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"Truth Versus Fiction" by A. Rhea King
Rating: PG Quiz Master (9) “Doctor Phlox?” Doctor Phlox looked up from the microscope. Navta was standing by Nugget’s cage, watching the chicken peck at the sawdust lining her cage. “Yes?” he asked. “Doctor Phlox, why does Nugget’s make that sound?” “I imagine because she’s content.” “Are you sure?” “No. I am not certain.” Doctor Phlox turned back to the microscope. “Oh,” Navta paused. “Doctor Phlox?” “Yes?” “Do you think it’s her way of talking?” “I cannot say.” “Oh. Doctor Phlox?” “Yes?” “What do you think woulda happened if they’d crossed Varlikon DNA with chicken DNA?” “I cannot say. We have not acquired the medical knowledge to experiment with that combination.” “Do you think it could have flown?” Likos was sitting on the other side of the console working on a project of his own. “No,” Likos replied. “Why not?” “Do you slither?” Likos asked her. “Sometimes?” “All the time? When you’re not playing or going into Jefferies tubes?” “I don’t go into Jefferies tubes,” Navta protested. “K’pan said I can’t.” “And when has that stopped you before?” Likos looked at her. Navta grinned, biting down on her bottom lip. She reached out and stuck her fingers through the wire on Nugget’s cage, wiggling them at the chicken. “Doctor Phlox?” “Yes?” “Why can’t Nuggets or Porthos talk like you and me?” “They don’t have the vocal cords for it.” “Why is that?” “I cannot say.” “Why can’t you say?” “I mean, I do not know.” “Oh.” Navta turned her head to the side, watching Nuggets tap her fingers with her beak. “Doctor Phlo—” “Navta,” Doctor Phlox looked at her, “If you want to stay here and ask me questions, that is not a problem, however, you do not have to address me before each question. I am already aware of your presence and you have permission to ask a question each time.” “Oh.” Navta smiled, blushing. “Sorry.” “That’s quite alright. You were asking?” Navta walked over to stand beside Doctor Phlox. “Do you think we’ll ever go to Earth?” “Mm. Someday.” “When?” “I don’t know. Why do you ask?” “I like it on Enterprise.” Doctor Phlox smiled. “I’m rather partial of it myself.” Navta walked over to stand near Doctor Phlox. “Doctor Ph…can I give you a hug?” Doctor Phlox looked at her. “Why?” “You felt homesick just now. Like the other crewmen feel when they say they’re homesick. I give them hugs and that always makes them feel better.” “You know that Denobulans don’t like to be touched, Navta,” Likos scolded her. “Oh. Sorry, Doctor Phlox.” Doctor Phlox smiled. “But since you asked, I wouldn’t mind.” “Really?” Navta smiled. “Really.” Navta leaned close to him and gave him a quick hug. “That’s it?” Doctor Phlox asked. “Well, Likos said—” “Now I feel cheated,” Doctor Phlox said. “I’ve seen you give much better hugs to Captain Archer, Lieutenant Commander Tucker and even T’Pol. I guess I’m not as well liked as they are.” Navta gave him a bear hug, laughing when he returned it. “What do you know? I don’t feel homesick anymore,” Doctor Phlox said, looking down at her. “I like you, Doctor Phlox. I like your smile.” Doctor Phlox gave her a full smile, chuckling when she giggled. “Aren’t you supposed to be walking Porthos about now?” Likos asked. “OH!” Navta jumped back. “I have to go. Good-bye Doctor Phlox. Good-bye Likos.” Navta raced out of Sickbay. Likos looked at Doctor Phlox. “And here I was under the impression Denobulans don’t like to be hugged at all. Strange, you felt happy to have her hug you.” Doctor Phlox smiled. “I think I’m adjusting to this very human behavior.” “It’s a Jit behavior too, Doctor.” Likos smiled. “Perhaps it’s becoming a Denobulan behavior too.” “Perhaps,” Likos replied. They returned to working silently on their research projects. The next short story is If the Uniform Fits The next Tweens story is Who Woulda Known? |
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