Beverly sighed in exasperation. It was a argument they'd had many times before.
"What's the problem this time? Surely you can see the sense in these new tests?"
"Of course."
"Well then?"
He squirmed. "I can think of more enjoyable ways to spend my time."
"For heaven's sake! It's a medical examination not a leisure activity."
Picard didn't respond.
Beverly calmed herself and tried again, speaking more softly this time.
"Jean-Luc, please tell me. Why are you so reluctant to come to Sickbay?"
She waited patiently. "Well?"
"It's the lack of privacy," he blurted suddenly. "Why do Sickbays have to be so damn public? Why do the patients have to be on display like exhibits?"
Beverly's response was equally robust. "It's an efficient layout, it provides space around the biobeds for any equipment we may need. It allows us to see everyone …" She stopped, realising she had just confirmed his point. "All right," she conceded, "it is somewhat public, but nobody else seems to mind."
"No-one else is the captain."
She eyed him up and down. Was this pride? Or was his self-confidence more of an 'act' than she'd realised?
"If that's what's bothering you, then I'll arrange for a screen and conduct the test in private."
Picard relaxed, he was on the brink of thanking her when a thought occurred to him. He'd have to lie there for 15 minutes while she touched various parts of his anatomy. That might not be wise without the presence of her staff to dampen any 'response' he might feel.
He cleared his throat.
"On second thoughts, Doctor, the public area will be fine."