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Reed's Armory -- A Malcolm Reed Fanfiction Archive .. |
Title: A Transformation
Author: Lucy
Author's e-mail: ltb1@soton.ac.uk
Fandom: Enterprise
Rating: PG-13
Category: Gen
Warnings: Mention of physical child abuse
Summary: When Malcolm gets turned into a child Archer gets to indulge his paternal instincts
Author's Notes: I hope you like this one. It's probably the only gen fic I'll ever write. Also my apologies to anyone who thinks I've been rather hard on Malcolm's father. Oh and you know you've been writing too much fan fic when your computer automatically corrects your spelling of Malcolm.
Archived to Reed's Armory on 07/01/2005.
It was the third and final day on the planetıs surface and the survey team
were beginning to wind up their operation. Commander Tucker and Lieutenant
Reed were sitting in the midst of one of the many tumbledown structures
that the team were exploring. They wouldnıt have been here so long except
that Captain Archer had developed an obsession with finding out what had
happened to the society that had once thrived here.
³So you enjoying yourself yet?² Trip drawled softly.
³As Iıve already stated Iıd far rather be on Enterprise than down here on
babysitting duty.²
³What about all this fresh air,² Trip gestured expansively. ³You donıt get
that on Enterprise.²
³Over rated.²
³And these trees. We could build some great tree houses.²
³Tree houses?² Malcolm gave Trip his most withering of looks.
³Yeah tree houses,² a defensive note crept into Tripıs voice. ³You must have
played in tree houses as a kid.²
³No, never.²
³Youıre having me on. Every kid has to have a tree house.²
³Not me.²
³You must have. You were a child once werenıt you?²
³No,² Malcolm murmured quietly. ³In the way I think you mean it I was never
a child.²
³Well Iım sorry,² Trip said and then because he could tell the conversation
was making Malcolm uncomfortable he changed the subject. ³I never would
have thought the Capınıd be this interested in a bunch of old ruins.²
Malcolm scowled. ³Itıs undignified, scampering around from one building to
the next. He should present a dignified image to the crew.²
³Thatıs pretty harsh,² Trip protested, wanting to defend his friend.
³Capınıs gotta have a little fun from time to time.²
³Heıs the Captain,² Malcolm stated as though that should be an end to the
matter. ³He shouldnıt be going around trying to make friends with the
crew.²
³Why ever not? And donıt give me that rubbish about fraternatization, those
rules simply donıt apply out here.²
³Well they should.²
³He only wants to get to know you a little better Mal. Is that a crime?²
³Iım going to find Hoshi,² Malcolm stood up. ³Itıs about time we were
heading back to Enterprise.²
³Guess youıre right. Iıll go track the Capın down. Heıs probably exploring
some building somewhere.² Trip shook his head ruefully, this was the first
time heıd seen this particular side of his friend and it was fascinating.
Archerıs sheer excitement when they had found the planet had been
infectious, affecting everyone except for one very repressed armoury
officer. Trip turned and ruefully watched as Malcolm disappeared into the
line of trees, heıd always suspected that the Lieutenantıs childhood had
been less than perfect but was it really so bad that Malcolm wouldnıt talk
about it? Shaking his head and resolving to tackle Malcolm on the issue as
soon as possible Trip began his search for Archer.
_____________________________________________
The first shuttle was already on its way back to Enterprise when Hoshi
appeared with a host of full sample bags cradled against her chest. ³Where
is everyone?² The young woman asked. ³Iım not late am I Captain?²
³Got carried away?² Archer smiled broadly. ³I canıt say I blame you. I only
wish we could spend longer here.²
³Malcolm wasnıt with you was he?² Trip asked frowning.
³No I havenıt seen him.² Hoshi shrugged. ³Iıd like to get these samples
stored.²
³Go ahead Ensign.² Archer rested a concerned hand on Tripıs shoulder.
³Whatıs wrong Trip?²
³Malcolm said he was going to find Hoshi,² Trip couldnıt hide the concern in
his voice. ³Sheıs here so whereıs Malcolm?²
³Captain,² Travis appeared in the shuttleıs entranceway. ³Sub-Commander
TıPol wants to know our ETA.²
³Weıll be leaving just as soon as we locate Lieutenant Reed,² Archer
responded, trying to ignore Travisıs look of concern at hearing that
Malcolm was missing, just as he was trying to control his own rising panic
at the manıs disappearance.
³Capın,² Trip was pointing off towards the ruins where a small figure was
stumbling through the abandoned buildings.
³Malcolmıs always been a little shorter than most but not quite that short,²
Archer remarked. At that moment, the figure suddenly vanished behind a stone
wall and Archer and Trip began to run towards the spot.
³Malcolm?² Trip was the first to arrive and he stared down in bewilderment
at the small boy sprawled on the ground.
Archerıs eyes opened wide in disbelief. The boy had the same shock of dark
hair as his armoury officer and it was certainly Malcolmıs grey eyes that
peered up at the two men with a large degree of mistrust. The oversized
uniform hanging from the boyıs frame and streaked with mud served to
confirm the childıs identity in Archerıs eyes at least and offered an
explanation as to why the boy had fallen.
³Malcolm,² Archer held out a hand and the boy availed himself of the aid to
scramble to his feet, pulling up as well as he could the too-long legs of
his uniform.
³It canıt be him,² Trip looked at Archer, ³can it?²
³Malcolm,² Archer crouched down in front of the small boy, ³can you tell me
what happened?²
Mutely the child shook his head, grey eyes were flickering uncertainly over
the two men and his mouth twisted as he tried to hold back the tears.
³Alright,² Archer smiled, ³weıll talk later okay. Will you come back to
Enterprise with us?²
³Capın,² Trip muttered urgently, ³we canıt leave, Malcolmıs still out there.
We have to find him.²
³This is Malcolm Trip.²
³Itıs impossible,² the fury in Tripıs voice startled the boy and he began to
cry. ³Malcolmıs... Malcolmıs... heıs not a kid.²
Archer ignored the protestations of his chief engineer and crouching down
again, he reached out and wiped away the tears on the childıs face. Then
with a reassuring smile, Archer held out his arms and the boy bolted into
them, clinging on to him like a limpet. Archer stood up, his arms around
the boy he knew for a fact was his armoury officer. With a mutinous Trip in
his wake, he made his way back towards the shuttle, keeping up a constant
stream of chatter to reassure the child.
³Weıre going to take you back to Enterprise, Doctor Phlox may be able to
tell us what happened to you. But first weıre going to take a short ride in
a shuttlepod. Thereıs no need to be frightened, weıve got a seat just for
you.²
But when they got back to the shuttle the boy refused to be parted from
Archer and so the Captain held him on his lap for the short trip while
Hoshi and Travis exchanged startled looks with Trip.
______________________________________________
³Well heıs definitely Lieutenant Reed,² Phlox commented, ³I estimate around
six years old, give or take a month or two.²
³Six?² Trip echoed in disbelief, ³how is that possible?²
³I have no idea,² Phlox answered calmly, ³it really is quite fascinating
though.²
³Can you do anything for him?² Archer asked.
³Iım afraid not. However I would imagine that if left alone in the fullness
of time he will simply grow up.²
Trip frowned at seeing the cool way in which the doctor was appraising the
boy. ³Heıs Malcolm not a lab rat,² the blonde haired engineer protested,
his voice rising in anger.
Grey eyes wide the boy regarded the men around him, his mouth trembling with
the effort to hold back his tears.
Archer was the first to notice Malcolmıs distress and he hastily put an end
to the brewing argument. ³I think we should all remember the stress that
weıre inflicting on Malcolm.² Having quelled his subordinates Archer turned
to the little boy, ³do you know where you are?²
Malcolm shook his head.
³Do you know what the date is?²
Malcolm nodded eagerly. ³The fifteenth of October twenty one twenty eight.²
³Well at least I got his age right,² Phlox commented happily as Archer and
Trip exchanged startled looks.
³Do I have to go home now?² Malcolm asked hesitantly and brightened when
Archer shook his head.
³I think that might be a little difficult at the moment. Would you like to
stay here with us?²
³Yes please.²
³What about clothes?² Phlox asked as Malcolm was still wearing his now
out-sized Starfleet uniform.
³Ensign Munroe is on the petite side,² Trip volunteered, ³she might have
something Mal could wear.²
³Trip, if you could enquire as soon as possible. Are you hungry Malcolm?²
With a nod and a tentative smile for his answer Archer reached out to
ruffle the boyıs hair. ³Trip, if youıd be so kind as to take our guest to
the mess hall.²
³No.² The voice was very quiet but insistent. ³Please,² he reached out for
Archerıs hand, ³will you take me?²
Trip had to fight to stifle his smile at the light that shone in Archerıs
eyes in response to the boyıs question. The commander knew just how hard
Archer had worked to try to get Malcolm to relax around him, to regard him
a little less as a captain and a little more as a friend and Archerıs
obvious delight at the connection he had established with the young Malcolm
was quite something.
³Something amusing Trip?² Archer addressed the man with just the smallest
twinkle in his eye.
³Nothinı Capın,² he dissembled, ³Iım jusı glad to see you and Malcolm
getting on.²
___________________________________________
/A boy that small should be unable to eat quite that much/, Archer thought
as he watched Malcolm demolish the plate of food in front of him.
³Like it?² Archer inquired and was rewarded with a beaming smile. ³Pudding?²
³Yes please,² the boy replied eagerly, in his excitement speaking with his
mouth full. Then he coloured and dropped his hands onto his lap. ³Iım
sorry,² the little voice quavered and a tear rolled down his cheek. ³I was
so hungry.²
Startled by the change in his young charge Archer leant forward across the
table. ³You donıt need to apologise for enjoying your food.²
³You wonıt hit me will you?² Malcolmıs voice shook with fear. ³Iım sorry, I
really am.²
Archer sat back in his chair, the words ringing in his ears and he fought to
control his emotions, not one shred of the fury he was feeling must be
allowed to show on his face. ³I wonıt hit you,² he assured the boy. ³Can
you tell me who would?²
Malcolm shook his head, his appetite diminished through fear he pushed the
plate away from him, refusing to meet Archerıs eyes.
³Malcolm,² Archer spoke calmly, ³itıs very important that you tell me who
hits you.² Was this the type of childhood his armoury officer had had? No
wonder then that the man was so restrained and unwilling to make any kind
of connection at all.
³Father sometimes,² he admitted in a small voice, ³when I forget the rules
or do something naughty.²
³Are you naughty often?² Archer asked gently.
Mute, Malcolm nodded. ³I donıt mean to be but sometimes I forget what Iım
allowed to do. Mother says once I go to boarding school things will be
better.²
³Do you want to go to school?² Archer wasnıt sure if he was more aghast at
the thought of Malcolmıs father beating his son or that he was willing to
send Malcolm away, it was certainly a long way from the experiences of his
own childhood.
³Iıd rather stay here, with you.² The grey eyes were so hopeful that Archer
felt a lump in his throat.
³Of course, for as long as you want.² Reassured Malcolm picked up his water
and took a long drink.
Replacing the glass on the table, he smiled. ³Can I have that ice-cream
now?²
________________________________________________
Ensign Munroe had duly supplied Trip with a pair of shorts and a t-shirt
that she thought might fit Malcolm and she had also promised to take in a
couple of Malcolmıs uniforms.
³Iım afraid thereıs no way weıre going to find boots to fit him,² Trip
commented once Malcolm had changed and was proudly displaying his new
clothes in front of the two men.
³Thank you Trip,² the boy took a hesitant step forward and wrapped his arms
around the engineer, who did his best not to show how touched he was.
³Why donıt you go and play with Porthos,² Archer suggested, steering the boy
to the other side of his quarters. Then he motioned to Trip, drawing the man
into one corner.
³Our next move?² He asked softly, one eye on the happy boy. ³Malcolm seems
fine so far but Enterprise needs an armoury officer.²
³Contact Admiral Forrest?² Trip suggested.
³And what if he feels that Enterprise isnıt the right place for Malcolm
anymore?²
³His family will take him,² Trip pointed out. ³I know youıre fond of him Jon
but they raised him once, I spect they can do it again.²
Archer frowned. ³Did you know Malcolmıs father used to hit him?²
³What?² Trip exploded. ³Youıre not serious?²
³We canıt send him back to that. I wonıt.²
³Itıs a wonder he grew up as well as he did.² So that was why Malcolm
wouldnıt talk about his childhood. Somehow, Trip decided, he was going to
have to make this up to his friend. /I have no idea how/, he reflected,
/but Iıll think of somethinı/.
Archer folded his arms around himself. ³Malcolm stays on Enterprise. Thatıs
my final decision. If we can find out what did this to him and reverse it
then we will, if not then Iıll raise him myself, here on Enterprise.²
³I always knew youıd make a good father,² Trip drawled with a smile.
³I need to contact Starfleet. Iıll use my ready room. Could you watch
Malcolm for me?²
³Be happy to,² Trip grinned. ³Iıll say this for Malcolm, he sure makes a
cute kid.²
________________________________________________
³Good morning Admiral,² Archerıs tone was polite but cool and the man on the
view screen regarded him regally.
³Itıs afternoon,² the words were clipped, ³I would have thought you would
have known that.²
³Iım Captain Archer...²
³I know who you are,² the tone was dripping with contempt. ³Let me tell you
this had better be important.²
³I wanted to speak to you about Malcolm.²
Admiral Reed waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. ³Malcolm, thankfully,
is no longer my problem Captain and Iım a very busy man so I would
appreciate it if you could get to the point of this little communication.²
Archer regarded the man coolly, he wasnıt a hundred percent sure what he
wanted to say but rage at the way this man had shaped his armoury officerıs
childhood engulfed him.
³Malcolmıs a very restrained young man,² Archer began.
³Itıs the Reed way. I wouldnıt expect anything else.²
³Was he like that even as a child?²
Admiral Reed frowned, ³I donıt know where you think this line of questioning
is going Captain but I see no reason why I should have to answer your
questions.²
³Was he a difficult child?² Archer persisted.
The Admiral rolled his eyes but he did answer. ³He could be, Malcolm was
like most children, irresponsible, always acting without thinking of the
consequences but I pride myself on having done a good job training him out
of it.²
³Training or beating?² Archer leant forward angrily.
³I donıt know quite what youıre accusing me of, but whatever stories Malcolm
has been telling you I suggest you forget them. My son, unfortunately, is
not always the most truthful of people.²
³Jon,² the small voice caught Archerıs attention and he turned round just in
time to see a small dark-haired blur heading towards him at speed.
³Iım sorry,² Trip apologised, ³but he wanted to be with you.²
With his arms around the boy, Archer didnıt see the expression on Malcolmıs
face as he looked at the picture on the screen in front of him.
³Father?² Malcolm started to tremble and he turned his head, burrowing
against Archerıs body in fear.
³Iım sorry Captain is this some kind of joke?² Admiral Reed stopped short of
severing the communications link and instead stared with horrified
fascination at the small boy seated on Archerıs lap.
³Itıs not a joke,² Archer assured him.
³Well then I can only assume that you called to explain to me exactly why my
son seems to have regressed in this fashion.²
³Not exactly,² Archer admitted. In reality, he hadnıt intended to let the
Admiral know about his sonıs condition at all.
³Malcolm.² The tone of his Fatherıs voice made the boy straighten himself,
unconsciously smoothing his t-shirt as trembling he faced his parentıs
displeasure. ³Are you behaving yourself?²
Slowly Malcolm nodded. ³Yes sir.²
³I hear youıve been telling lies about me,² the voice was ice-cold.
³No,² Malcolm whispered, starting to shake with fear.
³You want to come home though donıt you Malcolm?² Admiral Reed asked,
flashing a look of triumph at Archer.
Watching this exchange Trip had to confess that the man was taking it all
very calmly, he doubted somehow that if his parents found themselves faced
with a six-year old Trip they would have taken the news so well. Of course
he had been a terror as a child. Trip smiled, of course some people would
say he still was a terror.
³Yes sir.² Malcolm was trembling and he climbed down from Archerıs lap, to
stand stiffly to attention in front of the screen. Archer reached out for
the boy but Malcolm pulled away, squaring his shoulders as he faced his
Father.
³Good.² Admiral Reed was curt and barely gracious when he looked at Archer.
³I presume that you will make all the necessary arrangements to return my
son to me.² He ended the communication and Malcolm slowly turned to Archer,
his grey eyes full of tears.
³Do you want to go home?²
The boy shook his head. ³I have to,² he stated quietly. ³I want to thank you
for looking after me.²
Archer toggled the communicator, ³Travis can you take Malcolm back to my
quarters please.²
³Of course Captain.² Travis entered the ready room and held out a hand to
Malcolm. The trusting manner in which the boy took the proffered hand and
allowed himself to be led away brought a lump to both menıs throats.
³And send Tıpol in,² Archerıs expression was grim as he faced the prospect
of having to send Malcolm back to an abusive father. ³I wonıt,² Archer
murmured to himself.
_______________________________________________________
³There is no alternative Captain,² Tıpol stated, ³Malcolm must go home.²
³No,² Trip snapped. ³Werenıt you listening to anything the Capın said?²
³How Admiral Reed chooses to discipline his children is surely up to him.²
³Are you listening to yourself? He abused Malcolm for years and you want to
send him back?² Tripıs entire body was vibrating with rage as he faced the
Vulcan across the conference table.
³He is a child and a child belongs with his parents. I believe thatıs the
human way.²
Trip thumped his fists on the table, his face turning red with anger.
³Youıre not listening. Malcolm belongs here with us!²
³A starship is no place for a child. Captain, I realise you have a fondness
for the boy but even you must agree with me.² Tıpol turned her inscrutable
gaze on Archer.
³Admiral Forrest has been in contact with me,² Archer told his two officers,
with a quiet note of desperation in his voice, ³there will be a Vulcan ship
here within a week to collect Malcolm and take him back to Earth. If we
want to keep him weıll have to think of something fast.²
³Take him back to the planet,² Trip sprang to his feet, ³whatever it was
that changed him, maybe it can turn him back.²
³I do not think..² Tıpol started but Trip rounded on her angrily.
³Shut up, just shut up. Malıs not going back to Earth and thatıs final.²
Archer sighed, having his two most senior officers at each otherıs throats
was not helping the situation. Throughout the conversation, he had refused
to broach the subject of exactly how heart-rending it would be for him to
have to let Malcolm go. As his armoury officer, Malcolm had always
demonstrated the utmost ability in his job and Archer had found himself
quietly proud of the way the man had blossomed under his command and as a
child? Archer sighed again. As a child, Malcolm had wormed his way into
Archerıs heart more deeply and quickly than the man would have believed
possible. Letting him go under normal circumstances would have been hard
but sending him back to an abusive father would be impossible.
³Weıll take him back to the planet,² Archer decided, and if that didnıt
work, well heıd think of something. Perhaps a distant planet somewhere
where Starfleet and the Vulcans would be unable to find them.
³Captain..² Tıpol protested but Archer refused to acknowledge her and he
turned and strode from the room. Malcolm was waiting.
_________________________________________________
³Back to the planet?² Malcolm questioned, one hand resting on Porthosı head.
³Thatıs where you found me.²
³Thatıs right. Something happened to you down there and we need to find out
what,² Archer spoke quietly, trying to do his best not to frighten the boy.
³Iıll be there with you.²
³And Trip?²
³And Trip,² Archer assured the boy, surprised by the flare of jealousy he
felt at the question. After all the adult Malcolm was friends with the man,
so surely it followed that the young boy would be as well. Suddenly Archer
grinned, imagining what it would have been like if Trip had become a six
year old as well. /Nothing on Enterprise would have been safe/. ³Perhaps
itıs just as well,² he murmured.
³Just as well what?² Malcolm asked innocently.
³Itıs not important,² Archer replied with a smile. ³Now how about I take you
to visit with Trip in Engineering while I sort a few things out?²
Malcolmıs eyes lit up and he nodded quickly. ³Yes please!² Almost
hesitantly, the boy wrapped his arms around Archer. ³I wish you were my
Father.²
³I wish I was too,² Archer replied softly.
_______________________________________________
³And this,² Trip drawled, ³is the engine.²
³Wow.² Malcolmıs grey eyes were wide as he admired the giant beast that
stood in the centre of engineering.
³The best Starfleet has ever built,² Trip stated proudly. ³Itıs alright. You
can touch her. She wonıt bite.²
Hesitantly Malcolm extended his hand towards the engine but before he
touched the gleaming metal, a klaxon started wailing and the boy started
back in fear.
³What in Hadesı name is going on?² Trip bellowed, startled almost as much as
Malcolm by the sudden intrusive noise. It was only a small whimper from
Malcolm that stopped him from tearing a strip off his entire team right
then and there.
³Mal?² Trip turned towards the whimper but Malcolm was nowhere to be seen
and Trip swore softly under his breath. Quickly he organised a search
party, engineering was no place for an unaccompanied child and Trip knew
that he would never be forgiven if something untoward were to happen to
Malcolm.
³Commander!² Ensign Rostov beckoned to him and Trip hurried over. ³Heıs in
here. Goodness knows what possessed him to go down there.²
Trip peered down into the Jeffries tube and could just make out the boyıs
bare feet in the gloom. ³Mal?² There was no answer and Trip tried again.
³Malcolm itıs okay, nothinı badıs gonna happen.²
³I didnıt do anything,² the small voice whispered.
³I know Malcolm. Just come out please,² Trip pleaded.
There was a stifled sob and Malcolm shuffled his feet. ³Promise not to hit
me,² he whispered.
/Gods! What does he think I am?/ ³I wonıt hit you,² he promised, doing his
best to ignore the glances that were being exchanged by his team.
³Okay,² the small boy slowly inched his way out of the tube and Trip
gathered him into his arms. /This is Malcolm/, he found himself thinking in
disbelief, /I donıt know another man more capable of looking after himself
and yet heıs so vulnerable/. Hugging Malcolm to him Trip climbed to his
feet, turning aside so his team wouldnıt see the expression on his face but
Malcolm did. The little boy was staring right at him and impulsively he
reached up and planted a kiss on Tripıs cheek. ³I love you Trip.²
³I love you too Mal, now letıs go and find Jon shall we?² The man suggested,
desperate not to show how touched he was.
³Okay.²
_______________________________________________
Archer was overseeing the outfitting of one of the shuttles ready for the
trip down to the planet. Leaving Malcolm examining a ration pack, Trip
picked his way gingerly around the shuttle.
³How long are we planning to be away from Enterprise?² Trip drawled, ³There
must be a wholeıs monthıs worth of supplies in here.²
³Two months actually,² Archer replied, refusing to meet Tripıs eyes.
³Capın?² There was no response and so catching hold of Archerıs arm Trip
drew him to one side. ³Jon? What are you doing?²
³What I have to.² Archer said coldly. ³Thereıs a chance we wonıt be able to
reverse whatıs happened to Malcolm and I want to be prepared.²
³Youıre going to kidnap Malcolm?²
³I donıt have a choice Trip. I canıt let him go back to Earth, could you?²
With a shudder Trip recalled the pitiful voice begging not to be punished,
but even though he agreed with Archer he still said, ³Youıll be thrown out
of Starfleet. Is that what you want?²
³If Iım thrown out so be it.²
³Okay then, but promise me one thing. If you go I get to come with you.²
Archer opened his mouth to protest but Trip cut him off. ³Youıll need two
of us. Ration packs wonıt last for ever and just what are you planning to
do with Malcolm when you have to leave him to look for food?²
Unwillingly Archer conceded Tripıs point. ³Alright Trip, if we have to leave
you can come,² he promised.
_________________________________________________
Archer was sitting up late, staring blankly at the view screen in front of
him. Over and over his brain ran through various options but in the end all
his thinking came down to simply knowing that he was not about to let
Malcolm be taken back to Earth.
³Captain,² it was Tıpolıs voice, sounding quietly over the comm system.
³Report Sub-commander,² he ordered wearily, rubbing his eyes.
³Captain we have just received word from the Vulcan ship. They will be
arriving in just under an hour.²
That piece of news did wake Archer up. He had thought that he still had
another couple of days to try and work out what was the best thing to do
but now all his time had just been taken away from him.
³Malcolm.² Archer bent over the bed and touched the boyıs shoulder.
³Malcolm.²
Grey eyes blinked sleepily and Archer crouched down beside the bed. ³Malcolm
I know itıs late but I need you to do something for me. Get up and get
dressed okay?² A sleepy nod in reply. ³Iıve got to go somewhere but I
promise I wonıt be more than five minutes.² Another nod and Archer hurried
away, not wanting to leave Malcolm a moment longer than he had to.
Three minutes later when he re-entered his quarters Archer saw that Malcolm
had fallen asleep once more, fully dressed he lay sprawled on the bed,
Porthos lying next to him gave Archer a reproachful look but Archer didnıt
have time to acknowledge the beagle.
³Trip,² the engineer had entered close behind Archer, his hair tousled and
his clothes showing signs that they had been donned in a hurry. ³I need you
to take Malcolm to the shuttle. Make sure itıs ready to go. Then wait for
me.²
³Moonlight flit,² Trip shrugged. ³Okay.² Tenderly he leant over and picked
Malcolm up from the bed, the boy stirred briefly but then settled back to
sleep, nestled safely in Tripıs arms.
³Take the shortest route and make sure that nobody sees you. The less people
that know about this the better.² Once Trip and Malcolm were on their way to
the shuttle Archer, again ignoring the reproachful look from Porthos, turned
his steps towards the bridge.
³Captain,² Tıpol greeted him, ³Is everything all right?²
³When the Vulcan ship gets here I want you to delay them as long as
possible.²
³How long will you need?²
Archer sighed and tried to smooth his disordered mind. ³I have no idea. I
donıt know if Iıll even find what weıre looking for.²
³Understood. I will do my best.²
³Thank you,² Tıpol nodded in acknowledgement and Archer hurried from the
bridge, suddenly aware that this might be the very last time he ever saw
the bridge of the Enterprise.
________________________________________________
The shuttle managed to get down to the surface of the planet unhindered,
although Archer spent the journey convinced that the Vulcans would spot
them. His sigh of relief when the shuttle touched down was echoed by Tripıs
and the two men stared at each other, the reality of what they had done
finally sinking in.
³Kidnapping,² Trip shook his head, ³Itıs not something I ever thought Iıd
do.²
³Itıs Malcolm,² Archer justified their crime, ³heıs a member of my crew.²
³Technically theyıre not your crew anymore, not unless we manage to turn
Malcolm back into an adult.² Trip pointed out. It was after all significant
that neither man was wearing their uniform as though they had already
accepted the fact of their likely expulsion from Starfleet.
Finally awake and standing outside the shuttle, Malcolm stared around him
with wide eyes. ³I remember this place, ³he whispered to Archer.
³Do you remember what happened to you?²
³No,² Malcolm looked scared. ³I was asleep, when I woke up I was here.²
³Jon,² Malcolm had wandered off across the grass but now he returned to
Archerıs side, ³can we go exploring?²
³Maybe later,² then seeing the downcast expression on Malcolmıs face he
added, ³why donıt you get Trip to play a game with you. I think he brought
a football.²
But when Trip had unpacked his football and tried to hand it to Malcolm, the
boy simply regarded it scornfully. ³Thatıs not a football.²
³It is too,² Trip protested, ³real leather football.²
³Footballs,² Malcolm said taking the ball and turning it over in his hands,
³are round. This is a rugby ball.²
³Rugby?²
³Want me to teach you?² Malcolm offered.
³Sure, why not.² Trip shrugged.
Malcolm grinned and tossed the ball to Trip. ³Letıs start with tackling
shall we.²
Watching from the shuttle Archer wasnıt sure which one of the pair was more
surprised at the fact that a six year boy running at speed could topple a
grown man to the ground.
Half an hour later Trip retreated to the shuttle, bruised and muddy and
laughing at himself, a triumphant Malcolm riding on his shoulders. ³Iım
going to miss this little guy,² he admitted to Archer quietly as he watched
Malcolm tossing the football into the air.
³Hopefully we wonıt have to. Trip, Malcolm says he canıt remember much
beyond the fact that he was asleep and woke up here, you were with him
before he changed. Did you notice anything?²
³We were talking about tree-houses. Or at least I was, Mal he was ... well
he didnıt seem too enthusiastic about the idea. I told him that he must
have had a tree-house when he was a kid, Mal said no, heıd never been that
sort of child.² Trip frowned, ³does that help?²
³Malcolm!² Archer called the boy over to him, ³how would you like to build a
tree-house?²
³Really?² Malcolmıs eyes were wide with excitement, ³Iıve never been allowed
to build one before,² his face fell, ³Father says that well-brought-up
little boys donıt play in trees.²
³Well I think thatıs one rule that weıre gonna have to change,² Trip said.
³Cımon if we all pitch in weıll be done in no time.²
____________________________________________________
Dinner was eaten in the tree-house Malcolm appearing inordinately pleased
with their creation.
³Can I sleep up here?² Malcolm asked eagerly but regretfully Archer shook
his head.
³No Iım sorry. What would happen if you rolled over in the middle of the
night and fell out of the tree?²
³I wonıt,² Malcolm protested. ³I never roll over.²
³I could sleep up here with him,² Trip offered but Archer shook his head
again.
³No. All personnel are to sleep in the shuttle.² Archer said quickly before
Trip could leap in and add anything else. ³Iım sorry Malcolm, but I need to
keep you safe.²
³So you can return me to my Father,² the boy muttered accusingly.
³If I had my way,² Archer replied with conviction, ³youıd never have to see
that man again. Now eat up,² he commanded, ³itıs starting to get dark.²
Later, as Archer was tucking the boy up beneath his covers, Malcolm
stretched out one hand and said, ³thank you Jon. I had fun today.²
_______________________________________
³Jon!² Trip had been the first to emerge from the shuttle but his startled
cry soon brought the others scrambling out of the doorway. ³Over there.²
About ten feet away and standing just at the edge of the ruined settlement
Archer could see an imposingly tall lady, dressed all in white and with
long dark hair spilling over her shoulders Archer couldnıt help but
shudder.
³Captain,² the womanıs voice was soft but nevertheless carried clearly to
his ears. ³Captain Archer, I wasnıt expecting you to return.²
She stepped forward or rather glided, her feet seeming not to touch the
ground and Trip took a step forward but she held up one hand.
³Thereıs no need Commander, I mean you no harm.²
³You know who we are?² Tripıs accent thickened by the suspicion in his tone
and the woman smiled.
³Of course.²
³Jon?² Malcolm was trying to push past Archer but the Captain held him back.
³And you must be Malcolm,² she smiled kindly at the boy. ³Have you been
enjoying yourself?²
Malcolm nodded, unable to find his voice and Archer feeling the little boy
beginning to shiver picked him up.
³Who are you?² Trip asked. ³Was it you that did this to Malcolm?²
³Your friend regretted his lack of a proper childhood. I simply granted his
wish. Is this not better for him?²
³Better?² Trip growled, ignoring Archerıs disapproving frown. ³You think
this is better? All youıve done has meant that weıre going to lose him.²
³I do not understand.²
³I do not understand?² Trip mimicked. ³On Earth, the planet we come from the
authorities arenıt keen on letting little boys fly around in starships.
Theyıre sending people to take Malcolm away from us. That childhood that he
never had, well heıs not going to get it this time round either.²
³I am sorry,² the woman said. ³I should not have interfered but I thought
that maybe this time it would not happen.²
³What wouldnıt happen?² Trip was becoming angrier and he took a step towards
the woman.
³This world, these ruins, once there was life here. They came to this planet
many years ago and I welcomed them. I was lonely and so I wanted to make
them happy. I granted their wishes, the people who lived here but when
their cousins who lived elsewhere found out they turned against this
village and wiped it out. Then they turned on each other. A whole race
destroyed itself because of me.²
³If youıre so powerful why didnıt you stop them?²
³I could not. I can grant innermost wishes but all these people wished for
was to destroy each other so I fled. When I returned, they were all dead
and I mourned them.²
³And then you thought youıd try your hand with Malcolm?² Trip snarled,
aghast at what the woman had told them.
³His wish was so strong I could not ignore it. I am sorry.²
³Can you turn him back?²
³Turn him back?²
³Age him, turn him back, back into the Malcolm he was a few days ago?²
³No.²
³No?² Trip snarled, ³now look here lady..²
³Trip.² Archer laid a warning hand on his friendıs arm.
³I grant wishes. In order for me to turn him back, Malcolm would need to
wish to be an adult.²
³Thatıs crazy.²
³Crazy or not it is the truth.²
Trip turned to Archer, exasperation plain in his face, ³what shall we do
now?²
³I think itıs time we asked Malcolm what he wants,² Archer replied,
crouching down in front of the boy. ³Malcolm, did you hear what the lady
said?²
³Yes.²
³Do you want to be an adult again?²
Tears welled in the boyıs eyes. ³Have I done something wrong?²
Archer bit back on his anxiety and forced himself to speak calmly. ³If you
stay as you are Malcolm your Father is going to take you away from us,²
Malcolmıs face crumpled as the tears flowed down his cheeks and Archer
hurried to reassure him. ³You have a choice Malcolm. If you want to be an
adult again it means you can stay on board Enterprise, as armoury officer.²
³I could stay?² Malcolm breathed, unsure if he should believe Archer.
³Yes and no one would be able to take you away from us.²
³Not even Father?²
³Your Father least of all.²
Then thatıs what I want.² Malcolm pulled himself straight. ³I want to stay
on Enterprise. I want to be grown-up.²
³Then come,² the woman extended an arm towards Malcolm, who glanced
uncertainly at Archer.
Archer nodded. ³Go with her Malcolm. Youıll be safe.²
Here,² Trip had ducked into the shuttle and now he emerged, clutching one of
Malcolmıs uniforms. ³Youıll need this.²
³Thank you Trip,² Malcolm accepted the uniform and then he placed his hand
trustingly in that of the womanıs and let himself be led away.
³So weıre getting Malcolm back,² Trip commented, ³any regrets?²
³Not one,² Archer replied, ³these last few days have been magical.²
___________________________________________________
Picking his way back through the ruins Malcolm couldnıt help feeling that he
wished Trip had had the forethought to provide him with a pair of boots as
well but it felt good to be back in uniform, despite his bare feet. Turning
his head, the man saw a flash of white disappear into the tree line and then
he hurried on back to his colleagues and friends.
Watching Malcolm walking towards the shuttle Archer had to swallow a lump in
his throat, he was pleased to have his armoury officer back intact but he
would miss the child.
³You okay Malcolm?² Trip asked as the man drew nearer. ³How much do you
remember?²
³I remember everything,² Malcolm replied, smiling at his friend. Uncertain
now Malcolm took rapid steps towards Archer. Snapping to attention Malcolm
saluted, ³Iım back sir.² Then he wrapped his arms around Archerıs shoulders
and hugged him, whispering as he did so, ³Thank you Jon. Iıll never forget
what you did for me.²
Eyes shining with unshed tears of joy Archer hugged Malcolm back.
______________________________________________________
Three days later and Trip was leading Malcolm blindfolded along the
corridors of Enterprise.
³Whatıs going on Trip?²
³Just relax Malcolm.² His friend instructed him. ³You know I think turning
you into a child was a good thing. Maybe we should try it on Tıpol.²
³I should think she was even less of a child then I was,² Malcolm chuckled
dryly.
³Youıre probably right. Ah, here we are.² Trip pulled Malcolm to a halt and
then shoved him forward, pulling off the blindfold as he did so.
³Surprise!² The shout reverberated around the mess and Malcolm found himself
staring dumbstruck at what was very nearly the entire crew.
³Everyone wanted to welcome you back Mal.²
The mess had been decorated with colourful streamers and balloons and
Malcolm suddenly realised just how touched he was by this show of
friendship. Standing at the front of the mass of people was Archer, beaming
widely.
The party was wonderful, as is usual at these things there was too much to
drink and too much to eat and people crowded around Malcolm, welcoming him
back and saying how pleased they were to see him again, even though he was
pretty sure he had never actually been away.
Eventually people backed off and the party began to settle off into little
groups and Malcolm found himself alone, staring out at the vastness of
space.
³How you doing?² Tripıs drawl made him turn with a smile on his face.
³Itıs a great party Trip.²
³I knew youıd enjoy it.² Trip smiled with satisfaction. ³Mal, Iıve been
wanting to ask you how much exactly of the past few days do you remember?²
³All of it,² Malcolm replied simply.
³Thatıs what I thought.²
³Iıve got no intention of embarrassing you Trip, if thatıs whatıs worrying
you. But I do need to just tell you one thing.²
³Shoot.²
³I know a lot of the time I can seem withdrawn and closed off but I think
perhaps you can now understand a little of why I donıt find it easy to
relate to people.² Malcolm glanced up at Trip, almost shyly. ³And I know
that Iıve never told you how much your friendship means to me, but when I
told you I loved you I meant it.²
The warmth in Tripıs blue eyes told Malcolm that his words had been
understood and appreciated and Trip reached forward to hug him. ³So those
last few days werenıt a complete waste of time,² he muttered with a smile.
³No they werenıt,² Malcolm agreed, eyes shining as he regarded his friend.
________________________________________________
It was late and the crew were starting to drift away but there was still one
person Malcolm hadnıt yet had a chance to speak to.
³Captain?²
³Malcolm,² Archer turned round and beamed at the man, ³how are you?²
³Fine sir. I just wanted to say thank you for everything you did for me and
everything that you were prepared to do for me.²
³You knew huh?²
³It wasnıt hard to work out,² Malcolm reached out to touch Archerıs arm. ³It
means a lot that you were prepared to give up Enterprise for me.²
³I couldnıt have let you go back to that. Bad enough you had to suffer it
once but to make you live it all again, no.²
³It wasnıt so bad,² Malcolm replied, ³once I went to school, things got a
lot better. I rarely saw Father then, only in the holidays when I gave him
my school report.²
³He treated you better?²
Malcolm frowned and his grey eyes grew distant, ³as long as my report was up
to standard.²
³And if it wasnıt?²
Malcolm wrapped his arms around himself and refused to meet Archerıs gaze,
³I only got a bad report once.²
³Thank you for trusting in me,² Archer said, compassion for the younger man
flooding him.
³It was easy Captain. I wish I could have had a father like you.²
³I do too Malcolm. Oh and call me Jon, when weıre off duty.²
³I will,² Malcolm said with a smile, ³thank you Jon.²
The two men smiled at each other, sealing the bond of friendship between
them.
~the end~
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