Kobayashi Maru - Michael A. Martin [120]
“It was not for your benefit, DenobuluSngan, KonJef said, fairly spitting the words from underneath a long, squared-off gray beard.
Phlox nodded, tilting his head to one side. “Nevertheless, I appreciate the gesture.
He worked quickly on the shirtless and unconscious Archer, using a hand-held antimicrobial cleansing unit and a protein fuser in an attempt to repair the captains disconcertingly deep thoracic wound.
Archers breath changed and he stirred. He tried to rise from the flat stone bier beneath him, then winced and ceased making the effort. “Am I gonna live, Doc? he said, his voice weak.
Phlox looked down at his captains face for an instant, nodding, then returned to his duties. “Yes, Captain, but you will be rather sore for a while, once youre up and moving about. Luckily, the Klingon weapon missed your liver and several other major organs. Unfortunately, it chipped two of your ribs badly. You may experience some respiratory discomfort for the next several weeks, I would imagine.
“How about Krell?
Phlox spared a glance over to the other table, where the Klingon doctor and an assistant purposefully went about their work, their blue surgical gowns spattered in purplish gore. The woman still stood nearby, watching the proceedings intently.
“It would appear that your opponent will indeed live. From what I could see, he has a compound fracture in one leg, a dislocated shoulder, and a rather cleanly detached arm.
Archer winced again. “That would be because I sliced it off, he said quietly. “Hope there wont be a lot of hard feelings about that.
“Well, Shran is finally on speaking terms with you again, isnt he, Captain?
Archer chuckled, remembering how angry the former Andorian soldier had been during and after the knife duel they had been forced to fight late last year. “Compared to what happened to Krell, Shran only got a haircut, Phlox, he said. “And I doubt that Klingon limbs grow back on their own the way Andorian antennae do.
“True, Captain, Phlox said, nodding. “However, the physician attending to Krell believes that he might be able to reattach the severed arm. The admirals other injuries, while painful and messy, appear eminently repairable as well.
Phlox inspected his handiwork closely, pleased at the results so far. “Ive done what I can for the moment, Captain. You will still need to lie down for a while and finish your transfusion. Were this any ordinary circumstance, I would prescribe bed rest for at least a week. I understand, however, that our current circumstances may not allow you that luxury.
“No, they wont, Archer said, smiling weakly. “Im glad you noticed. Lets hope it means we wont be on opposite sides of one of those tired old captain-youre-in-no-shape-to-leave-sickbay arguments that doctors like to start.
“That depends entirely on how careful you can be over the next few days about not undoing all the work Ive just done stitching you back together, Phlox said around what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “Now, with your permission I would like to offer my assistance to Doctor KonJef.
“Thats fine by me, Phlox, Archer said. “Ill just try to go back to a less painful place in my head.
Phlox stripped off a pair of surgical gloves and put his hands under a sanitizing sprayer mounted on one of the dull metal walls. Grasping another pair of gloves, he approached the woman and the two male Klingons who were working on Admiral Krell.
Although he hadnt known the identity of Archers wounded opponent at first, Phlox realized that he was quite familiar with him once hed heard the mans name. Less than a year ago the fleet admiral had been intent on destroying everyone at the QuVat colonyincluding Phlox and Archerin order to halt the spread of the augment-derived metagenic virus.
“Id like to put my skills at your disposal in your efforts to reattach the admirals arm, Phlox said. “I have done extensive work in neurological reconstruction, and I have made a close study of the tissue-regeneration techniques of the Adigeons.
The woman spat at him, glaring. “I will not allow