Episode Report Card Keckler: F | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Kiss Me, Ingrate
By Keckler | Season 2 | Episode 11 | Aired on 12.10.2002
Alien Cargo Hold. Nervous Alien explains some stuff to Trip, who looks around and says that the alien lingo on various controls would be easier if he got Hoshi to do his homework for him. Nervous Alien doesn't have a problem with that, and Trip leans over the stasis pod. He clears off some ice on the exterior, which just happens to be over the exact location of the lovely podling's face rather than, say, her knees or midsection. As Trip gazes down on her, Nervous Alien asks if there's a problem, but Trip gets his hormones in check -- they'll come in handy later -- and tells Nervous Alien that he just needs some tools from his ship to get started.
Quantum sits at his computer in his Ready Room. He's on TWoP again -- does he ever do any work? Hygiene Alien rings and enters. "Look, he's so clean now -- even his Steven Segal ponytail is back in place," Mathra observes. Quantum welcomes him, and they chat about this and that. Quantum is interested in seeing the world they're taking Pod Chick to, and offers to tow them along since the alien ship can only go warp two-point-two. Hygiene Alien makes lots of excuses as to why that's not a good idea, and Quantum sets his stubborn jaw to argue until Hygiene Alien says, "But I will accept your offer of a meal -- if it's not too late." That was smooth. Quantum grudgingly gets up and grudgingly gives him the "after you" gesture in a grudging way.
Hoshi finds Trip in the alien cargo bay and hands over her translation on an e-pad, "give or take an adverb." And I'm sure there are a lot of those on the stasis chamber. Hoshi gazes down on Pod Chick and comments, "At least you don't have to work alone." Trip comments, "It's a helluva way to travel." Hoshi wants to know if he knows anything about her, but Trip only has some sketchy details from Nervous Alien about her studying medicine. "A doctor?" Hoshi asks. "I suppose so -- she must have a real passion for it if she's willing to go through all this," Trip muses. All what? She's sleeping -- it's not like that's taxing or anything. I wish to god I could travel door-to-door that way. I'm sure Sars does too, especially after her latest airline adventure. ["You have no idea. The Couch Baron and I drafted a very long letter to NASA demanding that they get cracking on teleporter technology ASAP." -- Sars] Trip continues to goggle at her and comments that it's a shame they won't get to meet her. "It's not polite to stare, Commander," Hoshi tweaks him. Trip comes back to himself and demands, "Whas that supposed to meen?" Hoshi just grins and leaves, telling him to contact her if he has any issues. People out there who thought Hoshi acted jealous? She so did NOT -- she teased him gently, smiled, and left. I fail to see any jealousy in that behavior, so stop reaching, people! Trip says to himself, "I wuzzint stair-rin'," and gets back to work until he hears some mysterious thumping. Turns out Pod White got the apple knocked out of her windpipe a little early and is now impatient to get out and meet her Prince Charmin'. She seems to be yelling in another language, "I AM FOR YOU, TRIP OF FLORIDA!"