A minor complication ...

[T'aral 0]

Lieutenant T’Aral and Ensign Khora sat in an office, checking medical records and confirming that the hospital staff was healthy and that no virus had spread. They had just finished clearing the staff and were finishing the daily report when the hospital’s CMO came in to see them. “Excuse me, but we have a problem. One of our technical staff has been exhibiting the strangest behavior.”

 

T’Aral nodded, gathering her kit and following Doctor Drasis. “It would be most unusual for us to have an outbreak, given the safeguards we have established and maintained. Further, your technical staff have not been in direct contact with the sample containers. I would have expected a member of the medical staff to contract a virus first.”

 

Doctor Drass nodded to T’Aral. “Agreed. However Senekt has been an excellent officer, and as even-tempered a Vulcan as anyone has ever known. The idea that he would ever lose his temper is unthinkable, but of late he has been … well, irritable. I had him report for an exam, and the results were unusual to say the least.

 

“This is worrying, Doctor. I can’t find any sign of infection, but it’s like his system is burning itself up.” He ran through the scanner readings again. “Given our circumstances I would suggest the Rabi-virus or perhaps SRN-1T, but the containment appears sound and he’s not demonstrating the complete spectrum of symptoms … then there’s these hormonal readings. None of the pathogens have this particular symptom.”

 

T’Aral examined the readings, nodding as Drass spoke. “It would be more concerning if his blood indicated signs of infection. All that can be confirmed is that Officer Senekt is exhibiting unusual behavior and elevated bio-readings.” She closed the datapad and stopped Doctor Drass at the door. “I believe this can be successfully resolved. My assistant and I shall tend to Officer Senekt. If we require further assistance, you will be advised.”

 

“Doctor …?” Drass was a bit confused.

 

“I apologize, Doctor Drass, for I do not mean to undermine your authority. However – in this case I must ask for latitude; Senekt should be tended to by a fellow Vulcan. There are some indigenous treatments and meditation techniques which should prove effective in addressing the issue. You understand, of course, that like most species Vulcans find medical issues to be a sensitive subject. It would be helpful if involvement of others was kept to a minimum.”

 

Drass stepped back. “All right; I understand, but if you discover that there is some viral activity …”

 

T’Aral bowed respectfully. “… I will inform you immediately if there is any concern to the hospital.” Gesturing for Ensign Khora to follow, she closed the door to the isolation ward then turned to her nurse. “Now Ensign, you are to follow my instructions exactly. The isolation ward is to be cut off from the hospital and the rest of the vessel – no communications at all.”

 

Khora paused, suddenly concerned. “Doctor – are you sure? From all indications Senekt may turn violent, and you should be more cautious …”

 

“That will not happen.” T’Aral put on an isolation suit. “If it does I will defend myself in a careful retreat, and I do take reasonable precautions. Nurse – you will accept my instructions.”

 

“Yes Doctor.” Khora locked off all dataports. “Please be careful.”

 

“I shall, Ensign.” T’Aral entered the isolation ward and examined her patient. Senekt was a young Vulcan, seemingly healthy but clearly agitated. After several scans, T’Aral took off the isolation suit. “Senekt, I am T’Aral. I am here to help you.”

 

Senekt looked to T’Aral crossly, barely holding on to civility. “There is nothing to be done. This isolation room is unnecessary … I should be secured in my quarters.” He gripped the bio-bed firmly, his hands shaded green from the stress.

 

T’Aral set the isolation suit aside. “There should be truth between us – there is no viral threat.” She found a small bench to sit on. “When did it start?”

 

Senekt looked over to T’Aral, feeling a certain amount of relief to be able to speak plainly with someone who would not say what didn’t have to be said. “It began three days before our assignment. I had requested leave which was initially granted, until our orders came and the approval was withdrawn. I could accept it initially; T’Bel … was on Vulcan.” T’Aral silently nodded, comprehending. “I do not feel drawn to any place, for I know Vulcan is gone. However, my condition continues to accelerate.”

 

T’Aral nodded again. “I understand; I have gone through similar experiences.”

 

Senekt looked over to her. “Perhaps, if you understand the process, there is something that can be done?”

 

T’Aral looked to him calmly. “From the time of the Awakening, Vulcan medicine has tried to gain understanding, develop control, and eventually discover a cure without success in any way. It is illogical to assume that our efforts in the next several hours, or even days, would prove more fruitful.”

 

Senekt bowed his head, gathering what little patience he had left. “I do not see an alternative.”

 

T’Aral stood and looked to him, straight and deliberate. “There are always alternatives …”

 

------

 

Drass sought to question T’Aral for hours. “Are you certain you cannot share your techniques, Doctor? Senekt’s recovery … it’s simply amazing!”

 

T’Aral continued to examine tricorder updates on the viral cargo. “There was little to recover from. Senekt was suffering from a minor neural imbalance. It is a Vulcan condition; rare, but curable through meditative techniques.”

 

“You’re being evasive, Doctor – hardly what I would have expected from you. Your reputation as a neurotherapist is established and respected. I can’t see why you can’t explain what you did. Think of the benefits others could gain …”

 

“Senekt’s condition is isolated to Vulcans, as is the cure. It would not have the same effect on other species, as the condition does not occur in other species.” T’Aral continued to examine the reports, patiently evading Drass’ questions over and over again. He would tire, eventually reaching the conclusion that T’Aral wasn’t about to divulge anything. At worst he would file a complaint, which she would answer citing confidentiality while assuring her superiors that there was no general risk – using Drass’ own scans, tests, and lab results as evidence. Perhaps she would be reprimanded, but it was nothing that her overall record could not tolerate. Senekt was back to work, briefed on how to respond to any questions from his fellow officers. Their explanations would be consistent and evasive, and eventually this event would be forgotten.