He smiled warmly as she teased him, “Of course not.” He replied. Cute and clever; he was finding it easier and easier to be around her. For a moment he thought of the complications any kind of relationship would present here on an isolated starship. But he reminded himself that relationships were her specialty… Besides, it’s only dinner. He thought with a laugh.<br/><br/>When she said she would make dinner he raised his eyebrows, “Well, if you’re gonna make dinner; the least I can do is make the coffee. It’s a deal.” He said as she disappeared into the supply room. Scott was a little surprised to see they appeared to be alone in the cafeteria. He hadn’t really thought of it but he had assumed there would be other people in the room to help him remain professionally polite. Being alone with the cute doctor was definitely a thought that put a smile on his face.<br/><br/>He watched as she confidently walked to the table and placed a large plate of pasta in front of him, “Yeah, we should be happy the Colonel remembered to send us any food at all.” He said with exasperation. Scott calmly took a bite of the meal before him and made a show of his chewing as if he were sampling a fine wine. Finally, he finished his bite and smiled. “It’s not bad at all. You know if this Doctor thing doesn’t work out for you, you could always open a restaurant.”<br/><br/>Scott was aware of her closeness and by the way she looked at him he couldn’t decide if she was being flirty or just plain friendly. Damn, he was so bad at that as he always preferred to think it was flirtation. His eyes danced across her face and his heart beat a bit faster. Finally he lowered his fork to pick up another bite and smiled politely. “So what made you decide to take on this mission anyway?” He asked, genuinely interested in her answer.<br/><br/>Before she even got a chance to speak one of his troops, Specialist Garber, interrupted their dinner. The soldier appeared stiff and unsure of himself as he smiled quickly at Doctor Randall and then stood at attention beside his commanding officer. “Sir! I just wanted you to know that I have relieved Sergeant Walters on patrol at his request.” The soldier seemed to have more to say but instead stood quietly. Scott nodded at him and glanced questioningly at Doctor Randall before looking back to the man still standing next to him. “At ease Garber, what’s the problem?”<br/><br/>Specialist Garber shifted from his position of attention and looked at Scott. “Sir…” He said hesitantly before finally shaking his head. “The Sergeant said it wasn’t a big deal but he didn’t look good at all. Said he was just tired and went to his room to lie down, but he looked pretty bad to me. I just thought I should let you know sir.”<br/><br/>“Good thinking Garber. I’ll check on him, go ahead and resume your patrol.” Garber stood at attention and saluted before quickly leaving the room and Scott turned back to Doctor Randall. “Well, looks like I’ll have to owe you a dinner to go with the coffee now.” He said with a tight smile. “I better check on him.” Suddenly Garber yelled out from the hallway, “Captain! I need some help!”<br/><br/>Rushing into the hallway Scott found Walters lying on the floor, apparently unconscious. A small pool of vomit flecked with blood was on the ground next to him. Scott got on the radio, “Emergency medical to the chow hall now!” and then dropped to the ground beside the sergeant and began to check his vitals. The sergeants’ breaths were labored, his face was sunken and his skin was pale white. “He’s burning up.” Scott rolled him onto his back and opened his shirt; looking to Garber he spoke calmly. “Garber, I need you to keep his head tilted back, keep his airway open.” Scott unhooked his radio and slid it across the floor to Doctor Randall. “Get on the radio and let them know where we are and what we’re doing.” His voice calm and controlled.<br/>