A Cogenitor.
A cogenitor is one of the three genders of the Vissian species and is required for a male and female Vissian to successfully reproduce.
Cogenitors make up only 3% of the Vissian population and their services for reproduction are consequently in high demand. However, in contrast to their rarity, Cogenitors are not assigned a high position in Vissian society. Until at least the mid-22nd Century they were relegated to absocial status far inferior to that of the male and female genders. Cogenitors were not allowed to learn to read or write, were often dressed in the shabbiest of clothing, and had no input as to what couples they would help procreate or when. They were not even given a name.
In 2153, Commander Trip Tucker met a cogenitor belonging to a Vissian ship's engineer and his wife, Calla, who were a part of a delegation visiting the starship Enterprise. Tucker pitied the way in which the cogenitor was being treated, believing it should have the same equal rights as others. After discovering from Phlox that the cogenitor had the same learning capabilities as the other Vissian genders, Trip took it upon himself to secretly teach the cogenitor how to read and to educate the it about its rights as an individual. Although initially reluctant, the cogenitor ultimately embraced these new ideas. So pleased was it to have been given the chance to learn for itself, the cogenitor decided to adapt Trip's real name, Charles, as its own. Trip would later took "Charles" on a tour of the Enterprise, and would allow it to watch a movie.
However, the Vissians soon learned of this and denied Trip of having any further access to their ship, and hence, the cogenitor. However, "Charles" was able to return to Enterprise, where it formally requested asylum. After a stand-off with the cogenitor's "owners", Captain Archer was unable to grant Charles's request as it would mean interfering in Vissian culture, thereby irrepairably damaging future relations between the two races. With no other options, the cogenitor was forced to return to its own ship.
Unfortunately, after being returned, the cogenitor could not stand returning to its previous life after what it had just seen. Soon after the Vissians departed Enterprise, the cogenitor commited suicide. (ENT: "Cogenitor")
- The Cogenitor was played by Becky Wahlstrom