on her chin and turned her head to face him.

“Listen to me....”

A tear was falling down her cheek.

“No one is gonna hurt you. Do you understand what I’m sayin’?”

Amanda looked up into his eyes. He could see the fear and tears. She nodded. Phlox finished bandaging her foot.

“There you go. Now, I know you have a hard time following doctor’s orders, but you are not to put any weight on that foot for a few days. Okay, hmm?”

Amanda looked at Phlox and nodded.

“I suggest you try and get some rest. Lay back now.”

Amanda looked at Trip, then lay back and closed her eyes. Phlox ran a scanner over her, then he and Trip moved over to where T’Pol was waiting.

“How is she?” T’Pol asked.

Trip was trying to keep his voice down as he answered T’Pol’s question, his southern accent becoming more pronounced as he became angry.

“She’s scared half to death. What were ya thinkin’ comin’ in here after the doc said ‘now’s not a good time’?! Can’t you tell how afraid she is of everythin’?”

“She seems to be quite at ease when you are near her,” was T’Pol’s bland reply.

“Alright you two, that’s enough. What do you have there Sub-Commander?” Phlox asked spying the bottle.

“Overseer Dolun believes this will help Amanda’s possible violent and uncooperative attitude.”

“What is it?”

“That remains to be determined. We have been told only that it is a plant extract that has calming properties. It can also be addictive. We should start an analysis.”

“Well then, let’s get started.” Phlox began looking for some vials to test the liquid.

“So Overseer Dolun is onboard?” Trip asked.

“Yes. Captain Archer wanted some answers, so he thought it best to meet with Overseer Dolun in person.”

“Well, I’d like to meet with him and give him a piece of MY mind. Where are they meeting, the conference room?”

“ I do not believe you would be of any assistance with these questions,” T’Pol stated.

“Commander, I would prefer that you remain here in sickbay,” Phlox said.

“Why’s that, Doc? I’m not sick.”

“No, but should Amanda awaken, I would like to have your help keeping her calm and off her feet.”

Trip looked over at Amanda.

“Maybe you’re right.”

~~~~

In the conference room, they were just getting started. Archer was hoping to get some answers.

“Amanda is obviously human. How did she come to be on this planet?”

“She was rescued.”

“Rescued, from what, who, when?”

“About what you would call... 16 years ago.”

“16 years?” Archer asked finding it hard to believe that she had been there so long.

“Yes, I believe that would be the correct time reference. Amendah was a -what would be the word- a toddler. Very young, sweet child,” Dolun responded, a sickening grin coming across his face. “Anyway, our fleet came across a Ferengi vessel that was ‘trespassing’ in our space. They were ‘willing’ to give us everything we wanted just to spare their pitiful lives. So we took everything, including their ship. We found her hiding in the cargo hold. Such a mess. They collect anything. They must have been hoarding for quite a while. They talk a lot of nonsense too.”

Archer was getting impatient. “Could we got back to Amanda?”

“Yes, well they claimed they pulled her from a wrecked supply ship. They didn’t tell us where. I am surprised they didn’t leave her there, but they trade anything, so maybe they thought she might be worth something. You really never know what their plans for her may have been. Do you know that they do not clothe their females? Kind of an interesting concept.” Archer just glared at Dolun, and Dolun continued. “When Amendah came into my possession she was a dirty scared child. She has been treated with nothing but the best. She was cleaned up, taught to read and write in many languages. She became quite the prodigy.”

“You didn’t try to find out who she was or where she was from?”

“No, Captain, you must understand. We had never seen your species before. The Ferengi were not forthcoming as to where they had gotten her, only that she had been alone. We gave her the best education, advancements, nothing for her was overlooked.”

“Except for her heritage and family. If she is such a prodigy, then why are you trying to sell her now?”

“To be truthful, she has become somewhat unhappy and unruly as of late.”

Page leaned over and whispered, “Overseer Dolun, should you be speaking of this? I mean what about the sale?”

“Do not be foolish Page. These people obviously care about Amendah. I do not wish to keep anything from them.”

“My apologies sir.” Page cowered in his seat.

Archer was curious. “You say she has been unhappy and unruly?”

“Yes, that is one reason she came to be at the mining camp. It was thought that a change of scenery would help her understand how fortunate and carefree her life has been. Seeing those much less fortunate than herself, how they must work and slave for just a mere morsel of food and poor shelter, was hoped to change her demeanor.

Reed couldn’t stay silent any longer. “So you started treating her like a criminal?”

“No. You misunderstand. She was never forced to endure the same conditions as our workforce. She has never been locked up.”

Archer shifted in his seat. “I guess I am still confused. Why try to sell her to us. If you feel she should be with her own kind and she is such a nuisance, why not just turn her over to us?”

Page’s eyes went wide and he took in a gulp of air. No one seemed to notice as Dolun answered Archer’s question.

“She is still a quite remarkable woman. There are many who would pay a great deal to have her for themselves. I have offered her to you first as she is your species, but I will not hesitate to make the offer to someone else.”

Page spoke again. “Maybe we should auction her to the highest bidder - she would fetch a good price.”

Dolun was not impressed. “I will not tolerate you speaking out of turn. Go back to the ship and wait for me there.”

Page got up to leave. Reed motioned to Evans.

“Evans will make sure you find your way.”

They left not saying a word. Page did not look happy.

~~~~

At the airlock, Evans keyed in the code to open the inner airlock. Page stepped in to the airlock and to the door to his ship. He seemed to fumble at the control.

“I seem to be having a problem, would you mind.”

Evans stepped into the airlock and up to the keypad. Suddenly Evans felt a jolt of pain and slumped to the floor. Page pulled back his weapon and quickly keyed the correct code to open his ship’s door. He pulled Evans inside.

~~~~

Back in sickbay, Phlox, Trip, and T’Pol were working on the far side of sickbay. They were using the microscope and computer, checking vials of the dark liquid. Amanda lay asleep on the biobed on the opposite side of the room from where they were working. The next thing happened so quickly, it took them all by surprise.

The doors to sickbay opened.

Page burst into the room and was at Amanda’s bedside in a flash.

He held a weapon to her head. She was still sleep. Phlox, Trip and T’Pol spun around to face Page.

“One move and she dies.”

T’Pol tried to reason with Page.

“This is an illogical course of action. You will not be able to escape from Enterprise.”

“Why are you doing this?” Trip questioned. His mind was racing.

“Shut up, all of you. I will not hesitate to shoot.”

Amanda started waking up. Her eyes opened and she was not happy at the sight she saw. Page grabbed her hands and pulled her to a sitting position.

Trip took a step forward.

“Don’t move.” Page pointed the weapon at Trip, then back to Amanda.

It was Phlox’s turn to try and reason with Page.
“You cannot expect to leave sickbay with this young woman, she is not healthy enough to be a viable hostage. You can take me instead.”

Page was psycho. He pointed his weapon and shot Phlox in one swift move. Phlox fell to the floor. T’Pol felt for a pulse then stood up.

“He is alive.”

Trip again took a step forward.

“I told you to shut up and not to move. Don’t make me shoot again.”

“What are your intentions?” T’Pol asked.

Page just glared at them.

He let go of Amanda’s wrist to pull something from his pocket. It was another blue bottle of that dark liquid. He flicked the top off and thrust it into Amanda’s face. “Drink it!”

Amanda tried to shrink back from the bottle as she shook her head.

“Drink it or die!” He placed the weapon to her head.

She still refused. She stared at Trip, her eyes begging for help.

Then Page smiled an evil grin and leaned close to her ear. He was staring at Trip as he whispered so only she could hear.

“Drink it or he dies, now!” He slowly moved the weapon to point at Trip.

Amanda took the bottle from his hand. She was shaking and tears streamed down her face.

“NO!” Trip yelled as he realized what Page must have said to her, but Amanda nearly drained the liquid from the bottle in an instant.

“That’s a good girl. Do what you’re told.”

Page fired the weapon at Trip and immediately fired on T’Pol as well. They both went down quickly.

Amanda tried to run from Page. She leapt from the biobed, fell to her knees and crawled to the unmoving Trip. She didn’t quite make it to him. Page grabbed her by the arm and roughly pulled her to her feet.

“Come on, let’s go.”

Amanda tried to pull away from Page, but his grip was tight and she was feeling the pain radiate up from her foot. And just what affect did that dark liquid have on her?

Amanda amazingly kept up with Page as he nearly dragged her through the corridors. Her foot was bleeding again. She was kinda in a ‘fog’ and had all she could do to keep up. It was surprising that the corridors were almost empty. Only twice they were almost spotted by someone, but Page managed to avoid any contact with the crew of Enterprise. They were at the airlock in no time at all. Quickly, Page punched the code in and the entered the ship.

~~~~

Back in the conference room, Archer was still trying to figure out what Overseer Dolun was up to.

“Bridge to Captain Archer.” Hoshi’s voice came through the comm.

Archer went to the comm panel. “Archer here.”

“Captain, a small ship has just left Overseer Dolun’s ship and is making it’s way back to the planet.”

Dolun swore.

“Did you try hailing the ship?”

“Yes sir, no response. And....”

“What is it, Ensign?”

“There were two life signs aboard. One human.”

Reed flipped open his communicator. “Reed to Evans... come in Evans.”

Reed bolted out the door calling for a security team as he left. Fodor was following at Dolun’s request.

“Keep trying to hail that ship.” Archer cut the comm then turned to Dolun.

“What is this about?”

“I do not know Captain. Perhaps my Page got a communication from the surface and had to return.”

“And he left without notifying you, taking my security officer along for the ride?! Not likely.”

The next call made Archer more worried, as things began to click into place.

“Reed to Captain Archer.”

“Go ahead, Lieutenant.”

“We have found Evans. He was attacked by Page. He has a very bad headache. We are on our way to sickbay. I have not been able to contact anyone in sickbay, Captain.”

“I’m on my way.”

“There is one other thing... there is blood in the airlock, and Evans is not bleeding.” Archer cut the comm and turned to Dolun and Hanks (the other security guy). “Let’s go.”

~~~~

Archer and the others arrived at sickbay shortly after Reed, Evans and Fodor. T’Pol was sitting up on a biobed. Trip was lying on a biobed, unconscious. Phlox was running a scanner over Trip. Evans was sitting in a chair. Reed was talking to T’Pol.

“What happened?” Archer asked as he walked over to T’Pol.

“Overseer Dolun’s Page has taken Amanda. He came into sickbay and held a weapon to Amanda’s head. He shot Dr. Phlox when he tried to reason with him. Page then forced Amanda to drink a bottle of that extract.”

Dolun interjected. “She drank a whole bottle?”

“Yes,” T’Pol replied.

“Not just a bit of it?”

“The whole bottle.”

“Why, what will that do to her, Dolun?” Archer asked.

Dolun turned away, his hand going to his mouth, chewing on a finger.

“Dolun, what affect will that much extract have on Amanda?” Archer asked again getting more angry.

“I, I don’t know. We have never used that quantity at one time.”

“Guess, then. What could it do?”

“Um, I really...”

T’Pol had an answer.

“From what we have been able to ascertain, this extract acts as a sedative and also makes a person compliant to suggestions.”

“And in the event of an overdose?” Archer prompted.

“The Doctor would have better knowledge of what kind of effect an overdose of a sedative would have on the human body, but I am sure that given enough, a sedative will cause autonomic systems to slow or even cease functioning.”

“In other words, it could kill her.”

T’Pol didn’t answer, she just lowered her head.

Archer turned back to where Phlox was tending top Trip. Trip was just coming to. “Lie still a moment Commander. You took a shock to your system and a nasty bump to the head.”

Trip sat up. “Where is she?”

Archer was by his side. “Calm down, Trip.”

“What happened? Where is she?”

Archer hung his head for a second, then looked his friend in the eye.

“We are pretty sure that Page has taken her back to the planet.”

Trip couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Whatahell is goin on?!”

~~~~

In the small ship, speeding towards the planet. Page was seated at the controls. Amanda was in the other seat. Her head was lazily tipped back leaning against the headrest, her eyes were open, but had a blank stare.

The comm crackled and Hoshi’s voice came through demanding that they turn around and return to Enterprise. She kept repeating the hail, but got no response.

As the ship entered the planet’s atmosphere, the comm crackled and then no more voice could be heard.

The surface of the planet appeared below. Page turned the ship, flew low, but didn’t land right away.

They were no where near the mining camp.

There were no buildings in sight.

TBC

Continue to Part 2

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!

A handful of people have made comments

Great start! Can't wait to see what's coming up.

Interesting beginning! Please post again soon.

Very interesting so far. Look forward to your next update. Thank you.

Why not just drop a whole spread of photon torpedoes on the planet and wipe it clean of alien life? Maybe the next aliens would decide that humans weren't slaves.

Liked the beginning. Hope to see more of the story soon.