A/N: Again, I have to decide which way I want to take this story. One thing I do know is that this isn't going to be a-she's-having-his-baby-and-they-fall-in-love story, but the specifics I have yet to work out. In the meantime, I thought Trip needed a little time in the spotlight.

The door chimed for the second time. "C'min."

"Trip, Hoshi said you might need someone to talk to." Archer walked into his friend's quarters, concern radiating from his every move.

"I'm not the father, Jon." No use beating around the bush. Hoshi wouldn't have sent Jon if she minded him being told.

"Trip," he began.

"No. Don't say that yer sorry. I'm not sorry. Hoshi- I like her, but I don't love her. She's a great friend. Malcolm's loved her for a while now. It's right like this. I told 'em so."

"I sense a 'but' coming."

"Yeah. It's right, but it still hurts like hell."

They sat in silence for a moment, Trip on his bed and Jon at the desk. Finally Jon spoke. "I have no idea what you're going through, Trip, but if there's anything I can do for you, just tell me."

"Still have that bottle of Zhivish ale?"

"Are you sure that's the best thing to do right now?"

"No. But there's only one way ta find out."

"You can't hide from it forever."

"One night?"

"You'll get a lecture from Phlox if you go in tomorrow hung over."

"So I won't go ta him."

"Take the morning off if you need it. If you want to get roaring drunk, I won't

stop you. It's still not going to help."

"You have a funny way of showin' your support."

"Am I right?"

"Yes."

"Are you going to get drunk anyway?"

"No. Doesn't mean I don't want ta, though."

"I know."

"Think it's wrong to be mad at her? Hoshi wouldn't let us find out, and so I've been in limbo here. It wasn't right, but I didn't mind before."

"It wasn't fair, but this situation is putting a lot of stress on all of you. You can be angry at her, Trip, but make sure it's for the right reasons."

"You're saying ta look before I leap?"

"Do you mean it when you say this is right?"

"Yes."

"Then it's bound to get easier."

"I hope so, Jon. I really hope so."