EPISODE CX - LIPOSUCTIONING THE CELLULOSIC THIGHS OF SOCIALISM
Schrader awoke in the darkness of sickbay, a sense of unease hanging over his troubled mind. He reached blindly for the light near his bed. Switching it on, his heart skipped
as he witnessed the frightening visage of Dr. Egan leering at him from the foot of the bed. Egan stood staring at the pilot for several seconds, while Schrader verified that his heart wouldn't fail.
"What are you doing, sir?", Schrader asked the strange physician suspiciously.
Egan started as though awakening from a dream. "Uh...just checking your chart", he stated hastily, grabbing it from the hook on the bed.
Unconvinced, Schrader eyed him warily. "In the dark?"
"Oh, certainly", Egan reiterated, nodding his bulbous head, "that's the best time."
"And what does my chart say, Doctor?"
Egan looked at the chart briefly, adopting a studious expression. "The prognosis is good, Lieutenant", he replied casually, "you should regain full use of your leg in no time at all."
"But I was hit in the shoulder", Schrader countered, lifting the blanket to ensure the presence of his lower limbs.
"Er...yes", Egan said, scratching his head distractedly, "so you were. All the same", Egan continued, "you check out fine."
"So I can leave", the pilot asked cautiously.
"Unless you'd be interested in some optional surgeries", Egan offered hopefully.
"Uh, no thanks, Doctor."
Schrader moved to where his clothes were lying and began to get dressed as Egan looked on. "S'cuse me, sir", Schrader said, motioning toward the curtain.
"Yes, Lieutenant?"
Schrader rolled his eyes toward the curtain. "How 'bout a little privacy?"
Egan looked at the curtain for several seconds, a vague expression on his face. "Oh", he said, his eyes focusing again, "you want a little privacy. No problem."
Egan chuckled absently as he departed, pulling the curtain shut behind him. Schrader stripped down to his sciveys and was just reaching for his uniform when he heard the curtain slide open. He spun
around to unleash a verbal assault on the demented doctor, but swallowed his words at the sight of Nurse Yahbo.
"Oh, I'm sorry Lieutenant.", she said re-securing the curtain, "I didn't know you were changing."
Schrader blushed profusely. "That's alright, ma'am.", he managed.
"So the doctor discharged you?", she asked through the plastic barrier.
"Yes, ma'am.", Schrader confirmed, struggling into his uniform, "but if ya' wouldn't mind", he added, "I'd like a second opinion."
Pushing the curtain aside, she reached in and grabbed the chart. "Well, everything checks out alright", she admitted, "but I'd rather keep you in sickbay for another day or two."
Fully dressed now, Schrader pulled the curtain open with a smile. "You would?"
"For observation.", she replied dryly.
"No thanks, ma'am", the pilot declined, "but you're welcome to observe me any time you want. It's the doctor's observation I can do without."
