Admiral Atragon, in the yacht, with the exoskeleton (or candlestick).

[T'Prise 0]

Her list of items to accomplish during this shift was lengthy, but did not contain any unachievable responsibilities. Many of the tasks pertained directly to the ship’s current assignments, which were to investigate the unusual weather phenomena being reported on earth and to locate the admiral. Curiously, the errant admiral's yacht was in close proximity to the meteorology station which administered terra’s environmental controls, suggesting that there was a potential relationship between his disappearance and the capricious climate patterns.

She focused her attention on the next item in the list. Less than twelve hours prior, she had agreed to assist Lieutenant Jaenke with researching his current emotional issues and mental incapacities. T’Prise failed to comprehend why the engineer had requested her collaboration in this endeavor since it fell well outside her normal duties and area of expertise.

She was hardly acquainted with the nuances of emotions. T’Prise was capable of telepathic communication through physical contact, as were most Vulcans. This by no means suggested she was an expert on telepathy in other species. The physicist would never have recommended herself as a mentor or advisor to the bewildered chief. His request was illogical, but a plea for aid none the less..

Leaning over her workstation, T'Prise initiated a series of inquiries regarding Betazoid physiology, mental capabilities and telepathy. She would begin by studying the general literature before focusing specifically on the issues Jaenke was experiencing. While the computer executed the query, she opened up a comm line to Starfleet Medical. A colleague currently working there would be able to assist with two of the tasks she needed to accomplish.

“This is Doctor Farrington.” The psychologist sounded preoccupied and somewhat distracted.

"Doctor Farrington, this is Doctor T'Prise, may I request a few moments of your time?"

“T’Prise! Of course. Are you in-system?”

"Yes, the Manticore is currently en route to Saturn. Would you care to establish visual contact?"

Manticore’s former counselor appeared on-screen. “You look well, T’Prise. How may I help you?”

"Doctor Farrington, it is agreeable to see you, as your appearance suggests your well being is consistent with a normal state of health. Is your current situation meeting expectations?"

“Well beyond expectations, T’Prise. My work here is very rewarding, though I do miss my husband and the crew of Manticore.”

A brow rose, the human propensity for sentimentality still escaped the Vulcan’s understanding. "It is likely that your absence from the ship is also noticed by members of the crew. I find it curious that humans have a penchant to emotionally attached to other individuals and circumstances,” the scientist paused for brief moment, an inquisitive look lighting her eyes.

“In your experience as a doctor, do humans have the capacity to regret things which never occurred, or do not exist?”

Dr. Farrington’s attempt to cover her surprise with curiosity was only somewhat successful. "I'm not exactly sure what you mean, T'Prise. Do you mean something imagined? Some past experience that has become a distorted memory over time?"

“The existence of alternate realities have suggested this line of questioning. Is it possible to regret a life not lived?”

The doctor blew out a breath, then paused a moment in thought. "Well…sometimes people regret passing up a chance for an experience in life, and sometimes they wish they'd lived a different life, but…” her lips pressed together, “somehow I don't believe that's what you’re talking about. T'Prise, has Manticore been jumping through realities again?"

“No, we have not been experiencing any reality shifts since your departure. I was merely inquiring in regards to our previous experiences. This discussion was not the purpose of my call however, we do not need to focus on it any further."

Her friend looked relieved.

“Your previous mention of the admiral brings me to one of purposes for contacting you. I wish to inquire as to his whereabouts. Have you spoken with him lately?"

“Admiral Atragon? Not recently. I had heard the ship was detained ‘on a mission’ but I've heard nothing else.” Her expression changed appreciably. “Is there a problem?”

"Nothing of note to currently report. The crew has been recalled from leave in order to address an urgent need. I was merely attempting to locate the admiral and apprise him of the situation."

“I see.” Jami continued to maintain a look of concern as she slipped on a sweater. Her shift in position provided a view of the blizzard raging outside. “Well, the answer is no, T'Prise, I haven’t seen him or spoken with him, but if I do I’ll be sure to have him contact the ship.”

The Vulcan cocked her head. "Do you wish for me to inform him of your concern once he has been located?"

“Yes. Thank you. But only if it doesn't interfere with his duties or distract him. He usually calls when he’s in-system, so there must be something more urgent on his mind."

T'Prise nodded, glancing down to check on the status of the sensor scans currently being run on her console. "I did have a secondary motive for initiating contact with you. Might I ask some questions pertaining to psychological research?"

“Of course."

"I am interested in Betazoid telepathic capabilities. Do you have any expertise in the subject?"

“Not expertise, per se, but I’ve studied quite a bit of research."

"Are you familiar with a condition that impedes an adult Betazoid from creating mental shields to protect themselves from telepathic bombardment?"

There came a brief pause while the doctor considered. "Yes. It’s a condition that originates in childhood. Normally, a Betazoid’s telepathic skill doesn’t develop until adolescence, but in the case of some individuals the psilosynine transmitter in the paracortex is active at birth. This doesn’t usually present a problem; it can be an asset because the individual is usually extremely talented.

"However, a problem can arise when the telepathy becomes extremely powerful and the individual cannot filter the input received from those around. The occurrence is loosely called HAPS for Hyperactive Paracortex Syndrome, but there really isn’t a proper medical term for it.” Dr. Farrington paused to scrutinize the Vulcan scientist for a long moment. “And now I’m curious, T’Prise. This isn’t exactly physics, so why the research?"

Looking unperturbed, the physicist was silent for a moment, carefully considering her words. "I have recently encountered someone suffering from hyperactive paracortex syndrome and wished to know more on the subject. Are there any suggested treatments or therapies that you might recommend?"

Hesitation was evident in Jami’s expression, as though she was aware of a possible treatment but was reluctant to share.

“T’Prise, there are many treatments out there. Some have worked for individuals; some have been disastrous. Medicine is far from an exact science; it works more as trial and error, and when it comes to telepathy, it has been mostly error. Therapeutic treatments must be designed for each individual to account for the differences in brain function.

“As for medical treatment,” she paused again, “for the short term there are various drugs that have helped a few patients, but I don’t advise using them because their track record is far from stellar and complications can arise suddenly with very unfortunate results.

“For the long term?” Again there was hesitancy and a strong note of caution. “There is one procedure that has had some dramatic success - and I do emphasize some. I would not even consider it unless the patient can be monitored over a long period of time by a battery of trained specialists because it involves genetic manipulation. I’m sure you have an idea of the delicacy and dangers of genetic manipulation in an adult for a character trait that initiated in the womb.”

The slight pursing of lips in contemplation was the Vulcan's only visible reaction."Your response suggest that a proven treatment has yet to be devised for this syndrome and that therapy depends entirely upon the patient.

This suggests that patients diagnosed with the syndrome are subject to all manner of investigational countermeasures, applied with little or no guarantee.” The scientist fell silent for a moment, in quiet contemplation, her mind already considering the ramifications and possibilities.

"Your information is helpful and provides me with a foundation upon which to develop my own investigation Thank you for your assistance."

“Most welcome, T’Prise. I’ll contact you if I hear anything from the Admiral.”

"Your diligence is appreciated." The scientist raised her hand in the customary gesture. "Live long and prosper."

-------------------

(Many thanks to Commander Farrington for her special guest appearance!)