Chapter Text
Lieutenant Reed sat on one of the beds in sick bay, legs dangling from the exam table, letting his legs swing a bit, but he halted that movement when he felt another wave of nausea hit him and he groaned, putting a hand over his mouth just in case.
Dr. Phlox was moving about, running all the tests on Malcolm’s blood he could think of to try to figure out what was wrong with the Lieutenant. Just a few moments later Dr. Phlox stood with a soft “Aha” before walking over and taking Malcolm’s temperature once again. “You are an Omega then.” He said, it wasn’t a question. Reed froze for a moment, opening his mouth but he wasn’t sure what he was going to say. “I assumed you were a Beta, because that is what your medical records say, nowhere in any official paperwork does it say that you are an omega.” Dr. Phlox said.
This caused Malcolm to puff up a bit “Nor will it.” He said, tone sure to convey there wasn’t going to be an argument about it. “I’ve gone to great lengths to make sure that none of my Starfleet paperwork has my sub-gender on it.” He continued defensively. Phlox tilted his head slightly, studying the man in front of him. “Ah, yes, of course Lieutenant.” He said with a nod. “ Doctor patient confidentiality, no one will hear it from me.” He promised “I only need to know these things to be able to treat you properly.” He promised.
Malcolm nodded “I don’t want it on any official paperwork either doctor, just between you and I.” he said, making sure the Doctor knew exactly what he meant. Dr. Phlox nodded again. “Are you on any suppressants?” he asked , looking over his lab work and scans. Malcolm sat up a little straighter “I am, along with scent blockers.” he said, voice stiff. “How long have you been taking them?” The doctor asked, causing Malcolm to bristle again “I don’t think that matters.” he huffed out.
Dr. Phlox frowned “But it does, usually after a year on suppressants you are required to go at minimum five days without them, so your body can regulate. If you don’t it will make you ill.” he explained. It was Malcolm’s turn to frown. “I can’t go without them,” he argued. Phlox sighed “You must, or I will take you off duty until you agree.” he threatened “You can not function like this.” Malcolm stood up, angry.
“Function like what? An omega? Because an Omega can’t be a head of security? Can’t be the most feared person on the ship?” He asked, advancing on the doctor with every sentence. Phlox didn’t even flinch, or stand. “Of course not Lieutenant,” He said calmly. “You are ill, and the symptoms you have are just the beginning of it.” He said, voice even and calm. Malcolm deflated a bit, taking a step back. “I’m sorry,” he sighed with a groan.
“It is quite alright, Lieutenant, irritability is a symptom as well.” he assured Reed. “I can’t be off the bridge for five days.”Malcolm said to which the doctor nodded, standing up and walking over to another station in the lab. “You should be able to get away with only two days out of commission, it takes the suppressants the first three days to get completely out of your system.” he explained. “I can handle taking two days off. I’ll need you to tell the captain and do not tell him why ,if you can avoid it.” he requested, hand rubbing his face. “Of course Lieutenant, but you need to stop the suppressants immediately or there will eventually be irreversible damage.” he said cryptically.
Malcolm groaned again. “I won’t take my dose tomorrow.” He promised. Dr. Phlox walked back over to him. “This will help with nausea for the time being.” he said as he injected Reed with something. Malcolm sagged a bit from relief. “Thank you Doctor” He said with a curt nod, turning to head to the bridge for his shift now that he felt a little better.
It was going to be a long five days, he hadn’t been completely honest with Phlox. Malcolm had been on suppressants since he presented fully at 18, his father made sure of that, because no son of his was going to be an omega. Malcolm shook his head, attempting to rid it of his father’s voice that played on repeat in there.
He hadn’t even gone through his first heat before he was put on suppressants, which was by all accounts illegal. An omega had to go through his or her first heat before they were allowed to go on the suppressants because their bodies needed to regulate their sub-gender, but Malcolm’s father had pulled strings and gotten him the drugs. ‘There is no way my father knew what these things would eventually make him sick’ he thought, his father just wanted the perfect son and suppressants gave him as close as he could get, which honestly still wasn’t good enough for the older Reed.
Malcolm shook his head one more time to clear it as the lift opened to the bridge. He greeted the captain and other crew members as he passed, ignoring the way his stomach swooped when Commander Tucker greeted him with a smile. He gave a curt nod of acknowledgement before heading to his own station and starting on his work.