Malcolm Reed quietly stepped into Sickbay but stopped a few feet from the doorway. A quick scan of the room showed no sign of Phlox. The only other occupant besides himself was the still form of Hoshi Sato
Malcolm swallowed hard, T'Pol's prognosis still fresh in his mind. Hoshi couldn't have survived the crash only to die from some tiny parasite? Fate wouldn't be that cruel would it?
"Lieutenant." Phlox began quietly as he entered Sickbay. "You're blocking the doorway."
Malcolm jumped guiltily and moved quickly out of the way. "Sorry, I didn't hear you."
"No harm done." Phlox replied gently as he took in the younger man's tattered appearance. His uniform was clean and new but Reed's face, knuckles and arms still were covered in bruises and tiny scratches.
"You should get those cuts attended to." Phlox added as he walked into the center of the room.
"They're fine." Reed replied. "I'll do it later."
Malcolm's gaze moved back to Hoshi. She looked so small and frail.
"I can do it now." Phlox stated. "It'll only take a moment."
"I'll take care of it later." Reed repeated his gaze never leaving Hoshi.
"You can sit with her if you'd like." Phlox suggested as he moved the small counter against the wall.
Reed hesitated. "I-I don't want to wake her."
Phlox turned and met his gaze briefly. "Ensign Sato is unconscious, Lieutenant, you won't wake her. But she will know that you are there. Talk to her."
"Talk to her?" Reed repeated angrily. "What good will that do if she's unconscious?"
"It's been proven that they can hear us." Phlox replied as he began putting instruments away. "If you feel uncomfortable with it I can give you a sedative to help you sleep."
Reed looked back at Hoshi. It was his fault she was laying there...." I'll sit with her for a little while."
Phlox nodded. "I'll be over here if you need anything."
Malcolm walked slowly over to Hoshi's biobed. He stood at the foot of it for a long moment before he moved around the bed and found a small metal chair. Malcolm moved the chair as close to Hoshi's bed as he could before he collapsed into it. His legs were so tired they were barely supporting him any more.
Malcolm reached over and tenderly took Hoshi's left hand in his. "I'm here,luv." he said quietly.
Trip stepped through the doors of Sickbay and stopped dead in his tracks. A sad smile crossed his face at the sight of Malcolm holding Hoshi's hand tightly in his as if that alone would keep her alive. Trip moved back quietly not wanting to intrude. As Tucker opened the doors he caught Phlox's gaze and motioned for the doctor to join him in the hallway.
As the doors closed behind Phlox, Trip asked anxiously. "How's she doin'?"
"Ensign Sato's temperature has increased six degrees since we completed the surgery." Phlox replied sadly.
"Damn." Trip swore as he leaned back against the wall. "What if we ignored the Andorians and took her back home?"
Phlox shook his head. "Starfleet medical wouldn't be able to do anything more for her than I can do for her here."
"I didn't mean to say that you weren't." Tucker said quickly.
"I understand, Commander." Phlox replied. "You just want to do everything you can to help your friend. As do I, she's my friend as well."
Tucker nodded as he stepped away from the wall. "I don't want to disturb Malcolm and Hoshi. I'll come back later to visit her."
"I'll let you know if there's any change."
"Thanks Doc." Tucker replied as he left.
end of part 7