Naruto: Infinity Divide
Mercy Mission
Blanket Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Trek
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Wow, we broke 2800 reviews in the last chapter. I'm a bit overwhelmed. This installment we will see more character building. Here is Chapter 87, Enjoy!
Port = Left
Starboard = Right
[ ] Signifies a foreign language
{ } Signifies hand signs
~ ~ Signifies music or singing
…
Last time:
Planet Trill Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Sickbay
Kloene and Simmons appeared on board the Wolverine in sickbay. They saw Leatta smiling at them and Shelly and Greg waiting with eager eyes. Doctor Hammond grinned and said, "Let's see the goods."
Kloene set the cases up on the table and said, "Straight from the Trill Science Ministry to you Doctors. Here's the credit stick."
Doctor Wilson took the stick and said, "I'll get this back to Naruto." Then she opened the first case and started examining the equipment. "Excellent!" she gushed. "Greg, we are in business. We'll need to study and learn to use the instruments properly of course but the main thing is we now have the means to take care of Rafi."
"Operation Bandage is a total success!" crowed Doctor Hammond. "You guys did great!"
…
Captain's Ready Room
Daniel Simmons and Kloene were cleaned up and back in uniform. They were chatting with Naruto informally about the whole sordid affair called Operation Bandage. The blonde Vulcan said, "Though it's off the record, Bravo Zulu gentleman. You've done the Wolverine a great service and Rafi will appreciate it greatly."
"Speaking of Rafi; how is she?" asked Daniel in a concerned tone.
"She is well." reported the Fleet Captain. "Rafi will be returning from her procedure tomorrow with a clean bill of health. The Guardians are giving her last-minute training as we speak. Our helmsman will have a coming home party tomorrow night. She apparently has a few items to beam up from Trill for her quarters in the morning."
"How much do you think she'll be changed?" asked Kloene.
Naruto replied, "I do not know but I look forward to meeting Lieutenant Rafi Meta."
…
Chapter 87
Stardate 2286.124, Planet Trill, Capitol City of Mak'ala, Irez Meta's Home
Rafi Meta was looking at an antique sextant, spyglass, and longitude clock from her first life as Kronin Meta, a ship's helmsman and navigator from the 1670's that sailed the seas of Planet Trill chasing flying fish and sea birds all over the globe. She remembered the thrill of seeing new lands and exploring them.
In her other lives she had been a doctor, a philosopher, and an artist. However, in most of her previous lives she'd been a statesman of some sort or other. Irez Meta had been a very prominent Trill Senator. He was very liberal and eccentric. Irez was also a widower with no children.
Meta was very much one to leave the past behind so new things could be experienced but somehow Rafi couldn't help but believe that Meta's desire to sail the stars originated with the young man named Kronin. Rafi Meta had two or three items from each life that she took with her but currently the sextant captivated her attention the most.
'I'll bet all my friends on the Wolverine will love to see my navigation equipment!' she thought excitedly as she gently packed them away. 'I'll display these in my quarters. I'm sure Samui will think they are cool.'
After packing the few things she wanted to take with her, The young Trill woman quickly changed into her Starfleet uniform and got out her communicator. She was excited and said, "Lieutenant Rafi Meta to Wolverine, come in Wolverine."
M'rella greeted her warmly, "Wolverine here. It is good to hear your voice Rafi. We read you loud and clear."
"I have one plus luggage to beam up." said the joined Trill. "I can't wait to see everybody!"
The Caitian laughed. "Stand by Lieutenant. We'll see you soon."
A few moments later, Rafi Meta felt the welcome sensation of a transporter beam around her body.
…
Planet Trill Orbit, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Transporter Room One
"Hellloooo Wolverine!" bellowed Rafi as she materialized in transporter room one and saw Naruto, Samui, Shar and M'rella waiting for her as well as Heidi Gaul. Rafi said excitedly, "Check it out guys! Is this cool or what? I'm ambidextrous now!" She stuck both her hands out and wiggled her fingers.
Naruto gave a tiny smile and the others all laughed. The blonde Vulcan said, "Welcome home Lieutenant Rafi Meta. You have been missed."
M'rella said, "We've all been worried sick about you! How are you feeling?"
"I haven't felt this good in centuries!" gushed the Trill. "This body is so physically fit I can't believe it."
'…' thought everyone at that comment.
Rafi had the decency to blush but quickly smiled. "I feel great! I'm so happy to be at home with my family again." She stepped off the transporter platform and hugged Samui.
"Are you really okay?" asked the blonde bombshell.
Rafi nodded. "I'm better than ever!" The Trill quickly hugged each of her friends and said as she hugged Naruto, "Mmmm…that Vulcan allure. Even the men have it."
The Fleet Captain raised an eyebrow in disbelief and everyone else went bug-eyed in shock.
Rafi chortled, "…Oops! A previous existence of mine was an artist that loved Vulcan women. Sadly, they didn't love him back. I'm still getting used to this joined thing."
"This is going to be interesting." stated Shar. He pointed at her stack of luggage. "Do you need help with all that?"
"It's mainly antiques." said the joined Trill. "The stuff's pretty delicate."
Ensign Gaul said, "Let's get a couple of anti-gravity trams for your things. That way they can be moved safely."
"Thanks Heidi!" said Rafi. "That would be great."
…
Rafi's Quarters
Samui was helping Rafi unload her belongings from the two trams and Ino was there as well. The Counselor was helping because 'She wanted to check on her favorite Trill.'
Counselor Yamanaka was laughing uproariously. "Ahahaha! That Vulcan allure? Did his eyebrow hit the ceiling or did his eyes light up like stars? Ahahaha! What I would have given to see that!"
The Trill woman was blushing. "It was just his eyebrow."
"Should I warn T'Lyra and Chief Shizuka?" asked the still giggling Ino.
Rafi replied, "Please don't." in a harried voice.
"I'm just teasing Rafi." said the sassy blonde. "Changing subjects, what's it like being ambidextrous now?"
"It's actually really amazing." explained the joined Trill. "I was a righty in most of my lives but a lefty in three. For some reason even though Rafi Avana was strictly right-handed, I can even write with my left now."
Samui said, "You should alternate and build up your muscle memory so you can use both hands equally well. That way you'll be more flexible."
"That's an excellent idea Samui." replied Rafi. "It could be a huge plus at the helm."
"You never know Rafi." replied the Augment woman. "It's good to have options."
The Betazoid Counselor asked, "Did you talk to your older 'twin' Captain Rafi about your joining?"
"Actually, I did." said the Trill. "She's really happy for me and decided to use the Avana name again. We both figure Mom and Dad would have wanted it that way since my last name is Meta now. Besides, it differentiates us more. She said we've both evolved since we met years ago and she's proud of me…Now if we could only decide which one of us is better looking."
Samui rolled her eyes and Ino chuckled. "You two never tire of that joke, do you?" asked the blonde bombshell.
"Nope, it's a classic." said Rafi proudly.
…
"…And this is my sextant that was handed down to me from my Captain in the mid-1670s." said Rafi. "I know it's laid out differently from Earth sextants, but it uses the same principles."
Samui's ice blue eyes were big as saucers. "Now this is COOL!" said the blonde bombshell. "Show me how it works!"
Samui and Rafi were soon babbling in mathematics that went over Ino's head. The Counselor smiled as Rafi demonstrated the antique instrument with practiced ease and realized the Trill as channeling memories of a previous life. It was fascinating for the Betazoid Counselor to see.
That's when they heard Doctor Shelly Wilson on the overhead. "Lieutenant Rafi Meta to sickbay. Rafi Meta to sickbay please."
Rafi set her sextant down delicately and said, "Shelly's probably foaming at the mouth to examine me under a microscope." Hitting the communications console, Rafi said, "Lieutenant Meta here Doctor Wilson. I'm on my way."
Ino smiled, "I'll head down to sickbay with you since my office is there anyway."
Rafi motioned to Samui, "I guess we'll finish up with my stuff later. The good doctor won't wait."
"I'd better get back to the bridge." said Samui. "I'll just be under foot in sickbay."
…
Sickbay
Doctor Wilson was waiting eagerly for Rafi to arrive. Shelly said, "Welcome back Rafi, I'm eager to check you over to clear you for duty. Greg and I will be doing a full physical on you as well as your Symbiont. I also want to do a deep scan to make sure you don't have any scar tissue."
Rafi winced and Shelly caught it. "The Doctor said in a dark, frightening tone. "There is a scar isn't there?"
"It's just a hairline!" squeaked Rafi in fright.
Doctor Hammond came over and said, "That will never do, Rafi. Shelly and I want you looking and feeling your best. I find it hard to believe that a race as medically advanced as the Trill would leave a scar though… Is there some symbolic meaning for it?"
The joined Trill answered, "No, it's just-"
"It sounds like it's just sloppy work." said Doctor Wilson irritably. "Strip off so we can see the damage Rafi. Unless you have a sentimental value for this scar, we're going to get your incision fixed so it's perfect, unblemished skin." She pulled out a Trill diagnostic tool and said, "First let's check on Meta's health though."
Rafi's eyes were the size of dinner plates. "How did you get that?!' she whispered loudly. "Those are virtually forbidden outside of Trill!"
"The Think Tank takes care of its own." said Shelly with a conspiring tone. "We aren't going to be deep behind Klingon lines and not be able to take care of you and Meta both if you are hurt."
Greg got out a Trill deep scanner and was admiring the surgical work performed by the Trill surgeons. "Ahhhh, the placement, alignment, and connections between Meta's body and your own are exquisite, Rafi. Take a look, Doctor Wilson. Other than the scarring on the dermis and epidermis this work is beautiful."
Shelly was soon looking though the scanner and said, "Excellent, Meta's presence is like you've gained an extra organ, albeit a sentient one."
"You two seem awfully checked out on this." said Rafi in a confused tone of voice.
"They've been studying like mad so they can take care of you Rafi." said Leatta.
Rafi smiled warmly. 'I have great friends.' "Well, I still have to wonder how you got that Trill equipment."
"The ends justify the means Rafi." said Shelly. Then she added, "Don't ask."
After a very thorough three-hour physical examination, Greg removed any traces of the scar tissue left by the surgery on the Trill woman's abdomen. "There we go." said Doctor Hammond. "The medical staff declares that Lieutenant Rafi Meta is physically fit to return to duty." He smiled. "Get dressed Rafi; you are good to go."
…
Bridge
Maya Ayusugi was talking to the rest of the bridge crew. "It won't be a huge surprise but the party on the recreation deck to welcome Rafi back will give us all a welcome bit of closure from worrying about her so much."
"I agree." said Alison. "Everyone's been fretting, and this will be a nice break- with no inter-ship slugfests."
M'rella smiled, 'Rafi is right. The Wolverine is like a big family.' Then she received a message that made her tail kink in anxiety.
Shizuka noticed and asked, "What's wrong M'rella?"
"I have a Priority One Message from Starbase 3. There is some sort of Medical Emergency there."
"Isn't Starbase 3 one of the primary Medical Centers in Starfleet?" asked Commander Nodaway in confusion. She turned to M'rella and said, "Page Fleet Captain Naruto and Doctor Wilson to the Bridge. I have a feeling something bad is going on."
…Within minutes, Naruto, Shelly, and Rafi were one the Bridge at their stations. The blonde Vulcan said, "On screen M'rella."
An older female human Admiral none of them recognized appeared on screen. She had dark skin and iron gray hair. The Admiral said without preamble, "I am Admiral Adira Henly, Commander of Starbase 3. I want to speak with your Doctor Shelly Wilson immediately."
Shelly stepped forward and said, "I'm Doctor Wilson. How may I be of service Admiral?"
Adira said gravely, "Rear Admiral Chuchi Misawa was exposed to a Medusan*① in his peripheral vision and is dying due to brain damage. His body is stable, but we estimate he will die within seventy-two hours if his brain is not restored. The entire staff here believes your theoretical work on neuron mapping is the only way to save Admiral Misawa's life."
Shelly frowned. "Rear Admiral Misawa is a scathing critic of my theory. He'd never agree to it."
Admiral Henly said, "Consider this a chance to prove him wrong then. We've calculated that the U.S.S. Wolverine may be fast enough to get you here in time to save Misawa's life." She looked at Naruto. "Fleet Captain, your orders are to proceed at flank speed to Starbase 3 and deliver Doctor Wilson here to save Rear Admiral Misawa's life."
"I'll need every bit of data you have on Admiral Misawa's condition as soon as possible." said Shelly gravely. "Most people are driven to insanity at the very least when exposed to a Medusan. What was the Admiral thinking?"
"The exposure was an accident." said Admiral Henly. "I'll put you in touch with our chief surgeon, Commodore Mikto of Andor. He is on standby for your transmission. Godspeed, Wolverine."
Rafi looked hesitant and Naruto said, "Samui, lay in a course for Starbase 3, Rafi, ahead warp factor twelve. Let's light it up!"
The joined Trill saw Samui smile at her brilliantly and Naruto using her own catchphrase bolstered her confidence and made Rafi Meta feel warm inside. "Lighting it up sir! Ahead warp factor twelve."
The U.S.S. Wolverine seemed to roar before taking off at speeds she'd never gone before…
…
Sickbay
Shelly Wilson was staring at the screens as the data came in on Rear Admiral Chuchi Misawa's condition. She was talking to the Andorian Chief Surgeon Commodore Mikto about the tests that needed to be done and the preparations that needed to be made to treat Misawa.
"I need Misawa's most current transporter records Commodore Mikto," said Shelly. "The more recent, the better."
Some of that is classified, Doctor Wlson." replied Mikto. He sounded sympathetic.
Shelly growled, "I don't need to know where the Admiral was or what he was doing Commodore! I need the transporter records so I can reconstruct a map of his neuron patterns at the most recent time to restore his mind. -Time is of the essence here!"
"Let me see what I can do." said Doctor Mikto with urgency in his voice.
…Greg Hammond came into Shelly's office a few minutes later and asked, "Is there any way I can help Doctor?"
She said, "I'll need you to assist me, Greg. I hate to ask you but-"
He smiled, "I'm not the neurosurgeon you are but I'd be honored to assist you in any way I can Shelly."
Doctor Wilson replied, "Thank you my friend. I'm counting on you."
…
Engineering
"Chief Engineer's Log, Stardate 2286.124. Lieutenant Commander Freyja Christianson reporting. Per standard operating procedures, I am entering my report on our current cruising speed of warp factor 12. The engineering crew has been running constant checks of what we previously thought of strictly a burst or emergency speed. I am pleased to report that sustaining a cruising speed of warp 12 has presented no problems whatsoever!"
"There were concerns by the Admiralty that such speeds were unattainable even with X-technology but speaking in terms of structural integrity and power available, the Wolverine should be capable of even reaching warp factor 14 for a short period of time according to our estimates. It is a testament to Fleet Captain Naruto's design that the upper speed limit of our vessel is upped yet again."
…
Staff Meeting Room
Doctor Wilson was explaining her Neuron Mapping Theory in layman's terms to the staff. She said, "In essence, the humanoid mind is a biochemical machine which can be damaged and physically repaired like any other machine. The problem is memories, and the 'soul' can be totally lost and are unrestorable. That isn't to say a person dies, it's simply a matter that they are never the same again."
"The crux of my Neuron Mapping Theory is things like memories and personality can be restored." explained Shelly. "If we have a detailed map of the mind like a transporter record, we can restore the mind's mental state to that point. If the subject has memory damage and was 'mapped' three days prior in a transporter then we could recreate that map and restore them mentally as they were three days before…that's the theory anyway."
"That's brilliant Shelly!" said Ino. "Why are you so down?"
Doctor Wilson frowned, "Because Rear Admiral Chuchi Misawa, who is in line to become the Federation's next Surgeon General, all but totally banned the idea and research into it. Misawa had this crazy idea that researching the subject was unethical and violated several moral laws. He and I went round and round about it until the Wolverine disappeared through time and came back. By that point he'd locked the idea down. I was completely crushed."
"It actually makes perfect sense from an engineering point of view." said Chief Engineer Christianson. "It's like restoring a computer from a backup."
"We all have faith in you Shelly." said M'rella. "You are a splendid neurosurgeon."
Rafi grinned. "Look at the bright side. When you fix the old man's brain he'll have to eat a serious helping of humble pie."
"But what if it doesn't work…?" asked Doctor Wilson.
"If you theorized it will work, then logic follows that it will work." stated Naruto.
"Naruto's right." added Samui. "If you say it will work then we all believe in you."
Shelly teared up. "Thank you, guys. I feel much better."
…
Rafi's Quarters
That evening Rafi was in her quarters with Samui arranging her 'new' items. She had a crystalline sphere that she placed on an anti-gravity stand that seemed to glitter in the starlight. Samui asked, "What is this? It kind of looks like a prism."
Rafi smiled "That is a holographic painting called 'The Fan Dancer' Samui."
"Holographic painting?" asked the blonde.
"Yes. It was a huge, avant-garde painting style on Trill about a century ago. Layer upon layer of crystal is painted with translucent paints and when sunlight hits it, the painting within is projected like a holographic image. Helios Meta was an artist and was a master of this style. He was the one that loved Vulcan women."
"That's cool." said Samui. "Let's get a light so I can see the image."
The Trill nodded and stated, "This was Helios's favorite piece. It won a bunch of awards, but he couldn't bear to part with it. Most of his stuff is in museums now."
"He was that good?" asked the Augment in awe.
"See for yourself." said Rafi as she turned on a small spotlight. An image of a beautiful Vulcan woman wearing crimson and white holding fans shimmered into being.
"Wow, it really does look like a hologram." exclaimed Samui. "The detail is fantastic!"
Rafi had a faraway look in her eyes. "This woman was Helios' fantasy mate."
The blonde bombshell said, "Well, it really shows. Even the detail in the fans is exquisite. What was her name?"
Rafi shrugged. "I have no idea. Helios never found out." The Trill chuckled. "He ran up to her after she danced and asked her to be his muse forever. Then the dancer said in a typical Vulcan way that She had no interest in his illogical whims."
"Ouch." said Samui. "She reminds me of Talok given her poise and grace…I wonder if she's a relative. Her colors of dress match Talok's too."
"Do you think Naruto would know?" asked Rafi.
"It can't hurt to ask." replied the Augment woman.
…
Naruto and T'Lyra's Quarters
As Rafi and Samui neared Naruto's quarters they heard T'Lyra was obviously listening to twentieth century Earth music again…
~Well, we had a lot of luck on Venus
We always had a ball on Mars
We're meeting all the groovy people
We've rocked the Milky Way so far
We danced around with Borealis
We're space truckin' round the stars~
~Come on, come on, come on
Let's go Space trucking
Come on, come on, come on
Space trucking~*②
Samui smirked. "No doubt T'Lyra is transposing a new song on her ka'athyra. She really likes that heavy music." After knocking on the door, T'Lyra turned off the music and bade them enter. Samui and Rafi found the beautiful brunette Vulcan was indeed with her musical instrument.
"Welcome." said T'Lyra. "Naruto is showering if you need him. He should be out shortly."
…
Rafi's Quarters
Soon, the Fleet Captain was soon examining the holographic art of Helios Meta and said, "There is no doubt in my mind that this is my Great-grandmother Evoras*③ from Father's side of the family. The fans are identical to Talok's. This likeness is superb. Evoras must have been in her teens or twenties then. When was this artwork made Rafi?"
"It was created in 2198." replied the Trill.
"Great-grandmother is 100's now so that would have put her in her teens." said the blonde Vulcan. "She was a very striking woman."
"She still is." commented T'Lyra. "Perhaps we'll be able to share this wonderful art with her someday."
"She certainly left a huge impression on Helios Meta." said Rafi.
"Obviously." added Samui with a smile.
…
Sickbay
"Chief Medical Officer's Log, Stardate 2286.125. Doctor Shelly Wilson reporting. Due to the incredible speed we are travelling at, the U.S.S. Wolverine should arrive with thirty-seven hours to spare to save Rear Admiral Misawa's life. Whether thirty-seven hours is enough time to remap his neuron structure is the question. Both the Science and the Engineering staffs have built and improved upon the original tools for neuron mapping that I designed many years ago."
"Still, Misawa's situation is dire. I always envisioned testing on someone with minor brain damage to restore. In this case I must virtually rebuild an entire human mind. It is daunting to say the least and getting it done in a mere thirty-seven-hour window put's the rear Admiral's chances at less than the fiftieth percentile by my best estimations."
"Nevertheless, I'll be damned before I give up."
…
Captain's Ready Room
Doctor Gregory Hammond was talking to Fleet Captain Naruto about the upcoming operation on Rear Admiral Misawa. Greg said, "We're ten hours from Starbase 3 and all the preparations that can be made have been. Doctor Wilson is sleeping under sedation for eight hours, so she'll be in top shape to perform the procedure."
Naruto mentally face planted. "Did she order the sedation or did you, Doctor Hammond?"
Greg laughed weakly. "That's all on me, Fleet Captain. Shelly's going to be mad as hell when she wakes up but the only other way I could think of to get her to rest was a phaser set on stun. Believe me when I say rest is in her best interests as well as Misawa's."
The blonde drummed his fingers. "We'll sort this sedation matter out after the procedure is successfully completed. For what it's worth I support your decision, Greg. I don't know if I can protect you from Doctor Wilson's wrath afterwards though. What about you needing sleep? Aren't you assisting Shelly?"
The Doctor got serious. "I'm assisting. Shelly's doing the surgery. We're both going to be so hopped up on stimulants that it won't matter how much beauty rest I get. I'm just an extra set of hands. For thirty-seven hours we're going to be performing a theoretical procedure at virtual warp speed. I want this to be a success for Shelly!"
"You aren't alone Greg," said Naruto. "The entire Think Tank and the rest of our crew is right there with you."
Greg wiped the sweat off his brow as Naruto poured them each a small glass of Saurian Brandy. "I normally don't drink on duty Fleet Captain." said Doctor Hammond.
The blonde replied, "We'll make an exception this time then." He raised his glass. "To Doctor Shelly Wilson and her upcoming success."
The two young men clinked glasses and Greg smiled, "I'll drink to that."
…
Starbase 3, Spacedock, Berth One
The NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine broke every long-distance speed record set in the United Federation of Planets between the Trill System and Starbase 3. Frankly, Admiral Adira Henly was shocked.
Doctor Wilson and her Medical Staff charged into Starbase 3's sickbay to begin Admiral Misawa's neurosurgery as soon as possible. Commodore Mikto and his staff were on hand to assist, and Doctor Wilson growled, "How many of you read my theory?"
Twenty-four raised their hands.
"How many of you one hundred percent comprehend my theory?" asked Shelly.
None of them raised their hands.
The Wolverine's Chief Medical Officer said, "My people will be performing this operation, Doctor Mikto. With all due respect, stay out of our way and observe."
The Andorian was a bit dumbfounded by Shelly's forceful nature but ended up agreeing. "It's in your hands, Doctor Wilson. Please save Admiral Misawa's life."
Shelly clapped her hands together once to her team, "We'll start with the brain stem, limbic region and amygdala*④. Let's begin."
Thus began a brutal trial by fire for Doctor Shelly Wilson and her team…
…
Starbase 3, Sickbay
Eight hours later, Doctor Wilson's team was taking a fifteen-minute break having finished the first leg of the operation successfully. They were all drinking electrolytes, nutrients and mild stimulants to keep them going. Chief Surgeon Mikto of Starbase 3 was astonished at the work that had been done so far. He said, "Doctor Wilson, this is astounding! All of Admiral Misawa's autonomous brain functions have been restored! Surely-"
Shelly set down her glass of electrolytes and said, "The rest of Misawa's brain is deteriorating still due to exposure to the Medusan. We must move on to the cerebellum *⑤ next. There's no point in reviving the man as a vegetable." She turned to her team. "Five more minutes people! After that we move to the cerebellum."
…
NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Staff Meeting Room
Flet Captain Naruto M'Fau and his staff were having a meeting without the presence of their Chief Medical Officer, and all were concerned as to how things were progressing with Rear Admiral Misawa's surgery.
"It isn't like we can just demand a report." said Shizuka emphatically. "They're in surgery!"
Alison stated, "Virtually everyone on the ship gave their all to help."
"I just want everything to turn out okay." replied Freyja Christianson.
Samui said, "They'll succeed, just you wait."
…
Starbase 3, Sickbay
It had been twenty-one hours since the neurosurgery on Rear Admiral Chuchi Misawa had begun. Several members of Shelly's team had swapped out in shifts to prevent exhaustion, but Doctor Wilson and Doctor Hammond were still going strong. Shelly said, "Finally, the cerebellum is restored! Everyone take a break."
Greg said, "We still have sixteen hours left Doctor Wilson. We've got the whole cerebrum*⑥ to go. It's going to be the hard part. Are you up for this?"
Shelly grinned. "I am, even if it means taking .25cc's of Cordrazine*⑦ to keep me going."
"Hah! I may need a dose too before this is over." replied Doctor Hammond.
…
Sickbay Observation Room
Commodore Mikto had been watching the entire operation with rapt attention. When Admiral Adira Henly came into check on things she said, "I've heard of the Think Tank but I have to wonder if Misawa has a chance."
"I did too but what I've seen in the last twenty hours is nothing short of miraculous." said the Andorian. "If this is successful, I would say Doctor Wilson should be nominated for the Legion of Honor*⑧. Misawa was wrong. Young Doctor Wilson is incredible."
Henly's eyebrows raised. "She's that good?"
Mikto nodded "Her whole team is. They threw my staff and I out and took over. I honestly was dismayed but now I see it was the best thing to do for all concerned. If Misawa has a chance, it lies with them."
"What about our staff?" asked the Admiral.
"I hate to admit this, but if we'd done the work Misawa would already be dead." answered the Commodore. "You would have been preparing a eulogy about now."
…
Starbase 3, Sickbay
After a torturous seventeen-hour marathon, the medical team from the U.S.S. Wolverine was completely spent. They had run an hour over schedule, but their sensor arrays showed no adverse effects. Shelly and Greg had bags under their eyes and looked totally drained. It had been an exhausting thirty-eight hours.
"Now for the acid test." said Shelly. "Let's wake him up." 'Old bastard.'
Adira Henly said over the speakers from the Sickbay Observation Room, "Doctor Wilson, Chief Surgeon Mikto and I would like to join you when he wakes up."
Shelly looked tiredly up at them through the transparent aluminum window and said, "Please, feel free to join us, Admiral."
"We'll be right down Doctor." said Mikto excitedly.
The Admiral and the Commodore came down to the floor and entered the sickbay proper where they were tiredly saluted by Shelly Wilson and her staff. "At ease." said the Admiral. "You all made valiant efforts for Rear Admiral Misawa and for that I thank you."
Mikto said, "Please bring him around Doctor Wilson."
Shelly held out he hand and said emotionlessly, ".10cc's of Cordrazine Leatta."
Leatta checked the amount in the hypospray and said, ".10cc's of Cordrazine Doctor Wilson." before handing it to Shelly.
The Doctor injected Rear Admiral Misawa and seconds later his eyes fluttered open.
Misawa grumped, "I was supposed to beam back from the U.S.S. Nightengale after doing a routine inspection. What the hell happened? Why am I in sickbay?" Then he glanced around and saw Shelly there. He said acidly, "What's this witch doctor doing in my sickbay?!"
Adira's eyes widened in shock and Mikto was appalled. The Andorian said in a scolding tone, "Misawa, Doctor Wilson saved your life when no one else could! Show a little gratitude!"
Shelly frowned at the Rear Admiral and thought, 'He's not worth jailtime… He's not worth jailtime… That's the only reason I'm letting him live…'
Rear Admiral Misawa looked dumbfounded and asked, "What…?"
Shelly took a deep breath and handed her datapad to Doctor Mikto. "Sir! The Rear Admiral needs to have thorough diagnostic checks done over his entire body and memory which your capable staff can handle without issue. With your permission, my staff and I will return to the Wolverine for some well-earned rest."
Mikto smiled at Adira who nodded. The Chief Surgeon turned back to Shelly and said, "Permission granted Doctor Wilson. I'll forward the results to you in the morning… And very nicely done Doctor. Both you and your staff went far above and beyond."
Shelly saluted, "Thank you sir. I'll be looking forward to those results."
…
After the medical staff of the U.S.S. Wolverine departed, Doctor Mikto asked, "How do you feel Chuchi?"
The Rear Admiral answered, "I feel fine. It's like I've had a good night's sleep. What happened?"
"You walked in on the Medusan Ambassador without shielding and nearly died three days ago." explained Mikto. "Doctor Wilson reconstructed your mind from five days ago when you beamed off the U.S.S. Nightengale. It was a brilliant display of work to say the least."
Misawa said in shock, "Then her Neuron Mapping Theory…it actually worked?! This could revolutionize neurosurgery!"
Admiral Henly said humorously, "And here you called her a witch doctor. I'm surprised she didn't punch you out."
Doctor Mikto smiled. "Doctor Wilson left me an extensive battery of tests to check you over Chuchi. Given how good you are at multitasking I'm sure you can draft a letter of apology in your head while we check you over."
The Rear Admiral sighed. "I really screwed up this time, didn't I?"
The Andorian said, "Let's begin those tests."
…
Stardate 2286.129, NCC-1602 U.S.S. Wolverine, Starbase 3, Spacedock, Berth One
Naruto was talking to Doctor Wilson in his ready room. Shelly was looking over her datapad and said, "The old bastard is in perfect health. Given what he put me through, I'm not sure whether to be disgusted or elated."
The Vulcan gave a tiny smile. "Be elated Doctor. Think of the countless people that can be saved in the future because of your work. Isn't that the goal of every medical doctor?"
Shelly grinned. "I suppose that's a good way to look at it, Fleet Captain. You heard Misawa's going to be in on Admiral Henly's inspection tonight, didn't you?"
"I heard." he answered with a nod. "They are also staying for a formal dinner. Doctor Fairbanks suggested we serve Rear Admiral Misawa a healthy portion of crow."
Doctor Wilson exploded into laughter.
…
That evening, Admiral Henly and Rear Admiral Misawa came aboard for a formal inspection of the U.S.S. Wolverine. Naruto and his crew were in their full-dress uniforms. Adira Henly said, "It's always a pleasure to give perfect marks on an inspection Fleet Captain. You have a splendid vessel."
"Thank you, Admiral." replied the blonde Vulcan "My crew and I take great pride in the Wolverine."
"It shows." replied Henly. "The fastest ship in the fleet… Not everyone can say that."
Rear Admiral Misawa said, "You've also been blessed with a superb Medical Staff and sickbay. I don't get to say that often."
Commander Nodaway said, "You should know better than anyone Admiral Misawa."
…
The Flag Officers were soon sitting with the crew staff at dinner and Rear Admiral Misawa said, "I'd like to propose a toast to Doctor Shelly Wilson and her fabulous work that saved my life despite my reservations about her." He turned to Shelly and said, "Doctor Wilson, I'd like to offer a sincere apology for doubting your work. Please stand up."
As Shelly stood, Misawa said, "On behalf of the Starfleet Surgeons it is my honor and pleasure to present you with the Legion of Honor as well as the Starfleet Medal of Valor*⑨." He pinned the medals on her uniform. "This old man was dead wrong about you, Doctor Wilson. You are a shining example of what every Starfleet Surgeon should aspire to be."
…
POSTSCRIPT:
*①: Medusan -The Medusans are highly intelligent, telepathic, and empathic non-corporeal lifeforms. Their thoughts are considered among the most sublime in the galaxy but the sight of a Medusan renders any corporeal lifeform mad and often causes death by massive organ failure soon afterwards. For these reasons, Medusans use opaque carrier pods when interacting with other species.
*②: Space Truckin' -Deep Purple, 1972. I don't own it either.
*③: Evoras -She was introduced in Chapter 33. She passed her metal fans down to Naruto's younger sister Talok.
*④: -These instinctive parts of the brain are well developed from birth and are responsible for basic functioning – breathing, blinking, heartbeat, flinching, digestion, etc.
*⑤: The cerebellum -sits at the back of the head. It controls coordination and balance.
*⑥: The cerebrum -fills up most of the skull. It involves remembering, problem solving, thinking, and feeling.
*⑦: Cordrazine -is a strong chemical stimulant created on Earth in 1987. It is classified as an "autonomic nervous system stimulant" by Starfleet Medical.
*⑧: Legion of Honor -is a commendation given by Starfleet to honorable members.
*⑨: Starfleet Medal of Valor -This is an award given to officers for the display of devotion to their duty and the show of valor.
Well, Shelly got to have some spotlight time this chapter! I'm enjoying writing about the other members of the Think Tank. I wanted to delve more into the surgery but due to space limitations and the fact it would have meant even more footnotes I decided to keep the highlights only. See you next time, Blue out. 4/13/24