Object Lesson

"Mm-mmed-ed-dical kit, n-nn-now…"

"You licked it! You bloody licked it!!" Jenny barreled into the console room, her father's shaking arm over her shoulder, half dragging him as she ran towards the med-bay.

"N-nnn-neuro-"

"Neuromuscular toxin! I know! And you had to lick it, didn't you. Just had to."

"J-jjjen-nn-y-"

"Oh, don't talk. Sit here. Med kit, okay, white, green crescent, right…here!" She pulled the box out, whirling on her heel. She worked quickly, glancing at her father.

"I can't believe you licked it! Are you insane?! Hold on, have to mix these doses…"

"J-jjenn-nny-" The Doctor stuttered out between chattering teeth, "I-ifff-iff I-ifff-"
"You're not going to die, Father, so you don't need to tell me what to do if you regenerate. Got it!" Jenny turned, pulled up the Doctor's sleeve, clamped a hand on his trembling arm, and injected the serum. Then she stood back, watching with anxious eyes.

"Father?"

He was still spasming, his breathing ragged. Jenny dropped to her knees beside the bed.

"Father. Breathe. Come on." She grabbed his clawed hand in her own.

Slowly, the hand relaxed. The twitches running along the Doctor's body slowed, then ceased. He slumped forward, his chest heaving.

"Well! That…was unpleasant. Good job…you grabbed…the serum." He gave her a small, unsteady grin.

"Lesson…for you… Jenny. Don't…assume…you know what's going on. It's…it's a costly mistake." He shook his head, his wild dark hair standing on end.

"Whew! Remind me not to do that again any time soon!"

"Again?!" Jenny stared at him for a moment, incredulous. "You should have been smart enough not to do it in the first place."

"Only a bit of analysis, Jenny. Usually one of the best tools of analysis, taste. Another lesson."

"Then that's four." Jenny muttered.

"What?"

"Lay back, Father. You need to rest."

"Oh tosh. 'M fine! Fit as a fiddle!" The Doctor pushed himself to his feet-wobbled a bit-and grinned. "See? Poison's being dismantled in my system as we speak. No problem. Now, four lessons. What's the third and fourth?"

Jenny glanced away, setting the medical kit to rights. She couldn't help the smile that sneaked across her lips.

"If it's not food, don't lick it. Even if it looks innocuous."

"Oh I don't know about that. Just have to keep an eye on what you're working with. So what's the fourth?"

Jenny shook her head, her smile widening. The Doctor paced over to her, curious.

"Well? What else did you learn?"

She glanced up at him, her eyes sparkling.

"You don't just muck up when you're young. Even the very smart, and old, and experienced, can do something really stupid."

The Doctor opened his mouth. He paused. Thought.

"Yes, actually that's rather true. Actually very true." Then he glanced at his daughter in surprise. She was leaning against the table, her shoulders quivering silently.

"Jenny? Are you laughing?"