The Adventures of Porthos is a short story by the pseudonymous Jespah.
The story is told from the perspective of Jonathan Archer's pet beagle, Porthos, while he is living on the Enterprise (NX-01).
In December of 2154, Porthos is brought along by Phlox when the Azezans come to call. Looking for more living space, their representative, the Settlement Engineer Dar, offers Azezan physical labor for Earth and extols the profits to be made. Archer is suspicious, particularly as the dog is growling at Dar and never seems to do that without provocation.
When the dog bites Dar in the leg, different-colored bodily tissues are seen than would be expected. Found out, Dar commits suicide by ingesting a tablet.
Surprised by this turn of events, the captain turns to the next in charge, First Governor Siont. In private, Siont explains that Dar was a genetically engineered Olathan and that the Olathans are oppressing the Azezans. Archer begins to understand that the work camps and settlements are little more than a front, and it appears as if conditions on Azezi Prime are somewhat similar to Europe at the beginning of the Holocaust.
Vowing not to let it happen again, Archer calls for the remainder of the Azezan delegation to return to the Observation lounge. Porthos growls again, understanding that there is a second Olathan operative. Archer then informs them that dogs will be sent to Azezi Prime, including sight hounds and scent hounds, much like Porthos.
After the delegation departs, Phlox and the captain speak. While it is an imperfect solution, the captain is confident that the dogs will out all covert Olathan operatives on the planet and, in time, the Azezans will rise up and overcome their oppression.
External links[]
- The Adventures of Porthos at Ad Astra
- Review – The Adventures of Porthos