Just once it would be nice if Dr Pholx used some remedy that wasn't slimy. Or one that didn't have a mind of its own. Something that just came in a bottle and was taken twice a day with meals would be good. Even an injection would be preferable.
Is the ship still trapped?'
Yes it is, but T'Pol is doing an admirable job of solving that problem. The crew will report to her while you are in recovery.'
I don't even remember coming in here,' Archer sat up and reached for his teeshirt.
That's because you were unconscious, Captain.
Archer rubbed at his eyes, glad no other crew members were in the room. This was becoming a little embarrassing.
The rhandinda fluid did its job.'
That stuff you gave me to drink? You knew it was going to knock me out?'
Of course. It affects your metabolism, works on restoring your red cell levels and causes unconsiousness from time to time. You're healing well.' He patted his hand lightly against the shoulder wound.
A bit of warning would have been nice.'
Mr Mayweather did bring that matter to my attention.'
What if I'd been EVA when I took my little nap?'
Captain, I wouldn't have let you off the ship.'
Well am I okay now, or should I be carrying a pillow about with me so I can at least be comfortable when I suddenly fall in a heap.'
Consider yourself on medical leave for the next...eight hours.'
Oh-six hundred tomorrow. I'll be okay then?'
You'll be feeling wonderful,' the doctor's smile stretched beyond reasonable limits.
What about my ship, is it just going to run itself for the next eight hours?'
The ship functions perfectly well when you're asleep, Captain.'
I'm awake.'
You do want to be well as soon as possible, don't you?'
It was only as he was almost finished dressing that Archer realised he was being watched. Stazi's eyes sparkled from her spot on the diagnostic bed on the far side of the room.
How's the headache?' said Archer, who was beyond being embarrassed.
Gone.' She rubbed at the lump on her head which was still slightly sore to touch but not too badly behaved. She slipped off her bed, dressed now in a uniform that the doctor had found for her, since her clothing had been burned by the blast from the phase pistol.
So you're all okay then?'
Well, actially, I'm starving.'
He offered her his arm. I'd like to thank you for helping me down on the planet. I know this nice little place.'
What do they serve?'
Everything.'
Burgers with the lot?'
Burgers with the lot plus extras.'
I'm gonna murder one.'
I'll bring you the rest of your treatment, Stazi,' said the doctor.
She raised an eyebrow. There's more?'
It will go nicely with your dinner.'
Stazi wasn't shy about her attack on the hamburger. They had both done justice to a substantial meal when Phlox placed a floral arrangement on the middle of the table. These are for you,' he said.
They're really pretty.'
Take them after your meal.'
What, eat them?'
Yes.'
The whole arrangement?'
Just the flowers, not the leaves.'
Feeling just a little bit strange, Stazi nibbled on a pale blue flower, cautiously at first. Actually quite yummy,' she said to Archer, who had been watching curiously. No, really. Try one.'
Archer reached for the arrangement. Not the blue ones, Captain,' warned Phlox. Don't have the blue ones or the yellow ones with spots. They would have a feminising effect that I believe you would find embarrasing.' Archer's hand stopped in mid air. You'll find the others positively beneficial,' Phlox assured. And he smiled so that his face nearly cracked in half.