A New Beginning

A New Beginning

Chapter 3
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.

*

Cosette sat on the bed, facing the door. Malcolm had escorted her to this room when they had arrived on Enterprise, after a short and very quiet shuttlepod ride. The Security Officer seemed nice; he had provided her with a new outfit, one that concealed her. She ran her hands along the fabric of the pants and frowned, unable to remember the last time she had been so clothed.

Lieutenant Reed had left after providing her with what she needed, saying nothin wha what she should do. It had been at least two hours since their arrival on the ship, and no one had come to see her. She looked around the small room, taking in the muted, bare walls, and feeling vaguely homesick. And she was hungry.

Sighing deeply, Cosette again wondered why Captain Archer brought her here. When slaves were purchased from Oricon, they were for a specific purpose. The man she had tried to pleasure had denied her repeatedly, so it stood to reason that id nid not want her for sexual purposes. Still, though, that was what she did. That was her use. Perhaps he had wanted to get business out of the way first, before using her. It was not unusual for Derg's clients to want that. Her reasoning, though, didn't quell the worry and curiousity in her mind.

Standing, Cosette approached the door to the hall. Never would she leave without permission from her owner, but she wanted so badly to step out the door. She didn't like to be alone, never had. Anything would be a welcome diversion from the quiet that plagued her in this room.

But she would not leave without permission.

Clasping her hands behind her back, she paced the short distance from wall to wall. Discomfort welled up inside her, and she unconsciously began tugging at the long sleeves of her shirt. They had clothed her to the point that she felt claustrophobic. These humans were new to her, a mystery. She didn't know what they were like. She couldn't understand why they would bring her here.

A chime at the door caused her to jump. Blinking, she looked around, not sure what to do. It chimed again. Standing still, she watched the door with wide eyes and said, "Come in."

A smiling girl stood at the edge of the doorway as it parted. "Hello," she said, "My name is Hoshi. You're Cosette, right?" She nodded. "Captain Archer wanted me to take you to the Mess Hall, and then to see him. Are you hungry?"

Cosette nodded again, not moving. Hoshi's smile faltered as a softness came over her eyes. "It's alright," she said, extending a hand, "You're safe here."

Taking a breath, she joined Hoshi in the hall. The Asian girl smiled again and began down the hallway. Cosette's wide, nervous eyes glanced at every human that walked by, noticing them notice her. She was new. Uncomfortabe, she crossed her arms over her chest.

"I'm sure you're pretty nervous about this," said Hoshi as they entered a lift, "But there's no need to be. Thetaintain told me about what kind of planet you lived on, and I can assure you it won't be like that any longer."

Looking up, taking comfort in the girl's friendliness, Cosette revealed her worries. "Oricon was my home. I know nothing else."

Hoshi nodded. "You'll learn. It'll be okay. I promise."

Feeling a little less scared, she asked, "Why did your Captain purchase me?"

Her companion's eyes flickered at the question. "He wanted to help you."

"Why?" On her planet, people did not help unless they wanted something in return.

"I...I don't know," she replied, shrugging softly. "The Captain is a good man. I'm sure he had his reasons."

"Why me? There are others who are in need as well."

"I don't know," she repeated, "You can ask him that, when you see him."

The turbolift door opened and they stepped out into the hall. Cosette stayed close to Hoshi as they entered the mess hall. Looking around, she began to miss the quiet of her quarters. It was very busy, each table had several people around it.

"This way," said Hoshi as she walked towards a man sitting alone at a small corner table. "Commander Tucker," she said as they approached, and the blonde-haired man looked up, "Do you mind if we join you? It's kind of busy in here."

The man's smile was welcoming. "Not at all," he said, setting down the padd he had been looking at.

Cosette sat down quietly, her hands folded in her lap. "Commander, this is Cosette. Cosette, this is Trip Tucker, Enterprise's Chief Engineer." Hoshi smiled and looked at Cosette. "I'll grab us something to eat."

"It's nice to meet you," said Tucker as Hoshi walked away. "How are you liking Enterprise?"

His blue eyes watched her openly. Each person she met seemed friendly and honest, and while those qualities were appealing, they were also quite foreign to her. "It's...nice," she replied, looking around, "Busy."

He laughed, a sound that made her smile softly. "Yeah, it can be that. You'll get used to it."

"I don't mind," she said, "I'm used to it. I just...don't know anyone."

Taking a drink, he nodded and pursed his lips. "You will. We're all pretty friendly. I'm sure you'll fit in just fine."

Leaning forward, she ventured the same question she had asked Hoshi. "What is my purpose?"

The Commander raised his eyebrows. "Purpose?"

"No one has told me why I am here. Does your Captain wish for my services?"

His eyebrows went even higher. Setting down his glass, he coughed uncomfortably. "Uh, well, you'd have to ask him, but I'm pretty sure that's not what he had in mind."

She shook her head. "Then I don't understand why I'm here."

"Well, you'll have to talk to him about that." He leaned back in his chair.

Cosette looked down at the table as her voice became quiet. "That's what Hoshi said as well."

Tucker sighed heavily and looked up as Hoshi headed back to the table. "She's right. We can't explain the Captain's reasoning, but we're glad to have you here."

Hoshi smiled as she sat down and handed Cosette a plate filled with food she had never seen before. Cosette nodded absently, still unsure. When her eyes moved back up, she caught Commander Tucker watching her in silence. He smiled softly, then averted his gaze back to his own food. She wondered, too, what they thought of her. Obviously the humans did not have slaves in such the way Oricon had. She wondered if they looked down at her.

Blushing softly, she shifted uncomfortably and stared at her food. She didn't want to learn a new way of life. It was a frightening thought, and if death did not await her, she would wish to be returned to her planet.

*

Cosette rubbed her abdomen as the food in her stomach settled. She was not used to such a rich variety, having sustained herself on bland products for most of her life. She felt tired, drowsy, but Hoshi was leading her to the Captain's ready room. At least now she could find out for what reason he brought her here.

Hoshi chimed the door, and Archer's deep voice called them to enter. "Thank you, Hoshi," he said, and Cosette watched the young girl leave. Turning back, her eyes fell to the man sitting at the desk.

"Can Arn Archer," she said, "I wish to thank you again for bringing me here. I hope I can fulfill your desires as you expect."

His brow creased, just as it had on the planet when she offered herself to him. "That's not why you're here, Cosette. I brought you here so you could have a free life."

"A free life?" A thrill rose through her body. She had never even considered such a thing before. "Forgive me, Captain, but my entire life has been about serving my protectors. I'm not sure I can do otherwise."

He stood up and exhaled a deep breath. "I know this will be difficult at first, but we'll be here to help you. Once you get acclimated, we can take you wherever you want to go. Or if you want to stay with us, you can do that as well." Archer walked around his desk and stood in frof Cof Cosette. "Your happiness is what matters here. I need to know I made the right choice in bringing you here."

Cosette nodded, still unsure about what he was saying. She didn't know if she wanted what he was offering. "Is there nothing I can do for you? If you aren't interested in me sexually, perhaps I have other talents that can be of use."

"Don't worry," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "I know you feel out of your element, but in time you'll learn how to live without catering to others. You don't have to do anything for me, Cosette."

"Everyone keeps telling me not to worry," she replied quietly, "I don't understand you humans. I was not raised as you were. I was happy, where I was."

A sad frown crept over his features as he lowered his hand. "Were you really?" he asked, skeptical. "I got the impression that you were quite frightened."

Cosette lowered her eyes. "Derg was upset. I wasn't...doing my best work." Looking up, her expression became earnest. "I promise you, Captain, I can repay you for your kindness. I can please " "

He sighed heavily and laughed. "You're persistent, I'll give you that."

She looked sad, then, as her hands clenched in front of her. "Am I not attractive enough?"

Archer stared at her, his eyes locking with hers as he stood in silence for several moments. "Under any other circumstances, I wouldn't hesitate. You're a beautiful woman, Cosette. This isn't about you, it's about ethics. I brought you here because I thought you were being mistreated. I brought you here so you could have a normal life. You're not here to serve me."

"My life was normal."

Clenching his jaw, he touched her arm and motioned her towards the door. "You'll understand what I mean, in time. For now, I want you to make yourself at home. The Bridge, Armoury, and Engineering are the only places off-limits. Look around the ship. Get comfortable in your new quarters. Make friends." He looked down at her as the door opened. "If you need anything, ask."

She nodded and stepped out the door. "Thank you, Captain," she said quietly before turning away and heading down the empty hall. She heard his door close behind her, and when she looked back, the hall was empty.

Sighing, Cosette entered the turbolift and stood there, staring at the control panel. She didn't know where to go. The Captain had told her to look around the ship, but she wanted nothing more than to go back to her room and stay there until ummoummoned her. Still, though, it made sense for her to have a look around. Biting her lip, she touched the control for C Deck and stood quietly while the lift headed to its destination.

When the lift stopped and the door opened, she was surprised to see a friendly face instead of an empty hallway.

"Hey," greeted CommanTuckTucker as he boarded the lift, "Good to see you walking around. Headin' somewhere in particular?"

Cosette frowned, looking out the open door. "No," she said, shaking her head, "The Captain just told me to look around."

"Well, I have some free time. Would you like a tour through Engineering?"

She looked up at him. "Oh, Captain Archer said Engineering was off limits."

Tucker laughed. "Well, he's right. It's off limits, except when the Chief Engineer says it's okay. Come on," he said, pressing a button for Engineering, "It's more exciting down there than it is up here."

Cosette blinked as the doors hissed shut. It would take some getting used to, going against the wishes of her owner. By everything the Captain had said and done, he was serious about her going off on her own, not being held down by him. A part aside from her inhibitions felt excited by that prospect. She felt more at ease, though, when she glanced up at the man beside her. His smile relaxed her.

"So how did your talk with Captain Archer go?" The Commander leaned against the wall of the lift and tilted his head, interested.

"It was...not what I expected."

He frowned. "How so?"

Cosette licked her lips. "I've never known a species such as yours, who gives freedom so easily. I've never even considered a life without a master. Captain Archer has little interest in keeping me. I'm not sure whether to be saddened or relieved." She looked up at Tucker and laughed lightly. "I'm a little overwhelmed."

"Yeah, I can imagine it'll be quite an adjustment. You're around good people, though."

The lift slowed and the doors opened to a bright hall. "I have a feeling my habits will be hard to break."

Motioning her out, he nudged her slightly with his elbow as they walked towards Engineering. "That's not so unusual. Take your time. There's no rush. Enjoy your new life."

As they entered the loud bustling of activity in Engineering, she nodded. "I will try."

*


TBC