ADVENTURER 004 - ODDITIES
Max docked the little shuttle in Venturer's bay 4 and disengaged the impulse engines.
Simon tapped his combadge. "Simon Tarses to main medical bay. Prepare to receive one casualty. Request permission to beam him there directly."
"This is Dr. Richards here. Simon?"
"It's Dvir, he's unconscious. Permission to be beamed over too, I need to explain everything."
"I have a bed for him. Go ahead."
Max engaged the shuttle's transporter and Dvir and Simon dematerialized from view. "Nice to be home at least" Max sighed.
"Yes, definitely" Lori agreed. "Come on, let's head up there now. Toban, come with us."
Only one crewman was on duty as they exited the shuttle.
"Midnight" Max declared as they left the bay and began to navigate the labyrinth of corridors towards Medbay 1. "Seems kind of eerie at this time of night" he noted.
"It does with the lights on low and hardly anyone around" Lori replied. "And Dr Richards still working. I don't think he ever rests."
They approached the doors of main medical bay as Simon exited through them.
"Well, how is he?" Lori asked him.
"Dr Richards is with him now. He's stable and in no danger apparently, so that's something at least" he sighed. "But I won't be happy until he's conscious again...I mean it's my fault, isn't it? I shouldn't have let him go and investigate."
"You can't blame yourself for that Simon!" Lori insisted.
"No, Dvir is way too curious" Max added.
"I still feel responsible" Simon replied with an uneasy sigh. "Anyway I asked Dr Richards if he wanted me to help him but he told me to go to bed. In fact he said we all are to take the day off tomorrow and catch up on our rest."
"Sounds good to me" Max approved.
"I do need to take Toban to meet the Captain tomorrow though" Simon added. "If that's alright with you Toban? He just wants to welcome you to Venturer."
Toban looked a little apprehensive.
"Nothing to worry about Toban" Lori assured him, taking his arm. "Everyone is your friend on this ship" she smiled.
Toban smiled bravely in return.
"We need to celebrate!" Max proposed earnestly. "Mess hall, tomorrow evening I reckon."
"Celebrate?" Simon asked dismayed.
Max put his arm around Toban. "We came back with this handsome fella, remember? Or did you forget?"
"Ok, well, as long as Dvir is no worse, then I have a better idea. My quarters, tomorrow evening at 19.00hrs" Simon suggested.
"Ooh, you have something in mind?" Lori asked intrigued.
"I do" Simon grinned.
"Oh well. Tomorrow then" Lori smiled. She reached forward and embraced him. "Well done Simon, I'm so proud of you." She kissed him lightly on the cheek as they parted.
Simon blushed.
Lori turned and gave Toban a hug too. "So glad you're here with us Toban. We'll do everything we can to make you happy, we promise" she assured him.
With that she gave a wave and walked off down the corridor towards her quarters.
"I didn't get a hug then" Max noted with disappointment.
"Perhaps she thinks you'll get the wrong idea?" Simon suggested.
Max sighed. "You're lucky, my friend, that's all I can say. Well, I'll say my goodnights too."
"Toban" he nodded.
"Captain Tarses, it was an honour!" he said with mock seriousness as he saluted Simon.
Then he headed off too.
Simon walked with Toban back towards his quarters.
"Well I'll get another bed set up in my quarters tomorrow. Tonight I can sleep on the sofa" Simon informed him.
Toban didn't reply.
"You're very quiet Toban. You are glad you're here with us, aren't you?" Simon asked hopeful.
"I am, well I think I am...it's all still so painful really" Toban replied anxiously, looking into Simon's eyes. "But I feel...guilty too, for leaving."
"I understand" Simon tried. "But, you would been all by yourself if we hadn't come for you. No one should be alone."
Toban hung his head and Simon held his shoulder.
"I imagine the pain will lessen soon Toban" Simon tried. "And in the meantime, I'm going to do everything I can to make you feel better here. Anything you need or anything I can do for you, just let me know."
Toban nodded. "Thank you" he replied sincerely.
"Listen, are you hungry?" Simon asked. "Because I'm famished!"
"I am a little" Toban smiled.
"Come on, let's get that replicator working overtime."
...
Dr Richards walked over to his station as Med Bay 1's doors hissed open.
"Simon?" he remarked with a puzzled frown. "I thought you were supposed to be resting."
"I have been, but I have to report to the Captain soon with Toban and I wanted to see Dvir before I did. I heard he was conscious again?" Simon asked.
"Yes he's been conscious awhile now, yet he's still quite lethargic" Dr Richards explained. "I'm just about to check on him again."
"Can't tell you how relieved I am" Simon remarked. "May I see him?"
"You may" Dr Richards smiled.
They both walked over to the medical bed Dvir lay on.
"Ah, Mr Tarses" Dvir acknowledged sluggishly. "It's seems I owe you my gratitude and an apology."
"That's ok Dvir" Simon reassured him. "Just glad you're better, but you may need to watch that curiosity of yours" he smiled.
"Noted" Dvir remarked. "I believe there is an old Earth adage, 'curiosity killed the cat' - is there not?"
Simon smiled wryly. "There is."
"I will endeavour to heed such wisdom on future missions" Dvir remarked.
"How logical of you Dvir" Dr Richards cut in wittily. "Now, if you would pass me your hand please. I want to take a look at this mark again."
Dr Richards passed several medical instruments over Dvir's hand but each time he did, his expression became more and more perplexed. Finally Dr Richards shook his head. "This is most baffling" he remarked.
"Doctor?" Dvir queried.
"Well it's definitely pigmentation, but it seems to have been chemically altered in some way - I've never seen anything like it."
Simon gazed at the red ring on Dvir's hand. "Vulcan's blood is green because it contains copper-based hemocyanin - so Dvir's pigmentation should be green, or darker, but not red" he noted.
"Yes, well done Simon" Dr Richards commended him. "All I can think of is that the copper in the pigment has been replaced by iron maybe?" he guessed. "But, what could do that and without harming the tissue around it? You say it was some sort of light?"
"Yes, and it rendered Dvir unconscious also" Simon replied.
Dr Richards sighed. "Well I've done every test and tried every instrument on it I can think of - and I still have no clue. Well I've recorded all the details now, so are you ok if I start dermal regeneration?"
"Yes Doctor" Dvir agreed.
Dr Richards began to regenerate Dvir's palm, but no sooner had the red ring faded than it reappeared just as pronounced as before. Dr Richards tried again but the same happened once more and a third time.
"What's going on? What's making it come back like that?" Dr Richards mused to himself.
"Surely it can't be concentrated under the subcutaneous layer, I would have got a reading for that."
"Doctor?"
"I'm sorry Dvir, but it seems like you're going to have to put up with it for now" the doctor sighed.
"You cannot remove it?" Dvir queried.
"No, short of removing half of your hand. Listen, I'll do some more research, see if I can come up with anything, but in the meantime, I want you to let me know if it effects how you feel in any way, ok?"
"Yes Doctor, of course" Dvir replied.
"Good. Well I want you to try and get some more rest now and I'd like you to stay in sickbay for the next twenty-four hours at least, so I can monitor you."
Dvir nodded.
Dr Richards turned his attention to Simon. "Before you go Simon might I have a word?"
They moved away to another part of the medical bay.
"Um, I hope you don't mind me asking you this Simon, but I was wondering if you could please report to Doctor Tolan in Medbay 2 for your shifts, just for the time being?" Dr Richards began. "You would start the same time, 09.00 hrs."
"Yes, of course Doctor" Simon replied slowly, slightly confused. "Doctor I, well I hope I haven't let you down in anyway?" he asked uneasily.
"No! Of course not Simon! Far from it! In fact I've come to rely upon your diligence, but it would just, well, make things easier for now."
Simon nodded.
"Thank you Simon, I'm truly grateful" Dr Richards said genuinely and turned to walk away as Simon caught sight of Miss Kryllus staring at him from inside the medbay office.
"Doctor, forgive me asking but...has this anything to do with Miss Kryllus?" he asked cautiously.
"Uh...why do you ask?" Dr Richards replied awkwardly, scratching his head.
"Well it's...well she doesn't seem to like me, and I don't know if I've done anything that's upset her."
Dr Richards sighed. "Ah, I'm sorry about that. I'm afraid it's, uh, quite complicated actually. But please feel assured that you've done nothing wrong Simon. I can't betray Miss Kryllus' confidence but I am trying to help her through this...transitional period...that's all I can say I'm afraid. I'd like you back working in Med-bay 1 as soon as it's possible, but for now, if you can do this for me, then I would be most appreciative."
"Yes, ok Doctor. I understand."
"Thank you Simon. Now I must get on."
...
"Well Toban, it's good to have you with us" The Captain smiled as Toban and Simon stood before him in the Captain's ready room.
Toban looked anxiously at the two security guards who were also present. Although he was pleased to be here, it was all still very new to him and he felt somewhat uneasy. His separation from the people of his homeworld still played on his mind, yet their shameful conduct towards his new friends subdued any excitement he might have felt. He stared down at the floor. "I want to apologize Captain, for my people, all the trouble they caused you" he replied despondently, unable to hold the Captains' gaze.
The Captain raised his hand. "You needn't concern yourself with that Toban" he reassured him. "It's in the past. But, looking to the future, Dr Richards informs me that you seemed interested in learning medicine?"
"Yes Sir. I'd like to do what Simon does" Toban replied seriously. "He helps people get better...and after all the fighting and killing that..." he couldn't finish his sentence.
"You...want to make amends" the Captain finished for him, with notable feeling in his voice. "I understand and it's very commendable Toban."
"My father and mother hated fighting" Toban explained wistfully. "When they were killed, I...I was so angry, so unhappy, that it felt right to avenge them. But now, I know I was wrong. Now I know that it is better to do good to others. You and your people have taught me that."
The Captain nodded at him proudly. "Well, I hope your time on Venturer will bring you the solace you need Toban" he replied warmly.
Toban returned the Captain's gaze with renewed hope in his eyes.
"I will do my best for you Sir," Toban assured him, "and thank you for letting me stay."
"You're most welcome Toban" the Captain smiled. "You're most welcome. Now, for our ship's personnel records, i was wondering if you had a last name?"
"No, it's just Toban."
"Ok, well, maybe you would care to choose one?" The Captain asked him. "You know, in times long ago on our planet, people sometimes took the place they lived as a last name. Or the name of their job or profession. That may give you an idea. So have a think if you could and if you decide on one maybe you could get back to me?"
"L'Rell" Toban answered decidedly.
"L'Rell?"
"Yes, it's where my parents are buried" Toban replied. "It means 'Valley of Snow.' It's the most peaceful place I know...and however far I travel away from my world, I will always be reminded of them."
"Well, Mr L'Rell" the Captain smiled, "I will be sure and make a note of it. Now if you wouldn't mind going to see Dr Richards please, he'd like to do a full medical."
The Captain shook both of their hands.
"How is Mr Dvir?" the Captain asked Simon.
"He's better, thank you Sir. He's conscious again thankfully, and seems to be more or less his old self."
"That's good news. Well, well done Mr Tarses. Mission very much accomplished, yes?"
"Thank you Sir" Simon smiled proudly.
"Look after him" the Captain added quietly, nodding in Toban's direction. "He's going to need you more than he knows."
"Yes Sir, I will."
...
Simon entered the Mess Hall apprehensively and looked around. He walked up to the replicator and ordered his lunch. He found a seat near the large viewing window, his favourite place to eat and settled down. He sipped his earl grey tea and gave a sigh.
It wasn't long before he had company.
"Mr Tarses" Commander Johnson addressed him happily.
Simon stood up. "Commander, please" he replied, pointing at the seat opposite him.
"Well, thank you for meeting with me" she smiled as she took her seat. She gave a sniff. "Fish pie?" she inquired.
"Yes, my mother used to make it. She made me promise to have it every now and again to remind me of home" Simon explained. "Of course, the replicator never makes it quite as good as the way she did" he mused.
Commander Johnson smiled. "And what's that, if you don't mind me asking?" she inquired, pointing at his sweet.
"Osol Twists. They're a Romulan confection. They were my Father's favourite. Would you care to try one? I warn you though, they're pretty pungent."
Commander Johnson took a small piece on her spoon and tasted it. "Mmh. Sharp" she remarked. "But a nice taste. I think I could probably get used to that."
"It took a while for me but I love them now" Simon replied. "And they really cleanse the palette after fish pie" he smiled.
"So, have you had chance to contact your family, since coming on board?" Commander Johnson asked him.
"No, not yet. I've been too busy really. I've messaged my brother but I want to see Mother and Father when I speak to them."
Commander Johnson nodded. "Might be as well to communicate with them as soon as you can" she suggested. "There's no knowing how the Enigma zone will affect Venturer's communications."
"I will" Simon replied seriously.
"So, I've read the report on your mission at Gameli and I'm very impressed" Commander Johnson continued. "You handled yourself well under the circumstances and accomplished your mission with minimal disruption to the Gamelaians. I must add, I think it was quite exceptional, the way you volunteered to risk your own safety for that of your friend's."
"Thank you Commander."
"Listen Simon, where do you see yourself in five years time?" she posed.
"Uh, well, I've never really given it much thought. I'd like to become a Doctor eventually, but I really enjoy what I do now."
"I see" the Commander replied. "Well I'm glad you enjoy your work. But, apart from becoming a Doctor, you have no other goals or ambitions?"
Simon winced. "None that I can think of. Perhaps I should give it some serious thought."
The Commander nodded. "I think so" she smiled. "Listen. I was wondering what you thought of the Prime Directive?" she asked carefully.
"The Prime Directive? Well, it's Starfleet's cardinal protocol, isn't it?" Simon answered a little confused.
"I asked you what you thought of it, not what it was" Commander Johnson smiled.
Simon thought. "Well, it has good intentions, not to interfere with other cultures. I can definitely see the wisdom in that."
"But?"
"Well, if I'm honest, it has it's flaws too."
"Go on" Commander Johnson encouraged.
"Well, the way I see it, it's a matter of ethics. I mean, I'm not sure its entirely ethical, to never get involved. There may be circumstances in which choosing not to intervene results in more harm to a civilization than good. Ultimately, ethics may require that we trust members of other civilizations to make their own decisions, despite any alternatives that we could offer them or however we may influence them."
Commander Johnson looked down and added a note on her PADD.
"Oh dear. I'm not in trouble am I?" Simon asked worriedly.
"No Simon. Just noting observations, looking for the potential in my crew" she smiled. "So, say you were the Captain responding to the distress signal at Gameli. What would you have done?"
"Oh, I don't think I can answer that, I'm not qualified to" Simon declared.
"No, go on. Have a try."
Simon pondered her question. "Well, if somebody asks for help, it's pretty hard to say no. But, when you're bound by the Prime Directive, then it's an almost impossible choice...I think, if it were me, I might have made the same choice as the Captain" Simon winced.
The Commander smiled as her combadge beeped.
"Commander Johnson to the bridge please."
The Commander sighed. "On my way" she responded. "Oh well, so much for lunch" she lamented. "Sorry about the interrogation Simon. I do tend to get a little obsessed with these things sometimes. At least you can get on with your lunch now in peace. But let's do this again sometime, and I promise not to ask so many questions."
...
"So where's our boy?" Max asked, as he, Simon and Lori lounged in Simon's quarters. "And yes, I will have another one" he added with a grin.
Simon walked over to him and refilled his glass with brandy.
"Where did you get this anyway?" Max inquired. "Because I could certainly get used to it."
"Me too" Lori smiled, licking her lips.
"It was a present from a very dear friend, whom I must get in touch with soon" Simon replied wistfully. "I promised her I'd keep it for special occasions. Well, I think this is such an occasion" he smiled. "Toban is getting fitted for his new Starfleet uniform" he added. "He'll be back in a bit."
"Oh, so is he officially part of the crew now?" Lori wondered.
"Not yet, but the Captain thought it would help him feel more at home here. He will get proper medical training though, which is what he's keen to do."
"Ah bless him. Must be really difficult for him" Lori sympathized.
"Yes, I hope he adjusts to life here" Simon added with a sigh. "Because, I was thinking earlier, that it's not your average ship this, is it? I mean, there are strange things going on here."
"Well explain what you mean!" Lori asked intrigued.
"Well, I've been reassigned to work with Dr Tolan in Medbay 2 now, thanks to Miss Kryllus."
"Really?"
"It's true. Dr Richards says it's to make things easier for her, or something like that. You know, she's never liked me, from the moment she saw me. But I don't get why we can't work in the same medbay."
"USS Adventurer - The Ship of Secrets!" Max proclaimed dramatically.
Lori chuckled. "Is it strange though" she agreed.
"You don't think it's to do with you being Romulan is it?" Max added as he tipped back his glass.
"You're Romulan?" Lori asked Simon in surprise.
"Ah, yes, partly. Sorry I never mentioned it" Simon blushed.
Lori shook her head. "I always thought you were part Vulcan. But Romulan, now that's quite intriguing" she smiled.
"My paternal grandfather" Simon explained.
"Well I never! I'd love to know your family history. How did your grandparents meet?" Lori asked fascinated.
"It's a long story. I'll tell you sometime" Simon smiled.
"Miss Kryllus gives me the creeps" Max declared. "I've never seen her smile. I say you're better off in Medbay 2 anyway...So, what else is strange on this ship, my friend?" he asked.
"Well today, when I was having lunch with the Commander, she asked me what I thought of the Prime Directive and would I break it? I mean, that's strange, right?"
"Wait a minute, you had lunch with Commander Johnson?" Max asked dismayed.
"Oh, its nothing like that! She said she wants to get to know all of her crew" Simon explained.
"But... I havent been invited to lunch!" Max complained, the disappointment evident in his face.
"There's a lot of crew Max" Simon pointed out. "It's going to take a long time to get around everybody."
"Yes but, why are you so near the top of the list?" Max grumbled.
"Well...I don't know, do I?" Simon struggled to answer.
"Maybe she likes him!" Lori teased, with a chuckle.
"What? No!" Simon denied instantly, completely embarrassed.
"Then why are you going red Simon? Even the tips of your ears are red!" she teased. "The tips of your Romulan ears" she giggled.
"I think you've had enough brandy now Lori" Simon noted.
"Anyway, if I were you, I'd be careful not to upset her!" Lori continued. "Not after the way I heard she handled Amgar and his little revolt."
"Yes, Toban told me what happened" Simon remarked.
"I hear she was judo champion at the academy for four years straight!" Max said with awe. "Oh I can't believe you had a date with her!" he whined.
"It wasn't a date!" Simon stressed.
"I think it's you that likes her Max!" Lori teased.
"Well...she's admirable...and upstanding..." Max replied slowly, trying not to implicate himself.
Lori laughed so hard she almost spilled her drink. "That's obviously the reason you like her" she laughed with sarcasm.
Even Simon had to chuckle.
Suddenly, an announcement came over the tannoy.
"This is Captain Isaacs to all decks. May I have your attention please. Tomorrow at 08.00 hrs USS Adventurer will proceed into Sector 28404. Initial scans have detected nothing out of the ordinary and so we will progress into the Zone on schedule. All departments are to be ready and poised for action as we cross into the zone.
May I remind you, vigilance is advised at all times as we journey through the sector. Any anomalies are to be reported immediately.
I look forward to working with you all as we explore this fascinating region of space. Thank you for your attention."
"Fascinating? - well that's one word for it" Max remarked. "More like ominous..."
Everyone contemplated Max's remark quietly.
The door suddenly opened and everyone jumped in surprise, as Toban stepped into the room, proudly wearing his new Starfleet uniform.
"Ah, here he is!" Simon smiled and gave him an approving nod. "It looks good on you Toban!"
Toban walked up to him and they embraced.
"Thank you Simon" Toban whispered. "For everything."
"You're most welcome" Simon replied.
Max stood up and shook Toban's hand warmly and Lori came and kissed him on the cheek. "Very handsome" she smiled.
Toban looked back affectionately at them all.
Simon raised his glass. "I propose a toast!"
The others stood around him.
"To Toban!" Simon began proudly, with tears in his eyes. "The newest member of our crew, future medical technician and most importantly our friend!"
"To Toban, our friend!" all chimed in.
"And, to the future. May it be all we hope for!" Max added.
"To the future!"
...
The screen flickered into life and a very pleased looking El-Aurian gazed back on the monitor.
"Mr Tarses" Guinan smiled. "Well, this is a nice surprise! To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Good to see you too Guinan" Simon replied sincerely. "I've just finished chatting to my parents and I wanted to give you a call too."
"How are your parents?" Guinan asked.
"Yes, they're well, thank you."
Guinan smiled. "I can imagine they're pretty proud of their son, yes?"
"Yes. Especially my Mother. But I can do no wrong in her eyes anyway" Simon smiled.
Guinan chuckled. "So, how are you, Simon?"
"I'm good thank you. In fact I just opened that bottle of brandy you gave me. I had cause to celebrate you see."
Simon proceeded to tell Guinan of his mission to rescue Toban.
"Toban sounds like an outstanding young man" Guinan remarked.
"He's pretty special" Simon replied.
"I know someone else who is special too" she smiled affectionately. "Well, it seems like your adventures have already begun, yes?"
Simon nodded. "Yes. But, I was curious. Forgive me for asking but, you seemed to know that I would get this position?"
"I had faith in you, and I saw your potential" Guinan replied slowly.
"You saw something in me?"
Guinan paused. "Something wonderful" she smiled.
"But, did you talk to anyone, about my position on this ship?" Simon continued.
"I may have said one or two things to one or two people" Guinan confessed.
Simon gave a sigh. "Well, I see that's all I'm going to get out of you" he acknowledged with resignation.
"For now" she smiled enigmatically. "But just one thing" she continued, as her face turned serious. "The Vulcan is the key. So do not try to stop him."
"Sorry Guinan? You're breaking up."
Simon played with the buttons but the picture buzzed with interference. He tried for a moment or two but had to give up when the screen no longer responded.
He sat back in his chair and sighed.
What had she meant by the key? He probably wouldn't have the chance to ask her again now. Tomorrow they were crossing into the Enigma Zone and the adventure would begin once more.
...