Thirteen
USS Envoy, in orbit of planet M'Belit, Stardate 59519.5, Sickbay
"Commander." Doctor Matts said as he entered his office.
Theus had beamed over only a few minutes earlier and has been shown in. The Doctor had said it was urgent they speak, but he was not at all surprised that even in this day, he still had to wait to be seen.
"Hello again, Doctor." He said and shook his hand. "The situation with the M'Belites is entering a critical stage. I hope you don't mind if we get right to it."
"Not at all." He took his seat behind his desk and tapped in a few commands on a console before a holographic screen lit up, displaying multiple biological scans. "In fact, I think I've just had a breakthrough."
Theus studied the information for a bit and said, "These are the results of the scans and labs you ordered for me?"
"They are. After learning of your ability to meld with Specialist Baresio, I focused on your scans more so than his. Nothing was remarkable about them, so I decided to consult with some of the other doctors we have available."
"Were they helpful?"
"Only one was, but she suggested I talk to you directly."
It took a moment, but Theus realized who he meant.
"Doctor Utan?" He asked. "How was she…wait," he shook his head in incomprehension, "I don't understand. The Admiral is your patient, so why are you discussing a treatment method concerning her without K-, without Baresio present? And as far as I'm aware, my CMO hasn't requested my permission to release my medical records to you."
"She hasn't." He said quickly with a placating gesture. "In fact, she was very clear that her suggestion is nothing more than that. And that I should talk to you first. It's also the reason the Specialist isn't here. Yet." He emphasized.
Theus hesitated to answer him. He knew why Utan had suggested Matts speak to him, and was grateful for her discretion. Even after all these years, it was still emotionally difficult for him to discuss a matter he considered quite personal.
"I believe I know why she referred me to you." He finally said. "If you could link with Aegis' medical database?"
Matts tapped on his desk terminal and another holographic screen appeared before Theus. The Doctor could have requested the files himself, but there was still protocol to adhere to. Neither wanted to wait for an authorized crewman or Utan to retrieve the information, so Theus requested it himself with his personal access code.
They both sat in silence as Matts skimmed the information. His brow shot up at parts, and he picked up his own PADD to start cross referencing information. The look was familiar to Theus. He had noticed it on himself and in the faces of his fellow scientists when they were about to solve a problem.
"T-This changes things." Matts said. "In a good way."
"How so?"
He was still studying the information and was jolted back to attention when he stammered, "I meant the breakthrough. I believed that I could use some of your brain-cells to come up with a proper treatment."
"Believed? As in no longer?"
"As in I don't believe that would be the best course of treatment."
"But can't we just modify some stem-cells or bio-mimetic gel to use as catalysts from my brain? Even nanites with the proper encoding can be successful."
Matts sighed, "I see you're current on your biological publications."
Theus was about to respond sharply until he noticed the small smile tug at Matts lips and allowed himself the same.
"My apologies, Doctor. I'll let you handle the medicine while I stick to…well I guess it's diplomacy this week."
"No apologies necessary. And while I considered those options, this new information about you; about your condition or syndrome, has changed my approach. I believed it was the unique neuro-chemistry of your brain that allowed you to meld with him. It is in fact, your mind."
"What are you thinking?" He asked, intrigued.
"It's no secret that non-telepathic species do no prefer the mental treatments that telepaths have developed when it comes to brain injuries. I myself have tried to avoid those methods at all costs."
"That's more than understandable, Doctor."
"And that was not the response I was expecting."
Theus shrugged. "Telepathic treatment is little more than a medical professional observing and keeping the patient alive. The other telepath tells you to wait while they work and not provide any scientific or medical proof that what they are doing is working. It goes against everything we stand for as scientist."
"It most certainly does." He nodded. "Nevertheless, my treatment of the Admiral will require a mind-meld between her, Specialist Baresio, and you Commander."
"Me?" Theus shouted. He didn't even see himself but he was standing.
"I know how this must sound, and with the amount of danger involved-"
"It's not…I'm not afraid." He said and huffed. "Doctor, mind-melds are a very intimate practice. We know that Vulcans have done it for centuries and understand the concept of what they are doing, but nothing can prepare you for the level of openness and vulnerability."
He started pacing.
"There are so many unresolved personal issues between the Admiral and Specialist. I'm not sure that I'm okay being joined in a link with them."
"I admit, there is a risk-"
"It's a bit more than that, don't you think?" He snapped. "You want me to link with them, why?"
"Vulcans can heal mental trauma with a meld. I believe that if Baresio does so, and with you as a buffer, he will be able calm her mind so that I can effectively treat her."
Theus cupped his chin in thought. "A buffer? So he would link with me, and I with her. My brain relaying the proper signals to her synapses? Somehow, that sounds more dangerous than him linking directly."
"We can't be certain. All I know, is that while her condition is stable, she is slowly deteriorating. We can put her on our fastest shuttle to rendezvous with another ship that could possibly get her specialized help on Vulcan. But that would still take weeks."
"It still seems risky."
"To whom, Commander?"
Theus looked up and gave Matts a hard stare. They both wore the rank of commander, and while the Doctor was senior because of time, he was not a command officer.
"I'll give you the benefit of doubt of not taking your last comment as a suggestion of cowardice!" He said in a low growl. "You've suggested an untested method of treating a patient with a practice we both know can and has caused serious damage and death to those who have practiced it!"
"Commander-"
"I know I'm not on my ship, but Starfleet has given me a command. I weight every action and decision carefully while balancing needs against desires. Your plan puts the health and lives of two individuals in danger. And risks permanent mental damage to us all. I need a bit more than the idea of me being a buffer."
"You mean like a guarantee?" Matts asked.
"A guarantee? Of what?"
"Of Specialist Baresio not being able to read your mind during the meld. The guarantee that the secret of your condition will stay privileged information!"
"Don't!"
"Commander!" Matts shouted back.
They both took a few deep breaths and Matts gestured for Theus to retake his seat.
"Computer," Matts called, "run sedative program seventeen-phi. My office only, sounds reduced to not interfere with conversation."
The computer chimed with compliance and the lights in Matts' office changed to a soft turquoise. They continued to shift between violets and greens while the scents of lilac and rose began to infuse the room. There was even a soft humming or droning that while not overpowering, could be heard.
"Just take a moment." Matts said.
"I…thank you Doctor." He said. It was simple, but the therapeutic environment was helping to calm them both.
"I may have picked up a thing or two from the counseling staff." He smiled. "But Captain, we are talking about the mother of one of your crew."
"I know that. And I also know-"
"I don't think you do; know where I was going with my point that is."
Theus nodded and leaned forward attentively.
"I understand that you and Baresio have a complicated past. Who doesn't? But if his mother dies when you could have helped to save her, the secret of your condition won't matter. Because I most certainly can guarantee that he won't be a part of your life ever again."
"What are you talking about?"
"I picked up more from my counseling staff than just aroma therapy. He doesn't know about your condition, does he?"
He sighed. "No. Aside from medical professionals in Starfleet that have examined me directly, my primary physician on Earth, and my parents, no one does. That's actually why I was surprised Utan told you to speak with me."
"Again, she never mentioned anything. In fact, I don't think she even accessed the information in your records."
"And Baresio. You haven't told him about your treatment?"
"Not the prior idea I had no. I figured that it could be a sensitive matter, and neither of you mentioned anything of note during our last meeting."
"Thank you. We can start as soon as you're ready. I have no doubt that the Specialist will be on-board with your plan."
"I'll have to inform Captain Fenton of the procedure. The details concerning you will not be disclosed, but there is only so much I can keep from Baresio."
"Understood. I will brief him when I get back to my ship. If there's nothing else?"
Theus started to leave, but Matts called out to him.
"Commander… you know I don't wish to pry. And I'm treating this situation with all the sensitivity and training I have at my disposal."
"It's okay Doctor, what is it?"
"…You said that you and Baresio have been physically intimate? Correct?"
"That's correct."
"Was it, well was it just melding?"
Theus chuckled lightly and said, "Sometimes. But mostly we melded during sex."
"And the um, frequency?"
"Will this be followed up by a question concerning duration?"
Matts rolled his eyes and Theus let out a deep laugh.
"Sorry," he said through his laugh, "I just needed that after dealing with the M'Belites. We were little more than teenagers, Doctor. So yes, we had lots of sex. Lots of melds. And anything else in between, well there was a lot of that as well. I'm sure you remember what it was like being a young adult, fresh out of training, and away from home seeing the galaxy for the first time. Is this another counseling matter?"
"Maybe." He said, suddenly serious. "Theus, you both told me that you have never experienced any adverse effects from melding. I guess what I'm asking is, with how many times you two have joined minds, how does he not know about your condition?"
Theus' posture became stiff.
"I see." Matts said. "You are more than entitled to keep your medical information to yourself. And if you have been able to do so all these years, even with your melds, I'm sure it shouldn't be a problem during the procedure."
Still, Theus said nothing. And that is when it came to Matts.
"But you may not be able to keep that information from Admiral N'Pau."
"I have to go inform Baresio. I suggest you inform your captain and prepare you sickbay."
"Damn it, Commander!" He stood from his desk and pounded the surface. "I will drop this. And I will obey my oath to privacy as a physician. But I'm warning you, telling you! Hell I am begging you to talk to your MACO about this. If he truly is your friend-"
"What happened to me being entitled to my medical privacy?"
"Then you have a decision to make. If there is a chance he will learn of your condition in the meld, then he could also learn of this meeting. He will know that you intentionally kept this from him and that you are actively doing so during the meld. If it causes complications…"
"Thank you Doctor. I have to return to my ship." Was all he said before leaving.
M'Belit, City of W'Manti, Nicortan's Retreat
"I can't believe I let you talk me into this." zhNon chuckled.
"I find it harder to believe that we've put it off for this long." Tiffany said back.
Both officers made wry smile toward one another as they made their way inside the establishment. After the failed assault on the Romulan compound a few days earlier, the Major had suggested a platoon from her MACO contingent be left on the planet for extra security. The M'Belites had reluctantly offered their hospitality, and soon this small dive bar was located by one of her younger troops.
The antennae on zhNon's forehead went wide and began to flatten back against her hair.
"While Andorians love a good drink, I don't see the sport in it."
"Sport?" She asked while they took seats at a table close to the entrance.
"You said you would 'drink me underneath a table'."
Tiffany smiled broadly and said, "Close enough. Now less talking."
She gestured to a waiter that came and took their orders. Once he had returned and left, they both swallowed the equivalent of a shot of a potent spirit, and then bit into a bitter root to balance the sweet flavors.
"Nice to see somethings are universal."
"In what way?" zhNon asked.
Tiffany shook her head and called the waiter back. She then ordered a pitcher of ale to split between the two of them, as well as additional shots.
"I will admit that this is a welcomed release." zhNon said after filling a mug with the ale. "But I don't understand why here? You're off shift aren't you? Why not someplace safer like on Envoy?"
"Ugh!" She groaned in annoyance. "No thanks. I've had my fill of that ship for the moment."
"Don't tell me we're that bad?"
Both ladies looked to see Commander Ooccae approaching them. They stood, but with a quick hand gesture he signaled for them to remain seated.
"Sir?" zhNon said. "Is there something we can help you with?"
"Well, offering me a seat would be a nice start."
Tiffany gestured to an open seat and he took it. He didn't speak, so she asked for another mug to pour him ale.
"This is impressive." He said.
"It's why I decided to come here, instead of your ten-forward. Sir."
zhNon interrupted, "Did you need something, Commander?"
He drained his mug and said, "Actually, if you two would stop with the formalities that would help."
They both opened their mouths but he cut them off.
"I'm off duty. And I suspect we're all down here for the same reasons. To get away from it."
"And what exactly is 'it'?" zhNon asked.
Ooccae didn't answer, but instead looked to Tiffany.
She sighed. "I asked you down here because I'm tired of this. All of it."
Tiffany massaged her neck while gathering her thoughts.
"Our ranks are equivalent zhNon. So I know when we talk, it's always freely."
"That I can understand." Ooccae said. When the other two didn't respond, he elaborated. "Deltan's have a difficult time interacting with other humanoid species because of our…well, you know. But as a Zhen, you're practically immune to my bio-chemistry. And you Major, are a highly disciplined MACO. Enough said."
At that, Tiffany and zhNon raised their mugs and Ooccae soon joined in. They all drank a bit more, watching the other MACOs and Starfleet personnel enjoy the bar with little to no disturbances on anyone's part.
"You never answered what you're tired of." zhNon finally said.
Bullock rolled a shot glass in her hand, staring at it absently.
"You mean to say that my recommendation to leave wasn't clear enough?"
"So it's this mission?" Ooccae asked.
She sat down her drink and crossed her arms.
"You know, I really do think that people misunderstand what it means to be a MACO."
"Tiffany?"
"Just let me finish, I promise this isn't some branch competition thing." She let out a breath. "Every member of the Federation still retains a planetary defense force. And that's something I agree with wholeheartedly. But MACOs are the only military department of Starfleet. While your mandate is discovery and exploration, mine is to destroy the enemy."
"Go on."
More confident, she said, "I'm not having a crisis of conscience, but I'm proud that the objectives of all the training I've received are clear. The Borg, The Dominion, and even the Undine. Those are enemies with the explicit intent to deprive others of choice. Of liberty and their own lives."
zhNon nodded, "And with the Romulans, that certainty is now ambiguous."
"Exactly. The first MACOs served with Starfleet during the Xindi crisis. And from that legacy, we've always taken pride in being called upon only to defeat enemies where there was only black and white."
Ooccae said, "I'm sorry if I'm missing your point, but what enemy do you have to fight?"
"That's my point." She said. "I knew when I accepted this posting that there would be a lot of grey areas when dealing with the Romulans. It's just that, the more time we spend here. The more we learn of who they really were and what they've done. It sickens me."
"I-I don't know what to say to that." Ooccae said.
"She's not asking you to say anything, just listen." zhNon said. "I get it Tiff, really I do. Our people are pretty tolerant for the most part, but that doesn't mean we have to be accepting."
"You too?"
zhNon squared herself to Ooccae.
"I guess the mistake was ours that our species didn't evolve as pacifistic as others."
He slammed down his mug.
"It seems we're starting to take away some traits from these M'Belites. That's the second time someone has danced around using outright speciest language in front of me! Is that common aboard your ship?"
zhNon shot out of her chair.
"To hell with rank! If you want to go, first officer to first officer, we can. No one insults my ship or crew!"
"Will both of you calm down?" Tiffany asked, barely phased.
They did as she asked and she refilled both their drinks.
"Look Commander, no one is saying anything derogatory about the Deltans. You guys can't help that you evolved with a more hedonistic approach to everything. Nor can we help that we developed on worlds where violence was common."
"Then what are you saying?"
"That there's nothing wrong with declaratives!" She pinched her brow and shook her head. "Enslavement, forced relocation, forced labor, first strikes. That is what the Romulans have done. It is not an opinion but a statement of fact. And while others; including humans have done the same, we stopped. And we learned how to work out our differences with one another and other species with treaties and trade agreements.
"I don't like the Romulans because of what they continued to do up until their near extinction. And while I can have compassion for their plight, I will not pretend to be objective just for the sake of some pseudo enlightened ideals of keeping an open mind."
"We're going to have to deal with them a lot more." zhNon said.
"Which is exactly why I needed a break."
They all went silent. After sometime, Ooccae finally broke the silence and tension.
"You're not the only one."
"How's that?" She asked.
"On-board Envoy. While our missions haven't had as much military conflict as Aegis, the stories we've heard from other species within their space during our relief efforts…some of my crew have expressed similar, if not more extreme opinions. As first officer, I'm usually the one to shut it down. Especially with my officers. I guess I forgot for a moment that I'm not on duty, I wasn't trying to diminish your opinion."
"I know that." Tiffany said. "And while I know that plenty of Federation species have little room to talk, I'm just glad that on the whole, we've gotten to a point where we're honest about our past and the mistakes we've made."
"Honest? You come back to our planet and dare speak of honesty?!"
The all turned to see a hunched over figure approaching. He was clearly a M'Belite, but instead of his skin being a bright pastel it was mottled and dull. There were also severe burn scars covering the left side of his face that ran down his neck and most likely lower.
As he got closer, Tiffany noticed the limp in his steps. The labored breathing and erratic rise and fall of his chest. When he was within reaching distance, she also smelled the pungent odor of his unwashed clothing and fetid breath reeking of alcohol.
"You're drunk." zhNon said and stood.
"That I am. But my memory remains clear as day!"
"Then perhaps you should remember somewhere else." Ooccae said.
"But then, how would you hear the honest recount of S'Ueht's past?"
Ooccae furrowed his brow. "Who?"
"The Captain." Tiffany said. She looked to zhNon, whose antennae were rigid and saw the same look of concern. "He's talking about Captain Eridos."