Phlox's Imp
Doctor Phlox of Denobula left notes regarding the procedure – not that anyone would necessarily read them if the mission failed - but as a scientist he wished to note the adaptability of the Lyssarian Desert Larvae to the Earth Human Lifeform. That the human whose genetic component had been used, now deceased and being critical to the endeavor, was of course an incentive and Phlox would attempt to prolong the lifespan of the mimetic simbiot for as long as it was needed.
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A.N. For LoyaulteMeLie, and her excellent Enterprise stories . . . another one of 'those' stories languishing on my computer . . . hope to work a bit on all.
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Chapter One :
Before the start of the Mission to the Delphic Expanse – In Sickbay:
Phlox of Denobula thought 'long and hard' (curious these Earth phrases) about exactly what supplies would be needed during this critical mission; he was certain that the ship, if it survived - would be subject to high stress, as well as periods of extreme peril, resulting in many casualties.
Determined to 'stock up' as much as possible, he decided to request additional storage for equipment and supplies, perhaps even putting some additional specialized lifeforms in storage for anticipated emergent situations.
Consequently the doctor was not only assigned extra storage in distributed areas around the ship, because medical supplies had to be available at all times in all areas of the Enterprise – but he specifically brought aboard several larvae of different species including that of the Lyssarian Desert creature, which he had found so useful in previously treating Porthos, who was of course of Earthly origin.
(Phlox anticipated that he might have to replace some tissue or even entire organs in the Human crew. He placed these 'in stasis' in the Sickbay proper as it was the safest location aboard the ship, and would be of little use anywhere else.)
He did not discuss the decision to include the extra creatures as he considered it to be the prerogative of himself as the Chief Medical Officer aboard the Enterprise, and thankfully no one had ever before seriously questioned any creature's usage . . . although Phlox once remembered with a smile, Lieutenant Reed's unease at what he called 'leeches', 'worms', and 'slugs' being used on his impaled leg.
Later Commander Tucker called after the man, an odd bit of song, "The worms go in, the worms go out . . ." Phlox always meant to ask what it referred to – perhaps during the journey to the Expanse he could ask one of them . . .
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