Nurse Yahbo had been sitting beside the unconscious Mr. Jeffy for several hours. His vital signs were good and he'd stabilized quickly once he'd been brought into sickbay, but
still he slept. Lt. Schrader pushed aside the curtain and cleared his throat quietly. "The rest of the landing party's back", he muttered self-consciously, "and they got the fuel we need."
She smiled wearily at the pilot. "Thank you, Lieutenant. How is Corporal Orwig?"
Schrader'd brought the corporal here when he was unable to staunch the flow of vomit coming from the young troops mouth. "Doc. Egan says he'll be okay.", the lieutenant replied, "He just needs some
rest and stuff."
"That's good.", she observed distractedly turning her attention back to her own patient.
"How's he doin'?", Schrader asked nodding toward the engineering officer.
Nurse Yahbo shrugged. "He'll be fine", she said, and added quietly, "when he wakes up." Her words trailed off into a sob.
Schrader patted her shoulder clumsily, wanting to rap his arms around her and protect her. "I'm sure he'll wake up soon, ma'am.", he offered, "He's a tough one."
She looked up, her eyes meeting his and holding momentarily. "You've been very kind, Lieutenant", she began, "and I know I haven't been entirely receptive, but I want you to know that if..."
Jeffy stirred in his sleep just then, his eyes opening to regard the angelic face before him. "Hiya, Snooger Dunky", he slurred.
Guilt flashed across Nurse Yahbo's face as she broke eye contact with Schrader. "Oh thank goodness", she exclaimed, "you're awake."
