Chapter 36.
Sorry but I never liked The Innocence or the Thaw.
So here we got with Tuvix.
(Scott POV)
When I got up, I headed and got Showered and dressed not before I checked up on Clara and Chloe, Those 2 haven't been apart since they got together, Can't really call that a bad thing. It's got that they are getting along. So I went up to the bridge as we were orbiting a planet with some interesting samples on. So I sent Tuvok and Neelix down there. As I left Kat in charge since she was on the bridge at the time while I went into my ready room.
"Captain's Log, Stardate 49655.5. Our sensors have located a variety of flower which may prove to be a valuable nutritional supplement, I've sent Neelix and Tuvok to collect samples, End log," I said.
Then I started to check on the weapons which Tuvok had finished with the Magazines for our ballistic weapons, Which now had a replicator on it which has a very great energy supply enough to of firing 500 bullet rounds in all weapons, mostly Pistols, But for the P90 it can do at least 1000 Bullets round, Which the pistols will have 3 Magazines for and P90 and the other weapons, have 6 Magazines. But with my Bow and Arrows. I had to replicate a lot of Arrows and crossbow bolts. But We had enough Standard medication, Painkillers, Antibiotics. A regenerator. And at least 2 Medical Tricorders. Then we would have at least 10 Standard Tricorders, But the Phasers are the problem, they are on Charge until they are taken off so I had to replicate Some old Standard Phase Pistol, which were used before the Federation was founded in the 22nd century. At least enough for some people watching and for a team of 5 people going out hunting.
But Since I got that done. I decided to go back out to the Bridge.
"Are Neelix and Tuvok back from the surface?" I said. As Chakotay was near Tactical and Kat was at Ops Since Harry was down in the Transporter room.
"Not yet, We're having some trouble with the Transporter," Chakotay said.
"Captain, There's a minor glitch in the molecular imaging scanners Harry should have up and running in a few minutes," B'Elanna said.
"Captain, Harry just called an intruder alert in Transporter Room 1," Chakotay said. "They are taking the person to sickbay, Apparently some thing has happened?"
"Find that out, I'll be in Sickbay," I said.
Then I headed down were I saw someone in a close enough to a Starfleet uniform and Neelix's.
"And you recognize all of us?" I said.
"Of Course, Doctor, Captain McCall, Ensign Kim, Kes," He said.
"My scan indicate that all biological matter was merged on a molecular level," Doc said. "Proteins, Enzymes, DNA sequences, The man you see before you is literally a fusion of 2 men, But he's surprisingly heathy, Considering the circumstances, All vital signs are stable,"
"What's the last thing you remember?" I said.
"I, We, That is to say, Tuvok and Neelix, We had just finished gathering the samples, We were beaming back to the ship, The next thing I knew, I was standing on the transporter pad as you see me now," He said.
"I'm also picking up traces of a third genetic pattern, It appears to be plant based," Doc said.
"The orchids," He said. "We had collected several dozen samples of orchids, they were in our sample containers when we beamed up,"
"Well, they're part of your genetic structure now, But they don't appear to be affecting your biochemistry," Doc said.
"B'Elanna said. You were having trouble with the molecular imaging scanners," I said.
"That's right," Harry said.
"Maybe this alien plant life affected the scanners on some way," I said.
"Possibly, I'll know more after we've run a diagnostic on the biofilters and Transporter logs," Harry said.
"Get on it, have B'Elanna give you a hand of she can," I said.
"Aye captain," Harry said heading out.
"In the meantime, I'll send an away team in a shuttlecraft to collect fresh samples of the orchid for further study, Doc, Let me know as soon as you have something more," I said.
"Yes captain," Doc said.
Then I headed off.
XXX
Then I was heading down to Sickbay again.
"Ah, Captain, So good of you to come," He said.
"How are you feeling?" I said.
"I feel well, You might even say exhilarated," He said.
"I'm glad to hear it," I said.
"Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about," He said. "In the past 24 hours, I've undergone rigorous diagnostic testing, Submitted to an extensive psychological profile and I've been poked and prodded in organs that I didn't even know I had, While all this testing may no doubt be necessary Frankly, I'm restless,"
"To tell you the truth, We could use a little help in the mess hall," I said.
"And I'd be glad to give you a hand, But, after careful consideration, I've decided that the most sensible thing for me to do is to resume the Tactical post," He said.
"Tactical?" I said.
"Remember, Captain, I do posses Tuvok's knowledge and expertise, and while I have no doubt that the crew misses Neelix's cooking, You need your most experienced Tactical officer, That's me," He said.
"If I may, Captain, Mr. Tuvix," Doc said.
"Tuvix?" I said.
"Apparently, that's what he likes to be called, Mr. Tuvix is, indeed in perfect health, And since I've collected all the data I need, There's no reason I can't continue my investigation without him for the time being, and According to my tests, he's quite correct when he says that he possesses Tuvok's knowledge and Expertise, He also possesses Tuvok's Irritating sense of intellectual superiority and Neelix's annoying ebullience. I would be very grateful to you if you would assign him some duty," Doc said. "Any duty, Somewhere else,"
"Well, Tuvix, I'm not ready to assign you to the Bridge just yet, But why don't you join the Senior staff for our noon briefing, and we'll see how it goes from there," I said.
"Captain, has anyone ever told you that you are a fair minded?" Tuvix said.
"As a matter of fact, Neelix has told me that occasionally, and if you really do possess his memories you'd know that kind of flattery will get you nowhere," I said. As I headed out.
XXX
Then I was in the Noon Briefing in the Conference Room.
"The Transporter was functioning Normally, Biofilters, Pattern Buffers, Everything checked out," B'Elanna said.
"What about the problem with the Molecular imaging scanners?" I said.
"According to the transporter logs, they were optimal at the time of Transport, It was a perfectly routine beam out sequence. No anomalies, No power overloads, No malfunctions," Harry said.
"Our scans of the Planet's surface and Atmosphere don't show anything out of the ordinary," Tom said.
"There's no evidence of any type of Alien interference. Frankly Captain we're at a lose," Chakotay said.
"And the Orchids, Kes," I said. "Have you found anything unusual about them?"
"Commander Chakotay brought back a few samples on the shuttle and I ran a Biochemical analysis, They contain the same elements as many planets. Chloroplasts, Lysosomal enzymes, Cytoplasmic proteins, But there's nothing unusual," Kes said.
"There's never been an accident like this recorded in the entire history of Transporter technology, I'm not willing to accept it as a random malfunction," I said.
"Captain, I recommend we program a holodeck simulation, try recreating the accident," Chakotay said.
"Sex," Tuvix said.
"What," I said.
"What I mean to say is, and I apologize for cutting you off, Commander, I think we're on the wrong track, Kes you said that the flowers you examined contained lysosomal enzymes," Tuvix said.
"That's right," Kes said.
"According to Tuvok's Botanical research, the presence of lysosomal Enzymes could be evidence of symbiogenesis," Tuvix said.
"Symbiogenesis?" Kes said.
"Symbiogenesis is a rare reproductive process, Instead of pollination or mating, Symbiogentic organisms merge with a second species," I said.
"Andorian amoebae, for instance, they're able to merge with other single-celled organisms to form a third unique species," Tuvix said. "A hybrid,"
"Like you," Kes said.
"Exactly," Tuvix said.
"It's an interesting idea, but we're talking about microcellular organisms here, I've never heard of symbiogenesis occurring in a species as complex as a humanoid," I said.
"Actually Captain, when you think about it, Neelix and Tuvok were broken down to a microcellular level during transport, DNA, Protein, All in a state of Molecular flux," Tuvix said.
"And if the enzymes that cause symbiogenesis interacted with their DNA while they were in the matter stream, it might've cause their patterns to merge," Harry said.
"Like an Andorian amoebae," I said.
"Just like that, Tuvix is born," Tuvix said.
"It's the best theory I've heard so far," I said. "It's the only theory I've heard so far, and it worth investigating, Tom, Take a shuttle to the planet, and collect additional flower specimens,"
"Yes, Sir, But I'd recommend waiting until morning," Tom said. "The weather on the planet can get pretty nasty at night,"
"Fine, you'll depart at 0600 hours," I said. "All right, Dismissed," Then we got up to leave. "Good work, Mr. Tuvix," Then left too.
Then It was time that I was heading off duty. So I headed back to my quarters when Kes came round the corner and almost into me if I never catched her.
"Kes, you okay?" I said.
"Am now," Kes said.
"Come on, Let's go to mine and you can stay with me," I said.
"Sure, I could use a night with you," Kes said. "Just never,"
"I know since I came back with Chloe, It came a bit harder," I said.
"I know that, I just didn't want to do anything yet," Kes said.
"Come on," I said putting my arm around her and we headed onto my Quarters. Where Clara had some dinner set up. So we all sat down to eat. Then we went to sit down on the sofa when Chloe jumped on and sat down on me.
"Hey," I said as She just laid back into me, As Clara took my left side and Kes sat down on my right side, So it wasn't to difficult for them both to cuddled into me. Which wasn't too long. Chloe was getting tried so, I gave Clara a look and Clara got up and managed to get Chloe off me and took her to bed with her. So I was only Kes and I were still sitting on the sofa. Then I could see Kes getting tired.
"Kes, Why don't you go and get ready, I'll join when you're done," I said.
"Okay," Kes said. Managing to get up and head into my room. Where Kes left one of her PJ's there just in case she couldn't make it back to her Quarters if she was here.
After 5 minute, I headed in and got into mine, Then went over to the bed where, Kes was just managing to stay sat up. So I lifted her as I pulled back the sheets and then gently put her in and got in next to her. Then pulled the sheets over to cover us. Then Kes ended up snuggled into my side. And before I fell asleep. I kissed her.
XXX
Then next day. I woke up and saw Kes was still snuggled into me. But not to much longer Kes woke up. Then I kissed her. As She got up to get dressed. Then After 5 Minutes I did the same then checked on Clara and Chloe who were still asleep. Then I went over to Kes.
"Hey, Got what you want, I need to get going," I said.
"Okay," Kes said. As She kissed me before I headed out and then I headed to the Turbolift. Where I met up with Chakotay. As we were on the way up to the bridge. Where we found Tuvix there.
"Good morning, Captain, Commander," Tuvix said.
"You're here bright and early, Lt," I said.
"Actually, I've been here since 0400 hours, I wanted to work on that proximity detector glitch in the security subroutine," Tuvix said.
"And How's it going," I said.
"I managed to correct it," Tuvix said.
"Tuvok said it could take up to 10 days to check out all the possible problems," Chakotay said. "How'd you fix it so fast?"
"I had a hunch," Tuvix said.
"A hunch," I said.
"That's correct, You'll have a report on your desk first thing this afternoon," Tuvix said.
"Kim to Mr. Tuvix," Harry said.
"Tuvix here," Tuvix said.
"We're just about ready to start the transporter tests if you'd like to join us," Harry said.
"I'm on my way, Excuse me Captain," Tuvix said. Then left.
"Well, he's certainly fitting in, isn't he?" I said.
"There's an old Axiom, The whole is never greater than the sun of its parts," Chakotay said. "I think Tuvix might be disproving that notion,"
Then I was called down to Sickbay.
"We've made over 100 attempts to reverse the Symbiogenesis using the medical transporter, And each time, this has been the unfortunate result," Doc said. "Complete cellular collapse,"
"The genetic codes of the chrysanthemum and the Clematis are so scrambled that the targeting scanners can't recognize the original patterns," Harry said.
"I suppose it would be like trying to extract the flour, eggs and water, after you'd baked the cake," Tuvix said.
"Obviously, in the case of Mr. Tuvix. We 're dealing with a much more complex organism than a flower, In effect, We're talking about recreating 2 humanoid life forms without so much as a single discrete strand of DNA to Start with?" Doc said.
"Are you saying I'm going to be this way forever," Tuvix said.
"I am an incredibly skilled doctor and I will continue to pursue a safe and effective treatment until I find one, But I won't lie to you, I'm not optimistic, It could take months, even years, to find a solution," Doc said. "And we must face the possibility that this condition is simply untreatable, I feel as if I've lost 2 patients, I'm sorry,"
"I'll inform the rest of the crew," I said then headed off.
XXX
I was about ready to hit bed but I was on my PS while Clara and Chloe were asleep and there was a door bell next minute so I went and opened it and saw Kes.
"Kes," I said.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have bothered you this late," Kes said. I'll, uh, Talk to you tomorrow," Then Kes turned to left but I managed to catch her.
"Actually, I was having trouble sleeping too, Come here," I said as Kes came over and hugged into my side as the doors closed. "Want some tea,"
"No," Kes said.
"I was just looking over some old letters Tuvok sent me when he was temporarily assigned to Jupiter Station," I said. "Most people would say his writing is cold, analytical, detached but I've found it to be Concise, Efficient, Thoughtful, I sometimes think I hear his voice when I read these, and Neelix, I don't know what you're going through,"
"I haven't really thought of Neelix that way since, Us really. But I wanted to talk to you about Tuvix, He came to see me this afternoon," Kes said.
"Oh," I said.
"He said. He said that he loves me," Kes said.
"I'll say that's Neelix side pushing through," I said.
"I wasn't even sure what to say, At first I was angry, since well Us. But I know how he's trying to comfort me and I know that he feels alone too, To tell the Truth he's a wonderful person," Kes said. "But I don't have them back for him, I mean, How could I? I still care for Neelix, and I'm not ready to give up in him, No matter what the Doctor says,"
"I know, You're experiencing what people on this crew have been going through since we first got stranded in this quadrant, Do we accept that we're separated from our loved one forever? Or do we hold on to the hope that, someday we'll be with them again?" I said.
"What do you do," Kes said.
"I struggle with it day after day, Sometime, I'm full of hope optimism, Other times, That I dream about being with them again and it's so real, Then, I wake up and realize it was just a dream, I know that, someday, I may have to accept that they're not part of my life anymore," I said.
"So are you saying that I should just accept that Neelix isn't a part of my life anymore," Kes said.
"I would never tell you or anyone else to give up hope, Kes, Sometimes, things sort themselves out others just Time," I said.
"I'll go and let you sleep," Kes said.
"Or you could just stay here," I said.
"Not tonight, But I'll see you later," Kes said. Then I kissed her and Kes kissed back then headed out.
XXX
2 Weeks later, I got ready and went to the Bridge as we had already resumed a course for home. Then Headed into my ready room.
"Captain's log, Stardate 49678.4, It's been 2 weeks, since the Transporter Accident that created Mr. Tuvix, and while it's still not entirely clear that he's with us permanently, He's certainly been doing his best to settle in, The crews seems to be growing accustomed to his presence, and He's proving to be a very able Tactical officer who isn't afraid to express his opinions, While he's forging relationships with many of the officers, He seems to be keeping a respectful distance from Kes, Allowing her to adjust to the circumstances on her own terms, As for my relationship with Tuvix, I've found him to be an able advisor, who skillfully uses humor to make his points, and Although I feel a bit guilty saying it, his cooking is better than Neelix's. My taste buds are definitely happy to have him around, end log," I said.
"Doctor to Captain McCall," Doc said.
"Go ahead doc," I said.
"Captain please report to sickbay immediately," Doc said.
"On my way," I said.
Then I headed down there as Tuvix and Kes entered to. At least there were starting to get on.
"Until late in the 21st century, Physicians administered barium to patients with certain gastrointestinal disorders, The Radioactive properties of the Barium, made the lining of the intestines visible, With a primitive imaging Technology," Doc said.
"X Rays," I said.
"Instead of Barium, we've come up with a radioisotope that attaches itself to the DNA of one of the merged species, But not the other," Harry said.
"Then we simply beam out the selected DNA, and segregate to 2 merged species," Doc said.
"You see these? They used to be a single merge flower," Harry said.
"And you can use this came process?" Kes said.
"It will require a more detailed reprogramming of the transporter, But yes, I believe we can restore Mr. Tuvok and Mr. Neelix," Doc said.
"That's wonderful," Kes said. "Isn't that wonderful,"
"I assure you. Mr. Tuvix, there's nothing to worry about, We've accounted for every variable," Doc said.
"Except one, I don't want to die," Tuvix said.
Then I went back to the Bridge and Got Chakotay into the Conference room.
"It's funny, If we'd had the ability to separate Tuvok and Neelix the moment Tuvix came aboard I wouldn't have hesitated," I said.
"Of Course not," Chakotay said.
"But now, In the past few weeks, He's begun to make a life for himself on this ship, He's taken on responsibilities, Made friends," I said.
"I count myself as one of them," Chakotay said.
"So at what point did he become an individual and not a transporter accident?" I said.
Then the Door bell rang.
"Come in," I said.
As Tuvix came in.
"You wanted to see me, Captain?" Tuvix said.
"Yes, Mr. Tuvix, Please, Sit down," I said.
"I feel as though I've been dragged in front of the Numirian Inquisition," Tuvix said.
"Will you excuse us commander?" I said.
Then Chakotay left.
"We've just been discussing the unfortunate predicament that we're all facing, and I thought it was important to get your perspective before making a decision," I said.
"Are you suggesting that this is your decision to make?" Tuvix said.
"I am the Captain of this ship," I said.
"Begging your pardon, Captain, It's my life, Isn't it my decision?" Tuvix said.
"Aren't there 2 other lives to consider here?" I said. "What about Tuvok and Neelix, 2 voice that we can't hear right now? As Captain, I must be their voice, and I believe they would want to live,"
"But they are living, in a way," Tuvix said. "Inside me,"
"It's not the same, And I think you'd agree with me, They have families, Friends, People who love them and miss them and want them back?" I said. "Just as I do,"
"But restoring their lives means sacrificing mine," Tuvix said. "Captain, What you're considering is an execution, An execution like they used to do to murderers centuries ago and I've committed no crime at all,"
"Aren't you arguing for an execution too, Of Tuvok and Neelix," I said.
"I'm here, alive," Tuvix said. "Unfortunate as it may be they're gone,"
"And I have on opportunity to bring them back," I said.
"Don't you think that I care about Tuvok and Neelix? Of course I do, Without them I wouldn't exist," Tuvix said. "In a way, I think of them as my parents, I feel like I know them intimately,"
"Then you know Tuvok was a man who would gladly give his life to save another and I believe the same was true of Neelix," I said.
"You're right captain," Tuvix said. "That is the Starfleet way, And I know there'll be some people who will call me a coward because I didn't sacrifice myself willingly, Believe me, I've thought of that, But I have the will to live of 2 men, Look at me Captain, When I'm happy, I laugh, When I'm sad, I cry, When I stub my toe, I yell out in pain, I'm flesh and blood, And I have the right to live! I'm afraid from Tuvok's point of view, So would Captain Janeway, Also," Then he left.
Then I went over to my ready room.
Would Kathryn do this. I don't know, But what I do know is that I need both Tuvok and Neelix back. What am I going to do. Would I finally break the one promise I made to my self not long after becoming a Werewolf and an Alpha not to Kill people. Chris and Allison would maybe say sometimes it would be a necessary evil. Then I look at my photo of all of us together on my shelve behind me. Even Had one of Kathryn and I. But would Kathryn make this call the same as I would? That was the question that was going through my mind as the Door bell Rang.
"Come in," I said and Kes came in.
"Captain, Tuvix has asked me to speak to you on his behalf, But I can't, Scott," Kes said.
"He shouldn't have out you in the middle of this," I said.
"But I am in the middle, I have been since the moment of the accident, I don't know how to say goodbye to Neelix and Tuvok, I know this sounds horrible and I feel so guilty for saying it and Tuvix doesn't deserve to die, But I want them back," Kes said hugging me. "What do you think?"
"I keep thinking would Kathryn make that call, Even If I got back so far to when I still have the first person I loved, What would she and her Dad say," I said.
"What would they say?" Kes said.
"She would be as much as the way I am now. But her Dad would say that sometimes there is a necessary evil which has to happened to keep everything the same or back to it again," I said. "I just don't know what to do, Kes, For the first time in my life. Could I murder one person to bring back to people we all miss,"
Then Kes Kissed me. Then moved back a bit. "I know you would make a choice weither it is good or bad, The Choice which could mean the difference. I know you would make that. Scott. I love you," Kes said.
"Love you too, Kes," I said. As Kes kissed me one more time then headed out.
After a bit longer. I realize more and more than I need Tuvok and Neelix back then just one person in their places.
So I got up and headed out to the Bridge. Then over to Tactical.
"Mr. Tuvix, I'd like to speak to you alone," I said.
"Can I assume that you've come to a decision Captain?" Tuvix said.
"I have," I said.
"I think we all should hear what you have to say," Tuvix said.
"Please come with me. Mr. Tuvix," I said.
"No," Tuvix said.
"I'm ordering you to come with me," I said. "Security to the Bridge,"
"Commander, Are you going to stand by and do nothing while he commits murder?" Tuvix said. "What. Mr. Ayala, Yes, Lt Paris, You, Doesn't anyone see that this is wrong?"
Then Security come out of the Turbolift. The Tuvix tried to make a break for it but they stopped him.
"Let him go," I said.
"Each of you is going to have to live with this, And I'm sorry for that, For you are all good, good people, my colleagues, my Friends, I forgive you," Tuvix said. Then was lead to the turbolift.
"Commander Chakotay, please Advise the Doctor we're on our way to sickbay," I said. "Deck 5," As I got into the Turbolift.
Then we walked to sickbay.
"I'm sorry, Captain, But I cannot perform the surgical separation. I am a physician, and a Physician must do no harm," Doc said. "I will not take Mr. Tuvix's life against his will,"
"Very well, Doc, Please step aside, or I'll be forced to shut your program off till this is done," I said.
"Aye captain," Doc said standing aside.
Then I moved over to Harry.
"I assume this is the radioisotope," I said and Harry Nodded and passing it to me. "Please sit down on this bio bed," Which he does and I move over and inject him with the isotope.
Then go over to the console and locked on. "Locking surgical targeting scanners, onto the isotope probe," I said. "Initiating separation sequence, and Energizing,"
Then they were both back.
"Neelix," Kes said going over to hug him.
"Hello, sweeting," Neelix said.
"Greeting Captain," Tuvok said.
"Tuvok, Neelix, It's good to have you back," I said. "Doc check them out. Make sure every went fine,"
"Aye captain," Doc said.
As I walked out.
That's all for this chapter.
More to follow.
Stay tuned and safe.
Love Y'all
PEACE!