[ Listen, this is usually a pass time for him, okay? Right now, Spock's debating the merits of bringing up the redundancy of McCoy's penchant for sarcasm. And yes, he absolutely tries to get up.
And he could, too, despite McCoy shoving him back down. He's strong enough to throw a human his size across the room... on a normal day. He could probably do it today. Doesn't much feel like it at the moment. ]
Three year old Vulcans do not whine, Doctor, much the same as I am not whining now. I am merely attempting to state facts that you are willfully ignoring. I can still perform my duties at optimum efficiency.
[ But hopefully he doesn't have to make his case for much longer because he's starting to go a little hoarse. ]
[ You know what, wrap up his redundancy in shiny glossy sarcasm paper and put a freaking bow on it, call it your Christmas present. As if Spock isn't one for redundant sass when he's feeling edgy (aka always.)
Also try and toss him across the room, see what happens. ]
Too bad you can't listen to yourself. I'm almost tempted to say your whinin' is enough to best Jim's when he's the one bedridden, but I don't want to test my luck. [ Which is already shitty to begin with. ]
Thankfully my professional experience doesn't depend on your say-so to determine whether my patients are fit for duty or not. [ A heavy, pointed pause, then he stares flatly at Spock. ] Unless you're claiming you don't trust my professional expertise and abilities as a doctor.
[ He's evidently not above guilt-tripping Spock into playing along. ]
[ Okay, first of all? He takes offense to the notion that he puts up as much of a fuss as Jim when the Captain's tired of being on medical leave. Second? Wow, McCoy. Wow. ]
... The fact that your position as Chief Medical Officer aboard the Enterprise is not contested should be proof enough of my trust in you as a physician. [ Not that his job is to even make that assignment, but he could sure throw a good and legal fuss about it if he had some real problems with the man. ]
This being said, I have more work to do than time will allow if I do take your prescribed medical leave, work that I could be doing at this very moment without strenuous activity being involved if you would simply return my PADD.
[ How did he even in sickbay? He didn't pass out, right? Nah, probably not. He'll worry about that later, when the fever goes away. ]
[ Leonard lets out a deep sigh, close to a groan. He can tell that bickering and arguing isn't going to get them anywhere, but he also doesn't want to go so far as to have to pull rank or actually have to go on the record with this. So, he'll have to try for something else instead. ]
Look, Spock. I get that, wanting to get all your work done, feeling like you don't have the time to stop or take it easy. But this ship is full of incredibly skilled, hard-working officers. Someone else will be able to pick up the work you were doing while you're recovering.
You like logic so much? Tell me where is the logic of goin' around with a fever that makes you dizzy and pass out in the middle of crowded hallways, or doing a half-assed job that will need to be corrected when you can't even stare at a screen straight. Worse than that, if we find ourselves in a dangerous situation, you could be puttin' yourself and others at risk. And I know you don't want that.
[ He rests a hand on Spock's shoulder. This time, not pinning him down. Just trying to get his attention. ]
Besides, you are my friend. I'm worried about you, and if you let me, I guarantee that I'll do anything in my power to help you recover as quickly as possible.
[ Several times at the start of McCoy's heartfelt speech, Spock raises a finger as if to send back some sort of retort. But they lessen considerably the more McCoy speaks, especially considering that it's the truth. Except for the passing out in a crowded hallway thing. Did that happen?
Anyway, he already sees a lot more of the Doctor's logic by the time a hand rests on his shoulder. Through it, he can feel McCoy's concern and sincerity. Ultimately, that's what makes him cave.
It still takes him a second, watching McCoy as if he'll actually find something to dispute his claim, but Spock eventually relaxes. ]
Very well, Doctor. I will submit myself to your medical recommendations.
[ Plus, since McCoy is so stern about this, it's highly probable that he'll end up pulling rank. Even with a fever, Spock's not a fan of the idea. ]
[ Well, maybe Leonard was exaggerating just a little. But he definitely swayed, and people saw it, and guess what, everyone was a little worried for their First Officer. It's not every day you see a Vulcan almost trip up over his own feet. ]
Thank you.
[ He heaves out a sigh, smiling faintly. He knew Spock could be reasonable, sometimes the challenge was getting him there. ]
We collected some samples from our last planet, and you were down there for a while too, so I'm going to isolate those samples and test them, just in case something down there caused this fever. In the meantime I'll give you something to lower the temperature, and we'll do the good old-fashioned wet rag on the forehead. That always works wonders.
[ Isolating the samples is a logical decision. Wet rag to the forehead- All of their modern medicine, and McCoy still insists on these "old-fashioned" methods. And yet, he has not yet been wrong about them. He is the best medical officer in the fleet, after all. Maybe that's what sets him apart-
Oh, he asked a question. ]
Negative. There is some mild muscle aches in my extremities but no other pain is present. [ He doesn't bother telling him that he can control the pain. McCoy knows. ]
[ The wet rag is not necessary, he could use a myriad of other tools, including a cold pad designed specifically for this, but whatever. Anyway, Vulcans run hot. Something cold on his forehead is going to feel amazing, Leonard's sure of that much. ]
Alright. Well, this medication should help with that pain too. Working as it should, you just need a couple of days' rest, then we can check your condition again and see how you're doing. You tend to recover quicker than Humans when it comes to injuries but I don't know about this kind of sickness.
[ Not to mention it's so incredibly rare for people to catch colds or get fevers these days. Leonard almost can't remember the last time he treated people for it.
He starts rummaging through his medkit, pulling out the hypospray and loading a couple of vials into it. ]
Tilt your head to the side for me, let's get this done with.
[ ... A couple of days? Excuse him? It's just a little cold or something! Surely he can work and rest at the same time (but there's a reason he doesn't say that sentence aloud word for word).
Anyway, yeah, he tilts his head to the side to take his medicine. ]
Would I assume correctly that your generalization of a couple of days means exactly two? [ Like a whole 48 hours? Is that what we're talking about? ]
[ He administers the drug, careful when compared to all the times he's practically stabbed Jim on the neck in the past. See, he can be a nice, gentle doctor when he wants to be.
As for Spock's question, he saw it coming a mile away. Nevertheless, he lets out a small sigh, both eyebrows raising as he sets the hypospray aside, then shifts again to look back to Spock. ]
Twenty-four to forty-eight hours, depending on how the rate of healing progresses. But we also have to be careful that whatever virus you're carrying won't be contagious before I allow you to go back to your duties. It's not just your well-being I have to worry about.
[ And he is sure that Spock is just as aware of that as he is. ]
[ Spock appreciates the gentleness. He has that going for him today, at least. Though, he's sure it has to do with the fact that he stopped trying to argue back about the medical leave.
Speaking of- ] Logical. If a contagious attribute of this illness does present itself, it will, of course, not prevent me from working within my cabin, as well. [ Also, he's glad that this 'couple of days' thing could possibly be cut in half.
And, yes, he's mentioning the idea of working remotely now in order to have better chances of it coming true in the future should he be deemed too unwell to report to the labs or bridge.
Despite his whole workaholic predicament, Spock is kind of curious about some of this. ]
In your opinion, if this illness did present itself as contagious, could it affect the humans of the crew more negatively than myself? [ He's aware that his Vulcan side is stronger than Humans in almost every aspect. He's also aware that his unique physiology has put him in a sort of gray area of how often or how badly he could get sick compared to either of his parents' species.
In his non-medically-licensed opinion, he's probably weathering it better than a full-human could. Probably. But, wow, he feels pretty bad, like super bad, like he could actually take a nap right now. ]
[ Well, yes. He'd be a little meaner if Spock wasn't being reasonable. He knows how to handle stubbornness, don't put him to the test. ]
No, it will not. So it will depend on how the healing process is progressing. I'll check on you regularly so I can tell you when you can resume some of your duties, at least what you can do from here.
[ He was already ahead of Spock in that; being surrounded by workaholics (and being one himself), he knows it's a futile endeavor to try and keep Spock stuck to bed for days on end. If he improves, Leonard will allow him some leeway.
He frowns at the question. ]
It's entirely possible. You do know our immune systems aren't as quick to react and recover as yours is. On the other hand, if it's an alien pathogen, it might actually have no effect whatsoever on us. I won't know more until I've run some tests— after I've taken a long shower and administered a dose of preemptive medication on myself, just in case.
[ He'll also run some tests on himself too, one can't be too careful. ]
[ Oh, he noticed that, huh. Well, he should have expected no less from Spock. ]
Or your quarters, [ He amends, an eyebrow raised. ] But I'd like you to stay here just for the night, so I can monitor your condition closely. Then I'll move you to your room myself.
[ It's a compromise. Hopefully Spock will recognize it as such, and accept the offer without argument. ]
[ Spock does see it as a compromise. He also nearly argues it and would do so on a good day, but... this isn't a particularly good day. He feels pretty rough and the thought of moving from this biobed, even to the sanctuary of his quarters, sounds like an annoyingly arduous journey.
So, after about half a beat of staring, his shoulders relax as his relents. ]
Very well. While I do consider the overnight stay unnecessary, I will accept those terms.
[ Right, because he's totally fit as a fiddle. He just chooses to not argue with it. Yep. ]
All the same, you need not lose rest on my account, Doctor.
Oh, knock that crap, you big Vulcan drama queen. You couldn't even stand on your own two feet right now if you tried, let alone walk back to your quarters.
[ He has made sure of that, with that concoction of medication that's sure to knock Spock out sooner rather than later. ]
And don't worry, I ain't losin' any of my rest just for your sake. I do have other patients, you know.
[ So you see, if he loses any sleep, it won't be because of Spock. Don't flatter yourself, buddy!! ]
[ Wow, WOW, sabotage now, McCoy? Wow wow wow. Not that Spock is really putting two and two together much, especially not enough to get faux-offended about being medicated while ill. ]
Of course, Doctor.
[ Said drier than a martini. ]
I will endeavor to not keep you any longer, then. Perhaps if I am momentarily forgotten in favor of more critical patients than I, you will realize that my staying for longer than necessary is illogical at best.
[ Is he surly because of the brush off or because he can't go home?
... It's the second one. A little of the first, though! ]
[ Leonard shoots Spock a flat stare, lips pressed to a thin line. ]
Fat chance that I'll just forget about you, Spock. But if you do recover more quickly, we will reassess your situation. Despite what you might think, I don't like keeping you here for any longer than I have to.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
And he could, too, despite McCoy shoving him back down. He's strong enough to throw a human his size across the room... on a normal day. He could probably do it today. Doesn't much feel like it at the moment. ]
Three year old Vulcans do not whine, Doctor, much the same as I am not whining now. I am merely attempting to state facts that you are willfully ignoring. I can still perform my duties at optimum efficiency.
[ But hopefully he doesn't have to make his case for much longer because he's starting to go a little hoarse. ]
no subject
Also try and toss him across the room, see what happens. ]
Too bad you can't listen to yourself. I'm almost tempted to say your whinin' is enough to best Jim's when he's the one bedridden, but I don't want to test my luck. [ Which is already shitty to begin with. ]
Thankfully my professional experience doesn't depend on your say-so to determine whether my patients are fit for duty or not. [ A heavy, pointed pause, then he stares flatly at Spock. ] Unless you're claiming you don't trust my professional expertise and abilities as a doctor.
[ He's evidently not above guilt-tripping Spock into playing along. ]
no subject
... The fact that your position as Chief Medical Officer aboard the Enterprise is not contested should be proof enough of my trust in you as a physician. [ Not that his job is to even make that assignment, but he could sure throw a good and legal fuss about it if he had some real problems with the man. ]
This being said, I have more work to do than time will allow if I do take your prescribed medical leave, work that I could be doing at this very moment without strenuous activity being involved if you would simply return my PADD.
[ How did he even in sickbay? He didn't pass out, right? Nah, probably not. He'll worry about that later, when the fever goes away. ]
no subject
Look, Spock. I get that, wanting to get all your work done, feeling like you don't have the time to stop or take it easy. But this ship is full of incredibly skilled, hard-working officers. Someone else will be able to pick up the work you were doing while you're recovering.
You like logic so much? Tell me where is the logic of goin' around with a fever that makes you dizzy and pass out in the middle of crowded hallways, or doing a half-assed job that will need to be corrected when you can't even stare at a screen straight. Worse than that, if we find ourselves in a dangerous situation, you could be puttin' yourself and others at risk. And I know you don't want that.
[ He rests a hand on Spock's shoulder. This time, not pinning him down. Just trying to get his attention. ]
Besides, you are my friend. I'm worried about you, and if you let me, I guarantee that I'll do anything in my power to help you recover as quickly as possible.
no subject
Anyway, he already sees a lot more of the Doctor's logic by the time a hand rests on his shoulder. Through it, he can feel McCoy's concern and sincerity. Ultimately, that's what makes him cave.
It still takes him a second, watching McCoy as if he'll actually find something to dispute his claim, but Spock eventually relaxes. ]
Very well, Doctor. I will submit myself to your medical recommendations.
[ Plus, since McCoy is so stern about this, it's highly probable that he'll end up pulling rank. Even with a fever, Spock's not a fan of the idea. ]
no subject
Thank you.
[ He heaves out a sigh, smiling faintly. He knew Spock could be reasonable, sometimes the challenge was getting him there. ]
We collected some samples from our last planet, and you were down there for a while too, so I'm going to isolate those samples and test them, just in case something down there caused this fever. In the meantime I'll give you something to lower the temperature, and we'll do the good old-fashioned wet rag on the forehead. That always works wonders.
How's your head doin'? Does anything hurt?
no subject
Oh, he asked a question. ]
Negative. There is some mild muscle aches in my extremities but no other pain is present. [ He doesn't bother telling him that he can control the pain. McCoy knows. ]
no subject
Alright. Well, this medication should help with that pain too. Working as it should, you just need a couple of days' rest, then we can check your condition again and see how you're doing. You tend to recover quicker than Humans when it comes to injuries but I don't know about this kind of sickness.
[ Not to mention it's so incredibly rare for people to catch colds or get fevers these days. Leonard almost can't remember the last time he treated people for it.
He starts rummaging through his medkit, pulling out the hypospray and loading a couple of vials into it. ]
Tilt your head to the side for me, let's get this done with.
no subject
Anyway, yeah, he tilts his head to the side to take his medicine. ]
Would I assume correctly that your generalization of a couple of days means exactly two? [ Like a whole 48 hours? Is that what we're talking about? ]
no subject
As for Spock's question, he saw it coming a mile away. Nevertheless, he lets out a small sigh, both eyebrows raising as he sets the hypospray aside, then shifts again to look back to Spock. ]
Twenty-four to forty-eight hours, depending on how the rate of healing progresses. But we also have to be careful that whatever virus you're carrying won't be contagious before I allow you to go back to your duties. It's not just your well-being I have to worry about.
[ And he is sure that Spock is just as aware of that as he is. ]
no subject
Speaking of- ] Logical. If a contagious attribute of this illness does present itself, it will, of course, not prevent me from working within my cabin, as well. [ Also, he's glad that this 'couple of days' thing could possibly be cut in half.
And, yes, he's mentioning the idea of working remotely now in order to have better chances of it coming true in the future should he be deemed too unwell to report to the labs or bridge.
Despite his whole workaholic predicament, Spock is kind of curious about some of this. ]
In your opinion, if this illness did present itself as contagious, could it affect the humans of the crew more negatively than myself? [ He's aware that his Vulcan side is stronger than Humans in almost every aspect. He's also aware that his unique physiology has put him in a sort of gray area of how often or how badly he could get sick compared to either of his parents' species.
In his non-medically-licensed opinion, he's probably weathering it better than a full-human could. Probably. But, wow, he feels pretty bad, like super bad, like he could actually take a nap right now. ]
no subject
No, it will not. So it will depend on how the healing process is progressing. I'll check on you regularly so I can tell you when you can resume some of your duties, at least what you can do from here.
[ He was already ahead of Spock in that; being surrounded by workaholics (and being one himself), he knows it's a futile endeavor to try and keep Spock stuck to bed for days on end. If he improves, Leonard will allow him some leeway.
He frowns at the question. ]
It's entirely possible. You do know our immune systems aren't as quick to react and recover as yours is. On the other hand, if it's an alien pathogen, it might actually have no effect whatsoever on us. I won't know more until I've run some tests— after I've taken a long shower and administered a dose of preemptive medication on myself, just in case.
[ He'll also run some tests on himself too, one can't be too careful. ]
no subject
... Wait, did McCoy say from here? Does he mean this point in time or- Spock glances around the medbay. ]
While I do support the idea of protecting yourself and the crew against this pathogen, I am curious if whether or not I am being held for observation.
[ Because now that he's thinking about it, this whole conversation seems to be leaning towards that idea. ]
that's only because the mun got confused/distracted BUT!! gonna roll with it
Or your quarters, [ He amends, an eyebrow raised. ] But I'd like you to stay here just for the night, so I can monitor your condition closely. Then I'll move you to your room myself.
[ It's a compromise. Hopefully Spock will recognize it as such, and accept the offer without argument. ]
oh WHOOPS
So, after about half a beat of staring, his shoulders relax as his relents. ]
Very well. While I do consider the overnight stay unnecessary, I will accept those terms.
[ Right, because he's totally fit as a fiddle. He just chooses to not argue with it. Yep. ]
All the same, you need not lose rest on my account, Doctor.
no subject
[ He has made sure of that, with that concoction of medication that's sure to knock Spock out sooner rather than later. ]
And don't worry, I ain't losin' any of my rest just for your sake. I do have other patients, you know.
[ So you see, if he loses any sleep, it won't be because of Spock. Don't flatter yourself, buddy!! ]
no subject
Of course, Doctor.
[ Said drier than a martini. ]
I will endeavor to not keep you any longer, then. Perhaps if I am momentarily forgotten in favor of more critical patients than I, you will realize that my staying for longer than necessary is illogical at best.
[ Is he surly because of the brush off or because he can't go home?
... It's the second one. A little of the first, though! ]
no subject
Fat chance that I'll just forget about you, Spock. But if you do recover more quickly, we will reassess your situation. Despite what you might think, I don't like keeping you here for any longer than I have to.