Brave New World

"BRAVE NEW WORLD"
An "Enterprise" story

By Alison M. DOBELL

SUMMARY: "Captain Archer sends an away team down to a planet in answer to a distress beacon. No one is quite prepared for what they find."
Rated: NC-17.
The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and "Enterprise"are owned by Parmount. No infringement of copyright is intended.
Feedback to: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

* * * * *

Part One (Note this story was submitted as a single document and should be read as such. It has been divided into three parts to facilitate downloading.)

Shuttlepod One shuddered as it descended through more turbulent atmosphere. The planet below hidden from them by clouds of moist vapour that reminded him so much of Earth he wanted to pinch himself. He angled his head to look across to where Lt Malcolm Reed was checking their instrument readings. He rubbed his hands briskly up and down his arms. It sure was getting cold. "Remind me again why we're doin' this?"

T'Pol and Dr Phlox seemed to be impervious to the dropping temperature. Even Reed was handling it better than he was. Jesus it was damn cold.

"We received a distress signal and, with this being a Minshara class planet and the Captain wanting to have as many favourable alien encounters as possible it seemed a good opportunity to offer aid and assistance."

Commander Tucker blew on his hands and frowned at him. "Yeah, only they never replied to our hails and there has been no repeat of the call in the last four hours. Ask me they're probably already popsickles."

Sub-Commander T'Pol raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at him.

"Popsickle. Frozen." He elaborated trying hard not to shiver too much.

She lowered her eyebrow slightly. Dr Phlox could not hide a look of amusement but said nothing. He enjoyed watching the way the crew interacted. "You are cold." T'Pol stated flatly.

He gave her a sarcastic look though his voice was mild, his tone honeyed. "You pick up that? What gave me away?"

"You are shivering almost constantly, your face has lost colour, your lips are beginning to turn blue..."

Dr Phlox stifled a laugh at the look on the Commander's face and interrupted, his eyes twinkling with merriment. "Perhaps now would be a good time to put on our protective clothing, Commander?"

He nodded. "That's the best idea I've heard all mornin'."

* * * * *

Back on board the Enterprise Captain Archer was looking at Hoshi expectantly. She shook her head. "I am getting no response, Captain."

"And the distress beacon?"

She shook her head. He expelled a frustrated sigh.

"How about pinpointing the earlier distress calls?"

"We can only estimate the region. For more accuracy we need another signal."

He thought about that. Knew the conditions down on the planet would be less than hospital. Right now Siberia was probably warmer. "You think it was a mistake to send a team down?"

She shook her head firmly. "No, sir. Whoever sent that message was in trouble. We may be their only hope of survival."

"Unless they're already dead."

The crew exchanged solemn looks. Captain Archer wanted to kick himself for expressing that thought out loud. He tried to inject brightness into his tone and be more positive. After all, it was up to him to set an example. "I think it's more likely that this worsening weather is affecting their beacon just as it's making it more difficult for us to keep track of the shuttlepod on our sensors."

Travis Mayweather was looking thoughtful. "Captain? What sort of people live down there?"

The Captain smiled and spread his arms wide. "I have absolutely no idea and that's what thrills me Travis. It's part of the reason why I'm in space in the first place."

There were smiles all round now. They knew and shared that feeling. Every one of them.

* * * * *

The landing was a little bumpy but at least they were upright and on solid ground. Commander Tucker felt a lot happier now he was wrapped up but knew that feeling would evaporate the moment they stepped out of the shuttlepod. He cast a last look around before following the others out into the bitter sweeping winds. The surface outside was rocky and partly snow covered though the snow was not deep. It was the cold wind he hated most, adding a chill factor to this ice cube that had him dreaming of Hawaii and tropical waters the moment he saw it. Whose idea was this anyway? Oh yeah, the Captain's. He would have to find a suitable way in which to thank him when they got back. No good deed should go unpunished and that applied in triplicate to bad ones.

He lengthened his stride to catch up with T'Pol. She was looking at her sensor padd. "What'cha got, T'Pol?"

"The signal has not repeated, Commander."

"So which way?"

She turned and pointed. "The last signal came from that direction, Commander."

"Okay, let's do it. The sooner we find 'em the sooner we can get off this ice cube."

He noticed that Lt Reed was shivering now as well. Even T'Pol was beginning to look cold. The doctor was the only one who was not reacting to the weather. Commander Tucker dropped back a pace to speak to him. "I notice you seem unaffected by the temperature, doc. Is your homeworld a cold one?"

He smiled and shook his head. "No, Commander. By your standards it is a warm planet, very pleasant. We do not have inclement weather of this nature."

"Hmm, that so? Then how come you're not shivering your ass off like the rest of us?"

He laughed lightly. "Denobulans have self-regalatory systems, Commander. We can lower or raise our body temperature at will. It is how we acclimatise to hibernation."

"Hot damn, that's one neat evolutionary trick."

"It's not a trick Commander, it's survival."

"Yeah, survival." He paused. "So your home planet doesn't get cold, huh?"

"I did not say that. It does get cold, very cold, but not in this extreme. It also has equators much like your Earth except the temperature variances are higher."

"How high?"

"At its' highest it is hot enough to melt rock."

The Commander's face took on an awed expression. "That's hot!"

Dr Phlox smiled genially at him. "Which is why we do not live along the equatorial line, Commander."

They fell into a companionable silence snaking along the track behind T'Pol and trying not to talk more than was absolutely necessary. Lt Reed cautiously bringing up the rear. It was daylight but a perpetual gloom seemed to pervade the place, everything bathed in a half-light that was neither day nor night. Lt Reed did not like it. The Commander could hear him muttering under his breath behind him. "What's that Malcolm?"

"N...nothing, just cold."

"You, me and ma weddin' tackle."

They lapsed back into silence and trudged on for a couple of hours before being brought to a halt by T'Pol. If the Commander did not know better he would have said she looked worried. "What's up Sub-Commander?"

"We should be close to the signal but I am picking nothing up on the sensor."

"Maybe we should look around for anything that might be a beacon?"

The Vulcan hesitated. "By my calculations Commander, it will soon be dark. I suggest we find somewhere to rest for the night. A shelter of some kind."

"I'm sorry I didn't pack a tent." Said Lt Reed sarcastically.

T'Pol raised an eyebrow. "There is no need. My instruments show there are caves up ahead."

"Yeah," Said Commander Tucker half under his breath. "Let's just hope there's nothin' already in 'em."

The Vulcan heard him. "There are no life signs registering, Commander."

He nodded his thanks and fell silent again. T'Pol proved as good as her word. Admittedly some of the caves were little more than alcoves in the rock but they found one that was much larger and went inside. The moment they entered the mouth of the cave the biting wind was cut off from them and they instantly felt warmer. A smile graced Commander Tucker's lips and he felt his spirits lift. "Now all we need is a nice fire and somethin' to eat and it'll be real homely."

"I always suspected you had crawled out of some cave, Commander." Quipped Lt Reed.

Commander Tucker grinned at him. "Don't be so superior, Malcolm. So did you."

"Touche. Before we get too comfortable we should check it out first."

Commander Tucker nodded. "Good idea, let's do that."

Dr Phlox set down his medical kit and straightened. "I will light a fire."

"And I," Said T'Pol. "Will see if I can contact the Captain to apprise him of our situation."

"Good luck," Responded Trip. "Somethin' tells me we might have trouble with communications while this weather lasts."

The cave opened out into a large oval cavern then tapered off into a little more than a tunnel. Carefully he and Lt Reed unpacked their torches and proceded down the dark corridor. Lt Reed shuddered involuntarily. "Whose stupid idea was this?"

"Yours."

"Thanks, Commander Tucker. You are such a comfort."

Behind him, Trip grinned. "Glad to be appreciated." He drawled.

They quipped and bantered for several hundred yards before coming to another cavern, much smaller than the one they had left behind them but still eight or nine feet across. Commander Tucker thought he heard something and turned slowly, his light illuminating patches of darkness and making the other shadows seem even deeper. He could hear Lt Reed breathing heavily a couple of steps behind him. There. What was that? He swung his torch back the other way and was startled when the light reflected off something. He heard Lt Reed swear under his breath but did not respond. His attention on the creature trapped in his torch light. He could hear his friend shifting behind him and held one arm out to caution him to stay where he was. "Don't move." He whispered softly.

"What the hell *is* it?"

Commander Tucker was wondering the same thing. He crouched down slowly and looked into the creature's eyes. It was about the size and colouring of a chipmunk but the tail was much bushier and more tightly curled up its' back like a squirrel's. He began to talk quietly to it, not wanting to frighten it away. "Hey, what are you doin' here little fella? This your place? C'mon, no need to be afraid. Nobody's gonna hurt ya."

Lt Reed hissed a foot from his shoulder. "What the hell are you doing? It's a bloody rodent."

The creature immediately hurried away. Gone in a second. Commander Tucker was annoyed and had trouble biting back his irritation as he stood up and turned to his friend. "Why d'ya have'ta go and scare it away?"

"It's probably desease ridden and just waiting for a chance to bite you."

"You're paranoid."

"And you take unnecessary risks."

"It wasn't gonna hurt us, Malcolm."

"So *you* say."

He looked at Lt Reed for a moment in silence. "Did anyone ever tell ya you're about as much fun as a heart attack?"

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Commander."

Trip chuckled, his natural good humour reasserting itself. He still wished he had got a closer look at the creature though. Maybe they would find another one? But though he kept his eyes peeled as they finished their recce he saw nothing else. Lt Reed was inordinately happy about that.

* * * * *

Captain Archer was beginning to get worried. The away team had been gone eight hours and there was still no contact from Sub-Commander T'Pol. Were they alright? Had they landed in one piece? Did they need help? Then the blanket of thick cloud thinned and a broken signal made it through. Relief almost overwhelmed him. "What happened, Sub-Commander?"

"The weather is inhospital, Captain, and this affected our communications. Unfortunately it is also affecting our ability to trace the distress beacon."

"Do what you can, Sub-Commander."

"Cap'n?"

He smiled as his Chief Engineer's voice sailed over the com. "What is it, Commander?"

"It's night on this ice cube. The Sub-Commander's found us a cave to shelter in so we're gonna sit tight and try again in the mornin'."

"Good idea. If you can't locate the beacon or the people who sent the distress signal by the end of tomorrow I want you to return to Enterprise. I need hardly remind you not to take any unnecessary risks, is that understood?"

"Yes, Captain." Replied the Vulcan.

"Ya got it, Cap'n." Said Trip.

Captain Archer leaned back in his chair and smiled. His people were alright. Now all they had to do was find whoever sent that message.

* * * * *

Commander Trip Tucker was dreaming. He had to be. He felt warm, calm, loved even. A sense of well being coursed through his body carrying his weariness with it and bathing him in warmth. A tiny happy sigh passed his lips and something warm wrapped gently around his neck. His body temperature increased a little more until it reached optimum. His lips curved in a happy smile. Sun soaked beaches teased his mind, warm waters pulsing up golden sands. Lt Reed sneezed in his sleep and woke up. Noticed everyone else was still asleep and rolled on to his side to fall back to sleep but it would not come. He was awake now. Irritated he sat up and rubbed his eyes then realised he was the only one awake. Good thing too otherwise who knew what might happen? This was still an alien planet whatever Commander Tucker might have him think to the contrary.

Perhaps it was just him imagination but it seemed a little warmer this morning. It still felt very early so he made no move to wake the others. Better to get a fire started and make a hot drink. As he got up he looked across at his companions and friends, just needing to reassure himself that everything was alright. Commander T'Pol slept as if she was laid out in a coffin. Her petite form laid neatly in her sleeping bag, a heat retaining blanket over the top. Dr Phlox was snoring very softly, a look of tranquility and joy on his face. Then he looked at Commander Tucker and shook his head in amusement. Now why didn't he think to bring a scarf with him. He turned to start work on the fire and froze. Scarf? Trip had not bought a scarf with him. He turned slowly and stared at his sleeping friend. Ignored the half smile on Trip's lips and stared at the scarf. The pattern nudged a memory in the back of his mind. The scarf slowly unwound a little, one end flicking up and looking straight at him. The bright beady eyes seeming to read his very thoughts. Lt Reed dropped the sticks he had gathered to start a fire and yelled. The creature buried itself inside the top of the Commander's sleeping bag and quickly disappeared.

Sub-Commander T'Pol woke instantly and sat up. What she saw made her question whether or not she was dreaming. Lt Reed was standing with a weapon in his hand, the barrel pointed at Commander Tucker who seemed blissfully unaware that any drama was unfolding while he slept. Why was the Tactical Armoury Officer pointing a weapon at the Chief Engineer? She heard Dr Phlox begin to stir next to her. "Lt Reed, what is going on and why are you pointing a weapon at Commander Tucker?"

Lt Reed did not lower his weapon. She could see now that his hands were shaking. "I'm sorry, Sub-Commander but there is an alien present."

Immediately she drew her own weapon and glanced around. She could see nothing. She looked at Lt Reed. "Where?"

He pointed at the sleeping Commander. T'Pol frowned. "Are you suggesting the Commander is an alien?"

"No, of course not."

Commander Tucker was beginning to stir. They looked at him but instead of opening his eyes he rolled on to his right side and continued to sleep soundly. Lt Reed gave her a helpless look.

"It's a creature."

The doctor was wide awake now and padded over to Lt Reed quietly, not wanting to wake the Commander or scare the creature away. Though he looked carefully he could not see anything. He gave the lieutenant a quizzical look. "What sort of creature?"

"Um, it looks a bit like a squirrel but with markings on its' fur like a chipmunk."

"Ah, you mean it is striped?"

He nodded. "Yes."

The doctor hid his amusement. "And how big is this *alien* creature?"

Lt Reed shot him a suspicious look but there was no sign that he was being mocked. "It's about the same size as a chipmunk."

"Or a rat?"

A quick look this time. "You don't believe me?"

Dr Phlox made a non-commital expression, his eyes bright with interest and humour. "I did not say that but from your description it sounds like some kind of rodent."

"Ah, that's what I told Trip it was." He said smugly.

Dr Phlox and T'Pol exchanged a look. The Sub-Commander lowered her weapon. "You've seen this creature before?"

"Yes, when we explored the cave to see if it was safe."

"Yet you chose not to disclose this information?"

Lt Reed swallowed slowly. Suddenly nervous. "The Commander said it wasn't dangerous."

The eyebrow rose. "And how many times has the Commander been to this planet, lieutenant?"

"Um, this is the first time. For both of us."

Just then Commander Tucker rolled onto his back and woke up, the smile freezing on his face when he saw the gun pointed at him. He scowled and did not move. "What the hell are you doin', Malcolm?"

"It's back."

"What's back?"

"The thing, the creature, it was sleeping with you."

Commander Tucker sighed heavily then half sat up leaning back on his elbows, surprise and humour vying with his sluggish brain to take in what he was saying. "Lt Reed I can assure you that..." He broke off, feeling something move under the sleeping bag and lay across his chest. T'Pol frowned at his expression.

"Commander? Are you alright?"

He took a slow breath. "Uh yeah, I think so."

Still holding his gun on him, Lt Reed nodded at the Commander. "You can feel it, can't you?"

"Feel what?"

"That thing, that creature, inside your sleeping bag."

"Malcolm, do me a favour?"

"What?"

"Put your gun away."

Lt Reed shook his head. "Not until that creature has been killed or captured."

Trip looked at T'Pol. "Sub-Commander would you please ask Lt Reed to put his gun away? If you want to keep yours that'll be okay but I don't want anybody gettin' trigger happy."

She nodded and Commander Tucker breathed a sigh of relief when Lt Reed reluctantly put his gun away. He sat up carefully and pulled out the top of his sleeping bag and peered down. "It's okay," He whispered gently. "Nobody's gonna hurt you. Ya can come out now but make it real slow. Some people are gettin' mighty jumpy out here."

Although he could not see the creature he could feel it padding gently up his chest. He slowly opened his sleeping bag wider and waited, all the while talking so softly that only T'Pol could hear his words clearly. A furry snout peeked out the top of Trip's sleeping bag and first looked at him then took a cautious look at his companions. Dr Phlox was delighted. A Sanacrid. They were not only rare but highly prized. He watched fascinated while the creature darted to Trip's shoulder and wrapped its soft bushy tail round his neck as if staking his claim on the human. Trip chuckled softly and smiled at them, his eyes finally resting on Lt Reed. "I told ya it wasn't gonna hurt us, Malcolm."

"I say we should shoot it to be on the safe side."

The humour fled from the Commander's face. "Is that just you or ya ignorance talkin', Malcolm, 'cause it sure don't sound like StarFleet ta me."

Dr Phlox interjected quickly not wanting the two men to end up in a shouting match. Not over something as wondrous as this. "I think I can help."

Everyone stopped talking to look at him. Dr Phlox was looking at the creature, a look of subdued awe on his face. "You have accomplished a very rare thing Commander."

Trip looked puzzled. "I have?"

"Yes. The creature you seem to have befriended is called a Sanacrid. They are very rare."

"Are they poisonous?" Asked the lieutenant.

The doctor chose not to answer that question at that particular moment. He was more interested in how the Commander had managed to gain the notoriously shy creature's confidence. "It likes you, Commander. I am curious, how did you tame it?"

"Tame it? I didn't tame it, doc."

"Did you touch it, handle it in any way?"

He resisted the urge to shake his head, not wishing to jostle his new friend. "Nah. We saw him in the other cavern and I tried talkin' to him but Malcolm kept yelling and gettin' all twisted outta shape. Scared him off." He broke eye contact with Phlox to glare briefly at Malcolm but there was no anger behind it. Dr Phlox considered what he had said.

"Hmm, that's very interesting and highly unsual."

The Sub-Commander frowned slightly. "Why is it unusual?"

"Sanacrid are telepathic. It is very rare for them to initiate contact with a non-indiginous species. In fact, I have never heard of it happening before. You should feel very honoured, Commander."

Trip smiled. Enormously pleased that the Sanacrid was so highly thought of by the doctor. He was not quite sure why just that he felt very protective towards him. Perhaps it was all those cartoons he had watched as a kid. Chipmunks were always portrayed as friendly little fellas.

Sub-Commander T'Pol watched the Commander closely. "We cannot take this creature back to the Enterprise, Commander."

"I never suggested we should, T'Pol. Besides. Wouldn't be my decision."

Her eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

"This little critter's gotta mind of its' own. If he wants to come visit it's up to him."

"Him?"

"Yeah. As in *male of the species*."

"How do you know that the creature is male?" She asked curiously.

His smile became a grin. "Some things ya just know, Sub-Commander. Trust me."

* * * * *

Continue to Part 2

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