HOME | DD

Description
body div#devskin0 hr { }

Distress Call

Chapter 10

The Valanglen who led Dr. Murchison and Nurse Naydrad to the axillary control room proceeded to the other DAAG couch then introduced itself as Venarec while it established contact with Valentine. Saulgden left its couch then moved to face the new arrivals. It formed a link with Dr. Murchison first. While this was happening, Dr. Prilicla said “I detect movement in the Deldain DBDGs.”
Valentine reported “Venarec tells me that the crew has been instructed to return to their quarters or where ever they can get into their Discourse Gear.” She gestured to the head gear. “Saulgden, who’s title would translate loosely as ‘First Officer,’ wants all the remaining crew, Deldain and Valanglen, to listen in on our conversations.”
Dr. Conway asked “Remaining crew?” at almost the same time Captain Fletcher asked “Where is their Captain?”
Valentine replied “The captain, or ‘Forerunner,’ which is a closer translation to their word, and four members of the crew were injured during the disastrous encounter with the debris field. They are in coma-sleep on the shuttle which is en route to their home planet. Venarec and the rest of the crew are worried that they are too far from home for the Forerunner and one of the others to get the needed help in time.”
Dr. Conway asked “Have you told them we’ve sent Tragenhad to find them and offer assistance?”
“Yes. They are thankful, but they are also concerned. At first, this crew believed they had been attacked by an unknown enemy. The shuttle departed with the wounded before the true nature of the event had been determined. Here is the problem. Part of the communications gear on that shuttle had been damaged, but the shuttle was otherwise capable of flight. The beings on that shuttle have only short range communications and the emergency beacon which is sending a message to Valeng - that’s what they call their homeworld. They may think the Tragenhad is part of the force that attacked them. The shuttle has no weapons, but they might try to evade or use other means to confront Tragenhad.”
Captain Fletcher called out “Communications, Have we heard anything from Tragenhad.”
“Not lately sir. The last I heard was that they had picked up a strong trail and were proceeding on an intercept course.”
Dr. Prilicla said “Intercept may have been a poor word choice if the beings on that shuttle were able to overhear that conversation and work out a translation.”
Dr. Murchison spoke as the DAAG moved away from her. “Saulgden thinks it is unlikely they could have translated the message even if they were able to hear it.” She continued while Saulgden moved to form a link with Nurse Naydrad. “This ship’s doctors are on that shuttle trying to do whatever it can for the two most critically wounded patients. In thinking about what I learned from Valentine’s scans of the anatomy charts in relation to what Saulgden has told me about their injuries, I believe we have the tools to treat them on Rhabwar. I suggest we separate from this ship then proceed to Tragenhad to give the wounded the needed assistance.”
Captain Fletcher said “I am strongly considering that option.”
Saulgden broke its brief contact with Naydrad who then moved to and climbed onto the other DAAG couch. Shortly after the DBLF placed her head in the Discourse gear, Dr. Prilicla reported “The mood on this ship is shifting for the better.”
Naydrad spoke while in the link “Some have broken the listen only order and are communicating with me. They are celebrating. Despite the setback caused by the collisions, this ship has achieved it primary mission. They have found new intelligent lifeforms to get to know.” She then said “Saulgden, I hope you do not hold their breach of your order against them. I currently know little about your world’s social system, but even I can tell that this celebration is what they need right now.”
Saulgden moved back to Murchison then pressed its head against her’s. Dr. Murchison said “I am speaking for Saulgden. That order was given so that they would listen and learn what I had learned about all of you. Their celebrations tell me that they have learned what they needed to know. And, I agree with your decision to go to the shuttle to give assistance.”
Captain Fletcher said “We could tow your ship with us, if you think having you with us would help in establishing contact with the beings on the shuttle.”
“You can do that?” After a brief moment of silence, Saulgden continued through Murchison “Yes. This being is sharing memories of your ship’s tools being used in other rescue operations. We will welcome that assistance.” Saulgden broke its link then moved to the second DAAG couch.
Naydrad climbed off that couch as she said “We should return to the Casualty Deck and prepare for surgery.”
***
While Rhabwar was moving into position to apply the tractor beam to hold the Valanglen ship within the hyperspace field for the tow, the last kinks in establishing communications links between the ships were being worked out. Valentine had been given a portable Discourse Gear unit which, with some fiddling, could be tied into Rhabwar’s communications system. She would sit in the jump seat on the Control Deck to serve as the point of contact between the two ships. A slight, though welcome, interruption occurred when Haslam, the Communications Officer, called out “Captain. I’m getting word from Tragenhad. They are towing the shuttle to us.”
Captain Fletcher replied “Coordinate with Astrogation to plot a meeting at mid-point.”
“Yes sir.”
***
“May I sit here for a few minutes, Dr. O’Mara?”
Dr. O’Mara looked up from his meal to see Fishlegs standing next to the table. “I’m not really in the mood for conversation.”
“I only want to give you something and tell you a little about what it is.”
“Very well.” O’Mara gestured to the empty seat.
After sitting, Fishlegs held out a PADD. “I’ve pulled together a suggested music list for you.” Fishlegs said as he offered the PADD to Dr. O’Mara. “You can access this music through any LCARS terminal and I’m sure you will be able to transfer what you like to whatever system you use on Sector General.”
“I believe we have only spoken twice, and we did not discuss music either time. How could you know what I’d like to hear? And, I should ask, what is you motive for giving me this?”
“You are right, Dr. O’Mara. I do not work at Sector General so I do not answer to you in any way - other than that we are both currently on Enterprise. This is something I have taken on as part of my responsibilities as a bard. And, it is something that I like to do. I feel I’ve accomplished something when someone ends up liking the music I’ve suggested. Also, I have read all the stories about your realm, so I do know a few things about you.”
Dr. O’Mara surveyed his surroundings then softly asked “Do those stories tell about a certain Educator tape?”
“Yes. One of the books does.” replied Fishlegs just as softly. He continued “I want you to know that you were and are still one of my favorite people in those stories. I’ve heard you’ve read the stories of my old realm, so you know that I’m not Viking material. That being said, I really like your character because while you are so stern and in-your-face with other characters, you were always fair in the way you treated those people around you. So, anyway, when that book got to you going to Kelgia then revealing what you decided to dedicate your retirement to, you shifted from being someone I enjoyed reading about to someone I admired.”
“That book would be about my future, and everything has changed now that we’ve come to this realm. Things in that book might not happen now.”
“Some things in that book are about your past, such as plowing through the furnishings in the cafeteria. That turned out to be kind of brilliant.”
“I thought so too. Now, I am afraid to read that book. If I know what would have happened, I might screw it up. I may not stay exactly the same person and end up not being able to go to Kelgia.”
“From all that I’ve heard about your actions during the Formic rescue, I see that you still are that person in this realm. You do the things you do because deep down, you care about the people around you. That is why I want to give you this list. And, if a certain Kelgain has already been saved by you and an Earth Human friend after a gravity plate failure on a civilian transport– ”
“It has.”
“Then my only suggestion is to maintain those friendships.”
Dr. O’Mara took a deep breath, smiled, then said “You are fortunate that you had Hiccup and Camicazi as friends while you grew up. They have helped you find the best in yourself. I am honored to accept this list from you. I am now truly curious to know what choices you’ve made.” He held out his hand then accepted the PADD. “Thank you.”
***
Rhabwar had reached the mid point first and had returned to the docking port on the Valanglen ship before the Tragenhad dropped from hyperspace with the shuttle in tow. Tragenhad released its tractor beam then docked on the other side of Rhabwar while the shuttle returned to its docking position on the Valanglen ship. At Captain Fletcher’s request, the complete crew of Tragenhad secured their systems then moved to Rhabwar to meet crew members from the Valanglen ship.
Valentine wore the Discourse gear and was still in contact with Venarec while she waited at Rhabwar’s airlock. She noticed that Lieutenant Lazcing seemed more buoyant as it led Tragenhad’s crew into Rhabwar. Her assumption that Lazcing would speak first was quashed when the other Nidian stepped forward then spoke with its barking voice. “I must apologize to you, Valentine of Starfleet. I was wrong to express such a negative opinion of your interest in Lazcing’s device. Please understand that I have learned from my error.”
The translation was flat, but Valentine accepted it as sincere. She said “I accept your apology, my friend.” The Nidian made a slight gesture with its head and hands that Valentine did not understand.
Lazcing stepped forward then said “It worked! I drew the symbols Haslam sent us along with the Monitor Corps emblem and the other markings on Rhabwar. They quickly got our intent and remained attentive while I suited up then went outside and setup the holographic projector to give a more detailed explanation of what we wanted to do.”
“I’m glad for you and glad it worked. And, I want you to know that some people in Starfleet will indeed want to work with you on developing your idea.”
“I will welcome their input.”
“Now, please come with me to the Casualty Deck. Our new friends are waiting to meet you.” She explained the function of the Discourse gear while they made their way through Rhabwar.
***
The patients from the shuttle were transferred to Rhabwar on their litters which could be secured to serve as operating tables. After the litters had been secured in the Casualty deck, and while the patients were being prepared for surgery, the Valanglen doctor, named Gesden, formed a direct link with Dr. Murchison for the discussion with Drs. Conway and Prilicla. During this discussion, Dr. Conway officially changed the Valanglen Physiological Classification to VAAG.
The most serious case was a Deldain DBDG who’s most pressing injuries were cranial and Dr Prilicla claimed that patient for it’s first surgery. A Deldain doctor used another set of Discourse gear (with one headpiece having been modified to fit Dr. Prilicla’s head) to guide Dr. Prilicla through the differences from the Cinrusskan’s other DBDG patients.
Dr. Conway would perform the surgery on the Valanglen Forerunner with Dr. Gesden providing guidance through the Discourse gear. The initial discussion focused on the Educator tapes both Dr. Conway and Dr. Prilicla carried. Dr. Gesden was not sure it would work when it first made the Discourse gear assisted link with Dr. Conway. Too many voices in that being’s head. By the time the patient had been prepared, Dr. Gesden was accepting of, but still not fully comfortable with the other voices in Dr. Conway’s head. Valentine assisted Dr. Conway while Nurse Naydrad assisted Dr. Prilicla. Both surgeries were expected to be long and complicated, so Dr. Murchison stood by to fill in for anybody should a break be required.
The anatomy charts had been removed from the Valanglen medical bay and were positioned where Conway and Prilicla could see them if needed.
***
Endeavor arrived as the second pair of operations were concluding. One Deldain DBDG patient remained and Dr. Murchison took on that operation which was mostly fortifying the work that had been done in administering first aid. An Andorian nurse, named Jauld, who had come over from Endeavor assisted.
The Forerunner was still asleep in recovery, so Saulgden spoke for the crew of the Valanglen ship during the introductions. (Valentine once again served as the translator.) Once those were out of the way, Saulgden set the course for what was to happen next. “Captain Issacson, I’ve been told that you and your crew have come here to evaluate the damage to our Surge Drive, and I’ve been told of the offer to tow us to one of your starbase facilities for repairs so that we could then continue our mission. I wish to decline that second offer. We have no need at this time to continue that mission. Despite the accident, and yet because of it, our mission has been successful beyond our wildest dreams. If you would come with us while Rhabwar tows us home, our world would have even greater reason to celebrate new found friendships.”
“Of course we will.” replied Captain Issacson “Finding new friends is part of our mission as well.”
***
Nurse Naydrad wore a Discourse unit while she watched over the recovering patients. Dr. Gesden monitored her thoughts and comments, but had enough confidence to let her work as she saw fit. It assured Naydrad that the monitoring would be a secondary concern unless Naydrad called for assistance. Such a call became necessary while she was changing the dressing on the Forerunner’s surgical wounds. The Forerunner awoke. It was awake, but still very groggy from its medications. It was also struggling against the restraints of the litter in fear of what it believed was a predator from its homeworld. The natural Kelgain lack of tact didn’t help the situation.
Saulgden and Dr. Gesden rushed to their Forerunner. They both established direct links then provided what they hoped would be reassuring information. Since the Forerunner was still under medication and not thinking clearly, the decision was made to have Nurse Jauld take over caring for the Forerunner. Dr. Gesden chose to let the Forerunner continue thinking of that blue vaguely Deldain looking creature as part of a dream.
***
“Valentine Wiggin.” began Captain Issacson after Valentine had cleaned herself and changed from her scrubs after assisting in the surgeries “I was asked to deliver this to you. I’m sure your crewmates will give you more information, but I know it is the armband mounted identifier you will wear while you are on Sector General. Mine was rather simple looking compared to this one.”
Dr. Prilicla said “That’s because yours was a simple Visitor ID, friend Issacson. Friend Valentine’s carries its designation as a member of the Rhabwar crew and also shows that its primary supervisor on Sector General is Diagnostician Thornnastor.”
Dr. Conway said “Being assigned to Thorny is unheard of for a new arrival. Much will be expected of you there. Though, you’ve already shown us here that you are able to accept the challenge.” After a pause, he continued “However. I expect that you will be given many of the menial tasks given to new arrivals despite the status carried on your tag. I know I would assign you such tasks if you were to be placed in one of my teaching units. The purpose of your assignment to Sector General is to let you learn our ways then share that knowledge with your teachers and classmates at Starfleet Academy. Candidates coming to us from Starfleet should have an idea of what to expect.”
“That Rhabwar crew designation is important, friend Valentine. Should the crew be summoned to the ship, or to an administrator’s office for an emergency call, that call is broadcast throughout Sector General. When such a call is in effect, Rhabwar crewmembers are given the highest priority of movement throughout the hospital. While you will not find that as a written and posted rule, it has come about because everyone realized that such hospital wide calls are made only in emergency situations. Calls to meetings for training or administrative purposes are delivered more discretely.”
***
Nurse Jauld called for assistance. The Valanglen Forerunner was awake again and clear of the grogginess though still not cleared to be up and about. It was struggling against the restraints and demanding to be let go. Nurse Naydrad decided to go on the offensive. After crawling to the litter on all her legs, she popped upright placing herself suddenly in the Forerunner’s field of vision. “Patient Gemb.” she shouted, letting the translation flow through Nurse Jauld who was wearing a Discourse unit. “You have undergone major surgery to repair injuries sustained during your ships encounter with a debris field. Your doctors have ordered that you remain in bed until your injuries have had sufficient time to heal. If you remain unwilling to comply with those orders, I will have no recourse but to keep you under deep sedation until your wounds have properly healed. Which is it going to be?” She held her position for a few more moments - trying to look more threatening than any Kelgain has any right trying to look.
Dr. Conway and Dr. Gesden approached the litter. Dr. Conway said “As one of your doctors, and as the surgeon who performed your surgery, I stand by the bed rest order.” Conway and Gesden were both wearing Discourse units. Naydrad put on her Discourse unit, but remained quiet.
“Gesden.” shouted the Forerunner through the Discourse gear link “Aren’t you going to come to my defense?”
“I fully support Dr. Conway’s orders. He is as good a surgeon as any I’ve worked with and he managed to teach me a few things while he saved your life. Once he knew what was what inside our bodies, he was able to apply all the medical knowledge in his head to treating your wounds. Because of him, you should be able to move around again, but with restrictions, in about three or four days. Our old procedures would have left you bedridden for the usual recovery period.”
“What about the Scairsum?”
Dr. Gesden replied “Charge Nurse Naydrad is a Kelgain, not a Scairsum. She is an expert in space rescue operations, and you would do well to keep in mind that you are a patient on her Casualty Deck. That means she has full authority to do whatever she needs to do to assure your recovery.”
After considering this information, Gemb asked “So. What is our situation?”
“Saulgden will give you the other information in a moment, but medically, we lost four outright during the collisions. Saulbain was one of them when a chunk of rock passed through her head. You and the other injuries are all expected to recover. However. Harlad did lose a leg.”
“And this place?”
“We are on the Monitor Corps Ambulance Ship Rhabwar which is currently docked with our ship. Two smaller Monitor Corps support ships are also with us as well as the Federation starship Endeavor. Engineers from Endeavor are currently evaluating the damage to our surge drive. I should let Saulgden take over the briefing.”
“Please remain in this link doctors.” said Saulgden as he approached the litter. “I fully expect you to be drawn back into the conversation.”
Forerunner Gemb said “My condolences on the loss of your mate, Saulgden.”
“Thank you. At least it was sudden and she wouldn’t have felt any pain. That is left for me to feel.”
“At this point, I can only offer conversation, but if there is anything I can do in the future, you know what to do.” after a respectful pause, “So, how bad is the damage?”
“Repairs to the punctures in the habitation areas of the ship are nearing completion - much faster than the work might have taken thanks to the engineers from Endeavor. The Surge Drive is another story. It is looking like it will have to be completely replaced. The damage is just too great.”
“That means we’re not going anywhere for a while?”
“ Not at all. We are slowly making our way home.”
“Slowly? Without the Surge Drive, we’d be well over two hundred years getting back.”
“Rhabwar has been towing our ship. Most of our crew has gone aboard Endeavor while the habitation repairs are being completed and one of their shuttles has been modified to dock with our ship and with this ship, though the shuttle does not run while we are in warp.”
“Warp?”
“The Federation calls their Surge Drive a Warp Drive. The Monitor Corps uses different terminology, but it is all pretty much the same thing. We’ve been traveling part of each day, then we come to rest when the teams are ready to do more repairs to our ship. We could have been home two days ago with what their ships are able to do, but we’ve decided to go slow to give you time to recover. We all want you to be in command again when we return to Valeng.”
Nurse Naydrad, ever lacking in tact, said “That means you will follow your doctor’s orders, or you will learn the difference between a Scairsum and a Charge Nurse from Sector Twelve General Hospital. Is that understood, Patient Gemb?”
After a moment the Forerunner said “I think I’d rather take my chances with a Scairsum. I will give you no more trouble Nurse Naydrad.”

Description
body div#devskin0 hr { }

Distress Call

Chapter 10

The Valanglen who led Dr. Murchison and Nurse Naydrad to the axillary control room proceeded to the other DAAG couch then introduced itself as Venarec while it established contact with Valentine. Saulgden left its couch then moved to face the new arrivals. It formed a link with Dr. Murchison first. While this was happening, Dr. Prilicla said “I detect movement in the Deldain DBDGs.”
Valentine reported “Venarec tells me that the crew has been instructed to return to their quarters or where ever they can get into their Discourse Gear.” She gestured to the head gear. “Saulgden, who’s title would translate loosely as ‘First Officer,’ wants all the remaining crew, Deldain and Valanglen, to listen in on our conversations.”
Dr. Conway asked “Remaining crew?” at almost the same time Captain Fletcher asked “Where is their Captain?”
Valentine replied “The captain, or ‘Forerunner,’ which is a closer translation to their word, and four members of the crew were injured during the disastrous encounter with the debris field. They are in coma-sleep on the shuttle which is en route to their home planet. Venarec and the rest of the crew are worried that they are too far from home for the Forerunner and one of the others to get the needed help in time.”
Dr. Conway asked “Have you told them we’ve sent Tragenhad to find them and offer assistance?”
“Yes. They are thankful, but they are also concerned. At first, this crew believed they had been attacked by an unknown enemy. The shuttle departed with the wounded before the true nature of the event had been determined. Here is the problem. Part of the communications gear on that shuttle had been damaged, but the shuttle was otherwise capable of flight. The beings on that shuttle have only short range communications and the emergency beacon which is sending a message to Valeng - that’s what they call their homeworld. They may think the Tragenhad is part of the force that attacked them. The shuttle has no weapons, but they might try to evade or use other means to confront Tragenhad.”
Captain Fletcher called out “Communications, Have we heard anything from Tragenhad.”
“Not lately sir. The last I heard was that they had picked up a strong trail and were proceeding on an intercept course.”
Dr. Prilicla said “Intercept may have been a poor word choice if the beings on that shuttle were able to overhear that conversation and work out a translation.”
Dr. Murchison spoke as the DAAG moved away from her. “Saulgden thinks it is unlikely they could have translated the message even if they were able to hear it.” She continued while Saulgden moved to form a link with Nurse Naydrad. “This ship’s doctors are on that shuttle trying to do whatever it can for the two most critically wounded patients. In thinking about what I learned from Valentine’s scans of the anatomy charts in relation to what Saulgden has told me about their injuries, I believe we have the tools to treat them on Rhabwar. I suggest we separate from this ship then proceed to Tragenhad to give the wounded the needed assistance.”
Captain Fletcher said “I am strongly considering that option.”
Saulgden broke its brief contact with Naydrad who then moved to and climbed onto the other DAAG couch. Shortly after the DBLF placed her head in the Discourse gear, Dr. Prilicla reported “The mood on this ship is shifting for the better.”
Naydrad spoke while in the link “Some have broken the listen only order and are communicating with me. They are celebrating. Despite the setback caused by the collisions, this ship has achieved it primary mission. They have found new intelligent lifeforms to get to know.” She then said “Saulgden, I hope you do not hold their breach of your order against them. I currently know little about your world’s social system, but even I can tell that this celebration is what they need right now.”
Saulgden moved back to Murchison then pressed its head against her’s. Dr. Murchison said “I am speaking for Saulgden. That order was given so that they would listen and learn what I had learned about all of you. Their celebrations tell me that they have learned what they needed to know. And, I agree with your decision to go to the shuttle to give assistance.”
Captain Fletcher said “We could tow your ship with us, if you think having you with us would help in establishing contact with the beings on the shuttle.”
“You can do that?” After a brief moment of silence, Saulgden continued through Murchison “Yes. This being is sharing memories of your ship’s tools being used in other rescue operations. We will welcome that assistance.” Saulgden broke its link then moved to the second DAAG couch.
Naydrad climbed off that couch as she said “We should return to the Casualty Deck and prepare for surgery.”
***
While Rhabwar was moving into position to apply the tractor beam to hold the Valanglen ship within the hyperspace field for the tow, the last kinks in establishing communications links between the ships were being worked out. Valentine had been given a portable Discourse Gear unit which, with some fiddling, could be tied into Rhabwar’s communications system. She would sit in the jump seat on the Control Deck to serve as the point of contact between the two ships. A slight, though welcome, interruption occurred when Haslam, the Communications Officer, called out “Captain. I’m getting word from Tragenhad. They are towing the shuttle to us.”
Captain Fletcher replied “Coordinate with Astrogation to plot a meeting at mid-point.”
“Yes sir.”
***
“May I sit here for a few minutes, Dr. O’Mara?”
Dr. O’Mara looked up from his meal to see Fishlegs standing next to the table. “I’m not really in the mood for conversation.”
“I only want to give you something and tell you a little about what it is.”
“Very well.” O’Mara gestured to the empty seat.
After sitting, Fishlegs held out a PADD. “I’ve pulled together a suggested music list for you.” Fishlegs said as he offered the PADD to Dr. O’Mara. “You can access this music through any LCARS terminal and I’m sure you will be able to transfer what you like to whatever system you use on Sector General.”
“I believe we have only spoken twice, and we did not discuss music either time. How could you know what I’d like to hear? And, I should ask, what is you motive for giving me this?”
“You are right, Dr. O’Mara. I do not work at Sector General so I do not answer to you in any way - other than that we are both currently on Enterprise. This is something I have taken on as part of my responsibilities as a bard. And, it is something that I like to do. I feel I’ve accomplished something when someone ends up liking the music I’ve suggested. Also, I have read all the stories about your realm, so I do know a few things about you.”
Dr. O’Mara surveyed his surroundings then softly asked “Do those stories tell about a certain Educator tape?”
“Yes. One of the books does.” replied Fishlegs just as softly. He continued “I want you to know that you were and are still one of my favorite people in those stories. I’ve heard you’ve read the stories of my old realm, so you know that I’m not Viking material. That being said, I really like your character because while you are so stern and in-your-face with other characters, you were always fair in the way you treated those people around you. So, anyway, when that book got to you going to Kelgia then revealing what you decided to dedicate your retirement to, you shifted from being someone I enjoyed reading about to someone I admired.”
“That book would be about my future, and everything has changed now that we’ve come to this realm. Things in that book might not happen now.”
“Some things in that book are about your past, such as plowing through the furnishings in the cafeteria. That turned out to be kind of brilliant.”
“I thought so too. Now, I am afraid to read that book. If I know what would have happened, I might screw it up. I may not stay exactly the same person and end up not being able to go to Kelgia.”
“From all that I’ve heard about your actions during the Formic rescue, I see that you still are that person in this realm. You do the things you do because deep down, you care about the people around you. That is why I want to give you this list. And, if a certain Kelgain has already been saved by you and an Earth Human friend after a gravity plate failure on a civilian transport– ”
“It has.”
“Then my only suggestion is to maintain those friendships.”
Dr. O’Mara took a deep breath, smiled, then said “You are fortunate that you had Hiccup and Camicazi as friends while you grew up. They have helped you find the best in yourself. I am honored to accept this list from you. I am now truly curious to know what choices you’ve made.” He held out his hand then accepted the PADD. “Thank you.”
***
Rhabwar had reached the mid point first and had returned to the docking port on the Valanglen ship before the Tragenhad dropped from hyperspace with the shuttle in tow. Tragenhad released its tractor beam then docked on the other side of Rhabwar while the shuttle returned to its docking position on the Valanglen ship. At Captain Fletcher’s request, the complete crew of Tragenhad secured their systems then moved to Rhabwar to meet crew members from the Valanglen ship.
Valentine wore the Discourse gear and was still in contact with Venarec while she waited at Rhabwar’s airlock. She noticed that Lieutenant Lazcing seemed more buoyant as it led Tragenhad’s crew into Rhabwar. Her assumption that Lazcing would speak first was quashed when the other Nidian stepped forward then spoke with its barking voice. “I must apologize to you, Valentine of Starfleet. I was wrong to express such a negative opinion of your interest in Lazcing’s device. Please understand that I have learned from my error.”
The translation was flat, but Valentine accepted it as sincere. She said “I accept your apology, my friend.” The Nidian made a slight gesture with its head and hands that Valentine did not understand.
Lazcing stepped forward then said “It worked! I drew the symbols Haslam sent us along with the Monitor Corps emblem and the other markings on Rhabwar. They quickly got our intent and remained attentive while I suited up then went outside and setup the holographic projector to give a more detailed explanation of what we wanted to do.”
“I’m glad for you and glad it worked. And, I want you to know that some people in Starfleet will indeed want to work with you on developing your idea.”
“I will welcome their input.”
“Now, please come with me to the Casualty Deck. Our new friends are waiting to meet you.” She explained the function of the Discourse gear while they made their way through Rhabwar.
***
The patients from the shuttle were transferred to Rhabwar on their litters which could be secured to serve as operating tables. After the litters had been secured in the Casualty deck, and while the patients were being prepared for surgery, the Valanglen doctor, named Gesden, formed a direct link with Dr. Murchison for the discussion with Drs. Conway and Prilicla. During this discussion, Dr. Conway officially changed the Valanglen Physiological Classification to VAAG.
The most serious case was a Deldain DBDG who’s most pressing injuries were cranial and Dr Prilicla claimed that patient for it’s first surgery. A Deldain doctor used another set of Discourse gear (with one headpiece having been modified to fit Dr. Prilicla’s head) to guide Dr. Prilicla through the differences from the Cinrusskan’s other DBDG patients.
Dr. Conway would perform the surgery on the Valanglen Forerunner with Dr. Gesden providing guidance through the Discourse gear. The initial discussion focused on the Educator tapes both Dr. Conway and Dr. Prilicla carried. Dr. Gesden was not sure it would work when it first made the Discourse gear assisted link with Dr. Conway. Too many voices in that being’s head. By the time the patient had been prepared, Dr. Gesden was accepting of, but still not fully comfortable with the other voices in Dr. Conway’s head. Valentine assisted Dr. Conway while Nurse Naydrad assisted Dr. Prilicla. Both surgeries were expected to be long and complicated, so Dr. Murchison stood by to fill in for anybody should a break be required.
The anatomy charts had been removed from the Valanglen medical bay and were positioned where Conway and Prilicla could see them if needed.
***
Endeavor arrived as the second pair of operations were concluding. One Deldain DBDG patient remained and Dr. Murchison took on that operation which was mostly fortifying the work that had been done in administering first aid. An Andorian nurse, named Jauld, who had come over from Endeavor assisted.
The Forerunner was still asleep in recovery, so Saulgden spoke for the crew of the Valanglen ship during the introductions. (Valentine once again served as the translator.) Once those were out of the way, Saulgden set the course for what was to happen next. “Captain Issacson, I’ve been told that you and your crew have come here to evaluate the damage to our Surge Drive, and I’ve been told of the offer to tow us to one of your starbase facilities for repairs so that we could then continue our mission. I wish to decline that second offer. We have no need at this time to continue that mission. Despite the accident, and yet because of it, our mission has been successful beyond our wildest dreams. If you would come with us while Rhabwar tows us home, our world would have even greater reason to celebrate new found friendships.”
“Of course we will.” replied Captain Issacson “Finding new friends is part of our mission as well.”
***
Nurse Naydrad wore a Discourse unit while she watched over the recovering patients. Dr. Gesden monitored her thoughts and comments, but had enough confidence to let her work as she saw fit. It assured Naydrad that the monitoring would be a secondary concern unless Naydrad called for assistance. Such a call became necessary while she was changing the dressing on the Forerunner’s surgical wounds. The Forerunner awoke. It was awake, but still very groggy from its medications. It was also struggling against the restraints of the litter in fear of what it believed was a predator from its homeworld. The natural Kelgain lack of tact didn’t help the situation.
Saulgden and Dr. Gesden rushed to their Forerunner. They both established direct links then provided what they hoped would be reassuring information. Since the Forerunner was still under medication and not thinking clearly, the decision was made to have Nurse Jauld take over caring for the Forerunner. Dr. Gesden chose to let the Forerunner continue thinking of that blue vaguely Deldain looking creature as part of a dream.
***
“Valentine Wiggin.” began Captain Issacson after Valentine had cleaned herself and changed from her scrubs after assisting in the surgeries “I was asked to deliver this to you. I’m sure your crewmates will give you more information, but I know it is the armband mounted identifier you will wear while you are on Sector General. Mine was rather simple looking compared to this one.”
Dr. Prilicla said “That’s because yours was a simple Visitor ID, friend Issacson. Friend Valentine’s carries its designation as a member of the Rhabwar crew and also shows that its primary supervisor on Sector General is Diagnostician Thornnastor.”
Dr. Conway said “Being assigned to Thorny is unheard of for a new arrival. Much will be expected of you there. Though, you’ve already shown us here that you are able to accept the challenge.” After a pause, he continued “However. I expect that you will be given many of the menial tasks given to new arrivals despite the status carried on your tag. I know I would assign you such tasks if you were to be placed in one of my teaching units. The purpose of your assignment to Sector General is to let you learn our ways then share that knowledge with your teachers and classmates at Starfleet Academy. Candidates coming to us from Starfleet should have an idea of what to expect.”
“That Rhabwar crew designation is important, friend Valentine. Should the crew be summoned to the ship, or to an administrator’s office for an emergency call, that call is broadcast throughout Sector General. When such a call is in effect, Rhabwar crewmembers are given the highest priority of movement throughout the hospital. While you will not find that as a written and posted rule, it has come about because everyone realized that such hospital wide calls are made only in emergency situations. Calls to meetings for training or administrative purposes are delivered more discretely.”
***
Nurse Jauld called for assistance. The Valanglen Forerunner was awake again and clear of the grogginess though still not cleared to be up and about. It was struggling against the restraints and demanding to be let go. Nurse Naydrad decided to go on the offensive. After crawling to the litter on all her legs, she popped upright placing herself suddenly in the Forerunner’s field of vision. “Patient Gemb.” she shouted, letting the translation flow through Nurse Jauld who was wearing a Discourse unit. “You have undergone major surgery to repair injuries sustained during your ships encounter with a debris field. Your doctors have ordered that you remain in bed until your injuries have had sufficient time to heal. If you remain unwilling to comply with those orders, I will have no recourse but to keep you under deep sedation until your wounds have properly healed. Which is it going to be?” She held her position for a few more moments - trying to look more threatening than any Kelgain has any right trying to look.
Dr. Conway and Dr. Gesden approached the litter. Dr. Conway said “As one of your doctors, and as the surgeon who performed your surgery, I stand by the bed rest order.” Conway and Gesden were both wearing Discourse units. Naydrad put on her Discourse unit, but remained quiet.
“Gesden.” shouted the Forerunner through the Discourse gear link “Aren’t you going to come to my defense?”
“I fully support Dr. Conway’s orders. He is as good a surgeon as any I’ve worked with and he managed to teach me a few things while he saved your life. Once he knew what was what inside our bodies, he was able to apply all the medical knowledge in his head to treating your wounds. Because of him, you should be able to move around again, but with restrictions, in about three or four days. Our old procedures would have left you bedridden for the usual recovery period.”
“What about the Scairsum?”
Dr. Gesden replied “Charge Nurse Naydrad is a Kelgain, not a Scairsum. She is an expert in space rescue operations, and you would do well to keep in mind that you are a patient on her Casualty Deck. That means she has full authority to do whatever she needs to do to assure your recovery.”
After considering this information, Gemb asked “So. What is our situation?”
“Saulgden will give you the other information in a moment, but medically, we lost four outright during the collisions. Saulbain was one of them when a chunk of rock passed through her head. You and the other injuries are all expected to recover. However. Harlad did lose a leg.”
“And this place?”
“We are on the Monitor Corps Ambulance Ship Rhabwar which is currently docked with our ship. Two smaller Monitor Corps support ships are also with us as well as the Federation starship Endeavor. Engineers from Endeavor are currently evaluating the damage to our surge drive. I should let Saulgden take over the briefing.”
“Please remain in this link doctors.” said Saulgden as he approached the litter. “I fully expect you to be drawn back into the conversation.”
Forerunner Gemb said “My condolences on the loss of your mate, Saulgden.”
“Thank you. At least it was sudden and she wouldn’t have felt any pain. That is left for me to feel.”
“At this point, I can only offer conversation, but if there is anything I can do in the future, you know what to do.” after a respectful pause, “So, how bad is the damage?”
“Repairs to the punctures in the habitation areas of the ship are nearing completion - much faster than the work might have taken thanks to the engineers from Endeavor. The Surge Drive is another story. It is looking like it will have to be completely replaced. The damage is just too great.”
“That means we’re not going anywhere for a while?”
“ Not at all. We are slowly making our way home.”
“Slowly? Without the Surge Drive, we’d be well over two hundred years getting back.”
“Rhabwar has been towing our ship. Most of our crew has gone aboard Endeavor while the habitation repairs are being completed and one of their shuttles has been modified to dock with our ship and with this ship, though the shuttle does not run while we are in warp.”
“Warp?”
“The Federation calls their Surge Drive a Warp Drive. The Monitor Corps uses different terminology, but it is all pretty much the same thing. We’ve been traveling part of each day, then we come to rest when the teams are ready to do more repairs to our ship. We could have been home two days ago with what their ships are able to do, but we’ve decided to go slow to give you time to recover. We all want you to be in command again when we return to Valeng.”
Nurse Naydrad, ever lacking in tact, said “That means you will follow your doctor’s orders, or you will learn the difference between a Scairsum and a Charge Nurse from Sector Twelve General Hospital. Is that understood, Patient Gemb?”
After a moment the Forerunner said “I think I’d rather take my chances with a Scairsum. I will give you no more trouble Nurse Naydrad.”