"Do me a favor," David said.

He paused, and glanced at the door for a moment, then lowered his voice.

"After the poison clears and I'm doing a little better, put in a good word with the nurses for me so I can get out of here early."

David smiled, slightly, faintly. He wasn't in the mood to smile at all, but he managed it, a faint press of his lips.

"And I promise I'll take it easy and rest in my quarters. I just don't want to be here."

His look was intent.

"Could you do that for me?" he asked, quietly.