Author: Kris
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: R/T
Category: Drama, Romance
Warning: Some Spoilers
Summary: Malcolm and T'Pol grow close while in the Expanse
Chapter 1
Malcolm took a brief look around the Mess hall before heading towards
the breakfast line. It was more crowded than he had hoped, as was
everything since they left Earth. It was amazing how everyday crew
functions had changed when the added personnel arrived. Now, he
waited twice as long for his food and needed to move twice as fast to
get a free seat. Of course, there were some advantages. For
instance, Phlox hadn't had the chance to call him down for his yearly
medical evaluation yet. That alone was worth the five minute jog he
had to do through C Deck just to find an unoccupied head yesterday.
Yep, it wasn't so bad.
He frowned as he watched Crewman Taylor swipe the last raspberry
scone, leaving only the dreaded tub of grits on the counter. For
some reason they were popular among the MACOs. At least Commander
Tucker would be happy. Sighing, he traded in his plate for a cup of
coffee and went to look for a table.
Just as he was about to give up he heard his name being yelled over
the morning chatter. Ensign Sato, half-stood from her chair, waving
in his direction. He pulled a chair from a neighboring table and
squeezed in next to Travis.
"Quite a circus in here, isn't it?" Travis said, spooning a lump of
grits in his mouth.
Malcolm couldn't help but wince as he watched the Ensign eat. He
still couldn't believe Travis had gotten so hooked on them. "Yes,
but the lunch shift is still worse."
Hoshi gave a groan as she picked through her eggs. "Stop being so
pessimistic, Malcolm. So it's a little crowded--I don't have a
problem with it."
Malcolm followed her eyes as they drifted in the direction of three
buff MACOs sitting across the room. He smirked. "I'm sure the view
is quite lovely for you."
Hoshi sneered playfully before taking a bite of her eggs. "I just
don't see the big problem. You've been complaining about a lack of
discipline on this ship since we first left space dock. I'd of
thought you'd be thrilled to have some 'spit and polish' on board."
Malcolm shifted in his seat before pointing to her plate. "There
were no more eggs left."
"I know," she smirked. "I got the last serving."
Hoshi swirled her fork of eggs in front of him before shoving them in
her mouth. She made an appreciative moan, while licking her lips.
"You're completely evil, Ensign."
"Why thank you, Lieutenant."
Travis shook his head as he wiped his mouth on a napkin. "Well, I've
noticed how cramped things have gotten too. Two days ago I had to
wait five minutes in a line for the bathroom. The bathroom! It's
like you have to make an appointment or something."
Malcolm nodded in sympathy, while Hoshi just snorted. "Oh yeah," she
said. "Maybe you should make a complaint to the Captain. Honestly,
guys are such wusses. Women have been going through this for ages.
It's payback time."
Malcolm looked at her. "What I think Travis is trying to say is that
there are an unusually large number of men aboard recently. We never
planned for these type of slanted statistics."
Hoshi smiled. "Are you saying that Starfleet should have employed
more women? 'Cause I can understand why all you big strong men are
here to shoot those doggone weapons and protect us women folk."
Malcolm slightly blushed, trying to ignore Travis's low chuckles. "I
have no problem serving with women, Hoshi. But, as you know, men are
still the majority in the military. Besides, you're hardly one to be
complaining. I think there's still a drop of drool on your chin."
Hoshi just rolled her eyes. Malcolm suspected that he'd be hearing
about it again though. For some reason, women always remembered.
They were like elephants---although for practical reasons he decided
to keep that analogy to himself.
"So, what do you think of T'Pol's new uniform, Malcolm?"
Malcolm glanced up, his stomach feeling as if it suddenly fell
through the floor. Perhaps she's just curious, he thought. After
all, she doesn't have many female friends to gossip with. It could
be innocent.
That's when he noticed the mischievous gleam in her eyes as she
sipped her tea. She was doing it on purpose! She knew exactly what
she was doing. He could feel the blood draining from his face, or
maybe it was the other way around. Bloody woman.
"So?" She asked. "You have noticed T'Pol lately, haven't you,
Malcolm?"
He could feel Travis staring at him, obviously confused. Clearing
his throat he forced his lips to move. "Ah, well I mean...not
really, Ensign. No."
Travis nodded, folding his arms on the table. "I was a little
surprised by that pink suit she was wearing."
Before his brain could interfere Malcolm's mouth started moving. "It
was more of a reddish coral actually."
Hoshi started laughing, her entire face lighting up. "You are such a
bad liar! I knew you noticed!"
Malcolm flushed. "Well...I'm the Armory Officer, damn it! I should
pick up on details."
"Uh-huh. I'm sure you've picked up on quite a few things."
Travis looked between them. "It's too early for this. I'm going to
head up to the bridge. You guys coming?"
Hoshi sighed, picking up her cleared plate. "Yeah, I guess we better
get going. The Captain's been a little stressed lately. I don't
want to get on his bad side."
Travis snorted. "When you find out exactly which side that is--let
me know. If he corrects me one more time I think I'll need those
soldiers around to hold me back."
"He's been critical of all of us, Travis. It's his job to make sure
we're ready for anything we might come into contact with," Malcolm
said, remembering back to the few times Archer had gotten on his case
about minor things.
Travis didn't reply, but it was clear what he thought of the
response. Deciding to break the silence, Hoshi tugged on his
arm. "Come on, let's get to duty. We'll see you later, Malcolm."
Malcolm watched as the two Ensigns wormed their way out of the
crowded Mess. Before he had a chance to settle back in his seat two
crewmen plopped down at his table with their trays.
"You don't mind if we sit here, do you, sir? It's just that..."
Malcolm waved a hand. "Don't worry about it. I was just leaving
anyway."
As he stood he noticed the food on the crewman's plate. His eyes
narrowed. "Where did you find those eggs?"
TBC...