DEADLY REACTION

 

 

 

 

            “Chief Engineer’s log; supplemental.  The new chemicals we obtained from Morlan seem to be working well.  I will know more as time passes, but these chemicals do have their risks.  If the compartment separating the two chemicals ruptures the reaction between them could be deadly.  End log.”  Trip was being very careful in the handling of the chemicals because he knew if they were combined, the reaction would create a deadly and unknown type of radiation.  Archer had been reluctant to even try the new chemicals, but he’d managed to convince him that it would make the engines run much more efficiently.

 

            It wasn’t until they were almost a week away from Morlan that things went terribly wrong.  Trip had been working on the new chemicals, trying to stabilize them when the ship shook from an ion storm they were traveling through.  The shaking caused the chamber between the two chemicals to crack and alarms began to blare.  “Everyone out of engineering, NOW.”

 

            “Archer to Tucker.”

 

            “Go ahead, sir.”

 

            “What’s happening?”  Archer had heard the alarms and Reed had indicated a problem in engineering.

 

            “I’m attempting to prevent a deadly reaction, sir.  The compartment between the two chemicals has cracked.  I’ve evacuated engineering and with any luck I can prevent the reaction.”  As soon as he knew everyone was out of engineering, Trip sealed the doors and worked to prevent the two chemicals from joining and creating the reaction.

 

            “No Trip. I want you out of there.”  Not only did he not want to lose his Chief Engineer, but he also didn’t want to lose his best friend.  The ion storm was only getting worse and each time the ship shook, the chance that the chamber would break completely, grew. 

 

            “You don’t understand sir, if I don’t stop this engineering will become contaminated.  This is an unknown radiation and I have no idea how long it would be before engineering would be accessible again.”  He couldn’t let that happen.  Engineering was too vital an area to be inaccessible for any length of time.

 

            “I don’t care Trip.  Get out of there now, that’s an order.”  Somehow Archer knew Trip would not obey.  It was who Trip was and it made Archer mad, but at the same time he knew Trip wouldn’t be the same otherwise.  “Trip?”  He’d cut the transmission, just as he knew Trip would.  “Damn it.  Bridge to sickbay.”

 

            “Go ahead, sir.” Ensign Cutler was currently on duty in sickbay and took Archer’s call.

 

            “We have a possible medical emergency in engineering.  It involves alien radiation so you better alert Doctor Phlox and have him get prepared.”  As he spoke, Archer hoped Trip would be able to stop the reaction and none of it would be necessary.

 

            “Right away sir.”  Cutler was worried.  It sounded bad and she knew she had to act fast.  “Sickbay to Doctor Phlox.”

 

            “Go ahead Ensign.”

 

            “Captain Archer advised that there is a possible medical emergency in engineering.  He said it involved alien radiation and to have you prepare just in case.”  Cutler hoped she was making sense, but the concern in Archer’s voice had her a little panicked.

 

            “What’s going on?”  Phlox understood what Cutler wanted, but nothing else.

 

            “I don’t know.  Captain Archer didn’t go into details.”

 

            “I’m on my way to engineering then.”  Phlox cut the connection and headed out of his quarters towards engineering. 

 

 

 

            Phlox waited impatiently outside the doors to Engineering.  He just couldn’t understand why Commander Tucker was taking such a deadly risk.  To him it was better to have engineering contaminated for a while then to have Tucker dead.  “Commander Tucker?”

 

            “Go ahead Doc.”

 

            “Can’t you at least put on a space suit for protection?"  Phlox continued to pace outside the door.

 

            “No time, Doc.  If I don’t keep this under control we’ll be in big trouble.”  No sooner did Trip say that than the ship shook violently and the chamber broke.  Alien radiation began to flood engineering and Trip cursed. “Damn it.”  As quickly as he could he began trying to vent the radiation out into space, but he’d already received a massive dose.

 

            “Commander?”  There was no need for Tucker to say anything.  Phlox knew what had happened and he only prayed that he could treat the Commander.   It was an alien radiation and Phlox didn’t know much about it. 

 

            There was no answer as Trip had lost consciousness from the heat and smoke caused by the reaction.  It would take some time for the radiation to vent into space and make engineering even remotely safe to enter.  Even then suits would have to be worn and they’d have to put Trip in a suit to get him to sickbay where he’d have to be put into isolation.

 

            “Bridge to Engineering.  What’s going on down there?”  Archer had heard the alarms go off again and Reed had advised him that they were venting radiation into space.

 

            “This is Doctor Phlox, the reaction has occurred and Commander Tucker is not responding to hails.”

 

            “Can you get in to him?”  Archer rose from his chair and began pacing the bridge.

 

            “Not without putting on suits.  It will be some time before engineering is decontaminated.”  Phlox nodded to several of the engineering staff as they came up to him with suits.

 

            “Do whatever you have to Doc, I want Trip out of there.”

 

            “Aye, Captain.”  Phlox took one of the suits from the crewmember and began putting it on.  Several of the engineering crew were also putting on suits so they could assist in extracting Tucker from the contaminated room.  Moving quickly inside, Phlox carried his medical tricorder and the suit to put Tucker in.  Engineering was filled with smoke and the temperature was close to a hundred and ten degrees. 

 

            They found Trip lying unconscious on the floor near the chamber.  He was sweating and his breathing was labored.  As the two crew members worked to get the suit on Trip, Phlox ran scans on him.  He didn’t like what he was seeing.  Tucker had received a massive dose of the radiation and Phlox had no idea what the effects would be.  One thing was certain, without the proper treatment Tucker would die in a couple of weeks.  “Lets get him to sickbay.”

 

            “Phlox to Captain Archer.”

 

            “Archer here, how bad is it Doc?”

 

            “It’s bad Captain.  I suggest you meet me in sickbay.”

 

            “I’m on my way.”  Archer was terrified.  From what Phlox said and the sound of his voice, he was afraid Trip was going to die.  Entering sickbay, Archer found that an isolation ward had been set up using a clear plastic chamber.  Phlox was currently tending to an unconscious Trip.  He was wearing a suit and Trip was now in only his underwear and lying on a bio-bed.   “How’s he doing Doctor?”

 

            “Captain, right now he’s just unconscious from the heat and smoke.”  Phlox paused as he tried to decide the best way to tell Archer that Tucker would be dead in a couple of weeks if a treatment couldn’t be found.  “Unless I get more information on this radiation to create a treatment, Commander Tucker will only be with us for a couple of weeks.”

 

            “No.”  Archer whispered and leaned on the bio-bed next to him.  Why hadn’t Trip done what he ordered and gotten out of engineering?  “Can the Morlan’s give you the information you need?”

 

            “Possibly, they are our only hope right now.”

 

            “I’ll set a course back to Morlan at top speed.  Any idea how long engineering will be inaccessible?” 

 

            “Luckily the Commander began venting the radiation immediately, so it should be clear in a day or two.”  Phlox injected Tucker with a hypo-spray to ease his breathing.

 

            “Keep me posted Doctor, I’ll be on the bridge.”  Before leaving sickbay, Archer used the comm. to contact the bridge.  “Travis, set a course back to Morlan, maximum warp.”

 

            “Aye, Captain.”  Mayweather knew things must be bad if they had to go back to Morlan.  There wasn’t a person on the bridge, except maybe T’Pol, that didn’t have a look of worry on their faces.

 

 

            As Archer came onto the bridge, he could see all eyes were on him.  He said nothing until he was in his chair.  Looking at Travis as he sat, the young helmsman was obviously concerned.

 

            “Sir how is Commander Tucker?”

 

            “Not good Travis.  He received a massive dose of the radiation and according to Phlox he won’t last more than a couple weeks if a treatment can’t be found.”  Archer glanced around the bridge to see everyone looking sad and worried.  “Don’t give up on him, any of you.  We’ll get back to Morlan and find out what they have for a treatment.”

 

            “How is he right now?”  Hoshi asked.  She hoped Trip wasn’t suffering or anything.

 

            “The last I saw him, he was unconscious from the smoke and heat.  Phlox says he’ll slowly get sicker.”  Archer couldn’t bring himself to say the last part, the ‘until he dies’ part.

 

            Hoshi turned away and tried to make herself busy.  She didn’t want to think about life aboard Enterprise without Commander Tucker.  He was a lot of fun and he had a way of making her believe she could do anything.

 

            “Hoshi, how soon can we contact Morlan?”  Archer knew that Hoshi was having a hard time with it.  He wouldn’t be surprised if everyone aboard had a problem with it.  Trip was so likeable that he easily made friends with everyone.

 

            “Their long range communications weren’t that long range.  Maybe a day before we get there.”  Hoshi was grateful for something to think about.  She would do her best to try and make contact with Morlan sooner.

 

            “Do your best to get through to them as soon as possible.   It’s going to take almost a week to get there as it is.”  Archer didn’t even want to think about what condition Trip would be in by the time they got there.

 

            “Aye, sir.”

 

            “I know all of you are worried about Trip, but we have jobs to do.  He’s in isolation, but you can feel free to go and see him in your free time.  I am sure he would appreciate the company.”  Trip was a hands on kind of person and being denied physical contact with anyone was going to be difficult for him.

           

            Hoshi intended to go see Trip as soon as she was off duty.  She had a feeling she wouldn’t be the only one to go see him and she wondered if it would be good for him to have a lot of visitors at once.  Believing it probably wouldn’t, she decided to contact Doctor Phlox when she had a chance and ask him when the best time would be to come see him.

 

 

            It took Trip about an hour to regain consciousness.  Although his lungs burned a little, he felt okay otherwise.  Somehow he thought that he’d feel the effects of the radiation more, but so far he didn’t feel anything strange.

 

            “Ah, you’re finally awake Commander.”  Phlox was currently outside the isolation unit, but if Tucker showed any signs of distress, he’d get inside as quickly as he could.

 

            “Doc?  What’s going on?”  As he gained his senses, he realized where he was and that he was completely isolated from the rest of sickbay.

 

            “You are contaminated with radiation Commander.  You have to be kept in this isolation unit so that you don’t spread it to others.”  He could see the confusion and sadness on Tucker’s face and a wave of sympathy washed over him.  Tucker was a people person and he wasn’t going to handle being isolated from everyone very well.

 

            “For how long?”

 

            “I won’t lie to you Commander.  If we can’t find a treatment for this radiation, you will die within a few weeks.  You are going to start getting sick and with each day that passes, you will grow even sicker.”  The shock and horror in Tucker’s eyes was unmistakable and he wished he had better news.  “We are headed back to Morlan in the hopes that they have a treatment.  I will make you as comfortable as possible.”

 

            “Thanks for telling me the truth Doc.  What will my symptoms be?”  He wanted to know what to expect.

 

            “Initially you will begin to experience nausea.  As time passes it will become worse and you will develop a fever.  Sores will begin to appear on your body.  They will first appear on your hands and face since they were directly exposed to the radiation.  The sores will spread to other areas of your body and soon after you will become too weak to do anything but sleep.”

 

            “So it’s going to be painful and uncomfortable.”

 

            “I will do my best to keep that to a minimum with pain killers.  Most likely you will be unconscious at the end and you will just slip away.  However I’m not giving up easily Commander.   Even if the Morlan’s don’t have a treatment, I am working on coming up with one of my own.”  Phlox felt he knew Commander Tucker fairly well by now and he knew Tucker wouldn’t give up either.

 

            “I appreciate you being candid with me and I won’t give up either.”  Trip got off the bio-bed and walked to the clear plastic wall where Phlox stood.  “Do me a favor and break it to the Captain gently.”

 

            “Commander, Captain Archer already knows you will die in a few weeks without treatment.”  As he talked with Tucker, he was figuring out the best way to provide him with meals.  The only thing he could think of was to either beam them in to him, or put on the suit for each meal and take it in to him.  Although the latter would be more of a hassle, it would be good for Tucker to have someone visit him inside the unit once in a while.

 

            “Does he know all the details?  I don’t want him to think I’ll be suffering.”  Trip knew Archer would be worried about him and he didn’t want that.  After all, he had ordered him out of engineering and he’d disobeyed. 

 

            “I haven’t told him what your symptoms will be, but he’ll find out soon enough.”  Once Tucker started getting sick, it would be obvious to everyone.

 

            “Let me do it then, please?  I am in this because I disobeyed his order to leave engineering and it’s not right for him to worry, or feel guilty.”  Trip moved back to the bio-bed and sat down.  Looking down at himself, he sighed.  “Can I at least have some sivvies to wear until I get too sick?”

 

            “I will get some things from your cabin Commander.  I want you to get some rest.”

 

            “I don’t feel like resting Doc. Right now I feel fine and if you don’t mind, I’d like to use the console over there to check on the status of engineering.”  Trip nodded towards the computer console on the counter behind the bio-bed.

 

            “Of course, but if you get feeling tired or sick, I want you to tell me immediately.”  Phlox had been studying Tucker’s blood and cells to see if he could find his own treatment for the radiation.  So far he’d had no luck, but at least he could treat the symptoms and make Tucker comfortable.

 

            “You got a deal Doc.”  Trip smiled and moved to the chair in front of the console.  As he read the data he found himself sorry they ever tried the alien chemicals.   Engineering would be contaminated for a couple more days, which meant that everything would have to be handled from the bridge.  Perhaps they could route some things to his console and he could do some work until he got sick.

 

 

            Archer arrived in sickbay an hour later.  He found Trip sitting at the console reading something with great concentration.  Moving to the clear plastic wall that separated him from his friend, Archer spoke.  “What are you working on Trip?”

 

            “Oh, Captain.  I didn’t hear you come in.  I was going over the engineering logs from the time of the accident hoping it might tell me something about this radiation.”  As Trip got up from the chair to move to where Archer stood, a wave of nausea washed over him and he leaned on the bio-bed.

 

            “Trip?”  Archer desperately wanted to go to him and help him, but he couldn’t.  “What’s wrong?”

 

            “Just a little nausea.  Doc said I would start to feel nauseous.”  The feeling passed and he continued his trek to the Captain.  He could see the concern on his friends face and he hated for Archer to see him like that.  Problem was, it was only going to get worse.

 

            “Damn it Trip.  Why couldn’t you have gotten out of there like I ordered?”

 

            “You know I couldn’t.”  Trip tried to smile, but the severity of the situation made it disappear.

 

            “Yeah I do, but now look at you.  Getting sicker by the hour and isolated from everyone.  I know how much of a people person you are and you can’t tell me this isn’t very difficult for you.”  Archer looked away for a moment.  It was so hard seeing Trip inside the walls of that isolation unit, knowing he was going to keep getting sicker until he died. 

 

            “It’s been okay so far, but I think I will go mad if this lasts very long.  I’m sorry Captain.  I don’t want to die and I don’t want to be sick, but I saw no other choice.”  Trip watched Archer for a minute and then continued.  “Phlox isn’t giving up on me and neither am I.  Don’t you give up on me.”

 

            “Trip, I would never give up on you.  It’s just going to be a very difficult couple of weeks for everyone, especially you.”  Archer put his hand on the wall and looked into Trip’s eyes.  He didn’t know what he’d do without him and he prayed they could find a treatment for him.

 

            “I have you and the others to get me through it sir.”  Trip smiled and put his hand against Archer’s through the wall.  “Thanks for not being mad at me.”

 

            “Oh, I am mad at you, but it doesn’t matter now.  All that matters is finding a treatment for you.” Removing his hand, Archer tried to smile back at Trip, but just couldn’t manage it.  “I’ve got to get back to the bridge.  I’ll come see you later and I know several of the crew will be coming to see you as well.”

 

            “Thanks Captain.”  He watched Archer leave and wished he could remove the worry and fear from his friend’s heart.  Sighing, Trip decided to lie down for a while.  He was beginning to feel tired and it had been a long and stressful day.

 

            When Phlox returned to sickbay he found Tucker asleep and decided to run some scans to be sure it wasn’t anything more serious.  Since it was an alien radiation, he couldn’t be sure exactly what effects it would have on Tucker.  While he was taking the readings, Reed and Mayweather came into sickbay to visit the Commander.

 

            “How is he Doc?” Mayweather looked at Trip through the clear plastic and could see he was sleeping.

 

            “He’s doing fine for now, but there are indications that he’s beginning to experience the first symptoms of the radiation.”  Phlox knew the pair were worried about Tucker, but there wasn’t much he could tell them at the moment.

 

            “We’ll come back later when he’s awake.”  Reed felt awkward and didn’t know why.  His friend was in there all alone and slowly dying.  Trip needed his friends more than ever, but all Malcolm could do was think about how he felt.  He berated himself for being so selfish and tried to force the awkwardness away.

 

            “That would probably be best, Lieutenant.”  Phlox nodded to the pair.  Tucker needed as much rest as he could get. 

 

            “We’ll call before we come to make sure it’s a good time to visit.”  Travis said as they moved to leave sickbay.

 

            “Very well.”  Phlox went back to work and began to prepare a hypo-spray for Tucker when he woke.  It would help ease any pain he had and settle his stomach.  He also thought Tucker would feel better with something to wear besides just his underwear.

 

 

            When Trip woke again several hours later, he felt achy and chilly despite the fact that Phlox had come in while he slept and put a blanket over him.  It was beginning and he knew it.  The symptoms of the radiation were appearing one after another.  First had been the nausea and now aches and fever.

 

            “Commander, do you feel up to eating something?”  Phlox had noticed Tucker sit up and moved to the isolation unit.  He’d placed some clothes inside when he went in to put a blanket over him.

 

            “Not really, Doc.”  The nausea wasn’t bad, but it still made him not want to eat.

 

            “I left some clothes there for you and I’ll be in to give you a hypo for the pain and nausea in a few moments.  I really want you to eat something so you can keep up your strength.”  He’d already sent to the mess hall for a meal, now all he had to do was get Tucker to eat it.

 

            “I’ll give it a try.  Thanks for the clothes.”  Trip was very happy to have some clothes to put on and knew these clear plastic walls were going to be his home for a while.  They could be his home for the rest of his life if things didn’t go well. 

 

            “You’re welcome, how are you feeling?”

 

            “Some nausea and I feel a little achy and feverish.”  Trip slipped into the clothes Phlox brought.  There were several sets of clothes, as well as a razor and other personal items.  Sighing, he finished buttoning the shirt and sat down at the counter where the computer console was.  That seemed to be the best place to try and eat something.

 

            Phlox was now suited up and ready to enter the unit.  He’d give Tucker the hypo and go back out for the meal once it arrived.  It would probably still be a while as Phlox had only requested it a few minutes before Tucker woke and chef would make sure it was to the Commander’s liking.  “Your dinner should be here shortly, this hypo should help you feel more like eating something.”  Injecting the hypo, Phlox moved back out of the unit to wait for Tucker’s meal.

 

            A few moments later Hoshi came into sickbay carrying a tray of food.  “Doctor, I was in the mess hall to get some dinner and chef asked if I would bring the Commander his dinner.”

 

            “Thank you, Ensign.  Would you like to take it in to him?  I think he could use some company besides mine.”  Smiling at Ensign Sato, Phlox began to get out of his suit so he could give it to her.

 

            “Sure, I’d be happy to.”  It didn’t matter to her that she was uncomfortable in the environmental suits, helping Trip was more important.  Setting the tray of food down, Hoshi quickly put on the suit.  She wanted to get the food into him while it was still hot.  Entering the unit, she smiled at Trip and moved over to where he was sitting.  “Commander.”

 

            “Hoshi, it’s nice to see you.”

 

            “I brought you something to eat and the Doctor thought you might like some company, besides his.”  Setting the tray down in front of him, Hoshi pulled up another chair and sat next to him.  It was obvious that he was feverish because his face was a little flushed and there was a light sheen of sweat.

 

            “Thanks, Hoshi.”  Trip picked up the fork and began to slowly eat.  The hypo Phlox gave him was helping with the nausea, but he still didn’t feel much like eating.  He forced himself to eat though; otherwise Phlox would be upset with him for not eating.

 

            “You’re welcome, sir.  How are you feeling?”

 

            “Not too bad, Doc gave me something for pain and nausea.  I know it’s only going to get worse, but it’s my own fault.”  Sighing, Trip forced down another bite of food and tried to smile at Hoshi.  He didn’t want her to worry about him, but he knew she would anyway. 

 

            “I’m sorry, sir.  You were only doing what you thought you needed to do to keep the ship safe.”  Although he had disobeyed the Captain’s order to get out of engineering, she didn’t want him to blame himself.  It really wasn’t anyone’s fault.

 

            “That’s sweet of you to say Hoshi.  I really appreciate you coming to visit.”  Of course he didn’t know that Malcolm and Travis had been by because he was sleeping at the time.

 

            “Malcolm and Travis were here earlier, but you were asleep.”

 

            “I hope they will come back now that I am awake.”  Trip wanted company.  He hadn’t been confined to the isolation unit for all that long yet, but he was still beginning to feel lonely.

 

            “I know for a fact they were planning to do just that.”  Hoshi could tell he was forcing himself to eat, but he had eaten most of the meal as they talked.  She needed to go so she could get in a little time in the gym before going to bed.  “I’m going to go now, but I’ll take your tray.  I hope you have a good night, sir.”

 

            “Thanks again Hoshi.  I did appreciate the visit.”  Trip stood and walked with her to the exit.  Once she was gone, he went back to the console and began going over the days engineering logs.  He needed something to pass the time while he was in there all alone.

 

 

            Phlox spent the next several hours working on a treatment for Tucker.  As he studied the Commander’s blood and skin cells, he was able to break down most of the chemicals in the radiation, except for one.  “Phlox to Captain Archer.”

 

            “Go ahead, Doctor.”  Archer was in his quarters getting ready for bed.

 

            “Would you please come to sickbay, there is something I need to show you regarding Commander Tucker’s condition.”  Phlox glanced over to the isolation unit to see Tucker still working at the computer console.  As much as he wanted Tucker to rest, it did make him glad to see he wasn’t feel too bad yet. 

 

            “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”  Archer hoped it was good news.  He needed all the good news he could get right now.  Perhaps if it were good news, he’d be able to get some sleep, instead of worrying about Trip.  Arriving in sickbay, Archer was a little surprised to see Trip up and working at the computer.  He’d expected to see him feeling sicker and sleeping.  Granted, he was glad to know Trip was feeling well enough to still be working.  “Doc.”

 

            “Ah, Captain.” Phlox smiled and pulled up the information on a PADD so that Archer could read it for himself. 

 

            “Is he okay?” Archer nodded towards Trip with concern.

 

            “For now.  If you look at the information on the PADD you will see that I have been able to identify every chemical in the radiation except one.”  Phlox pointed out the one chemical that came up unknown.  He really didn’t need to as it flashed on the PADD, but it was habit.  “Until I can find out what this chemical is and how to break it down, I can’t treat the Commander.  The Morlan’s should have this information, but if they don’t we could have a real problem.”

 

            Archer frowned; he couldn’t believe that one little chemical could be the difference between life and death for Trip.  “Does Trip know?”  He looked in Trip’s direction again and saw him still concentrating hard on what was on the screen in front of him.

 

            “No, I haven’t told him anything yet. I only just discovered all the chemicals and that there was only one that I couldn’t identify.”  Phlox followed Archer’s gaze and knew he was worried about Tucker.  So far the Commander was holding his own and the hypo’s he gave him seemed to help him feel more comfortable.

 

            “I’m going to go over and see him before I turn in for the night.” 

 

            “Very well.  Please tell him that I’d like him to get some sleep soon.” 

 

            “Sure, Doc.”  Archer moved towards the clear unit that was now Trip’s home for however long it took to find a treatment.  With any luck the Morlan’s would be able to provide them with one and he wouldn’t be in there for more than a week.  “Trip?”

 

            “Hey, Captain.”  Trip stood and moved away from the computer.  He’d been trying to find a way to decontaminate engineering so it would be accessible sooner.  Unfortunately he hadn’t found one, so it would remain off limits for another day.  “It’s a little late for you to still be up ain’t it?”

 

            “I could say the same for you Trip.  Doc wants you to get some sleep soon.”  Archer could see the flush and sheen of sweat on his face and knew he was feverish.  Sometimes he thought Trip worked too much for his own good.

 

            “I will.  I was just hoping I could find a way to make engineering accessible again, but I couldn’t find anything.”

 

            “Don’t you worry about that right now Trip.  You need to worry about your health right now.  The longer you can stay strong and healthy, the longer it’ll take for this radiation to take its toll on you.”  He stopped speaking when Trip held up his hand.

 

            “I know, Captain.  I’m not doing anything strenuous and I slept for a while earlier.  I won’t be up much longer, but Malcolm and Travis will be here in a few minutes to visit me.  I was asleep the last time they came by, so I want to be awake this time.”  Trip appreciated his friends concern and wanted them to see that he was okay for now.

 

            “Okay Trip, but I want you going to bed as soon as they leave.”  Archer began to move away.  Nodding to Phlox as he left, he indicated that Phlox should tell him his findings.

 

            “Goodnight, sir.”  Trip waved as Archer left sickbay.  He waited at the wall as Phlox approached him.  It worried him that the Doc had such a serious look on his face.  “What is it, Doc?”

 

            “I wanted to let you know that I’ve broken down all the chemicals in the radiation.  However there is one chemical that I can’t identify.  If the Morlan’s can’t tell me what it is, then I won’t be able to create a treatment for you.”  Phlox looked down at his PADD, he couldn’t take the look of disappointment on Tucker’s face. 

 

            “It’s okay, Doc.  This isn’t your fault and I understand.  I have faith that the Morlan’s will be able to help us.”  He hated to see the Doc looking so guilty and sad.  It wasn’t like him and Trip didn’t want him to feel that way.

 

            “Thank you Commander.  I would like you to get some rest now.”

 

            “I will as soon as Malcolm and Travis have come and gone.”  Trip sat down on the bio-bed and smiled at Phlox. 

 

            “Very well, I am going to go to my quarters now.  Ensign Cutler should be here any minute and she can get you anything you might need.”  Phlox smiled back at Tucker and could tell he was tired and feverish.

 

            “Night Doc.”  Trip watched him go and felt guilt rise up in him.  If he had followed Archer’s orders, so many people would be without the guilt and worry they now carried on their shoulders.  The weight of his own guilt was tiring and he would be more than ready to sleep when Travis and Malcolm finished their visit.

 

 

            “Captain’s log; supplemental.  Doctor Phlox has made some progress in finding a treatment for Commander Tucker.  However there is one chemical in the radiation that he can’t identify.  Without that information he can’t create a treatment for Tucker.  Our only hope now is that the Morlan’s have the information we need.  Trip has begun to suffer the first symptoms of the radiation, but he’s still well enough to work.  I fear that will change soon as the symptoms become worse and I don’t look forward to seeing him go through that.  End log.”  Archer sighed and leaned back against the wall.  He was sitting on his bed with his water polo ball in his lap.  He’d been bouncing it against the wall before going to sickbay, but when he returned Porthos was asleep and he didn’t want to wake him.

 

            The same thoughts kept going through his head.  Why couldn’t Trip have obeyed and gotten out of engineering?  He knew the answer, but it didn’t make things any easier.  Trip was dedicated to his work and he would risk his life to save the ship without batting an eye.  That’s why he didn’t leave engineering and it was one of the things that made him proud of Trip. Unfortunately this time it might actually mean Trip’s life.

 

            Meanwhile Malcolm and Travis arrived in sickbay.  They both felt a little nervous as they approached the isolation unit.  The fact that Trip could have no physical contact with anyone made both of them feel sad.  Travis and Malcolm had both come to think of Trip as a good friend and they knew he liked to be around people. “Hey, Trip.  How are you feeling?”

 

            “Not too bad.  The Doc is giving me something for pain and nausea, but I am a little tired.”  Trip stood and moved towards his two friends standing at the wall.  He’d changed out of his clothes and now had on a robe.

 

            “We won’t stay long then. We just wanted to see how you were doing and let you know we are here for you.”  Malcolm was having a hard time believing Trip was sick.  He looked pretty normal at the moment, except for the obvious signs of a slight fever. 

 

            “Thanks guys.  I can use all the company I can get.  I think if I have to stay in here for too long, I’ll go crazy.”  Trip smiled, but it was a tired smile. 

 

            “I think you can count on a lot of visitors, sir.”  Travis knew he was going to come by and see him whenever he could.  Maybe he could even play some cards with him by putting on a suit.

 

            “Yeah, the crew’s been great and I’m grateful for all the visits.”  Trip was fighting to stay awake now and he could tell that was obvious to Malcolm and Travis.

 

            “We’re going to go now and let you get some sleep.  I’ll be by in the morning to see how you’re doing.” Malcolm nodded to Travis and they moved towards the door.

 

            “Night fella’s, thanks again for coming by.”  Trip waved to them and immediately got on the bio-bed.  He hadn’t realized how tired he was until now, so he fell to sleep almost immediately.

 

            Once outside sickbay, Travis and Malcolm stopped to talk.  “He didn’t look too bad, just tired.”  Travis was encouraged by that, but also knew that it was too soon for him to be all that sick yet.

 

            “He’s got a fever for sure.”  Malcolm hadn’t missed the signs of fever on Trip and hoped a good nights sleep would help.  Even though deep down he knew the more time that passed, the worse Trip would get.

 

            “Yeah, well I’ll see you in the morning sir.”  Travis was ready for bed too and it had been a long day for everyone.

 

            “Night, Travis.”  Reed headed for his quarters as well.  He wanted to make some notes in his personal log before going to bed.  The need to say his feelings about what was happening to Trip, were strong and he wouldn’t sleep until he did so.

 

 

            Several more days passed and all that Phlox could do was keep modifying the hypo’s he gave Tucker.  His condition had deteriorated, but not as far as Phlox would have expected.  His fever was a little higher and the nausea and joint pain had increased, but otherwise he was holding his own.  Phlox was rather proud of the way Tucker was holding up.  He continued to work using the computer console and kept in communication with engineering as they got things back to normal now that it was safe.

 

            As Trip worked at the computer, he tried to ignore the fact that sores were beginning to develop on his hands.  It was a sign that the radiation was really starting to have effects on him and he didn’t want to face it.  He knew it was his own fault, but he still didn’t want to admit that he was slowly dying.

 

            “Commander?”

 

            Phlox’s voice made him jump and he turned to face Phlox standing inside the unit wearing a suit.  “Doc, you startled me.”

 

            “When were you planning to tell me about those sores?”  Phlox was not happy that Tucker was keeping things from him.  He needed to know everything that happened as soon as it happened in order to keep track of the radiations progress.

 

            “Sorry Doc, I just got busy.” 

 

            Phlox held up his hand to stop Tucker.  “Commander, if I am going to keep track of the radiations progress, I need to know immediately when you experience a new symptom.  When did you first notice the sores?” 

 

            “I don’t know, maybe an hour ago.”  Trip was trying to cooperate with Phlox, but when he got busy with something he tended to forget about everything else.

 

            “Very well.  I’ve made an ointment for the sores that should make them less painful and reduce the chances of infection.”  Moving to the exit, Phlox went out and got the ointment and went back in to give it to Tucker.  “Use this three times a day on all of your sores.  I want you to tell me as soon as more of them appear.”

 

            “I promise I’ll remember to do it next time.”  Taking the ointment from Phlox he shrugged and looked apologetic.  He knew Phlox would want him to put some of the ointment on right away, so he did just that while Phlox watched.   “They feel better already, thanks Doc.”

 

            “You’re welcome Commander, remember I want to know the minute you get more sores or any other symptoms.” 

 

            “I promise Doc.”

 

            “I also want you to start getting more rest.  You’ve been working too much and it’s not helping your situation.”  Phlox understood that for Tucker work was the only activity he had and he was bored if he couldn’t do something.  However, it also drained him and made him weaker, which was allowing the radiation to affect him to a greater degree.

 

            “I’ll try, but I get so bored.”  Trip also knew the radiation was starting to really affect him.  He felt sicker and his joints ached despite the hypo’s Phlox gave him.  He just couldn’t stand to sit or lie around and do nothing all day long.  All his life he’d been a man of action and now he was expected to do nothing all day, day after day.

 

            “I know, Commander.  Try working a puzzle, or playing solitaire.  Something that you can do and still rest and relax.” 

 

            “I’ll try.”  Just then Travis came into sickbay carrying an environmental suit and a deck of cards.  “Travis, just in time.  I could use some company.”

 

            “I thought you might, so I decided to join you in there and we can play some poker.”  Travis smiled and began putting the suit on.  He knew Trip had to be bored and if he was working very much it wouldn’t be good for his health.

 

            “Travis, remind me to put you in for a commendation.”  Trip smiled.  He was pleased that Travis seemed to know just what he needed.  While Travis got his suit on, Trip cleared an area for them to play and pulled up a second chair for him.  It amazed him how excited he was just to play cards with someone.

 

 

            “Whatcha got Travis?”

 

            “Three of a kind, all queens.”  Travis smiled thinking he’d won the game.

 

            “Sorry, Travis.  Full house jacks over sevens.”  Trip smiled as Travis’ smile disappeared.

           

            “Damn, I thought I’d won that one.”  Although Trip had won most of the games, he’d enjoyed the time with Trip and was glad that he’d decided to do it.  It was hard looking at Trip’s hands during the games and seeing the sores on them, but that wasn’t important to him.  What was important was to make sure Trip had a good time and didn’t feel alone.

 

            “I want to thank you Travis.  You’ve made this day enjoyable and given me some much needed company.  I hope we can do this again soon.”  Trip knew Travis had spent his entire day off with him and it touched him deeply.

 

            “Don’t worry sir.  I know Malcolm and Hoshi both plan to visit you.”  In fact, he knew Hoshi had a special oriental treat for him and he hoped Trip enjoyed it as much as he’d enjoyed playing cards.  It made Travis happy to know he’d helped Trip get through the day.  “I need to go get some dinner, is there anything I can get you, sir?”

 

            “No, thanks Travis.  Phlox has already contacted chef about my dinner.”  Trip didn’t think what Phlox had ordered for his dinner sounded particularly good, but he knew the Doc was just feeding him what he needed to keep up his strength.

 

            “Okay, I’ll see you later then.  Hoshi should be by shortly.”  Travis almost hated to leave.  Seeing Trip standing there all alone made him feel sad.  Leaving the unit, Travis took the suit off and waved to Trip as he left.

 

            A short time later Trip’s dinner arrived.  “I feel like a rabbit Doc.  Why can’t I have a nice juicy steak?”

 

            “Although it would provide protein, right now you need the nutrients these vegetables provide.”  He understood Tucker’s dislike of nothing but vegetables, but he needed them right now.

 

            “Great.”  Trip managed to force himself to eat what was in front of him.  Between the nausea he felt and the fact that it was nothing but vegetables, it was difficult.  Although he’d really enjoyed playing cards with Travis most of the day, he was now feeling worse and knew his fever was higher.

 

            “Commander, your fever is up.  Do you have any new sores?”

            “I think there’s a couple starting to appear on my neck.”  Trip indicated an area below his right ear that was beginning to hurt.  At first it hadn’t seemed so bad, but now that his symptoms were getting worse, he was feeling miserable.

 

            “Please apply some of the ointment there as soon as you finish eating.”  Phlox’s brow was furrowed.  Tucker was getting sicker by the hour and he feared that his estimation of how soon it would take his life was incorrect.

 

            “Sure Doc.  I’m going to sleep for a bit too.  If Hoshi comes by please give her my apologies.”  He had been looking forward to seeing her, but suddenly he felt very tired.

 

            “I will do that Commander.  I’ll be in as soon as I get my suit on to give you another hypo.”  He didn’t like Tucker’s sudden turn for the worse and it had him very concerned.  He’d seemed fine a short time ago when he was playing cards with Travis.  Now all of a sudden his fever had gone up several degrees and more sores were beginning to appear.

 

“Thanks.”  Suddenly he felt very tired and had the chills pretty bad.  Finishing his meal, he began to get out of his clothes and put on a robe.  He was more than ready for sleep and the fear inside him was growing.

 

            Phlox gave him the hypo and helped make him comfortable on the bio-bed.  He checked the readings closely and found some significant changes in the Commander’s condition.  For whatever reason the effects of the radiation had accelerated.  If only he knew more about the radiation.  Then maybe he could better predict what would happen to Tucker.

 

 

 

            Phlox began to monitor Tucker’s vitals closely.  His concern that the radiations affects were accelerating made him keep a close eye on Tucker.  He’d also contacted Ensign Sato and advised her to wait until morning to come see Tucker, that he would be asleep for the rest of the night.

 

            When Phlox contacted her about delaying her visit, Hoshi became very concerned.  She prayed he was okay and would survive until they could reach Morlan.  Instead of going to bed as she planned, she went back to the bridge to see if she could reach Morlan.  They were still a couple days away, but she thought maybe she could try boosting the signal in order to reach them sooner.

 

            After several hours of working on the communications, Hoshi finally managed to get through to Morlan.  “Hello, this is Enterprise calling.”

 

            “Yes, what can we do for you?” 

 

            “We’ve had an emergency with the new chemicals you gave us for our engines.   Our Chief Engineer has received a massive dose of radiation from them and we need to know what information you have on it.”  Hoshi prayed for a positive answer and didn’t even realize she was holding her breath.

 

            “We will obtain the information on the chemicals we gave you and get back to you as soon as we can.”  The official felt it was the least he could do since it was their technology that had caused the problem.  Unfortunately they didn’t know much about humans and therefore didn’t know if the treatment they had would work.

 

            “Thank you.  We will be waiting.”  Hoshi wasn’t going anywhere until she heard back from them.  “Bridge to Doctor Phlox.”

 

            “Go ahead Ensign.”

 

            “Doctor, I have managed to reach Morlan.  They are obtaining the necessary information and will get back to us the minute they have it.”  She only hoped it would help Trip, or at least that it would be something Phlox could work with.

 

            “That’s great Ensign, aren’t you supposed to be off duty?”  Phlox knew why she was on the bridge, but he wanted to let her know that he wanted her to get some rest soon.

 

            “Yes, but once you told me to wait until morning to see Trip, I knew he’d gotten worse and I had to try and do something.” 

 

            “I understand Ensign, but you need your rest.”

 

            “I’ll go as soon as I hear back from Morlan, I promise.”  She knew she needed rest, but helping Trip was the most important thing right now. 

 

            “Very well.  Let me know when you hear from them.”

 

            “I will, bridge out.”  Hoshi sat back and waited.  She had no idea how long it would take for Morlan to get back to her, but she wasn’t going anywhere until she did.  As she sat there, she thought about all the great times she’d had with Trip and how he’d encouraged her on more than one occasion.  Whatever it took to save him, she was willing to do it.  Thinking about what she’d planned for her visit, she hoped she’d get the chance to still teach him the wonderful art of Origami.  Hoshi found it relaxing and helped to improve her coordination and concentration.

 

 

            Several hours passed and Hoshi was struggling to keep herself occupied and awake.  It had already been a long day, but now she was up way past her bedtime waiting for word from Morlan.  Finally she received a message from Morlan.  It simply stated that they did have a cure that worked on their species, but had no idea if it would work on humans.  They transmitted the information about the treatment and Hoshi downloaded it onto a PADD.  After sending a thank you response and letting them know they would be back at their planet in another two days, she headed straight for sickbay.

 

            Phlox looked up from his work as Ensign Sato rushed in.  “Ensign, you heard back from Morlan?”

 

            “Yes, they sent what they have for a treatment and I downloaded it onto this PADD.” She handed the PADD to Phlox and looked at Trip’s sleeping form.  “They said it worked on their species, but couldn’t guarantee it would work on humans.”

 

            “Thank you Ensign.  Now get some sleep, Doctors orders.”

 

            “Okay, how is he?”  Hoshi nodded towards Trip.

 

            “He’s taken a pretty dramatic turn for the worse.  This information couldn’t have come at a better time.  Thanks for your added efforts Ensign, you may have saved Commander Tucker’s life.”  Phlox would make sure the Captain knew that Sato had gone way above and beyond to get the needed information for Tucker.

 

            “Let’s just hope it wasn’t for nothing.”  Hoshi yawned.  She’d hoped to be able to stay and see Trip, but he was obviously in no condition for a visitor and she was really tired.  “Goodnight, Doctor.”

 

            “Goodnight Ensign. I will keep you informed about Tucker’s condition.”  Phlox began to look at the information on the PADD and became hopeful.

 

            “Thanks.”

 

            As Phlox studied the treatment he realized that it would not work on human anatomy, but felt like he could come up with his own treatment with a few days of study.  The chemical he couldn’t identify was there and it was still foreign to him.  However, its breakdown was there, along with the rest of the chemicals.  That would make it easier to come up with a treatment.

 

            When Trip woke in the morning, Phlox was still hard at work on the information from Morlan.  He felt very sick and made his way to the bathroom to throw up.  When he got a look at what he brought up it caused him to panic.  There was blood in it and it scared him, but he also knew it was because of the radiation.  “Doc.”

 

            “What is it Commander?”  Phlox could hear the panic in Tucker’s voice.  Getting up from his console, he moved to the wall of the isolation unit.

 

            ‘I just threw up and there’s blood in it.”  Trip came out of the bathroom and looked at Phlox with a look of pleading on his face.  He wanted help and he was very afraid.  At the time he hadn’t thought about the consequences of his actions, but now that they were happening, he was sorry he hadn’t obeyed the Captain.

 

            “Take it easy Commander. I’ll be right in with something to give you.  Ensign Sato was able to contact Morlan last night and got their treatment for this radiation.  It isn’t designed for humans, but I am working on modifying it.”  Phlox got into the suit as quickly as he could and made his way to the unit.

 

            “That’s great Doc, how long?”  Trip wanted to feel human again as soon as possible. It had been a long time since he felt that sick.  There were more sores on his hands and others were beginning to form on his face.  He’d have to make sure Hoshi was properly thanked for her efforts and make sure it went on her record.

 

            “I don’t know for sure, but hopefully a few days.  I’ll do what I can to make you comfortable until then.  I don’t want to get your hopes too high Commander, because I believe I can make a treatment for you doesn’t mean I actually can.”  Phlox didn’t want to hold anything back from Tucker and felt it was only fair to tell him everything.

 

            “I appreciate your honesty.”  Trip had been waiting for Phlox to come into the unit, but felt the need to throw up again.  Making a dash for the bathroom, Trip brought up blood again and felt himself feeling weak.  The nest thing he knew Phlox was standing over him and he felt the affects of the hypo he injected into his neck.  “Thanks Doc.”

 

            “You’re welcome Commander.  I suggest you return to the bed and get as much rest as you can.”

           

            “I am.  I don’t think I’ve ever felt so tired and weak before.”  Trip moved out of the bathroom with Phlox and headed for the bio-bed.  Before lying down he applied some of the ointment to his sores.  He’d been tempted to ask Phlox if the sores would leave scars, but knew he had enough to worry about.

 

 

            The first thing Archer did when he woke was contact Phlox.  He wanted to check on Trip’s condition and come see him if he was awake.  “Archer to Phlox.”

           

            “Go ahead Captain.”

 

            “How is Trip doing?  Is he awake that I can come see him?”  Archer finished buttoning his tunic and moved towards the door. 

 

            “He is not doing well Captain.  The affects of the radiation have increased significantly over the last twelve hours.  He is not awake, but I’d like for you to come to sickbay anyway.  There have been some developments.”  Phlox was still working on the treatment from the Morlan’s and thought if he could have another twelve hours or so he could make a treatment for Tucker.

 

            Archer’s brow creased with worry.  Things didn’t sound good for Trip and he felt fear rise up in him.  “I’m on my way.” As he made his way to sickbay, he tried to imagine what life would be like without Trip.  It certainly wouldn’t be as fun or adventurous.  He also tried to imagine what Trip might look like right now.  How many sores would he have and would he be pale and feverish.  Archer wanted to prepare himself so that he wouldn’t have a look of shock on his face.  In the off chance Trip was awake when he came in, he knew Trip wouldn’t want to see that on his face.  “What’s happening Doc?”

 

            “Ah, Captain.  As I mentioned before, the Commander’s condition has gotten dramatically worse.  He has more sores and his fever is higher.  The body aches have increased and he was vomiting blood this morning.  I do have some good news.  Ensign Sato was able to contact Morlan very late last night and they sent back the treatment they have.”

 

            Archer didn’t even let Phlox finish.  “That’s great, Doc.  Why haven’t you used it on him?”  His eyes hadn’t left Trip’s sleeping form while they talked.  He wished he could do more for his dying friend.

 

            “Because it is not compatible for humans.  Given a little more time I believe I can alter it to work on the Commander.  Time is something that he is running out of.”  Phlox still wished he knew why the radiation had caused such a sudden deterioration of the Commander, but that’s because it was alien and he didn’t know enough about it.  He’d learned a lot since receiving the information from Morlan and now had a hypo prepared for Tucker that would greatly ease his symptoms, at least for a while.

 

            “Can I go in and see him?”  Archer needed to go see him, even if Trip was asleep.

 

            “Certainly, but try not to wake him.”  Tucker needed as much sleep as possible and he didn’t want him getting stressed or tired out.

 

            “I’ll try not to.”  Putting on the environmental suit, Archer entered the unit and moved to the bio-bed where his friend lay sleeping.  The sores on his hands, face, and neck were nasty and red and Archer knew he probably had them all over his body by now.  It was also obvious that Trip’s sleep was restless and his heart ached to see his best friend like that.  “Damn it Trip, you are too good a man to have this happening to you.”  Placing a gloved hand on Trip’s chest, Archer turned and left.  Once outside, he took the suit off and placed it in the decontamination bin.  “I’ll be on the bridge.”

 

            “Understood.”  Phlox understood what Archer was feeling. He’d become quite fond of Tucker himself and hated seeing what was happening to him.  Sitting down, he went back to work on finding a human treatment.

 

 

            Trip woke a few hours later feeling worse than ever.  The sores on his body burned and he felt like throwing up again.  Problem was he didn’t feel like getting off the bed and going to the bathroom to do it.  His moan of pain got Phlox’s attention.

 

            “Commander, you’re awake.  I’ll be right in with a hypo that should significantly ease your symptoms.”  That was the main thing that had come out of the Morlan’s information so far.  He felt he was closer to a treatment for Tucker, but it would still take more time to achieve it.

 

            “Great.”  He wasn’t sure Phlox heard him as he voice was weak and hoarse.  Attempting to sit up, a wave of dizziness washed over him and he dropped back down to the bed.

 

            “Lie still Commander.  Once I’ve given you this hypo you will feel much better and then you can get up.”  Phlox almost had the suit on and was frustrated that it took so long.  He knew the sooner Tucker got the hypo, the better he’d feel.

 

            “I need to throw up.”

 

            “Go ahead, I’ll take care of cleaning it up.”  Phlox didn’t want Tucker to fight the need to throw up, as it would only cause him more discomfort.

 

            Rolling onto his side, Trip promptly threw up and grimaced at the pain that racked his body.  The mess on the floor again consisted of blood and the panic rose up in him again.  If only Phlox would find a treatment, then he wouldn’t be so afraid all the time.  Even when he was asleep the fear invaded his dreams.

 

            “Hold on Commander, this hypo will make a big difference.”  Entering the unit, Phlox quickly moved to Tucker’s side and injected the hypo into his neck.  He then examined the mess on the floor and saw the blood.  If he didn’t find a treatment soon, it might be too late.

 

            “Wow, what’s in this Doc?”  Trip almost couldn’t believe how much better he was starting to feel.                 

 

            “I was able to modify it from the information we received from Morlan last night.”  Phlox was happy to see it was working.  Hopefully that meant the treatment he was working on would work too.

 

            “I missed something somewhere.  When did we make contact with Morlan?”  Trip was puzzled, but since he’d been sleeping so much lately it didn’t really surprise him.

 

            “Ensign Sato stayed up very late last night trying to boost the signal on our communications and managed to contact them.  They sent what information they had back to us and I’ve been studying it to try and find a cure.”  Moving to the readout above the bio-bed, Phlox found a significant improvement in Tucker’s condition.  Now all he had to do was perfect it so that it would cure him for good and not just temporarily.

 

            “I need to thank her, can I see her?”

 

            “I’m sure she is still sleeping, but I will let her know you wish to see her.  I still want you to get as much rest as possible.”  Smiling down at Tucker, he could tell the Commander looked much better and probably didn’t want to sleep, but he wanted him to at least rest.

 

            “I’m really not tired now, thanks to that hypo.  Can I at least check the engineering logs and see what’s been going on down there?”   Now that he felt so much better he didn’t want to just lie around.  There was a lot of work to be done in engineering and he needed to keep track of it.

 

            “Alright Commander, but only for a little while.  That hypo will last for six hours, but it will wear off faster if you don’t take it easy.”  Phlox patted Tucker on the shoulder and moved towards the exit.

 

            “Thanks Doc.  I promise to get some rest.”  Trip smiled at Phlox.  He was so grateful to him and Hoshi for making him feel so much better.

 

            “I’ll be checking on you.”

 

            “Wouldn’t expect any less.”  Climbing off the bed, Trip put on his robe and sat down at the computer console.  He’d check up on engineering and hopefully Hoshi would come by to see him before he took another nap.

 

 

            About an hour later Hoshi came into sickbay looking refreshed and a big smile came to her face when she saw Trip sitting at the console working.  If it weren’t for the sores on his face and hands, she’d never know he was sick.  She carried a large case full of the supplies she would need to teach Trip the art of Origami.  “Doctor, he’s looking much better. Did you find a treatment?”

 

            “Not yet, but I have been able to modify the medication I give so that it will significantly reduce his symptoms.”  Phlox glanced at the case she carried and wondered what was in it.

 

            “Is he up for a visit?”

 

            “Yes, in fact he wants to see you to thank you for your hard efforts.”  Phlox smiled and knew Sato’s visit would do as much for Tucker as the hypo he’d given him an hour ago.

 

            “Great, I’ll just get a suit on and go in.”

 

            “Can I ask what’s in the case?”  Phlox was more curious than anything.

 

            “Everything I need to teach Trip the art of Origami.”

 

            “Ah, I am familiar with that.  Should help him focus and relax.”

 

            “That’s what I am hoping for.”  Once she had the suit on, Hoshi picked up her case and entered the isolation unit.  She smiled at Trip as her entrance caught his attention.  “Hi, sir.  I brought something that I thought you might enjoy.”

 

            “Hoshi, I’m so glad you came by.  I need to thank you for your efforts last night.  Thanks to you I am feeling so much better right now.”  Moving from his chair, Trip hugged Hoshi through her suit and smiled down at her.

 

            “It was nothing sir, I couldn’t bare the thought of losing you.” 

 

            Trip blushed slightly at her comment and was very touched.  “Thanks, Hoshi.  I don’t know what to say.”

 

            “You’ve always supported me and made me believe I could do anything. With you around things are always fun and exciting.”  Hoshi returned Trip’s embrace and felt that all she’d done last night was more than worth it.

 

            “What’s this?” Trip took the case from her and set it on the counter.  It had him very curious.

 

            “I brought some things in order to teach you an oriental art.  Are you familiar with Origami?”

 

            “Yeah, isn’t it where you turn paper into shapes, like animals?”

 

            “That’s correct.”

 

            “I was always fascinated by that.  So you are going to teach me?”  Trip was touched and found he couldn’t wait for her to teach him the art.  For one thing he needed a distraction and for another it was not something that required him to do any real physical activity.

 

            “Great, lets get started then.”  Hoshi was happy that he seemed so interested.  She spent the next several hours teaching him and he learned fast.  When it started to become apparent that the medication he was on was wearing off, she finished up and left so that Phlox could tend to him.  Telling him to keep practicing, she decided to come by later with his dinner and check on him.

 

 

            Phlox had made more progress and felt he was very close to a treatment that would cure Tucker.  As he examined the Commander it was obvious that he had less time than he thought.  The medication he gave Tucker eased his symptoms, but it wasn’t stopping the radiation from destroying his body.  Injecting him with another hypo, Phlox moved towards the exit.  There was no time to spare and he had to get back to his work.

 

            “Doc, what is it?”  Trip hadn’t missed Phlox’s concern and rather hasty exit.

 

            “I need to find a treatment and soon.  Time is running out.”  Phlox didn’t want to lie to Tucker, but he also didn’t want to scare him any more than he already was.

 

            “These hypo’s aren’t really helping me are they?” 

 

            “No Commander.  They mask your symptoms and make you feel better, but you are still dying.”  It had been so nice to see the Commander happy and enjoying himself the last few hours as Ensign Sato taught him Origami.  Now the sparkle and happiness was gone from his eyes and he wished he had a cure for him.  “I’m sorry Commander.”

 

            “It’s not your fault Doc.  I brought this on myself.  If you don’t mind I’m going to check the engineering logs for the last few hours.” He needed something to think about besides his health and it would also give him a chance to be alone.

 

            “Very well.  I will have some dinner for you later.”  Exiting the isolation unit, Phlox quickly got out of his suit and placed it in the decontamination bin.  For the first time since this all happened it was obvious that Tucker wanted to be alone.  If he didn’t find a cure in the next few hours it would be too late.  The damage to his body from the radiation would be too great to repair.

 

            As hard as he tried to focus on the engineering logs, his mind kept replaying Phlox’s words.  Now that his death was getting closer and Phlox still had no cure, the fear inside him was becoming almost too much to bear.  Finally he forced himself to focus on the logs and they provided a distraction.  Therefore he wasn’t sure how much time passed when Archer came in to see him.  “Captain.”

 

            ‘Trip, Doc tells me he’s making progress on a cure.”

 

            “Is that all he told you?”

 

            “No.”  Archer could tell Trip knew everything and he couldn’t remember a time when Trip looked so scared and sad.

 

            “I’m sorry sir.”  Trip hated that he was causing Archer, and everyone else, so much grief.

 

            “Don’t apologize Trip, and don’t you dare stop fighting.”

 

            Trip got up from the chair and began to move towards Archer when a sharp pain lanced through his abdomen.  He grabbed the edge of the bio-bed and doubled over.  “Oh, God.”

 

            “TRIP.”  Archer panicked.  He wanted to get in there and help his friend, but it took so long to get a damn suit on.

 

            “Captain.” Trip barely got the word out before he collapsed to the floor and blood trickled from his mouth.  Everything then went black and he was aware of nothing.

 

            “Doc, what’s happening?”  Archer felt a rush of fear surge through him.  Seeing Trip collapse like that, and the blood.  “Please don’t die.” He whispered as Phlox got a suit on.

 

            “I was afraid of this.  The radiation has been slowly eating away at his body.  Now there is nothing that I can do for him except find the proper treatment.  Even then it may be difficult to repair the damage.”  Phlox made his way inside the unit and got Tucker off the floor and onto the bio-bed.  Wiping away the blood from his mouth and chin, Phlox ran scans on him and frowned.   As much as he needed to tend to Tucker, he needed to be out there finding the treatment more.  “Captain, can you ask Ensign Cutler to come to sickbay right away?  I need someone that can tend to him while I work on the cure.”

 

            “Certainly.”  Archer made the call and Cutler was on her way.  He wasn’t going anywhere until Phlox could tell him just what was going on and how much time Trip had left.

 

 

            As soon as Phlox came out of the isolation unit, Archer approached him. “Doc, what’s going on?”

 

            “I’m sorry Captain.  The radiation is eating away at his body.  If I can’t find the cure in the next few hours, the damage will be too great for me to repair.”  Moving towards his workstation, Phlox sat down and began working again.  He didn’t want to ignore Archer, but he had no time to stand and talk.

 

            “How is he now?”  Archer watched Cutler as she tended to Trip.  He appeared to still be unconscious.

 

            Without looking up from his work, Phlox began to fill Archer in.  “He’s unconscious and bleeding internally.  I’ve given him all the medications that I can to stall it, but it won’t last much longer.”

 

            “You have to find the cure Doc, I can’t lose him.” 

 

            “I know Captain, I am doing the best I can.”  Phlox understood how Archer felt.  Granted he hadn’t been best friends with Tucker for a long time like Archer, but he felt pain and sorrow at the thought of Tucker not being around any longer.

 

            “I want to know the minute you have something Doc.”  Archer needed to get to the bridge.  Enterprise was approaching another ion storm and he needed to be on the bridge.  It was bad enough that he wouldn’t have his chief engineer to help him get through it.

 

            “You’ll be the second to know.  Commander Tucker will be the first.”  Phlox turned to watch Archer leave and glanced over at Cutler who was running a scan on Tucker.

            As Cutler worked on Commander Tucker, she fought to keep her emotions under control.  She liked him very much and thought he was very handsome.  It hurt her to see him like he was and there was nothing she could do to help him.  “Hold on Commander.  The Doctor is going to find a cure, I know he is.”  Ever since the away mission to that planet with the strange pollen, she’d been fond of Trip.  She had never felt so comfortable and at ease around a superior officer as she did around him.  Thanks to Trip she didn’t even feel nervous with T’Pol there.

 

            Trip moaned as he began to wake.  His stomach hurt something awful and the sores on his body burned.  Deep down he knew he was getting close to death and he was scared.  His eyes blinked open and as his vision cleared he saw Ensign Cutler standing over him.  “Ensign.”

 

            “Hi, sir.  How are you feeling?”

 

            “My stomach is killing me and these sores are burning.”  Trip reached towards the sore on his neck to scratch it, but Cutler stopped him by taking his hand.

 

            “You can’t do that, sir.”  She knew he knew that, but instinct made him want to scratch.

 

            “I know.”  Closing his eyes, Trip just wanted it all to end, one way or the other.

 

            “Doctor Phlox is going to find the cure, you just have to hang on a little longer.”  Cutler couldn’t miss the hopelessness in his voice and she was going to do her best to keep him fighting.

 

            “Thanks, Ensign.”  With that Trip drifted to sleep and wasn’t even aware of Cutler giving him a hypo with necessary nutrients.  The way his stomach was there was no way he would be able to eat anything.

           

            Once she gave him the hypo, she covered him with a blanket and made sure he was comfortable.  His fever was higher and there were more sores on his body.  Looking out to where Phlox sat working, she silently prayed he came up with something soon.

 

 

            An hour passed without Phlox moving from his work for even a moment.  Suddenly he rose from his chair, prepared a hypo, and put the environmental suit on.  He said nothing as he entered the unit and injected the hypo into Tucker’s neck.

 

            “Doctor?”  Cutler wasn’t sure what he was doing, but assumed it was just another hypo.

 

            “I believe I have found the treatment that will cure the Commander.”  Phlox smiled, but his concern about whether it would actually work was still etched on his face.

 

            “That’s great.”

 

            “That remains to be seen.  We have to wait and see if it works and make sure he hasn’t suffered damage that is too extensive to repair.”  Phlox still wasn’t sure he could repair the internal damage to Tucker.  The radiation had begun to eat away at his internal organs, especially his stomach and intestines. 

 

            “Still, it’s good news.  Have you told the Captain yet?”  Cutler felt hope rise up inside her and she began to feel like her prayers had been answered.

 

            “No, I wanted to be sure it was going to work first.”  He knew he’d promised to contact the Captain immediately when he had a cure, but he still wasn’t sure it was a cure.  Only time would tell that, but if he had done it right, it wouldn’t take much time.

 

            “It’ll work, I know it will.”  Cutler also knew that even if the treatment did work, it was going to take surgery by Phlox to repair the damage to Trip’s body.

 

            Phlox continued to monitor Tucker over the next hour and he was improving.  The levels of radiation in his body were decreasing and some of his symptoms were easing.  Encouraged by what he saw, Phlox decided to contact Archer.  “Phlox to the Captain.”

 

            “Go ahead, Doc.”

 

            “Can you please come to sickbay?”  He didn’t want to discuss Tucker’s condition over the comm.  Even though the treatment seemed to be working, Tucker still had a long way to go and he knew he’d have to perform surgery to repair the internal damage.

 

            “I’m on my way.”  Archer hoped it was good news and not bad.  Nodding to T’Pol as he made his way toward the turbo-lift. “You have the bridge Sub-Commander.”  With her acknowledgement Archer disappeared into the turbo-lift.  There was only one thing on his mind and that was whether or not his best friend was still alive or not.

 

            Walking into sickbay nothing looked different to him.  Trip was still inside the isolation unit lying unconscious.  Phlox was out at his workstation and Archer wondered what was so urgent. “Doc?”

 

            “Ah, Captain.  I have some good news.  I have found the treatment that will cure Commander Tucker.  However, he is going to require surgery to repair the damage done by the radiation.”  Turning to face Archer, he could see the relief on his face and it made him smile.

 

            “So he’s going to be okay?”

 

            “Yes, with a little time he will be fine.”

 

            “Thank God.”  Archer moved towards the unit and watched Trip sleeping.  “When will you perform the surgery?”

 

            “I want to wait until the treatment has been completely effective.”  Operating on him too soon could mean he wouldn’t be strong enough to survive it.

 

            “I want to be here when you do.  He needs to know his friends are close by.”  Archer thought it might be a good idea to have Hoshi, Malcolm, and Travis there too. 

 

            “I don’t see a problem with that.”  In fact he too thought it would be a good idea for Tucker to have his friends there.

 

            “How long before your treatment has cured him?” 

 

            “I want to give it another day, just to be sure.”  Phlox had been contacted a few hours prior by the Morlan’s and he’d advised them that he’d come up with a human cure.  They were very glad to hear that and wanted to know if they could get copies of his research in case anything like that ever happened again.  He saw no reason why not, so he’d had Ensign Sato download the information to them.

 

            “I’m returning to the bridge then.  Please let me know when Trip wakes so I can talk to him.”  There was no longer any reason to go to Morlan, so Archer was going to have Travis return Enterprise to her original course.

 

            “You’ll be the first to know.”  Watching Archer leave, he could actually see the weight lifted from him and it made him happy to see it.

 

 

            It was late afternoon the next day when Phlox decided that Tucker was strong enough to have the surgery performed.  Archer had been by the evening before, to talk to him and see how he was doing.  Although the treatment had worked and Trip no longer needed to be in isolation and the radiation was gone from his body, it was obvious that he was still in bad shape.  The blood loss from the internal bleeding and the pain he was in were making him weak.

 

            Archer was on his way to sickbay after contacting the others and telling them to get to sickbay as well.  He wasn’t terribly worried about the surgery, but he knew all too well that anything could go wrong.  After all, it was his best friend and most trusted crewmember, not to mention his chief engineer.  Entering sickbay he found Hoshi already there and standing off to the side. “Ensign.”

 

            “Sir, it’s nice to see him out of that isolation unit, but he still doesn’t look very good.”  Hoshi’s brow was creased with worry.  Somehow she’d expected the treatment to heal him completely and hadn’t even considered that the damage done to him by the radiation would require additional care.

 

            “I know, but Phlox is going to fix him up and he’ll be just fine.”  Archer did his best not to show her his own concern.  A moment later Malcolm and Travis came in and moved over to stand silently beside him.

            “Captain, I am ready to begin the surgery, Ensign Cutler will be assisting and I’m hoping it won’t take more than a few hours.  The damage is rather extensive, but I don’t think it’s anything I can’t fix.”  Cutler had taken care of anesthetizing Tucker while he got prepared, so the Commander was completely under now. 

 

            “We’ll be here, Doc.”  None of them were going anywhere until the surgery was over, unless there was an emergency of course.  Grabbing a chair, Archer sat down as Phlox moved away from him and towards Trip.  He was on a bio-bed and covered with a sheet.  Archer knew abdominal surgery was difficult and would make for a painful recovery for Trip.

 

            The others all found a seat and Hoshi began to read something on a PADD while she waited.  She needed to keep her mind off of what was happening on the other side of the room.  Hearing Malcolm, Travis, and Archer all talking quietly, she tuned them out and lost herself in the story she was reading.

 

            Three hours had passed and Phlox was still working on Tucker, the extent of damage had been greater than he expected.  So far things were going smoothly and he hoped to be finished in another hour.  Checking the readings on the bio-bed, it was obvious that the surgery was weakening Tucker, but his vitals were still strong enough that he wasn’t worried.

 

            The others could all hear Phlox and Cutler talking as they worked on Trip, but between the distance and the masks that covered their faces, they couldn’t make out what was being said.  They were all becoming worried as more time passed and they hoped that nothing was going wrong.

 

            “That should do it.  Ensign, apply this ointment to the incision.  It will greatly reduce any scarring.  I’ll need you to keep a close eye on him until his vitals become more stable.”  Phlox took his gloves off and lowered the mask.

 

            “Yes, sir.  Anything else?”

 

            “No, but have the mess hall bring you something to eat.”  Phlox needed her to keep a close eye while he talked with the Captain and filled out his reports.  After that he’d take over so she could go get some sleep.

 

            “Okay.”  Cutler gently applied the ointment to Trip’s incision and covered it with a bandage.  She then covered him with a blanket and sat down next to the bed to watch his vitals.

 

            Phlox took off his surgical gown and moved towards Tucker’s four friends.  They had risen from their chairs when it was obvious he had finished.  “Captain, the surgery went well, but it took a lot out of him and he’s very weak right now.  I have Ensign Cutler keeping a close eye on him.  He’s going to be very sore for several weeks and it will be impossible for him to do anything very strenuous.  Abdominal surgery is one of the most painful because those muscles are used a great deal.  Sitting up will be very difficult for at least the next week, but I will be here to assist him with his personal needs.”

 

            “When will he be awake?” Reed asked.  He desperately wanted to talk to Trip about his lack of visits.  He regretted not visiting him more, but for some reason he just felt too uncomfortable around him.

 

            “Probably not until tomorrow.  As I said before, he is very weak and that will keep him unconscious for quite a while.  At least until he’s regained some of his strength.”  Phlox understood their need to see him and talk to him.  It was how they knew he’d be okay, but it would have to wait.

 

            “Thanks Doc.  Trip owes you his life.”  Archer knew without Phlox, Trip would be dead now.

 

            “I did my job, Captain and I am as glad as you are that he is still with us.” 

 

            “We’ll go now and let you do what you need to do.”  Archer knew Phlox still had reports to do and there was a lot of new information about the alien radiation and it’s effects on human’s that needed to be cataloged.

 

            “Thanks, Captain.  I will let you all know when he’s awake.”  He watched them all go and could tell they felt better knowing Tucker was going to make it.  Moving to his desk he began to work on his reports.

 

 

            It was almost noon the next day before Trip began to come around.  Even then he was still very weak and groggy.  The pain from the surgery made his eyes glassy and it was obvious he was in a great deal of discomfort.  Despite giving him a hypo, he still experienced a great deal of pain and that was because Phlox could only give him so much of it.  Because of his weak condition, Phlox would only let Archer visit him and only for a few minutes.

 

            “Trip, how are you feeling?”

 

            “Captain.”  His words were quiet and slightly slurred from being so groggy.  “I’m in a lot of pain, but glad to be alive.”

 

            “Understandable.  Doc worked on you for almost four hours yesterday to repair the damage done by the radiation.”  Archer could see that Trip’s pain and weakness seemed to be making him emotionally vulnerable.

 

            “Sorry, sir.”  He fought to hold back the tears.  It was odd that he was being so emotional, but somehow knew it was from the pain and weakness.

 

            “Hey, there’s nothing to be sorry for.  You did what you thought you had to do to save Enterprise.  You were willing to sacrifice your life to save the rest of us.”  He put his hand on Trip’s shoulder and squeezed.  Archer knew he should go and let Trip rest.  He’d been through a lot over the last week and it was wearing on him.  “I’m leaving now so you can get some rest.”

 

            “Okay, see ya.”  Trip closed his eyes and felt Archer squeeze his shoulder again. It was nice to know his friends were there for him.  It only took a moment for him to drift into a deep sleep.

 

            “Rest easy my friend.”  After getting an update on Trip’s condition from Phlox, Archer left sickbay.  Phlox felt certain that Trip would be doing much better later in the day, after he got some more rest. 

 

            A few hours later, Malcolm came by to see Trip.  This time he was more alert than he had been with Archer, but he was still in a lot of pain and feeling miserable.  The sores on his body from the radiation were healing, but they itched terribly.  Phlox came over and applied ointment to them and his incision every few hours, but it only seemed to help for a short time.  “Hey Trip, how are you?”

           

            “Fine, just fine.”  Trip was still irritable and he was still emotionally weak.

 

            “I’m sorry, sir.  Perhaps I should come back when you feel better?”  The awkwardness was back and Malcolm hated himself for it.  There was no reason that he knew of for feeling the way he did and he was very afraid that it would put a rift between he and Trip.

 

            “No Malcolm, I’m sorry.  I’m just in a lot of pain.”

 

            “Should I get the Doctor for you?”

 

            “No, he’s already given me something, it’s just not enough.”  Trip sighed and wished he could go back in time and change what he did.

 

            “Is there anything I can do for you?”  Seeing Trip shake his head no, Malcolm pulled the chair over and sat down.  He had an overwhelming need to explain to Trip why he hadn’t been there to visit him as much as the others.  “Listen Trip, I’m sorry I wasn’t by to visit more often.  The first time I came by and you were sleeping; I felt this overwhelming awkwardness.  For some reason that I can’t explain I was very uncomfortable and I tried to make myself put that aside and come see you anyway.  It didn’t work and I just couldn’t do it, but I want you to know that I was thinking about you all the time and prayed that you would make it.”

 

            “It’s okay Malcolm.  I understand and I don’t blame you for being uncomfortable.  I was slowly dying after all and that’s enough to make anyone uncomfortable.”  Trip was touched because it hadn’t even entered his mind that Malcolm hadn’t really been by to see him much.

 

            “I just felt very bad because the others all seemed to have no trouble being around you….” Malcolm stopped when Trip held up his hand.

 

            “Everyone's different Malcolm and they handle things differently.  Don’t blame yourself for being who you are.”  As hard as he tried, Trip’s eyes were beginning to droop as he began to get tired again.

 

            “Thanks Trip, I just wanted you to know why I hadn’t been by.  You need to get some rest, so I’ll go now.”  He’d be back though.  Sitting there talking to Trip about everything had made that awkwardness disappear.

 

            “I’ll see you later.”  Trip watched him go and couldn’t remember ever having as good of friends as he had now, with the exception of his friendship with Archer.  Closing his eyes he drifted to sleep.  It would be another three weeks before Trip was allowed to leave sickbay and another two before he was allowed back on duty.  Even then he moved carefully as his abdominal muscles still pulled now and again if he moved wrong.  Phlox made him do some exercises to strengthen those muscles again and it was a very painful process, but after a few more weeks he was back to a hundred percent.

 

 

 

 

THE END