What Judgments Come

“Doesn’t feel like it.” Pe

“How are you feeling?” Fisher asked, an almost paternal expression gracing his weathered features as he set the cup on a stand next to the bed.

“My arm hurts,” Pe

Fisher smiled. “I heard you the first time. That’s why I came in.” He paused, glancing toward the middle of the bed. “Which arm?”

“That’s not very damn fu

Holding up a hand, the doctor shook his head. “I’m not trying to be, son. It’s a legitimate question given your situation. Do you remember our last conversation?”

Pe

“Yes, it was,” Fisher said, nodding. “You were brought to the hospital from the docking platform, near the Orion ship.”

Memories came flooding back into Pe

“I did,” Fisher said, his eyes now betraying a hint of sadness. “I took your arm.”

Closing his eyes, Pe

“The disruptor bolt damn near destroyed your shoulder,” Fisher said after a moment, “and damaged a great deal of the surrounding tissue. There was no way I could regenerate or repair what you would’ve needed fast enough to save your arm. I had to make a choice. I’m very sorry.”

“No, Doctor,” Pe

“This doesn’t have to be permanent, you know,” the doctor said. “Despite the damage, you’re a perfect candidate for a bio-synthetic replacement. After some extended sessions with our dermal and muscle tissue regenerators, it’ll definitely be an option worth exploring.”

“Of course,” Pe

As for physical comfort, Pe

Fisher offered a knowing nod. “I understand, but the best I can do is to give you something to help you sleep. The pain you’re feeling isn’t real. It’s all in your head.”

Wincing at the words, Pe

“That’s not what I meant,” the doctor replied, his tone one that Pe

Despite a momentary wave of disappointment he felt sweeping across him, Pe

Fisher chuckled at that. “You input your stories manually?”

“Sometimes,” Pe

“Well, don’t be in too much of a hurry here, either,” Fisher said. “It’ll take a little time, but not as much as you might think. We can begin some of the sca

Pe

Beats being dead, I suppose,he conceded. At least now, the doc can fix me. Most of me, anyway.

“Any chance I could get something to eat?” he asked, almost without thinking as he felt a rumbling in his stomach. How long had it been since his last solid meal?

“Done,” Fisher said. “Also, do you feel up to visitors? Strictly your decision.”

Pe

“They’ve actually been waiting quite a while,” the doctor replied. “Hang on a minute.” He left the room, leaving Pe

And don’t forget …

His thoughts were interrupted by his room door sliding open once again, followed by a gruff voice.

“Um, hi, Tim.”

“I’ll be damned,” Pe