Left Behind IV - So Damn Frustrating
"You could use a shave, lieutenant." said Captain
Archer as he looked at the information compiled from the readings taken
by the probe. In was five o'clock in the morning, and he could tell that
Reed had yet to sleep or shower. He was dedicated to the performance of
his duty.
"Yes, sir." he said quietly, watching Archer
skim the carefully prepared report.
"Break this down for me, Malcolm. What does
this tell us that we didn't know last night?"
"Of practical use or just in general?"
"Just in general."
"Dimensions of the phenomenon, energy readings,
a better guess as to its age, and the relative strength of the disturbance
as compared to known time travel technology used by the Suliban."
"And practical use?"
Malcolm hung his head as he answered, "Absolutely
nothing, sir."
"Nothing yet, lieutenant. You never know what
these readings may mean in the long term."
"Thank you, sir."
"Malcolm, I would really appreciate it if
you took a few hours to get some sleep."
"But there is so much that I could be doing."
"That isn't already being done? I doubt that,
lieutenant. A little time with your eyes closed might give you a fresh
perspective."
"I can spare three hours. Would that be sufficient,
sir?"
"I believe so."
Malcolm Reed was not a happy man as he walked
down the long hallway to his quarters. He had practically vowed not to
rest until his fellow officers were safe again. He couldn't shrug aside
the feeling that he was being delinquent in his duties. Rationally, he
knew that he was only one man, despite the fact that he was doubling as
both Armory Officer and First Officer, not to mention doing more science
department-related things than he had ever intended. But that didn't matter.
He felt responsible for the crew of the Enterprise, and until they were
all safe and sound, he wouldn't be able to rest well, or if he had his
own way, at all.
"I can't believe I've been ordered to sleep."
he muttered to himself as he walked.
"I can't believe you haven't been ordered
to bathe, Stinky." he thought he heard someone say behind him. He whirled
around, expecting to find someone standing there, perhaps Ensign Sato.
The corridor was empty.
"I suppose a little shut eye might be quite
beneficial." he said, shaking his head to clear it.
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