HOME | DD

Description
Distress Call

Chapter 7

The chamber had been fitted with test and monitoring equipment as well as a bank of sample containers programmed to collect samples at different intervals. One adult Formic had volunteered to be in the chamber and it had been issued a Starfleet communicator for the test. Within seconds of the Horta breaking through the floor, the Formic test subject said through the translator “There is that odor/taste I remember from the rescue.”
“Are you feeling any respiratory distress?” asked Dr. Murchison from her lab on Rhabwar.
“None Doctor. Do you want me to move closer?”
“Make a note of where would be half your current distance from the Horta. Advance slowly to that point then stop. Should you begin to feel any distress, stop immediately and let us know.”
The Formic’s forward movement was shown on the Casualty Deck’s main screen. When the Formic came to rest, it said “I am at the specified point, Doctor. That smell/taste is stronger, but still no difficulties.”
“Thank you. Dr. Conway and Dr. Prilicla will be in there in moments to collect some swab samples. Remember. Neither of you are to approach the Children’s Ward until you have been washed down.”
The Formic replied “Yes Doctor.” while the Horta pivoted side to side to show that it understood.
Dr. Murchison turned her attention to the readouts from the test instruments. “We have to run all the tests to be sure, but I think we’ve found the source, Thorny.”
Diagnostician Thornnastor, who, thanks to the Starfleet supplied sub-space communications relays, was seeing a feed of the readout on a screen in its lab in Sector General said “I agree. I’m seeing definite matches in the suspect portions of your swab samples taken from the Formic Children.”
***
Valentine and Nurse Naydrad supervised as the freshly washed Formic children settled into their rest cradles in the new Children’s Ward which was a portable unit supplied by the Ender Wiggin. This was to be the last duties they would perform on this case. Once the cause of the irritation had been found, the treatment turned out to be simple. A thorough wash down with water mixed with a formula devised by Dr. Murchison and produced with the Wiggin’s replicators followed by a few days rest in a clean place with fresh air. This portable ward had opening windows equipped with screens. The Formic Queen had spoken with the Horta through the Vulcan translators before they returned to the Leif Ericson for the trip home. The Horta left knowing that the Formics truly appreciated their assistance in the rescue.
The adult Formics who still required rest and attention had also been transferred to a Starfleet supplied structure. The crew of the Trafalur was dismantling last of the Monitor Corps supplied structures. The Wiggin’s medical crew was taking over the care of the Formic patients and the Rhabwar was preparing to return to Sector General. Enterprise was going to escort Vespasian while it payed visits to a few of the many worlds in the United Federation of Planets.
When the last of the children were settled in, Valentine and Naydrad circulated through the ward saying their goodbyes. They then said their goodbyes to the patients in the other ward. Afterward, Valentine went with Naydrad to the Rhabwar to collect the few things she needed to take with her back to Enterprise. An emergency klaxon sounded just as the pair entered the Casualty Deck.
“What’s that?” asked Valentine.
“Were getting an emergency call.” replied Nurse Naydrad as she moved rapidly toward the rest of the medical team.
“Valentine Wiggin.” called out Dr. Conway “Why are you moving in that direction?”
“You’ve got an emergency call coming in so I should just get my things then get back to Enterprise.”
“And who has authorized you to go back to Enterprise?”
“I’m not a member of this crew, I’m not trained so I’d only be in the way.”
“Friend Valentine.” said Dr. Prilicla “You know that I prefer not to disagree with anyone, but I must in this case. All three parts of your last statement are inaccurate.”
Dr. Conway explained “When it became apparent that you were working well with Dr. Murchison and with Nurse Naydrad, I contacted Dr. Crusher and she put me in contact with Starfleet Medical and the Academy. You have been assigned to serve as an intern with the Rhabwar Medical Team at Sector General. You have been performing well in that role so far, and I have every reason to expect that you will continue to do so.”
Nurse Naydrad said “I know you realize that you should have told me about that. I would have spent some time preparing Valentine for spaceflight on this ship.”
“Dr. Crusher and I intended to inform her later today, but this emergency call has changed what we had planned. Now, get over here, Valentine. That klaxon was the notice that an emergency call is coming in. The technical crew on this ship is currently getting the details and sorting out what we need to know from what Astrogation and Communication need to know. Captain Fletcher will be briefing us shortly.”
***
The crew of the Monitor Corps ship Tragenhad, not yet trusting the new network being installed, had set off a nuclear charge as the distress beacon then they reported by radio their sighting a ship of unknown origin in distress. They reported that the ship had been damaged by a number of small impacts and also that it appeared that a large section, presumably a lifeboat, was missing from the ship. Despite the presumed missing lifeboat, the Tragenhad reported seeing signs that the ship was still inhabited.
“Apart from the technical information meant for Astrogation,” Captain Fletcher continued his briefing, “that’s the extent of the information we have at this time. Tragenhad repeated the brief message several times. The Trafalur crew is still stowing the portable field units. They estimate five minutes before the hatches are sealed. I am estimating liftoff in ten minutes as we are already working through the countdown checks. Once in orbit, we will Dock with Vespasian while we wait for Trafalur to get to orbit. We will take on spacesuits and the other Monitor Corps equipment Valentine will use while she is with us. Enterprise will be beaming over a few of your things Valentine - those you will need while you are with us. They will also beam over some examples of Starfleet equipment for us to evaluate here on Rhabwar and back at Sector General.
“Trafalur will proceed with us to the site of the wreck.” Captain Fletcher continued “Then either they, or Tragenhad will search for the missing part of the ship. Valentine. Captain Picard has told me that he has spoken with your parents, who are still on Mars, so they know about your change in assignment. That is all for now. Our usual questions will have to wait until we have docked with Vespasian.”
Dr. Conway spoke as soon as the repeater screen went dark. “I am sorry, Valentine, that the surprise didn’t come about in the way we had planned, but all four of us are confident that you will continue to work well with us. As Nurse Naydrad may have told you by now, it is an expert in space rescue operations. Therefore, I can say with confidence that by the time we reach the wreck, you will have learned all you need to know about space suit operation and safety from one of the best.”
“You could use a refresher course, Dr. Conway, after the way you’ve slipped up on passing out important information.” Nurse Naydrad’s fur was rippling with a lot of energy.
“As I said, you will be learning from one of the best.” Dr. Conway paused for a moment then said “There is something else that you need to know before we go into this rescue operation. I saw your reaction, so I know you noticed my use of the word ‘it’ in referring to Nurse Naydrad. You should know that it is expected practice at Sector General and throughout the Monitor Corps to use to use the word ‘It’ when referring to a member of a different species from your own. I know that Naydrad had told you much about herself and she has shared that information with the rest of us. However. At Sector General, it can be common for you to see four, five, six, or more Kelgian DBLFs in one day. When you see Tralthan FGLIs, you will have no idea which they are. Hudlar FROBs will be even more confusing as they do change their gender more than once during the course of their lifetime. And, some races have more than two genders. In many cases, asking for gender clarification in a non clinical situation can lead to cross-species tension. I think it would be good practice if you try to start using that term now. Nurse Naydrad and Dr. Prilicla will not be offended. Getting use to it now will be helpful when we are with the Tragenhad as I know that two of their crew are Nidian DBDGs. One other thing. For some species, a name is a highly valued and closely held private possession. So, if you are introduced to a patient, nurse or doctor having a designator that is the classification code with a number, such as AUGI-318, accept that as its name. To seek its actual name could cause a cultural conflict between yourself and it.”
Captain Fletcher called from the Control deck “Time to get strapped in.”
Nurse Naydrad said “Come on Valentine, I’ll strap you onto one of the beds for now. I’m sure a proper flight rated seat for you will be one of the things we get from Vespasian.”
***
With Captain Fletcher’s permission, Dr. Crusher and Chamaco beamed over with the equipment and Valentine’s things. A flight chair and workstation desk had been set up by technicians from Vespasian then they worked with Dr. Crusher to attach one of the two LCARS terminals to Valentine’s workstation. The other terminal was placed in storage for delivery to Sector General where it would most likely be set up in the Alien Pathology Lab. The rest of the equipment was scanners and tools that Valentine would demonstrate first for the Rhabwar crew, then for interested parties at Sector General.
Valentine introduced Chamaco to the rest of the Rhabwar Medical Team. The romantic interest between Valentine and Chamaco was not kept as a secret during the introductions. Dr. Conway and Dr. Prilicla gave Dr. Crusher a tour of the Rhabwar’s casualty deck with the intent of giving Valentine and Chamaco a little more time together.
Naydrad approached the pair then said “From the way Valentine is interacting with this DBDG, am I to assume that it is a male of the species?”
“Yes Charge Nurse Naydrad, it is.” Valentine turned to Chamaco - who had a confused look on his face - then said “Nurse Naydrad is helping me get use to practices that will be expected of me on Sector General.”
Before Chamaco could respond, Naydrad said “Since this DBDG is a male and not a medical professional, would you please take Chamaco to the Mess lounge. A DBDG member of the Vespasian crew is about to enter the casualty deck for a medical discussion and partial examination and it does not want to have this DBDG looking at it.”
“I would be glad to, Charge Nurse Naydrad.” Valentine took Chamaco’s hand then said “Come. I can explain this to you over a bite to eat.”
“Don’t you have a distress call? Shouldn’t you all be in a hurry to get going?”
“We do have a distress call, but the ship is several hours of hyperspace travel away.” began Valentine as she led Chamaco off of the Casualty Deck then led the free-fall through the central well that would lead to the control deck, but she directed him off to the side and into the mess lounge. “Think about the distances involved in interstellar rescue operations. This is something Nurse Naydrad was explaining to me before you arrived. Had the situation been an immediate life or death situation, we might not have been called. The crew of the Tragenhad would have done their best in that situation then called for us afterward if the casualties required additional attention. As it is, Tragenhad reported that the ship is in distress, but the situation seems stable enough to wait for Rhabwar to get there with its specialized equipment and experienced crew. Well, they have the experience, but they will train me as best as they can during the trip.”
“You know that I don’t mean this as an insult, but I’m curious. Charge Nurse Naydrad is a caterpillar– ”
“A Kelgian, not a caterpillar.”
“Sorry. But, how can a Kelgian be useful in a space wreck rescue?”
“I don’t know, though I’m sure I’ll find out when we get there. I can tell you that both Dr. Conway and Dr. Prilicla insist that Naydrad was assigned to this ship because she, I mean it is Sector General’s top specialist in space rescue.” Valentine approached a control panel then said “Brace yourself. I’m about to bring up the gravity in this lounge.” As they both settled to their feet, she continued “I’m calling up our standard snack. The food here is not as good as it is on Enterprise, but it is passable.” She ordered two servings of cheeseburger with fries.
“Fine.” replied Chamaco “What about Dr. Prilicla? What does he do?”
“I believe it is a he, but I’ll talk as I’ll be expected to talk. It specializes in neural-surgery and it does exceptional work. I assisted in a few of its surgeries on Formic patients. I understand that as a Senior Physician, it serves as a teaching physician at Sector General. It also uses its empathic ability to monitor the condition of some patients during tricky surgeries performed by other surgeons.”
“It sounds like you’ve gotten a dream assignment for an internship.” After taking a bite of his burger, Chamaco continued “Well, all except for the food. It’s not all that bad, but, it is lacking something, or some things.”
“Taste is one of those things.”
They talked - gossiped - about people at the Academy and back in the Wilderwest while they ate.
“Thorny is going to love having you around with the way you gossip.” Dr. Murchison said as she entered the Mess. “But that’s for later. I want to thank you for bringing Chamaco up here. The patient is nearing the mid point of her pregnancy and due to complications in her medical history, she wanted me to look at her and see if I agreed with the Vespasian Medical Officer’s opinion. I agreed with the opinion and Dr. Crusher also examined her then agreed with the opinion. Therefore, we already have a patient, an Earth-Human DBDG, for low priority transport to Sector General. That is all that I am able to relate with Chamaco being a part of this conversation. Please understand, Chamaco, that my intent is not to put you on the spot.”
“I’m already use to Valentine talking in generalities like that when talking about her activities at Starfleet Medical, so you have no need to apologize.”
“Good. I thought you’d have a level head regarding medical ethics. I had another reason for coming up here. Dr. Crusher asks you to finish your meal and wrap up your discussion with Valentine within the next few minutes. You and Dr. Crusher will be going back to the Enterprise soon. Valentine, after they leave, Charge Nurse Naydrad asks that you meet it at the patient’s bed for your first lesson in space flight safety. My suggestion is that you two have your private, emotional parting up here so that you can appear proper and professional enough for its standards down there.”
“Thank you, Dr. Murchison.”
***
By the time they were nearing the wreck, Valentine was confident in her ability to get into and out of the space suits and environmental suits available for an Earth Human DBDG. She had practiced placing the Monitor Corps patient into a multi-environment litter that could, if required, be used to transport the patient through the vacuum of space for transfer to another ship. Nurse Naydrad had even served as a patient to give Valentine an introduction to treating Kelgian DBLF patients.
Dr. Conway interrupted the activity. “Unless you think there is anything else you must cover with Valentine before we go into action, I suggest we all take a break for a light meal before we begin prepping the Casualty Deck for possible casualties.”
Dr Murchison added “Dr. Prilicla will be waking from its rest period soon.”
Valentine asked “So that means that we’ve already passed through the fog?”
“The fog had dissipated before we reached it.” Dr. Conway replied “I guess we passed whatever test we had faced.”
As the group gathered around the table in the Mess, Dr. Conway continued teaching Valentine about customs at Sector General. “The cafeteria for oxygen breathers is probably the most integrated space in Sector General. It is open around the clock and it will prove to be as much a part of your education as will be the classrooms, wards, and operating theaters. Discussion around the tables can either be shop, or gossip. The former is the more important for your attention, but sometimes, important bits of information can be found in the latter. Tradition has it that the eating utensils used by the senior most member of the group that has gathered for the meal shall be the type used by the rest of the group. As you have seen, we do not hold to that here on Rhabwar.” He gestured toward Naydrad who’s face was immersed in a bowl of Kelgian food, and to Dr. Prilicla who was hovering at the edge of the table and using its upper manipulators to weave its favorite non-Cinrusskan meal into the rope of spaghetti with strips of raw carrots which was quickly disappearing into the Cinrusskan’s mouth. “Flying while eating” Dr. Conway continued “aids Dr. Prilicla’s digestion.”
Naydrad lifted her face from the bowl then said “And you should be prepared to eat your meals at tables furnished for other species.”
Dr. Conway added “You will understand the reason when you get your first look at the place.”

Description
Distress Call

Chapter 7

The chamber had been fitted with test and monitoring equipment as well as a bank of sample containers programmed to collect samples at different intervals. One adult Formic had volunteered to be in the chamber and it had been issued a Starfleet communicator for the test. Within seconds of the Horta breaking through the floor, the Formic test subject said through the translator “There is that odor/taste I remember from the rescue.”
“Are you feeling any respiratory distress?” asked Dr. Murchison from her lab on Rhabwar.
“None Doctor. Do you want me to move closer?”
“Make a note of where would be half your current distance from the Horta. Advance slowly to that point then stop. Should you begin to feel any distress, stop immediately and let us know.”
The Formic’s forward movement was shown on the Casualty Deck’s main screen. When the Formic came to rest, it said “I am at the specified point, Doctor. That smell/taste is stronger, but still no difficulties.”
“Thank you. Dr. Conway and Dr. Prilicla will be in there in moments to collect some swab samples. Remember. Neither of you are to approach the Children’s Ward until you have been washed down.”
The Formic replied “Yes Doctor.” while the Horta pivoted side to side to show that it understood.
Dr. Murchison turned her attention to the readouts from the test instruments. “We have to run all the tests to be sure, but I think we’ve found the source, Thorny.”
Diagnostician Thornnastor, who, thanks to the Starfleet supplied sub-space communications relays, was seeing a feed of the readout on a screen in its lab in Sector General said “I agree. I’m seeing definite matches in the suspect portions of your swab samples taken from the Formic Children.”
***
Valentine and Nurse Naydrad supervised as the freshly washed Formic children settled into their rest cradles in the new Children’s Ward which was a portable unit supplied by the Ender Wiggin. This was to be the last duties they would perform on this case. Once the cause of the irritation had been found, the treatment turned out to be simple. A thorough wash down with water mixed with a formula devised by Dr. Murchison and produced with the Wiggin’s replicators followed by a few days rest in a clean place with fresh air. This portable ward had opening windows equipped with screens. The Formic Queen had spoken with the Horta through the Vulcan translators before they returned to the Leif Ericson for the trip home. The Horta left knowing that the Formics truly appreciated their assistance in the rescue.
The adult Formics who still required rest and attention had also been transferred to a Starfleet supplied structure. The crew of the Trafalur was dismantling last of the Monitor Corps supplied structures. The Wiggin’s medical crew was taking over the care of the Formic patients and the Rhabwar was preparing to return to Sector General. Enterprise was going to escort Vespasian while it payed visits to a few of the many worlds in the United Federation of Planets.
When the last of the children were settled in, Valentine and Naydrad circulated through the ward saying their goodbyes. They then said their goodbyes to the patients in the other ward. Afterward, Valentine went with Naydrad to the Rhabwar to collect the few things she needed to take with her back to Enterprise. An emergency klaxon sounded just as the pair entered the Casualty Deck.
“What’s that?” asked Valentine.
“Were getting an emergency call.” replied Nurse Naydrad as she moved rapidly toward the rest of the medical team.
“Valentine Wiggin.” called out Dr. Conway “Why are you moving in that direction?”
“You’ve got an emergency call coming in so I should just get my things then get back to Enterprise.”
“And who has authorized you to go back to Enterprise?”
“I’m not a member of this crew, I’m not trained so I’d only be in the way.”
“Friend Valentine.” said Dr. Prilicla “You know that I prefer not to disagree with anyone, but I must in this case. All three parts of your last statement are inaccurate.”
Dr. Conway explained “When it became apparent that you were working well with Dr. Murchison and with Nurse Naydrad, I contacted Dr. Crusher and she put me in contact with Starfleet Medical and the Academy. You have been assigned to serve as an intern with the Rhabwar Medical Team at Sector General. You have been performing well in that role so far, and I have every reason to expect that you will continue to do so.”
Nurse Naydrad said “I know you realize that you should have told me about that. I would have spent some time preparing Valentine for spaceflight on this ship.”
“Dr. Crusher and I intended to inform her later today, but this emergency call has changed what we had planned. Now, get over here, Valentine. That klaxon was the notice that an emergency call is coming in. The technical crew on this ship is currently getting the details and sorting out what we need to know from what Astrogation and Communication need to know. Captain Fletcher will be briefing us shortly.”
***
The crew of the Monitor Corps ship Tragenhad, not yet trusting the new network being installed, had set off a nuclear charge as the distress beacon then they reported by radio their sighting a ship of unknown origin in distress. They reported that the ship had been damaged by a number of small impacts and also that it appeared that a large section, presumably a lifeboat, was missing from the ship. Despite the presumed missing lifeboat, the Tragenhad reported seeing signs that the ship was still inhabited.
“Apart from the technical information meant for Astrogation,” Captain Fletcher continued his briefing, “that’s the extent of the information we have at this time. Tragenhad repeated the brief message several times. The Trafalur crew is still stowing the portable field units. They estimate five minutes before the hatches are sealed. I am estimating liftoff in ten minutes as we are already working through the countdown checks. Once in orbit, we will Dock with Vespasian while we wait for Trafalur to get to orbit. We will take on spacesuits and the other Monitor Corps equipment Valentine will use while she is with us. Enterprise will be beaming over a few of your things Valentine - those you will need while you are with us. They will also beam over some examples of Starfleet equipment for us to evaluate here on Rhabwar and back at Sector General.
“Trafalur will proceed with us to the site of the wreck.” Captain Fletcher continued “Then either they, or Tragenhad will search for the missing part of the ship. Valentine. Captain Picard has told me that he has spoken with your parents, who are still on Mars, so they know about your change in assignment. That is all for now. Our usual questions will have to wait until we have docked with Vespasian.”
Dr. Conway spoke as soon as the repeater screen went dark. “I am sorry, Valentine, that the surprise didn’t come about in the way we had planned, but all four of us are confident that you will continue to work well with us. As Nurse Naydrad may have told you by now, it is an expert in space rescue operations. Therefore, I can say with confidence that by the time we reach the wreck, you will have learned all you need to know about space suit operation and safety from one of the best.”
“You could use a refresher course, Dr. Conway, after the way you’ve slipped up on passing out important information.” Nurse Naydrad’s fur was rippling with a lot of energy.
“As I said, you will be learning from one of the best.” Dr. Conway paused for a moment then said “There is something else that you need to know before we go into this rescue operation. I saw your reaction, so I know you noticed my use of the word ‘it’ in referring to Nurse Naydrad. You should know that it is expected practice at Sector General and throughout the Monitor Corps to use to use the word ‘It’ when referring to a member of a different species from your own. I know that Naydrad had told you much about herself and she has shared that information with the rest of us. However. At Sector General, it can be common for you to see four, five, six, or more Kelgian DBLFs in one day. When you see Tralthan FGLIs, you will have no idea which they are. Hudlar FROBs will be even more confusing as they do change their gender more than once during the course of their lifetime. And, some races have more than two genders. In many cases, asking for gender clarification in a non clinical situation can lead to cross-species tension. I think it would be good practice if you try to start using that term now. Nurse Naydrad and Dr. Prilicla will not be offended. Getting use to it now will be helpful when we are with the Tragenhad as I know that two of their crew are Nidian DBDGs. One other thing. For some species, a name is a highly valued and closely held private possession. So, if you are introduced to a patient, nurse or doctor having a designator that is the classification code with a number, such as AUGI-318, accept that as its name. To seek its actual name could cause a cultural conflict between yourself and it.”
Captain Fletcher called from the Control deck “Time to get strapped in.”
Nurse Naydrad said “Come on Valentine, I’ll strap you onto one of the beds for now. I’m sure a proper flight rated seat for you will be one of the things we get from Vespasian.”
***
With Captain Fletcher’s permission, Dr. Crusher and Chamaco beamed over with the equipment and Valentine’s things. A flight chair and workstation desk had been set up by technicians from Vespasian then they worked with Dr. Crusher to attach one of the two LCARS terminals to Valentine’s workstation. The other terminal was placed in storage for delivery to Sector General where it would most likely be set up in the Alien Pathology Lab. The rest of the equipment was scanners and tools that Valentine would demonstrate first for the Rhabwar crew, then for interested parties at Sector General.
Valentine introduced Chamaco to the rest of the Rhabwar Medical Team. The romantic interest between Valentine and Chamaco was not kept as a secret during the introductions. Dr. Conway and Dr. Prilicla gave Dr. Crusher a tour of the Rhabwar’s casualty deck with the intent of giving Valentine and Chamaco a little more time together.
Naydrad approached the pair then said “From the way Valentine is interacting with this DBDG, am I to assume that it is a male of the species?”
“Yes Charge Nurse Naydrad, it is.” Valentine turned to Chamaco - who had a confused look on his face - then said “Nurse Naydrad is helping me get use to practices that will be expected of me on Sector General.”
Before Chamaco could respond, Naydrad said “Since this DBDG is a male and not a medical professional, would you please take Chamaco to the Mess lounge. A DBDG member of the Vespasian crew is about to enter the casualty deck for a medical discussion and partial examination and it does not want to have this DBDG looking at it.”
“I would be glad to, Charge Nurse Naydrad.” Valentine took Chamaco’s hand then said “Come. I can explain this to you over a bite to eat.”
“Don’t you have a distress call? Shouldn’t you all be in a hurry to get going?”
“We do have a distress call, but the ship is several hours of hyperspace travel away.” began Valentine as she led Chamaco off of the Casualty Deck then led the free-fall through the central well that would lead to the control deck, but she directed him off to the side and into the mess lounge. “Think about the distances involved in interstellar rescue operations. This is something Nurse Naydrad was explaining to me before you arrived. Had the situation been an immediate life or death situation, we might not have been called. The crew of the Tragenhad would have done their best in that situation then called for us afterward if the casualties required additional attention. As it is, Tragenhad reported that the ship is in distress, but the situation seems stable enough to wait for Rhabwar to get there with its specialized equipment and experienced crew. Well, they have the experience, but they will train me as best as they can during the trip.”
“You know that I don’t mean this as an insult, but I’m curious. Charge Nurse Naydrad is a caterpillar– ”
“A Kelgian, not a caterpillar.”
“Sorry. But, how can a Kelgian be useful in a space wreck rescue?”
“I don’t know, though I’m sure I’ll find out when we get there. I can tell you that both Dr. Conway and Dr. Prilicla insist that Naydrad was assigned to this ship because she, I mean it is Sector General’s top specialist in space rescue.” Valentine approached a control panel then said “Brace yourself. I’m about to bring up the gravity in this lounge.” As they both settled to their feet, she continued “I’m calling up our standard snack. The food here is not as good as it is on Enterprise, but it is passable.” She ordered two servings of cheeseburger with fries.
“Fine.” replied Chamaco “What about Dr. Prilicla? What does he do?”
“I believe it is a he, but I’ll talk as I’ll be expected to talk. It specializes in neural-surgery and it does exceptional work. I assisted in a few of its surgeries on Formic patients. I understand that as a Senior Physician, it serves as a teaching physician at Sector General. It also uses its empathic ability to monitor the condition of some patients during tricky surgeries performed by other surgeons.”
“It sounds like you’ve gotten a dream assignment for an internship.” After taking a bite of his burger, Chamaco continued “Well, all except for the food. It’s not all that bad, but, it is lacking something, or some things.”
“Taste is one of those things.”
They talked - gossiped - about people at the Academy and back in the Wilderwest while they ate.
“Thorny is going to love having you around with the way you gossip.” Dr. Murchison said as she entered the Mess. “But that’s for later. I want to thank you for bringing Chamaco up here. The patient is nearing the mid point of her pregnancy and due to complications in her medical history, she wanted me to look at her and see if I agreed with the Vespasian Medical Officer’s opinion. I agreed with the opinion and Dr. Crusher also examined her then agreed with the opinion. Therefore, we already have a patient, an Earth-Human DBDG, for low priority transport to Sector General. That is all that I am able to relate with Chamaco being a part of this conversation. Please understand, Chamaco, that my intent is not to put you on the spot.”
“I’m already use to Valentine talking in generalities like that when talking about her activities at Starfleet Medical, so you have no need to apologize.”
“Good. I thought you’d have a level head regarding medical ethics. I had another reason for coming up here. Dr. Crusher asks you to finish your meal and wrap up your discussion with Valentine within the next few minutes. You and Dr. Crusher will be going back to the Enterprise soon. Valentine, after they leave, Charge Nurse Naydrad asks that you meet it at the patient’s bed for your first lesson in space flight safety. My suggestion is that you two have your private, emotional parting up here so that you can appear proper and professional enough for its standards down there.”
“Thank you, Dr. Murchison.”
***
By the time they were nearing the wreck, Valentine was confident in her ability to get into and out of the space suits and environmental suits available for an Earth Human DBDG. She had practiced placing the Monitor Corps patient into a multi-environment litter that could, if required, be used to transport the patient through the vacuum of space for transfer to another ship. Nurse Naydrad had even served as a patient to give Valentine an introduction to treating Kelgian DBLF patients.
Dr. Conway interrupted the activity. “Unless you think there is anything else you must cover with Valentine before we go into action, I suggest we all take a break for a light meal before we begin prepping the Casualty Deck for possible casualties.”
Dr Murchison added “Dr. Prilicla will be waking from its rest period soon.”
Valentine asked “So that means that we’ve already passed through the fog?”
“The fog had dissipated before we reached it.” Dr. Conway replied “I guess we passed whatever test we had faced.”
As the group gathered around the table in the Mess, Dr. Conway continued teaching Valentine about customs at Sector General. “The cafeteria for oxygen breathers is probably the most integrated space in Sector General. It is open around the clock and it will prove to be as much a part of your education as will be the classrooms, wards, and operating theaters. Discussion around the tables can either be shop, or gossip. The former is the more important for your attention, but sometimes, important bits of information can be found in the latter. Tradition has it that the eating utensils used by the senior most member of the group that has gathered for the meal shall be the type used by the rest of the group. As you have seen, we do not hold to that here on Rhabwar.” He gestured toward Naydrad who’s face was immersed in a bowl of Kelgian food, and to Dr. Prilicla who was hovering at the edge of the table and using its upper manipulators to weave its favorite non-Cinrusskan meal into the rope of spaghetti with strips of raw carrots which was quickly disappearing into the Cinrusskan’s mouth. “Flying while eating” Dr. Conway continued “aids Dr. Prilicla’s digestion.”
Naydrad lifted her face from the bowl then said “And you should be prepared to eat your meals at tables furnished for other species.”
Dr. Conway added “You will understand the reason when you get your first look at the place.”