interfere with my judgment."
147 The Medic shrugged and put the injector back down. "I still think I
should call the Doctor," he insisted, "he's going to have my hide!"
148 "NO DOCTOR! " snapped North. "He's got his hands full. We can
handle this."
149 Some time went by and the Firing Control Officer's intercom buzzed.
"This is the Doctor!" it roared, "What's going on up there? The
Commander's intercom is dead. You called for a Medic some time ago.
Who's hurt? I want a report!"
150 "We have the situation well in hand, Doctor," cried North. "What's
the status with the injured?"
151 "I just finished on the second one. I'm going to work now on the
third. So far, excellent. I repeat, who's injured up there? I want a
report, NOW! Where's my Medic?"
152 "Right here, sir," the Medic answered. He quickly described the
situation to the Doctor.
153 "Get me some pictures, NOW!" snapped the Doctor. "Plug your scanner
into the intercom. Hurry up!" The Medic obeyed and for several seconds
there was silence. Then, the Doctor spoke again. "What have you given
him so far?"
154 "Nothing, sir," the Medic stuttered, "he refuses anything that
might impair his judgment."
155 "Give him a damn local in the spine," the Doctor screamed, "that
will at least make him comfortable, but it won't impair his judgment!"
156 The Medic quickly obeyed, and after a moment reported to the
Doctor that the shot was taking effect. A few minutes later the
Engineers reported everything was shut down and they tore open the
panel on the side of North's chair. He let out a loud whistle. "I take
it you've made the right decision?" North asked.
157 "Yes, sir," the Officer replied. "Give me a driver. I'm going to
try to force this thing back through."
158 "Gently," insisted the Medic, Gently!"