Lieutenant Nyman frowned. He had been waiting in his office for over an hour. He double checked his appointment logs. It confirmed that Ensign Conners was late. Perhaps he had forgotten?

“ Computer,” he called, “Where is Ensign Harlow Conners currently?”

“Ensign Conners is in his quarters on Deck 5.” the computer responded.

Nyman stood up from his desk. He would go and visit Conners in his quarters, just to check up, and possibly reschedule. Only because he seemed so eager to follow up after last session. The Lieutenant made his way, though the counseling center and up the turbolift and onto Deck Seven. He stopped outside the crew quarters listed as belonging to the Ensign.

“Ensign Conners?” he called out. After a moment he tried again, this time also ringing the chime.

“Ensign?”

No response. Normally that wouldn’t be an issue. Something felt different, though. It was too quite, and too… warm? After an attempt to open the door he found it locked. He hesitated. Maybe it was nothing. But just to be certain,

“Computer, allow for emergency medical access to crew quarters registered to Ensign Harlow Conners on Deck Seven. Access Code Nyman-Theta-16. “

The doors opened, and it was like all the cold air from the corridor was sucked in. Stepping in was like ramming into a wall of heat. The lights were turned off. The room was still, lifeless. Perhaps, he thought hopefully, the computer was mistaken about his location. Perhaps he left his badge here by accident. Turning on the light confirmed that was not the case. The Ensign was slumped over in an armchair, unconscious. His skin dry and flushed with red.

“Ensign Conners?” Nyman called, forcing a strong voice, “Ensign, can you her me?”

After getting no response, his emergency medical training kicked in. He immediately tested the Ensign’s pulse. It was fast, too fast. The skin was hot to the touch. Tapping his badge Nyman called,

=^= Lieutenant Nyman to sickbay, I need immediate assistance. A crew member is unconscious. =^=

~~~ Lieutenant Nyman, Chief Counselor