Posted by Lieutenant Commander Bethany Kovra Gadi (Chief of Security) in side-sim: New Rhythms

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Aasrel Izei (Chief Medical Officer) in side-sim: New Rhythms

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Bethany Kovra Gadi (Chief of Security) in side-sim: New Rhythms
Posted by… suppressed (51) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Her shift had been long. Storing all the confiscated gear they had taken from the Telerite freighter, plus the non Fleet issued weapons had taken awhile. Of course this new ship came totally loaded with supplies. The waiting for the infiltration team to do their thing was already putting people on edge. She had spent the majority of the day putting her department through drills for boarding techniques, repelling hostile, and then working with them on hostile take overs. The crew of the liner was not going to go down easily. Their first experience with the freighter had been far far too easy.

She disappeared from the ship for about an hour, walking the station and listening. Trying to determine what was being said about them and the new ship they had acquired. She also had a specific task in mind and it required access to a public computer terminal. She slipped back on board about an hour later and they started more drills.

Ridad was gone, but Gladiva was another good choice. She was also an excellent teacher Tactical bridge officer. “I think it went well Chief. A lot of the department has been making trips onto the station. It’s getting them used to the social nuances of our new job.”

Bethany grunted approval, “Good. As long gone as they don’t blow our cover while site seeing. They need more practice with the marine armor and weapons for the boarding party. I don’t want anyone guessing how to use it when the time comes.”

Gladvia set a hand on her shoulder. “We will be Chief. But you need to breathe. It’s not all on your shoulders. We are each responsible for making sure we do our job.” Bethany couldn’t quite agree with that sentiment. When Gladvia put a hand over hers in concern she looked down. Well crap.

“Are you that stressed, Chief?” The Lt asked at the red bleeding scratches Bethany had left on her amrs. Bethany sighed with a chuckle. “No, allergic reaction. A flare up. I’ll let the docs take a look at it later.” Bethany left Gladvia in charge of the target practice and made her way to sickbay. She walked in and told the nurse she was having trouble with her meds and needed to see one of the docs.

Bethany

The nurse nodded and asked her what the problem was, then got her situated on a biobed. Several minutes later, Aasrel came walking through Sickbay. He stopped just short of her bed and gave her a look. “What did I say about seeing you as a patient here?” He asked, somewhat playfully, but then he turned serious and his look switched to concerned. “What’s the problem?”

~ Aasrel

“I was careful and didn’t get hurt.” Bethany almost sounded defensive but the grin on her face said otherwise. “I don’t think the cocktail Ryley gave me is working anymore.” She rolled up her sleeves and held her arms out, palms up. There were deep scratches down her arms, following the arteries. Then she tugged on the neck of her shirt, and it was the same over her neck and chest. “My legs are the same. I didn’t even know I was scratching. Ryley said I was doing that in my sleep the night he kept me for observation.”

Bethany

A look of concern was quickly covered by his doctor face. “I’m going to increase the dosage of one of the meds in the cocktail Doctor Ryley was giving you. It might cause more side effects, but it should help stall your condition until I have time to finish analyzing the results of the tests we did.” He was worried. If the meds weren’t working, her condition could advance more quickly. He needed to find answers, and fast.

~ Aasrel

Bethany nodded. “Which side-effects? Will it affect me being able to report for duty?” Bethany was worried amd it flashed across her face for a moment, but was quickly hidden. She’d not been aware she was even scratching, much less itching until Gladvia had said something. At that moment, she was selfishly glad Aasrel couldn’t feel her emotions because she really hated her Betazoid half.

Bethany

“Cold sweats and light headedness when you first use it, within half an hour or so. And long term, it can cause fatigue.” Aasrel sighed. “Hopefully I find an answer before the fatigue starts happening.” Or before her disease caused other issues in her body. Some of the nearby medical staff were watching them. Aasrel had never acted as nice and friendly as he was now since he’d come to this ship.

~ Aasrel

“So don’t take it if I have to report immediately for duty.” That would be fun. Cold sweats…great. Good thing she wore a jacket anyway, and she supposed she could raise the temperature in her quarters and office a bit if need be. She was rubbing her palms up and down her arms, thighs, and across her abdomen. She was careful not to use her nails, but now that she knew she was scratching, the itching was driving her crazy. To the point she didn’t notice the looks they were getting. “Let me have it doc before I rip my skin open more.”

Bethany

Aasrel waved a nurse over. He told her the exact amounts to put into a hypo. “Go prepare it and then bring it back. I’ll need it ASAP.” He told the nurse, and she hurried off. It was clear from his interaction with the nurse he was his usual standoffish self, like he had been with Bethany before their talk and then their date. He turned to Bethany, “It’ll be a minute. Try not to rub it like that.” Then he nodded, “Not right before duty and if the lightheadedness gets too bad, you should rest. You don’t need to fall and hit your head.”

~ Aasrel

She gripped the edge of the biobed to stop from rubbing or scratching. “No, don’t want to hit my head. Might smack whatever is wrong up there and make it worse.” It was said flippantly and with a grin. Could that really happen? She had no idea.

The biobed on the other hand was registering an increased heart rate and palpitations, high histamine levels, and her temperature was spiking.

Bethany

The concern in his face became difficult to hide. “Lie back, Bethany.” He said. The nurse returned with the hypo and he gave it to her. He spoke to the nurse for a moment and she hurried off again. “That should help but I want you to rest for a bit. Until your heart rate comes down, at least.”

~ Aasrel

“Sure thing. After that workout today, I could use a nap.” She laid back on the biobed, hands clasped over her stomach. She could feel her diaphragm moving up and down as she breathed and it allowed her to focus on slowing her respiration and not scratch. The single minded focus also stopped her from worry over what was wrong with her now. She wanted to ask him, ask him if he could really fix what was wrong with her. But she couldn’t lapse into an emotional free fall. Not right now. No one on the crew needed to see the security chief panic. The scratches were starting to burn where she had tore the skin open. Not a new symptom just a consequence of the damage.

Bethany

“Looks like medical is getting a head start on the rumor train,” Aasrel muttered. Some of the nurses, as they went about their work, were pointing and then talking. The nurse from before returned with a little kit. A new hypo kit with the new medicine. She set it on the side table. Meanwhile, Aasrel was getting the dermal regenerator out. The nurse helped him set it up. “That’s your new meds. You’ll use it the same as you were before, just be mindful of the side effects.” He started using the regenerator to fix the scratches. Once it was set up and just a matter of waiting, the nurse left again.

~ Aasrel

“Ah, well they are late to the party then.” There had been plenty of rumor and speculation when she arrived to her office. Especially since the sign said the coffee maker was broken, but she had coffee with her. It had amused her all day. She turned her head toward the kit. “I’ll bring the other one back, and make sure not to forget to take it on time.” She set her head back down and closed her eyes, returning to focusing on her breathing. She tried to help by rolling up her sleeves and lifting the hem of her shirt, so he could get to all the scratches. There wasn’t much she could do about her legs. At least her pants legs had been between her nails and her skin there. Those weren’t quite as bad.

Bethany

Aasrel’s coffee had not lasted long enough. He’d finished it that morning. He had no idea how Bethany functioned on less sleep than him. He kept working on the scratches. “Good. I’ve been working on the test results but I’ll have to give some of my patients to other doctors so I can put more time into it.” And not because they were dating, because this progression of events was legitimately worrying and he wasn’t sure how quickly she might start to get worse. Aasrel met her gaze just before she closed her eyes. “Don’t forget your promise.”

~ Aasrel

She smirked behind closed eyes. “I won’t forget. I did promise.” That got attention. What did the security chief promise the doctor? And why???? She shook her head slightly. “Can’t neglect your other patients, doc. You’re as short staffed as the rest of us.” She sighed. She had no way to know if he was saying that because she was suddenly very worse, which was terrifying, or because they were dating. Which was sweet and not as concerning. If she had to choose, she’d pick the latter reason. She doubted she was that lucky.

Bethany

Unfortunately, this was dire enough that he could neglect his other patients. So long as they were still receiving care. It was that they were dating too, but he was very concerned about the sudden turn for the worse. He was nearly finished treating the scratches. “I am, but patients of higher acuity take priority.” He said.

~ Aasrel

“So it is worse then - not just some fluke thing?” She sighed quietly and forced an easy playful tone, “And here I thought it was because ya liked me, Doc.” Bethany was known for being outrageous. She and Ryley had gone back and forth a lot, but it was always tinged with a lot of sarcasm and joking. She wasn’t convincing enough this time for the medical staff to shrug it off.

Bethany

The scratches treated, Aasrel put away the regenerator. “No, not a fluke. Sorry.” He smiled at her and shrugged. “I’m going to have you stay and rest till your heart rate comes down, and then you’re taking it easy. You can work, but no hardcore training drills or anything.” He knew that was a big ask. Everyone wanted to be prepared for anything on this mission.

~ Aasrel

Bethany shook her head, “No can do, and no I’m not being stubborn. I quit or back off it will cause concern within my department and that filters into the feeling of security for the rest of the crew. I tell them why, it creates a premature power vacuum on who will take over if something happens to me. People are already having issues with this mission and staying committed. And it’s not like Blue, Picklesimer, and Calloway are sharing any need to know info with the rest of us.” She opened her eyes and looked at him, “But I’ll do my best.”

Bethany

Aasrel gave a small, concerned, sigh. “I understand that, but your best had better be good, because a high heart rate will continue to cause palpitations, and the palpitations could turn into an arrhythmia and kill you. So don’t make me pull you from duty entirely, Bethany. You can’t die on me.”

~ Aasrel

Bethany looked him in the eye, “I’m not going to die, you said so.” Now that the regenerator was done, she rubbed her arms and across her neck and shoulder blades and sighed. “Thanks.” She suddenly remembered the data chip in her pocket. She pulled it out and propped herself on her elbows. She blinked, “Whoa, okay yeah,” she set her head back down as the room swam. “Here,” she held out the data chip to him. “I did some research. It was published last month. Maybe it will help.”

Bethany

“You won’t die if you follow medical advice.” Aasrel corrected his earlier promise. “You’re dizzy?” He asked as she set her head back down. He took the data chip and slipped it into his own pocket. “Research?”

~ Aasrel

She grinned, “Hey now, you can’t change the terms of our agreement after the fact.” She laughed quietly. “Light headed. The meds right? You said it would do that.” She pointed toward the chip. “I was able to use a public access terminal to do some research of public databases. I hope it helps.” She doubted it helped her, but maybe it would do something for him. “I didn’t really understand it, but it looked promising.”

Bethany

He nodded, doubting it was anything he hadn’t already seen. “I’ll take a look. Yes, it does. Tell me when it passes.... Actually, you’re going to have to tell a nurse. I have to get back to work. I’ll check on you later.”

~ Aasrel

“Sure thing. I’m gonna take a nap.” She closed her eyes as if she were going to do just that. She had to really concentrate to keep her breathing steady as her heart raced. The meds seemed to be helping, it was getting easier, or maybe she was just engaging in wishful thinking. The itching had dulled and seemed to be fading, at least on her chest and abdomen. She figured the meds hadn’t made it around her whole system yet.

About 20 minutes later, she tried sitting up again. Not far, she wasn’t trying to get up or leave, but just to see if the light headedness had passed. It seemed to have and she told the nurse. Then she went back to her fake nap.

Bethany

Aasrel returned to his office and inserted the data chip, pulling it up on the console in his office. It was a research article from a Doctor Bonner, on the USS Ogawa. He’d read some of her work, there was nothing useful to him or Bethany so far.

This was different. The article described the procedure of injecting psilosynine directly into the gland in the paracortex to jump-start it into producing the chemical on its own. Her study had positive results. He had to try not to get his hopes up too high. It sounded like his miracle answer. But was it? Could it be that easy? Not that brain surgery was easy, her research outlined the risks involved as well, but… It could work. Removing the chip after reading the entire thing, he returned to Bethany’s bedside. “Where did you find that article?”

~ Aasrel

She opened her eyes and looked at him. “I did a search of public access medical databases with different search parameters. That one was in the Daystrom Medical Research Journal. Posted a month ago. Does it help?” She tried not to sound too hopeful.

Bethany

Aasrel nodded slowly. How hadn’t he seen it? Had he somehow missed it? “It can’t help you, but it could fix me. It’s… Almost too good to be true. If it works.”

~ Aasrel

“It seemed really complicated to me, but I’m not close to being a doctor. I looked up the researchers too. She has a lot of work published, and has received several awards. She’s considered some kind of genius, a child prodigy. It looked legitimate.” She smiled. “I hope it does help you. I really do.” She grabbed his hand and squeezed before letting go.

Bethany

He nodded, “She’s well known in the field of medicine. The oddball genius.” He sighed and sat in a chair next to her biobed. He couldn’t decide whether to tell her or not. It had a higher chance of success with a donor. The psilosynine would be taken from the donor, stripped of its genetic code, and injected into the patient. He had no doubt she would say yes, but was it ethical to let her do it, knowing her state of mind? Maybe he should try the synthetic… Or maybe he should wait, till after the mission. Till they had access to Fleet resources again. Maybe he had to wait anyway. “It’s… It’s not risk free. It’s brain surgery.” He said at last. “Her study shows that injecting psilosynine into the gland in the brain can jump-start it into producing it on its own.”

~ Aasrel

She was watching him carefully, trying to guage his reaction. She wanted this to work for him, so he would go home. He would see his family again. “So that might work for you, right? But you need a donor? Could I donate? I mean I’m producing all this excess psilosynine I can’t use. I didn’t understand how it worked, but the paper also said that once you start producing your own it can be injected into damaged neurons to heal and rebuild them. Do you have a doctor on staff who can do it?”

Bethany

“We have a neurosurgeon,” Aasrel confirmed. “But there will be a recovery. Can’t say the captain would let me do it. Even less likely the captain would want us both recovering. It can be done with synthetic psilosynine.” His voice would give away that there was a problem with that idea. “You theoretically could donate. But you’re not healthy. Donating would mean brain surgery for you, too.”

~ Aasrel

“Might as well have something good come of this. Besides real is always better than synthetic,” that was almost a universal law. “And you would need to take a sample to even see if it would work. I’m only half Betazoid. So go on. I’m just laying here, and not going anywhere for awhile if that cardiac monitor is any indication. Taking a sample is less invasive than a full donation, right? So let’s find out if I even can donate. Then we can worry about when and how it will happen.” She was insistant and calm and utterly reasonable.

Bethany

Was there a point in running the sample test if he wasn’t sure he could ask her to do it ethically anyway? She was right that the sample test was relatively noninvasive and safe. In her current condition it may not be the smartest thing to do, to go poking around her brain, but a nanobot test shouldn’t cause a problem. But if the sample proved she could donate? “Bethany… I don’t know. It is less invasive but… Say the sample works and you can donate. You’re my patient, one, and two, I’m worried you’re in a sort of mindset you’re not worried enough about yourself. How could I ever ethically let you do it?”

~ Aasrel

Bethany nodded, seeing his point of view. “Well one, I won’t be your patient in this instance. The neurologist will be. I may not be a match anyway. If you are concerned that my disability could be linked and could possibly make your problem worse, I understand and then I won’t donate.” It was hard to admit, but it was a risk. “We know this procedure won’t help me, but what if in the process you find the cause for my autoimmune disorder? No one has done a chemical analysis of my psilosynine or taken tissue samples of my gland and paracortex. And finally,” she locked eyes with him and her voice held deep edgy conviction, “I gave you my word I wouldn’t give up. That means something to me, and you gave me yours. I’m not giving up; I am just making sure we explore all possibilities for both of us.”

Bethany

“No one ever ran a chemical test of the psilosynine?” Aasrel asked. How did that get overlooked? By previous doctors but also by himself! He hadn’t even thought to do that. He shook his head and then sighed. That was a thought for later. He looked at her. “Okay, we’ll do the sample test. Because it might help you too, so while we’re getting a sample of your psilosynine, might as well see how my body reacts to it.” He called the doctor over with his comm.

~ Aasrel

“Not that I am aware of. I mean since it’s running through my blood maybe they did a sample that way?” Bethany let out a slow breath when he agreed. “Thank you.” The exchange didn’t go unnoticed by the staff and before the night was over both departments would be engaged in some serious speculation.

“If they did that and didn’t do a sample straight from the gland, they’re incompetent. But there were no notes in their file that they did either. The psylosynine in your blood is damaged and degraded, it wouldn’t be an accurate representation of anything.” He smiled at her then, “You’re that worried about whether I get telepathy back or not?”

“I’m concerned with you healing and besides, it’s important to you.” Bethany said it as if it was the most obvious answer in the world. It didn’t matter to her if he did or not, but it mattered to him. So she would help however she could, even if that was only to be supportive.

Aasrel took her hand and squeezed it, then let it go. He wanted to keep hold of it, but he also needed to seem professional when the other doctor arrived.

After he called the other doctor she asked, “So do you put me under for this? I wouldn’t mind the sleep.”

Bethany

“No, but I’ll give you a treatment with the alpha wave inducer when we’re done. You’ll need the rest.” Aasrel replied. “Do you want me to stay?”

Bethany nodded. She supposed neither of them needed him to stay, but she wanted him there. “I just need to let my Lt know I’m having more tests run and she’ll need to handle things.” Right now things were in a bit of a hold pattern while things got underway and settled. Her Lt was more than competent and would be at Tactical anyway.

The doctor, Doctor Rehl Th’rethiss, came walking up to them about half an hour after Aasrel called. Aasrel had asked for a consult for a patient. He stood and moved away from Bethany’s biobed and explained the situation. There was some back and forth between them, during which the andorian doctor gestured at Bethany. Aasrel nodded. Then both doctors came to stand by her biobed.

“I’m going to do a sampling of your psilosynine. It involves using medical nanobots to retrieve the sample from the gland that produces it. Then we’ll let Doctor Izei test its chemical makeup and properties.” The doctor paused a moment, “You’ve also consented to test your sample against his body, a donor sample test?”

~ Aasrel

Bethany nodded. “Yes Sir. We’re out here all on our own, with no help and limited resources. We have to help each other while we can. Since you need to take a sample anyway please allow the donor sample test to be run.”

Bethany

“I will allow the test be done, because it hurts nothing to do it.” The doctor decided. Aasrel’s file stated how… insistent he had been to do things that weren’t necessarily safe for him in the interest of restoring himself. Doctor Th’rethiss had to be sure he wasn’t dragging Bethany into that mindset. “If the sample test comes back viable, are you aware of the risks of donating? You are already unhealthy. It could make your condition worse. Or unrelated to your condition your brain could be damaged.” Those weren’t the only possible complications, but some of the major ones.

“And it may not even work for Lieutenant Izei. That procedure is experimental. And his condition isn’t dangerous to him. He could wait until we do have help and resources.” He sighed softly and looked at her, “I want you to really think it over.”

~ Aasrel

Bethany watched Th’rethiss look back and forth between herself and Aasrel. Time to oull out that training that made people think she was actually telepathic. “Yes, Dr. Izei explained the risks to me. Whatever is wrong with me is in my brain anyway, so the risks are already there. I am also aware of his exuberant insistence that he return to himself. I have not been manipulated or mislead. As you say, I may not be a match and he will have to seek another donor. Any non vital procedure will have to wait until this mission is over. That doesn’t mean the test can’t be run. He could wait until we are back at a Fleet facility, but the reality is that is a 50/50 chance that we won’t be on the run forever.”

Bethany

The doctor seemed… Not happy but satisfied she was making her own decision free of Izei’s influence. “I’ll prepare to do the test.” Then he hurried away to get everything ready, stopping only briefly to say something to Aasrel.

“Thank you, doctor.” Bethany’s voice carried a slightly deeper hint of a drawl. It was her decision and Aasrel didn’t ask. She offered. The tests and samples needed to be taken anyway.

Aasrel returned to his seat by her bed with a sigh. “I’ll be right here with you throughout the whole thing.” If he heard the words ‘see psych’ one more time he could swear he was going to lose his mind. “I want you to be safe as much as I want this to work for me.”

~ Aasrel

“I appreciate that. I am sure Dr Th’rethiss is very competent. I’ll be fine. Nanotechnology has come a long way. It’s very safe, right? And just maybe you will find out what is wrong with me. That will be a good thing, right?” She kept saying that, looking for confirmation everything would be fine.

Bethany

Aasrel took her hand and squeezed it again. “You’ll be fine. It would be great if we find out what’s wrong with you with this test.” He shook his head. “Doctor Th’rethiss just wants to make sure I don’t pressure you into donating if you are able to. Then he told me..” he paused dramatically, “to see psych.”

~ Aasrel

The suggestion for psych made a strange look cross her face. “Perhaps he should suggest the same for me, hmm? I mean if I am being pressured to do something I don’t want to do. Which is absurd. No one can make me do anything I don’t want to do. Besides I am a licensed counselor, so you can tell him you are seeing me.” She grinned at him over the double meaning. She squeezed his hand though in a way that conveyed how worried she was. “I mean if I am getting worse, I’ll be in here for a lot more tests anyway.”

Bethany

“Technically a condition of my remaining on duty was that I continued to see a counselor.” Aasrel admitted. “I… May have been slacking on that… For the last while.” Since before he came to this ship. He grinned at her and squeezed her hand. “I’m not sure he’d appreciate that answer.” His smile turned confident, he was trying to reassure her. “We’re going to use those tests to find out what’s wrong with you. You’ll be fine. As long as you follow medical advice.“

~ Aasrel

Bethany nodded. It made sense after everything he had been through. “It’s not something to be ashamed of or avoid. I went through a lot of counseling after…well before I was transferred to ship duty. Here it’s kind of difficult, but that is a conversation for somewhere without overactive ears.” She shrugged, “No, he probably wouldn’t. Lt McMillan probably won’t either.” She grinned at him and his tone. “I will, I will. Promise. But if things go to crap, I’m not going to just sit and relax and do nothing.”

Bethany

“I know it’s not… I just…” He shrugged, “I don’t know. I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t wanna hear how I need to accept how I am or whatever.” He smiled and squeezed her hand again. It was then that the doctor returned with a special hypo and the equipment he’d need. He stood over Bethany’s biobed on the other side than Aasrel. “I’m going to inject the nanites with this hypo. Are you ready?”

~ Aasrel

Bethany shook her head, “A good counselor will help you find realistic solutions, problem solve, not try and placate you with banalities.” She turned her head as the other doctor returned. She let go of Aasrel’s hand and laid them by her side as the surgical frame came up and over her. “I am. How long will it take?”

Bethany

“It depends on how well it goes. I’ll keep telling you what I’m doing as I do it, if you want me to.” The doctor said. He injected they hypo at her neck, into the artery going to the brain. Then he moved to the surgical frame and began using the controls on it.

“Thank you Dr. Th’rethiss. Don’t let it distract you though. I am capable of being patient.” The hypo felt weird going in. Not like regular medicine. Or maybe that was just her imagination.

Aasrel took her hand, even with the doctor there. He was sitting there, anyway. He had no reason to be there except for her personally. “You’ll be fine.”

~ Aasrel

Bethany’s fingers curled around his. “Of course, I will. It’s just a tissue sample. It’s routine. I have been through much worse.” She was quiet for a bit. “How are the meds working? Has my heart rate gone down?” She wasn’t sure how much she should talk. It was really weird knowing Th’rethiss was working in her brain while she was awake.

Bethany

In the olden days, a lot of brain surgeries were done awake, to make sure damage wasn’t being done. Bethany wouldn’t feel anything, but the idea was certainly strange. Aasrel looked up at her monitor. “It’s not quite normal but it’s down from what it was. The meds are doing their job. We just need to get you on a regular schedule with them, like you were with the old cocktail.” Occasionally the doctor would gently tell her what he was doing as he was navigating the nanobots using the surgical frame. “They’re in the brain. Next I’ll need to navigate them to the right place.”

~ Aasrel

That was getting a little weird. Bethany kept experiencing to feel something. Or maybe even hear a buzz or her arm to twitch involuntarily or something. She almost asked the doctor to stop telling her what he was doing, but she didn’t want to appear squeamish. Her fingers tightened around Aasrel’s, but she didn’t seem bothered other than that. “Careful not to get lost Doctor. It’s a scary place in there,” she joked.

Bethany

Aasrel squeezed her hand back. Soon the doctor has the tissue samples and was navigating the medical nanobots back out. When he was done, he put the samples away and then put everything else away. Then stood by Bethany’s biobed again. “How are you feeling?” The doctor asked.

~ Aasrel