Chapter 19

"You want me to do what?" Michael asked, clearly not believing what he had heard.

"You have been assigned to share your cabin with two of the alien children," T'Pol repeated, this time more slowly than before. "A universal translator will be installed in your cabin so you can easily communicate with the children. You will be responsible for their care until we reach the planet."

Michael smiled nervously at the Vulcan. "You don't understand, Sub-Commander, this isn't part of my assignment. I'm here on the ship serving as a embedded reporter, not a babysitter."

"In times of emergency, everyone on this ship can be called upon to perform duties deemed necessary by the Captain or the Captain's representative. Space is limited on Enterprise. The extra space in your quarters needs to be utilized. You will assist as we deem fit."

Running his fingers through his hair, Michael looked uneasy.

"When you signed up to come on board Enterprise, " T'Pol continued relentlessly, " you also agreed to cooperate and to provide assistance in the event of any emergency."

"I did? You must be kidding."

T'Pol's eyebrow rose. "Vulcans do not kid, Mr. Leighton."

"Any change, Doctor?" Hoshi asked, leaning wearily against the door frame of Phlox's office.

The physician seated at his desk looked up and sadly shook his head. "No change I'm afraid, but I must warn you, Hoshi, you must get more rest, or I'll have to find a bed for you as well."

Hoshi wanted to respond, but she didn't know how to explain what she was feeling. She felt lost and confused.

"Come, sit down beside me," Phlox said patting the empty chair beside his desk. "Come."

Shuffling forward, Hoshi dropped down onto the chair.

Always in tune to his patients' needs, Phlox reached into his desk drawer and withdrew a box of tissues and passed it to the communications officer.

Taking several tissues, she buried her face in them and wept.

"Hoshi, Hoshi," Phlox said soothingly and rubbed a comforting hand on her trembling back. "I'm sure the Lieutenant will awaken."

Hoshi nodded and, wiping her eyes with a clean tissue, lifted her face to look at her friend. "I can't help it. I'm worried about him. What if he doesn't wake up? What if..."

"Time, Hoshi. Give it time."

Looking up, Phlox saw someone peering in through the Sickbay doors. Leaving Hoshi with the Armory Officer, Phlox slipped out of Sickbay.

Keeping his voice low he addressed the visitor. "Captain?"

"Any better?"

"Not yet."

Both paused and watched the pair who remained in Sickbay.

"She cares about him," Archer said.

"It is my opinion she loves him."

"And Malcolm?"

Phlox chuckled sadly. "Mr. Reed is an complex individual, always at odds between his duty and his heart."

Archer thought about the doctor's words as he continued to watch Hoshi whisper to the Brit as she dabbed her tears. "Thank you, doctor." Turning around he looked at the physician. "I'll check in with you tomorrow."

Phlox watched the captain depart before he once again returned to his domain.

End Chapter 19