Trip Tucker walked along the corridor to the Captain's quarters. He had with him the status report of the warp engines, which had taken a battering in the recent conflict they had had with the Mosorians. Trip could have called the Captain over the comm system with the details of the report but he wanted to check to see that his best friend was okay after the severe concussion he had received in the attack. He rang the chime and after hearing Archer's invitation walked into the room.

"How ya doin', Cap'n?" he asked as he looked down at Jon who was on his hands and knees. "I'm fine," he stood, looking puzzled, "Can you see my boot?"

Trip looked down, trying not to laugh, "Um…you're wearin' it."

"Oh." Jon looked down at his feet, embarrassment etched across his face. He sat down on the bed and began to play with Porthos, the beagle having jumped on the bed as his master sat down, as Trip sat in the only chair in the room.

"You sure you're okay."

"Yeah, I'm fine, just got a little confused for a minute, that's all."

"I brought the Engineering status report, everythin's runnin' jus fine." Trip watched the Captain carefully.

"Oh, thanks," he stood and walked over to a cabinet and reached inside. Porthos sat up, his tail wagging against the bedding. Jon picked up a piece of cheddar and walked over to Porthos,

"Right Trip, let's have a look at that report." He turned towards Trip, and tossed the piece of cheese at him, "There you go Porthos, but that's all you're gonna get."

"That's it." Trip stood, the piece of cheese which had hit his chest, falling to the floor as Porthos jumped off the bed to seize his prize, "I'm takin' you to see Phlox."

"What? Why?"

"You've just asked Porthos for a status report and tossed me some cheese." He grabbed Jon's arm and lead him to the door, "I'm takin' you to sickbay before you start expectin' me to lay on my back so you can rub my belly." He grinned at the other man, "No matter how great that might sound"

"Smart ass," Jonathan Archer mumbled and then realised what Trip had said. As he allowed himself to be taken to see the Doctor, thoughts of what other things Trip might like done to him filled his mind.