Posted by Gamemaster Alias Smith N. Jones, Esq. (Gamemaster) in Nothing is Guaranteed

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Aasrel Izei (Chief Medical Officer) in Nothing is Guaranteed

Posted by Gamemaster Alias Smith N. Jones, Esq. (Gamemaster) in Nothing is Guaranteed
Posted by… suppressed (47) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Bethany was in pain, Aasrel could tell empathically. Was something wrong? Or was he just adjusting? It was so hard to tell. He took a break once he was finished with that patient and headed to her quarters.

When he opened the door he knew something was wrong. She was pale and clammy and he could still feel her pain. “Why didn’t you call me?!” He asked, concern filling his voice as he pulled out his medkit and sat next to her on the bed, scanning her with a tricorder.

~ Aasrel

Bethany was breathless, wheezing. Her pulse was more rapid than normal, BP was 70/50, she was clamy and sweaty, but her fever was normal. Her eyes were unfocused and she was only semiconscious. She knew he asked her something but it seemed to hard to figure it out. She moaned and then vomited, and it was mostly blood.

Bethany

Aasrel hauled her into his arms, it wasn’t easy for him, but adrenaline allowed him to do it. Then he ordered a transporter to sickbay and lay her on a biobed. “I need an emergency medical team, now!” He shouted.

~ Aasrel

She didn’t even acknowledge him, but when he pulled her into his arms the pain was excruciating and she cried a muffled strangled sound that ended with a bloody cough. Being set on the biobed brought no relief as her side was jarred.

The emergency medical team swarmed the bed as the biobed flashes readings to the main screen in the bay. “BP 68/49 and falling, Pulse 112, RPM 25, pulse ox is 89.”

Bethany

“This is hypovolemic shock.” Aasrel said. Her side, it was her side that hurt. She was in so much pain… He couldn’t think. He was too worried, too focused on the pain he could sense from her. Whenever her side was jostled the pain increased. He gently lifted her shirt. There was a bruise from the internal bleed. “It’s an internal bleed. Prep an OR. Get a surgeon.” He couldn’t do it himself. He couldn’t. And that made him feel awful.

~ Aasrel

Orders were yelled across the mainbay. Lt Cmdr Gadi was stripped of her clothes and draped in a gown and sheet. Th’rethiss was summoned to the OR, the surgical team disappeared, and life support was hooked up.

A sudden moment of clarity forced her eyes open. “Aasslll,” she wheezed and began to cough. Her finger scratched weakly at the bed. Her eyes darted until the landed on his. She loved his eyes. Even the mechanical one. It was uniquely expressive and a reminder of his strength that she admired so much. For one very long moment her brain stopped processing the pain and fear. There was only how much she loved him and a deep wish for him to find his family. Then unconsciousness claimed her.

Bethany

“Bethany. It’s going to be okay.” He was terrified for her. As soon as she went unconscious he began to cry. She was whisked off to surgery and he was left alone in the med bay.

~ Aasrel

As Gadi was being prepped, it was obvious that a transfusion would be needed. A simple matter of pulling her blood type and… that’s when it became complicated.

When the request for blood was made, the computer declined it stating =/\= Unknown antigen present in patient’s original sample. Unable to replicate. =/\= This made things far more complex. Standard procedure for a circumstance like this was to run a search for compatible donors on board… although the odds were not in Galdi’s favor. As the surgical team entered her sample into the specimen scanner, none of them had much hope that a match could be fou-

=/\= Match. Petty Officer Michael Sorov has a compatible blood type. =/\= the computer said. Now the only catch was trying to figure out exactly who Sorov was… after all, the crew was operating under wholly encompassing false identities.

GM

Aasrel was brought to speed about the situation. When he heard about the match, he used the shipwide comm: =/\= Michael Sorov, report to Sickbay please. Michael Sorov to Sickbay. =/\=

~ Izei, CMO

The computer chipped and said =/\= Please restate your request. Name unrecognized. =/\= It occurred then to the CMO that the computer wouldn’t recognize their actual names until the computer core was reinstalled and updated with their Star Fleet ID’S.

GM

Well, in that case, looking it up with the computer wouldn’t be very helpful. Aasrel noted ‘walk around calling the name’ as a last resort attempt. He went to the computer to search for anywhere he could find a photo of Sorov. If he knew what he looked like, then he could find him.

~ Izei, CMO

It was a futile attempt. Not only did the computer not contain any Star Fleet data; the majority of the crew had undergone extensive surgical alterations to disguise themselves for their mission. And while ‘walking around calling their name’ was certainly an option; the individuals running the operation would more than likely be more than a bit perturbed at the breach of Security.

GM

Well, at least he’d save Bethany, the Security be damned. Alas, he’d better not jeopardise his job that much quite yet. Instead he used the internal scan to do a sweep looking for that specific blood type.

~ Aasrel

The internal sweep indicated a positive match on Deck Nine near somewhere around the Astrometrics Lab.

GM

For the blood to match, the officer must be part Betazoid. Aasrel knew of no other Betazoids on board besides himself and Gadi. Gadi was in medical bay. A shipwide sweep would likely return him the same too vague results. But a handheld scanner…? Perhaps he could walk to that lab and get a more accurate reading.

~ Aasrel

Astrometrics and the surrounding science labs were busy. How or why, when they had no new assignments was uncertain, but scientists always seemed to be able to come up with something to tinker with, test, or manipulate. Most of science was confined to this deck so everyone was familiar with everyone else. For the most part, despite the alterations. The CMO wasn’t an unfamiliar person either, but it was strange to see him rushing down the corridor.

“Hey Doc! What’s the emergency?” a dark haired scantily clad man asked.

Bethany

“Nothing too important, just trying to figure something out.” Aasrel said, pausing to offer the man a polite smile and answer. Meanwhile he pointed his handheld scanner subtly, checking if this was who he was looking for. Each person he passed he scanned.

~ Aasrel

Ridad, Bethany’s second in charge of security, was doing his rounds. He had been to sickbay to check in on her a few times and keep her in the loop. He noticed the CMO wandering and scanning, subtle but Ridad was trained to be observant, plus Izei hardly left her side. “Dr. Izei. Need help finding something?” he asked with a glance at the tricorder.

Ridad

Aasrel was aware of who he was, but Aasrel had not been aboard this ship long. He eyed Ridad suspiciously. “Maybe. It’s for Bethany.”

~ Aasrel

The bald headed Trill’s expression turned grave. “Something happened.” He knew she was at risk of getting very very sick with the meds she was on. He liked her, respected her. She was one of the best Security chiefs he had ever worked under. It wasn’t even her primary field! “What do you need?” There was nothing but respect and genuine care for a friend in his question.

Ridad

Aasrel appreciated the return of his empathy and telepathy all the more just then. He sensed nothing but care and respect, maybe some worry. “She fell, she’s bleeding internally. She needs a blood transfusion but her blood type is so specific… there’s only one match on board and I don’t know who it is.”

~ Aasrel

Ridad nodded, walked over to an LCARs panel and hit the button for the deck comm. =^=Attention, this is a request for immediate assistance for a medical emergency. We have a fellow crew mate in need of an immediate blood transfusion and we need to find a match. Dr. Izei and myself will be coming through the deck. Ridad Out.=^=

He looked at Izei, “Let’s go. Where did you pick up the scan?”

Ridad

“Around here, by the astrometrics lab. I couldn’t get anything more specific. Petty officer Sorov.” He said. He should’ve thought to do that… oh, well. So long as they found the match.

~ Aasrel

Ridad shook his head, “Don’t know that name. But we had a lot of crew changes. No use calling it out. We’ve worked too hard to teach people not to respond. You’ll just have to scan.” They walked into the Astrometrics and the lab head came up. “Anything you need, Dr. We have to help each other.”

Ridad smiled, “Thank Kpog. He just needs to scan for a matching blood type.”

Ridad

Aasrel began scanning for the blood type without another word. It was like Bethany said. He just didn’t want to be around people anymore. Ridad seemed friendly enough, but Aasrel had a hard time caring. The one person who’d managed to get close to him was dying and hoping this person would want to donate was her only hope.

~ Aasrel

Several people lined up to be scanned. The rest were willing but had to wait for Isei to get to them at their stations.

Astrometrics

As the scans were conducted, it became more and more frustrating. None of them were even remotely a match. As the last scan back negative, a voice said “Hey. What is this all about, anyway?” The speaker was a shorter Bajoran male. He glared at the CMO and said “Even with all of the cloak and dagger, we deserve to know what’s going on.” The statement garnered some looks from some, nods and subdued agreement from others.

GM

“I cannot disclose the medical records of a patient.” Aasrel replied stubbornly. “I assure you this is for the life of a crewmate, I’m searching for a blood type match. I can’t say any more than that without compromising the privacy I’m sworn to as a physician.” His words were firm, leaving no room for argument.

~ Aasrel

“Well,-” the speaker began, “- here’s the thing. Right now, there are a few individuals on this ship I don’t think any of us would care if they just up and croaked. And as we are outside of the rules of the Fleet, I say we have a say on who we help… and who we don’t. So you can tell us who is in trouble… or you can just haul your ass outta here and tell ‘em ‘No thanks’.” The few audible supporters from the first round increased dramatically at the Bajoran’s words, and he crossed his arms on his chest resolutely.

GM

Aasrel didn’t seem to take this well. “Your behavior is a disgrace on the Fleet.” He said simply, then addressed the group, “The one in need is Lieutenant Commander Gadi.”

~ Aasrel

The speaker’s demeanor changed in an instant. “Bethany?! Why the hell didn’t you just say so?!?” and they grabbed the doctor’s shoulder and physically spun them around and shoved them towards the door. “Go go go go!” he said and followed Izei into the passageway, not waiting for him as he made his way to the turbolift.

GM

“For the last time, pri-” the end of the word trailed off as Aasrel was forcefully turned and shoved out the door. He rushed after the unknown speaker. “What is with you?”

~ Aasrel

“Shut the f^<k up and move.” the Bajoran said and shoved Izei into the turbolift as the doors slid open. Stepping in, he said “Sickbay.” and fixed his gaze on the location indicator above the door.

GM

“Who are you?” Aasrel insisted as they waited for the turbolift. “What importance is Bethany to you, Mr. Let People Die?”

~ Aasrel

The turbolift stopped and the Bajoran grabbed Aasrel by the collar and yanked him forward. “Hurry up, Doc!” he commanded and let go as they moved down the passage. “I’m the match you are looking for. Now hurry the hell up.”

“But I already scanned you, you don’t match!” Nor would that make sense, considering this was Bajoran.

As they approached Sickbay, the Bajoran walked through the doors like he owned the ship, looked around, saw the surgical prep being done and started walking towards the team. “Hey. What’s happening? What happened to her?” he asked one of the nurses.

GM

The nurse glanced at Aasrel who shook his head. The nurse gave the Bajoran a sympathetic look. “I can’t tell you.”

Aasrel looked at the Bajoran. “I can, if you tell me what the hell is going on here.”

~ Aasrel

The Bajoran glared at Izei and then turned and looked at the displays from the biobed. In a matter of seconds, he said “Internal bleeding. Low BP. Respiratory distress.” He turned and looked at Izei directly and said “She needs a transfusion, and you can’t replicate what you need. And that’s only part of your problem. When you go to do surgery, your chemical sutures aren’t going to adhere to the tissue. There is an enzyme present in her tissue that will keep it from happening. Her incisions will just keep opening back up no matter what you do. So here is what you are going to do. Replicate nylon suture material and do actual stitches. That will approximate the tissues long enough for the regenerators to do their work. Now prep me for the transfusion.” and he peeled off his jacket and shirt. He then looked around as everyone just watched and said “NOW!!! Move!” and the startled surgical team jumped and began moving.

GM

Aasrel was unintimidated. He frowned as the man kept talking. “How do you know that?” He said, almost demanded, as he began prepping this very odd person for the transfusion.

~ Aasrel

The man didn’t answer right away. He simply laid down on the next biobed and exhaled slowly. He closed his eyes and then said, ever so softly so only Izei would hear him, “Do what I say and she will be fine, Doctor. Probably better than fine.” His eyes then snapped open and bored into the doctor.

“But if she dies under your care, I will kill every last person on this ship. And save you for last.” and his eyes closed and he laid back.

GM

“I already lost a crew, I won’t let it happen again. Make threats like that and I’ll have to make sure you pass under my care.” Aasrel wasn’t usually the type to make such threats but his expression was deadly serious. He started the transfusion. “She won’t die. I won’t let her.” The tone of his voice made it obvious his reasons were personal.

~ Aasrel

“Do no harm. That’s your vow. And you aren’t the kind to break that.” the Bajoran said.

“Wanna bet? I’m not who I used to be.”

It was very strange. Izei had scanned the Bajoran before and it wasn’t a match. But here, now… it was. The computer didn’t so much as pause as the blood moved from the Bajoran to the donor-hold platform, waiting to be connected to Gadi.

GM

“So how is it you hid your blood type from my scans?” Aasrel asked, watching the process as he spoke. “I am positive I scanned you. You didn’t match. Now you do. How?”

~ Aasrel

“There are more things in heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” the Bajoran said. “Hamlet. Act One, Scene Five. William Shakespear. Earth poetry and playwright. You should read his works, Doctor. Very enlightening.”

GM

“That’s a non answer.” Aasrel stated stubbornly. “You didn’t give one care whether she lived or died till you knew who she was. Do you know who she is?”

~ Aasrel

While the two men were passing threats back and forth, the nurses had moved Bethany into the surgical suite. Things were not going well. Her pressure continued to drop and she began to vomit blood. She was rolled to her side quickly to prevent aspiration. Her repiration faltered and she was hooked up to full life support. Th’rethiss cursed, “Surgery won’t matter if we can’t find a donar. She’ll die anyway.” Harkins shook her head as the doctor began the procedure, “Izei found a match, they were starting the transfusion collection.” Th’rethiss grunted, “They better hurry.”

Out in the main med bay the alarms sounded and showed dropping numbers across the board as everything went wrong and then after a seeming eternity things held bad but steady as life support took over.

Bethany

When the alarms sounded, every head in Sickbay looked up and at the surgical suite.

Every head save for the Bajoran’s.

He stayed still, eyes closed, and simply said “Focus on your patient, Doctor. You won’t get want you want here. Save her. Take every last drop if you need to. But do your job.”

GM

Aasrel waited another minute and then comm’ed the surgical suite. “Connect Gadi, there’s enough of a reserve to start giving her the blood. And do as he said! Replicate old fashioned stitches, don’t use the nylon ones!” He said into the comm. “I can’t go to her. I’m too personally involved.”

~ Aasrel

The Bajoran snorted derisively. “What an utter crock. Never understood how anyone ever thought that made sense. ‘Too personally involved’… like that’s a bad thing to be.” His eyes opened and again bored into the Chief Medical Officer. “So what? Something goes wrong in there and you’ll… what? Spend the rest if your life asking ‘What if?’? Always have that nagging suspicion that you could have done something?” He shook his head and closed his eyes. “That’s the coward’s excuse. So that if something does go wrong, you don’t have to take the blame.” and he shook his head again. “No… a truly noble person, when faced with a situation where a loved one is in need… the true love stands by them and does everything in their power to make sure they are safe.” His eyes opened slowly and he looked at Aasrel.

“A coward leaves the fate of their loved ones in the hands of others and stands by because they are afraid. That’s not love… that’s covering one’s own ass at the expense of a loved one.” and he closed his eyes again.

GM

“So you know a lot about medicine and physiology, but you are not a doctor.” Aasrel said decisively. “If I went in there with her, watching her bleed while I try to stop it and it started to go downhill, I would panic, my hands would shake, and I’d kill her. Any doctor would say the same, unless they had superhuman nerves of steel. She’s in the hands of the crew’s best surgeon. I could do no better than him. My going back there would be doing her a disservice.”

~ Aasrel

The Bajoran laughed softly. “Well, at least you know you are a coward. I guess self-awareness is something.” He took a deep breath and then said “And she deserves better than a coward, anyway. So I guess you are right where you need to be… away from her.” His eyes opened and he raised his head, looking the doctor up and down and quite obviously judging him. After a moment, he let a single soft chuckle and then said “No… you are probably right, actually.” and he closed his eyes and laid his head back.

“She definitely deserves better than you right now. You absolutely would kill her if you were in there.”

GM

The words stung deeply, but Aasrel would not let the stranger who seemed to think he knew Bethany rile him up. He glanced at the Bajoran with a tense gaze, one eye pure black, the other tinged with mechanical silver, a prosthetic. “I don’t care what you think I am, you’re wrong.” He glanced up at the board, watching Bethany’s numbers.

“She’ll be fine. She wouldn’t leave me like this.” If she did die, he’d have nothing left to hope for. He wasn’t going to think about that right now. “I’m doing what’s right. And the opinion of someone who would let their crewmate die rather than do a painless, reasonably safe transfusion if it hadn’t happened to be Bethany means nothing to me.”

~ Aasrel

The man laughed.. loudly. “Oh boo hoo ‘She wouldn’t leave me like this.’ What a piece of absolute repugnant garbage you are.” His eyes opened and he turned his head, moving the untapped arm up under his head so he was looking at the doctor. “She wouldn’t leave you?! YOU?!! Oh please… she’s in there bleeding out, you were gonna have her cut open and make it SO much worse… but yeah. Let’s make her motivation just to survive aaaallllll about you.” He looked away and stared up at the ceiling, shaking his head. “Sanctimonious pr!<k. That and a coward is all you are. I’m glad you aren’t in there. She’d be in cold storage by now if you were running this.”

GM

Aasrel shrugged. “We couldn’t have known about the stitches. I’m still curious how you knew.” He closed his eyes and took a couple deep breaths. “Despite some how knowing that you’re a match when you’d hidden the match from the scanner and the stitches, you must know nothing about her.”

~ Aasrel

“More than you do, coward.” the man said with clear disdain. He closed his eyes and said “Now shut the hell up and focus, moron. I’m gonna take a nap.”

GM

Aasrel shook his head. “Doubtful.” He said with a shrug. He watched the blood flow from the strange man to the hold unit in silence. A doctor had to be present during the transfusion.

Meanwhile in the surgical suite, the Andorian surgeon Doctor Th’rethiss was doing Bethany’s surgery. He was using the nylon stitches to stitch Bethany’s internal injury, while a surgical nurse watched her vitals on the monitor.

~ Aasrel