Chapter Eight

Captain Archer and Sub Commander T'Pol were in his ready room going over some crew reports.

"Phlox to Captain Archer........."

"Archer.......What can I do for you, Doc?"

"Can you come down to sickbay Captain? I'm afraid Commander Tucker has had a slight accident."

Captain Archer and T'Pol both jumped up with looks of concern on their faces.

"We'll be right there, Doc..." replied Archer as they practically fell over themselves going through the door. Both of them had been spending a lot of time with Trip over the past few days and despite previous concerns about forming attachments, it was becoming apparent they cared for him a great deal. Whether this was Commander Tucker from before or Trip as he was now, these past few days had showed them how much they had missed his friendship.

They both raced into sickbay together and saw Trip sitting on the nearest bio bed with a bad cut on his forehead and nursing his arm, with a very worried Travis standing next to him.

"What happened?" asked Captain Archer, as Trip looked at him with tears in his eyes.

"I'm really sorry, Captain," answered Travis, "I didn't think there would be anything wrong, and it's not like he hasn't done it before....."

"Why don't you start from the beginning, Ensign," replied T'Pol, trying to defuse the tense situation.

"I had some spare time before my shift, so I took Commander Tucker to the sweet spot to have some fun. He had been telling Doctor Phlox that the captain was really Captain Hook and that he was taking him to Never Never Land to see Peter Pan. Commander Tucker said that he was really looking forward to this because he had always wondered what it was like to fly. That's what gave me the idea of the sweet spot."

"A logical conclusion, Ensign."

"He must have had a great time," said Travis continuing on with the story, "Because he was so giddy on the way back that he slipped on the last six rungs and fell off the ladder. I tried to catch him but he fell at an odd angle. I'm really sorry, Captain, I just wanted him to have a good time. I didn't mean for him to get hurt."

"Don't worry Ensign, it's not your fault – it was an accident. Don't beat yourself up about it. Why don't you go back to the bridge with T'Pol, since your shift starts in ten minutes? I'll stay with Trip."

"Thanks, Captain..... Would you apologise again for me to Commander Tucker?"

"I'm sure he understands, Ensign," said Captain Archer, "T'Pol, we'll catch up on those reports some other time."

"Yes, Captain," replied T'Pol, then before turning to walk out of sickbay with Travis, "Call me if Trip needs anything."

Captain Archer nodded his head and smiled. It was just like Trip, he thought. You just couldn't help liking the guy. Somehow he always managed to draw you in.

"So..... how are you?" asked Captain Archer, as he turned to Trip and placed a caring hand on his shoulder.

"It hurts....." replied Trip, looking up with tear filled baby blues.

"Don't worry," reassured Phlox in a gentle voice. "It'll be as right as rain in a moment." He eased Trip's arm into a sling and pressed a hypo spray with painkiller into his neck. "I think it would be best if he had a rest. He's had a lot of excitement for one day."

"Can I stay with you?" pleaded Trip as he looked at Captain Archer. Doctor Phlox was a nice man, but being with the captain was so much fun.

"I don't mind, Doc. I promise that he won't get too giddy – we'll find something to do that's nice and relaxing."

"Okay, but nothing too strenuous or exciting – his arm will still be sore for a while and he could get a headache."

"Scout's honour, Doc," promised Archer as he took hold of Trip's hand and walked out of sickbay.

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"Hmmm....... nothing too strenuous," pondered Captain Archer when they were back inside his quarters. "Can you think of anything Trip?"

"Will ya tell me about all your pirate adventures?"

"Sure," smiled Archer, "but only if you come and sit down next to me on the couch and rest." He patted the cushion as Trip settled himself down next to him. Archer pulled a blanket over his curled up form so he would be nice and comfy. Before too long they were also joined by Porthos, who jumped up to settle himself on Trip's lap.

"How are the arm and your head?"

"Okay. Can I ask you a question before ya tell me about ya adventures?"

"Sure, what would you like to know?"

"I thought you and Peter Pan were enemies."

"We were but we decided to become friends and work together."

"Where is he?"

"He's back on Never Never Land taking care of the mermaids, Indians and the lost boys, but he let me take Tinkerbelle along as a guide and to help."

"Wow! Ya mean that's really The Tinkerbelle?"

Captain Archer nodded his head and smiled, "Don't let anyone know though. She wants to keep it a secret from the crew, so she goes by the name of T'Pol."

"I won't tell, I promise," replied Trip, "I'm the best at keeping secrets."

"That's a good boy," smiled Captain Archer as he ruffled Trip's hair once more. "Where were we...... hmmmmmm I was going to tell you about my adventures? Well I'll tell you about the time I was......"

Two hours later Trip was fast asleep on the couch with his head resting comfortably on Archer's shoulder.

"Phlox to Captain Archer........"

Captain Archer very gently eased Trip's head off his shoulder and onto a pillow. Tucking the blanket around him, he carefully stood up and crept over to the comm. unit.

"Archer....", whispered the captain quietly.

"I'm sorry to disturb your fun, Captain, but it is time that I got Commander Tucker ready for bed."

"He's actually asleep at the moment, Phlox. Why don't you leave him here for the night? He looks so peaceful I don't want to disturb him."

"If you're sure you'll be okay, Captain?"

"Me and Trip will be fine, Doc. I'll send him over to see you right after breakfast."

"Goodnight, Captain. Call me if you need anything."

"I will, night Phlox."

Pretty soon though this 'one night' turned into a regular occurrence as Trip pretty much moved in.

TBC.