A New Beginning

A New Beginning

Chapter 1
Author: Frosty the Night Owl
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Archer, Tucker, T'Pol, OC, N/C, AU.
Summary: After visiting a planet for supplies, the crew of the Enterprise leaves with more than what they expected.


*

Captain Jonathan Archer narrowed his eyes as he swept his gaze around the bar. The Enterprise had stopped at this planet, Oricon, for a stockup of supplies. He had been informed that someone named Derg would be able to help them secure some much-needed antimatter. What he had not been informed of, though, was that Derg ran the equivalent of a strip-joint. Raising an eyebrow, he looked at Sub-Commander T'Pol. He smirked softly as she turned away from the scene before them and concentrated on the other side of the bar. Lieutenant Malcolm Reed, however, was watching with interest.

"Will Derg be here soon?" he heard T'Pol ask the bartender. Taking a deep breath, Archer turned and waited for the answer. He wanted to get this over with just as much as T'Pol did.

"Yeah, soon," was the reply. Three eyes watched the three Enterprise officers individually, causing a shudder to move up Archer's spine. T'Pol glanced at the Captain with a long-suffering gaze as the bartender moved on to new customers.

Malcolm leaned back against the counter and shook his head. "It's amazing what some of these women can do." Archer stifled a grin when the Security Officer looked at him. "I have yet to see a human get into that kind of position," he said, pointing to a far corner.

The Captain glanced, but did not allow his gaze to remain. He took a sip of the complimentary drink the bartender provided and sighed deeply. "It never ceases to shock me how many alien brothels there are in the universe."

"Many cultures have not proceeded beyond the sex industry," said T'Pol, pursing her lips as she looked around, "It would not surprise me if many of these women were here against their wishes."

Malcolm crossed his arms and frowned. "You think so?"

She nodded softly. "Slavery is a lucrative business."

Shaking his head, Lieutenant Reed sighed heavily. "That's terrible."

A voice broke out of the crowd. "I assure you all, there is no slavery here." They turned to see a man coming towards them, short with dark hair and an upturned nose. The markings along his neck advertised the fact that he was native to this planet. "Our women are all here by choice."

Captain Archer pursed his lips and stepped forward. "You must be Derg."

"Actually, I am Jehon. I am to take you to Derg,"smilsmiled, moving his eyes to each of the Enterprise officers, lingering on T'Pol seveseveral moments. "Please, follow me."

Raising his eyebrows, Archer followed the alien out of the bar and down a thin corridor. Malcolm and T'Pol followed close behind. "We're very grateful for your help," said Archer conversationally, "Derg has been quite accomodating."

Jehon glanced back. "Accomodating clients is Derg's specialty." He led them around a corner and into a room with several doors. "Captain Archer, if you would follow me, Derg has a room ready for you."

Jonathan moved his eyes to the others, who both looked concerned at being separ. He. He decided, being armed, that he would go with the alien. "It's alright," he assured Malcolm, before following Jehon.

The alien smiled at Archer when they were out of earshot of the others. "Don't worry. Your officers will be taken care of as well."

"Glad to hear it," he replied, not quite sure what the meaning was.

Jehon led him to a red door at the end of the hallway. "Your room," he said, motioning towards it with smile.

Blinking back uncertainty, the Captain smiled and entered the room. It closed softly behind him.

He frowned and darted his glance around the dimmed room. Taking tentative steps forward through a sheer curtain, his eyebrows raised in surprise. The room was decorated in dark purples and blues, bathed in a soft, pale light. In thntrentre was a bed, draped in velvet fabrics.

Exhaling in annoyance, he pursed his lips and looked around. The room was set, but the girl had not been sent in yet. Taking the opportunity, he turned to leave. Before he could grip the door handle, though, it turned on its own.

Captain Archer stood back as a young woman entered the room. The first thing he noticed was her clothing. A sheer, silver gown draped loosely over her petite body. The second thing he noticed, as his eyes moved to her face, was her bright, wide-eyed expression.

She smiled demurely and bowed slightly. "Captain Archer," she said quietly, "My name is Cosette. I am here to serve you."

Cosette licked her lips and looked up at the tall human. His face was devoid of any expression, and so far she found him particularly hard to read. Swallowing heavily, thinking of what Derg had told her, she stepped forward and moved for his hand.

Knitting his brow, Archer moved back. "Cosette," he said, "I'm afraid there's been a...mistake. I'm not interested in your services."

Confusion shadowed her face. "Oh. I'm sorry. You are interested in the service of someone of your own gender."

He blinked, puzzled, then shook his head wildly. "No, no, that's not what I meant. What I mean is, this isn't necessary. I am only here to get supplies for my ship."

Cosette's body filled with tension. He was refusing her. "I understand, but Derg wished to give you a gift as well. He treats his clients well." Reaching out and taking his hand, she smoothed her thumb over the skin and led him back through the curtain. He walked in with hesitation.

He let go of her hand as she moved towards the bed. "I'm sure he does," he sighed, "But I'm not interested. Could you please tell Derg that I'd rather just finish our trade?"

An expression of worry flied aed across her features. "Please, allow me to try to please you. I promise I can make you happy." She walked towards him, pushing the straps of her dress over her shoulders.

Archer stepped forward and caught the material before it dropped. His warm hands rested on her shoulders and he looked down at her. "You don't need to do this."

"I want to."

He frowned and took a deep breath, his eyes watching her carefully. Cosette hesitated to make her her move on him, even as Derg's threats echoed in her mind. "Please, keep your clothes on."

Letting go of her shoulders, he turned to walk away. He stopped short, though, when Cosette brushed past him and blocked his exit. "I beg of you, let me pleasure you. I can make you feel things you've never experienced."

Archer looked down into her determined and somewhat scared eyes. "I'm telling you it isn't necessary. I would think it would be a relief to not have to please me."

"I need to."

His dark eyes wandered over her form. "Why do you need to?"

A blush covered her face. Looking downward, avoiding his gaze, she shook her head. "It is my duty. This is what I am for."

"Cosette," he said quietly, moving towards her, "Are you here against yoill?ill?"

She looked up, blinking. "I have always been here. This is what I am for." Touching a hand to his chest, she slid it down his uniform till it rested at his waist. "If I do not please you, I will be for nothing. Derg wants you to be happy. I can make you happy."

She began trailing her hand lower, but he stopped it, grabbing her wrist. "What will Derg do if you don't make me happy?"

Her eyes widened. Pulling her hand back, she looked off to the side. "Things I will not think about." Regaining her strength, she turned back to him and looked up with a seductive expression. "But that is not your worry. The only thoughts you should have are about how you would like to have me."

Archer's eyes hardened slightly. "Take me to Derg."

Pausing, she stepped bfromfrom him. "Will nothing I say or do change your mind?" He shook his head. "I will take you to him, then," she said sadly.

Opening the door, Cosette stepped outside and moved on down the hall. The Captain glanced back, wondering if Malcolm and T'Pol were in the same situation he was. As she led him around a corner, Archer noticed Cosette's hands tense before she stopped at a plain white door and knocked softly.

The door opened to reveal a man with sharp blue eyes and dark hair. A frown sat upon his features as his gaze moved between Cosette and Archer.

"Derg," she said softly, "Captain Archer wished to see you."

His gaze lingered on the girl for a few seconds before he opened the door all the way and extended his hand. "Captain Archer," he greeted in a clipped tone, "It is a pleasure to meet you."

Archer shook his hand, then moved into the room when Derg stepped aside. When he looked back, he noticed the alien motion Cosette into the room as well. Her expression was worried.

"I was not expecting you so soon. I can only assume Cosette did not please you as I had hoped she would. I can offer you a selection of others, if you wish." Derg clasped his hands in front of him as he spoke to Archer.

"That's not necessary. I'm not interested in your women," he said, addly quickly, "Nor your men. I would jlikelike to do our business."

Derg pursed his lips. "I apologize, Captain." A dark glance was cast at Cosette, wherteerted her gaze. "I should have not sent Cosette to you. She has failed me before. I promise you, she will be dealt with."

"That's not necessary," he repeated, this time more strongly, "She did nothing wrong."

Derg waved his hand. "No matter. We should get on with business. Cosette," he said, looking at her, "Leave."

Captain Archer watched as she nodded politely and left without a word. His eyes remained on the door after it had closed, as he wondered about her and if Derg would hurt her in some way. She was so young. He wondered what kind of life she had had.

Taking a breath and turning his attention back to Derg, he smiled softly. The man had a small briefcase which he set upon a desk and opened. "Your supplies," he said, grinning down at the anti-matter. "Do you have what I requested?"

Archer opethe the zipper of his pocket and removed a small chip. "Compatible with all computers," he said, handing it to Derg, "It contains information on all the species we've encountered."

The alien placed the chip in a small box. "I am most grateful, Captain. A businessman can only serve his clientele well, if he knows who his clientele are." He winked and hid the box away in the desk.

Biting his lip, Archer closed the suitcase and took it in his arms. "Thank you."

Derg nodded and led him to the door. "I hope we can do business again. Your people will be sent to meet you in the main room down the hall."

Grasping the case, Archer glanced down the hall in the opposite direction, still wondering about the girl. Shaking his head, trying to rid his mind of worry, he set out to meet Malcolm and T'Pol.

*

TBC