SPD: Matt heads for his timeout chair

[RJ Ferrance, DC, MD]

"That was not what I mean, Doctor," said K'Tael who was really uncomfortable with dealing with these type of situations.  "I know that you are innocent, and I doubt that you meant any harm to the Ambassador here.  What I meant was that people who don't know you as well just don't take your innocence as being obvious thanks to the everfriendly press corps.  I am required to respond to a call when it indicates that someone might be in physical danger.  I came myself alone with the hopes of preventing this from becoming a news event." Matt felt a bit guilty.  He'd not meant to give the impression he was beating up on the Klingon.  "And I thank you for that," Matt said softly.  "I understand the stickiness of your situation as well."  He turned to Ael.  <[It appears it is time for us to part, while we're both still alive.  There's someone I would like to meet you.  Can you be free for dinner?]>   <[As always, Matthew, I am at your disposal,]> she told him.   <[1900?  My quarters?  Leave your bodyguard at the door, please.]>   She laughed at that.  <[Of course.  1900.]>  She offered him her hand in a human handshake, deferring further physical contact in the interest of not giving their bodyguards any further cardiac dysrhythmias.  <[Remain safe, Matthew,]> she whispered to him, her expression one of worry, and of compassion.   <[And you,]> he returned.   *****   Moments later he was back in his quarters, showered, dressed in fresh scrubs and enjoying a fine Merlot while watching the panorma of blue and white and brown and green and steel gray below them on Earth.   And wondering just how this life had become so complicated.......   tbc   ********************************************************* RJ Ferrance, DC, MD Combined Internal Med/Pediatrics Chief Resident Medical College of Virginia Hospitals Richmond, VA 23298 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://views.vcu.edu/~medtoast/anvil.html