Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Governor’s Home - TMODJ (PRISM)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Sharah Fayth (Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer) in Governor’s Home - TMODJ (PRISM)

Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Governor’s Home - TMODJ (PRISM)
Posted by… suppressed (13) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

“Hello again, Karilan,” Caridee greeted. Given they were supposed to have dinner altogether, this wasn’t quite the meeting in person they had expected. And yet, watching them interact with Eela made her emotional in a good way. All these people were here to help, yes, but they also cared and that meant a great deal.

Sharah and Yavia shared a glance and a soft smile. They knew a few medical engineers who felt the same need to meddle. Fortunately for Massat he was dealing g with Sharah and Yavia and not so.eone who would reprimand and forbid him entry for such behavior. Their pride and self assurance wasn’t that delicate. As long as Caridee, as next of kin, had no objections to Massat providing their expertise, Sharah had no objections. “We are waiting for one more nurse to arrive - Ilena Rox. Then we can get started.” She looked at Caridee, “What do you need?”

Fayth, SFCMO

There was the sound of the door opening and a gentle voice, “Cmdr Fayth?” Sharah set a hand on Yavia’s shoulder and stepped out of the room. She returned with another Betazoid woman in Fleet Medical blue and Lt pips. She was taller than Sharah and had bright auburn hair. “This is Lt Ilena Rox. She is our head surgical nurse, but more importantly she has experience working with super-sensitives on Betazed. Her experience will be valuable.” Ilena looked around at each face and gave a gentle smile. “I’ll do whatever I can.” She walked over to Eela and sat on the bed and set a hand against her arm and looked at her intently trying to see what she could sense from the sleeping woman.

Her sleep was dreamless, and aside from the breaths she took and the tangible pulse, Eela gave off no discernible emotions at all. Even that spark that made her her was missing.

Sevren inhaled deeply and moved to her bags unpacking their contents, speaking softly. “Okay, so I just need to make sure I have everything set up to ground her, which will be vital in terms of forging a deeper connection. I’m hoping the familiarity from the sua soams ritual will help her be less resistance to the process.” In one bag were an assortment of small vials of liquids, two piece of thick black cloth that seemed fairly heavy. In the other, she pulled out a large crystal prism that with all surfaces smoothed and polished. It was attached to a silver metal octagonal base and the entire thing was about 40 centimeters tall.

“Once everyone is here, I’ll explain what exactly we’re going to do and cover risks and contingencies.” Caridee looked over at the deeply sleeping form on the bed and tried to keep her inner calm. There were reasons you didn’t treat family members, but sometimes there was no other choice. She was the only other one that understood the canar and why it was important and useful to this process.

~Caridee

Hyrushi thought for a moment and then said “You should know, before we begin, that some of us assisting have abilities of a strength and nature you may not be familiar with. We are well-versed in their usage and have control… but you will need to factor that into your treatment of Captain Dasca. Additionally, I expect everyone assisting to maintain the strictest confidence of what transpires in this room. Outside of us and any medical professionals required for any recovery; what happens here stays here.” and he took a steadying breath. “I will not tolerate any public perception of weakness towards the Captain as a result of what has transpired.”

Hyrushi, Governor

Before anyone else could say anything, Yavia smiled compassionately at the governor with understanding. “Eela is important to all of us, Sir. We would never compromise her, and our oaths prevent us from speaking of it. You have our word her privacy will be kept.”

Yavia, SHNSP

“And what we can each do may not be compatible with the canar or may impact our gifts in unexpected ways. We must take great care that no one is harmed in the process. The impact on Eela being connected with someone and they became injured would be catastrophic,” Sharah added. She looked at Sevren, “I believe that is everyone.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Caridee nodded to both Hyrushi and Fayth before watching Karilan for a moment.

Karilan finished tweaking the equipment and then knelt by the bed again, holding Eela’s hand softly so as not to wake her. They stared at her for a long moment before taking a breath. “You will be okay, Eela…” they whispered.

Karilan Massat

“Okay,” she said. “For those that don’t know me, I’m Caridee Sevren, Dr. Sevren back home, but more important today I’m Eela’s daughter. I’m a psychiatrist who has worked in emergency psychiatric care for many years, and importantly for us today I spent one year of my residency on Halii, studying the very holistic and hands-on approach to health that my mother’s people excel at. Before we get into exactly what we’re about to do, I just want to thank you for being here for her. I’m half-Haliian. While I’m an okay empath, my touch-telepathy skills are… small. So I myself am relying on my bond with my mother. But I honestly don’t know if that would be enough. Healer Legald has suggested multiple sources of input because Hallians are fundamentally a connection based people. It’s a part of our biology, psychology and culture. No Hallian revolves around just one person and this is much the same for people all over the galaxy, but Hallians do take it to extremes. Your presence here means you know my mother in some way and that some part of her would welcome reconnection with you. Realistically, I’m not sure I can do this on my own, that it will be enough, so know how grateful I am for any help. I know she will be too.” Though she was keeping her emotions mostly under wraps, Caridee radiated deep gratitude and relief.

Caridee took a deep breath and moved over to the crystal device, setting it on the end of the bed. “This is a canar. It’s basically a large crystal that is mounted to a power source and it amplifies Haliian telepathic abilities. Empathic abilities are amplified as well, but the triggering mechanism is touch. There are chemo receptors in a Haliian’s skin that trigger the higher psilosynine production the paracortex requires to be telepathic, and these crystals are unique as our biology vibrates in response to them. We become attuned to them. So each canar becomes a reflection of the person who owns it.

“Normally, each person places their hand on the base and if only one is psi-positive, then they are the ones that have their abilities amplified, so taht even someone who isn’t psi-positive can experience the other person’s abilities through them. If both are psi-positive, then their abilities meld. Higher oxytocin production creates a bond. You should understand that the canar is a tool. While it is most commonly used in romantic contexts, it is not required or necessary, and it is used in therapeutic contexts for a variety of reasons. It is intimate though, and if that makes you uncomfortable, you should not participate and we will all understand. If you are resistant to the process in any way, you will only reinforce her own resistance and exacerbate the issue.

“Now for the procedure. You should all understand that there is no standard treatment for Kuskaaritz Syndrome. It’s highly variable in presentation and occurs in roughly one percent of the population. Of that very small group, ninety-five percent are usually due to traumatic brain injuries that cause direct damage to the paracortex. Often if they fix that damage, they can reverse the disruption to the mind-body connection. The rest are the very isolated cases of a psychic attack. This situation is one I’ve not heard of and I even quickly went through my case studies looking for references to being bonded to someone when they died and I didn’t find any. That doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened, but it means that the person wasn’t admitted into a clinical setting since they’ve been tracking these cases. This treatment for her is guess work. It’s educated guess work, but guess work nonetheless. However, knowing that she had used the canar makes all of this make sense, and that’s why I’m convinced it needs to be a part of the solution. She’s experienced a deep trauma to her mind and body that her psyche can’t reconcile and even if she’s not aware of it, she’s connected the canar to that trauma. I know because she’s resistant to the idea. It scares her. So what we’re going to do is attempt to heal some of that trauma by flooding her with emotions, sensations, memories. It doesn’t have to all be positive either. Worry and concern are important emotions because they come from a place of care and she should absolutely be made aware of that. But obviously we have to be careful that we’re not adding to the trauma that experiencing someone’s death truly is.

“Now, before I cover risks and exactly how we’re going to reach her, I’ve tossed a lot at you, so… questions?” Caridee said.

~Caridee

The Governor spoke up first. “Perhaps we could answer any questions you have for us first? That may also clarify what we can expect somewhat.”

Hyrushi, Governor

Caridee was still for a moment and then looked out the windows at the serene view that would be a comfort (as well as a surprise) when her mother woke up. Turning back to them, she rubbed her palms together, her worry and unease subtle but detectable. “We have an ethical dilemma we need to consider and ideally decide how we’re going to handle before she wakes up. And I guess depending on how you all feel about it, that might change your willingness to participate.”

She gazed at her mother and it was so hard not to remember her lying in that bed for weeks on end at Starfleet Medical. She had given herself a chance to deal with some of those triggered memories and emotions when she had spent some time with Kian and Alais, but she knew it was all still there, just less… pressing. “I mentioned that she is resistant to using the canar. And just like I’m going to explain everything in detail and outline the risks so you can give informed consent to participate, I will do so for her too and I do believe that I can explain it in way that will make it less problematic for her. But she still might refuse.” Dr. Sevren looked at the people gathered. “The reality is that I’ve been a part of competency hearings and I know that sometimes we as medical professionals have to make tough choices. While I would have to check that it is still valid, I do believe that I still have medical power of attorney for her. So legally, if we have no other option, I can go ahead with this method of treatment. But it becomes a question of if we should.”

Caridee shook her head and leaned her back against the dresser. “The thing is is that Kuskaaritz creates a severe impairment in an individual. No ethics committee or judge would factor in the physical, psychological and cultural variables and deem a person with Kuskaaritz able to make decisions about their own well being. Because they can’t care. Not about their present, and not about their future. Which for those that can’t be treated the condition is usually fatal, either for physical or psychological reasons.” She stood up a bit taller. “Eela Dasca is a stubborn woman and that is one of her strengths. It makes her resilient, even if it complicates things sometimes. But I’ve seen her come close to giving up and I’m asking you to help me not let that happen again. Because I know her, and I can see the possible outcome well in advance. If we can do something now to stop it, then I feel we should do it. I’d rather her be angry at me afterwards, and actually feel something about it, then to feel nothing about anything or anyone ever again and then subsequently deem her life pointless because of it. So… I guess my question is, does anyone object to treating this condition even if the patient is uncomfortable with the method? And for the record, if you can give me a better option, I’ll take it! But I fear she will avoid using the canar ever again because it doesn’t feel safe. I think we can repair that and make it feel safe for her again. It’s too integral to her spiritual being to excise it. It would be devastating on a number of levels.” And that was considering that another treatment option could actually reverse the condition.

~Dr. Caridee Sevren, Conflicted Daughter

“I believe you have already answered your own question, Dr. Sevren. If Eela has Kuskaaritz Syndrome, then she can not be afraid to use the canar. If however she is truly afraid, actually feeling fear, then we know it is not Kuskaaritz Syndrome. In that case we are treating her for the wrong condition and need to reevaluate our diagnosis.” Sharah glanced at the other medical professionals who nodded their agreement with the statement. “However, I’m not a psychologist, and you, Dr. Sevren, are too personally attached. Should we need to make a decision as to her competence, then we will need an outside psychologist to do so.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Caridee completely agreed, though she couldn’t imagine who else they would bring into their circle, except for maybe whomever her current therapist was around here.

Hyrushi almost chuckled. “Dr. Fayth is correct. Should it become necessary, I will make that decision.” He looked at Sharah. “I hold an advanced degree in psychology from Kyoto University and have worked as a crisis negotiator and mediator in the past. I also have a vested interest in ensuring that Captain Dasca is either completely fit to do her job or to be required to get the necessary care needed. It will also keep the number of people involved to those here at this time. Do you agree?”

Hyrushi, Governor

The doctor’s brows went up. If the situation weren’t so dire she would have smiled. “You are always full of surprises.” She shook her head, “I have no objections.” She was confident that he could make an impartial decision with out his personal feeling influencing him. “Now, how do we begin?” she asked Sevren.

Fayth, SFCMO

With that point settled and that worry brushed to the side, Caridee nodded. “So the best way to describe what we’re going to do is with a metaphor. Consider the mind-body disconnect like a thick wall. Seemingly impossible to break through, and in my mother’s case, the usual flood of emotions we try with Kuskaaritz won’t work. We know this because we already attempted a smaller version earlier when she was awake and she could detect nothing. So each person will take a turn using the canar and you will essentially lob emotions, physical sensations and maybe even memories at the wall. That idea is that we are going to put holes in the wall and we can do so because she will be in a more receptive state via medication. We are basing this off a Haliian ritual where the participant ingests a sedating and slightly psychoactive substance that allows them to move past their conscious mind. For my mother, all that exists right now is the seemingly rational conscious mind. By making the disconnected space more permeable, our efforts stand a far greater chance of actually working.”

“So we will flood her with anything that will allow connection. They can be about her, but they don’t have to be. You can simply share things that you might with someone you are getting to know and want to connect with in some way. Like I said before it doesn’t have to be only positive, but choose what you share carefully. She might not be aware of it now but because of the canar, she will receive it once we break through. She will eventually remember whatever you’ve shared. The canar will see to that.”

“With each person we will hopefully start to create bigger and bigger holes in the wall until, finally, we create a doorway. At that point, she should have full access again. And whomever is connected to her at that time may be in the wake of that emotional flood, so there is a particular risk there, but there is an equal chance that she might be receptive with even a few holes in the wall and we might get tiny things from her as we go along. But don’t stop. A few holes won’t be enough to permanently take down the wall. And those are that more sensitive and less able to shield may want to ego earlier, especially if they are stronger senders as well, because you can do a great deal of work with less risk. Someone like myself who is a weaker receiver would be at less risk. I won’t say no risk, because there is always a risk that the her state could bleed. I haven’t seen or heard of that happening before, but this is the first time I’ve seen the canar used in this therapeutic context.”

“Whomever agrees to go ahead with this will need to have their baseline vitals recorded and I suggest someone will medical training always be in the room monitoring both Eela and whomever she is connected to. From within a canar connection each person can freely leave at any time. You have full function of your body and so you will just remove your hand from the base. The connection ends immediately. If something goes wrong and or your vitals show distress, whomever is monitoring can force an end to the connection by removing that person’s hands. It might be more difficult than you expect because there’s an energetic connection to the canar. It won’t be pleasant to experience but it shouldn’t be dangerous. I won’t say for sure there isn’t danger there, but we’ve ben using these devices for centuries and the overwhelming evidence is that it is safe and any ill effects fade soon after the disconnection.”

Caridee blew out a breath. “I think we should wait for her to shift out of deep sleep and then we can wake her. The more restorative sleep she can get right now, the better. And in the meantime we all should take some time to rest, do self care, and make sure we are each in a place to approach this with as much hope and confidence as we can. And we’ll need to discuss what order everyone wants to go it. It’s personal choice based on your knowledge of yourself, your abilities and the risk factor for you and her. Now, questions?”

~Caridee

Hyrushi looked at Fayth and said “Doctor, if you don’t mind, I would line a word with you… in private.” He gestured to the door and followed her into the hallway, closing the door behind them.

Sharah followed him out into the hallway. She had some concerns and ideas of her own. She could discuss it with Yavia. She knew, however, that the emotional connection between them was so strong that it would be hard for Sharah to ignore Yavia’s concerns. She needed a more unbiased sounding board.

“Dr. Fayth, I am going to volunteer to go first. You are one of the few people who are aware of the… extent… of my abilities. I am afraid that is not the entirety of what I capable of doing. Have you ever researched the concept of parasitic exponential empathy?”

Hyrushi, Governor

Sharah nodded. She was very concerned for him. The backlash to him could be fatal. “I’ve heard of it, but have never researched it. I’ve never encountered anyone that met the criteria. Until now.”

Fayth, SFCMO

Hyrushi nodded. Her having even heard of the term was a mild surprise. But with her own abilities, it made sense she had come across it… even though the vast majority of researchers thought is more of a ‘games theory’ concept when it came to empathy. “To be blunt, as we are somewhat pressed for time: my empathic abilities have a facet that is, to say the least, rare. I would go so far as to say I believe it to be unique.” He explained. “I can use the emotions of others as a kind of ‘fuel’ to increase the strength of my own empathic ability. precarious line to walk. Should I utilize that aspect of my ability too much, if my empathy becomes too powerful to control, I risk losing the ability to shut off the absorption. This could, potentially, create an almost literal vortex of emotional destruction that would continue to grow and grow and expand in power, fueling itself in a cycle. It would be utterly destructive to every living thing it touched. And the range of the power would grow as quickly as the increase in its intensity.” He paused and took a breath. It was very obvious that he did not share this information willingly, but out of necessity.

Sharah waited quietly, pure understanding on her face. She had heard of the theory, in relation to trying to understand her own telepathy, but there wasn’t much to go on research wise.

“I amacutely aware of the precariousness in the use of my abilities, Doctor Fayth.” he said firmly. “Hence my history of using it only sparingly outside of small, isolated instances. That is the primary reason I have never had an issue with it. Secondarily is the physiological response I experience when I uses the ability at higher levels of power… as you have seen before, I believe..” He gave her a moment to think before he said “The absorption causes my body to generate high levels of internal heat which is dissipated through my skin. Instances in the past show this heat can be capable of burning me… similar to radiation burns. There have been instances of severe burns in the past, so I would like you to be prepared for that. Additionally the parasitic aspect is only active if I am conscious. Therefore, if something should happen as we try and assist Eela… please ensure that I am not a threat to her. Or to anyone. Do whatever you must, Doctor. I trust you to make the best possible le choice for all involved.”

Hyrushi, Governor

“I will. You have my word.” She paused to gather her thoughts. “My telepathy has similar capabilities. It is something I have not ever tried to do on purpose until recently. In an attempt to control it.” Why she had waited so long, was a discussion for another time. “The consequences for myself are seizures and coma.” She glanced back at the door then returned her gaze to him. “We have such skills available but must be so careful with them. Dr Sevren has said it could take awhile, and it will take all of us in shifts.” She paused then pushed on. “The longer Eela stays this way, the more risk to everyone. Could it be possible to combine our skills? Using other to ground us, and focus the emotions and strength of them, to make one very solid push to take down that wall? I will feel them all regardless, and can focus that energy into myself, and then you in turn use that from me?” She touched the head band lightly, “I have no control over the amount of input I receive, but I am very adept at controlling my projections. I could cut you off if it becomes too much.”

It was a risk, she knew that, and it was one that should probably be left as a last resort, but it also might be the most likely option to work. Eela was very stubborn. And if it wa a last resort, they might all be too exhausted to attempt it safely.

Fayth, SFCMO

Hyrushi thought for a moment and then said “That will be a question for Dr. Sevren. Will you ask her to join us?”

Hyrushi, Governor

Sharah nodded and opened the door, “Dr. Sevren could you join us please?” Yavia looked at her and Sharah gave her a gentle smile, and stepped back out into the hallway.

When she did, Sharah took a deep breath. “Governor Hyrushi and I may have a suggestion. We both have very unique telepathic/empathic gifts. On Betazed my condition is called ‘super-sensitivity’. Basically it means that I receive all the input, telepathic and empathic from the world around me. I can’t shut it off or block it. It’s always there. In the case of Oed, we are talking millions of people, with varying degrees of intensity, based on the strength of the thoughts/emotions and distance.” She blew out a breath, “The risk with my connecting with your mother directly, is that she may get all of that input as well. It is certainly not something she has ever had to cope with, and it could cause damage. But it might break through the wall.”

She paused so that Hyrushi could explain his own gifts and their idea.

Fayth, SFCMO