"I'm fine," Stamets snapped.

The doors slid shut behind him. There was a moment of hesitation before he took a step further towards Dr. Culber.

"Oh, so this is a social visit."

Culber tried to read his face. The engineer was anxious and pre-occupied, but he didn't exactly look ill. The doctor opened his mouth to speak but was cut off my a silencing gesture, one which looked more hostile than intended.

"The Captain's trying to stall," Stamets explained in a whisper. "He needs a reason why we can't use the spore drive."

"And, he's hoping I'll find something."

"I told him I had an itch," Stammets said, clawing at the port on his arm. "Maybe there's some kind of irritation."

"Then stop scratching it."

Culber led him to a bed on the far side of the room. He snapped open his tricorder and started scanning.

For a minute the machine beeped and whirred, before Dr. Culber finally spoke again.

"Well, there's no inflammation that I can see."

Stamets looked even more troubled, but Culber waited with the most patient expression he could manage.

"The Captain said I have to have every single test possible. Something about having a data trail."

The doctor touched him on the shoulder, giving him a quick squeeze.
"So, what are you worried about? We do the tests, they turn out fine and the Captain has to come up with some other reason to.."

"I'm not worried," he said shaking Culber off. "It's just.. I'm wasting your time." Stamets slid off the bed.

"Hey. It's a slow day. And besides, this is you. You're important, remember?"

Stamets managed a small smile and reluctantly sat back down.

"We'll start with a full body scan. Lie down." Culber tapped the bed and began to activate his equipment.

"Perhaps, uh, Nurse Felding could do it," he offered, pushing up onto his elbows.

"Nurse Felding," he said sternly, "Is occupied with a sprained ankle. What is with you today?"

He reluctantly lay back down, arms folded across his chest.

"Nothing."