Phlox's Perspective:
"If I may speak with the Lieutenant alone, Commander?"
He had nearly called the Vulcan Sub-Commander, given that the Captain had already made a similar error concerning Soval, it was fortunate that he had not.
But while arousing suspicion was the last thing he wanted, it did seem improbable that they would be able to keep up this charade indefinitely. Although Phlox would, at the moment, rather leave that to the Captain, acting or not.
And that brought him back to the present, where he was to be the bearer of grim news.
That was the only problem with being a Doctor, for as long as the profession had existed, there was always this responsibility, and Phlox would not wish it upon anyone.
"Lieutenant-" he paused until the sickbay doors swished shut behind the retreating Vulcan.
He let out a breath, exhaled alongside the pain of his remorse, leaving the Denobulan's body as peacefully as it could. He had failed his duty, and acknowledging that would be among the first steps he must take. But right now there wasn't time for that, objectivity on the situation was required if he were to continue his job. Later he would grieve, that was promised.
"Lieutenant, I'm afraid there is a problem, it concerns the real Captain".
Reed's Perspective:
An invisible hand clutched at his heart, the beating halted as his panic stricken mind searched for, for- for something dammit! He just didn't know what.
He looked Phlox in the eyes, his silent query strong enough to move mountains, yet he didn't feel especially strong right now. No, he felt more, weak. As if all the strength had been drained from his reserves.
"Lieutenant, I have done everything I can, but-"
"But what Doctor." He growled, feet taking him back and forth, pacing furiously.
"There must be something you can do." His voice had taken on a more plaintive tone, but the anger was still there. Anger he was unable to direct, to blame on anyone or anything. He slumped down in one of the visitor chairs, face in his palm.
"His cellular structure is literally degenerating, it is beyond the capabilities of modern science, even on this vessel, to save him."
Reed wanted to argue, to fight. But one look at the Doctor gave him the sense he needed not to. He wasn't the only one taking this hard. Phlox was going to be beating himself up over this, and he'd better.
No! With a shaky resolve Reed crushed those stray thoughts, barbaric as they were there was no place in his mind for such childish finger pointing. He would face this like a man, and Jonathan Archer, would not be forgotten…