The intent of this series is to consider some non-physical aspects of life – of course in the Star Trek (Enterprise) Universe – we are greater than the 'sum of our parts'.

With apologies, but some realities will cause 'offense' – none the less they still exist . . .

Malcolm POV –

I am standing in Sickbay – at ease – but once in a while I pull my hands up to take a look. I know that I have washed the Captain's blood off. I still however, have a strong urge to check though, and will I suppose that will be the case until I can take a 'proper shower.'

I am worried though, and would like to know what is going on with Archer behind the curtain at his bedside. If it were just Doctor Phlox and sub-Commander T'Pol, I think 'it' would be controllable . . . Commander Tucker is the 'wild card.' He knows too much.

I hope that he is so worried about his friend's injuries that he doesn't think too much of their total 'impression'. At least not until we are some distance from this planet, and one man's torment is not 'worth the price of the candle'.

There were always some aspects to Jonathan Archer's secular upbringing that I found 'unfocused and unremarkable' – now I will have to revise my assessment. If the aliens had captured myself for example, my 'traditional' cultural conditioning would have doomed me to the fates reserved for the 'damned' in Bosch's Hell. The thought of that cheery 'vision' brings a fresh load of guilt to my psyche.

I must control the situation. I will apprise both the good doctor and T'Pol of the problem – and will try to get them to disassociate 'A plus B plus C equals D'. It would be better for crew morale. And I must work on getting Commander Tucker's mind back on his engines. That would be best.

Of course this won't work with Jonathan Archer himself – but perhaps I can appeal to his 'good nature'. I have to try, none-the-less, perhaps I can succeed . . . Maybe. It's in my nature. The cost is too high for failure.

If the crew knew that the captain had been crucified? 'Blessed are the peacemakers'?

I am sure that I am a 'right bastard.'

It would be unrealistic to think that 'aliens' would have any less regard for regard for human 'culture' than 'historical examples'. It might be wise to remember that . . .