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Distress Call

Chapter 15

Because Rhabwar’s patient was a non-critical transfer, they requested assignment of waiting coordinates amid the ever changing constellation of ships awaiting their turn to approach the massive hospital station. However, they would not have to wait as long as the freight carrying cargo ships which had to await their turn at an appropriate docking port, or cargo bay. Rhabwar would, after contact with Reception, wait only for both a controller and a route to their dedicated docking port to become available. During their wait, Captain Fletcher invited Valentine and Nurse Jauld up to Control for a good wide view direct look at the neverending dance of ships around the hospital.
When they returned to the Casualty Deck the patient said “That’s quite a sight, isn’t it.”
Valentine replied that it was, but Nurse Jauld had a brief moment of confusion before saying “That’s right. They told me you are normally assigned to Vespasian, so you’ve been able to see it for yourself.”
Captain Fletcher called over the intercom “It looks like Reception will be getting to us sooner than I expected. In the interest of informing our Starfleet visitors, I will now make the ship to station radio traffic available throughout the ship as a listen only feed.”
The audio had a clearly translated voice giving someone instructions to proceed to a specific point then switch to the frequency for the controlling officer for Docking Bay Seventeen. After a second voice read back the instructions, and a pause, the first voice said “Vessel at holding position 1-2-5, Please identify yourself, state the classifications of the beings on board, the reason for your visit, and the nature of your cargo - if any.”
“Cargo Ship Keevtan. Kelgian DBLF crew, no passengers. Delivery only with no entry to the station expected. Kelgian food and medical supplies.”
While reception gave its reply, the patient asked “Did Captain Fletcher tell you our holding position?”
“Yes.” replied Nurse Jauld “We are holding at the 134 degree position.”
“Then we have a few minutes. Do you know about the Monitor Corps policy in naming their ships?”
“No.” replied Valentine and Nurse Jauld.
“There are exceptions, with this ship being one of them, but Corps tradition has the first letter of a name matching the planet or race that built the ship. Trafalur and Tragenhad were built by Traltha. Tralthan ships are considered to be the most rugged , safe, and reliable ships in the Galactic Federation. The ship Reception is currently handling, Keevtan, is of Kelgian origin. Now. Rhabwar was built by the Tralthans, but because of the special nature of this ship, the Corps decided to name it in honor of the doctor who made the greatest contribution to the advancement of medical knowledge on Traltha.”
They discussed the reasoning behind this naming system for a few minutes until Nurse Naydrad interrupted “We’re next.”
After the exchange with yet another cargo vessel concluded, Reception called out “Vessel at position 1-3-4. Please identify yourself, state the classifications of the beings on board, the reason for your visit, and the nature of your cargo - if any.”
“Ambulance Ship Rhabwar. Normal crew plus three DBDG beings. Breakdown as follows. One Earth Human DBDG maternity patient, one Earth Human DBDG passenger and one Andorian DBDG passenger. We are returning from rescue operations and request docking at our normal port. The patient is ambulatory and requires no special treatment at this time. The other Earth Human DBDG is on temporary assignment to Rhabwar as an intern and its station side assignment is under Dr. Thornnastor. The third passenger, the Andorian DBDG, was brought here to serve as a test subject for tests to be conducted by the Pathology Lab. The cargo is light and will be handled by those on board as it is equipment destined for the Pathology Lab.”
The voice from Reception repeated Captain Fletcher’s words then after a pause, added “Understood. Please hold your current position until you are contacted by Control for Docking Sector G.”
Fletcher replied “Hold current position until contacted by Control, Docking Sector G. Understood.”
Dr. Murchison approached while the voice from Reception moved on to the ship at the next holding position. “Doctors Conway and Prilicla will accompany our patient. Dr. Thornnastor has asked me to bring you three directly to the Pathology Lab for an introductory meeting. Arrangements have been made to move your possessions to your quarters during that meeting.”
“I already know Dr. Thornnastor. I have work to get done, wards to check.” responded Naydrad, her fur rippling with chaotic energy.
“No.” replied Murchison “We are assigned to the lab for at least the next few days. And, no. Thorny would not give me any clue on what the tests are about.”
***
Valentine had thought she was prepared for the seemingly chaotic mob that flowed through the hallways, corridors, and other access ways throughout Sector General, but she found herself comparing it to the loosely organized flow of pedestrians and vehicles along the streets of New York City on any business day. Murchison, with a Senior Physician designator on her ID armband, led the way. Abruptly, at one intersection, they, and others, had to halt for the passing of a large armored enclosed tractor like vehicle (which was an environmental suit) driven by a TLTU doctor on its way along the intersecting corridor. The interior of the vehicle contained its super-heated steam atmosphere while the outside seemed to be covered with heating and cooling units. Currently the coolers were running to prevent heat related problems for others in the crowded corridors. In her mind, Valentine summed up the vehicle as ‘A compromise.’
Their route required them to get into environment suits for passage through the Aquatic Lifeforms Cafeteria, then again a little later for passage through a chlorine breather Illensian PVSJ ward. Their path did not take them near the Warm Blooded Oxygen Breather’s Cafeteria.
***
“Please forgive my abruptness in getting to the testing,” said Dr. Thornnastor - the Diagnostician in charge of Alien Pathology at Sector General “but I do have an important reason. We already have this information on hand for Dr. Murchison and Nurse Naydrad, so they are not required to take this initial test, but I am requiring them to be here during the test. Senior Physician Medalont will be assisting me with these tests.” Dr. Thornnastor used one of its eye stalks to gesture toward the large crab like being standing off to the side as it said the name. Then it said “Valentine, Dr. Medalont will administer the test to you while I administer the test for Nurse Jauld. Dr. Murchison will assist me and Nurse Naydrad will assist Dr. Medalont.
Valentine quickly figured out that that test was to determine her initial reaction to being exposed to the many lifeforms represented at Sector General. After Dr. Medalont stated that Valentine’s results were positive, Naydrad said “I could have told you that without the test. It has been around Dragon DDKGs, Dr. Prilicla, Formic GLEGs, Valanglen VAAGs, Nidian DBDGs, me, and worst of all, Dr. O’Mara without difficulty.”
Dr. Thornnastor spoke to the group again “One other test subject will now be joining us for this series of tests. Dr. Medalont, please bring in Patient Singebreath.” After the brief round of introductions, Dr. Thornnastor continued “The purpose of these tests is simple, but the results may have big effects on practices here at Sector General and throughout the Galactic Federation. In light of the different backgrounds of the beings from the other realms, and the apparent changes in beings from the Galactic Federation’s realm since coming into contact with those other realms, Dr. O’Mara has directed this lab to conduct an impartial new investigation of the question of females using the Educator Tape System.” The sound Nurse Naydrad made was not translated, but the rippling of her fur held a pattern that looked pleasing. Dr. Thornnastor continued “Patient Singebreath is not a female, and not a healer, but we are taking advantage of this opportunity to begin a database of Dragon DDKG compatibility with the system. Patient Singebreath has been fully briefed on the system and has agreed to take part in these tests.”
Dr. Thornnastor paused for a moment then turned one of its four eye stalks to Dr. Murchison before saying “Dr. Murchison, please stay here for a few minutes so we may update you on our other lab activities. I suggest the rest of you go to the cafeteria for a meal while you have the time. I’m not sure where you were on ship time, but for our shift in the lab, we are approaching the lunch break. I know Naydrad has its own favored route which the rest of you would have to crawl to get through some of the passages, so Patient Singebreath will show you the way, Valentine and Jauld. After lunch, we will test to gain a baseline for each of you. Tomorrow, you will each have your first experience with an Educator Tape.”
***
Naydrad was waiting at the entrance when the others arrived. “Lets stand off to the side and wait to be ready to grab that table over there. I can tell they are getting ready to leave.” While they waited, Singebreath pointed out that the DDKG classification had been added to the sign listing the classifications served by this cafeteria. That did not mean that beings of other classifications could not enter, it meant only that the environment and furnishings were best suited to the listed classification types. Valentine looked over the beings in the place and noticed many beings in environment suits seated or standing at tables taking part in conversations while using special gear to consume their meals. She also noticed a Hudlarian FROB emerging from a side chamber with a fresh coat of food paint on its hide as it headed to a table to join a conversation.
Dr. Murchison joined them as they made their way to the table. A group of Kelgians at the next table called for Singebreath to join their conversation, but he replied “Sorry, not this time. This will be a working meal, but you must stop by before you leave. Nurse Jauld is here for some tests and I know it is interested in learning as much as it can while it is here.”
“So. I’m an ‘It’ now?”
“That’s the way they talk here. It is– ”
“I’m just joking with you, Singebreath. Dr. Murchison explained the practice to me.”
One of the Kelgians at the other table said “You are both much more than its to us. You are both exciting new Extraterrestrials for us to learn about.”
While they ate, others stopped by briefly to congratulate them for their part in the successful First Contact with Valeng. Then, Dr Conway stopped by. He said “Congratulations on finally getting your big chance. I’ve just come here from a radio conversation with Dr. O’Mara. He contacted me and told me what is going on. He also asked me to be there tomorrow to assist in observing your reactions to the tapes.”
Jauld said “That is a wise move. We’ve only just met Doctors Thornnastor and Medalont, but you have worked with us for several days now.”
Murchison asked “Did he say what brought about his change in attitude?”
“I asked him, but he said he’d rather wait to tell us when he’s back here in his office. He said for now he is focusing on learning about the other realms. He’s in your homeland now, Ensign Singebreath. He called me from King Hiccup’s hut, and the little dragon called Toothless was sitting on his shoulder. Believe it or not, in the visual, Dr. O’Mara actually looked relaxed.”
A Kelgian at the next table said “I hope someone got a recording of that. I can’t imagine Dr. O’Mara looking relaxed.”
Valentine had another moment of recognition that she was with beings from a different realm. The terms radio and wireless encompassed what she and many others knew as TV and video/visual communications. She glanced over at the Kelgians at that other table and saw that there were two Nidians and a Human male sitting with them. She glanced at the other surrounding tables then understood the truth in what she had been told. It is rare to see a completely same species group occupying a table in the cafeteria. And all were in conversation.
Dr. Murchison asked “You’ve gotten quiet on us, Valentine. What’s on your mind?”
Valentine explained what she had been noticing and thinking, then she added “Talking shop or gossiping, it does not matter. Everybody interacts in this place. The beings look different, but it feels the same. For a moment, I felt like I was back at the Academy.”
Nurse Jauld said “I had been thinking the same thing.”
***
Useless led Dr. O’Mara to the Grand Complex where Stoick of Tall Berk and Snotface Snotlout were waiting to give Useless the update on events while he had been away. Most of the updates were continuations of the usual concerns among the tribes of the Wilderwest. Then, Snotlout said something that grabbed Useless’s attention and would not let go “We’ve been contacted by a company called Hodder Children’s Books. They are putting the How To Train Your Dragon books in print again. They are sending Cressida Cowell on a book tour that will take her around this world and to several other worlds. They would like her first stop to be here in the Wilderwest. Cressida had suggested having it on Berk, but your father, and Stoick here and I have talked her into doing it here on Tomorrow. We have a tentative agreement, but they understood that you would have to give the final approval. As your stand in, I have spoken with the chiefs about this and they all like the idea of having her come here.”
Useless gave his approval as he felt that it had already gained too much momentum to be stopped. Eventually, the conversation moved on to a discussion of proposals from various networks for coverage of the next Wilderwest Challenge sailing races. After that meeting concluded, Useless led Dr. O’Mara to the Prime Team’s Grand Complex workroom.
“You were not planning to bring me to this room,” observed Dr. O’Mara “but something has changed. I noticed when your whole mood changed, but I’ll leave it to you to talk about it.” He took a seat at Miguel’s old workstation.
Useless took his usual seat then sat looking at the far wall for a minute. Gradually, he focused on Dr. O’Mara then said “I’ve known that she was out there, somewhere in this realm, but I never really thought much about it. Just as Andrew, Bean, Petra, and the others have not bothered to contact the actors who portrayed them in the movie of their realm. I’ve never thought about it this way, but now that it seems inevitable, I can’t help but think about the fact that I will be coming face to face with my creator. How can someone prepare for that?”
“Were you one of the staff at Sector General and came to me with that question, I’d be concerned. However. We are sitting in a room on the Island of Tomorrow in the Barbaric Archipelago and you are indeed facing the prospect of meeting your creator in flesh and blood. I have no precedent to work with, so I will go back to the old - I should say younger Dr. O’Mara and improvise.” He sat in quiet thought for a moment then said “I understand that members of the Prime Team and Dragon Army are comfortable talking with either Imelda, or Commander Troi when you have concerns.”
“That is correct.”
“Well, I’d like you to imagine you have talked with one of them about this and have given that person permission to talk with me about your concerns. Tell me what that person would say.”
Useless thought for a few minutes then began “Well, I think Commander Troi would say– ”
“No. I mean be Commander Troi. Let her do your thinking for a bit.”
After some more quiet thought, Useless said “Hiccup has some serious concerns which I don’t think anyone else has faced in the same way before now. Hiccup is about to meet his creator, not in the dead and buried sense, but in real life. He feels that he will be judged by her. He wonders how anyone can prepare for that.”
“And your thoughts are?”
“His concerns are valid. Everything he was in that old realm, everyone that he knew, Toothless, Fishlegs, Camicazi, even Stoick, Snotlout Alvin and the Witch sprang from her mind. The dragons, the Romans and even the islands themselves were created within her mind. Hiccup is concerned that she will not approve of all that he has done, all that he has become.”
“You have given an accurate assessment of Hiccup’s concerns, but you came to me in search of answers to give him. In order to help you find those answers for him, I would like to hear your opinions on his concerns.”
Useless gave serious thought on what he felt Commander Troi would say. After this silent thought, he said “While it is true that everything he was and everything he knew in that old realm came from her mind, it is also true that he lived his life in full in that old realm. This life in this realm is a new life for him.” Another moment of silence then he continued “Hiccup has every reason to be grateful for what Cressida has given him, but he has to realize that what she gave him, all those experiences, all those memories, were his life in that other realm.” Useless’s expression conveyed a little more sureness as he continued “Hiccup has to realize that his life in this realm is a new life. He has to realize that if he owes anything to Cressida Cowell, it would be gratitude for all that she gave him - all that prepared him for his life in this realm. He has to realize that he is responsible for his successes and his failures in this life. He has to live his life in this realm, not be held to that life in the old realm.” Useless sat quietly thinking about all that he had just said.
Dr. O’Mara sat quietly for some time too, then he asked “And how would you, Useless, respond if Commander Troi told you those things?”
A little more thought, then he said “I guess I would have clung to my concerns for a bit, but I would have eventually seen that she was right.”
“If only it could be that easy with the doctors and nurses at Sector General.” O’Mara said then he turned on the screen where he sat. Being well versed in the LCARS system by now, he called up some of his notes. After reviewing them, he said “Let me remind you of something you said in a meeting not long ago. Something about the past.”
“The past is another country and they do things differently there, and the past is another time and we cannot co back to visit.”
“That is it. I suggest that you remember that when you meet Cressida Cowell. As I see it, your moment of doubt and concern was not a problem for you to worry about. It was a natural reaction to the situation. But you do realize that you have grown far beyond the life she gave you. That you found the answer so quickly in that role-playing session stands as proof of that fact. For now, I suggest that you keep in mind your comment that the things that happened in that old life were important, but you are not expected to do them again in this life, and keep in mind that impressive list of achievements you cited.”
“I will do that.”
***
“This is unsettling.” said Valentine “My head is too far above the floor. What am I standing on?”
“That is a normal initial reaction to a Nidian tape.” Dr. Conway said with a reassuring tone. “Now try walking. Begin with small steps. Let your mind reconnect with the fact that you are in control. That’s it. You are doing good.” When Valentine started to turn, Conway said “Catch her, Murchison, she’s teetering your way.” then he said “You are trying to let the Nidian think your movements. You have to keep in mind that you have a much higher center of gravity and you have more body mass.” After watching her movements, he said "You seem to be getting it. You are walking much smoother now. Okay. Time to turn around and walk back to the chair.”
Dr. Medalont reported “Her recovery of motor skills seems consistent with first experience situations. Lets see how she handles an activity with a greater challenge.” Valentine was back in the chair by now.
Dr. Conway placed a portable table in front of her then he placed a deck of cards on it. “Do you play Solitaire, Valentine?”
“Yes, but not all the time.”
“We’d like you to play a round.”
Valentine’s movements and decisions were slow and searching at the start, but she quickly found her rhythm. By the end of the round, her movements were smooth and sure.
Dr. Conway asked “Could you play another round?”
“Yes. It is helping me focus.” She shuffled the cards then began another round.
“Lets talk shop while you play.” said Dr. Medalont “I’ve been examining a Nidian DBDG who has exhibited occasional bouts of severe upper abdominal pain. So far, we have not correlated the events to any food or liquid intake. Have you any ideas that could assist me?”
“Is the pain centered above or below the Petren Gland?” she asked while she continued playing the game.
“The patient consistently indicates the pain is above the Petren.”
“I would cut a small incision just to the left of the Petren Gland then go in with a scope to inspect the upper intake valve. It may have a transient blockage causing it to swell and press against the seccot nerve bundle.”
“That is a good call, Valentine. Thank you.” Dr. Medalont stepped back.
Dr. Conway said “Valentine. Did you study Nidian medicine at Starfleet Medical?”
“No. I studied at – I mean the donor of this tape studied basic medicine at Schelling then earned three specialist degrees at Scottisfend Institute.”
Dr. Thornnastor said “She seems to have taken to internal translation without having to think about it, and she is already starting to understand the difference between her mind and the tape. Those are good signs.”
Dr. Conway asked “How are you feeling about this, Valentine. Do you want us to erase the tape, or do you feel like holding on to it for a while?”
“Please, I’d like to hold on to it for a while. I’ve been thinking about things I saw you and Dr. Prilicla do in the surgeries I assisted. I’m thinking about how this donor might have done things a little different. I’d like to talk with you, or someone about those ideas - see if any of them could work.”
“We can do that, but it will be after lunch. The cart just arrived with our meals.” Conway stepped away then walked to a side room where Dr. Prilicla was discretely observing the events. “Well?”
“Friend Valentine experienced only minor discomfort during the period of disorientation. That card game was a wise choice, friend Conway. So far, I have detected no return to discomfort among any of the test subjects. It will be Friend Thornnastor’s call, but I agree with the suggestion of letting them retain their tapes for at least a few more hours. I have to go to assist with a surgery, but I will be back to check on their progress.”
Conway smiled then said “Funny how this surgery happens to take you away from here in time to avoid their confusion while they try eating their meals.”
“Friend Conway. The tapes I am holding cause me enough confusion when I eat my meals, and, as you know, I sense the feelings of those with tapes around me when they eat. I have no desire to subject myself to the even greater confusion these five friends are about to experience during their meal.”
“You are a coward.” Conway said with a grin on his face.
“Thank you, friend Conway, for recognizing my practice of a time honored Cinrusskan survival skill.”
They both laughed.

Description
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Distress Call

Chapter 15

Because Rhabwar’s patient was a non-critical transfer, they requested assignment of waiting coordinates amid the ever changing constellation of ships awaiting their turn to approach the massive hospital station. However, they would not have to wait as long as the freight carrying cargo ships which had to await their turn at an appropriate docking port, or cargo bay. Rhabwar would, after contact with Reception, wait only for both a controller and a route to their dedicated docking port to become available. During their wait, Captain Fletcher invited Valentine and Nurse Jauld up to Control for a good wide view direct look at the neverending dance of ships around the hospital.
When they returned to the Casualty Deck the patient said “That’s quite a sight, isn’t it.”
Valentine replied that it was, but Nurse Jauld had a brief moment of confusion before saying “That’s right. They told me you are normally assigned to Vespasian, so you’ve been able to see it for yourself.”
Captain Fletcher called over the intercom “It looks like Reception will be getting to us sooner than I expected. In the interest of informing our Starfleet visitors, I will now make the ship to station radio traffic available throughout the ship as a listen only feed.”
The audio had a clearly translated voice giving someone instructions to proceed to a specific point then switch to the frequency for the controlling officer for Docking Bay Seventeen. After a second voice read back the instructions, and a pause, the first voice said “Vessel at holding position 1-2-5, Please identify yourself, state the classifications of the beings on board, the reason for your visit, and the nature of your cargo - if any.”
“Cargo Ship Keevtan. Kelgian DBLF crew, no passengers. Delivery only with no entry to the station expected. Kelgian food and medical supplies.”
While reception gave its reply, the patient asked “Did Captain Fletcher tell you our holding position?”
“Yes.” replied Nurse Jauld “We are holding at the 134 degree position.”
“Then we have a few minutes. Do you know about the Monitor Corps policy in naming their ships?”
“No.” replied Valentine and Nurse Jauld.
“There are exceptions, with this ship being one of them, but Corps tradition has the first letter of a name matching the planet or race that built the ship. Trafalur and Tragenhad were built by Traltha. Tralthan ships are considered to be the most rugged , safe, and reliable ships in the Galactic Federation. The ship Reception is currently handling, Keevtan, is of Kelgian origin. Now. Rhabwar was built by the Tralthans, but because of the special nature of this ship, the Corps decided to name it in honor of the doctor who made the greatest contribution to the advancement of medical knowledge on Traltha.”
They discussed the reasoning behind this naming system for a few minutes until Nurse Naydrad interrupted “We’re next.”
After the exchange with yet another cargo vessel concluded, Reception called out “Vessel at position 1-3-4. Please identify yourself, state the classifications of the beings on board, the reason for your visit, and the nature of your cargo - if any.”
“Ambulance Ship Rhabwar. Normal crew plus three DBDG beings. Breakdown as follows. One Earth Human DBDG maternity patient, one Earth Human DBDG passenger and one Andorian DBDG passenger. We are returning from rescue operations and request docking at our normal port. The patient is ambulatory and requires no special treatment at this time. The other Earth Human DBDG is on temporary assignment to Rhabwar as an intern and its station side assignment is under Dr. Thornnastor. The third passenger, the Andorian DBDG, was brought here to serve as a test subject for tests to be conducted by the Pathology Lab. The cargo is light and will be handled by those on board as it is equipment destined for the Pathology Lab.”
The voice from Reception repeated Captain Fletcher’s words then after a pause, added “Understood. Please hold your current position until you are contacted by Control for Docking Sector G.”
Fletcher replied “Hold current position until contacted by Control, Docking Sector G. Understood.”
Dr. Murchison approached while the voice from Reception moved on to the ship at the next holding position. “Doctors Conway and Prilicla will accompany our patient. Dr. Thornnastor has asked me to bring you three directly to the Pathology Lab for an introductory meeting. Arrangements have been made to move your possessions to your quarters during that meeting.”
“I already know Dr. Thornnastor. I have work to get done, wards to check.” responded Naydrad, her fur rippling with chaotic energy.
“No.” replied Murchison “We are assigned to the lab for at least the next few days. And, no. Thorny would not give me any clue on what the tests are about.”
***
Valentine had thought she was prepared for the seemingly chaotic mob that flowed through the hallways, corridors, and other access ways throughout Sector General, but she found herself comparing it to the loosely organized flow of pedestrians and vehicles along the streets of New York City on any business day. Murchison, with a Senior Physician designator on her ID armband, led the way. Abruptly, at one intersection, they, and others, had to halt for the passing of a large armored enclosed tractor like vehicle (which was an environmental suit) driven by a TLTU doctor on its way along the intersecting corridor. The interior of the vehicle contained its super-heated steam atmosphere while the outside seemed to be covered with heating and cooling units. Currently the coolers were running to prevent heat related problems for others in the crowded corridors. In her mind, Valentine summed up the vehicle as ‘A compromise.’
Their route required them to get into environment suits for passage through the Aquatic Lifeforms Cafeteria, then again a little later for passage through a chlorine breather Illensian PVSJ ward. Their path did not take them near the Warm Blooded Oxygen Breather’s Cafeteria.
***
“Please forgive my abruptness in getting to the testing,” said Dr. Thornnastor - the Diagnostician in charge of Alien Pathology at Sector General “but I do have an important reason. We already have this information on hand for Dr. Murchison and Nurse Naydrad, so they are not required to take this initial test, but I am requiring them to be here during the test. Senior Physician Medalont will be assisting me with these tests.” Dr. Thornnastor used one of its eye stalks to gesture toward the large crab like being standing off to the side as it said the name. Then it said “Valentine, Dr. Medalont will administer the test to you while I administer the test for Nurse Jauld. Dr. Murchison will assist me and Nurse Naydrad will assist Dr. Medalont.
Valentine quickly figured out that that test was to determine her initial reaction to being exposed to the many lifeforms represented at Sector General. After Dr. Medalont stated that Valentine’s results were positive, Naydrad said “I could have told you that without the test. It has been around Dragon DDKGs, Dr. Prilicla, Formic GLEGs, Valanglen VAAGs, Nidian DBDGs, me, and worst of all, Dr. O’Mara without difficulty.”
Dr. Thornnastor spoke to the group again “One other test subject will now be joining us for this series of tests. Dr. Medalont, please bring in Patient Singebreath.” After the brief round of introductions, Dr. Thornnastor continued “The purpose of these tests is simple, but the results may have big effects on practices here at Sector General and throughout the Galactic Federation. In light of the different backgrounds of the beings from the other realms, and the apparent changes in beings from the Galactic Federation’s realm since coming into contact with those other realms, Dr. O’Mara has directed this lab to conduct an impartial new investigation of the question of females using the Educator Tape System.” The sound Nurse Naydrad made was not translated, but the rippling of her fur held a pattern that looked pleasing. Dr. Thornnastor continued “Patient Singebreath is not a female, and not a healer, but we are taking advantage of this opportunity to begin a database of Dragon DDKG compatibility with the system. Patient Singebreath has been fully briefed on the system and has agreed to take part in these tests.”
Dr. Thornnastor paused for a moment then turned one of its four eye stalks to Dr. Murchison before saying “Dr. Murchison, please stay here for a few minutes so we may update you on our other lab activities. I suggest the rest of you go to the cafeteria for a meal while you have the time. I’m not sure where you were on ship time, but for our shift in the lab, we are approaching the lunch break. I know Naydrad has its own favored route which the rest of you would have to crawl to get through some of the passages, so Patient Singebreath will show you the way, Valentine and Jauld. After lunch, we will test to gain a baseline for each of you. Tomorrow, you will each have your first experience with an Educator Tape.”
***
Naydrad was waiting at the entrance when the others arrived. “Lets stand off to the side and wait to be ready to grab that table over there. I can tell they are getting ready to leave.” While they waited, Singebreath pointed out that the DDKG classification had been added to the sign listing the classifications served by this cafeteria. That did not mean that beings of other classifications could not enter, it meant only that the environment and furnishings were best suited to the listed classification types. Valentine looked over the beings in the place and noticed many beings in environment suits seated or standing at tables taking part in conversations while using special gear to consume their meals. She also noticed a Hudlarian FROB emerging from a side chamber with a fresh coat of food paint on its hide as it headed to a table to join a conversation.
Dr. Murchison joined them as they made their way to the table. A group of Kelgians at the next table called for Singebreath to join their conversation, but he replied “Sorry, not this time. This will be a working meal, but you must stop by before you leave. Nurse Jauld is here for some tests and I know it is interested in learning as much as it can while it is here.”
“So. I’m an ‘It’ now?”
“That’s the way they talk here. It is– ”
“I’m just joking with you, Singebreath. Dr. Murchison explained the practice to me.”
One of the Kelgians at the other table said “You are both much more than its to us. You are both exciting new Extraterrestrials for us to learn about.”
While they ate, others stopped by briefly to congratulate them for their part in the successful First Contact with Valeng. Then, Dr Conway stopped by. He said “Congratulations on finally getting your big chance. I’ve just come here from a radio conversation with Dr. O’Mara. He contacted me and told me what is going on. He also asked me to be there tomorrow to assist in observing your reactions to the tapes.”
Jauld said “That is a wise move. We’ve only just met Doctors Thornnastor and Medalont, but you have worked with us for several days now.”
Murchison asked “Did he say what brought about his change in attitude?”
“I asked him, but he said he’d rather wait to tell us when he’s back here in his office. He said for now he is focusing on learning about the other realms. He’s in your homeland now, Ensign Singebreath. He called me from King Hiccup’s hut, and the little dragon called Toothless was sitting on his shoulder. Believe it or not, in the visual, Dr. O’Mara actually looked relaxed.”
A Kelgian at the next table said “I hope someone got a recording of that. I can’t imagine Dr. O’Mara looking relaxed.”
Valentine had another moment of recognition that she was with beings from a different realm. The terms radio and wireless encompassed what she and many others knew as TV and video/visual communications. She glanced over at the Kelgians at that other table and saw that there were two Nidians and a Human male sitting with them. She glanced at the other surrounding tables then understood the truth in what she had been told. It is rare to see a completely same species group occupying a table in the cafeteria. And all were in conversation.
Dr. Murchison asked “You’ve gotten quiet on us, Valentine. What’s on your mind?”
Valentine explained what she had been noticing and thinking, then she added “Talking shop or gossiping, it does not matter. Everybody interacts in this place. The beings look different, but it feels the same. For a moment, I felt like I was back at the Academy.”
Nurse Jauld said “I had been thinking the same thing.”
***
Useless led Dr. O’Mara to the Grand Complex where Stoick of Tall Berk and Snotface Snotlout were waiting to give Useless the update on events while he had been away. Most of the updates were continuations of the usual concerns among the tribes of the Wilderwest. Then, Snotlout said something that grabbed Useless’s attention and would not let go “We’ve been contacted by a company called Hodder Children’s Books. They are putting the How To Train Your Dragon books in print again. They are sending Cressida Cowell on a book tour that will take her around this world and to several other worlds. They would like her first stop to be here in the Wilderwest. Cressida had suggested having it on Berk, but your father, and Stoick here and I have talked her into doing it here on Tomorrow. We have a tentative agreement, but they understood that you would have to give the final approval. As your stand in, I have spoken with the chiefs about this and they all like the idea of having her come here.”
Useless gave his approval as he felt that it had already gained too much momentum to be stopped. Eventually, the conversation moved on to a discussion of proposals from various networks for coverage of the next Wilderwest Challenge sailing races. After that meeting concluded, Useless led Dr. O’Mara to the Prime Team’s Grand Complex workroom.
“You were not planning to bring me to this room,” observed Dr. O’Mara “but something has changed. I noticed when your whole mood changed, but I’ll leave it to you to talk about it.” He took a seat at Miguel’s old workstation.
Useless took his usual seat then sat looking at the far wall for a minute. Gradually, he focused on Dr. O’Mara then said “I’ve known that she was out there, somewhere in this realm, but I never really thought much about it. Just as Andrew, Bean, Petra, and the others have not bothered to contact the actors who portrayed them in the movie of their realm. I’ve never thought about it this way, but now that it seems inevitable, I can’t help but think about the fact that I will be coming face to face with my creator. How can someone prepare for that?”
“Were you one of the staff at Sector General and came to me with that question, I’d be concerned. However. We are sitting in a room on the Island of Tomorrow in the Barbaric Archipelago and you are indeed facing the prospect of meeting your creator in flesh and blood. I have no precedent to work with, so I will go back to the old - I should say younger Dr. O’Mara and improvise.” He sat in quiet thought for a moment then said “I understand that members of the Prime Team and Dragon Army are comfortable talking with either Imelda, or Commander Troi when you have concerns.”
“That is correct.”
“Well, I’d like you to imagine you have talked with one of them about this and have given that person permission to talk with me about your concerns. Tell me what that person would say.”
Useless thought for a few minutes then began “Well, I think Commander Troi would say– ”
“No. I mean be Commander Troi. Let her do your thinking for a bit.”
After some more quiet thought, Useless said “Hiccup has some serious concerns which I don’t think anyone else has faced in the same way before now. Hiccup is about to meet his creator, not in the dead and buried sense, but in real life. He feels that he will be judged by her. He wonders how anyone can prepare for that.”
“And your thoughts are?”
“His concerns are valid. Everything he was in that old realm, everyone that he knew, Toothless, Fishlegs, Camicazi, even Stoick, Snotlout Alvin and the Witch sprang from her mind. The dragons, the Romans and even the islands themselves were created within her mind. Hiccup is concerned that she will not approve of all that he has done, all that he has become.”
“You have given an accurate assessment of Hiccup’s concerns, but you came to me in search of answers to give him. In order to help you find those answers for him, I would like to hear your opinions on his concerns.”
Useless gave serious thought on what he felt Commander Troi would say. After this silent thought, he said “While it is true that everything he was and everything he knew in that old realm came from her mind, it is also true that he lived his life in full in that old realm. This life in this realm is a new life for him.” Another moment of silence then he continued “Hiccup has every reason to be grateful for what Cressida has given him, but he has to realize that what she gave him, all those experiences, all those memories, were his life in that other realm.” Useless’s expression conveyed a little more sureness as he continued “Hiccup has to realize that his life in this realm is a new life. He has to realize that if he owes anything to Cressida Cowell, it would be gratitude for all that she gave him - all that prepared him for his life in this realm. He has to realize that he is responsible for his successes and his failures in this life. He has to live his life in this realm, not be held to that life in the old realm.” Useless sat quietly thinking about all that he had just said.
Dr. O’Mara sat quietly for some time too, then he asked “And how would you, Useless, respond if Commander Troi told you those things?”
A little more thought, then he said “I guess I would have clung to my concerns for a bit, but I would have eventually seen that she was right.”
“If only it could be that easy with the doctors and nurses at Sector General.” O’Mara said then he turned on the screen where he sat. Being well versed in the LCARS system by now, he called up some of his notes. After reviewing them, he said “Let me remind you of something you said in a meeting not long ago. Something about the past.”
“The past is another country and they do things differently there, and the past is another time and we cannot co back to visit.”
“That is it. I suggest that you remember that when you meet Cressida Cowell. As I see it, your moment of doubt and concern was not a problem for you to worry about. It was a natural reaction to the situation. But you do realize that you have grown far beyond the life she gave you. That you found the answer so quickly in that role-playing session stands as proof of that fact. For now, I suggest that you keep in mind your comment that the things that happened in that old life were important, but you are not expected to do them again in this life, and keep in mind that impressive list of achievements you cited.”
“I will do that.”
***
“This is unsettling.” said Valentine “My head is too far above the floor. What am I standing on?”
“That is a normal initial reaction to a Nidian tape.” Dr. Conway said with a reassuring tone. “Now try walking. Begin with small steps. Let your mind reconnect with the fact that you are in control. That’s it. You are doing good.” When Valentine started to turn, Conway said “Catch her, Murchison, she’s teetering your way.” then he said “You are trying to let the Nidian think your movements. You have to keep in mind that you have a much higher center of gravity and you have more body mass.” After watching her movements, he said "You seem to be getting it. You are walking much smoother now. Okay. Time to turn around and walk back to the chair.”
Dr. Medalont reported “Her recovery of motor skills seems consistent with first experience situations. Lets see how she handles an activity with a greater challenge.” Valentine was back in the chair by now.
Dr. Conway placed a portable table in front of her then he placed a deck of cards on it. “Do you play Solitaire, Valentine?”
“Yes, but not all the time.”
“We’d like you to play a round.”
Valentine’s movements and decisions were slow and searching at the start, but she quickly found her rhythm. By the end of the round, her movements were smooth and sure.
Dr. Conway asked “Could you play another round?”
“Yes. It is helping me focus.” She shuffled the cards then began another round.
“Lets talk shop while you play.” said Dr. Medalont “I’ve been examining a Nidian DBDG who has exhibited occasional bouts of severe upper abdominal pain. So far, we have not correlated the events to any food or liquid intake. Have you any ideas that could assist me?”
“Is the pain centered above or below the Petren Gland?” she asked while she continued playing the game.
“The patient consistently indicates the pain is above the Petren.”
“I would cut a small incision just to the left of the Petren Gland then go in with a scope to inspect the upper intake valve. It may have a transient blockage causing it to swell and press against the seccot nerve bundle.”
“That is a good call, Valentine. Thank you.” Dr. Medalont stepped back.
Dr. Conway said “Valentine. Did you study Nidian medicine at Starfleet Medical?”
“No. I studied at – I mean the donor of this tape studied basic medicine at Schelling then earned three specialist degrees at Scottisfend Institute.”
Dr. Thornnastor said “She seems to have taken to internal translation without having to think about it, and she is already starting to understand the difference between her mind and the tape. Those are good signs.”
Dr. Conway asked “How are you feeling about this, Valentine. Do you want us to erase the tape, or do you feel like holding on to it for a while?”
“Please, I’d like to hold on to it for a while. I’ve been thinking about things I saw you and Dr. Prilicla do in the surgeries I assisted. I’m thinking about how this donor might have done things a little different. I’d like to talk with you, or someone about those ideas - see if any of them could work.”
“We can do that, but it will be after lunch. The cart just arrived with our meals.” Conway stepped away then walked to a side room where Dr. Prilicla was discretely observing the events. “Well?”
“Friend Valentine experienced only minor discomfort during the period of disorientation. That card game was a wise choice, friend Conway. So far, I have detected no return to discomfort among any of the test subjects. It will be Friend Thornnastor’s call, but I agree with the suggestion of letting them retain their tapes for at least a few more hours. I have to go to assist with a surgery, but I will be back to check on their progress.”
Conway smiled then said “Funny how this surgery happens to take you away from here in time to avoid their confusion while they try eating their meals.”
“Friend Conway. The tapes I am holding cause me enough confusion when I eat my meals, and, as you know, I sense the feelings of those with tapes around me when they eat. I have no desire to subject myself to the even greater confusion these five friends are about to experience during their meal.”
“You are a coward.” Conway said with a grin on his face.
“Thank you, friend Conway, for recognizing my practice of a time honored Cinrusskan survival skill.”
They both laughed.