Drabble like a Tribble prompts

by cilepe

Drabbles. I will update periodically with new prompts, though they won't always be in a new chapter. Check back often if you want to keep up. Feel free to suggest prompts/ideas by way of reviews or private message. I'd love to hear from you!

39. Failure

Christine Chapel sat alone in a dark corner in the now abandoned sickbay. She'd lost patients before but she'd never felt more like a failure than she did at this moment. If only she hadn't been so quick to dismiss his complaints as the typical hangover. If only she'd been quicker to realize he wasn't just dozing. If only she'd called for Doctor McCoy sooner rather than thinking that she could handle the situation herself. If only she'd done her job, the captain wouldn't be dead.

Acting captain Spock entered sickbay and spotted her. He analyzed her condition for a moment. "There was nothing you could have done to alter the outcome, Nurse Chapel."

She glared up at the Vulcan. "How can you say that?"

Spock shrugged without moving a muscle. "It is the truth. Doctor McCoy dosed the captain with Theryzan."

Christine's eyes widened. "You're telling me that Doctor McCoy poisoned the captain?"

"It could be interpreted in that manner, yes. The captain has been called away by Starfleet Command for an undercover mission. It was deemed best that the crew believe him dead."

Christine frowned. "Why are you telling me?"

"Your misplaced sense of responsibility would have negatively impacted your ability to perform your duties."

Christine couldn't help but smile a little.