Chapter 6.

"I need a sample of blood, thank you." The doctor took the needle out of Trip's neck.

"It's hard when you're strapped up!" He said, when he saw Trip wince.

"I'm sorry, for being strapped up here against my own will!"

The Doctor rolled his eyes. He didn't like his job. You think he enjoyed seeing this man scream, faint and be beaten to death? Death. That's what will happen to this man, and he knew it. Yet, he couldn't do anything. He was helpless to stand by and watch as this man was tortured. Aliens should become their allies, not tested on!

"Interesting." he said, after looking at the blood under the microscope.

"What?"

"Well first of all it's red."

"What colour is yours?"

"Oh, ours is like a clear marlo."

"Marlo?"

"It's food we eat, you don't have Marlo?"

"No."

"You're missing out."

Tucker smiled, this guy didn't seem so bad, despite the tests and all.

"So, how did you end up with a job like this?"

"What?..oh..nice..pay."

"Something tells me that that's not all, you don't seem the type."

The doctor sighed. "You're right, I don't like this, but, I got tangled up in something I shouldn't, I..I'm sorry."

Trip was about to ask why when the Sergeant stormed in.

"We have detected your ship, quite large."

Trip grinned at that comment. They wre all very proud of Enterprise.

"Don't be so quick to show her off. She's not as big as we first expected her to be."

"Well, ya see. It's a bit like on Dr who, it's bigger on the inside." Joked Trip. "It was an old programme." He said, after seeing the confused looks.

"You are very advanced, how long have your kind been in space?"

Trip pulled a face, indicating he didn't know.

"What is you next experiment going to be?" Asked the Sergeant.

"Well..we've done blood so..eerrr..healing wounds I guess."

The Sergeant turned and shot Trip in the right leg. He let out a piercing scream. Only the chains held him up, his body unable to hold his weight as pain shot through it.

John was being led to the Sergeant with his disguise as an officer when he heard a bang, quickly followed by a loud scream.

"Don't let that be Trip." He whispered.

They turned a corner, and he was led into a room. The scream still fresh in his mind.

He froze in the door way. There was Trip, strapped up by his to arms with chains. Blood on his leg, stomach and chest. He found it hard to restrain himself from running up to his friend and Punching the General for going anywhere near Trip! Taking a deep breath he entered the room doing his very best to suppress the anger which was boiling up inside.

"Where andhow do you store your fuel?" Asked a frustrated Sergeant, spit flying out of his mouth.

Trip stared him in the eyes. So like Trip, thought John. Never let the foe win, even in this place.

John looked away when he saw a knife come down, closing his eyes tight. Clenching his fists when another scream rang out. Not long. He kept on thinking to himself. Not log till you can kick that guys arse! Just need to give the others a little more time.Not long.

More questions were asked, the Sergeant getting more and more frustrated as all he got in return were smart remarks.

Once again his lifted the knife, this time intended to inflict serious damage upon his prisoner. Trip trying his best not to show the fear, but it was clearly evident. Still he stared the oposion in the eye. Not letting them be satisfied.

Archer couldn't stand it.

"Sir." He stepped forward trying to get his attention. Reed had had enough time.

"Not now!" Snapped the Sergeant. His eyes bloody murder.

"But sir, more aliens have been found North, they want to speak with you."

At that the Sergeant turned round looking Archer right in the eye trying to spot the lies.

"Aliens?"

"Yes Sir." He had to do his very best to keep the emotion out of his voce, but the man obviously hadn't heard any if there was because he immediately ran out the door, shouting orders as he went.

"Carry on with your tests!"

Tests, what were they doing to him? Thought Archer.

The doctor was the only one left . Archer strode up to him and pushed him against the wall, taking him, and Trip by surprise.

"What?.." Trip was confused.

"It's me Trip!" John let go of the Doctor, and ran to his friend's aid

Sir?"

"Yes Trip, I'm here."

"I thought you weren't coming."

"Sorry it was a while, I'm here now, and I'm going to get you out of here." He examined the chain. Guilt tugging at him. He shouldn't have left.It was his fault.

"Well, you've beaten my rescue for you anyway."

"I'll take that as a compliment." He returned a grin, forcing the thoughts to the back of is mind. He needed to think calmly in a situation like this. Blaming himself was not going to help Trip.

Archer used his phase pistol to cut Trip free of the chains. "Nearly there."

A satisfying clang informed him that he had been successful. He wasn't prepared for what happened next. The Commanders wrists slipped free of the restraints as Trip collapsed on a heap on the floor. Archer was soon at his side his stomach turning.

"What is it?"

"It's mi leg, it was shot." Said Tucker through gasps of pain. He wasn't quite ready to put any weight on that leg.

Archer remembered the noises he heard earlier in the hall. He cringed as the scream echoed in his mind. He had heard Trip being shot.

"How bad is it?" Trip looked up.

"It doesn't look too bad." Commented Archer trying to sound confident.. But he looked concerned as a deep crimson slowly seeped across the Commander's leg. It was going to get infected if they didn't do something. Soon.. "Can you walk?"

Trip looked at him as though he was crazy for a minute. But decided not to be as harsh.

"I'll try." He said. Archer, reluctantly let go. An ear splitting cry soon followed as Trip's legs immediately gave way unable to hold the weight. A started Archer made a grab for the Commander. A look of pity on his face.

"No." Said Trip, trying to smile through clenched teeth.

"Come on." Archer slung Trip's right arm over his shoulder, and took hold of Trip's waist with his left hand. He felt the heat radiate from his friend's body, no doubt he had a fever. "We've got to get out of here."

They headed for the door, but their path was blocked by Dr Usual, who was holding a phaser pistol. A look of determination in his eyes.

"I can't let you do that."

A cliffhanger! I'm going to need more reviews. If you've read this story, pls review, or the next chapter might be the last.

Advice is welcome all the time. Thanks to those who have already reviewed.