Epilogue

Home Sweet Home

"...in short, Sub-Commander, they are suffering more from exhaustion than any other ailment. I recommend rest." Phlox was standing next to one of his large leafy plants in sickbay. Every now and then, to T'Pol's unease, the leaves would twitch.

"Have you told the Captain?"

"Ah...no, they are still in decon. It seems they picked up a friend at some point on the planet."

T'Pol studied the plant as it twitched a lot. "I see."

"It's a venissian mouse."

T'Pol frowned, "Doctor?"

"The plant. There's a venissian mouse burrowed underneath those leaves." Phlox smiled at it tenderly, "Its almost feeding time. I do believe he's trying to make a point."

T'Pol didn't know how to respond without acknowledging her distraction. She decided she wouldn't acknowledge it at all.

Phlox was still grinning, "I'm heading there now, would you like to accompany me, Sub-Commander?" He dropped something big and red into the leaves.

"Yes Doctor." T'Pol decided the mouse must have liked what Phlox fed it, because the leaves were fairly rotating.

"Do you think he's breathing?" Trip asked, staring at Malcolm who was lying flat on the floor, hands triangulated to cushion his head on the hard floor.

Archer opened one eye from where he was resting on the bench. "I'm sure he is."

Trip was quiet for a few more minutes. "Maybe we ought to check."

"Go ahead."

"You. He can't be mad at you for waking him up."

Archer opened both eyes and fixed them on Trip, "Yes he can...he just can't say it."

"Good point." Trip thought a few minutes more, "Hoshi, go check on Malcolm."

Hoshi was on the floor a few feet from Malcolm, lying still, staring at the ceiling with nothing better to do aside from listening to the Captain and Trip.

"I don't want him mad at me." She said, not moving her eyes from the ceiling.

"Just...nudge him." Trip said exasperated. "Pretend you were stretching and bumped him."

"Fine." Hoshi huffed, "Anything to shut you up."

Trip's mouth dropped open, "Did she just say what I think she said?" He whispered, leaning close to Archer.

"Yes, and I second it." Archer closed both eyes.

Trip pushed himself back upright, sitting next to Archer. "See if I care if you both pass out ever again." He mumbled.

Hoshi had nudged Malcolm with an extended toe. He grunted and rolled to his side.

"He's alive." She said.

"Probably all that pacing. Wore him out." Archer spoke from the bench.

Trip seemed placated. He sat silent, watching Malcolm and Hoshi, then the Captain. He stared at the wall, the floor...he was bored.

"What's taking so long?"

"Trip if you don't relax I'm going to call Phlox down here to do it for you." Archer threatened. "Close your eyes and think happy thoughts."

"Happy thoughts?"

"Think about Martha." Archer shifted, bringing up a knee and dropping his head down.

Trip stared at him, "Martha? How did you know about Martha?"

Archer was saved by the arrival of Phlox and T'Pol. Thank God.

"How are you feeling?" Phlox asked the group. T'Pol stood next to him, hands clasped behind her back.

"Tired." Archer answered, "But good."

Trip and Hoshi agreed, tired and hungry.

"Can we go?" Trip verged on whining. "I'm starved."

"Oh yes, you're free to go...take it slow with your first meal Commander." Phlox cautioned.

"Why?" Trip had no intention of going slow. He was going to set record time.

"You've barely eaten in almost three days. If you eat to much at first you'll wind up in sickbay with a stomach ache."

Trip waved his hand, "Sure Doc." He'd eat maybe a little slower. Maybe.

The door opened into the decon chamber. Malcolm shot up to his feet, and headed out the door before the other three.

"Next time Commander, have the guts to check yourself."

THE END