DISCLAIMER: Paramount owns the characters. I’m just borrowing them, and promise to return them safe and sound. The only thing I gain from this is some writing practice.
SUMMARY: By saving Trip, Archer may lose his friend.
Savior
By Pippin
“Are you absolutely sure?” Archer demanded.
Hoshi nodded. “It’s the only human bio-sign in the city. Actually, it’s the only human bio-sign on the whole Tasumi planet.”
“And the information from the Vulcan Security Directorate indicated that the Tasumi were on the Malzat’s itinerary,” Reed reminded them.
Archer nodded. “Good. Can we beam him up?”
Subcommander T’Pol shook her head. “Not possible. A force field is in place over his location.”
“If it’s over the city, perhaps there’s a weak spot we can punch through.”
“It is not over the city, Captain. It is over the dwelling where the biosign registers. And it is a very powerful one. I doubt even Vulcan phase weapons could pierce it.”
Archer stared. “Are you kidding? Over one house?”
“I would not ‘kid’ about something like this,” T’Pol responded austerely.
Archer looked over her shoulder, confirming the readings. “Hoshi,” he asked, “can we get a closer look at that place?”
The pretty ensign nodded. “Not a problem, sir. I’ll use one of the surveillance satellites that the Taasuu faction has over the city.”
“They’ve achieved warp flight and yet are still dealing with factionalism,” Reed marveled.
“It is not a typical societal norm,” T’Pol agreed. “And it may complicate matters.”
Right, Archer thought. Like matters aren’t already complicated enough as is.
“Or simplify them,” said Reed. “Play both sides against the middle.”
“We’ll worry about that when the time comes,” Archer said. He watched as Hoshi’s clever fingers danced across her board. The image on the viewscreen changed; first from the planet to orbit to an aerial view of one of the major cities, and then zoomed into a sprawling estate.
“This is where he is,” she said.
Archer looked at the palatial dwelling, surrounded by high walls and protected by what appeared to be at least a platoon of heavily armed foot soldiers.
“Let’s find out everything we can,” he said. “I want to know who lives here, what they do, and what possible reason they could have for holding him. Also, see if we can get any more information on what that Malzat ship was up to while they were here.” He looked at the sprawling estate again. Trip, he thought, what have you gotten yourself into this time?
Subcommander T’Pol stared intently out of the Captain’s ready room window. Behind her, she could hear him exhale, once. There was a click, and she knew he had finished perusing her report. It made for uncomfortable reading, to say the least, and she braced herself for the inevitable emotional explosion.
She was in for a surprise, however; his reaction was quiet and controlled. There were times when she was certain that Jonathon Archer made a career out of behaving contrary to her expectations.
“You are, of course, certain that is accurate,” he said.
“Of course,” she replied.
He sighed, and rubbed his face. “All right. How do we go about getting him out? Obviously, a beam-out isn’t possible. A sneak commando-style raid?”
She shook her head. “The odds of success are not high. And even if we were able to retrieve him, we would not only be set upon by the Volashan faction, but I am certain that the others would forget their various quarrels and join in once it was learned what we had done. It would be considered not only a monstrous insult to the Volshans and their allies, but also to be meddling in the planet’s internal affairs. The Tasumi are extremely sensitive about such interference, perceived or otherwise. I doubt Enterprise would survive the ensuing conflict.”
“You’re not suggesting we leave him, are you?” The Captain’s voice was quiet, but an ominous edge underlay that quiet.
Experience had taught her that by stating this would be the logical and prudent course of action would not only invite an explosion of rage but would also be futile. The Captain would be sure to point out that they had been following the Commander’s trail for over a month, since he had disappeared during shore leave, and having now found him, they were not about to leave him.
“We know where he is,” she said. “He is unharmed – relatively speaking,” she added at the look she received. “It is doubtful that state of affairs will change. That gives us time. I suggest that we familiarize ourselves with the laws and cultural norms of this society as they pertain to his situation. I am certain that with the correct information, we will find a solution. But patience will be required.”
“We’ve come this far,” Archer said. “You’re right. Makes no sense to rush in and screw things up.”
She nodded. “The Vulcan Security Directorate has had operatives working here for some time. I have requested all their reports, and have been assured that I will receive them soon. Ensign Sato and Lieutenant Reed are working on accessing the planet’s various databases, and it is only a matter of time before they are successful. Once we have all the necessary intelligence, we will then be able to formulate a reasoned plan. But,” she added, “this will all take time.”
“It’s all right,” Archer replied grimly. “We’re not going anywhere.”
“Are you sure you’re ready, Captain?”
Archer nodded, and adjusted the lavish, richly embroidered silk robes he was now wearing. Gold gleamed on both his wrists, and a heavily jeweled pendant hung around his neck. His entire appearance was calculated to suggest wealth, power and certain arrogance. He had spent the last week immersing himself in the customs of Tasumi society, and it was now or never.
“I’d feel a great deal better if you would allow me to accompany you,” Reed fretted. “Going in there alone, with no backup...”
“You heard T’Pol,” Archer said. “Doing that would suggest weakness. I can’t be seen that way. I have to keep them on the defensive, or this isn’t going to work.”
Reed nodded. “I know, sir. It’s just that – “
“We have to play this game by their rules, Malcolm. Believe me, I wish we didn’t.”
The launch bay doors opened, and T’Pol and Hoshi entered. Despite herself, Hoshi’s eyes widened, and she stopped.
“So,” Archer asked lightly, “I take it you like my outfit?”
“Wow,” was her response. “You look like you’re wearing a year’s salary on your back, Captain.”
“That’s the whole idea, Hoshi. Glad it’s working.”
T’Pol, naturally, had no time for such niceties. She handed Archer a padd. “Here is all of the relevant paperwork.”
He took the padd, studied it. “Very good,” he said approvingly. “Looks like the real thing.”
“It is the real thing,” Hoshi said. “Almost.”
“It should satisfy your hosts,” Reed said.
“Well, if it doesn’t, I’ll just have to bluff my way out.”
“Your initial gifts of approach have been sent and received,” Hoshi said. “And the compensation gifts are aboard the shuttle.”
“Right,” said Reed. He handed Archer another padd. “You’re also the proud owner of a brand-new bank account in the city. There’s more than enough money in this account to repay your hosts. It’s one of several accounts scattered around the planet. Only, of course, it looks like you’ve had these accounts for years.”
“The only human mercenary to make it out this far,” Hoshi said. “Private army and all.”
“And the information?”
“Lieutenant Reed and I have planted a number of items in the various databases that should pique their interest. Once they find them, that is.”
“You haven’t hidden them too deeply, have you?”
Hoshi shook her head. “Subcommander T’Pol’s encryption is quite elegant, Captain. It all will be difficult enough to get, so that they don’t suspect anything, but just easy enough to break so that they will be able to read the information.”
“And what they do read should give them pause for thought,” Reed added.
“We didn’t go into specifics,” Hoshi said. “We thought that less is more. More disturbing that way.”
“Indeed,” Reed said. “But what they will learn is that you are – begging your pardon, Captain – an arrogant bastard who doesn’t take kindly to losing. Anything.” He smiled. “You don’t like being crossed. And you always get what you want. You have the money and the manpower to make sure you do. And you hate to lose. So you never have. Whatever it takes, you always win.”
“You’re actually pretty scary, sir,” Hoshi added. “I wouldn’t want to make you angry.”
“Thanks,” Archer replied. “I’ll try to live up to my advance publicity.”
“You’re going to have to, sir,” Reed said soberly. “These people play for keeps.”
“And so do I,” Archer said. “I’m an arrogant bastard, remember?”
Reed smiled, but it was strained. “My best advice would be to get in and out as quickly as possible.”
“I would like to,” Archer said. “But I don’t think it will play out that way.” He put a reassuring hand on Reed’s shoulder. “Hey,” he said, lightly. “You’re talking to the only man who’s ever escaped from Rura Penthe, remember?”
He looked over at Hoshi and T’Pol. “Time to get this show on the road,” he said. “Hoshi, Malcolm – T’Pol. However this turns out, I want to say thank you. Your work has been excellent.”
“When I was a kid, I used to pretend at playing espionage games,” Reed said, “Never thought I’d have the chance to try the real thing.”
Hoshi passed a UT over. Archer held it in his hands. “Kind of odd that I have to use one of these,” he said.
“Not really,” said Reed. “An arrogant bastard wouldn’t feel the need to learn anyone else’s language, would he?”
Archer nodded. “Right.”
“I’ll be monitoring all channels,” Hoshi told him. “If you need help –“
“I wouldn’t be much of a mercenary if I yelled for help all the time, would I?” Archer said gently. “But thanks anyhow, Hoshi.”
“They’ll already be worried and on the defensive, based on everything that they currently know,” said Reed, still averse to sending the Captain on his way. “From their point of view, they’ve committed what is at best, a serious error, and at worst, broken the law. Rather badly. It would be for the best if you can attempt to keep them off-balance at all times.”
“I intend to,” Archer said grimly. “All right,” he added. “They’ve had enough time to mull things over. I think it’s time that arrogant bastard, Jonathon Archer, makes his appearance.”
Reed and Hoshi nodded. “Good luck, sir,” his tactical officer said. “Hurry back,” Hoshi added. Then, reluctantly, they took their leave. Subcommander T’Pol remained behind.
“Any last minute words of advice?” Archer asked casually.
“Remember, Captain – a lie is most effective when it is comprised of mostly the truth."
“Thanks. I will.” She was silent. He smiled. “No reams of advice? Rather un-Vulcan of you, Subcommander.”
“You have prepared yourself well. The odds are you will succeed. But ...” she hesitated.
“But?” Archer prompted.
She looked uncomfortable. “You will succeed,” she repeated, “as long as you are willing to say – and do – things that you would not normally. Things that you will find distasteful, to say the least. In all likelihood, you will be forced to take the actions we have discussed. Captain – if you are to succeed, there must be no doubt in the Tasumi’s minds that you are sincere in this behavior.”
“Are you asking me whether I’m prepared for this?”
“Are you?”
“If I have to, I will. I won’t like it, and naturally, I’m hoping it won’t come to that. But whatever it takes, T’Pol. Whatever it takes.”
“Unfortunately, it is likely your hopes in this regard are doomed to disappointment.”
“Then I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.” She still looked uncertain. “I’ve got a little something from Phlox,” he said. “If I need to use it, I will.”
“It would be better if you could avoid being seen to be taking any kind of medication,” T’Pol replied. Nevertheless, she now looked relieved – in a restrained Vulcan fashion, of course.
“Like you said,” Archer told her. “I’m prepared.”
“Very well, Captain.”
He nodded, and turned to the newly painted shuttlepod, which was now no longer recognizable as a Starfleet craft. It had been repainted red and black, and both sides were emblazoned with a huge crest. Archer had been grimly amused to learned that it was, in truth, rooted in reality. There was a branch of the Archer family in Europe that had a family crest. Reed, displaying a heretofore unknown knowledge of heraldry, and drawing from information on the Tasumi database, had tweaked the crest somewhat. It would now proclaim to his hosts that this was a man of influence and power, who came from a long line of similar individuals. A man whom it would be far, far better to count as friend than as enemy.
“Oh, and Captain?” He half-turned, to find the Vulcan standing at the doors. “Good luck.”
She exited, leaving Jonathon Archer staring after her. Will wonders never cease? He then turned his attention back to the matters at hand. Well, ready or not – here I come.
Al-Saahn deya Volasha, House Master to Lord and Lady Volasha nervously straightened his simple black robes, making certain that the House insignia lay properly against his chest, and looked around once more to ensure that all was in order. It was his responsibility to make certain that things appeared to be running smoothly, even when, as it was now, all was in chaos. His Master and Mistress had been closer to panic than he had ever seen them (even during the disastrous Ros’linga campaign) when they had received the first message from their expected visitor.
Subsequent messages assuring them that retribution was not being sought had served to calm them, but only slightly. As a result, the last few days had been reduced to a frenzied blur of activity. Orders were given, arrangements made, decorations fashioned, food and drink prepared, all with the hope that the splendor and magnitude of his reception would appease their guest. Right now, his Master and Mistress were waiting apprehensively for this man – this Jonathon Archer – to arrive.
As was only fitting for a one of his position and power, he had not chosen to inform them of the time of his arrival, forcing Al-Saahn and his retinue to scurry about, making certain that no matter when the great man arrived, all would be in order. They were, and Al-Saahn was justifiably proud of the results. No fault could possibly be found with his work, and this was of paramount importance if they wished to emerge from this with their skins intact. Since Al-Saahn was very fond of his, he intended to make certain nothing would go wrong.
The faint whine of the approaching craft’s engines grew louder. Al-Saahn looked about once more. An entire platoon of the Lord’s best guards, wearing their finest dress uniforms, stood in formation. Behind them stood the household servants, all wearing their finest livery. The litter, with four of the Lord’s best footmen, which would take the honored guest to the main house sat, waiting, its golden curtains blowing slightly in the soft, scented breeze.
He touched the com bracelet on his wrist. “My Master,” he said in the correct, humble tone, “he approaches.”
“Excellent. All is ready?”
“Yes, my master.”
“Make certain all goes properly,” his Master warned, “else you will smart for it.” Al-Saahn was offended. It had been years since he had made an error of any sort, and many more since then that he had made one worthy of reprimand. It was a mark of how seriously unsettled his Master was that he would make a remark like that at all. That’s what happens when you buy off-planet, he thought, but naturally did not express such sentiments aloud. Instead, he replied, “But of course, Master. There will be no cause for offense.”
A grunt was his only answer, and the communication was terminated. Al-Saahn allowed himself the luxury of a sigh. The sooner their guest was satisfied and gone, the happier he, at least, would be. Oh, the Mistress (and to a lesser extent, the Master) would be disappointed for a time, but disappointment passes. Better to be discontented and alive than satisfied and dead. Or something to that effect, he amended, realizing that death tended to put an end to things like happiness and its opposite number.
Unfortunately, it was not likely that their guest would be departing soon. Protocol (and a fear of angering him further) required that all manner of feasting and entertainments were to be provided. He ran everything over in his mind, and was satisfied that all was in place, and nothing would be found wanting.
A wind from the engines of the approaching craft whipped his robes up around him, causing him to step back a pace. He was gratified to note that the rest of the retinue, like a well-oiled machine, did so as well. No, there would be nothing to criticize here.
The red and black ship, emblazoned with its proud family crest, glided to a landing. There was a moment’s worth of waiting, and then the hatch opened.
Time to face the dragon, Al-Saahn thought, and stepped forward.
Lord Maya de Volasha turned to his beloved, his spouse, the Lady Vala de Volasha. “He approaches.”
She swallowed nervously, and her hand went up to her black tresses. “Am I acceptable?”
He looked down into the sweet face looking up at him, and smiled tenderly. After 20 years, he still adored her, his bride, his beautiful, his precious. “You are exquisite,” he said, speaking the complete and utter truth. “Even one such as he will find you breath-taking.”
She smiled tremulously. “Thank you, my love.” She took one strong hand between hers, and looked up into his deep dark eyes, eyes that had held her enthralled over the years. “Do you think he will be very angry?” She could not bear the idea of any harm coming to her husband. “I am willing –“ she began.
“No.” He cut her off abruptly. “That will not be necessary. Besides, he knows. It was not deliberate. It was an honest mistake, made by an adoring husband who only wished to please his wife.”
“And please me you did,” she said. “But had I known –“
“But we did not,” her husband reminded her. “We were defrauded. Annoying, and regrettable. We will make all necessary amends, give him what he has come for, and all will be well between us.”
“Promise?”
“I promise,” he said tenderly. “And when this is done, we shall go somewhere together for a time. And I will attempt to make amends to you for your loss.”
Her face lit up, and he would gladly have gone through a thousand times the anxiety he had suffered to see that expression. “Together?” she asked. “Oh, beloved, that will make everything worthwhile.”
He smiled, and gently kissed her. A discreet cough interrupted them. It was Al-Saahn. “Pardon,” he said, “but our guest has arrived.”
Archer snapped his fingers imperiously. Immediately, two of the servants behind him hurried forth. Both were laden with expensive gifts. Archer turned to the slight, dark-haired man who was the Lord of this house. “For the oh-so-charming mistress of this household,” he said to Lord Volasha. “For my part, I congratulate you, sir, on the good fortune that has given you such a delightful spouse.” He looked over at the tiny woman who stood beside the lord. The Lady was pretty enough, he supposed, if he were looking at the whole situation dispassionately. He smiled at her, and bowed. It was a slight one, calculated to show a certain, wary courtesy, but no more than that.
“And I and my lady thank you, sir,” Lord Maya replied with an equally cautious bow. Two Bull Moose, that’s what we are, Archer thought. The trick would be to make sure that he was the one established as the dominant male, once all was said and done.
“Welcome to our humble home, good sir,” the Lady replied. “We have prepared –“
Archer held up a hand. “I am certain, Lady Vala, that you have all manner of marvelous entertainments for me,” he said. He sounded as if that were only to be expected. “And I shall of course be pleased to sample them, all in due time,” he added. “But I have come a long way, and I fear my patience is running somewhat thin. I am sure your spouse, being a man of the world, understands.” And he gave the lord a look that said, very plainly, that Jonathon Archer did not have great stores of patience to begin with.
“Of course,” Lord Maya said. He traded a look with his wife which was, Archer was pleased to note, definitely a nervous one. “If you will come this way, ah – ?”
“You may call me Captain, if you wish,” said Archer. He added, by way of explanation, “A nickname given to me by my troops. It amuses me. I hope you will indulge that amusement.” The best lies are the ones that are almost true.
“But of course – Captain. This way, if you will.”
Archer was led from the lavish foyer into an equally lavish room decorated with silken hangings and richly woven tapestries. A thick, plush carpet covered the floor. Three throne-like chairs sat along one wall. Archer took the largest and most important as if it were a matter of course, and sat, flanked on either side by his hosts. He leaned back, looking as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
Lady Vala clapped her hands. A liveried servant appeared, bearing a tray with drinks, which were handed all around.
The Lord raised his glass. “To friendship,” he proposed. “And an end to regrettable misunderstandings.”
“Indeed,” said Archer. He leaned over, removed the glass from the man’s hand, and gave him his own drink in return. He smiled at the astonished look on Maya’s face. “A man in my position cannot afford to be lackadaisical,” he said, “even when among friends.” He accented the last word with a touch of irony, and he was pleased to see the look of discomfort that appeared on the other man’s face.
“My good Captain,” the lord protested, “Surely you don’t think – “
“Of course not,” Archer said, with a hard, glittering smile. “Drink up.”
Slowly, Maya did. Archer put his own glass down untouched. “I don’t take chances,” he said pleasantly.
“Upon my honour and that of my House,” Maya said hoarsely, “I promise you that you have nothing to fear from us.”
“I’m sure I don’t,” Archer replied, still pleasantly. His tone insinuated that it would take a great more than the de Volashas to cause him concern. “Still, it is wise to practice prudence. It would be – unfortunate – if my troops were forced to pay you – and your charming spouse,” this with a lecherous glance at the lady, “a visit. They can be somewhat, ah, over-enthusiastic, and they are so very loyal, it takes little to upset them.” Thank God Forrest isn’t here, he thought with wry amusement. He’d have a fit.
The other man blanched. Archer realized that he must have read the reports and other information Hoshi and Malcolm had planted. Evidently, he was a fearsome character. I’ll have to remember that. “There will be time for food and drink later,” he told Maya. “Once I am satisfied that our business is completed to our mutual satisfaction. To that end, I have this,” and he negligently pulled out the padd T’Pol had given him, tossed it to Maya. “You’ll see everything is in order.”
“Captain,” Lady Vala protested, “that is hardly necessary.”
“As much as it grieves me to contradict such a charming lady,” Archer said with impatient gallantry, “I fear that I must. Your husband will not doubt tell you that it is important that all the details, as it were, are properly formalized.”
“Yes,” the lord, replied. “It appears –“ Archer stared coldly at him, and he immediately backed down, “Yes,” he repeated nervously, “This most certainly is in order.” And he gave the padd back to Archer.
“Good,” said Archer. He took out another padd, punched in something, and pressed his thumb against it. This, too, he tossed to Maya. “I believe that is the price you paid,” he said carelessly. “I have calculated the costs involved in housing and food, and added a little something on top. For all of your annoyances.”
Maya looked pained. “Captain, it is not necessary –“
“Oh, but it is,” Archer interposed smoothly. “Jonathon Archer always pays his debts.”
Maya swallowed. “Of course.” He reached over, took the padd from Archer’s hand. “Captain, this is most generous.”
Archer waved a hand in dismissal. “Think nothing of it.” His attitude suggested that throwing around large sums of money was something he could easily afford to do.
“You must believe us, Captain,” Lady Vala said. “We honestly thought that – “
“- but of course you did,” Archer finished genially. “It was an honest error. Otherwise, I would not be having such a nice, informal visit with you.” He smiled, much in the way a shark might. What he left unsaid was that he suspected otherwise, he would have taken other action. Very unpleasant action. He was pleased to note that it appeared that his hosts got the point. “You were deceived by an unscrupulous dealer,” he continued. “But trust me,” and he smiled that chilling, shark-like smile once more, “he won’t cheat anyone else again. Ever.”
Lord Maya smiled. It was a pretty sickly effort, but Archer gave him points for trying. “Really?”
Archer shrugged. “Space travel is so very dangerous,” he said casually, “don’t you agree?”
“Oh, yes, very much so,” Lady Vala said hastily.
“It’s good to know that we won’t have to worry about being defrauded again,” her husband added. But he didn’t look particularly pleased.
Archer uncrossed his legs, sat up straight. “Yes. Well,” he said, “if you are satisfied as to my bona fides, my Lord? And Lady?”
But of course. Maya clapped his hands. Al-Saahn appeared, as if by magic. “My Master?”
“Are we ready?”
“Any time my Master wishes.” At a nod from Maya, the House Master turned and clapped his hands.
The door opened, and two burly guards entered. Walking between them, was another human male. His eyes were downcast, and he was wearing nothing aside from a golden collar, and bracelets on his wrists and ankles.
It was Trip.
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