Chapter 5
"According to this scan, the two neural patterns are beginning to combine, almost like in a Vulcan mind meld. Our problem now is that if we don't stop the process, this particular meld could become permanent."
"Doc, if it's like a mind meld, do you think Tuvok would be able to fix it?" Tom asked.
"It's unlikely due to the third entity being present. A Vulcan is able to break the link from their end; they control the meld and are responsible for ensuring it is reversible. This entity either does not have control over the melding or intends on completing the process," the Doctor said. "And the risk of Tuvok also being compromised is higher than the potential reward."
"What other options do we have?" Chakotay prompted. He had been standing in the Doctor's office for the past fifteen minutes, listening to him outline all his findings thus far, and he still had not heard a viable solution yet.
"If we could use a neural interface to generate carefully calibrated electric charges in specific parts of the brain, we may be able to separate the other neural pattern from the Captain's own to stop the melding," the Doctor said. "It's also not without risk, however."
"But it's a fighting chance?" Kathryn questioned from the doorway, making all three men turn in surprise to see her leaning against the doorframe.
"Kathryn, you should be resting," Chakotay began, moving towards her.
She pushed past him and went right up to the Doctor until they were face to face. "If we have a shot at getting rid of this, I'm willing to take it," she said resolutely. "I can't let myself be a danger to the crew again."
"Captain, I'd need to run more simulations. I haven't even begun to outline the risks," the Doctor began. "If this goes wrong, there could be serious consequences in terms of long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, even voluntary motor function! There's just no way to tell for certain."
"Have you run some simulations already?" Kathryn asked.
"Yes," he answered.
She fixed her gaze intently on him. "And nothing indicates that it could be lethal?" she questioned.
"Not currently," he admitted. "But –"
"Then we do it," she interrupted firmly.
"Kathryn," Chakotay tried.
"Now," she insisted. More quietly, she added, "If we don't try, it's just going to get worse anyways. Please, let's do it."
The Doctor hesitated, visibly torn, but eventually he conceded gravely, "Very well. Mr. Paris, help me prepare what we'll need for the procedure. I'll explain all the details to everyone as we do." Kathryn cast another glance at Chakotay, and he couldn't read what he saw there, which only heightened his unease.
After the set-up was complete, Kathryn nodded at the Doctor again. She closed her eyes, and he administered the hypospray. Her breathing evened out. Chakotay soon lost track of all the details of what the Doctor was doing, but amazingly, he saw the two pattern colors on the display begin to separate. He started to hope that, perhaps, it could be this simple. They would fix the problem, and everything would be normal again.
Hope was never meant to get too eager.
A look of pain crossed Kathryn's face. "She's gonna go into a seizure!" Tom warned. Chakotay swore softly under his breath as lights began flashing.
"We'll have to abort the procedure!" the Doctor commanded. He worked swiftly for a few seconds to deactivate the neural interface. They watched Kathryn's features gradually settle back into gentle calm of unconsciousness, with Tom blowing out a short breath of relief as he checked the monitors and saw all indicators steady. Then he looked at the Doctor, who had an even more grim expression than usual.
"Can you wake her up?" Chakotay asked nervously, drawing close to the biobed again. "It didn't do any permanent damage?"
The Doctor shook his head, replying, "No, we stopped the procedure before that could happen. But we should give her more time until the sedative wears off naturally."
While Tom and the Doctor withdrew to the office to debate what might have gone wrong and how they might adjust to compensate, Chakotay settled into a chair beside Kathryn's bed. About half an hour later, she began to stir, and he called them back. She blinked slowly as she came to. Taking one look at the three solemn faces above her, she sighed heavily. "It didn't work," she stated.
"I'm afraid not, Captain. I'm sorry," the Doctor affirmed.
"We'll keep trying. Don't give up," Tom added encouragingly.