PART 9:
Once again they waited in the hall outside of Trip's room, Archer, Liana, Reed, and Ezral.
"What the bloody hell is taking so long?" Reed said in frustration.
"I'm sure Doctor Phlox is doing a thorough job, Malcolm," Archer replied. "He'll be out when he's finished."
"Captain," Ezral said. "I have a council meeting to get to."
Archer nodded his head.
"You will let me know how Commander Tucker is doing?"
"Of course I will."
Ezral turned to his daughter. "Liana, you need to get some rest."
"I will," Liana said. "Once I know Trip will be alright."
"Liana."
"I be fine, father," she said. "And I promise I will as soon as I hear something."
"Okay," Ezral said with a smile. "I'll see you later." He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead.
He left the group as T'Pol walked up to join them.
"Any word on Commander Tucker?" she asked.
"Nothing yet," Archer said.
The door opened and Doctor Phlox walked out of the room and over to the group.
"How's Trip?" Archer asked.
"He's a lucky man, Captain," Phlox explained. "He has a severe concussion and several broken ribs."
"Is he awake?" Liana asked.
"Not yet."
"Can I go in and see him?" she asked.
Phlox looked at Archer who nodded his head slightly that it was okay.
"Go ahead," Phlox said.
"Thank you," Liana replied and walked past him and into the room.
"Do you have any idea when he'll be waking up?" Archer asked.
"It should be soon," Phlox answered. "Don't worry Captain, it could have been a lot worse than it was. Once he wakes up and with a few days rest he'll be fine."
"Thanks," Archer said.
The figure stood in the shadows once again. He couldn't believe the human was going to be fine.
I should have made sure he was dead, once Liana was gone, he thought.
He had to figure out some way to keep the two apart. Whatever it would be he knew this time he'd make sure he did the job right.
End of Part 9