Now at the end of his duty shift, Doctor McCoy takes his leave of the Medbay, his Vulcan friend safe in the competent care of Doctor M'Benga. The former man makes the journey to his quarters; along the way, he escorts Uhura to her living space, still visibly distraught and in need of some rest.
With the Lieutenant sheltered in her quarters, the physician wanders into his own, his overworked body in dire need of sleep. In spite of his fatigue, he swiftly completes his regular ablutions, finally collapsing onto the bunk. Within minutes, his heavy eyelids begin to shut, and he soon slips into a deep slumber.
Fortunately for Doctor M'Benga, the sedative which was given to Spock has had a profound effect, and the night progresses with nary an incident. Yet, ever vigilant, the physician keeps a watchful eye on the Vulcan, whilst attending to the few other patients presently situated within the Medbay.
For many hours, the Commander lay there, undisturbed by the coming and going of patients and medical staff floating around. His stretched body is warmed by the blanket that had been thoughtfully draped over him, shielding him from the chilled air of the ward.
As luck would have it, this night is not a busy one for the nursing staff and presiding physician, so there is plentiful time for supply inventory, hypospray refills and the like. Just a few hours before the cessation of his duty shift, the doctor had taken advantage of the opportune moment to fill out his reports. Upon the completion of the last one, he glances up to see that his Vulcan patient has awakened, his dark eyes searching the space surrounding him. In stark contrast to some of his previous awakenings, he appears to be more lucid, aware of where he is, as well as everything and everyone around him. M'Benga sets down the completed report and departs from the desk, making his way to Spock's biobed.
"You're not accustomed to sleeping this much, are you, Commander?". The doctor smiles as he approaches.
"Evidently not, Doctor.".
"How are you feeling? Any pain or discomfort?".
"Thankfully, no.". The patient shifts in his bed. "However, I do believe that I require bathing.".
"Sure thing, Spock. How about I take you to your quarters, you can gather a few things after you shower.".
"I concur with this course of action, Doctor M'Benga.".
Without much assistance from the physician, the Vulcan rises from the bed, and the two shipmates leave the Medbay. In line with the early hour, the corridors are quite desolate, with members of the crew either asleep in their quarters or placed at their respective stations. For the first time in days, Spock enters his living space, Doctor M'Benga closely following. In case of an incident, the doctor waits in the main room whilst the Vulcan completes his ablutions and changes into a fresh set of clothing. Of his small number of possessions, he collects only a few items to bring to the Medbay: a mat, some incense and a burner for his meditations; a PADD to occupy his mind during his more coherent moments; a spare change of clothes. Thankfully, the Medbay is equipped with a shower, so the Vulcan can carry out his ablutions there. The items bundled in his arms, he and M'Benga traverse the corridor once more on their way back to the ward.
Just moments after re-entering the Medbay, Spock organises the possessions he had brought: the articles of clothing are placed into a clear tray and safely tucked beneath his biobed; the PADD is settled atop a small table next to his bed. He follows these actions by laying out his mat, igniting the incense, kneeling comfortably onto the soft rug, preparing himself for his morning meditation. The incense he uses requires no open flame, only a decent level of heat directed at the tip is enough to induce the smoke, and thus the aroma. A small cylindrical device is what the Commander uses, placing it over the incense and pressing a button; within seconds, a slither of smoke emanates from the burner. The burner now sealed, he closes his eyes and proceeds to perform his ritual. Due to the overhead ventilation system, no other patients within the wing are disturbed by the scent; only the Vulcan is fully aware of its presence, allowing himself to be immersed in the aroma as it wafts around him. Nor do the medical staff protest this custom, the smoke from the incense burner posing no hazard, the scent light and easy to miss. Although, some might say that, within close proximity, the aroma is rather calming. Besides, who is to deny a dying friend his right to safely perform his rituals?
The meditation lasts one hour, and is followed by simple spot exercises: stretches first, then push-ups, sit-ups, and finally squats. By this time, a mild headache had started to form, the first for many hours. A much-welcomed bowl of plomeek soup is brought to the Vulcan by a member of the nursing staff; the meal methodically consumed, the tray and utensils returned with words of appreciation.
Doctor M'Benga soon retires to his quarters for some essential rest, replaced by Doctor McCoy; the former relaying information to the latter before departing with a friendly tap on the arm. The nursing staff also perform this changing of guards, so to speak. McCoy glances toward his Vulcan friend, now standing upright, propped against his bed, reading through scientific journals on his PADD. All appears to be well this morning, given the patient's situation. Yet, as the doctor watches on whilst tending to another patient, he spots his friend straining his eyes at the device within his hand, a slight unsteadiness in his posture. The PADD is soon placed upon the table, two fingers pinch the bridge of his nose, a trickle of dark green blood beginning to emanate from a nostril. His swaying intensifies, his eyelids start to droop, and the broken rasp of the word "doctor" escapes his throat; the sight of these collective actions cause the physician to race to his friend. Wrapping his arms around him, he catches the Vulcan as his long legs begin to fail, slowly buckling beneath him.
"I got you, buddy.", McCoy murmurs to his friend.
As the patient drops to his knees, the doctor gently lowers with him, kneeling on the glossy floor. The towering figure slumps against McCoy, a head falls into his shoulder, and Spock slips into unconsciousness.
We'll always catch you when you fall, Spock.