HOME | DD

Description
Distress Call

Chapter 3

“You wanted to see me?” Ender said as he entered Conference Room Six.
“Yes Ender.” replied Useless “Something has happened and we think we now know who is out there.”
“Who?”
“The Empire.”
“What would they have to do with this?”
“No idea, but the Lantree has reported that several ships, including three of the arrowhead shaped heavy warships, punched through the fog then held their position briefly before retreating back into the fog.”
“That’s all they did?”
“They sent a message while they were in our space.”
“To who?”
“To Earth. They offered to mediate our problem if we agreed to call off our war and fall back closer to Earth. They added ‘...otherwise, we will take immediate measures to prevent your action.’”
“So. The International Fleet has teamed up with the Empire. This could be bad.” Ender quickly scanned the room then asked “What has the Captain said about this?”
“They are as perplexed as we are. The Bridge is listening to our conversation, but they are not letting us hear their discussion.”
“Wise.” Ender gave it a moment of thought then said “But still, given what you showed me earlier this morning, it may not be as bad as it could have been. They may have just shown us all that they have.”
“Useless, Ender.” Robert called out “We have just gotten an image. I’ve switched it to the main screen.”
They looked at the image. After a quiet moment, Ender said out loud “I’ve been acting stupidly.” He stepped closer to the screen as he said “That one ship is different. Zoom in on that ship and try to enhance the detail.” While the changes were made, he looked at the list of fragments on one of the side screens.
“That’s as good as we can get it, Commander.” reported Robert.
Ender touched some of the details on the screen as he studied them. The resolution was too poor for him to make out the details of the markings, but the shapes of the splotches seemed right. He looked back to the list then said “My Dear Thor. They are not from the Empire. Clues have been right here in front of me, but I’ve been too focused on the Formics to see it.”
Useless asked “What clues?”
“Captain Picard.” Ender called out. “I need to speak with you and Captain Kondeff.”
“We’ve been listening, Ender.”
“Sirs. I want to send a message to one of those ships. I know who they are.”
“Who are they?”
“It would take up some time to explain, so please listen closely while I issue orders to the Prime Team. You will find the answer.” He then jumped to it knowing that Mr. Data would search everything he said and advise the Captain. “I need all of you to search for information on Sector Twelve General Hospital. You will find information on a series of books and stories. Be ready to add any details that I may need to the screens. For now, I will need to have the list of the Physiological Classification System on one of these screens. I will also need you to build a list of characters and basic information on another screen.”
Ender knew who found it first when Peg-Leg called out “That’s the code.” The classification list appeared on the right side screen. The other list was placed on the left side screen and additional names and details were being added to it.
Captain Picard said “We’ve opened a channel. The subspace beacon nearest the point of their appearance will broadcast your message. The rest will be up to them.”
“This is Commander Andrew Wiggin with the USS Enterprise, and the Rapid Response Rescue Ship Ender Wiggin, I’m asking to speak with the crew and staff of the Ambulance Ship Rhabwar. My information has it that Captain Fletcher is in command and Senior Physician Conway leads the Medial Team. Though, I realize that my information might be outdated.”
After what seemed an eternity came the replies “This is Captain Fletcher.”
“Senior Physician Conway here. How may we assist you?”
“And I am Sector Marshal Dermod. I insist on being a part of this conversation.”
Ender came to attention without realizing it while he replied “Yes sir, Sector Marshal Dermod.” He relaxed again then said “I am afraid that you have mis-interpreted our reason for this action. We are not seeking a war with the International Fleet. We are seeking to protect a population who are without defenses and are currently endangered as a species.” He glanced at the classification chart then added “We have only recently become aware of your classification system, so I cannot give you this information entirely in the form that you are use to getting in this situation.”
“Understood.” replied Dr. Conway “Please do your best.”
“The species is insectoid, like Dr. Prilicla - if I pronounced that right– ”
“You said it fine, friend Wiggin.”
“Thank you. If I may continue. The species is known to us as the Formics, and they are more robust and stronger than a Cinrusskan like Dr. Prilicla. But, you will probably get a good start in preparing for possible casualties if you plan for a species close to GLNO. However, and my references present conflicting information on the use of this letter, I think their classification might have to start with a V. I know, from personal experience, that the Queen is telepathic. Though, we have not learned if other members of their species are active telepaths, or they only receive messages from the Queen. The International Fleet is made up entirely of DBDGs.”
“Understood.” replied Conway “Are you a healer?”
“No sir. My job is to work with a team that looks for connections between clues then makes recommendations to the Command staff. Because of special circumstances, they have permitted me to speak directly with you. However. After this conversation, I will ask to have this ship’s Senior Medical Officer find a time to contact you. I hope Sector Marshal Dermod will understand that you and she will have much to discuss.”
Dermod said “I do understand that, Commander Wiggin. However. I would like to know this - will we have a chance to speak with your ship’s commander?”
“This is Jean-Luc Picard, Captain of the Enterprise. Captain Kondeff of the Ender Wiggin, and others, are listing to this conversation. Because Commander Wiggin gained the best understanding of the situation, we are content to let the initial phase of this conversation continue on his level, for now.”
“Agreed,” said Dermod “Please continue, Commander Wiggin.”
“Sector Marshal Dermod. As this conversation continues, other voices will be brought into play. I believe now is the time to offer information that will prevent possible confusion.”
“Proceed.’
“First. Andrew is my given name, which I prefer to go by, but my call sign with the Prime Team is ‘Ender.’ Please be aware that in this discussion Andrew and Ender are referring to the same person. Additionally the person I am about to bring in to this is named Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third. However. He goes by his call sign which is ‘Useless.’ It is a long story that he will be happy to share with you some time. Because they might be brought into this, I will tell you that there are two other Hiccups on the Prime Team. One is called Chamaco and the other is called Peg-Leg.”
“That has been noted. Please continue.”
“However. I hope to get a chance to discuss this use of derogatory names.”
“I’m sure they will be happy to explain it to you, Dr. O’Mara, but please let Andrew continue this discussion.”
“Yes sir.”
Ender gestured for Useless to move closer then he asked “Captain Fletcher, are you able to receive visual feeds from us? And Captain Picard, are you willing to let us send visuals?”
Both replied “Yes.”
“Please excuse me a moment while I set this up with Useless.”
They held a brief discussion (which they let everyone hear) then Useless said “Please do call me ‘Useless.’ I will not be offended. What I am about to play for you is, I believe, a representation of what you experienced as you punched through to our side of the bubble. The ship depicted in this represents our ship - the Enterprise.”
“That is an accurate representation of the transition.” said Captain Fletcher when the animation concluded.
Useless continued “We do not know how this is happening, and we do not know why this is happening, but it seems that two realms are coming together.”
“Two realms?” asked Captain Fletcher.
“Yes sir.” replied Ender “Your realm is the realm of Sector General and the Monitor Corps. Our realm is the realm of Starfleet and dragons. From our respective sides of the bubble, it looks like our realm is coming into yours.”
“For what purpose?” asked Dermod.
“As we said, we do not know, sir. With previous emergences, there has usually been some kind of test. Seemingly to see how the beings from the realms can work together.”
Dr. O’Mara said “Somehow, that makes sense. Though, I have to ask how does this International Fleet fit into this?”
“I was originally from their realm. I, like all children raised in that realm, was raised to be a soldier to fight in their war against the Formics. The fleet used me in a disgusting way that ruined my life in that realm. When I came to this realm, the Fleet followed me here in their narrow sighted drive to exterminate the Formics. The United Federation of Planets recognized what was going on and stepped in to help. More than helping me protect the Formics, the citizens of the Federation have welcomed the Formics into the community by finding them planets to be their new home. And now, somehow, those International Fleet ships have come back to this realm and seem to be intent on killing the Formics.”
“Friend Andrew. You said the fleet used you. Could you explain what you meant by that?”
“Sir,” said Ender, though he was not sure if that address was correct when speaking with Dr. Prilicla, “rather than delaying the Command Level discussion to explain it to you, let me suggest that you establish contact with the USS Lantree. They are the Federation ship that is closest to you. They will likely escort you to us - should you decide to offer us assistance in defending the Formics. They can provide your ships with a copy of the movie Ender’s Game which is the representation of my old realm within this realm. Then they will give you additional background information. Before you ask for clarification. Yes. I am the Ender Wiggin you will see in that movie. And Dr. O’Mara.”
“Yes.”
“Since you have expressed concern over the use of our call signs, I recommend that you watch that movie. Useless, Chamaco then Peg-Leg will each tell you the representations to consult to learn their stories. All that should help you understand us. It is my judgement that after they have provided those titles, the time will be right to turn this discussion over to the Command level.”
Dr. Conway said “We will consult those records. Thank you, Commander Wiggin.”
After the additional information was given, Dermod said “We will now move this conversation to the Command level.”
“Yes sir. Prime Team out.”
After the center main screen went dark, Chamaco asked “How did you come up with all that so quickly?”
Ender explained how the Ender Wiggin commissioning led to him reading the stories. He then called out “Ender to Dr. Crusher.”
“Dr. Crusher here. what’s up, Ender?”
“If you are not in the middle of something important, I suggest you look for information on the stories of Sector Twelve General Hospital. I have just spoken with a few characters from that realm and it looks like they are on their way to meet us. You want to look for information on the practice of interspecies medicine in that realm. Three clues. Physiological Classification System, Educator Tapes, and what to them is the fact that pathogens cannot cross the species barrier. I think you see where that last clue is going.”
“I have an idea, and I agree with your concern. They will need to know what they are getting into in this realm. Who will I want to talk with?”
“When you are ready, ask to speak with the Medical Staff on the Ambulance Ship Rhabwar. Senior Physician Conway and Dr. Prilicla are the two from that staff I spoke with. Sector Marshal Dermod of the Monitor Corps and a Psychiatrist named Dr. O’Mara will likely want to take part in that conversation. Do let them as they are both in positions to implement any changes, should they be required at Sector General.”
“Thank you for this information, Ender. Crusher out.”
***
“Friend Andrew has provided us with a lot of useful information.” said Dr. Prilicla after the repeater screen on the Rhabwar’s Casualty Deck went dark. He and Dr. Conway had returned to Rhabwar after Sector Marshal Dermod had agreed to try Dr. Conway’s suggestion. Dr. Prilicla continued “And I can tell you that the mood and the emotional radiation in this area has improved. I still detect elements of confusion and concern, but it seems that no one in our little fleet is fearing the worse will happen.”
“Rapid Response Rescue Ship.” said Naydrad with pleasant looking patterns rippling through her fur “I like the sound of that.”
Murchison said “Dragons? I caught that when Andrew said theirs was the realm of Starfleet and dragons. Did any of you catch that?”
“I did, friend Murchison, but my understanding had been that dragons were mythical creatures from your world’s ancient stories. It seems that is no longer the case. I am looking forward to learning the stories of friends Useless, Chamaco and Peg-Leg.”
Captain Fletcher appeared on the repeater screen. He said “First Contact discussions are continuing between our specialists and Starfleet’s specialists. Sector Marshal Dermod has decided to offer assistance and he is in discussions with a Starfleet Admiral. You should also know that Starfleet is sending a few ships into our space to place a network of what they call sub-space communications relays. Of importance for you in this is that you will soon be able to hold near realtime conversations with Sector General from many locations in Galactic Federation space and in United Federation of Planets space.”
Dr. Murchison asked “They are giving that to us that quickly?”
“While Admiral Terrag made the offer, he said ‘The best way for us to come to trust each other is to get to know each other.’”
Dr. Conway said “That sounds like something Grawlya-Ki or MacEwan would have said.”
“Except they might have used more abrasive language” replied Captain Fletcher. He continued “We are about to pass through the barrier again and the USS Lantree has already established contact. While we wait for them to meet us, we will dock with Vespasian briefly to bring Dr. O’Mara aboard. He has convinced Sector Marshal Dermod to let the Rhabwar’s medical staff view the cultural records while the Command level views them. His argument was that doing so would offer you better information now to permit more time to prepare for any possible casualties. Dr. O’Mara has asked to view the materials with you and to take part in the discussions you will hold about them.”
Conway replied “We understand, and we would be happy to accommodate his wishes.” After the screen went dark, he said “Movies. Do we have any popcorn?”
Naydrad replied “No we do not. And I will not have that stuff on my Casualty Deck. I’ve seen how Earth Human DBDGs throw that stuff at the screen and at each other during movies in Sector General.”
***
Ender was summoned to the Ender Wiggin to brief the crew and medical staff on everything he had learned about Sector General and the Monitor Corps so far from the Sector General stories he had read. Inwardly, he found it amusing that the medical staff spent so much time talking about the physiological classification system and were trying to assign new classifications to Federation member races. He couldn’t wait to see their reaction when he would tell them about the educator tapes used by Doctors, Senior Physicians and Diagnosticians at the massive hospital.
***
Despite the stress he felt, and the stress he was sure Murchison was feeling after what they had gone through in following the story, Dr. Conway began the discussion while the closing credits rolled on Ender’s Game “Dr. O’Mara. Since assigning the classification code for the Formics would be outside your field, and since it is clear that Ender Wiggin suffered major psychological damage during these events, I believe you should lead this discussion.”
“Thank you Dr. Conway.” He glanced at his notes then said “Psychological damage was being inflicted on the subject before the events depicted within this document. That was made clear to me during the first few minutes. Before I get into my clinically based assault on Colonel Graff, I’d like to point out what I see as positive indicators for the subject’s prognosis. Now, this opinion is based on what I saw in this movie, and I can’t be completely sure until I have had a chance to interview the subject, but I believe the subject had already found a way to try to cope with the abuse. He had built up a facade around his true self. The subject likely even believed that the facade was his true nature. My clues to this were those few moments where the true Andrew Wiggin slipped through that facade. The most prolonged moment was when he had been taken to his new quarters and he went to the window. I’m sure each of you can think back on that moment of awe when you took a moment to really look upon your home planet from space for the first time.”
“The wave of pleasant emotional radiation I am feeling indicates that you are correct, friend O’Mara.”
“It is my opinion,” Dr. O’Mara continued “that the subject’s facade crumbled and fell away when the true nature of the lie had been revealed to him and he came to the realization of what he had done. It is also my opinion that his earlier violent outbursts were a component of that facade.” O’Mara took a sip of water then continued “I’m stepping away from the movie for a moment. I detected no hesitations or undertones suggesting concealing information from us during his communication with us. I am also taking into account the fact that the subject informed us about this movie and asked us to view it - knowing that it would reveal to us the nature of the act he had been manipulated into committing. Additionally. I believe the subject has been getting therapy and positive influence from his friends and surroundings in this realm of the United Federation of Planets. Based on all this, my recommendation to Sector Marshal Dermod will be that, until we are presented with evidence otherwise, we should consider the information from Commander Andrew Wiggin trustworthy. Now. Would any of you want to say anything before I begin my attack upon Colonel Graff?”
Dr. Conway said “I think we all agree with your assessment of Andrew Wiggin. I know that Dr. Prilicla, Murchison, and I would like to discuss the injury sustained by Bonzo, but that should wait for another time.”
Murchison said “We also need to discuss what kind of society would do this.”
“We will,” replied Dr. Conway “but at a later time. Please continue, Dr. O’Mara.”
Dr. O’Mara’s comments were cut short when a recording of Captain Picard telling of Andrew’s actions and achievements since his arrival on the Isle of Berk started moments after the closing credits ended.

Description
Distress Call

Chapter 3

“You wanted to see me?” Ender said as he entered Conference Room Six.
“Yes Ender.” replied Useless “Something has happened and we think we now know who is out there.”
“Who?”
“The Empire.”
“What would they have to do with this?”
“No idea, but the Lantree has reported that several ships, including three of the arrowhead shaped heavy warships, punched through the fog then held their position briefly before retreating back into the fog.”
“That’s all they did?”
“They sent a message while they were in our space.”
“To who?”
“To Earth. They offered to mediate our problem if we agreed to call off our war and fall back closer to Earth. They added ‘...otherwise, we will take immediate measures to prevent your action.’”
“So. The International Fleet has teamed up with the Empire. This could be bad.” Ender quickly scanned the room then asked “What has the Captain said about this?”
“They are as perplexed as we are. The Bridge is listening to our conversation, but they are not letting us hear their discussion.”
“Wise.” Ender gave it a moment of thought then said “But still, given what you showed me earlier this morning, it may not be as bad as it could have been. They may have just shown us all that they have.”
“Useless, Ender.” Robert called out “We have just gotten an image. I’ve switched it to the main screen.”
They looked at the image. After a quiet moment, Ender said out loud “I’ve been acting stupidly.” He stepped closer to the screen as he said “That one ship is different. Zoom in on that ship and try to enhance the detail.” While the changes were made, he looked at the list of fragments on one of the side screens.
“That’s as good as we can get it, Commander.” reported Robert.
Ender touched some of the details on the screen as he studied them. The resolution was too poor for him to make out the details of the markings, but the shapes of the splotches seemed right. He looked back to the list then said “My Dear Thor. They are not from the Empire. Clues have been right here in front of me, but I’ve been too focused on the Formics to see it.”
Useless asked “What clues?”
“Captain Picard.” Ender called out. “I need to speak with you and Captain Kondeff.”
“We’ve been listening, Ender.”
“Sirs. I want to send a message to one of those ships. I know who they are.”
“Who are they?”
“It would take up some time to explain, so please listen closely while I issue orders to the Prime Team. You will find the answer.” He then jumped to it knowing that Mr. Data would search everything he said and advise the Captain. “I need all of you to search for information on Sector Twelve General Hospital. You will find information on a series of books and stories. Be ready to add any details that I may need to the screens. For now, I will need to have the list of the Physiological Classification System on one of these screens. I will also need you to build a list of characters and basic information on another screen.”
Ender knew who found it first when Peg-Leg called out “That’s the code.” The classification list appeared on the right side screen. The other list was placed on the left side screen and additional names and details were being added to it.
Captain Picard said “We’ve opened a channel. The subspace beacon nearest the point of their appearance will broadcast your message. The rest will be up to them.”
“This is Commander Andrew Wiggin with the USS Enterprise, and the Rapid Response Rescue Ship Ender Wiggin, I’m asking to speak with the crew and staff of the Ambulance Ship Rhabwar. My information has it that Captain Fletcher is in command and Senior Physician Conway leads the Medial Team. Though, I realize that my information might be outdated.”
After what seemed an eternity came the replies “This is Captain Fletcher.”
“Senior Physician Conway here. How may we assist you?”
“And I am Sector Marshal Dermod. I insist on being a part of this conversation.”
Ender came to attention without realizing it while he replied “Yes sir, Sector Marshal Dermod.” He relaxed again then said “I am afraid that you have mis-interpreted our reason for this action. We are not seeking a war with the International Fleet. We are seeking to protect a population who are without defenses and are currently endangered as a species.” He glanced at the classification chart then added “We have only recently become aware of your classification system, so I cannot give you this information entirely in the form that you are use to getting in this situation.”
“Understood.” replied Dr. Conway “Please do your best.”
“The species is insectoid, like Dr. Prilicla - if I pronounced that right– ”
“You said it fine, friend Wiggin.”
“Thank you. If I may continue. The species is known to us as the Formics, and they are more robust and stronger than a Cinrusskan like Dr. Prilicla. But, you will probably get a good start in preparing for possible casualties if you plan for a species close to GLNO. However, and my references present conflicting information on the use of this letter, I think their classification might have to start with a V. I know, from personal experience, that the Queen is telepathic. Though, we have not learned if other members of their species are active telepaths, or they only receive messages from the Queen. The International Fleet is made up entirely of DBDGs.”
“Understood.” replied Conway “Are you a healer?”
“No sir. My job is to work with a team that looks for connections between clues then makes recommendations to the Command staff. Because of special circumstances, they have permitted me to speak directly with you. However. After this conversation, I will ask to have this ship’s Senior Medical Officer find a time to contact you. I hope Sector Marshal Dermod will understand that you and she will have much to discuss.”
Dermod said “I do understand that, Commander Wiggin. However. I would like to know this - will we have a chance to speak with your ship’s commander?”
“This is Jean-Luc Picard, Captain of the Enterprise. Captain Kondeff of the Ender Wiggin, and others, are listing to this conversation. Because Commander Wiggin gained the best understanding of the situation, we are content to let the initial phase of this conversation continue on his level, for now.”
“Agreed,” said Dermod “Please continue, Commander Wiggin.”
“Sector Marshal Dermod. As this conversation continues, other voices will be brought into play. I believe now is the time to offer information that will prevent possible confusion.”
“Proceed.’
“First. Andrew is my given name, which I prefer to go by, but my call sign with the Prime Team is ‘Ender.’ Please be aware that in this discussion Andrew and Ender are referring to the same person. Additionally the person I am about to bring in to this is named Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third. However. He goes by his call sign which is ‘Useless.’ It is a long story that he will be happy to share with you some time. Because they might be brought into this, I will tell you that there are two other Hiccups on the Prime Team. One is called Chamaco and the other is called Peg-Leg.”
“That has been noted. Please continue.”
“However. I hope to get a chance to discuss this use of derogatory names.”
“I’m sure they will be happy to explain it to you, Dr. O’Mara, but please let Andrew continue this discussion.”
“Yes sir.”
Ender gestured for Useless to move closer then he asked “Captain Fletcher, are you able to receive visual feeds from us? And Captain Picard, are you willing to let us send visuals?”
Both replied “Yes.”
“Please excuse me a moment while I set this up with Useless.”
They held a brief discussion (which they let everyone hear) then Useless said “Please do call me ‘Useless.’ I will not be offended. What I am about to play for you is, I believe, a representation of what you experienced as you punched through to our side of the bubble. The ship depicted in this represents our ship - the Enterprise.”
“That is an accurate representation of the transition.” said Captain Fletcher when the animation concluded.
Useless continued “We do not know how this is happening, and we do not know why this is happening, but it seems that two realms are coming together.”
“Two realms?” asked Captain Fletcher.
“Yes sir.” replied Ender “Your realm is the realm of Sector General and the Monitor Corps. Our realm is the realm of Starfleet and dragons. From our respective sides of the bubble, it looks like our realm is coming into yours.”
“For what purpose?” asked Dermod.
“As we said, we do not know, sir. With previous emergences, there has usually been some kind of test. Seemingly to see how the beings from the realms can work together.”
Dr. O’Mara said “Somehow, that makes sense. Though, I have to ask how does this International Fleet fit into this?”
“I was originally from their realm. I, like all children raised in that realm, was raised to be a soldier to fight in their war against the Formics. The fleet used me in a disgusting way that ruined my life in that realm. When I came to this realm, the Fleet followed me here in their narrow sighted drive to exterminate the Formics. The United Federation of Planets recognized what was going on and stepped in to help. More than helping me protect the Formics, the citizens of the Federation have welcomed the Formics into the community by finding them planets to be their new home. And now, somehow, those International Fleet ships have come back to this realm and seem to be intent on killing the Formics.”
“Friend Andrew. You said the fleet used you. Could you explain what you meant by that?”
“Sir,” said Ender, though he was not sure if that address was correct when speaking with Dr. Prilicla, “rather than delaying the Command Level discussion to explain it to you, let me suggest that you establish contact with the USS Lantree. They are the Federation ship that is closest to you. They will likely escort you to us - should you decide to offer us assistance in defending the Formics. They can provide your ships with a copy of the movie Ender’s Game which is the representation of my old realm within this realm. Then they will give you additional background information. Before you ask for clarification. Yes. I am the Ender Wiggin you will see in that movie. And Dr. O’Mara.”
“Yes.”
“Since you have expressed concern over the use of our call signs, I recommend that you watch that movie. Useless, Chamaco then Peg-Leg will each tell you the representations to consult to learn their stories. All that should help you understand us. It is my judgement that after they have provided those titles, the time will be right to turn this discussion over to the Command level.”
Dr. Conway said “We will consult those records. Thank you, Commander Wiggin.”
After the additional information was given, Dermod said “We will now move this conversation to the Command level.”
“Yes sir. Prime Team out.”
After the center main screen went dark, Chamaco asked “How did you come up with all that so quickly?”
Ender explained how the Ender Wiggin commissioning led to him reading the stories. He then called out “Ender to Dr. Crusher.”
“Dr. Crusher here. what’s up, Ender?”
“If you are not in the middle of something important, I suggest you look for information on the stories of Sector Twelve General Hospital. I have just spoken with a few characters from that realm and it looks like they are on their way to meet us. You want to look for information on the practice of interspecies medicine in that realm. Three clues. Physiological Classification System, Educator Tapes, and what to them is the fact that pathogens cannot cross the species barrier. I think you see where that last clue is going.”
“I have an idea, and I agree with your concern. They will need to know what they are getting into in this realm. Who will I want to talk with?”
“When you are ready, ask to speak with the Medical Staff on the Ambulance Ship Rhabwar. Senior Physician Conway and Dr. Prilicla are the two from that staff I spoke with. Sector Marshal Dermod of the Monitor Corps and a Psychiatrist named Dr. O’Mara will likely want to take part in that conversation. Do let them as they are both in positions to implement any changes, should they be required at Sector General.”
“Thank you for this information, Ender. Crusher out.”
***
“Friend Andrew has provided us with a lot of useful information.” said Dr. Prilicla after the repeater screen on the Rhabwar’s Casualty Deck went dark. He and Dr. Conway had returned to Rhabwar after Sector Marshal Dermod had agreed to try Dr. Conway’s suggestion. Dr. Prilicla continued “And I can tell you that the mood and the emotional radiation in this area has improved. I still detect elements of confusion and concern, but it seems that no one in our little fleet is fearing the worse will happen.”
“Rapid Response Rescue Ship.” said Naydrad with pleasant looking patterns rippling through her fur “I like the sound of that.”
Murchison said “Dragons? I caught that when Andrew said theirs was the realm of Starfleet and dragons. Did any of you catch that?”
“I did, friend Murchison, but my understanding had been that dragons were mythical creatures from your world’s ancient stories. It seems that is no longer the case. I am looking forward to learning the stories of friends Useless, Chamaco and Peg-Leg.”
Captain Fletcher appeared on the repeater screen. He said “First Contact discussions are continuing between our specialists and Starfleet’s specialists. Sector Marshal Dermod has decided to offer assistance and he is in discussions with a Starfleet Admiral. You should also know that Starfleet is sending a few ships into our space to place a network of what they call sub-space communications relays. Of importance for you in this is that you will soon be able to hold near realtime conversations with Sector General from many locations in Galactic Federation space and in United Federation of Planets space.”
Dr. Murchison asked “They are giving that to us that quickly?”
“While Admiral Terrag made the offer, he said ‘The best way for us to come to trust each other is to get to know each other.’”
Dr. Conway said “That sounds like something Grawlya-Ki or MacEwan would have said.”
“Except they might have used more abrasive language” replied Captain Fletcher. He continued “We are about to pass through the barrier again and the USS Lantree has already established contact. While we wait for them to meet us, we will dock with Vespasian briefly to bring Dr. O’Mara aboard. He has convinced Sector Marshal Dermod to let the Rhabwar’s medical staff view the cultural records while the Command level views them. His argument was that doing so would offer you better information now to permit more time to prepare for any possible casualties. Dr. O’Mara has asked to view the materials with you and to take part in the discussions you will hold about them.”
Conway replied “We understand, and we would be happy to accommodate his wishes.” After the screen went dark, he said “Movies. Do we have any popcorn?”
Naydrad replied “No we do not. And I will not have that stuff on my Casualty Deck. I’ve seen how Earth Human DBDGs throw that stuff at the screen and at each other during movies in Sector General.”
***
Ender was summoned to the Ender Wiggin to brief the crew and medical staff on everything he had learned about Sector General and the Monitor Corps so far from the Sector General stories he had read. Inwardly, he found it amusing that the medical staff spent so much time talking about the physiological classification system and were trying to assign new classifications to Federation member races. He couldn’t wait to see their reaction when he would tell them about the educator tapes used by Doctors, Senior Physicians and Diagnosticians at the massive hospital.
***
Despite the stress he felt, and the stress he was sure Murchison was feeling after what they had gone through in following the story, Dr. Conway began the discussion while the closing credits rolled on Ender’s Game “Dr. O’Mara. Since assigning the classification code for the Formics would be outside your field, and since it is clear that Ender Wiggin suffered major psychological damage during these events, I believe you should lead this discussion.”
“Thank you Dr. Conway.” He glanced at his notes then said “Psychological damage was being inflicted on the subject before the events depicted within this document. That was made clear to me during the first few minutes. Before I get into my clinically based assault on Colonel Graff, I’d like to point out what I see as positive indicators for the subject’s prognosis. Now, this opinion is based on what I saw in this movie, and I can’t be completely sure until I have had a chance to interview the subject, but I believe the subject had already found a way to try to cope with the abuse. He had built up a facade around his true self. The subject likely even believed that the facade was his true nature. My clues to this were those few moments where the true Andrew Wiggin slipped through that facade. The most prolonged moment was when he had been taken to his new quarters and he went to the window. I’m sure each of you can think back on that moment of awe when you took a moment to really look upon your home planet from space for the first time.”
“The wave of pleasant emotional radiation I am feeling indicates that you are correct, friend O’Mara.”
“It is my opinion,” Dr. O’Mara continued “that the subject’s facade crumbled and fell away when the true nature of the lie had been revealed to him and he came to the realization of what he had done. It is also my opinion that his earlier violent outbursts were a component of that facade.” O’Mara took a sip of water then continued “I’m stepping away from the movie for a moment. I detected no hesitations or undertones suggesting concealing information from us during his communication with us. I am also taking into account the fact that the subject informed us about this movie and asked us to view it - knowing that it would reveal to us the nature of the act he had been manipulated into committing. Additionally. I believe the subject has been getting therapy and positive influence from his friends and surroundings in this realm of the United Federation of Planets. Based on all this, my recommendation to Sector Marshal Dermod will be that, until we are presented with evidence otherwise, we should consider the information from Commander Andrew Wiggin trustworthy. Now. Would any of you want to say anything before I begin my attack upon Colonel Graff?”
Dr. Conway said “I think we all agree with your assessment of Andrew Wiggin. I know that Dr. Prilicla, Murchison, and I would like to discuss the injury sustained by Bonzo, but that should wait for another time.”
Murchison said “We also need to discuss what kind of society would do this.”
“We will,” replied Dr. Conway “but at a later time. Please continue, Dr. O’Mara.”
Dr. O’Mara’s comments were cut short when a recording of Captain Picard telling of Andrew’s actions and achievements since his arrival on the Isle of Berk started moments after the closing credits ended.