The screen blinked off, once again displaying the view of the alien ship. Jean-Luc sighed and turned to his exec. Will grinned, his blue eyes sparkling. “A new friend?” “Perhaps. At least not a new enemy…I hope.” The Captain issued orders for the resumption of their scans and was about to retire to his Ready Room when Parrum gently took his elbow. In a whisper, the tall alien said, “Captain I can feel your pain. You and Commander Riker should report to Sickbay.” Frowning in annoyance, Jean-Luc freed his arm and shook his head, mentally grimacing at the pain that caused. “That will not be necessary Parrum. I…” His words died in his throat when his First Officer approached rubbing his temples. “Captain if you feel as bad as I do, we should both go and see Beverly.” Sighing, Jean-Luc briefly closed his eyes. “You go Number One. I’m fine.” The big bearded man shook his head slowly and pulled down the corners of his mouth. “Uh uh Captain. If you don’t come down with me I’ll tell Beverly you’re suffering and she’ll order you to comply. What’s it to be Sir? My way…or her way?” Straightening his spine and squaring his shoulders, The Captain looked disdainfully at his First Officer. “That Commander could be considered blackmail…and exceedingly poor form. Very well I will acquiesce. However, if she traps me down in that…den of iniquity…I’ll hold you personally responsible.” Smiling broadly Will stood back and bowed, sweeping his arm grandly. “Understood Captain. After you.”
Jean-Luc, Will and Parrum strolled nonchalantly into Sickbay, seemingly disinterested in what was going on around them. The head nurse, Alyssa Ogawa approached and the Captain asked to see the CMO. They were kept waiting and Jean-Luc grew increasingly impatient. With his arms folded across his chest, his rear hitched onto a biobed and his ankles crossed, he was the epitome of an agitated Captain. Scowling deeply he muttered, “She’s got two more minutes then I’m going back to the bridge. This is ridiculous.” Will’s concern for his friend was growing as the older man grew pale and his usually piercing hazel eyes dulled. He was about to try cajoling the irritated man when Beverly breezed into the room. Jean-Luc’s head snapped up and he barked, “It’s about time! We’ve been waiting…” By the set of Beverly’s jaw Will could plainly see she was in no mood for his histrionics. With a glare she took a tricorder from her coat pocket and snapped,
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