Parker leaned against the lift’s wall as it sped off to its designation. It had been a long day; preparing the telepathic crew for what was to come wasn’t easy. A small part of her felt it would have been better had all of them been dropped off at the nearest station, but she wasn’t the Commanding Officer. She pulled the last monitor out of her pocket, “only one person left,” she sighed, “and I would have better luck telling the Captainoff than getting you worn.” 

Just as Parker finished her sentence, the lift opened, and there stood her last victim. “Lieutenant,” Parker nodded, “pleasure to see you.” She plastered on a fake smile.

The Vulcan looked up from her padd, “I fail to see how my arrival brings you enjoyment. We are both assigned here; it would only be natural that we occasionally see each other.” 

“I sometimes forgot how emotionless you Vulcans truly are,” Parker rolled her eyes. 

“Thank you,” T’lol replied, turning her attention back to the padd. 

The Doctor just sighed, “I swear, Vulcans.” Parker just sighed; having a normal conversation with a Vulcan was almost impossible. “ I’ve been meaning to find you. It would seem you have not picked up your monitoring device for the mission.” 

“That’s correct,” the Security Chief replied, “I won’t need it. I’ve spent my life learning to manage my emotions. If I have a reaction, that device will neither hinder the effects nor lessen my reaction.”

“If you were to have one,” the Doctor looked at the Chief Officer with complete shock, “Well, my apologies, Miss Vulcan,” Parker replied, “I wasn’t aware Starfleet had updated their protocols regarding those red crystals. I guess Vulcans are magically immune.”

“Doctor, need I remind you that sarcasm will have no effect,” T’lol replied, “you can save your human emotions for someone else. I am merely stating that logic would dictate..” 

Parker cut her off, “to hell with your logic. Have you seen what this stuff is doing to telepaths? Do you truly wanna risk that?”

“ This is purely a logical conclusion. Vulcans spend a lot of time, decades, learning to master their own conscience. In the short time we will be there; these crystals will not break my control.” 

“You really believe that, don’t you,” Parker just looked at the Security Officer, “I am not sure if I should be concerned or impressed. Just what did you tell your telepathic security staff about these crystals?” Parker smiled. 

“I informed them of your device. I instructed them to wear it and reminded them that at any sign of infection, they would be removed from duty immediately, per regulations,” T’lol stated coldly in a matter-of-fact tone.

“Amazing with bedside manners like that; you’d make a terrific doctor, Lieutenant,” Parker replied, taking the device from her pocket. 

The Security Chief looked at the Doctor with her left eyebrow raised in typical Vulcan fashion. “Your attempt at humor is neither warranted nor required, Doctor.” As T’lol finished her sentence, the turbolift doors opened, revealing the bridge. Neither woman opted to finish their conversation merely exited and headed for their assigned station. Parker opted to use a little leverage. She knew the Captain was watching and also knew the Captain’s opinion on the matter. Walking up behind the Vulcan Security Chief, the Doctor set the monitoring device on the console. “I would hate to have to remove you from duty,” she whispered, “per regulations, of course.” 

As the Galileo moved into standard formation, the main view screen lit up, giving everyone an impressive view of the entire fleet, “It appears that every ship in the Fourth Fleet is here,” Malik spoke with a bit of shock.  

Within moments the wormhole opened, and for a brief second, there wasn’t a single sound on the bridge. Everyone was just fixated on the event. “Well, there’s something you don’t see every day,” Parker started.

“Well, of course not, Doctor,” T’lol replied, “need I remind you that this wormhole opens on a thirty-day cycle and only for a short time? 

“It was an expression, Lieutenant,” Parker replied. “Green-blooded..” Parker spoke barely above a whisper.

Before either Officer could continue, Naris stood up, “any last words,” she looked over her shoulder at the crew behind her. She shrugged, “in that case, take us in, Mister Rivers,” Naris ordered, “once we’ve cleared the wormhole, set course for the Kimuramin system, warp 6.”

Naris sat down, “problems, Doc?”

“Not now, Captain,” Parker smiled, “just a little trouble with a particular patient who didn’t see the need to wear the monitoring device.”

“Those devices are not optional,” the Captain gave the Doctor a puzzled look. “Anyone who has a problem with that, well, I am certain we can find them temporary housing on the Markonian Outpost.” Naris didn’t need to be told who the Doctor was referring to; she already knew.

Behind the two, T’lol reached down and slipped the monitoring device over her wrist. She was not staying at the Outpost, not with the smell. She’d rather deal with Parker. 

“There was that so hard,” Parker yelled a bit too loud, looking directly at the Vulcan.

T’lol just gave the Doctor a puzzled look. 

“My apologies, Lieutenant,” Parker gave in, “that was rude of me.” 

“Need I remind you, Doctor…”

“Don’t finish that sentence,” Parker pointed a finger at the Vulcan Security Officer. 

“Doctor, perhaps you should head down to Sickbay,” Naris replied, “we got it from here.” She smiled, “I promise.” 

The Doctor stood up, and she swore she could see a small smile cross the Executive Officer’s face. “I think that’s a great idea, Captain.” She turned and headed to the lift. 

As the doors closed, T’lol looked forward and unceremoniously added, “perhaps the Doctor should wear one of these monitoring devices too.” 

It was too much. Malik openly laughed as he wiped a tear from his cheek, “you two need to learn to get along or go on the road and start a show together. Either one of those will work.”  

“I implied no humor in that statement,” T’lol replied, somewhat confused. 

“Sure you didn’t,” Malik replied as another chuckle could be heard from behind the Security Officer. 

“Ok, ok,  leave poor Doctor Parker in peace,” Naris said as the ship cleared the wormhole. “Kimuramin awaits people; let’s get our game faces on.” Just as the Captain finished the sentence, every alert on the bridge went off. “So much for nice and simple, Eli,” she sighed.