Overtired

[Johnson Kenyon 0]

Johnson grabbed his tools and walked the short distance to the TL.  It opened and he entered.  As it closed he said, “Main Engineering.”

He was pooped.  Confused.  Awestruck.  It all applied.  An alien race had appeared in Medical right before him and he didn’t have a clue how to interact with them.  Yet he had been involved in creating the theories of how to communicate.  Sometimes the riddle of life was more confusing than anything a mystery could supply. 

By his count, he couldn’t have been out of the Academy more than 10 days and he was already dismantling consoles, coming up with innovative communication techniques, attending senior staff meetings and making first contact.  Did that about cover it?  His classmates at the Academy were sure to be jealous.  Aegis was no idle station.

Johnson entered the Main Engineering and returned his tool bag to its place.  He didn’t see Subcommander Nijil and he felt a sudden urge to get some shut eye.  He exited Main Engineering and couldn’t think where his quarters were.  To his memory, he had only slept on his bed two nights and had lost more sleep recently trying to keep up with the 3 shifts.  He didn’t remember the last time he’d eaten. 

He leaned against the wall and said, “Computer, show me to my…” 

 

From behind his medical console, Johnson linked the output of Dr. Sandero’s brain to the medical tricorder borrowed from Dr. Pavilion.  Dr. Sandero seemed to be figuring out the Psionic Verbalizer. 

“A couple more tests and I’ll be able to see how this works,” Johnson spoke as he tapped on the console.  “Dr. Pavilion, are you ready to take medical scans of Dr. Sandero’s brain?”

“Of course, Doctor Kenyon, but I take them routinely during her annual physical.  Shall I put them on your console?”

Johnson’s medical console changed and he pulled up the brain scans.  “Yes, these should do nicely.”  His eyes moved across the screen and he absorbed the information.  “Dr. Sandero, are you ready to proceed?”

“Well, I’m not certain I understand how this works, but I will try.”

Johnson smiled at Dacia and she smiled back.  “I’m sure you’ll be great.”

“Okay.  Here goes.”

A Being appeared in the room.  Johnson thought she was supposed to try to reach someone on the station, but this outcome was better.  He stared momentarily in awe of the Being, who looked back.

The being turned and addressed Johnson.  “Dr. Kenyon, I am here to show you…  Ensign Kenyon.  Ensign Kenyon!”

 

Johnson opened his eyes and blinked groggily.  Slowly the imagine of a security officer appeared. 

“Are you alright?  I found you slumped over in the hall.  I was going to call medical...”

“NO”, Johnson said firmly.  “I can manage.”  He focused and grabbed the security officer’s hand.  Fully upright, he thanked the security officer.  “I need to get some sleep.”