Troubles Enough for Two

"On Gamma Omega Six?" McCoy asked.

"Yes, that's right. There was this native, and..."

Bones smiled in an understanding, almost fatherly manner, and held up a hand. "Say no more, Lieutenant. I understand. Well, the good news is that, physiologically, the Gamma Omegans aren't really all that different from humans." Well, there had been the blue skin, Fred remembered, and the head bumps, and one or two other interesting differences. But she supposed those were mainly cosmetic differences, after all.

"I'll want to keep a close eye on things, of course," the doctor was continuing, "but human-alien hybrids really are a lot less problematic than you'd expect. Medical science still doesn't understand it entirely." He patted her hand gently. "For the moment, I'd suggest you go to your quarters and get some rest. I'll examine you again a few days. Is there anything you want me to do? Talk to the captain for you? Maybe see about sending a message to Gamma Omega?"

Fred shook her head. "No, not right now. I'll... I'll have to think about it."

McCoy smiled, and Fred left sickbay, heading back to her quarters, her head buzzing. What was she going to do? What would this mean to her career? Should she contact the father? What would her family say? She lay on her bunk staring up at the ceiling for a long time, pondering the complicated mess that her life had unexpectedly become.

Suddenly, Fred sat bolt upright in bed. Wait a moment! What was he thinking! This was not his life, nor his problem. He was not Lt. Uhura of the starship Enterprise... but for a moment, it was as if he had become her, totally. This disturbed him. He had no desire to lose his own identity in this strange woman's. And, much as he sympathized with her plight, what about his own problems? What about his quest? What was he going to do?

Fred's head spun. He collapsed back on the bunk, feeling exhausted, confused, and miserable.

1. There seemed only one thing to do. He'd have to go back to sickbay and tell Dr. McCoy about his condition. Er, his other condition.
2. There seemed only one thing to do. He'd go and talk to the captain. Kirk always knew what to do.
3. Eventually, Fred fell asleep, with nothing at all having been resolved in his mind.
4. Slowly, Fred's consciousness began to fade and Uhura's began to grow stronger once again.
5. Suddenly, the door chimed.

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