EPISODE CXXXIX - LEFTY THE ONE-LEGGED MULE AND OTHER MAIMED FARM ANIMAL TALES




"Bridge to Nurse Yahbo.", Schultz's voice droned.

Reluctantly she tore herself away from the young pilot's embrace and keyed her comm-link.  "Go ahead, Bridge."

"What is the status of Mr. Jeffy?", the science officer asked blandly.

Shame washed over her as she answered.  "He's sleeping in sickbay."

"Copy", Schultz replied, "I need you to wake him..."

"But he needs his rest.", she argued.

"...and get him to Engineering as soon as possible.", Schultz continued.  "I realize he's not fully recovered, but we'll only need him for a few minutes, hopefully."

"Roger, Mr. Schultz.", the nurse acknowledged, "I'll take him to engineering myself."

"Understood.  Bridge out."

Schrader opened his mouth to break the awkward silence that followed, but was cut off by his own communicator.

"Bridge to Lt. Schrader.", Schultz intoned.

Schrader keyed the mike with unveiled frustration.  "Go, Bridge!"

"Report to Fighter Bay 4", Schultz advised in his customary monotone, "and switch to decaf., Lieutenant."

"Roger, Bridge.", Schrader copied.  He looked deeply into Nurse Yahbo's eyes.  "I wanna' tell ya' somethin'", he said, stepping toward her.

She retreated a pace, shaking her head.  "Later.", she countered, suspecting what was on the pilot's mind, "I have to get Jeffy to Engineering."

Schrader continued forward.  "I gotta' get this off a' my chest.", he continued.

"No", she said emphatically, "it will have to wait."

She turned and began walking back toward sickbay, but could hear his footsteps following closely behind.  Turning around, she flung a hand up between them, her fingers resting against the pilot's chest.  He grasped her hand between his, drawing her near.

"I jus' wanna tell ya'", he said, voice thick with emotion, "that I...I..."

Klaxons began to wail throughout the deck, cutting off the young officer's statement.  Nurse Yahbo pulled her hand from his and began backing away toward the sickbay, her eyes pleading with him to go.  He took one last look into her angelic face, then turned and sprinted down the corridor.