[doors to medlab swish open] "Yes Doctor, what's the problem?"

[officious throat clearing] "Normally, Captain, I would not involve you in my patients' health problems but they felt you needed to hear this."

[near soundless sigh at the thought of another problem] "Very well, Doctor, I am listening."

[looking at both ensigns cuddled together on a single bio-bed] "I see we have encountered another health crisis." [admonishing tone]

[stern frown at blond ensign] "This time, I must admit it is not Ensign Paris' fault."

[observes struggle to sit up] "At ease, gentlemen."

"Mr. Paris is carrying five embryos. The triplets are experiencing distress."

[concerned look at Voyager's pilot]

"There is a something we can do that will hopefully save all five. It will also help alleviate problems that I expect will occur later on in the pregnancy." [pacing the length of the bio-bed, in full lecture mode]

"I was concerned of course. Mr. Paris has not been a model patient, but--"

"Doctor?"

"Yes Captain."

"The bottom line. Can you save the babies?"

"Of course, Captain." [smug smile] "What I have proposed will work and there is no chance of rejection since the material is the same."

[ominous throat clearing and wearing the tell-me-now-or-I-will-rip-you-a-new-one expression]

"All six embryos come from the same source. I plan to transplant the two single embryos to Mr. Kim." [words tumble out quickly]

"Ahh." [understanding look]

"I will need to monitor all the patients in sick bay after the transplant for obvious reasons, but even more importantly, the two ensigns must be placed on light duty. They will need to wear a monitor and--."

[waves hand, EMH stops speaking] "Will what you propose work, Doctor?"

"I am not positive Captain, but this, way I think, offers the best chance we have to save all the babies."

[walks to bio-bed, looks searchingly at both ensigns] "Good luck, gentlemen. I'll talk to Commander Chakotay about your duty assignments."

[touches Captain's hand] "Thank you, Ma'am. I know Harry would say the same if he could get over his shock, but we really appreciate this."

[small understanding smile, looks at the distraught ensign] "Take all the time you need. Doctor. Keep me apprised. I'll be on the Bridge."

"Very well Captain."

[door swishes shut, brisk nod to his patients] "Mr. Kim, Mr. Paris, I need you to lie on one bio-bed apiece, please."

[rolls instrument tray, activates commbadge]

"B'Elanna, I will be performing delicate surgery and utilizing the intraship transporters. Will you please not allow power to fail in sick bay for any reason."

[putters with second instrument tray near other bio-bed, catches sight of clasped hands between bio-beds]

"I need to work..."

[looks at two tense faces aware that eight lives are at stake]

"It doesn't matter, Ensigns, I'm a hologram, I can work through you."

The End

Continued in Parenting 204