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Dear Doctor
Doctor Phlox receives a message from Doctor Lucas, a Human friend from the Interspecies Medical Exchange. Throughout the episode, Phlox records his response to Doctor Lucas explaining to him about life on Enterprise, his dilemma about the ethicality of giving the Valakians the cure to their genetic disease, and whether he can trust Captain Archer to make the right decision.
"My dear Doctor Phlox, it's me again, Jeremy. I hope you're well. It's been a h*** of a week here - wall-to-wall emergencies and three midnight deliveries. It's mating season, so you know how that goes. I though Human reproduction was complicated. You Denobulans make us look like single-cell organisms."
Doctor Lucas' letter to Doctor Phlox
"Dear Doctor Lucas, sorry to hear about your difficult week. I know the rigors of mating season only too well. It might help to bear in mind that a dose of niaxilin can be quite effective in separating the two... combatants. It sounds like you've settled into your new living quarters. That part of the city has some very lively Kaybin bars along the river. They're open all night, if I recall. Please, don't venture inside them unescorted. They can be quite disturbing to the uninitiated. Most of my work is fairly routine - scrapes and bruises, the occasional emergency. And you'll be pleased to hear that the crew finally seems to be growing accustomed to an alien doctor on board. I must admit, I wasn't planning to stay this long but the opportunity to observe your species on their first deep space venture has proven irresistible. It's a bit daunting at times trying to socialize with the crew, form friendships, but our profession guarantees that sooner or later, everyone comes to see us. It makes interaction quite a bit easier. I never thought I'd meet a species that forges such intimite bonds with lesser creatures. It's surprising, the things you humans choose to invest your emotions in. I've noticed how the Captain seems to anthropomorphize his pet. He even talks to the creature. Although I'm fairly certain it has no idea what he's saying. Then again, I've been known to speak to my Pyrithian bat on occasion.
It's remarkable, Doctor. Even fictional characters seem to elicit human compassion. My shipmates have calmly faced any number of dangers and yet a simple movie can bring tears to their eyes.
Since we were on the subject of mating I think crewman Cutler may be romantically interested in me. I can't be certain, however. The pheromones of Human females aren't as potent as Denobulans'.
If this letter arrives later than usual, Doctor, I hope you'll forgive me. I've been presented with a rather unusual case involving a pair of alien astronauts. It may not surprise you that they landed in my Sick Bay through an act of Human compassion.
I said before that my duties entail the occasional emergency. Emergencies, it seem, come in all shapes and sizes. I was once nearly overwhelmed by 50 patients in a refugee camp on Metalas. Captain Archer is now asking me to take responsibility for over 50 million.
The captain has committed all our resources to helping people he didn't even know existed two days ago. Once again, I'm struck by your species' desire to help others.
I had meant to transmit this letter by now but the Valakian epidemic has been taking up most of my time. Working with the physicians here has been quite fulfilling. I suppose it's the reason we joined the Interspecies Medical Exchange but I worry about falsely raising their hopes. Despite Captain Archer's confidence in me I'm afraid the scale of the disaster may outweigh our best intentions. I've decided to enlist Crewman Cutler's help in my task. On a personal note the affection Crewman Cutler is showing has left me a bit perplexed so I've decided to discuss it with the one peson on board who might understand the complexities of the situation.
Sub-Commander T'Pol has a very pragmatic view of the universe. I admire her logic although she lacks the instinctiveness that a more emotional response can provide. Somehow, I find this unsettling.
When I began to practice medicine I had no idea it would take me on journeys to other worlds. Every species I encounter allows me to explore a new physiology. At the moment, I find myself in the enviable position of studying two humanoids from the same planet. It's a rare and exciting opportunity.
As fascinating as the two species are from a biological standpoint it's their ability to coexist that intrigues me the most. The Valakians are highly evolved, technologically advanced, while the Menk are relatively primitive by comparison. To my surprise, the two seem to be living side-by-side, peacefully.
Despite the Menk's insistence that they're treated well my Human crewmates seem to see things differently. They think the Menk are being exploited by the Valakians so their first instinct is to rise to their defense despite the fact that the Menk don't appear to need or want a defender.
On the surface, the Menk appear to be a primitive species unsophisticated, even by Human standards - no offense. But their abilities appear to have been underestimated even by myself.
Two days ago, when we first discovered the alien shuttle I had no idea that I'd be facing a dilemma of this magnitude. For the first time I find myself in conflict with my captain. But he is my captain and he's placed a great deal of trust in me. I believe I owe him the same. I only hope that he is willing to look beyond his sympathy for these poor people.
I'd like to think, Doctor Lucas, that if I'd had a chance to talk to you face-to-face you'd have never let me even consider withholding my findings from the captain. But, I'm ashamed to say, I almost did just that.
If I hadn't trusted him to make the right choice I'd have been no better than the Vulcan diplomats who held your species back because they felt you couldn't make proper decisions on your own. I came very close to misjudging Jonathan Archer. But this incident has helped me to gain a new respect for him. Happiness and health to you, Doctor. Your dedicated colleague, Phlox."
Doctor Phlox's response to Doctor Lucas
Kellie Waymire as Crewman Elizabeth Cutler
David A. Kimball as Esaak
Chris Rydell as Alien Astronaut
Karl Wiedergott as Larr
Alex Nevil as Menk Man
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The information on this page was obtained from a variety of sources including www.startrek.com and the show Enterprise. The Enterprise header image was obtained from www.trekenterprise.com. "The images used herein [the rotating couch only] were obtained from IMSI's MasterClips/ Masterphotos© Collection, 1895 Francisco Blvd. East, San Rafael, CA 94901-5506, USA." |
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