Cogenitor - Plot

Plot

When the starship Enterprise makes first contact with an alien race known as the Vissians, the process goes peacefully, and the two starships' crews begin to interact with one another. Lt. Reed finds himself pursued by one of the Vissian crewmembers - their tactical officer, who quickly demonstrates that her interest in Reed is much more than professional.

The main plot of the episode concerns Commander Tucker, who becomes intrigued when he befriends a Vissian couple in the Enterprise mess hall who are accompanied by another of their race who seems different from the rest of them. Tucker learns that the being, who has no name, is a "cogenitor;" in essence, a third gender in Vissian biology. Cogenitors are needed to complete the reproductive process: they do not genetically contribute to offspring, but supply a special enzyme required for fertilization. Whenever a Vissian couple intend to conceive a child, they must apply to have a cogenitor assigned to them. Since cogenitors only constitute 3% of Vissian population, they provide reproductive functions to many couples in their lifetime.

Tucker continues to visit the Vissian starship, but quickly becomes suspicious when he visits his new friends' quarters and finds that the cogenitor does not seem to be treated well. It only eats one meal a day, rarely speaks, spends most of its time isolated in its room, and is not allowed to mingle socially with outsiders. It does not even have a name; the cogenitor requests that it be called Charles (Commander Tucker's own first name).

Without the couple's knowledge, Tucker builds a friendship with Charles, who seems to show some female characteristics. He finds that Charles, despite having a near-total lack of opportunities available to her, is actually quite intelligent. Tucker secretly runs some medical scans of Charles and, with the help of Dr. Phlox, learns that cogenitors are actually as intelligent as any Vissian and could learn and grow as fast as anyone. Tucker encourages Charles to learn to read and write. Charles swiftly learns much and soon realizes that her life in Vissian society would be unfulfilling; she then requests political asylum on Enterprise.

The Vissians are outraged, as Charles is the only cogenitor on their ship - other couples are already waiting for her services. Tucker appeals to Captain Archer, who must agree with the Vissians, and Charles leaves. Despite this, the Vissians hope good relations with the humans can continue. Later communications reveal Charles has committed suicide, thereby delaying the birth of the Vissian couple's baby. Archer calls Tucker into his office and informs him of the event, followed by a severe reprimand.