"That's alright," Mitchell said quickly. "You can bring along Colonel Carson."
"But he won't like you fixing me up more."
"But he can't stop me! Not if you want me to do it. Now listen to me—I want you to come right on over here, El."
"If you say so," Macklin said uncertainly.
Mitchell opened the door on the first knock.
Macklin stood in the doorway, looking uncertain and ill at ease. Carson stood behind his left shoulder, looking actively belligerent.
"Come in," Mitchell said. "I have the injection ready for you, Doctor."
"Now you aren't going to 'cure' me?" Macklin said in concern. "This is just going to help ease my mind?"
"Of course," the biologist said soothingly.