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Distress Call

Chapter 5

The lull while they waited for the Leif Ericson to arrive with the Horta who had quickly agreed to help with this crisis gave the teams from both realms a chance to have a meal. While they ate, they chose to critique this first phase of the operation. Dr. O’Mara had come to the surface and was taking part in the critique. Nurse Naydrad, who with Valentine was taking part in the conversation over the radio while seeing to the needs and comfort of the patients in the Post-Op Ward, suggested that they take up the offer of Enterprise and the Ender Wiggin sending down some portable structures to serve as additional wards.
Naydrad and Valentine had volunteered to continue with the patients while the others ate. When it was their turn to relax and eat, Dr. O’Mara conversed with them. “You two talk too much. There were times when I was hearing on the radio constant chatter between you two in the background. When you were not gossiping, you were bantering. Did you give any consideration to what your patients thought of all your talk? Do your patients have any interest in the goings on at Sector General and at someplace called The Wilderwest?”
“Yes. We did, Dr. O’Mara, and yes they do.” replied Naydrad with strong ripples in her fur. “Our patients had noticed that we’d stop whatever conversation we had been having while we worked with them. They asked us to not worry about boring or confusing them. They said that now that the translators work in their language, they are enjoying getting to know about us - the people who came to help them.”
Valentine said “One patient told me that us coming here to help them makes them feel good, but now that we’ve been continuing our conversations around them, and letting them join in with jokes about our comments, they feel that they are truly becoming part of the Federation Community. I had believed that both Starfleet and the Monitor Corps would be pleased with this development.”
“So. You two have stumbled upon something good for the situation. Don’t let your luck go to your heads. Now, young lady, I would like to talk about you.” O’Mara sat quietly for a moment then said “I’ve seen the movie presenting what happened in your old realm, and I have read the book. I want to ask you how do you feel working around and with the Formics?”
“I am grateful for this experience. I don’t know if I could ever get to know them the way my brother has come to know them through the Queen’s links with him, but from this experience, I can fully understand that despite their physical and social structure differences, there are ways that the Formics are very much like us. Like us, they are beings who can be confused and frightened by things that they do not understand. And, like us, they yearn to be part of a larger social structure. They yearn to know that they are not alone in this universe.”
“You pieced that together from your brief conversations with Formic patients? You have a good talent for listening. But, I must remind you that my job is to shrink heads, not swell them. How do you imagine you’d feel being in a setting where you are the only Human and you are surrounded by beings who look nothing like a Human. I realize you went through that today, but you had the knowledge that other Starfleet people were nearby. I’m talking about situations in which you are responsible for the tasks to be performed and you know there are no other Humans nearby to offer assistance.”
“I do not have to use my imagination. I’ve been in that situation several times. I mean beyond today working with Charge Nurse Naydrad.”
“You have spent other time with that many e-ts?”
“Dragons are not e-ts, but they are also non-Human and they come in many forms. I have, on a few occasions, conducted medical surveys among Dragons for projects related to my studies at the Academy.”
“Point taken.”
***
The three Horta came down to the planet in a Runabout along with three Vulcan Starfleet officers who, as telepaths, had taken on secondary duties as translators for the Horta. They were all led to speak with the Tracys and the Queen. Ender spoke for the Queen. After the situation had been explained, one of the Horta went into an undamaged tunnel to test tunneling through the Formic resin. They quickly learned that the Horta could not digest the stuff. That meant they’d have to create new tunnels through the ground then back off to let Starfleet or Monitor Corps move in to cut through the resin. Wisely, they did a test run with a nearby unoccupied chamber. The stress fractures in the resin from the I.F. blasts caused the structure to collapse while the Horta was clearing the earth from the face of the resin.
After another conference, which included all four Omnibus Teams, the decision was made to try tunneling below the chamber then rising vertically through the bare floor. The test tunnel showed that this could work, but each Horta had to proceed at a slow tedious pace to avoid irritating the stress fractures.
***
Valentine went with Dr. Prilicla and Dr. Rosso (from the Wiggin) to take part in the triage of the Formics as they walked out, or were carried from the chamber. These were mature Formics who had been trapped in one of the other chambers. This chamber had been reached first because the Queen had detected the largest number of casualties among this group. The Horta prepared for their long task of tunneling to the nursery while this chamber was being evacuated. Ender explained that another part of the reason for the Queen’s choice was that many of these Formics were the parents of the children in the nursery and she felt it would be best if the children could see their parents when they were rescued. Although the eggs had come from the Queen, the children were placed to be raised among formic groups.
***
Dr. O’Mara walked among the patients in the Post-Op Ward. Almost all were eager to speak with him. (Those who weren’t were either sleeping, or under heavy sedation.) He found that they were indeed wanting to learn about and have contact with their rescuers. He explained to them that for the immediate future, they would have to settle with just a few nurses because the doctors and others were busy with operating on the Formics who had just emerged from that chamber. For those who inquired, he explained that, as a student, Valentine was being moved around to give her experience in the various aspects of the rescue operation. He assured them that she had not gotten in trouble for talking with them, and that they would see her again.
“Nurse Naydrad.” Dr. O’Mara began as he approached the Charge Nurse “When the last of the operations have concluded and you are satisfied that your patients’s needs have been met, I would like for you and Valentine to join me for a meeting with the Formic Queen and Admiral Terrag. We will be informing the Admiral that it is time for the Formics to begin interacting with the rest of the Federation.”
“Yes, Dr. O’Mara.”
He was not sure if she had agreed to the meeting, or if she was telling him that it was indeed time. He knew, from personal experience, the complexities of dealing with Kelgian frankness, so he didn’t bother pressing for clarity. He left that ward then went to where members of the Dragon Army were talking with some Formics and the Vulcan Translators about the upcoming dig to the nursery. Although he had intended to speak with the Dragon Army members, he walked passed the group without interruption because he realized their discussion was too technical and therefore too important to be interrupted to just to appease his curiosity.
Dr. O’Mara used his newly issued Starfleet communicator to contact the Enterprise to see if he could have a meeting with Captain Picard. He quickly made his way to a shuttle that was about to depart for rounds to the various ships in orbit.
***
“I am embarrassed to admit that there has been a series of errors of kindness. I thank you for bringing this matter to my attention, Dr. O’Mara. I assure you that our policy had been to wait and give them the time they needed to become established in this realm. We had assumed that the Queen would contact us, either through Ender, or through the dragons when they were ready for outsiders to come for visits. We have had contact teams waiting for the word to go to them. I must carry some of the blame because I had not imagined that they might be waiting for us to approach them about the subject.”
Captain Picard and Dr. O’Mara continued discussing the matter for a few more minutes, then O’Mara said “There was another reason why I asked to speak with you. I would like your permission to speak with Dr. Crusher about Valentine.”
“Granted.” Picard wondered what the problem could be if the Chief Psychologist was asking to discuss Valentine’s actions.
“Captain Picard. I see that look of concern. There is no need. Valentine is quite competent and it was she and Nurse Naydrad who first detected the Formics’ need for outside contact. I wish to speak with Dr. Crusher about what could be ahead for Valentine after her graduation from the Academy.”
***
As the triage wound down for that group of Formic adults, Valentine went with Dr. Prilicla into the field unit where she would observe and do some minor assisting with the Cinrusskan’s surgeries. She was impressed with how Dr. Prilicla was able to do such highly detailed work. One patient who in the triage exhibited injuries so severe that Valentine was sure it would not survive left Dr. Prilicla’s table with a positive prognosis. Now she understood why the doctor had insisted that patient be held for him. Unfortunately, they could not save them all. Two patients from that chamber didn’t make it off the tables. Valentine paused and watched silently when she saw those two bodies being prepared for their post-life rituals.
“We tried,” said Dr. Conway as he walked by her, “but their injuries were just too severe.”
“Friend Valentine,” said Dr Prilicla as he hovered near her, “believe me, this is hard for each of us, but this is a part of emergency medicine. Some patients just can’t be saved.”
“I know, but I can’t help thinking that they shouldn’t have had to die. If only the people in the International Fleet could stop and see some reason.”
“We can’t force that to come about.” Said Ender as he and the Queen approached “So, the best we can do is accept that some battles cannot be won and just be satisfied with having done the best we could for them.”
“Is that you talking, Andrew? Or are those the Queen’s words?”
“Both, but mostly it’s my experience working with my Make A Wish clients talking right now. But, if you need something else to see where we are now as a positive outcome, I can tell you that there are three patients in the Recovery Room who the Queen did not think would survive. She and the rest of the Formics are extremely grateful for the work you all have been doing.” Ender placed his right hand on Valentine’s shoulder “Even for the way you and Nurse Naydrad have been lifting the spirits of everyone out there.” He gestured toward the Post-Op Ward.
Valentine faced the Queen then said “So, you are aware of that. Naydrad and I have been talking with the patients because they want, and strongly seem to need contact with others. However. I have had a worry that our talking with them might interfere with the social structure of the hive - if that is the correct word to use here.” She was not aware that Nurse Naydrad had come into the room.
Ender spoke for the Queen “Much earlier in our evolution that might have been a problem, but it is not a problem for us now. Each being has individual thought regarding its everyday life and each being develops its own personality. It is only in the endeavor of large, complicated activities that portions of, or the whole population requires the Queen’s guidance.” Ender and the Queen turned their attention to Nurse Naydrad. The queen continued through Ender “I hope to get a chance to ask Captain Picard or the Admiral when we may expect to have some visitors from the Federation. But, for now, I have a request for the two of you. Two requests. First. Will you be with me while I go in there and talk with them?” The Queen gestured toward the door to the Post-Op Ward. “Then, will you stay with them while they await word of the rescue of the children? The children are family to many and friends to the rest. They will need someone to listen while they talk through their worries.”
“You said that as though there was a chance that either Dr. O’Mara or Sector Marshal Dermod could get me out of that ward.”
“I would be honored to be there for them.” replied Valentine, then she added “And. Please excuse the abruptness in Nurse Naydrad’s response.”
“There is no need.” the Queen spoke this time through the translator “Your brother has already told me about the nature of her honesty. My thanks to both of you.”
***
Dr. O’Mara took the opportunity to talk with a few members of the Dragon Army while the young Formics were taken from the nursery through triage then to the field unit for treatment or checkups. At first glance, it seemed that luck had been on their side. Only a few of the children had suffered injuries and those injuries were minor in comparison to the injuries suffered by the adult Formics who had been in that other chamber. He led the group to Rhabwar where they all ate some sandwiches while they talked. “The first thing I want you to understand,” began Dr. O’Mara “is that nothing that you will say here is going into any official records. This conversation is to serve my personal curiosity over how the members of the Dragon Army are coping with what happened in your old realm, and the larger purpose of my wanting to talk with you is to evaluate the support structure that has been helping you through this. That evaluation is for my report on Starfleet and this realm which will be read by seniors at Sector General, and senior officers in the Monitor Corps. If I include anything from your responses, that information will be in general form without identifiers.”
This led to a lengthy, though lively discussion between Dr. O’Mara, Petra, Dink, Fly, and Bean. Their conversation went through Dr. O’Mara’s stated interests, then drifted through a general discussion of International Fleet practices at Battle School and at Command School.
“Excuse me, Dr. O’Mara,” Dr. Murchison interrupted “You have been asked to meet with the Queen and Admiral Terrag at the Field Unit, and these members of the Dragon Army are to take over delivering specimens to me from the Field Unit. The Formic children have started getting sick, and until we know what is causing it, we want to reduce the risk of exposure to the adult Formics.”
Bean said to the others “You heard the doctor. Let’s go.” They were clear of their seats and nearing the airlock before Dr. O’Mara was fully out of his seat.
Dr. O’Mara turned to Murchison then said “I’m still hoping to have a talk with Andrew, but I think they are going to be all right.”
***
Valentine turned off the repeater screen then turned to address Murchison “Dr. Crusher reports that all three Horta checked out normal and that her samples are on their way down to Rhabwar by shuttle. She said the Horta, and the Vulcan translators have agreed to remain on Enterprise while this is sorted out.”
“Thank you, Valentine. This just does not make sense. Scott Tracy reported that the Horta followed the same procedure for this rescue as they did for the other two chambers. None of the adult Formics have displayed any symptoms - yet, but the symptoms became apparent relatively quickly in the children. Even if they were exposed to whatever it is during the attack, this is still too quick to be caused by a pathogen - even in their species. I wonder.” Murchison tapped her communicator then called Admiral Terrag. “Murchison here. Sorry for the interruption, Admiral, but I have a few quick questions to sort out the possibilities.”
“Go ahead doctor.”
“Has anyone determined what kind of weapons the International Fleet used in their attack, and is it possible for that kind of weapon to deliver a biological or nerve agent?”
“Your timing is excellent. We had just passed that question to the Omnibus Teams on the Wiggin at Dr. Conway’s request. They were instructed to include Rhabwar and Dr. Crusher on Enterprise in their reply, as well as in any ensuing discussion. By the way. Dr. Conway has gone up to the Wiggin to take part in the discussion of that question. He will then proceed to Enterprise to view first hand the results of Dr. Crusher’s tests.”
“Thank you Admiral. Rhabwar off.” Murchison hit an intercom button then said “Communication, I am expecting at least one, and most likely a series of communications between us, the Ender Wiggin, and Enterprise. No need to contact me first. Please send their feeds to this screen when you get them.”
“Will do, doctor. Communication off.”

Description
body div#devskin0 hr { }

Distress Call

Chapter 5

The lull while they waited for the Leif Ericson to arrive with the Horta who had quickly agreed to help with this crisis gave the teams from both realms a chance to have a meal. While they ate, they chose to critique this first phase of the operation. Dr. O’Mara had come to the surface and was taking part in the critique. Nurse Naydrad, who with Valentine was taking part in the conversation over the radio while seeing to the needs and comfort of the patients in the Post-Op Ward, suggested that they take up the offer of Enterprise and the Ender Wiggin sending down some portable structures to serve as additional wards.
Naydrad and Valentine had volunteered to continue with the patients while the others ate. When it was their turn to relax and eat, Dr. O’Mara conversed with them. “You two talk too much. There were times when I was hearing on the radio constant chatter between you two in the background. When you were not gossiping, you were bantering. Did you give any consideration to what your patients thought of all your talk? Do your patients have any interest in the goings on at Sector General and at someplace called The Wilderwest?”
“Yes. We did, Dr. O’Mara, and yes they do.” replied Naydrad with strong ripples in her fur. “Our patients had noticed that we’d stop whatever conversation we had been having while we worked with them. They asked us to not worry about boring or confusing them. They said that now that the translators work in their language, they are enjoying getting to know about us - the people who came to help them.”
Valentine said “One patient told me that us coming here to help them makes them feel good, but now that we’ve been continuing our conversations around them, and letting them join in with jokes about our comments, they feel that they are truly becoming part of the Federation Community. I had believed that both Starfleet and the Monitor Corps would be pleased with this development.”
“So. You two have stumbled upon something good for the situation. Don’t let your luck go to your heads. Now, young lady, I would like to talk about you.” O’Mara sat quietly for a moment then said “I’ve seen the movie presenting what happened in your old realm, and I have read the book. I want to ask you how do you feel working around and with the Formics?”
“I am grateful for this experience. I don’t know if I could ever get to know them the way my brother has come to know them through the Queen’s links with him, but from this experience, I can fully understand that despite their physical and social structure differences, there are ways that the Formics are very much like us. Like us, they are beings who can be confused and frightened by things that they do not understand. And, like us, they yearn to be part of a larger social structure. They yearn to know that they are not alone in this universe.”
“You pieced that together from your brief conversations with Formic patients? You have a good talent for listening. But, I must remind you that my job is to shrink heads, not swell them. How do you imagine you’d feel being in a setting where you are the only Human and you are surrounded by beings who look nothing like a Human. I realize you went through that today, but you had the knowledge that other Starfleet people were nearby. I’m talking about situations in which you are responsible for the tasks to be performed and you know there are no other Humans nearby to offer assistance.”
“I do not have to use my imagination. I’ve been in that situation several times. I mean beyond today working with Charge Nurse Naydrad.”
“You have spent other time with that many e-ts?”
“Dragons are not e-ts, but they are also non-Human and they come in many forms. I have, on a few occasions, conducted medical surveys among Dragons for projects related to my studies at the Academy.”
“Point taken.”
***
The three Horta came down to the planet in a Runabout along with three Vulcan Starfleet officers who, as telepaths, had taken on secondary duties as translators for the Horta. They were all led to speak with the Tracys and the Queen. Ender spoke for the Queen. After the situation had been explained, one of the Horta went into an undamaged tunnel to test tunneling through the Formic resin. They quickly learned that the Horta could not digest the stuff. That meant they’d have to create new tunnels through the ground then back off to let Starfleet or Monitor Corps move in to cut through the resin. Wisely, they did a test run with a nearby unoccupied chamber. The stress fractures in the resin from the I.F. blasts caused the structure to collapse while the Horta was clearing the earth from the face of the resin.
After another conference, which included all four Omnibus Teams, the decision was made to try tunneling below the chamber then rising vertically through the bare floor. The test tunnel showed that this could work, but each Horta had to proceed at a slow tedious pace to avoid irritating the stress fractures.
***
Valentine went with Dr. Prilicla and Dr. Rosso (from the Wiggin) to take part in the triage of the Formics as they walked out, or were carried from the chamber. These were mature Formics who had been trapped in one of the other chambers. This chamber had been reached first because the Queen had detected the largest number of casualties among this group. The Horta prepared for their long task of tunneling to the nursery while this chamber was being evacuated. Ender explained that another part of the reason for the Queen’s choice was that many of these Formics were the parents of the children in the nursery and she felt it would be best if the children could see their parents when they were rescued. Although the eggs had come from the Queen, the children were placed to be raised among formic groups.
***
Dr. O’Mara walked among the patients in the Post-Op Ward. Almost all were eager to speak with him. (Those who weren’t were either sleeping, or under heavy sedation.) He found that they were indeed wanting to learn about and have contact with their rescuers. He explained to them that for the immediate future, they would have to settle with just a few nurses because the doctors and others were busy with operating on the Formics who had just emerged from that chamber. For those who inquired, he explained that, as a student, Valentine was being moved around to give her experience in the various aspects of the rescue operation. He assured them that she had not gotten in trouble for talking with them, and that they would see her again.
“Nurse Naydrad.” Dr. O’Mara began as he approached the Charge Nurse “When the last of the operations have concluded and you are satisfied that your patients’s needs have been met, I would like for you and Valentine to join me for a meeting with the Formic Queen and Admiral Terrag. We will be informing the Admiral that it is time for the Formics to begin interacting with the rest of the Federation.”
“Yes, Dr. O’Mara.”
He was not sure if she had agreed to the meeting, or if she was telling him that it was indeed time. He knew, from personal experience, the complexities of dealing with Kelgian frankness, so he didn’t bother pressing for clarity. He left that ward then went to where members of the Dragon Army were talking with some Formics and the Vulcan Translators about the upcoming dig to the nursery. Although he had intended to speak with the Dragon Army members, he walked passed the group without interruption because he realized their discussion was too technical and therefore too important to be interrupted to just to appease his curiosity.
Dr. O’Mara used his newly issued Starfleet communicator to contact the Enterprise to see if he could have a meeting with Captain Picard. He quickly made his way to a shuttle that was about to depart for rounds to the various ships in orbit.
***
“I am embarrassed to admit that there has been a series of errors of kindness. I thank you for bringing this matter to my attention, Dr. O’Mara. I assure you that our policy had been to wait and give them the time they needed to become established in this realm. We had assumed that the Queen would contact us, either through Ender, or through the dragons when they were ready for outsiders to come for visits. We have had contact teams waiting for the word to go to them. I must carry some of the blame because I had not imagined that they might be waiting for us to approach them about the subject.”
Captain Picard and Dr. O’Mara continued discussing the matter for a few more minutes, then O’Mara said “There was another reason why I asked to speak with you. I would like your permission to speak with Dr. Crusher about Valentine.”
“Granted.” Picard wondered what the problem could be if the Chief Psychologist was asking to discuss Valentine’s actions.
“Captain Picard. I see that look of concern. There is no need. Valentine is quite competent and it was she and Nurse Naydrad who first detected the Formics’ need for outside contact. I wish to speak with Dr. Crusher about what could be ahead for Valentine after her graduation from the Academy.”
***
As the triage wound down for that group of Formic adults, Valentine went with Dr. Prilicla into the field unit where she would observe and do some minor assisting with the Cinrusskan’s surgeries. She was impressed with how Dr. Prilicla was able to do such highly detailed work. One patient who in the triage exhibited injuries so severe that Valentine was sure it would not survive left Dr. Prilicla’s table with a positive prognosis. Now she understood why the doctor had insisted that patient be held for him. Unfortunately, they could not save them all. Two patients from that chamber didn’t make it off the tables. Valentine paused and watched silently when she saw those two bodies being prepared for their post-life rituals.
“We tried,” said Dr. Conway as he walked by her, “but their injuries were just too severe.”
“Friend Valentine,” said Dr Prilicla as he hovered near her, “believe me, this is hard for each of us, but this is a part of emergency medicine. Some patients just can’t be saved.”
“I know, but I can’t help thinking that they shouldn’t have had to die. If only the people in the International Fleet could stop and see some reason.”
“We can’t force that to come about.” Said Ender as he and the Queen approached “So, the best we can do is accept that some battles cannot be won and just be satisfied with having done the best we could for them.”
“Is that you talking, Andrew? Or are those the Queen’s words?”
“Both, but mostly it’s my experience working with my Make A Wish clients talking right now. But, if you need something else to see where we are now as a positive outcome, I can tell you that there are three patients in the Recovery Room who the Queen did not think would survive. She and the rest of the Formics are extremely grateful for the work you all have been doing.” Ender placed his right hand on Valentine’s shoulder “Even for the way you and Nurse Naydrad have been lifting the spirits of everyone out there.” He gestured toward the Post-Op Ward.
Valentine faced the Queen then said “So, you are aware of that. Naydrad and I have been talking with the patients because they want, and strongly seem to need contact with others. However. I have had a worry that our talking with them might interfere with the social structure of the hive - if that is the correct word to use here.” She was not aware that Nurse Naydrad had come into the room.
Ender spoke for the Queen “Much earlier in our evolution that might have been a problem, but it is not a problem for us now. Each being has individual thought regarding its everyday life and each being develops its own personality. It is only in the endeavor of large, complicated activities that portions of, or the whole population requires the Queen’s guidance.” Ender and the Queen turned their attention to Nurse Naydrad. The queen continued through Ender “I hope to get a chance to ask Captain Picard or the Admiral when we may expect to have some visitors from the Federation. But, for now, I have a request for the two of you. Two requests. First. Will you be with me while I go in there and talk with them?” The Queen gestured toward the door to the Post-Op Ward. “Then, will you stay with them while they await word of the rescue of the children? The children are family to many and friends to the rest. They will need someone to listen while they talk through their worries.”
“You said that as though there was a chance that either Dr. O’Mara or Sector Marshal Dermod could get me out of that ward.”
“I would be honored to be there for them.” replied Valentine, then she added “And. Please excuse the abruptness in Nurse Naydrad’s response.”
“There is no need.” the Queen spoke this time through the translator “Your brother has already told me about the nature of her honesty. My thanks to both of you.”
***
Dr. O’Mara took the opportunity to talk with a few members of the Dragon Army while the young Formics were taken from the nursery through triage then to the field unit for treatment or checkups. At first glance, it seemed that luck had been on their side. Only a few of the children had suffered injuries and those injuries were minor in comparison to the injuries suffered by the adult Formics who had been in that other chamber. He led the group to Rhabwar where they all ate some sandwiches while they talked. “The first thing I want you to understand,” began Dr. O’Mara “is that nothing that you will say here is going into any official records. This conversation is to serve my personal curiosity over how the members of the Dragon Army are coping with what happened in your old realm, and the larger purpose of my wanting to talk with you is to evaluate the support structure that has been helping you through this. That evaluation is for my report on Starfleet and this realm which will be read by seniors at Sector General, and senior officers in the Monitor Corps. If I include anything from your responses, that information will be in general form without identifiers.”
This led to a lengthy, though lively discussion between Dr. O’Mara, Petra, Dink, Fly, and Bean. Their conversation went through Dr. O’Mara’s stated interests, then drifted through a general discussion of International Fleet practices at Battle School and at Command School.
“Excuse me, Dr. O’Mara,” Dr. Murchison interrupted “You have been asked to meet with the Queen and Admiral Terrag at the Field Unit, and these members of the Dragon Army are to take over delivering specimens to me from the Field Unit. The Formic children have started getting sick, and until we know what is causing it, we want to reduce the risk of exposure to the adult Formics.”
Bean said to the others “You heard the doctor. Let’s go.” They were clear of their seats and nearing the airlock before Dr. O’Mara was fully out of his seat.
Dr. O’Mara turned to Murchison then said “I’m still hoping to have a talk with Andrew, but I think they are going to be all right.”
***
Valentine turned off the repeater screen then turned to address Murchison “Dr. Crusher reports that all three Horta checked out normal and that her samples are on their way down to Rhabwar by shuttle. She said the Horta, and the Vulcan translators have agreed to remain on Enterprise while this is sorted out.”
“Thank you, Valentine. This just does not make sense. Scott Tracy reported that the Horta followed the same procedure for this rescue as they did for the other two chambers. None of the adult Formics have displayed any symptoms - yet, but the symptoms became apparent relatively quickly in the children. Even if they were exposed to whatever it is during the attack, this is still too quick to be caused by a pathogen - even in their species. I wonder.” Murchison tapped her communicator then called Admiral Terrag. “Murchison here. Sorry for the interruption, Admiral, but I have a few quick questions to sort out the possibilities.”
“Go ahead doctor.”
“Has anyone determined what kind of weapons the International Fleet used in their attack, and is it possible for that kind of weapon to deliver a biological or nerve agent?”
“Your timing is excellent. We had just passed that question to the Omnibus Teams on the Wiggin at Dr. Conway’s request. They were instructed to include Rhabwar and Dr. Crusher on Enterprise in their reply, as well as in any ensuing discussion. By the way. Dr. Conway has gone up to the Wiggin to take part in the discussion of that question. He will then proceed to Enterprise to view first hand the results of Dr. Crusher’s tests.”
“Thank you Admiral. Rhabwar off.” Murchison hit an intercom button then said “Communication, I am expecting at least one, and most likely a series of communications between us, the Ender Wiggin, and Enterprise. No need to contact me first. Please send their feeds to this screen when you get them.”
“Will do, doctor. Communication off.”