When All Q Breaks Loose

Chapter Forty Eight: Last Chance

News of Hiro's partial recovery spread quickly through the manor. Honey was the first to hear of it as she was still working with her chemicals in the next room. Deanna had looked in briefly and informed her. But by the time the chemist had come to see for herself, Hiro was soundly sleeping once more. Except this time he didn't just lie there like death warmed over. He'd curled around on one side, fingers stuck in his mouth as he sucked on them.

She couldn't help but look at him with a wistful fondness. Even with the feeding tube and IV, he still looked so small. Part of her wondered when Baymax would allow at least the feeding tube to be removed. She didn't miss the absence of the monitor leads. But she wisely chose not to mention anything. He would remove it when he deemed Hiro ready. She didn't stay long, though, choosing to go in search of the other members of her team to let them know as well.

The next to enter the little medical suite was Wasabi. "Hey, little man," he greeted softly. "Glad you're on the mend." He had to admit that their leader did look better than he had earlier. His complexion had returned to almost normal. And he looked a lot more peaceful as he slept. He, too, did not stay long.

When Picard was told, he opted not to visit the tyke, figuring there were more than enough people likely coming and going to get in the way. But he was pleased to hear about the partial recovery, though there still remained the question of how to return him completely back to normal. Since he wasn't a science officer, he could only hope the others would come up with something.

Worf also chose not to visit Hiro for similar reasons. He was not quite as attached to the boy as the counselor appeared to be, which was just as well. He had taken it upon himself to check the manor's defenses, just to be safe. He did not like being idle.

Fred and GoGo came up at the same time. For whatever reason, Fred had opted to bring the micro fleece blanket they'd bought for their friend only a few days back. Perhaps it was out of the hope that it would help speed things along, or simply because he felt his friend might need some added comfort. Either was possible.

GoGo, for her part, appeared to look impassively at her diminutive leader. She had no more idea on how to restore him to his usual self than anyone else seemed to have. Since the tyke remained asleep, she towed Fred away after ten odd minutes. He'd wake back up when he was ready, and not a moment sooner.

Data continued to observe their young charge, noting that he did seem to be improving. Even in sleep, his muscles continued to regain function. The most obvious factor in this was that the tot began tossing and turning in his sleep, something he had not been able to do earlier. That and he instinctively grabbed the micro fleece blanket and pulled it to his chest as tightly as his little hands were capable of doing.

"How much longer do you think he will sleep?" the android wondered. He had not often had the opportunity to observe a sleeping toddler and found it fascinating. "Do you suppose he dreams? I have often wondered what it would be like to dream."

Baymax tilted his head as if either confused or curious about Data's statement. "I believe Hiro may be dreaming," he finally answered. "Brain activity would suggest he is in REM sleep, as is common with most young children."

Data couldn't help but continue to stare. "Fascinating," he said. "I have always wondered what it would be like to see the world through the eyes of a child. Perhaps, someday, I may be able to do so."

As the android's statement did not seem to require an answer, Baymax didn't give any. Instead, he returned his attention to his young charge, keeping tabs in case something else happened.

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By the time Q decided to rejoin his colleagues in the medical suite, the others had gone down to dinner. The afternoon was wearing into evening and Heathcliff had prepared another delicious meal. But since Q refused to leave the general area where Hiro still slept, the butler opted to bring him a plate of food instead. And none of the others in their party objected, mostly because Data was there to keep him out of trouble and Worf was more than ready to be done with the man.