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Distress Call

Chapter 11

Forerunner Gemb and Nurse Naydrad did not become good friends during the journey to Valeng, but they did settle into a proper nurse/patient relationship. The fact that Kelgians are herbivores did a lot to let the Forerunner begin to feel comfortable when she was around. When the Forerunner had been released from forced bed rest, but was still under restrictions, it was given first a tour of the equipment on the Casualty deck, then the next day, Captain Fletcher took it on a tour of the Rhabwar. The view through the control deck’s direct vision port gave Forerunner Gemb its first good look at the Endeavor.
“Good soil!” the Forerunner declared “The size and the complexity of that ship. Valeng must look like a world full of beginning students to them.”
“Every space going race has to start somewhere.” replied Captain Fletcher “You have figured out how to do it, and you took the leap to look for new friends. In their eyes, and in ours, that makes you worthy of getting to know.” After a pause while the Forerunner continued to study the Endeavor, Fletcher added “And your Discourse gear has impressed both us and them.”
“So, how does the Monitor Corps compare with Starfleet?”
“They are way ahead of us in ship and computer technology, but they have nothing like our Mind tapes. They are also amazed that we were able to make Sector Twelve General Hospital a reality. I believe I know your next question. My answer is, in terms of friendship, we are all coming together as equals.”
“That is good to know. I’m sure you know that Captain Issacson has offered me a tour of that ship after my doctors release me from this ship. Will I risk insulting him if I say that I need to inspect the repairs to my ship first?”
“Not at all. As the Captain of his ship, he feels the same sense of duty.”
***
Dr. O’Mara had very mixed feelings as he listened to the briefing from Rhabwar. He sat with Captain Picard and Dr. Crusher in the Captain’s Ready Room for the Briefing. The Prime Team was listening in Conference Room Six, and Sector Marshal Dermod was listening with his Command Staff on Vespasian. Dragon Army was listening as well on Vespasian. Marshal Dermod had insisted that both teams be included as he was continuing to assess the possibility of integrating such teams into Monitor Corps operations. Additionally, Thornnastor and its staff were also taking part from their lab on Sector General.
Overall, O’Mara had been pleased with the progress Captain Fletcher and Dr. Conway reported. His concerns started to rise when he learned that Valentine had spent much time using the Discourse gear, and that She, Dr. Murchison, and Nurse Naydrad had been continuing to use the gear. His fear was that this technology sounded too much like the Educator Tape technology. At an appropriate point, he interrupted with “I insist that you discontinue letting Valentine, Murchison and Naydrad use this Discourse gear until we have been able to give this technology further study. The potential for damage to the female mind is– ”
“Friend O’Mara,” Dr. Prilicla cut in “You know well that friend Conway and I are holding Educator tapes and I can assure you that the Discourse technology is nowhere as severe in its impact on the mind and physiology of the recipient. While the gear enables the sharing of feelings, sensations, visual and audio experiences along with thoughts, the sensation is like that of holding a conversation. I will relate my personal experience. Memories of a conversation with Friend Gemb, or with Friend Gesden are retained after I remove the gear from my head, but nothing else is retained and I have experienced no confusion afterward.”
Dr. Conway added “The only confusion any of us have reported feeling has been brief disorientation until we each gained an understanding of the Valanglen’s language and more so, their method of vision. By the way. The transition to using the gear can be eased by having direct mind to mind contact with a Valanglen before using the gear for the first time. I can report that once I was beyond that disorientation, I began to realize the Discourse gear has potential to be used as both a teaching and a diagnostic tool. Dr. Gesden and I have already had discussions on this potential. Imagine being able to see what a patient sees during an eye exam.”
Captain Fletcher said “Need I point out that the Valanglen VAAGs do not have a spoken language, so our usual translation technology is ineffective with them. Starfleet’s Translators are equally ineffective in regards to communicating with Valanglens. That means, as long as Forerunner Gemb remains a patient, Naydrad and Valentine will have to use the gear to communicate with it.”
Dr. Crusher said “May I offer this suggestion? We already have a baseline detailed brain scan of Valentine on record. And, Doctors Conway and Prilicla let me take scans of their brains so I could study your Educator Tape process. Have someone use a tricorder to take detailed brain scans of Rhabwar’s medical staff on the A, C, D and J bands. Do it both with and without the Discourse gear in use. Thorny’s team on Sector General, and my team here on Enterprise will do detailed analysis of the comparisons.”
Diagnostician Thornnastor replied “I concur with Dr. Crusher’s suggestion.”
“Until then,” said Dr. O’Mara “Valentine, Murchison and Naydrad are to discontinue using the devices. Is that clear? Especially Valentine. We are responsible for her well being while she is assigned to Rhabwar and Sector General.”
“You don’t get your way that easy this time, Dr. O’Mara. I have a say in this and I will say it.” demanded Nurse Naydrad. Even through the translation, Naydrad’s statement carried strength, and some of the other phrases she said did not translate. “I think you are overbearing, overreacting, and are being blinded by your over-protective nature, Dr. O’Mara. Valentine and Dr. Murchison may decide to follow your order, but I will not. As the Charge Nurse of this Casualty Deck, it is my responsibility to oversee and take part in Patient Gemb’s last details of treatment then discharge it from our care. I will continue using the gear until my duties have been discharged. That is unless you wish to convince Sector Marshal Dermod to authorize a variance from Sector General and Galactic Federation Medical Council policies.”
Dermod said “Carry out your duties, Charge Nurse Naydrad.”
Forerunner Gemb had been on the gear and taking part in the briefing. It said “A Scairsum is indeed less fearsome than a Sector General Charge Nurse.” Laughter was heard from every location in the briefing. Even Dr. O’Mara had a suggestion of a smile on his face, but despite his seeing the humor in the Forerunner’s statement, he still held concerns about this technology.
***
Dr. Crusher studied the scans sent from Rhabwar. She reported “The changes look normal for telepathic contact, Dr. Thornnastor. I’m sending you a link so you can inspect some additional images for yourself. They are a series of scans made by Starfleet Medical before, during, and after a Vulcan DBDG made telepathic contact with a Human DBDG.”
“Have there been any lasting after effects from such contact?”
“Yes, but those were times when one party, usually the sender, acted with malicious intent. Normal links for the sharing of information end with the normal quick drop-off of activity in the activated nerve centers. All that is included in the report to which those scan images are attached.”
“Thank you, Doctor. We will compare this information against all we have on telepathy here and I’m sure your team will do the same there. Oh. One other thing. We have the contact information you sent us for the Vulcan Science Academy, but we are unsure of the time system on their world. Is there a comparison chart available so that we could compute the best time to attempt contact with various Federation worlds?”
“I know of several that are available on LCARS. The one I use the most can be found with the title Federation Medical Center Time Charts. That one includes general shift schedules as well as general public contact times.”
“Thank you Doctor. We’ll be in touch again to prepare for the next Command Level Briefing. Thorny off.”
“I’ll see you then. Crusher out.”
***
“How can I be of assistance, Captain Fletcher?” Captain Picard asked from his desk in his Ready Room. He noted the tag on his screen showing the source of the secure signal.
“I wish to take a few minutes of your time to talk about the Discourse gear.”
“That matter is pending the results of the investigations here and on Sector General. I cannot, and will not override that decision.”
“I’m not asking you to do that and I would think just as poorly of you if I thought you were asking me to do that.”
“Then, what do you want to discuss?”
“That technology beyond the medical concerns. Believe me. There is much more we have to consider.”
“I’m listening.”
“Captain, you know that I have used that technology. I can assure you that it is everything Conway and Prilicla say it is. They have not yet seen these new concerns because they have been immersed in the good intentions of the medical profession most of their lives, and they’ve been insulated in that cocoon of cooperation known as Sector General for at least half their lives. So, don’t blame them for not seeing these concerns. Captain Issacson has used it. I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that I’m talking with you from his Ready Room. He and I both see the risk. My first thought was to go through Dr. O’Mara, but that is not possible now after the way Naydrad shut him down. And he did deserve that, but this is a security issue that must be examined - by all the sides.”
“Is William with you?”
“I’m here Jean-Luc. Think about this. The Valanglen have a technology that can send volumes of information from mind to mind with no text, visuals or spoken word to be attached to the signal. They are new to off-world contacts, so they do not have the experience to fully comprehend the problem. Those Discourse units required only slight modification to get them to interface with Rhabwar’s communications system. Similar modifications were required to get them to interface with our system on Endeavor. Now here’s the problem. With even less modification, those units could be used to send feeds through the Sub-space Network without having to interface with the network.”
“I’m beginning to see your concern. What I don’t see is why you didn’t go directly to Marshal Dermod with your concern.”
“Two reasons. Naydrad and O’Mara.” replied Fletcher “That blow-up between them has complicated things out here. Marshal Dermod is too close to the First Contact aspect of this affair and he saw their turf battle as a disruption to establishing relations with the Valanglen and Deldain. He thinks I was a part of it, but he’s not sure which side I was on. I tried to contact him, but his Communications Officer told me I had to wait until the medical investigation had concluded. O’Mara will not talk with me because he knows - correctly - that I sided with Naydrad on the issue of females using the technology. By the way. That blow-up is related to the ban on females using the Mind Tape technology. And in disclosure, I’ll tell you that I side with Naydrad and Murchison on that dispute. Back to the current situation. When it comes to standing their ground, Dermod and O’Mara can be two of a kind. What we think we need is an end-run around the problem. If you agree the potential is real, here’s what we need you to do. Quietly arrange for the Prime Team, and maybe the Dragon Army, to stumble onto the problem. Make sure they have just enough information to find the big picture.”
Captain Issacson said “I wouldn’t presume to tell you what to do, Jean-Luc. Instead, I will tell you that if you were out here and I were back there and heard about this technology, I’d be thinking about ways the technology could be used.”
Fletcher said “I understand each team has their strengths. I’d use that.” After a pause, he added “Members of each team will be free to contact Rhabwar, Trafalur and Tragenhad to gather information for your task.”
“The same stands for them contacting Endeavor. Issacson out.”
After looking at the blank screen for a moment, Picard said “Computer. Location and status of Andrew Wiggin.”
“Andrew Wiggin is currently in the lounge across from his quarters. He is scheduled to beam to Vespasian in an hour for another meeting with Dragon Army.”
Picard tapped his communicator then said “This is the Captain. Andrew Wiggin and Useless are to report to my Ready Room at once.”
Both quickly responded “I’m on my way, sir.”
Picard then contacted Vespasian “Marshal Dermod. I want to let you know that I am tasking Prime Team and Dragon Army with exploring potential uses of the Discourse technology. I feel it would be wise to have some concrete ideas in mind when we brief our governments about this technology.”
“Wise thinking, Captain.”
“I am assigning the usual components. Prime Team will look at the positive while Dragon Army will look at the negative. Andrew Wiggin will coordinate their activities. Both teams will be contacting the ships at the scene to gather information for their task. If you would rather Dragon Army not use parts of your bandwith for their information gathering, you may send them back to Enterprise.”
“Thank you for your consideration, Captain Picard. Dragon Army will be free to do their task from here. The only stipulation I will place on them is that they break from that task to participate in the Command Level Briefings.”
“As I will expect of the Prime Team. Picard out.”
***
“Patient Gemb.” said Nurse Naydrad “Your vitals are within the normal range for an adult Valanglen VAAG. You have met the physical goals. Now I have a short series of questions. First Please state the key points of Dr. Conway’s and Dr. Gesden’s orders for your post discharge recovery program.”
After the Forerunner answered the request and the three questions that followed, Nurse Naydrad added her signature to the appropriate places on the discharge paperwork. Then she said “Forerunner Gemb. You are now fully discharged from your course of treatment on Rhabwar.”
Dr. Conway stepped forward then said “The medical staff of Rhabwar wishes you the best during your continued period of recovery.” The Rhabwar medical staff had decided to carry out a formal discharge ceremony.
“My thanks to you, Doctor Conway, to you, Charge Nurse Naydrad, and to all of you on Rhabwar. My thanks also to the crews on the other ships that came to us in this time of need.”
Captain Fletcher and Captain Issacson walked with Forerunner Gemb and Dr. Gesden off the Casualty Deck. The medical staff stayed behind. They all removed their Discourse gear after the forerunner was well clear of the deck.
***
“So there, you have the orders for Prime Team, Useless.” said Captain Picard “Andrew will deliver my orders to Bean and the Dragon Army on Vespasian. Useless, you are dismissed.”
“Yes sir.”
“Andrew Wiggin. You will remain here to receive your orders as the coordinator between the teams.”
“Yes sir.”
After Useless left the Ready Room, Picard continued “Mr. Wiggin. What I am about to tell you is not to be shared with anyone - that means not with Bean, not with Useless, and especially not with anyone on Marshal Dermod’s staff. Understand.”
“Yes sir.”
“The basic first. Dragon Army’s part of this assignment is the most critical. It is essential that they find the key negative aspects of this technology then present a compelling case for Starfleet and the Monitor Corps to take deeper looks at those negatives. Understood.”
“Yes sir.”
“Good. Now here is the tricky part. Because Dragon Army is on Vespasian being evaluated by the Monitor Corps, it is important that they be seen doing their own work. That means that I cannot tell them what we want them to look for. I cannot tell you exactly what we are concerned about either, but I can tell you two key points that they will need to investigate. I trust you to devise creative yet convincing ways to guide their thinking should they go wide. First. How do those units interface with communication networks. Second. How will using this equipment affect current security procedures, and be sure they do not start with this one, the other discussion is critical to fully understanding the security issues”
“I think I can see where this is going, sir. May I ask. Why are we taking such covert measures when this is serious enough to send up red flags from the start?”
“It is best if you are not told too much. However. I will share the same two clues that were given to me when I raised the same question. Dr. O’Mara and Charge Nurse Naydrad. If you think about their exchange through the viewpoints of others involved, you are likely to gain an understanding. If the Dragon Army is seen uncovering this threat on their own, certain egos may not be bruised and other careers may not be lost.”
“I understand, sir.”
“Good. One last thing, and you can share this with both teams. Members of Dragon Army and Prime Team are authorized to contact anyone on Rhabwar, Trafalur, Tragenhad, and Endeavor to request information required for this task. Sector Marshal Dermod has already been given basic knowledge of that authorization and I intend to make it fully clear to all involved during the next Command Level Briefing. You have your orders. Dismissed.”
“Yes sir.”
***
“Sir. I’m surprised that you, of all people, would come to see me like this.”
Picard replied “I assure you that I have not come here to influence the outcome of the medical examination.”
“Then why are you asking me if I could delay the findings.?”
“Beverly, trust me. For your freedom to speak out about your findings, it is best if you do not know the details. Some serious non-medical concerns have been raised. The Prime Team and Dragon Army have been tasked with investigating those concerns. Please ignore the contradiction you will hear when I announce their task. While I want the truth on the medical concern to be reached then released, my concern is that if those conclusions are reached then released too soon, the work of the Prime Team and Dragon may be pushed aside. If that happens, those more serious concerns may not be addressed until it is too late. And trust me. A finding that women cannot use that technology will not cancel out the other threat.”
“Are you willing to talk with Dr. Thornnastor about this on a secure channel?”
“Yes.”
“Doing it from here in my office would be more in line with other communications Thorny and I have had.”
***
“Friend Conway. May we talk privately - before the Command Level Briefing?” Dr. Prilicla asked while Conway was ordering his meal.
“Sure. You can place your bowl and cup on my tray. We’ll go to my quarters to talk while we eat.”
In Dr. Conway’s quarters, Prilicla said “I have noticed changes in the emotional radiation emanating from the Monitor Corps members of this crew. I’ve noticed the same change from the crews of Trafalur and Tragenhad. Captain Issacson and a few others from Endeavor are also exhibiting this change. But there is more. Their anxiety levels seem to be increasing as we get closer to the briefing.”
“My first thought is that everyone is getting worried about another blow-up between Naydrad and Dr. O’Mara. Have you detected any change from Naydrad?”
“Friend Naydrad is feeling anger and frustration. I have had a discussion with it. Friend Naydrad is worried that this technology will also be denied to females and that will become another barrier to equal career advancement. The, well, for lack of a better word for the translation, the flavor of her feelings is quite different from those I’m reading from our friends in the Monitor Corps.”
Dr. Conway thought for a moment, then asked “Could those tests Thorny and Crusher asked us to carry out have anything to do with this?”
“I think they are related, but even that has me perplexed. Almost everyone expressed the usual displeasure at being informed of pending psychological tests. The exceptions were Friends Fletcher and Issacson. On being informed, they each emoted feelings of relief. It was as though one of their concerns had been lifted.”
“How did Naydrad react?”
“Friend Naydrad expressed its frustration over what it called a stupid waste of time. Friend Naydrad spoke that reaction and its emotional radiation matched the spoken feelings.”
After a few moments of deep thought, Conway asked “If Naydrad doesn’t benefit from this delaying tactic, how might O’Mara benefit from it?”
“That is unknown to me at this time. Apart from those concerns, I have detected no unusual changes in emoting or behavior among anyone who has used the Discourse gear. All indicators that I can see suggest that the results of the tests will support Friend Naydrad’s side of the argument.”
***
“We have been given a task.” Useless said quietly to Fishlegs and Camicazi while they sat in a lounge eating their meal “Captain Picard will officially announce it sometime during this Command Level Briefing.”
Camicazi asked “Are we to evaluate the Valanglen as a threat? You know I love a good battle, but even I cannot see a reason to go to war against them.”
“No. We are to evaluate possible positive uses of that Discourse gear. Dragon will be looking at the negative side of things. But, something did not feel right during my part of the briefing, and I was dismissed before Andrew was given his briefing as the coordinator.”
“So what are we going to do?” Fishlegs asked with his usual unsureness,
“Prime Team will carry out its orders. You and Camicazi have acted as our Devil’s Advocate many times so my guess is that no one in Starfleet will think anything about you doing that this time. Here’s where I want you and Camicazi to start. That rift between Dr. O’Mara and Charge Nurse Naydrad. I feel that is at the center of what is going on here.”
Fishlegs said “Then this is also about that Educator Tape technology and the fact that females in that realm have not been allowed to use it. I’ve learned from the later books that Nurse Naydrad and Dr. Murchison are upset over that ban.”
Camicazi said “I’m upset over that ban, and I have no need to use it.”
Useless said “Fishlegs, I understand that you have spoken with Dr. O’Mara a few times, so he may be comfortable discussing the psychological reasons for that ban if you are leading that conversation. Camicazi, Try to be civil, and please leave your sword in your quarters.”
“You still think like a boy.”
Useless ignored the jab as he continued “I intend to use Dr. Crusher’s communication link with Dr. Thornnastor to learn something about the medical or pathological reasons for that ban.”
Camicazi responded “I can tell you why. It’s because men usually let another part of their bodies do their thinking.”

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Distress Call

Chapter 11

Forerunner Gemb and Nurse Naydrad did not become good friends during the journey to Valeng, but they did settle into a proper nurse/patient relationship. The fact that Kelgians are herbivores did a lot to let the Forerunner begin to feel comfortable when she was around. When the Forerunner had been released from forced bed rest, but was still under restrictions, it was given first a tour of the equipment on the Casualty deck, then the next day, Captain Fletcher took it on a tour of the Rhabwar. The view through the control deck’s direct vision port gave Forerunner Gemb its first good look at the Endeavor.
“Good soil!” the Forerunner declared “The size and the complexity of that ship. Valeng must look like a world full of beginning students to them.”
“Every space going race has to start somewhere.” replied Captain Fletcher “You have figured out how to do it, and you took the leap to look for new friends. In their eyes, and in ours, that makes you worthy of getting to know.” After a pause while the Forerunner continued to study the Endeavor, Fletcher added “And your Discourse gear has impressed both us and them.”
“So, how does the Monitor Corps compare with Starfleet?”
“They are way ahead of us in ship and computer technology, but they have nothing like our Mind tapes. They are also amazed that we were able to make Sector Twelve General Hospital a reality. I believe I know your next question. My answer is, in terms of friendship, we are all coming together as equals.”
“That is good to know. I’m sure you know that Captain Issacson has offered me a tour of that ship after my doctors release me from this ship. Will I risk insulting him if I say that I need to inspect the repairs to my ship first?”
“Not at all. As the Captain of his ship, he feels the same sense of duty.”
***
Dr. O’Mara had very mixed feelings as he listened to the briefing from Rhabwar. He sat with Captain Picard and Dr. Crusher in the Captain’s Ready Room for the Briefing. The Prime Team was listening in Conference Room Six, and Sector Marshal Dermod was listening with his Command Staff on Vespasian. Dragon Army was listening as well on Vespasian. Marshal Dermod had insisted that both teams be included as he was continuing to assess the possibility of integrating such teams into Monitor Corps operations. Additionally, Thornnastor and its staff were also taking part from their lab on Sector General.
Overall, O’Mara had been pleased with the progress Captain Fletcher and Dr. Conway reported. His concerns started to rise when he learned that Valentine had spent much time using the Discourse gear, and that She, Dr. Murchison, and Nurse Naydrad had been continuing to use the gear. His fear was that this technology sounded too much like the Educator Tape technology. At an appropriate point, he interrupted with “I insist that you discontinue letting Valentine, Murchison and Naydrad use this Discourse gear until we have been able to give this technology further study. The potential for damage to the female mind is– ”
“Friend O’Mara,” Dr. Prilicla cut in “You know well that friend Conway and I are holding Educator tapes and I can assure you that the Discourse technology is nowhere as severe in its impact on the mind and physiology of the recipient. While the gear enables the sharing of feelings, sensations, visual and audio experiences along with thoughts, the sensation is like that of holding a conversation. I will relate my personal experience. Memories of a conversation with Friend Gemb, or with Friend Gesden are retained after I remove the gear from my head, but nothing else is retained and I have experienced no confusion afterward.”
Dr. Conway added “The only confusion any of us have reported feeling has been brief disorientation until we each gained an understanding of the Valanglen’s language and more so, their method of vision. By the way. The transition to using the gear can be eased by having direct mind to mind contact with a Valanglen before using the gear for the first time. I can report that once I was beyond that disorientation, I began to realize the Discourse gear has potential to be used as both a teaching and a diagnostic tool. Dr. Gesden and I have already had discussions on this potential. Imagine being able to see what a patient sees during an eye exam.”
Captain Fletcher said “Need I point out that the Valanglen VAAGs do not have a spoken language, so our usual translation technology is ineffective with them. Starfleet’s Translators are equally ineffective in regards to communicating with Valanglens. That means, as long as Forerunner Gemb remains a patient, Naydrad and Valentine will have to use the gear to communicate with it.”
Dr. Crusher said “May I offer this suggestion? We already have a baseline detailed brain scan of Valentine on record. And, Doctors Conway and Prilicla let me take scans of their brains so I could study your Educator Tape process. Have someone use a tricorder to take detailed brain scans of Rhabwar’s medical staff on the A, C, D and J bands. Do it both with and without the Discourse gear in use. Thorny’s team on Sector General, and my team here on Enterprise will do detailed analysis of the comparisons.”
Diagnostician Thornnastor replied “I concur with Dr. Crusher’s suggestion.”
“Until then,” said Dr. O’Mara “Valentine, Murchison and Naydrad are to discontinue using the devices. Is that clear? Especially Valentine. We are responsible for her well being while she is assigned to Rhabwar and Sector General.”
“You don’t get your way that easy this time, Dr. O’Mara. I have a say in this and I will say it.” demanded Nurse Naydrad. Even through the translation, Naydrad’s statement carried strength, and some of the other phrases she said did not translate. “I think you are overbearing, overreacting, and are being blinded by your over-protective nature, Dr. O’Mara. Valentine and Dr. Murchison may decide to follow your order, but I will not. As the Charge Nurse of this Casualty Deck, it is my responsibility to oversee and take part in Patient Gemb’s last details of treatment then discharge it from our care. I will continue using the gear until my duties have been discharged. That is unless you wish to convince Sector Marshal Dermod to authorize a variance from Sector General and Galactic Federation Medical Council policies.”
Dermod said “Carry out your duties, Charge Nurse Naydrad.”
Forerunner Gemb had been on the gear and taking part in the briefing. It said “A Scairsum is indeed less fearsome than a Sector General Charge Nurse.” Laughter was heard from every location in the briefing. Even Dr. O’Mara had a suggestion of a smile on his face, but despite his seeing the humor in the Forerunner’s statement, he still held concerns about this technology.
***
Dr. Crusher studied the scans sent from Rhabwar. She reported “The changes look normal for telepathic contact, Dr. Thornnastor. I’m sending you a link so you can inspect some additional images for yourself. They are a series of scans made by Starfleet Medical before, during, and after a Vulcan DBDG made telepathic contact with a Human DBDG.”
“Have there been any lasting after effects from such contact?”
“Yes, but those were times when one party, usually the sender, acted with malicious intent. Normal links for the sharing of information end with the normal quick drop-off of activity in the activated nerve centers. All that is included in the report to which those scan images are attached.”
“Thank you, Doctor. We will compare this information against all we have on telepathy here and I’m sure your team will do the same there. Oh. One other thing. We have the contact information you sent us for the Vulcan Science Academy, but we are unsure of the time system on their world. Is there a comparison chart available so that we could compute the best time to attempt contact with various Federation worlds?”
“I know of several that are available on LCARS. The one I use the most can be found with the title Federation Medical Center Time Charts. That one includes general shift schedules as well as general public contact times.”
“Thank you Doctor. We’ll be in touch again to prepare for the next Command Level Briefing. Thorny off.”
“I’ll see you then. Crusher out.”
***
“How can I be of assistance, Captain Fletcher?” Captain Picard asked from his desk in his Ready Room. He noted the tag on his screen showing the source of the secure signal.
“I wish to take a few minutes of your time to talk about the Discourse gear.”
“That matter is pending the results of the investigations here and on Sector General. I cannot, and will not override that decision.”
“I’m not asking you to do that and I would think just as poorly of you if I thought you were asking me to do that.”
“Then, what do you want to discuss?”
“That technology beyond the medical concerns. Believe me. There is much more we have to consider.”
“I’m listening.”
“Captain, you know that I have used that technology. I can assure you that it is everything Conway and Prilicla say it is. They have not yet seen these new concerns because they have been immersed in the good intentions of the medical profession most of their lives, and they’ve been insulated in that cocoon of cooperation known as Sector General for at least half their lives. So, don’t blame them for not seeing these concerns. Captain Issacson has used it. I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that I’m talking with you from his Ready Room. He and I both see the risk. My first thought was to go through Dr. O’Mara, but that is not possible now after the way Naydrad shut him down. And he did deserve that, but this is a security issue that must be examined - by all the sides.”
“Is William with you?”
“I’m here Jean-Luc. Think about this. The Valanglen have a technology that can send volumes of information from mind to mind with no text, visuals or spoken word to be attached to the signal. They are new to off-world contacts, so they do not have the experience to fully comprehend the problem. Those Discourse units required only slight modification to get them to interface with Rhabwar’s communications system. Similar modifications were required to get them to interface with our system on Endeavor. Now here’s the problem. With even less modification, those units could be used to send feeds through the Sub-space Network without having to interface with the network.”
“I’m beginning to see your concern. What I don’t see is why you didn’t go directly to Marshal Dermod with your concern.”
“Two reasons. Naydrad and O’Mara.” replied Fletcher “That blow-up between them has complicated things out here. Marshal Dermod is too close to the First Contact aspect of this affair and he saw their turf battle as a disruption to establishing relations with the Valanglen and Deldain. He thinks I was a part of it, but he’s not sure which side I was on. I tried to contact him, but his Communications Officer told me I had to wait until the medical investigation had concluded. O’Mara will not talk with me because he knows - correctly - that I sided with Naydrad on the issue of females using the technology. By the way. That blow-up is related to the ban on females using the Mind Tape technology. And in disclosure, I’ll tell you that I side with Naydrad and Murchison on that dispute. Back to the current situation. When it comes to standing their ground, Dermod and O’Mara can be two of a kind. What we think we need is an end-run around the problem. If you agree the potential is real, here’s what we need you to do. Quietly arrange for the Prime Team, and maybe the Dragon Army, to stumble onto the problem. Make sure they have just enough information to find the big picture.”
Captain Issacson said “I wouldn’t presume to tell you what to do, Jean-Luc. Instead, I will tell you that if you were out here and I were back there and heard about this technology, I’d be thinking about ways the technology could be used.”
Fletcher said “I understand each team has their strengths. I’d use that.” After a pause, he added “Members of each team will be free to contact Rhabwar, Trafalur and Tragenhad to gather information for your task.”
“The same stands for them contacting Endeavor. Issacson out.”
After looking at the blank screen for a moment, Picard said “Computer. Location and status of Andrew Wiggin.”
“Andrew Wiggin is currently in the lounge across from his quarters. He is scheduled to beam to Vespasian in an hour for another meeting with Dragon Army.”
Picard tapped his communicator then said “This is the Captain. Andrew Wiggin and Useless are to report to my Ready Room at once.”
Both quickly responded “I’m on my way, sir.”
Picard then contacted Vespasian “Marshal Dermod. I want to let you know that I am tasking Prime Team and Dragon Army with exploring potential uses of the Discourse technology. I feel it would be wise to have some concrete ideas in mind when we brief our governments about this technology.”
“Wise thinking, Captain.”
“I am assigning the usual components. Prime Team will look at the positive while Dragon Army will look at the negative. Andrew Wiggin will coordinate their activities. Both teams will be contacting the ships at the scene to gather information for their task. If you would rather Dragon Army not use parts of your bandwith for their information gathering, you may send them back to Enterprise.”
“Thank you for your consideration, Captain Picard. Dragon Army will be free to do their task from here. The only stipulation I will place on them is that they break from that task to participate in the Command Level Briefings.”
“As I will expect of the Prime Team. Picard out.”
***
“Patient Gemb.” said Nurse Naydrad “Your vitals are within the normal range for an adult Valanglen VAAG. You have met the physical goals. Now I have a short series of questions. First Please state the key points of Dr. Conway’s and Dr. Gesden’s orders for your post discharge recovery program.”
After the Forerunner answered the request and the three questions that followed, Nurse Naydrad added her signature to the appropriate places on the discharge paperwork. Then she said “Forerunner Gemb. You are now fully discharged from your course of treatment on Rhabwar.”
Dr. Conway stepped forward then said “The medical staff of Rhabwar wishes you the best during your continued period of recovery.” The Rhabwar medical staff had decided to carry out a formal discharge ceremony.
“My thanks to you, Doctor Conway, to you, Charge Nurse Naydrad, and to all of you on Rhabwar. My thanks also to the crews on the other ships that came to us in this time of need.”
Captain Fletcher and Captain Issacson walked with Forerunner Gemb and Dr. Gesden off the Casualty Deck. The medical staff stayed behind. They all removed their Discourse gear after the forerunner was well clear of the deck.
***
“So there, you have the orders for Prime Team, Useless.” said Captain Picard “Andrew will deliver my orders to Bean and the Dragon Army on Vespasian. Useless, you are dismissed.”
“Yes sir.”
“Andrew Wiggin. You will remain here to receive your orders as the coordinator between the teams.”
“Yes sir.”
After Useless left the Ready Room, Picard continued “Mr. Wiggin. What I am about to tell you is not to be shared with anyone - that means not with Bean, not with Useless, and especially not with anyone on Marshal Dermod’s staff. Understand.”
“Yes sir.”
“The basic first. Dragon Army’s part of this assignment is the most critical. It is essential that they find the key negative aspects of this technology then present a compelling case for Starfleet and the Monitor Corps to take deeper looks at those negatives. Understood.”
“Yes sir.”
“Good. Now here is the tricky part. Because Dragon Army is on Vespasian being evaluated by the Monitor Corps, it is important that they be seen doing their own work. That means that I cannot tell them what we want them to look for. I cannot tell you exactly what we are concerned about either, but I can tell you two key points that they will need to investigate. I trust you to devise creative yet convincing ways to guide their thinking should they go wide. First. How do those units interface with communication networks. Second. How will using this equipment affect current security procedures, and be sure they do not start with this one, the other discussion is critical to fully understanding the security issues”
“I think I can see where this is going, sir. May I ask. Why are we taking such covert measures when this is serious enough to send up red flags from the start?”
“It is best if you are not told too much. However. I will share the same two clues that were given to me when I raised the same question. Dr. O’Mara and Charge Nurse Naydrad. If you think about their exchange through the viewpoints of others involved, you are likely to gain an understanding. If the Dragon Army is seen uncovering this threat on their own, certain egos may not be bruised and other careers may not be lost.”
“I understand, sir.”
“Good. One last thing, and you can share this with both teams. Members of Dragon Army and Prime Team are authorized to contact anyone on Rhabwar, Trafalur, Tragenhad, and Endeavor to request information required for this task. Sector Marshal Dermod has already been given basic knowledge of that authorization and I intend to make it fully clear to all involved during the next Command Level Briefing. You have your orders. Dismissed.”
“Yes sir.”
***
“Sir. I’m surprised that you, of all people, would come to see me like this.”
Picard replied “I assure you that I have not come here to influence the outcome of the medical examination.”
“Then why are you asking me if I could delay the findings.?”
“Beverly, trust me. For your freedom to speak out about your findings, it is best if you do not know the details. Some serious non-medical concerns have been raised. The Prime Team and Dragon Army have been tasked with investigating those concerns. Please ignore the contradiction you will hear when I announce their task. While I want the truth on the medical concern to be reached then released, my concern is that if those conclusions are reached then released too soon, the work of the Prime Team and Dragon may be pushed aside. If that happens, those more serious concerns may not be addressed until it is too late. And trust me. A finding that women cannot use that technology will not cancel out the other threat.”
“Are you willing to talk with Dr. Thornnastor about this on a secure channel?”
“Yes.”
“Doing it from here in my office would be more in line with other communications Thorny and I have had.”
***
“Friend Conway. May we talk privately - before the Command Level Briefing?” Dr. Prilicla asked while Conway was ordering his meal.
“Sure. You can place your bowl and cup on my tray. We’ll go to my quarters to talk while we eat.”
In Dr. Conway’s quarters, Prilicla said “I have noticed changes in the emotional radiation emanating from the Monitor Corps members of this crew. I’ve noticed the same change from the crews of Trafalur and Tragenhad. Captain Issacson and a few others from Endeavor are also exhibiting this change. But there is more. Their anxiety levels seem to be increasing as we get closer to the briefing.”
“My first thought is that everyone is getting worried about another blow-up between Naydrad and Dr. O’Mara. Have you detected any change from Naydrad?”
“Friend Naydrad is feeling anger and frustration. I have had a discussion with it. Friend Naydrad is worried that this technology will also be denied to females and that will become another barrier to equal career advancement. The, well, for lack of a better word for the translation, the flavor of her feelings is quite different from those I’m reading from our friends in the Monitor Corps.”
Dr. Conway thought for a moment, then asked “Could those tests Thorny and Crusher asked us to carry out have anything to do with this?”
“I think they are related, but even that has me perplexed. Almost everyone expressed the usual displeasure at being informed of pending psychological tests. The exceptions were Friends Fletcher and Issacson. On being informed, they each emoted feelings of relief. It was as though one of their concerns had been lifted.”
“How did Naydrad react?”
“Friend Naydrad expressed its frustration over what it called a stupid waste of time. Friend Naydrad spoke that reaction and its emotional radiation matched the spoken feelings.”
After a few moments of deep thought, Conway asked “If Naydrad doesn’t benefit from this delaying tactic, how might O’Mara benefit from it?”
“That is unknown to me at this time. Apart from those concerns, I have detected no unusual changes in emoting or behavior among anyone who has used the Discourse gear. All indicators that I can see suggest that the results of the tests will support Friend Naydrad’s side of the argument.”
***
“We have been given a task.” Useless said quietly to Fishlegs and Camicazi while they sat in a lounge eating their meal “Captain Picard will officially announce it sometime during this Command Level Briefing.”
Camicazi asked “Are we to evaluate the Valanglen as a threat? You know I love a good battle, but even I cannot see a reason to go to war against them.”
“No. We are to evaluate possible positive uses of that Discourse gear. Dragon will be looking at the negative side of things. But, something did not feel right during my part of the briefing, and I was dismissed before Andrew was given his briefing as the coordinator.”
“So what are we going to do?” Fishlegs asked with his usual unsureness,
“Prime Team will carry out its orders. You and Camicazi have acted as our Devil’s Advocate many times so my guess is that no one in Starfleet will think anything about you doing that this time. Here’s where I want you and Camicazi to start. That rift between Dr. O’Mara and Charge Nurse Naydrad. I feel that is at the center of what is going on here.”
Fishlegs said “Then this is also about that Educator Tape technology and the fact that females in that realm have not been allowed to use it. I’ve learned from the later books that Nurse Naydrad and Dr. Murchison are upset over that ban.”
Camicazi said “I’m upset over that ban, and I have no need to use it.”
Useless said “Fishlegs, I understand that you have spoken with Dr. O’Mara a few times, so he may be comfortable discussing the psychological reasons for that ban if you are leading that conversation. Camicazi, Try to be civil, and please leave your sword in your quarters.”
“You still think like a boy.”
Useless ignored the jab as he continued “I intend to use Dr. Crusher’s communication link with Dr. Thornnastor to learn something about the medical or pathological reasons for that ban.”
Camicazi responded “I can tell you why. It’s because men usually let another part of their bodies do their thinking.”