CHAPTER TWELVE
Four hours had elapsed since Mendos had injected the code catalyst. During that time, he and Phlox had run copious tests on Commander Tucker's blood, talking between themselves over the results. Jon had spoken to Phlox at hourly intervals, anxious for progress reports, only to be spoken to kindly but regretfully informed of little change.
Now, it seemed, things were happening. Phlox was fascinated by the whole process and watched as Mendos extracted yet another blood sample from Trip's arm, an arm, like it's twin that was already bruised from so many bloodlettings. Carefully carrying his trophy to the old-style microscope that Phlox had amongst his possessions, Mendos squinted to view the results.
"Ah, excellent, it's here and seems to be intact. Doctor, would you care to see?"
"Why thank you, I would indeed. At least I'll get to look at the cause of all of this trouble."
Phlox changed places with Mendos and adjusted the settings for his eyesight.
"Tell me if I'm looking at the right thing…I see Commander Tucker's blood components, and what appears to be a marker attached to several of the red cells. Am I correct?"
"Quite so, Doctor. Well done, they're not that easy to detect. We developed this means of transporting our information and then of course had to make it as difficult as possible for our enemies to be able to get their hands on it. When this slide is fully analysed by a computer programme, the information it contains will be as easy to read as the printed word."
"And what of the commander, now that the implant has been removed?" T'Pol suddenly spoke from her bedside vigil, startling the two men who, intensely engrossed in their work, had forgotten she was there.
Mendos regarded the young human on the bed.
"The neurological changes of a human body are unknown to me. However, from what Dr Phlox tells me, we were just in time to prevent permanent damage. If your Commander Tucker wants to live, the rest is up to him."
TBC
Please read and review. Sorry this one was short, again, but we're nearly home.