11AN: This chapter just flowed. After all the reading I've done in regard to sexual assault, I hope it comes across of realistic. I just cannot see an episode like this seriously affecting the rest of the show, the policies and protocols of Enterprise, the crew and their ideas on exploration, especially as the producers placed it so early in the series. I guess that's why they just laughed it off. It might have meant less sexualisation of the show and more serious content. I do applaud the episodes Cogenitor and Similitude, they were thought provoking for me personally and the audience. While they tackled controversial subjects, they still didn't go far enough with the personal reactions or effect on the crew.
"Do you feel up to eating?" Jon asked as he entered Trucker quarters.
Trip glared. Clothed in the civilian garb, due to the ever-growing bulge on the Engineer's left side, he remained seated on his bunk. However, Tucker's stomach took that exact moment to rumble, loudly.
"Okay," Archer responded, holding his hands up. "But I'm not letting you hide out in here for the rest of your pregnancy. Get used to me using that terminology, Trip. Like it or not, your pregnant. You, I, the crew, we have to deal with this. Sitting in your quarters is unhealthy. So, how about we go to my dining room, the back way," he added when it looked like Tucker would refuse. "You know, you're going to have to face everyone, eventually."
"You think so," Tucker commented sarcastically.
"It would be almost impossible," Jon tried for a light humorous tone, "to avoid people completely on a ship this size for the next four weeks."
"Yah, well, maybe," Trip's cheeks coloured with anger, "flinging myself out of the nearest airlock might not be such a bad idea."
Pausing, Captain Archer drew in a sharp breath. Squaring his shoulders, he grabbed hold of his friends chin and yanked it up. Trip's stunned blue eyes watched the emotions he'd invoked. "Let's get one thing straight, Commander," Jon stated in a quiet, deadly voice, "you are going to get through this. You're going to feel emotions you never thought possible. Shame, guilt, weakness, pain and a million others I probably don't know exist or understand. But," stopping Trip before he could shoot his mouth off, "you are going to come to me, no matter the time or place, and tell me what's on your mind. You are not going to fling yourself out of an airlock, or do anything else to harm your person. There are too many people on this ship who care about you. Is that clear."
Once again Archer got the glare. He was getting used to that expression. It seemed to be the only one Trip wore since being released from sick bay earlier in the day. Phlox had limited visitors, allowing the Commander time to come to terms with the information he'd been given in relation to how the pregnancy had been achieved and what it meant in terms of the next month. To say Tucker didn't like the options was an understatement. He'd pleaded to return to his quarters.
Phlox agreed, only if he was escorted by the Captain. So, Jon once again left the bridge with T'Pol in command to rush to Sick Bay during his shift. Before leaving, the doctor reiterated the need for regular exercise, a balanced prenatal diet, regular check up with vitamin shots and limited work hours. None of which Trip would enjoy. The very emotional and hormonal man had three hours to think about his situation before Archer dropped by after his shift ended. Unfortunately, Jon was wearing the brunt of the Engineer's fury.
On top of that, Jon had been given a reading assignment about the psychological trauma of sexual assault. The article Phlox particularly wanted Captain Archer to read was on women sexually assaulting men. Such situations proved more difficult to treat, as rape involved the element of power, rather than the act of intercourse. In this respect, Commander Trip Tucker met all the criteria. A formidable man, under most circumstances, in the prime of his life, shouldn't be subjugated by a woman half his size and weight. And he damn well shouldn't end up pregnant.
"Crystal," Trip spat with rage, "Sir."
"Good," Jon pretended not to hear the fury. "Then we'd better go. Chef will have dinner on the table in a few minutes."
"Will T'Pol be joining us?" the words were on the edge of insolent as Trip opened the door. Glancing out, he indicated Jon should go first.
"Not tonight," Archer hesitated.
The journey from Phlox's domain to Tucker's quarters taught the Captain a lesson. Trip had become hyper vigilant since understanding he'd been raped. If a crew member got to close, he'd shy away from physical contact, almost hiding behind his friend. Eyes no longer met the person who spoke to him and he mumbled a response that meant little. It drew more attention than simply stating he was doing well and moving on. Rumour had spread like wild fire. Jon knew he had to put it down, but wasn't sure how.
Buoyed by the fact it would be just the two of them, Trip relaxed a little as they entered the Captain's private dining room. Tucker once again became tense when the steward entered, until he smelt the catfish. Few words were spared as the pair ate, or more precisely, the Commander devoured the food on his plate and requested another serving. However, there was a subject Captain Jonathon Archer needed to introduce but felt reluctant to mention.
"Trip," he'd waited until desert had been served. "I think it would be best if we got this situation out in the open."
"You promised to keep it between the four of us," Tucker threw down his fork. The pecan pie suddenly turning sour in his mouth. In fact, Trip's stomach roiled at the thought of anyone else knowing.
"It's past the time we can hide the evidence," Jon spoke softly, indicating the pale-yellow long-sleeved shirt. "The crew need to know what really happened, to understand and support you though this."
"I don't want them looking at me like I did something to deserved this," Trip shouted, bounding out of his chair. It crashed on the floor, as he paced agitatedly.
"That's why I'm going to make a ship wide announcement," Jon stood, coming to stand behind the man now staring out at the star scape but not really seeing anything, "about new protocols for away missions. No one is to go into any situation alone. Frist contacts will require cultural information on the species prior to physical meeting. I'm not taking this lightly, Trip. I want to use your particular situation to explain why I'm making this decision. I never want to have another member of my crew experience what you have."
"Can," Trip tried gallantly to stop, then hide the tears, "I have some time to think about it?"
"I'm still taking suggestions as to the new protocols," Jon clapped a hand on Tucker's shoulder in support. "Let's give you tomorrow to think about it."
Sighing, the Engineer's posture slumped. "I guess the crew already knows about the baby?"
"Afraid so," Jon concurred. Lying at this stage wouldn't do any good. "You know, if there's not a rumour in circulation by 1000, then make one up."
"You really think," Trip turned, his blue eyes pleading, "that knowing the truth, people will believe me?"
"Not everyone," Archer sounded sorrowful. "A man convinced against his will…"
Pivoting back to the window, Tucker continued to stare, but saw little. His mind was too mixed up to really think rationally. In the same situation, he knew what would go through his mind. The doubts that the crewman had kept his hands to himself, especially with a reputation as a womaniser. As far as the pregnancy thing was concerned, it would be funny, if he heard the story while downing a couple of beers.
This, Trip told himself, is nothing like that old move, what was it called, Junior. I've made human history for all the wrong reasons. First interspecies sexual assault resulting in the first interspecies pregnancy, only male to carry a baby to term. Sure, I came out here to explore. I just didn't expect to be prayed on by the first alien woman I met because she found me attractive and thought that gave her the right to her version of sex with me.
"Trip," Jon spoke softly, "finish up your desert, then I'll walk you back to your quarters."
"I'm not an invalid," Tucker stated, his tone low and lethal.
"I know that," Jon responded, trying to keep his own emotions under control. "If you don't want company, then you just need to tell me. This isn't easy for any of us, Trip. You're not the only one feeling guilty. I sent you over to that ship without a second thought about your personal safety, about what might happen to you that we humans consider inconceivable. I'm trying my best to make the changes so it won't happen to anyone again."
"Hell, Jon," Trip turned and finally looked at his friend. "This isn't your fault."
"It's not yours either," Archer stated forcefully, "but it's happened and we need to deal with the consequences. Those consequences are going to make a big impact on your life for the next month, longer psychologically."
Sighing, Tucker could feel his emotions roiling within him. He went from fury to guilt to hurt in seconds. "Mind if I take the pie for later. I'm not sure I'm up to it at the moment. Besides, this," pointing to the bulge, Trip closed his eyes, and muttered the word, "baby wants a snack before bed time. I'm going to put on so much weight with all the sweets I'm eating."
"Didn't you say the Xyrillian diet is high in sugar?" Archer asked, putting up an extra slice on Trip's plate, followed by a cover so he could take it with him. "Ask Phlox about it. I'm sure he'll have some thoughts on the matter. You know, the Doc's your best resource at the moment. Don't shut him out."
"Shit," the Commander shook his head, "I have to see the Doc. I…I think I'd like some company. It's kind of embarrassing, all the questions he asks."
"You got it," Archer nodded. "Just let me call the steward and have this delivered to your quarters."
