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Distress Call

Chapter 18

“Yes. They have entered my office now,” said Colonel Skempton “and you can be sure that they will know the consequences of that, as Dr. Kerbin of Starfleet put it, three ring circus they staged yesterday. Skempton off.” The Colonel toggled a switch on the communications console built into his desk (but not before those standing before the desk heard “O’Mara off.”) then he began adding notes to the already well used pad in front of him.
Valentine felt even more down than she had felt since the end of the previous day’s surgery. If Dean Kerbin made that comment, it had to be due to her failing to use the tricorder to scan the patient while they were planning the procedure. She wondered if Starfleet Medical would let her complete her internship here. Another thought she had was that she had raised Dr. O’Mara’s legendary ire, but she wouldn’t get to experience it first hand.
Colonel Skempton looked up then said “Well. You five look well rested. Me, I’ve been working in this office all night.” His voice took on a sarcastic tone as he continued “It is good to know that there remains a constant in the midst of this merging of realms. Dr. Conway can still take what should be a simple case and turn it into an event with repercussions that are felt throughout this hospital. I’ve been– ”
“Sir.” interrupted Valentine “I must take responsibility for what happened yesterday. If I’d have followed Starfleet procedure and did a thorough series of scans of the patient, we would have been aware of the lung damage and the blocked artery and would have built the appropriate steps into the procedure.”
“I have read your after surgery report, but please tell me why you decided not to do those scans.”
“I– ” Valentine paused to be sure of her wording “Part of the reason for my assignment as an intern with the Rhabwar crew is to learn how things are done in the Monitor Corps, and here at Sector General. With a Diagnostician and two Senior Physicians following Sector General procedures, I decided that following Sector General procedures would be a wise move. I now deeply regret that mistake.”
“Regrets can serve two purposes,” replied Skempton “they can be the foundation for self-doubt, or, they can be the starting point for learning new ways. What purpose is it going to serve here?” He quickly added “Don’t answer that.” when he saw Valentine was about to respond. “That question is addressed to all of us.” After a pause to let everyone consider his statement, he said “A Starfleet Starship is currently in route– ”
“I’m being sent home.” Valentine did not realize she had said her thoughts out loud.
“Cadet Valentine. Please let me finish at least one statement during this meeting.”
“Yes sir.”
“As I was saying. A Starfleet ship, the Asimov, is heading here with a shipment of those scopes and a team of instructors. They are also bringing a shipment of tricorders and LCARS terminals with another team of instructors. Once here, the Asimov will remain on station to make its holodecks available for training and planning surgeries as a stop-gap measure until something called a holoship is reconfigured to suit our needs. That too, is a stop-gap measure, though that one will be in place much longer. Most of my work overnight has been to pull together a working agreement that will lead to three new decks being added to this hospital. Two of those decks will house holodecks and hololabs. The third deck will house the computer cores and the support infrastructure for those systems.
“And that brings me to why the five of you are standing before me.” the Colonel continued “To begin with, you five and your team will have the highest priority in access to the Asimov’s holodecks while you plan then prepare for the next round of surgery on the DBLF patient.” He focused his attention then said “Cadet Valentine, Dr. O’Mara has approved your retaining the mind tapes, for the time being.”
“Until the second surgery has been completed?”
“No. As long as you feel they are useful to your medical work.”
“Yes sir.”
“Dr. Bendell, you have been a Diagnostician at large. As you will be one of the first two Diagnosticians to receive training on and use holodecks, you will have an opportunity to claim a speciality, if you’d like; Diagnostician in charge of Simulation and Advanced training. I do not expect a decision now. I’d like you to first learn the system and explore the possibilities for its integration into our training program”
“Yes sir.”
“Thorny, I’d like you to take on two tasks. First, until Dr. Bendell is up to speed - if it decides to take on the challenge - I’d like you to work with the crew of the Asimov to insure that accurate simulations are being presented. Second. I understand that in using the systems installed in your lab, you have gained a lot of experience with Starfleet communications policies and protocols. I’d like you to work with me to establish communication policies and protocols between us and both Starfleet, and the United Federation of Planets. We must not have a repeat of having a Charge Nurse in the middle of a surgery passing a message on to me from the President of the United Federation of Planets.”
“Yes sir.”
Valentine noted the Colonel’s wording ‘I’d like you to. . .’ - one does not give orders to a Sector General Diagnostician.
“Doctor Medalont, you haven’t had any experience with the holodeck technology, but you will as soon as the Asimov arrives. You have had some basic training on the scope and you’ve seen even more directly than those watching on repeater screens what it can and cannot do. You are to, during the course of your normal activities, talk about these technologies. Be honest about what they can and cannot do, and more importantly, explain to everyone why access to these technologies will be limited for the time being.”
Dr. Medalont did a series of clicks with its pinchers and this translated as “Yes Colonel.”
“Dr. Conway. I expect you to talk about these technologies, but I also want you to talk up your experiences while Rhabwar was with Enterprise and the Ender Wiggin. Starfleet and Starfleet Medical have expressed an interest in initiating an exchange program with this hospital and with the Corps in general. I understand that they have no shortage of volunteers interested in spending time at this hospital. We need to build up the interest among our medical staff in spending some time with Starfleet learning more about their ways. More than that. I have been told that their third Rapid Response Rescue Ship is under construction and they would like to get input from us to make that one cross compatible for operations in both federations. That means not only in systems, but they hope it will have a fairly mixed crew. See if you can talk up some interest in those opportunities.”
“Yes sir.”
“And that brings me back to you, Valentine. Starfleet Academy has asked us to have you present a video lecture to the cadets and staff there. I counter suggested something a little different. The crew and staff of Rhabwar should hold a discussion with the cadets. My staff was issued instructions to send out the requests just after you entered this office. So far, Dr. Murchison, Dr. Prilicla, Nurse Naydrad, and Captain Fletcher have each responded ‘Yes.’”
“You can add me to those yes responses.” said Dr. Conway.
The Colonel continued “The one thing that I will ask of you, Valentine, is that you make it clear to the cadets that it was a series of circumstances that placed you in the spotlight yesterday. In order that you will be able to give them a clear idea of what to expect on their arrival here, I ask Dr. Thornnastor to consider placing you with a group of trainees for part of each day. Our belief here is that by starting with those lessons and menial tasks, a trainee gains a stronger understanding of why our policies and procedures are in place.”
Dr. Thornnastor said “Dr. Conway has been pressing me to make the same decision. Consider the matter decided, Colonel Skempton.” then it said to Valentine “We still have to do our post-op self critique, and I’m sure I will need your help in answering the questions about the scope that have already started coming into the lab, but you should expect to be placed with a group of trainees in about two days time.”
“Good.” replied Colonel Skempton “But for now, Trainee Valentine, When you leave this office in a few minutes, you and Dr. Conway are to visit your DBLF patient. It is awake and has been informed the basics of what happened yesterday. It has many questions, and, I’m told, as may thank-yous for you two.”
***
Being with a different trainee group gave Valentine less time to be with Nurse Jauld and the friends she had made among Dr. Conway’s trainees. There were occasional times she’d catch up with them in the cafeteria, but even then it would be in passing. However. During one occasion when they were able to share a meal break, a question came up on how MacEwan and Grawlya-Ki would feel about the United Federation of Planets. This led to a lengthy discussion during which Valentine made a passing comment. "I’ve read the two stories that tell their history and how it led to the founding of this hospital. That has given me a whole new appreciation of that solidograph of the Orligian War Memorial. Thinking about all that gave me this probably too corny idea. What if we brought a bunch of beings here together to raise funds to donate copies of that solidograph to the Federation. Say, one to the Office of the President of the United Federation of Planets, one to Starfleet Headquarters, one to the Academy, and one to each world in that Federation. With each one donated, we could include a write up of the history of MacEwan and Grawlya-Ki.” after seeing the expressions of the faces of those around her, she said “I know it’s a silly idea, but I think it would be a nice gesture.”
Nurse/Trainee Jauld replied “Be careful what you wish for. I can think of at least three worlds, Andor being one of them, where that history would twisted be into silly comedy productions.” This comment changed the direction of the conversation and it was still focused on silly comedies when Valentine had to leave to report for her shift in the Calder AUGL Ward.
***
During the course of his travel throughout the United Federation of Planets, Dr. O’Mara had chosen and made the initial inquiry with candidates for donating Educator Tapes to Sector General’s library. So far, he had gotten only one outright negative response. The other five were thinking about it. Now, with his return to Earth, he faced a schedule of two days of meetings at Starfleet Headquarters and Starfleet Medical in San Francisco, then one with President Bala and her staff in France. After that, would be the beginning of the official visit to the Wilderwest.
Admiral Terrag was waiting on the flight line when the Runabout landed at Starfleet. After the greetings with Sector Marshal Dermod and Dr. O’Mara, Admiral Terrag said “We have gotten a request from the Colonials. They have asked if you two, and others in your crew, Marshal Dermod, would visit our large bay holodeck facility to inspect the simulations of the new architecture and interface systems for the James White. They would like some input from people familiar with the races that will be using it. It’s better to make any needed changes before they start fabricating the hardware.”
Dr. O’Mara said “I thought the ship was called the Disney.”
“As a recreation ship, it was the Disney. With its new mission as a simulation platform for medical education and research, we decided to give the ship a new name and registry. We’ve named it after the writer who had a vision of a hospital as a place that can bring beings together in peace.”
Marshal Dermod said “Are they expecting the others to come down here now to inspect it?”
“No. I suspect it would be better for all if they come down in small groups to look it over.”
“Shall we look at it now? Get it out of the way?”
“I was hoping you’d say that. The large bay is on the other side of the Headquarters Campus. That shuttle over there is waiting to take us to it.”
On his first look at the simulation, Dr. O’Mara was impressed with the designs. Then he started noticing some little things that needed adjustment. “Those recesses are not wide nor deep enough to accommodate the gripping action of a Hudlar tentacle.” He said as he inspected the lockers that would house the Hudlar food spray equipment. He opened the locker. “The handles and triggers on the sprayers will also need adjustments.”
Marshal Dermod suggested “I’m sure O’Mara and I will come up with a list of small details like this. The others may catch things we miss. When we have compiled the complete list, I will send a copy of it to Colonel Skimpton with a request that his troops there produce still images of the hardware and detailed recordings of the hardware being used.”
“I’m sure the design team would appreciate that.” replied Admiral Terrag.
***
Valentine stepped to the table in the simulation of DBLF O.R. 2. She looked around and up. There were the monitors and repeater screens, and she even saw doctors and trainees simulated in the Observation Gallery. Dr. Conway said “Uncanny. It even has the sounds of O.R.2.” He called Naydrad to position then he said to Valentine “This morning, we will focus on opening the patient and preparing the site for inserting the scope. I will demonstrate, then we will reset the simulation for you to do it. I know your experience so far has been cutting into DBDGs, so I will want you to do this simulation many times this morning to get use to the feel of opening a DBLF.”
“Yes sir.”
After Valentine’s unsuccessful first try, Dr. Conway called for a reset then said “Take a look at that blade. That is a DBLF blade. Notice those fine lines etched at an angle across it. The line closest to the tip is for scoring the upper layer to work on the muscle bands. The second line indicates the depth and angle for cutting through the band to do internal work.”
Valentine, Dr Conway and Nurse Naydrad spent the morning doing simulations on the Asimov. It took her many tries, but she got to where she could open the patient then prepare the entry way without hesitation. After the three of them had a meal in a lounge on the Asimov, then the shuttle ride back to the hospital, she reported to the AUGL Ward for her shift there. By this time, she had gotten used to working around these giant armored fish like beings. She had also accepted the practice of addressing the patients by number rather than by a name. The Chalder consider their names their most private possession to be shared with family, life-mates and the closest of friends. Along with the usual duties, she was expected to keep the patients engaged in an effort to keep them from getting bored within their ward which, as large as it seemed to Valentine, seemed to the Chalder to be a small box compared to the wide expanse of the oceans of their home world. In response to questions about her background from AUGL-147, she had gotten a waterproof Padd from the Asimov and had been using it to read the text of the book Ender’s Game. She started Chapter One with just that patient listening, but most of the ambulatory AUGLs had come over to listen before she finished the chapter. She limited her reading to one chapter per shift to keep them engaged by leaving them wondering what would happen next. After concluding the book, she took time to explain how her realm had been different from the book.
***
Captain Picard had approached Fishlegs on the question of the source of the Valanglen for his own curiosity. This led to his being sure to be on Tomorrow when Marshal Dermod and Dr. O’Mara arrived. He stood with Fishlegs and listened while Dr. O’Mara and Useless had a conversation. They touched on another topic that held his curiosity. “So, Useless. How did things go with Cressida Cowell’s visit?”
“That went rather well. There were times when I saw how amazed she was to see, and even talk with, things and beings that at one time had existed only in her imagination. And I think she and Furious got along quite well.”
“So, what did you and she talk about?”
“I will tell you that our talk was long, but fun and exciting. However. I promised her that I’d not tell anyone what we said. Not until after the new editions have been published. She plans to have a new preface for each book in the series and each of those prefaces will be drawn from her conversations here in the Wilderwest.”
“Then I will wait for those editions to be released before I buy a set of my own.”
Picard said to Fishlegs “That means I shall be buying a second set of the series.”
After the introductions concluded, Useless hosted a gathering of Fishlegs, Camicazi, Andrew Wiggin, Marshal Dermod, Dr. O’Mara and Captain Picard for a meal in a side room in the Grand Complex. The search for the source of the Valanglen came up in discussion.
Dr. O’Mara said “So Fishlegs, I hope you’ve found a story for the Valanglen because We’ve found nothing with them among the stories in the realm of the Galactic Federation. We even checked the literature of Earth as it had been in that realm.”
Fishlegs replied “Not a trace.”
Captain Picard said “I had become curious and began searching on my own. I’ve found nothing within the combined literature of the worlds of the United Federation of Planets. I made a few inquires with some scholars and was informed that none are known within the literature of the Klingon Empire, and none among Romulan literature.”
Camicazi said “I’ve known Fishlegs was interested in them, but you and Dr. O’Mara too? I’m still not sure, what’s the big deal? They were out there and we met them.”
“The big deal” replied Picard “is that if they are not the product of the imagination of anyone, any race, who has come to this realm, then Earth may have had its first true First Contact event without realizing it.”
Andrew said “But we’ve met Alison. We have had contact with that being and she is not from the stories either.”
“I don’t count.” Everyone turned to face Alison who had appeared near the wall. Alison continued “I’ve been only projecting myself here and I’ve not been projecting my true form.”
Useless said “You’ve said you don’t count, but you’ve said nothing about the people of Velang. Are they truly from a different world?”
“Yes they are, but this still not what you’d call a true First Contact situation. Just as all of you in this room are not native to this realm, they are not native to the realm they now call home.”
Fishlegs asked “You mean they are from stories?”
“Yes.”
“Who’s stories?”
“I know all of you will not like this, but I cannot tell you. If I did tell you, you might influence things and cause someone to go looking for them. They are not ready to have that kind of contact. They do not even know that they have brought the Valanglen and Deldain into their realm. We had been aware of them, but we were sure they had three or four more generations before they would start making the discoveries that would lead to the connections. Maybe it has something to do with the strength of their telepathy, but somehow, they have made some connections without the discoveries, and without realizing they have done it.”
Picard’s voice held a serious tone while he said “In the times we have talked, I’ve never heard you sound like this. You are frightened. Of what we could do?”
“No. Frightened of what they could do if they felt threatened. Captain Picard, while you and the others are not natives of the realm you now call home, I know that at least you and Andrew know the history of this Earth from the late 1940s to the mid 1960s. Commonly referred to as the Cold War. Think about the science fiction of that era. The aliens were mostly bug-eyed monsters wanting to take over the world for their own purposes. While some scholars will argue that such science fiction was really about the enemies already in the world, the truth is that there really was a fear of the unknown. If you need any proof, just look up what happened with the Orson Wells radio broadcast of War Of The Worlds. While there had been science fiction stories on Earth for decades before that era, the science was not in place to offer more than just a few people any serious thought of people going into space during their lifetime. Serious advances began early in their 20th Century, but it was not until the late 1950s that the dream began to appear a feasible reality. With the panic from the War Of The Worlds broadcast in mind, imagine what could have happened if beings from other worlds actually did show up on Earth during that time.”
Marshal Dermod said “You are suggesting they have just come out from a devastating war. That is a time when they could use outside help the most. That seems to be the time when they would be the most appreciative.”
“In your realm, that is likely true.” replied Captain Picard “However. I am sure that had some ships loaded with Melfins, or Kelgians, or even just one ship with Dr. Prilicla showed up on Earth during that period, there would have been at best a major panic, and worst a major conflict with the arrivals.”
“Our realm is that much different than this realm?”
“Yes, it is.” replied Alison. “Starfleet, with their practice of leading by example, and King Hiccup, with the lessons learned in the quests for the Kings Lost Things, have been making changes in this realm - changes for the better regarding this world finding its place in the community it will soon be entering. And now the Monitor Corps and Sector Twelve General Hospital have joined the effort in leading by example.”
“You see, Marshal Dermod,” said Picard “during the time of the Cold War, and the vicious bug-eyed monsters, there was a man, James White, a writer, who dared to think differently. He imagined a world where those from the other worlds were potential friends. He saw that there would still be misunderstandings in the process of making those friends, but he reasoned that beings intelligent enough to develop interplanetary space travel would be intelligent enough to eventually seek, and find common ground. They would be able to and maybe hoping from the start to make peace where there had been conflict.”
“It was not as easy for us as you make it sound, Captain Picard.” said Dr. O’Mara.
“But it did eventually happen.” replied Picard “I have read the stories of MacEwan and Grawlya-Ki. I’d say that while achieving their dream can still on some levels be called a work in progress, it can also be said to have been achieved. The recent surgery watched by many in both realms stands as a testament to that fact. That testament is what led President Bala, and the Federation Council, to quickly decide to join the Galactic Federation in supporting Sector Twelve General Hospital. But it was not just that surgery. The Monitor Corps had quickly decided to help us defend the Formics, then, the whole team on Rhabwar took the lead in rescuing the Formics trapped and injured in the attack. They showed us the dream of MacEwan and Grawlya-Ki, and I can speak for myself and the crew of Enterprise. We liked what we saw.”
“So now we are faced with this decision.” said Useless “How do we help Alison and that community we are approaching protect that other world?”
Andrew replied “By focusing on Velang. By letting those who think about it and reach the conclusion believe that conclusion. As far anyone but us in this room is concerned, Velang is this Earth’s official First Contact.”
“I like that.” said Fishlegs. “When that other world, maybe in a few generations time, establishes contact with Velang, they will see our friendship with Velang. That friendship could be the example that leads them to find friendship with us.”
Sector Marshal Dermod said “I can give orders to only one person in this room, so I shall state it as a request. We will protect the secret we learned this evening. We will rally behind the opinion that Velang is this Earth’s official First Contact.”
“Agreed.” replied Picard, Useless, Fishlegs, Camicazi, Andrew, and Dr. O’Mara.
“Thank you.” said Alison. “By holding to your agreement, you will be moving your world, your combined realm, one step closer to the community.” With that, she vanished.
***
After all Valentine’s weeks of practice, she served as the lead surgeon for the second operation on the DBLF patient. Everyone else was back to assist, or to monitor the procedure. Once again, an operation performed in Sector General’s DBLF O.R. 2 was watched by the medical communities in both Federations. This time, after the fact, no one referred to it as a three-ring-circus.
Three days later, everyone, including the DBLF patient, plus Dr. Murchison and the Rhabwar crew gathered in the Operating Room for the discussion with the Starfleet Cadets and many of the staff at Starfleet Medical. Dr. Conway opened the discussion with the introductions then the now recovering patient expressed its thanks to everyone who took part in developing this new procedure. With prompting questions from Dr. Thornnastor, the patient, Nurse Naydrad and the other Kelgians who assisted took part in explaining the promise of this new surgical technique and in explaining the shame and anguish that this new procedure would prevent many Kelgians from facing.
Valentine explained the circumstances that led to her being so prominent in the two surgeries, then she told the cadets about her daily routine as a trainee. Each time during these segments, and those that followed, many cadets were energetic with their questions. Then, as the discussion was winding down, a cadet approached the microphone then said “I do not have a question, I just want to express thanks to you, Valentine, for making the suggestion that has now become a reality. I speak for the cadets and staff at the Academy, the staff at Starfleet Medical, the Worlds of the United Federation of Planets, and for President Bala. Thank you for the solidographs of the Orligian War Memorial. The one given to the Academy is currently on display in the Library while we decide where it will be placed on permanent display.”
Valentine was speechless. She looked at Dr. Conway who said “My Trainees told me about your idea. We all loved the idea and we decided to make it happen, but to make sure that it would be a surprise for you.”
“Well, I am very surprised, and I am thrilled that it happened. I also want to say this to those who have read the stories behind that memorial, and those who will soon be reading about it. I can tell you that the spirit of MacEwan and Grawlya-Ki is alive and strong throughout Sector General.”
A round of general questions concluded the discussion. Afterward, a Physical Therapist returned the recovering patient to a gurney for the trip back to its ward. Captain Fletcher called for Rhabwar’s crew and medical staff to meet with him for lunch and a discussion of pending improvements to the ship. As the group neared the entrance to the cafeteria, a general call sounded over the PA system “Rhabwar Crew and Staff. Report to Rhabwar for rescue operations. Departure requested as soon as possible.”
Captain Fletcher said “So much for that meeting. We will eat while we get our briefing on the ship.”
Valentine paid attention to her surroundings while the group made their way to the ambulance ship. The unwritten rule was true. Even the Diagnosticians were moving out of the way. She said softly “Thank you for your vision, MacEwan and Grawlya-Ki.” Then she added in an even quieter voice “And thank you for your stories, James White.”

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Distress Call

Chapter 18

“Yes. They have entered my office now,” said Colonel Skempton “and you can be sure that they will know the consequences of that, as Dr. Kerbin of Starfleet put it, three ring circus they staged yesterday. Skempton off.” The Colonel toggled a switch on the communications console built into his desk (but not before those standing before the desk heard “O’Mara off.”) then he began adding notes to the already well used pad in front of him.
Valentine felt even more down than she had felt since the end of the previous day’s surgery. If Dean Kerbin made that comment, it had to be due to her failing to use the tricorder to scan the patient while they were planning the procedure. She wondered if Starfleet Medical would let her complete her internship here. Another thought she had was that she had raised Dr. O’Mara’s legendary ire, but she wouldn’t get to experience it first hand.
Colonel Skempton looked up then said “Well. You five look well rested. Me, I’ve been working in this office all night.” His voice took on a sarcastic tone as he continued “It is good to know that there remains a constant in the midst of this merging of realms. Dr. Conway can still take what should be a simple case and turn it into an event with repercussions that are felt throughout this hospital. I’ve been– ”
“Sir.” interrupted Valentine “I must take responsibility for what happened yesterday. If I’d have followed Starfleet procedure and did a thorough series of scans of the patient, we would have been aware of the lung damage and the blocked artery and would have built the appropriate steps into the procedure.”
“I have read your after surgery report, but please tell me why you decided not to do those scans.”
“I– ” Valentine paused to be sure of her wording “Part of the reason for my assignment as an intern with the Rhabwar crew is to learn how things are done in the Monitor Corps, and here at Sector General. With a Diagnostician and two Senior Physicians following Sector General procedures, I decided that following Sector General procedures would be a wise move. I now deeply regret that mistake.”
“Regrets can serve two purposes,” replied Skempton “they can be the foundation for self-doubt, or, they can be the starting point for learning new ways. What purpose is it going to serve here?” He quickly added “Don’t answer that.” when he saw Valentine was about to respond. “That question is addressed to all of us.” After a pause to let everyone consider his statement, he said “A Starfleet Starship is currently in route– ”
“I’m being sent home.” Valentine did not realize she had said her thoughts out loud.
“Cadet Valentine. Please let me finish at least one statement during this meeting.”
“Yes sir.”
“As I was saying. A Starfleet ship, the Asimov, is heading here with a shipment of those scopes and a team of instructors. They are also bringing a shipment of tricorders and LCARS terminals with another team of instructors. Once here, the Asimov will remain on station to make its holodecks available for training and planning surgeries as a stop-gap measure until something called a holoship is reconfigured to suit our needs. That too, is a stop-gap measure, though that one will be in place much longer. Most of my work overnight has been to pull together a working agreement that will lead to three new decks being added to this hospital. Two of those decks will house holodecks and hololabs. The third deck will house the computer cores and the support infrastructure for those systems.
“And that brings me to why the five of you are standing before me.” the Colonel continued “To begin with, you five and your team will have the highest priority in access to the Asimov’s holodecks while you plan then prepare for the next round of surgery on the DBLF patient.” He focused his attention then said “Cadet Valentine, Dr. O’Mara has approved your retaining the mind tapes, for the time being.”
“Until the second surgery has been completed?”
“No. As long as you feel they are useful to your medical work.”
“Yes sir.”
“Dr. Bendell, you have been a Diagnostician at large. As you will be one of the first two Diagnosticians to receive training on and use holodecks, you will have an opportunity to claim a speciality, if you’d like; Diagnostician in charge of Simulation and Advanced training. I do not expect a decision now. I’d like you to first learn the system and explore the possibilities for its integration into our training program”
“Yes sir.”
“Thorny, I’d like you to take on two tasks. First, until Dr. Bendell is up to speed - if it decides to take on the challenge - I’d like you to work with the crew of the Asimov to insure that accurate simulations are being presented. Second. I understand that in using the systems installed in your lab, you have gained a lot of experience with Starfleet communications policies and protocols. I’d like you to work with me to establish communication policies and protocols between us and both Starfleet, and the United Federation of Planets. We must not have a repeat of having a Charge Nurse in the middle of a surgery passing a message on to me from the President of the United Federation of Planets.”
“Yes sir.”
Valentine noted the Colonel’s wording ‘I’d like you to. . .’ - one does not give orders to a Sector General Diagnostician.
“Doctor Medalont, you haven’t had any experience with the holodeck technology, but you will as soon as the Asimov arrives. You have had some basic training on the scope and you’ve seen even more directly than those watching on repeater screens what it can and cannot do. You are to, during the course of your normal activities, talk about these technologies. Be honest about what they can and cannot do, and more importantly, explain to everyone why access to these technologies will be limited for the time being.”
Dr. Medalont did a series of clicks with its pinchers and this translated as “Yes Colonel.”
“Dr. Conway. I expect you to talk about these technologies, but I also want you to talk up your experiences while Rhabwar was with Enterprise and the Ender Wiggin. Starfleet and Starfleet Medical have expressed an interest in initiating an exchange program with this hospital and with the Corps in general. I understand that they have no shortage of volunteers interested in spending time at this hospital. We need to build up the interest among our medical staff in spending some time with Starfleet learning more about their ways. More than that. I have been told that their third Rapid Response Rescue Ship is under construction and they would like to get input from us to make that one cross compatible for operations in both federations. That means not only in systems, but they hope it will have a fairly mixed crew. See if you can talk up some interest in those opportunities.”
“Yes sir.”
“And that brings me back to you, Valentine. Starfleet Academy has asked us to have you present a video lecture to the cadets and staff there. I counter suggested something a little different. The crew and staff of Rhabwar should hold a discussion with the cadets. My staff was issued instructions to send out the requests just after you entered this office. So far, Dr. Murchison, Dr. Prilicla, Nurse Naydrad, and Captain Fletcher have each responded ‘Yes.’”
“You can add me to those yes responses.” said Dr. Conway.
The Colonel continued “The one thing that I will ask of you, Valentine, is that you make it clear to the cadets that it was a series of circumstances that placed you in the spotlight yesterday. In order that you will be able to give them a clear idea of what to expect on their arrival here, I ask Dr. Thornnastor to consider placing you with a group of trainees for part of each day. Our belief here is that by starting with those lessons and menial tasks, a trainee gains a stronger understanding of why our policies and procedures are in place.”
Dr. Thornnastor said “Dr. Conway has been pressing me to make the same decision. Consider the matter decided, Colonel Skempton.” then it said to Valentine “We still have to do our post-op self critique, and I’m sure I will need your help in answering the questions about the scope that have already started coming into the lab, but you should expect to be placed with a group of trainees in about two days time.”
“Good.” replied Colonel Skempton “But for now, Trainee Valentine, When you leave this office in a few minutes, you and Dr. Conway are to visit your DBLF patient. It is awake and has been informed the basics of what happened yesterday. It has many questions, and, I’m told, as may thank-yous for you two.”
***
Being with a different trainee group gave Valentine less time to be with Nurse Jauld and the friends she had made among Dr. Conway’s trainees. There were occasional times she’d catch up with them in the cafeteria, but even then it would be in passing. However. During one occasion when they were able to share a meal break, a question came up on how MacEwan and Grawlya-Ki would feel about the United Federation of Planets. This led to a lengthy discussion during which Valentine made a passing comment. "I’ve read the two stories that tell their history and how it led to the founding of this hospital. That has given me a whole new appreciation of that solidograph of the Orligian War Memorial. Thinking about all that gave me this probably too corny idea. What if we brought a bunch of beings here together to raise funds to donate copies of that solidograph to the Federation. Say, one to the Office of the President of the United Federation of Planets, one to Starfleet Headquarters, one to the Academy, and one to each world in that Federation. With each one donated, we could include a write up of the history of MacEwan and Grawlya-Ki.” after seeing the expressions of the faces of those around her, she said “I know it’s a silly idea, but I think it would be a nice gesture.”
Nurse/Trainee Jauld replied “Be careful what you wish for. I can think of at least three worlds, Andor being one of them, where that history would twisted be into silly comedy productions.” This comment changed the direction of the conversation and it was still focused on silly comedies when Valentine had to leave to report for her shift in the Calder AUGL Ward.
***
During the course of his travel throughout the United Federation of Planets, Dr. O’Mara had chosen and made the initial inquiry with candidates for donating Educator Tapes to Sector General’s library. So far, he had gotten only one outright negative response. The other five were thinking about it. Now, with his return to Earth, he faced a schedule of two days of meetings at Starfleet Headquarters and Starfleet Medical in San Francisco, then one with President Bala and her staff in France. After that, would be the beginning of the official visit to the Wilderwest.
Admiral Terrag was waiting on the flight line when the Runabout landed at Starfleet. After the greetings with Sector Marshal Dermod and Dr. O’Mara, Admiral Terrag said “We have gotten a request from the Colonials. They have asked if you two, and others in your crew, Marshal Dermod, would visit our large bay holodeck facility to inspect the simulations of the new architecture and interface systems for the James White. They would like some input from people familiar with the races that will be using it. It’s better to make any needed changes before they start fabricating the hardware.”
Dr. O’Mara said “I thought the ship was called the Disney.”
“As a recreation ship, it was the Disney. With its new mission as a simulation platform for medical education and research, we decided to give the ship a new name and registry. We’ve named it after the writer who had a vision of a hospital as a place that can bring beings together in peace.”
Marshal Dermod said “Are they expecting the others to come down here now to inspect it?”
“No. I suspect it would be better for all if they come down in small groups to look it over.”
“Shall we look at it now? Get it out of the way?”
“I was hoping you’d say that. The large bay is on the other side of the Headquarters Campus. That shuttle over there is waiting to take us to it.”
On his first look at the simulation, Dr. O’Mara was impressed with the designs. Then he started noticing some little things that needed adjustment. “Those recesses are not wide nor deep enough to accommodate the gripping action of a Hudlar tentacle.” He said as he inspected the lockers that would house the Hudlar food spray equipment. He opened the locker. “The handles and triggers on the sprayers will also need adjustments.”
Marshal Dermod suggested “I’m sure O’Mara and I will come up with a list of small details like this. The others may catch things we miss. When we have compiled the complete list, I will send a copy of it to Colonel Skimpton with a request that his troops there produce still images of the hardware and detailed recordings of the hardware being used.”
“I’m sure the design team would appreciate that.” replied Admiral Terrag.
***
Valentine stepped to the table in the simulation of DBLF O.R. 2. She looked around and up. There were the monitors and repeater screens, and she even saw doctors and trainees simulated in the Observation Gallery. Dr. Conway said “Uncanny. It even has the sounds of O.R.2.” He called Naydrad to position then he said to Valentine “This morning, we will focus on opening the patient and preparing the site for inserting the scope. I will demonstrate, then we will reset the simulation for you to do it. I know your experience so far has been cutting into DBDGs, so I will want you to do this simulation many times this morning to get use to the feel of opening a DBLF.”
“Yes sir.”
After Valentine’s unsuccessful first try, Dr. Conway called for a reset then said “Take a look at that blade. That is a DBLF blade. Notice those fine lines etched at an angle across it. The line closest to the tip is for scoring the upper layer to work on the muscle bands. The second line indicates the depth and angle for cutting through the band to do internal work.”
Valentine, Dr Conway and Nurse Naydrad spent the morning doing simulations on the Asimov. It took her many tries, but she got to where she could open the patient then prepare the entry way without hesitation. After the three of them had a meal in a lounge on the Asimov, then the shuttle ride back to the hospital, she reported to the AUGL Ward for her shift there. By this time, she had gotten used to working around these giant armored fish like beings. She had also accepted the practice of addressing the patients by number rather than by a name. The Chalder consider their names their most private possession to be shared with family, life-mates and the closest of friends. Along with the usual duties, she was expected to keep the patients engaged in an effort to keep them from getting bored within their ward which, as large as it seemed to Valentine, seemed to the Chalder to be a small box compared to the wide expanse of the oceans of their home world. In response to questions about her background from AUGL-147, she had gotten a waterproof Padd from the Asimov and had been using it to read the text of the book Ender’s Game. She started Chapter One with just that patient listening, but most of the ambulatory AUGLs had come over to listen before she finished the chapter. She limited her reading to one chapter per shift to keep them engaged by leaving them wondering what would happen next. After concluding the book, she took time to explain how her realm had been different from the book.
***
Captain Picard had approached Fishlegs on the question of the source of the Valanglen for his own curiosity. This led to his being sure to be on Tomorrow when Marshal Dermod and Dr. O’Mara arrived. He stood with Fishlegs and listened while Dr. O’Mara and Useless had a conversation. They touched on another topic that held his curiosity. “So, Useless. How did things go with Cressida Cowell’s visit?”
“That went rather well. There were times when I saw how amazed she was to see, and even talk with, things and beings that at one time had existed only in her imagination. And I think she and Furious got along quite well.”
“So, what did you and she talk about?”
“I will tell you that our talk was long, but fun and exciting. However. I promised her that I’d not tell anyone what we said. Not until after the new editions have been published. She plans to have a new preface for each book in the series and each of those prefaces will be drawn from her conversations here in the Wilderwest.”
“Then I will wait for those editions to be released before I buy a set of my own.”
Picard said to Fishlegs “That means I shall be buying a second set of the series.”
After the introductions concluded, Useless hosted a gathering of Fishlegs, Camicazi, Andrew Wiggin, Marshal Dermod, Dr. O’Mara and Captain Picard for a meal in a side room in the Grand Complex. The search for the source of the Valanglen came up in discussion.
Dr. O’Mara said “So Fishlegs, I hope you’ve found a story for the Valanglen because We’ve found nothing with them among the stories in the realm of the Galactic Federation. We even checked the literature of Earth as it had been in that realm.”
Fishlegs replied “Not a trace.”
Captain Picard said “I had become curious and began searching on my own. I’ve found nothing within the combined literature of the worlds of the United Federation of Planets. I made a few inquires with some scholars and was informed that none are known within the literature of the Klingon Empire, and none among Romulan literature.”
Camicazi said “I’ve known Fishlegs was interested in them, but you and Dr. O’Mara too? I’m still not sure, what’s the big deal? They were out there and we met them.”
“The big deal” replied Picard “is that if they are not the product of the imagination of anyone, any race, who has come to this realm, then Earth may have had its first true First Contact event without realizing it.”
Andrew said “But we’ve met Alison. We have had contact with that being and she is not from the stories either.”
“I don’t count.” Everyone turned to face Alison who had appeared near the wall. Alison continued “I’ve been only projecting myself here and I’ve not been projecting my true form.”
Useless said “You’ve said you don’t count, but you’ve said nothing about the people of Velang. Are they truly from a different world?”
“Yes they are, but this still not what you’d call a true First Contact situation. Just as all of you in this room are not native to this realm, they are not native to the realm they now call home.”
Fishlegs asked “You mean they are from stories?”
“Yes.”
“Who’s stories?”
“I know all of you will not like this, but I cannot tell you. If I did tell you, you might influence things and cause someone to go looking for them. They are not ready to have that kind of contact. They do not even know that they have brought the Valanglen and Deldain into their realm. We had been aware of them, but we were sure they had three or four more generations before they would start making the discoveries that would lead to the connections. Maybe it has something to do with the strength of their telepathy, but somehow, they have made some connections without the discoveries, and without realizing they have done it.”
Picard’s voice held a serious tone while he said “In the times we have talked, I’ve never heard you sound like this. You are frightened. Of what we could do?”
“No. Frightened of what they could do if they felt threatened. Captain Picard, while you and the others are not natives of the realm you now call home, I know that at least you and Andrew know the history of this Earth from the late 1940s to the mid 1960s. Commonly referred to as the Cold War. Think about the science fiction of that era. The aliens were mostly bug-eyed monsters wanting to take over the world for their own purposes. While some scholars will argue that such science fiction was really about the enemies already in the world, the truth is that there really was a fear of the unknown. If you need any proof, just look up what happened with the Orson Wells radio broadcast of War Of The Worlds. While there had been science fiction stories on Earth for decades before that era, the science was not in place to offer more than just a few people any serious thought of people going into space during their lifetime. Serious advances began early in their 20th Century, but it was not until the late 1950s that the dream began to appear a feasible reality. With the panic from the War Of The Worlds broadcast in mind, imagine what could have happened if beings from other worlds actually did show up on Earth during that time.”
Marshal Dermod said “You are suggesting they have just come out from a devastating war. That is a time when they could use outside help the most. That seems to be the time when they would be the most appreciative.”
“In your realm, that is likely true.” replied Captain Picard “However. I am sure that had some ships loaded with Melfins, or Kelgians, or even just one ship with Dr. Prilicla showed up on Earth during that period, there would have been at best a major panic, and worst a major conflict with the arrivals.”
“Our realm is that much different than this realm?”
“Yes, it is.” replied Alison. “Starfleet, with their practice of leading by example, and King Hiccup, with the lessons learned in the quests for the Kings Lost Things, have been making changes in this realm - changes for the better regarding this world finding its place in the community it will soon be entering. And now the Monitor Corps and Sector Twelve General Hospital have joined the effort in leading by example.”
“You see, Marshal Dermod,” said Picard “during the time of the Cold War, and the vicious bug-eyed monsters, there was a man, James White, a writer, who dared to think differently. He imagined a world where those from the other worlds were potential friends. He saw that there would still be misunderstandings in the process of making those friends, but he reasoned that beings intelligent enough to develop interplanetary space travel would be intelligent enough to eventually seek, and find common ground. They would be able to and maybe hoping from the start to make peace where there had been conflict.”
“It was not as easy for us as you make it sound, Captain Picard.” said Dr. O’Mara.
“But it did eventually happen.” replied Picard “I have read the stories of MacEwan and Grawlya-Ki. I’d say that while achieving their dream can still on some levels be called a work in progress, it can also be said to have been achieved. The recent surgery watched by many in both realms stands as a testament to that fact. That testament is what led President Bala, and the Federation Council, to quickly decide to join the Galactic Federation in supporting Sector Twelve General Hospital. But it was not just that surgery. The Monitor Corps had quickly decided to help us defend the Formics, then, the whole team on Rhabwar took the lead in rescuing the Formics trapped and injured in the attack. They showed us the dream of MacEwan and Grawlya-Ki, and I can speak for myself and the crew of Enterprise. We liked what we saw.”
“So now we are faced with this decision.” said Useless “How do we help Alison and that community we are approaching protect that other world?”
Andrew replied “By focusing on Velang. By letting those who think about it and reach the conclusion believe that conclusion. As far anyone but us in this room is concerned, Velang is this Earth’s official First Contact.”
“I like that.” said Fishlegs. “When that other world, maybe in a few generations time, establishes contact with Velang, they will see our friendship with Velang. That friendship could be the example that leads them to find friendship with us.”
Sector Marshal Dermod said “I can give orders to only one person in this room, so I shall state it as a request. We will protect the secret we learned this evening. We will rally behind the opinion that Velang is this Earth’s official First Contact.”
“Agreed.” replied Picard, Useless, Fishlegs, Camicazi, Andrew, and Dr. O’Mara.
“Thank you.” said Alison. “By holding to your agreement, you will be moving your world, your combined realm, one step closer to the community.” With that, she vanished.
***
After all Valentine’s weeks of practice, she served as the lead surgeon for the second operation on the DBLF patient. Everyone else was back to assist, or to monitor the procedure. Once again, an operation performed in Sector General’s DBLF O.R. 2 was watched by the medical communities in both Federations. This time, after the fact, no one referred to it as a three-ring-circus.
Three days later, everyone, including the DBLF patient, plus Dr. Murchison and the Rhabwar crew gathered in the Operating Room for the discussion with the Starfleet Cadets and many of the staff at Starfleet Medical. Dr. Conway opened the discussion with the introductions then the now recovering patient expressed its thanks to everyone who took part in developing this new procedure. With prompting questions from Dr. Thornnastor, the patient, Nurse Naydrad and the other Kelgians who assisted took part in explaining the promise of this new surgical technique and in explaining the shame and anguish that this new procedure would prevent many Kelgians from facing.
Valentine explained the circumstances that led to her being so prominent in the two surgeries, then she told the cadets about her daily routine as a trainee. Each time during these segments, and those that followed, many cadets were energetic with their questions. Then, as the discussion was winding down, a cadet approached the microphone then said “I do not have a question, I just want to express thanks to you, Valentine, for making the suggestion that has now become a reality. I speak for the cadets and staff at the Academy, the staff at Starfleet Medical, the Worlds of the United Federation of Planets, and for President Bala. Thank you for the solidographs of the Orligian War Memorial. The one given to the Academy is currently on display in the Library while we decide where it will be placed on permanent display.”
Valentine was speechless. She looked at Dr. Conway who said “My Trainees told me about your idea. We all loved the idea and we decided to make it happen, but to make sure that it would be a surprise for you.”
“Well, I am very surprised, and I am thrilled that it happened. I also want to say this to those who have read the stories behind that memorial, and those who will soon be reading about it. I can tell you that the spirit of MacEwan and Grawlya-Ki is alive and strong throughout Sector General.”
A round of general questions concluded the discussion. Afterward, a Physical Therapist returned the recovering patient to a gurney for the trip back to its ward. Captain Fletcher called for Rhabwar’s crew and medical staff to meet with him for lunch and a discussion of pending improvements to the ship. As the group neared the entrance to the cafeteria, a general call sounded over the PA system “Rhabwar Crew and Staff. Report to Rhabwar for rescue operations. Departure requested as soon as possible.”
Captain Fletcher said “So much for that meeting. We will eat while we get our briefing on the ship.”
Valentine paid attention to her surroundings while the group made their way to the ambulance ship. The unwritten rule was true. Even the Diagnosticians were moving out of the way. She said softly “Thank you for your vision, MacEwan and Grawlya-Ki.” Then she added in an even quieter voice “And thank you for your stories, James White.”