A/N I don't own the characters and I don't make any money from them.
I think this little scene probably happens in Season One, which places it somewhere between Fight or Flight and Civilization. In fact, I think I'll say somewhere between Breaking the Ice and Civilization, since Malcolm opens up a little bit in Breaking the Ice.
"Something I can help you with, Commander?"
Trip found himself staring into the quizzical eyes of Enterprise's Armoury Officer.
"I thought you'd have a real issue with making up fireworks for Independence Day. You always seem so...patriotic."
Malcolm folded his arms across his chest and cocked his head to the side slightly.
"It was a direct order from the Captain."
"But this is a celebration of a war your country lost. Big time. Doesn't that bother you?"
Malcolm looked down, considering.
"I admit it isn't comfortable."
"So why do it? You could have Tanner or Burrows or anyone prepare the fireworks. You don't even have to come to the display."
"And miss the explosions?" Malcolm gave a half grin and shook his head in amusement. His face took on a crafty look. "Besides, the way I see it. If the Captain celebrates American Independence Day he can hardly refuse any other nationality celebrating its national day."
"Which usually involves fireworks," Trip was beginning to see where this was leading.
"Exactly. By my calculations there are twenty three nationalities represented about Enterprise."
"Which means at least twenty three firework displays."
"Including Bonfire Night, which is some five months from now, by which time I should have perfected something truly spectacular. Until then, this," he hefted a red cardboard tube the length of his forearm off the bench, "contains enough explosive to waken the proverbial dead - on either side of the conflict."