As Trip's thoughts quickly became more coherent, he was surprised to find his strength mostly returned. And that brought him back to Phlox, who had just finished running over him with that scanner, held using his broken wrist.

As soon as Phlox was remotely satisfied, he dropped the equipment to the ground, gasping back tears as he winced again at the pain. The human was sitting up now, and it was about damn time to, his hands felt like a Rigellian Ox had trampled them. "Phlox, ar-" The doctor couldn't help but interrupt him, "Commander, if you please?" he brandished his wrists, biting back bile as the pain intensified.

"Oh um, yeah of course." He stammered, wondering why the Denobulan had put himself through such agony, but he knew it couldn't just be for his Hippocratic Oath, or whatever the Denobulan equivalent was.

Phlox flinched repeatedly as the Commander, wrapping a brace around his wrist, wasn't being too gentle. "Sorry Doc, never been too good at this". The human muttered apologetically, as he methodically tightened the brace. Phlox didn't respond, just clamped his mouth shut, least he say anything offensive to the young human. Gritting his teeth, he had to put his plan into action, they were running out of time. "Commander, it is imperative that you listen to me." He paused briefly, making sure he had his attention. "I believe I have found a method that would successfully "un-craze" all the crewmembers."

Trip's ears perked up, "but-"

"Commander! You must let me finish. It will require you to take control of the ship's ventilation systems, can you do that?"

Trip's eyes narrowed in thought, "As long as my security codes are still valid, I should be able to re-route power of all major systems from auxiliary control". He paused again, shaking his head. "That won't work Phlox, if Reeds half as paranoid as he looks, he'd have found a way to change my codes by now. And he's not stupid either, I'm willing to bet he's got guards all around that area."

"Commander we have officially ran out of options, if we are going to save the lives of over 80 crewmembers we need to act now!" Phlox was sweating, his exertion finally catching up to him. He spoke in a calmer voice, "Commander, if you do not accomplish this, it will be no different, we will all die anyway. But I am imploring you, just try, no one else can. The only other sane person on this ship is me, and I'm practically useless until you gain control of the ship."

Trip sighed, running a hand through his hair, he really didn't have much options. "Okay, what the hell, it's our only shot and I'll take it." He sighed again, this job really sucked. "Just tell me what I have to do"…

Meanwhile on Romulus:

V'hlas was not a patient man. The constant bickering of the High Council was beginning to seriously grate on his nerves. All the debates over whether or not to obliterate the humans, were actually progressing evenly. The fools didn't realize the potential threat, if not from the earthlings, than the Founders. V'hlas shivered, the Founders could easily find a new pawn to do their dirty work. And with all the ethical debates, he spat on the ground, what was to stop the founders from destroying Romulus? He looked over the vast collection of buildings, standing atop his balcony. Looked down at the pride of Romulus, filled with simpering idiots. He took a deep breath, it appeared he would have to take matters into his own hands…