The Dark Side

The Dark Side

Chapter 1
Author: Frosty the Co-Dependant
Contact: elvendemagogue@yahoo.com
Rating: NC-17
Codes: Archer, Tucker, T'Pol, OC, AU, N/C, Darkfic
Summary: Something has a hold over Captain Archer. Is it loooove? Read and find out!
WARNING: Very violent. Probably a lot more violent than our other fics. And more one-dimensional, as well.
Author's Notes: This fic was written a couple of years ago. It was one of the first OC ones I ever wrote, so I don't think the quality is quite as good as the more recent ones. Just FYI.
Disclaimer: Enterprise isn't mine.

*

Ensign Kate McLeod rang the chime on the Captain's Dining Quarters. The Captain had invited her and Ensign Travis Mayweather to have dinner with him personally. She nervously wiped her hands on her uniform, excited about finally being invited to dine with Jonathan Archer.

She walked in when the Captain answered the chime. Travis was already seated at the table. "Have a seat, Ensign," smiled Archer, motioning to a chair.

"Thanks," she replied, feeling a slight blush rise to her cheeks. She hope no one had noticed. She didn't want to appear flustered at her first informal meeting with the Captain. This was a rare privilege.

"I hope you like spaghetti," he said as the food was delivered to them.

"Yes, very much," said Kate, unable to hide her smile.

"Man, I haven't had spaghetti in ages," grinned Travis, taking a drink of water. "It looks great."

"We have an amazing chef," said Archer, taking a spoonful of food into his mouth. Travis nodded in agreement.

"So, Kate," said the Captain as he took a drink, "How do you like working on board the Enterprise? How long's it been now, almost a month?"

"Yes, sir," she said, smiling, "And I'm loving it. This ship is incredible."

"She certainly is," replied the Captain, taking a quick gaze around the room. He looked back at Kate, "And no need for formalities here, Kate." He winked at her softly.

Kate smiled in understanding as Archer started a conversation with Mayweather. She listened intently, but found herself looking over the Captain a little more often than she thought was necessary. She couldn't deny it...he *was* attractive. Shaking her head softly, she berated herself for looking at her Captain in that light.

Just then, something rocked the ship. Dishes slid across the table and a loud thunder crackled over the room.

Archer furrowed his brow and slapped the comm channel. "Archer to the Bridge. What's going on?"

Sub-Commander T'Pol's voice came over the system. "We've been caught in a trap of some sort, Captain. I suggest you come to the Bridge."

"Understood." He closed the channel. "Looks like dinner's cut a little short. Let's go."

Travis and Kate got up and followed their Captain out the door.

*

Captain Archer stared at the viewscreen. What looked like a vortex held the ship in place over a small M-class planet. The engines were useless.

"The beam seems to be coming from the planet," said T'Pol as she looked over the screen in front of her.

Archer sighed and looked at the Security station. "Can we get a shuttle out of the bay, Malcolm?"

Lieutenant Reed tapped a few buttons on his console before replying. "I believe so, sir. The beam doesn't seem to be concentrated around the front of the ship."

"Reed, Sato, you two are with me. We're going to see what's down there."

Kate watched as the threesome left the bridge. Looking back at the viewscreen, she crossed her arms in anxiety. She had a bad feeling about this.

*

Ensign McLeod listened in as the Away Team kept the comm channel open. Nothing out of the ordinary was happening. The planet was bare and desert-like. They were having a hard time pinpointing the source of the vortex beam.

Everything was going smoothly, for the most part. Then a loud crash came over the system. Kate's eyes darted up to the viewscreen.

T'Pol leaned forward in her chair. "Captain, is everything alright?"

Reed's voice came over the comm. "We have a problem, Enterprise," he said, urgency in his tone. "Some sort of energy beam hit the Captain. He's unconscious. We're taking him back to the shuttle now."

Kate's stomach tightened in worry. "Understood," replied T'Pol, before hitting the internal comm button. "T'Pol toox. ox. The Captain has been injured on the surface. Please prepare for his return." She hit the switch before the Doctor could even reply.

Kate waited in silence for what felt like days as the shuttle came up from the planet and entered the ship. T'Pol left her station and walked into the lift, obviously heading for Sickbay. All Ensign McLeod could do was stand there and wait. She wanted to make sure the Captain was alright, but she knew she'd just be in the way.

She exhaled heavily and leaned against the bulkhead, wondering how such a good day could have turned so bad so fast.

*

It was several hours before Kate heard how the Captain was doing. The Doctor was keeping him in Sickbay for tests, but apparently he was feeling fine.

She was on her way to her quarters when she rounded a corner and literally bumped into the man who was foremost on her mind.

Archer chuckled and held out a hand to the fallen ensign. "Sorry about that," he said as he pulled her up. "Are you okay?"

Kate smiled at the Captain's seemingly good mood. "Yes, I'm fine," she said, "How are you doing? Are you feeling better?"

Archer grinned widely. "I'm feeling amazing. In fact, I don't think I've ever felt better in my life!"

"I'm glad to hear that, Captain," she responded, acutely aware of Archer's wandering eyes. While she was flattered, it was a little out of character and made her slightly uncomfortable.

"Mmmmmm..." said Archer, taking several seconds to look over the ensign in front of him. When Kate crossed her arms, the Captain raised his eyes to meet hers. "Yes," he mumbled, "Carry on."

He winked and brushed past her, whistling as he headed down the corridor. Kate watched him go, confused by what just happened. She sighed, shook it off, and headed for her quarters.

*

The next morning Kate was at her console on the Bridge when the Captain called her to his Ready Room. She entered the room with a bright smile on her face.

Jonathan Archer was sitting at his desk eating some sort of pastry. He motioned for her to sit down and popped the last piece of food into his mouth.

"You know, I really had no idea just how amazing some food really is," he mumbled as he wiped his mouth. When Kate only smiled as a reply, he continued, "I realize that we didn't get to share much of a meal yesterday." He paused and leaned forward. "Would you join me tonight in my quarters? I'd like to make it up to you."

Ensign McLeod' eyes widened at this. She was surprised at the offer, but didn't hesitate to accept. "I'd love to join you, Captain. Will Travis be there as well?"

Archer frowned slightly at this. "Travis? No, I wasn't planning on it. Why? Do you want him there?"

Kate blinked softly. "Uh, no, sir. I just assumed it wouldn't be just the two of us."

The Captain grinned and got up from his chair. He ran his finger along the desk as he walked to where Kate was seated. "You're a good officer, Ensign. I wanted to show my appreciation." He turned away quickly and faced Porthos who was sleeping on the couch. "But if you don't feel comfortable dining alone with your Captain..."

Kate swallowed and took Archer's trailing off as an opportunity to interrupt. "That's not what I meant, Captain. I would love to dine alone with you. I'll be there tonight."

He whipped around and smiled broadly. "Excellent. I'll see you at eight. Dismissed."

Kate turned haltingly and exited the Ready Room. She stopped short outside the doors and twisted her face into a confused stare. "Something wrong?" asked Lieutenant Reed as he walked by.

McLeod snapped out of her thoughts and turned to his station. He was looking at her, a little concerned. "No, nothing wrong," she said with a soft smile. She moved back to her station and got back to work.

*

Eight o'clock came quickly. Kate licked her lips nervously as she rang the chime on the Captain's quarters.

The door swooshed open to reveal a grinning Jonathan Archer. Kate blinked as she looked him up and down. He was dressed in casual attire, and Ensign McLeod felt a little embarrassed that she was s in in uniform.

"Kate," he said, allowing her inside his quarters, "You look lovely. As usual." He winked and pulled out a chair at the dinner table.

Kate sat down uneasily. There was something very odd about how the Captain was acting. "Thankyou," she responded, watching him as he sat across from her. "I'm sorry I'm still in my work clothes. I didn't realize this was going to be informal." She smiled at him as she took a sip of water.

The Captain kept his grin plastered on his face. His eyes held a shade that made Kate a little nervous. "Oh, it doesn't matter what you're wearing, Ensign. You won't be in those clothes for long, anyways."

Kate's smile dropped from her face. Her eyes widened in shock as she laughed nervously. "Uh, what?" she asked, swallowing hard.

"You heard me," he said, his expression stony. He got up from his chair and walked to his door. He pressed a few buttons and the locking mechanism clicked into place.

Ensign McLeod sat in her chair, unable to move. She wasn't sure what was going on, but the Captain was really beginning to scare her. "A-are you alright, Captain?" she asked, trembling.

He raised his eyebrows and stepped towards her. "Of course I am," he said, kneeling down in front of her. Kate leaned back slightly. "Something happened to me on that planet, Ensign. I've never felt more alive." He drew a finger up to her face and gently slid it down her cheek. "I can now appreciate the...finer things in life." He pushed her hair behind her ear and smiled.

Kate was stunned. "C-captain," she said, her mouth dry, "I don't think this is such a good idea." She was becoming more aware of just how much Archer had changed, and she knew something wasn't quite right.

Archer's face grew dark. He pulled his finger from her face and placed his hand on her thigh, squeezing tightly. "I do," he said, moving in to kiss her.

Ensign McLeod gasped and pushed him away. She quickly slid out from his grasp. "Captain," she said, licking her lips, "Listen to me. I don't think you're feeling youself right now, so I should probably just go." Her breathing became laboured as Archer's face became an expression of impatience.

He rose to his feet and looked at her. "Disobeying your Captain isn't a good idea, Ensign."

Kate blinked softly. "What do you want from me?" she whispered.

"The same thing I know you want from me, darling," he said, approaching her. "You're very attractive, Ensign. Aren't you flattered that your Captain is interested?"

Kate squinted at the way Archer was talking. "I don't know what you're seeing, but I'm not interested in you that way. It would be inappropriate." She backed off slightly as he got closer.

He held a hand over his heart. "I'm hurt, Kate," he said, a smirk on his face. "But I don't really care if it's inappropriate or not."

Not liking the look in his eyes, Kate made a move for the comm system. She jumped in fear when Archer lunged forward and slammed his hand against the wall right in front of her.

"Don't even try it," he growled, leaning in close. Kate stiffened and closed her eyes, feeling his hot breath on her face. She became numb with fear.

"If you do anything to me, they'll court-martial you," Kate whispered, hoping he wouldn't become angry.

She opened her eyes when Archer laughed. "Who said anything about them finding out?" He ran his free hand through her hair. "This'll be our little secret."

Kate shuddered at the contact and tried to pull away. Archer grabbed her by the shoulder and yanked her forward. "This is going to happen whether you want it to or not. I suggest you enjoy it."

"Please don't," she whispered as Archer pulled her across the room. He shoved her into his bedroom and she stumbled across the floor.

"I don't want to hear any whining," he said as he began to unbutton his shirt. Kate became pale with fear. The reality of just what was happening was settling in.

Kate scanned the room for something she could use as a weapon, but there was nothing to be found. Once Archer had his shirt open, he advanced on her. "I'm going to enjoy this," he said, closing in on her.

Ensign McLeod panicked and darted around the Captain. He caught her arm swiftly and twisted it around her back. "Don't make me angry," he growled into her ear before tossing her onto the bed.

Kate could barely hold the tears in her eyes. "Please stop," she begged, feeling herself getting weak from terror.

Archer crawled over top of her and laid his weight on her body. He grabbed at her hands till he had them pinned above her head. His dark eyes washed over her face and rested on her lips. He leaned down and kissed her softly, then deepened it, forcing his tongue into her mouth and sucking hard.

Kate whimpered against his forcefulness. He freed one of his hands and slid it down her body towards her hip. He gripped her hard, and pushed his body into her own.

He finally broke the kiss and began to undo her uniform. Kate struggled slightly, but stopped when he glared at her. She was truly frightened of him.

She lied there, muscles tensed, as Archer let go of her hands and pulled the uniform off her body. He stood up and took off his own clothes. Kate stared at the ceiling, too afraid to move or even look at the Captain.

He startled her when he kneeled over her again. "That's it, Kate. You just relax," he mumbled as he slid his fingers around the waistband of her underwear and began to pull them down.

Kate's hands instinctively fluttered up to his, and she pulled at her clothes. Archer slapped her fingers away and yanked down her panties.

She shut her eyes and bit her lip, knowing full well what was going to happen. She didn't move as Archer undid her bra and threw it beside the bed.

He smiled and gripped her face, making eye contact with her. He kissed her again, pushing his mouth onto hers, and then trailed his lips down her neck. He sucked on her shoulder as his hands travelled over her body, gripping and kneading every inch of flesh.

Kate could hear her laboured breathing over the quiet of the room. She blinked steadily, concentrating on the ceiling tiles, trying not to feel what he was doing to her.

She quivered when he pulled his mouth from her flesh and sat up. He slowly took off his shorts, and Kate winced in expectation.

He ran his fingers through her hair. "You just lie still now," he growled in warning. Kate whimpered as he forced himself into her. Each of his thrusts sent a wave of shocking nausea through her nerves.

He leaned in close to her ear and mumbled incoherently. Kate gripped the bedsheets tightly in her hands, counting the seconds until he would finally finish moving within her. Shened ned softly, unable to keep from vocalizing her pain.

He thrust harder and faster, tensing as he came close to his climax. Kate shuddered, and tears streamed down her cheeks as the ordeal finally ended.

Archer pulled his fingers out of her tangled hair and flopped over beside her. He closed his eyes and sighed. "That was great, Ensign," he said, and each word was like tear in her skin.

She tried in vain to cover herself with her arms. She lied there in the chill of the room as Archer got up and got dressed. He looked at her before leaving his bedroom. "Get dressed, Ensign. And remember, this is between the two of us," he smiled and winked at her. "I'll see you later."

He left his room and Kate heard him exit his quarters. She didn't move from the bed for minutes, too afraid of what to do next.

*

Kate walked slowly down the hall, holding herself in her arms. She couldn't fully understand what had just happened. She wanted to tell someone, let someone know that the Captain wasn't himself. That he hurt her. But all she could do was walk the corridors of the Enterprise.

She turned a corner and walked into someone, apologizing without even knowing who she was speaking to. She began to walk away when a hand touched her arm.

"Are you alright, Ensign?" asked an accented voice. Kate turned to see Trip Tucker looking at her, obviously concerned.

She opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. She sighed and looked to the floor. "I'm...I'm just tired, Commander." She managed a weak smile.

"You look like you could use some rest. Why don't you go on home?"

"I think I will. Goodnight," she said before turning and heading away. She knew Tucker was watching her go, but she didn't turn back. She just wanted nothing more than to be alone right now.

*

Captain Archer sat on the Bridge, fiddling with his communicator. Commander Trip entered the room and walked over to the Captain, watching him as he approached. "Something wrong, Captain?" he asked, noticing what Archer was playing with.

Jonathan's head whipped around, then turned back to the machinery. "Not at all, Trip. Just truly amazed at the technical aspects of such a thing." He marveled at it a few seconds longer before dropping it on the floor. "What can I do for you?"

Trip blinked off the unusual attitude and handed the Captain a PADD. "Engineering report," he said.

Archer squinted and looked it over. "Uh huh," he said absently. He handed it back to Tucker. "Looks fine."

Trip tilted his head at the Captain. "Riiight," he said, taking the PADD back.

Noticing he wasn't leaving, Archer looked back up at the Commander. "Something else?" he asked, impatiently.

"Well, sir, I was just wondering," he hesitated slightly before continuing, "I ran into Ensign McLeod on the way here." Archer's expression changed from annoyance to a mix of anger and blankness. "She was acting a little off. Do you know if there's anything wrong with her?"

Jonathan pursed his lips. "She didn't mention anything?"

"No, she said she was just tired."

Archer turned away from Tucker and pressed a few buttons on his console. "It's late, Commander. She probably is tired. I suggest you drop it."

Trip raised his eyebrows, a little wierded out by the Captain's reaction. He decided against pursuing anything further at the moment. "Yes, sir," he said, turning and making his way off the Bridge.

*

The next morning, Kate did not want to get out of bed. She had barely slept, and what rest she did get was filled with dreams of the night before.

She opened her weary eyes and got out of bed, knowing full well she couldn't stay in bed forever. Eventually, someone would come looking for her.

She walked out of her quarters and made her way to the Bridge. She didn't know how she would react to seeing the Captain. Part of her hoped he would act like nothing had happened.

The doors swooshed open to reveal the Bridge bustling with its usual activity. The Captain was nowhere to be seen.

Kate let out a held breath and walked to her station. She brought up any and all work she could, determined to keep her mind off the problem. It wasn't long before that problem was breathing down her neck.

"Good morning, Ensign," he said, and Kate froze. He came up behind her and brushed up against her body lightly. "How are you today?"

Kate swallowed heavily and stammered out a reply. "Fi-i-ine," she mumbled, her fingers stiff against the console in front of her.

"Relax, Ensign," he whispered into her ear as he placed a hand on her back. "You don't want to draw attention to yourself."

Kate trembled as Archer removed his hand and stepped away from her. She turned slightly and saw him sit in his chair, not paying any attention to her. She bit her lip and sheltered herself against the computer, hoping no one noticed her shaking.

*

The day turned long, and Kate’s shift was finally over. She had managed to avoid the Captain for most of the day, having only to take his leering from afar.

She headed back to her quarters, choosing to skip out on dinner in the Mess Hall. She entered the dark room and walked to her bedroom. She was searching through her closet when she heard the familiar swish of the doors to her quarters opening.

Immediately she knew who it was – no one else would enter her room without permission. Kate fought off her fear and grabbed a shoe from her closet, holding it up as a weapon. She tiptoed to the archway between her bedroom and main room and peered around the corner.

A dark figure moved around the room. Kate moved up behind him and walloped him on the head with her shoe, sending the intruder to the floor in pain.

Amid the moaning and groaning, Ensign McLeod lunged for the light switch and slapped it. The room became bright, and Kate gasped in surprise.

“Ohmigod, Trip!” she squeaked, running back to the wincing Engineer. “I’m so sorry, I thought you were someone else.”

Tucker held the back of his head and twisted his face into an expression of mild irritation. “And who’s the unlucky guy you thought I was?”

Kate checked the back of his head for blood. “You’re not bleeding,” she said, avoiding the question. “What are you doing here? Why did you break into my quarters?”

Tucker sighed and slowly rose to his feet. Kate followed him up. “I didn’t think you were here yet. I was going to wait for you.”

“Why?” she asked, still squinting in relation to causing Trip pain.

“I wanted to talk with you. ‘Bout the Captain.”

Kate swallowed and looked away. “What about the Captain?” Her voice became lower with the question.

“I don’t want him to know I’m talking to you about him,” said Tucker, his expression serious. “He’s been actin’ a little odd lately. Have you noticed anything unusual?”

Conflicting emotions swirled inside Kate like a hurricane. She knew she needed to tell someone what happened, but part of her was scared to mention anything. She lowered her eyes and blinked lightly, trying to find something to say.

Trip picked up on Kate’s hesitancy. “Something happened,” he said, recognizing the look on her face. “Tell me.”

Kate couldn’t stop the tears from forming in her eyes. “I..I’m not supposed to say anything,” she whispered, hoping that Tucker would be kind enough to help her speak her mind.

Trip wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led her to the couch. He sat her down and looked into her downcast eyes. “You can tell me, Kate. Anything you need to say, you can tell me.”

Kate whimpered at the offer. “He..I don’t know what happened. I don’t know why he hurt me.” The tears fell more freely now.

“Jonathan hurt you,” he said, not fully being able to fathom how his long-time friend could be capable of anything violent. “What did he do?”

Kate swallowed hard and gripped her knees. "Last night...in his quarters...he," she paused, squeezed her eyes shut, and took a deep breath. "He r-raped me."

Her voice was barely a whisper, but the words hit Trip like a ton of bricks.

He got up and began pacing the room, shaking his head. "What the fuck is wrong with him!?" he yelled, scaring Kate with his anger.

She wiped the tears from her face and tried to compose herself. "He's just not himself, Trip. I don't know what's wrong with him."

Trip stopped and looked at Ensign McLeod. He sighed and knelt in front of her. "Are you alright? Have you seen the Doctor?

Kate's eyes widened at his comment. "No, Archer said I can't tell anyone. I'm afraid of what will happen if I do."

"Okay," he replied, wiping a stray tear from her cheek. "If you're sure you're not hurt, maybe we should keep this between us for the time being. Until I can figure out what to do."

Kate nodded in agreement. The chime on her door chirped and shook them out of their thoughts. "I'll get it," said Trip, getting up and walking to the door.

He hit the mechanism to open the door, and his face fell when he was presented with the visitor. "Trip," he said, and Kate stood up quickly, immediately recognizing the voice. "Is Ensign McLeod here?"

Commander Tucker stared at Captain Archer, not quite sure what to do. The bigger part of him wanted to smack him right then and there, for this was not the Archer he knew. Trip swallowed heavily. "She's not feeling well."

Archer snorted. He looked off to the side as if deciding something, then back at the officer blocking his entry into Kate's quarters. "You shouldn't get involved, Commander."

Trip knew the facade was over. "Who are you?" he growled, stepping closer to Archer.

Without missing a beat, the Captain punched Tucker in the gut and knocked him to the floor. Kate's yelling did nothing to deter Archer from dragging Trip further into her quarters.

Kate, fearing for her and Trip's life, ran at Archer and jumped on his back, kicking and punching at him. He threw her off easily, and she landed with a thud on the floor.

The Captain slipped a phaser out from his back pocket and stunned the half-conscious Tucker into blackness. He turned to Kate and smiled. "You little bitch. Didn't I tell you that this was our secret!" His voice became a yell, and Kate backed up against the wall, trembling in fear.

Archer sighed and looked around the room. "This could have been easy," he said, nodding slowly. "But it looks like you want it done the hard way."

Ensign McLeod hugged her knees into her chest, still reeling from falling to the floor. The whole room seemed to spin around her. She snapped back into reality when Archer grabbed her arm and pulled her up the wall.

"Why are you doing this?" she whimpered as Archer squeezed her arm hard enough to bruise.

He looked at her distastefully and gripped her face. "Don't you talk back to me," he said through gritted teeth.

He moved his hand upholdhold her against the wall by her neck, and used his other hand to pull the uniform from her body. She writhed in fear and stuggled against him. He quickly became annoyed and jerked his hand up and slapped her across the face.

Kate froze in horror. "That's nothing compared to what I'm going to do to you if you don't behave," he said, leaning in close.

He continued pulling off her clothes. Kate stood silently still, barely breathing, afraid even to flinch.

Kate gazed over Archer's shoulder as he began sucking on her neck. Trip laid not thirty feet from them, unconscious. Help was so close, she thought, but not close enough. She shuddered as her uniform dropped to the floor.

The roughness of his uniform against her skin matched his movements. He was much more aggressive this time than he was before. Kate bit her lip, fighting off a moan, as Archer unclasped her bra and rubbed her breasts hungrily.

"You're so beautiful," he mumbled, marking her shoulders with his mouth. He trailed his hands down her body and pulled down her panties. He gripped her behind and forced a kiss to her lips, sinking his tongue into the depths of her mouth.

His breathing became irratic as he fumbled with his uniform. "Don't you move," he growled, stepping away for a second to remove his clothes.

Kate stood quietly, her eyes staring straight ahead, trynot not to notice Archer's movements. She didn't know whether to stay or run, cry or scream, but fear kept her from doing anything against her Captain's wishes.

He finished undressing and grasped her hair. He planted a feverish kiss to her mouth, biting at her lips and sending torrents of nervous energy through Kate's body. She whimpered instinctively, and Archer pushed further into her mouth.

He broke the kiss and moved his hand to her nether regions, wanting to see the expressions on her face as he forced his fingers into her. He pressed roughly, and Kate's knees buckled under the feeling. Archer held her up, pushing her back into the wall and holding hody ody with his own.

He moved his fingers within her, alternating between gentle and forceful thrusts, watching her face as she tried not to respond.

"You like that, don't you?" he whispered, a grin spreading across his face. "You like being fucked." He flicked his fingers harder inside her body, and laughed quietly at her inability to hold herself calm.

Kate moaned, not being able to stop herself from responding. He pushed further into her, quickening his thrusts until he was satisfied that she was ready for him.

He slowly pulled his fingers out of her wetness, teasing her along the way. He smiled at her half-lidded eyes, the clenching of her jaw. He pushed his knee between her legs and forced them apart. "You ready for me, bitch?" he grinned, placing himself close to her.

Kate didn't say anything, only whimpering when he forced his member into her. He ran one hand down to her thigh and pulled up her leg, thrusting harder as he gained more access. His other hand held her against the wall, placing her body in a lock she couldn't get out of.

Tears streamed down her face as Archer lost concentration on her face and became obsessed with his own pleasure. He jerked heavily into her body, tightening his iron grip on her leg.

Kate cried out, a mixture of pain and held-back pleasure. She sobbed, hating her body for betraying her, trying so hard to push away the tingling in her stomach.

"Yeah, that's it, baby," groaned Archer, pulling both her legs up around his waist. He thrust into her, faster and faster until he moaned emptied himself into her body.

He fell against her, the sweat from his chest mixing with hers. She could feel his hot breath against her ea
\
"Fuckin' amazing," he said, dropping her legs and pulling out of her. He paid her no attention as she slid down the wall and collapsed onto the floor, still trembling from the forcefulness of his body.

He got dressed and went to the unconscious form of Cndernder Tucker. "Well, what the hell am I going to do with you?" he said, hands on his hips. He turned his glare to Kate. "If you dare say anything to anyone about what's going on here, I'm going to make sure your little friend here dies. You understand me?"

She nodded her head nervously. "Good," he replied, pulling out a small needle from his uniform pocket. Kate watched as Archer pricked Tucker's neck with the end of it and pushed the fluid into his body.

toodtood up and pocketed the needle. "Remember, Kate, one whisper of anything and Trip here won't be around for long."

Archer winked and walked out the door. Kate suppressed a sob and crawled over to her clothes. She got dressed and checked on Trip. Still breathing, she thoughelieelieved. But whatever was in that needle could be dangerous.

She got up and hit the comm button. "McLeod to Phlox," she said, as strongly as she could.

"Phlox here," came the reply.

"Medical emergency in my quarters," she said, looking sadly at Commander Tucker. She didn't hear Phlox's response, her ears buzzed with too much static. She clicked the comm button off, knowing that the Doctor would be here soon.

*

TBC