“Good. Deanna I think tomorrow morning we should encourage the Captain to leave Sickbay for a while…a trip to the Arboretum perhaps. Considering he’s facing more surgery, albeit minor, I just think he could do with a new perspective.” The Counsellor pursed her lips and took a seat, deep in thought. “I agree. He needs to see that life is going on around him and that he has an integral part in that life. Yes, that’s a good idea Beverly.” Smiling, the red head turned to Selar. “And you Selar, do you agree?” The Vulcan nodded slowly. “Captain Picard has already progressed further than I though possible. If a sojourn away from the confines of Sickbay would be beneficial, I see no reason why he should not partake of it.” “Do you mind if we stay here tonight? It’s quite likely he will start to experience nightmares and I think we should be here to help him.” “Of course Doctor. My intention is to maintain the mild sedatives for the interim. What are you thoughts on this matter?” Beverly hitched her hip onto the desk and frowned. “I agree. In his relaxed state he can see clearly how he was manipulated without the accompanying stress. My opinion is that you continue sedating him for at least the next few days.” Selar nodded and clasped her hands behind her back. “I will instruct the staff to set up two cots in his room. Doctor Crusher I would like to scan you.” “Selar that’s not…” ”Now Doctor.” Fuming, Beverly rose and stalked out of the office followed by Selar and Deanna. She seated herself on a biobed and resigned herself to the inevitable. Selar retrieved a tricorder, extracted the probe and initiated the scan. It was a lengthy procedure, the Doctor taking her time. Beverly started to fidget and Selar cast her a longsuffering stare. Sighing exasperatedly, Beverly quietened and closed her eyes, only opening them when the tricorder silenced. “Well?” “Doctor Crusher despite your recent meal, you are still very low on blood sugar. Also you are somewhat dehydrated and two of your burns require a short regeneration treatment. I suggest we treat the burns now and you can have a substantial meal and fluid whilst you wait.” Beverly huffed and scowled at her physician. “How long?” “I predict thirty minutes.” Deanna stepped close and held Beverly’s elbow. “You get ready and I’ll replicate you a meal and a drink.” Beverly tried to glare and failed miserably. “This is a conspiracy!” Deanna laughed and left the Doctors as Selar was helping Beverly down from the biobed. As soon as Beverly had changed and was lying on a bed in a private cubicle under the blue glow of the regen beams, Deanna came in bearing a tray.
61