No. 6 Proof of life ("I've got a pulse!")
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He was waiting anxiously. His head was about to explode but he didn't want any treatment. Not yet. Not until he knew that Scotty was okay.
That stupid human. Why did he try to save Keenser? Why didn't he just stay away from the console?
It had been Keenser's task. He had been responsible for keeping the machine running! Not him!
But when Scotty noticed something being wrong, he had tried to help… he had even wrapped his arms around the Roylan when the whole damn console bursted into flames.
Here they were. In sickbay.
McCoy was doing his best to patch Scotty up.
Severe burns, cuts, bleeding.
"Mr. Keenser, we should take you over to another room. I need to check on that head injury of yours."
He heard the nurse's voice but the Roylan shook his head dumbly.
"Stay."
He needed to be with him. He needed to be with his best friend.
It was his fault that Scotty was fighting for his life. If he had noticed sooner that something was off, then none of this would have happened.
"Get your stubborn head treated, ya damn fool!"
McCoy snapped at him. McCoy always snapped when he was under pressure. It was a bad sign.
"Stay," Keenser repeated his words with more emphasis.
He could see the doctor roll his eyes but he didn't care.
He would stay right here. With Scotty.
Keenser could still feel the protecting arms around his small body when they hit the ground. It was like Scotty was still holding him tightly.
He couldn't die. Scotty had to make it.
"We're losing him doctor," a nurse said and Keenser's body froze in fear.
"I know! I know!"
Keenser stared at the screen. A flat line.
He felt tears in his eyes as memories passed him.
Scotty.
He was loud. And noisy. And annoying.
He often drank and joked too much.
He made fun of Keenser for being small and an oyster-face.
But Scotty was still his best friend.
Keenser whimpered sadly and shook his head.
He couldn't lose him. He couldn't lose his friend… his home.
Minutes seemed to slow down and Keenser closed his eyes. He couldn't take the bright lights or the noises.
He felt sick, one thought constantly running through his head.
'I killed him. I killed my best friend.'
But suddenly, just when he was about to pass out from all the guilt he felt… there was a sound. A nice and steady bleeping.
"I've got a pulse!"
Keenser opened his eyes. And when he saw what he needed to see, he finally looked at the nurse.
"Go now."
Nurse Chapel nodded, smiling softly before she guided him away.
If Scotty would be okay, then he'd be too.