Part X.
Mutation or Revelation?

The EMH

Merlin had no place to go. He had no quarters. The oblivion of deactivation would only postpone his despair, not eliminate it. At times like these, even the arborium proved inadequate...

...The turbolift opened on Deck 17. By law, Starfleet was required to permit the Zimmerman holograms personal holodeck time as needed. He approached the designated area and signed in.

"Computer: activate holodeck #7."

=/\= Holodeck #7 is activated =/\=

The doors parted, and he faced the bare hologrid with a sigh. Then, after a series of commands, the computer downloaded information from his matrix. Within seconds the hologrid was replaced with officer's quarters, complete with an exterior view of stars speeding past. The rooms took on a warm, earthy tone, just as he had seen in Marisha's quarters. Empty shelves and stark surfaces awaited his touch; in time, he planned to occupy them with articles of personal significance.

"Computer: save program as Merlin Alpha."

The computer chirped its comfirmation.

Dr. Kamala Rosea
Dr. Foxworth, Forensics

Kamala is speaking with Dr. Dar. {Interesting a Cardassian.) she smiles at him after introducing herself.

Dar nods back, what happenned to Dr Williams, is she still around.

"I'm Dr. Williams replacment, She's tranfered to another ship I believe. It is very nice to meet you. I hope to meet all those in the Medical Department on the Endeavour." She answers him, her voice soft yet professional.

Another man enters.

David Foxworth: " Doctor Rosea I presume?... I'm specialist Foxworth... reporting for duty.."

Kamala turns at his greeting. " Excuse me Dr. Dar. I need to take care of a little business, I shall return to you momentarialy."

Walking over to him. "Hello Specialist Foxworth, shall I show you to your office? please first names, call me Kamala."

David Foxworth: " yes thank you Kamala...my given name is David..." *grins*

Kamala smiles. "Hello David. please follow me and I'll show you to your office and lab."

" Thank you again Kamala..." follows her towards his office and lab " one question..how often will I get buisness around here ?" *chuckles lightly*

"In your business I hope not frequintly." She smiles."All though there are many tests to be run, and we do have the bodies of the marines which died due to the incident with an alien, perhaps you could start by examing their bodies before the services."

" no problem..I can check them over..as soon as you like Kamala."

They enter his office. She motions around with her hand. " David, time is of the escence since they are wanting to do the sevices soon. I'm sure you will find everything you need here."

David Foxworth: "then I can get right to it... one other question...how many dead marines?"

"Seven marines, one body useless. At least that is the total that am aware of. There was the loss of Giles a maintainance worker, but his body had to be destroyed. Privates Maragh, Solazarn, Limrii (birth), Gunnery Sgt Wilson, Privates Gorman, Vasquez and Thomas (who saved Commodore Siit's life sacrifising his own)... crewmen Frost, Dietriech."

David Foxworth: " what do you mean one body useless?"* a concerned look on his face*

Kamala's face is serious when she answers."In order to destroy an alien presence the body was burned, as in a cremation."

David Foxworth: " all right a body possesing alien..most unfortunate.."

"The alien was contained in the isolation room the only way to destroy it was with fire, the body destroyed in the process."

David Foxworth: " understood" " I'll get to work on the analysis right away."

"Very good David, the bodies are in the morgue."

*He goes to his lab to get his tools then heads of to the morgue...*

Kamala returns to sickbay, walking back up to Dr. Dar. "Now where were we Doctor?"

Dr. Kamala Rosea

Kamala was speaking with Dr. Dar when:

=A=Woo to... sickbay... medi... med... DAMN IT, MEDICAL EMERGENCY!!!=A=

Kamala "Computer lock on that comm signal and beam him to sickbay."

Woo appears in a shimmer of blue light. Kamala with the help of the on duty medic, gets him up onto a bio bed. He's unconscious, Kamala starts taking readings.

She turns to the medic. "We will need to run tests he's showing an increase in neuro activity." She uses a Protodynoplaster to stabalize him. "Nurse assist, I need a hypo-spray 2ccs Formazine."

The Nurse brings her the hypo-spray Kamala checks the dosage then applies it to Woo's neck injecting him.

Dr. Kamala Rosea
Lt Commander Eric Woo

Eric, as he started coming to, moved his head back and forth, the pain still present, albeit less apparent now. After awhile, he managed to open his eyes, to see Dr. Rosea standing in front of him. He thought he heard her voice when his eyes were closed, but it was all very fuzzy. "Doctor Rosea. Ahem, where am I?"

"Lt. Cmdr. Woo, you are in sickbay, you required medical assistance and were beamed here." She speaks softly her voice offering comfort.

Eric sighed softly. "Last thing I remember, I was in the turbolift when a grand headache made me drop to the floor... I also remember, however, calling Sickbay. Thank you for the promptness... now, tell me the truth: What's happened? I'm dying, aren't I?" Eric suggested, with a slight smile.

She smiles. " No you're not dying, you are however showing high levels of brain activity that I would like to run tests on." She places her hand on his shoulder softly. "You'll be fine, we may find the cause of your headache."

"Well, please do so. You know, I've been meaning to come to Sickbay for this for quite awhile now; but the headaches never got as serious as this time... they were all little annoyances to me... is there anything special I have to do for the tests?"

"I will want you to talk to me during the tests." She smiles. "Nurse prepare a hyperencephalogram, and I want a brain circuitry pattern run." The Nurse sets up the needed equipment to run the tests. Kamala begins taking readings. "Lieutenant Commander Woo, why don't you tell me a little about yourself?"

Eric raised an eyebrow, but complied nevertheless. "Oh, you don't want to hear about me; I'm very boring... but, if it has to be done in order to perform the tests correctly... I was born on Earth... I have a sister... in my spare time I play piano, clarinet and cello... I enjoy chess... and New York-style cheesecake... as you can see, and as I stated already, very boring, right?", with a chuckle.

"What about you? Tell me about yourself; seems only fair... or do I have to provide an endless stream of words myself for the test?", another chuckle. The chuckles were starting to sound a little staged; he promised himself not to do it again.

"No actually very interesting." She's watching the readings as he speaks. "I'm Edo, born on Rubicun III." She smiles tell me about the cheese cake."

Eric was puzzled. "The cheesecake? Oh, this is to keep me talking. Cheesecake. Ideal when the cheese ingredient is not too hard, not to soft; rather fluffy. A solid graham cracker crust or reasonable alternative is a must. A fruit jam is optional; I prefer such an option." Oh, now I look like a nutcase or something; I'm describing cheesecake. "Of course, it's important not to consume too much of cheesecake, as it can lead to indigestion. But I guess I don't have to tell you that, seeing as you're a doctor. How are the tests coming?"

Kamala smiles. "I think I would like to try that some time." She checks the readings, her brow raises. "Very unusual, you are human correct?" Eric was slightly taken aback by this. "Well, of course I'm human! Last I checked, anyways!", he replied, with a broad grin.

She double checks the readings on the brain-circuitry pattern. "I am stumped; a paracortex is showing." She looks at him her eyes serious.

Eric shot up, propping his upper body on his arms. "What? A paracortex?? Isn't that the Betazoid telepathy mechanism? There must be an error..."

"Relax please Lieutenant Commander Woo. Yes you are correct it is a Betazoid telepathy mechanism. I am as puzzled as you; I have rechecked the readings and ran the test again. It is there."

Relax, she says, thought Eric. "But how is that possible? I am human! I have always known that I was human; all of my medical files show that I am human."

Nurse pull Lieutenant Commander Woo's past history files. Bring them to me." She looks into his eyes. "I understand that this may be a shock to you. The tests show the results. You have a Betazoid paracortex."

Eric could feel his eyes welling up, and he fought back tears. I will NOT be seen crying in Sickbay in front of Dr. Rosea, he thought. "Oh, I can't believe I'm getting so emotional over this... it's not as if it's a death sentence or something... but WHAT?? This is ridiculous." His arms gave in. "Oh, god."

Kamala touches his shoulder gently. Her eyes reflecting her concern. "We will find out what and why together. You are not alone, I'm sure Dayanair will be able to help you."

Dayanair. "Yes, please, do you mind calling her? I need answers. Huh. I've spent so long avoiding counselors, and now I'm inviting one...", another sigh from Eric. Why was this kept from me all these years?? This was so frustrating...

"Yes of course I'll get a hold of Dayanair for you, she is with a patient right now. I'll have her come at the earliest opportunity." She smiles softly at him. "I don't know why it has been hidden from you, we will find away to help you get through this."

Eric smiled. "Thank you, doctor, I appreciate that... am I fit to get up?"

"You may sit up, I don't want you to leave sickbay until we find out the cause of your headaches, and passing out."

"Hmm… alright." Then, Eric remembered something, something that would at least prevent him from being TOTALLY unproductive during this time. "My PADDs; do you have them here? I had them with me before I passed out."

"No I'm afraid the didn't come with you. I'll send a medic to fetch them for you." She turns and speaks softly the medic leaves sickbay.

"Thank you, doctor... now, if you don't mind, or if you don't have any more tests to do, would you mind if I rested for awhile?"

"Yes of course you need to rest. Do you need anything for pain?"

*SIGH* "No, not for the time being, but if I should need painkillers, I'm sure I will notify you IMMEDIATELY... thank you for everything, Doctor." He sat back in the biobed, trying to rest but still very tense and restless, and thinking about the ramifications of this discovery.

She looks at him wishing there were more she could do. "I will go to my office and contact Dayanair for you."

The EMH

He sat in a chair, watching the stars zoom by. The panoramic view was relayed from ship's sensors and genuine.

There wasn't much else to do. Facing his sterile quarters proved distressing. They were in such desperate need of a personal touch, and he couldn't think this without contemplating Marisha's would-be guidance. So he stared out the window.

Several hours later, he stood up. "Computer, end program." Still facing the window, the simulation ended...

"Computer, transfer the EMH to Main Sickbay." With a chirp, the computer complied. He materialized just inside the main doors, and just in time to catch Dr. Rosea making her way into the office. As she sat down at her desk, he entered the doorway and stood before her, shoulders straight, face calm.

The CMO looked up, seemingly about to open a communications channel.

"I-," the EMH hesitated. "-I am needed?"

Nurse Elzara Yin

Nurse Yin stopped short as she entered Dr Rosea's office, not realising that she had company. As the EMH started talking she coughed politely and spoke up, cringing as both of the doctors glanced at her in surprise.

"I'm sorry for the interuption, I didn't mean to intrude. These are the patients notes you requested." she said, offered a PADD to Rosea with an awkward smile before excusing herself and returning to the main sickbay all but tripping over Tijo in the process.

"Thank you again for letting me know. I shall remember your kindness." the monk said and began to leave and she called her own thanks after him before returning to her station.

Most of the work left to be done was routine and she sat down to write up her patients notes for the evening. As she did so one of the medics appeared at her side, carrying several PADDs. Elzara eyed the medic with curiosity as he offered them to her. "Doctor Rosea asked me to collect these for one of the patients," he explained then nodded in the direction Commander Woo who was perched on the edge of one of the biobeds.

"Ah, thankyou, I'll see that he gets them." the medic drifted off and she gathered up the PADDs and made her way over to the Commander "I'm Nurse Elzara Yin" she introduced herself "One of the medics just dropped these off for you." she handed them over with a smile before casting a critical glance at the readings on one of the monitors. "How are you feeling, Commander?"

Dr. Kamala Rosea
The EMH

Kamala looked up at him. "Yes, Lieutenant. You are needed."

His mouth fell open. Did she say -- lieutenant?

She smiled at him with a little twinkle in her eye.

But soon it was back to business for the both of them. He raised his chin in anticipation of orders.

"I would like for you to go through Lieutenant Commander Woo's files and run a series of tests to find out how his paracortex had remained hidden through all the physicals he's had."

"Yes, Doctor," he said.

Before Dr. Rosea could impart any further instruction, Nurse Yin entered the office. "I'm sorry for the interruption. I didn't mean to intrude. These are the patients notes you requested." She passed the PADD over to the CMO.

In the meantime, the EMH pondered this change in status. "Lt. Doctor? Lt. EMH? Lt. Merlin?" all possible combinations heightened his neural pathway activity, until the nurse left.

Dr. Rosea walked around the desk and touched his arm reassuringly. "Doctor, are you ready to resume your duties? I do hope you are. I need you to cover for me while I go to a counseling section to treat Sergeant Bronski."

"Sgt. Bronski!" He looked to the side, slightly peeved. "I take it he's had another relapse?"

She handed the holographic doctor the PADD Nurse Yin had left with her as they walked out of the office together. "It seems he's not recovered his mind as yet."

The hologram sighed. "Somehow I had a feeling there was more to his behavior than typical stubbornness. How bad is he mentally? Can he recognize people?"

"As far as I know he reacts badly to the other marines, that is why he has been moved and I will be handling his meds."

"Ah. Well, don't you worry, Doctor. I'll take care of Sickbay in your absence." He eyed Senoc over at the far end of the treatment area; his maintenance regimen had begun to take effect and he was resting comfortably. "I'm sure everything will be under control. You can count on me!" The EMH grinned.

Kamala smiled brightly into the doctors eyes. "There is one thing I need to take care of before you resume your duties."

She goes over to her computer terminal, typing in her clearance codes. " Computer add lieutenant pips to the collar of the Emergeny Medical Hologram" She smiles proud to see he has what he so deserved. "Now for our patients Doctor." She looks at him. "Maybe it is time I use the name given you."

He fingered the two pips on his uniform, still not quite believing this incredible turn of fate. "Doctor...Merlin...?"

Dr. Rosea's smile was one of great amusement. Then, reality brought them back:

=/\= Dr Rosea... it's Dayanair... Stev is awake.=/\=

The CMO tapped her combadge while moving to grab a medkit: "I'm on my way Day." Then: "Computer: beam me to the location of Lt. Commander Dayanair."

The computer complied, and in a moment she was gone from Sickbay. The EMH - now an XMO - looked once around Sickbay at the few occupied biobeds, then went to the surgical station to check on Lt. Commander Woo's current status...

Lt. Commander Woo, Security CO

Sighing, "I'm well... for the time being, anyways," and sneering. "Thank you for asking. Oh, my PADDs... ", he took them back, his precious PADDs, "Thank you, Ms Yin." He noticed that she was looking at the monitors. "Pretty weird, huh? Eh... in this game, one is taught to expect the unexpected... I just never thought that it would involve me personally... it's just that-" But again, he was cut short, as more thoughts piled into his head, now known to be the result of his brain fighting the last of the suppressant... It was *known* to him that the thoughts came from other patients in the Sickbay... conscious thoughts or not... he was frozen in his speech.

*Oh, the pain! The pain... please, nurse! Please!*
...
*I just love having picnics with you, my husband*
...
*Just follow the light...*
...
*If you can't take it, Eric, you're going to die!*

Rather surprised by that last thought, being such a foreign thought Eric was not sure if it came from himself or from someone else...

Now Eric felt nothing but dread... the last time this happened, he had an excrutiating headache and collapsed... "Nurse..."

But this time, it was different... the headache still presented itself... but the pain subsided before Nurse Yin could even respond.

"False alarm..."

Dr. Merlin, Lt. XMO
Dr. Dar

Dar looked around, sickbay was almost empty, approached the EMH, and nodded, Im Dar, Doctor Dar, congratulations on your promotion, even if it is a little unusual.

The hologram raised an eyebrow. "I had no idea my promotion was announced. Besides, the Mark I's have filled ranked positions for close to three years now." Then, he smiled. "Thank you just the same."

Merlin continued to check on the Lt. Commander's history to determine his current state, when he was distinctly aware of the Cardassian physician still hovering nearby. He wondered whether he was off-duty and just visiting, when:

"Please could you update me on the situation here?"

"I beg your pardon?"

Dar nodded towards Lt Com Woo.

"To my understanding Dr. Dar, I don't "report" to you but vice versa. Besides..." Merlin calmly tapped the console and checked a grid displaying the medical department's complement. "...I believe you're in charge of three levels of patients in the Flight Operations Infirmary..." he switched the screen to a diagram of the ship. "...There: Decks 125 thru 127."

He turned to Dr. Dar calmly. "Perhaps you have a report for me? If you haven't, I'd like to get back to work. There are patients here who require my attention."

Nurse Elzara Yin

She gave him a long looked and nodded....perhaps the hypospray Dr Rosea had given him earlier was starting to wear off. "Well, just let me know if theres anything I can do to help. I believe the EMH is just about to start his rounds, he should be with you shortly."

With that she gave him a curt nod and excused herself, thinking that it might not be a bad idea to chase up the results of the tests that Dr Rosea had ordered for him. Perhaps they would shed some new light on the situation

Dr. Merlin

Senoc was resting comfortably, his restored treatment regimen temporarily overcompensating while his system adapted to its influence. Good.

Merlin made his way to Lieutenant Commander Woo's biobed. The holographic doctor had heard outbursts earlier, but noticed that their patient was well in hand; if there was need for his attention sooner, Nurse Yin would have requested it. "Good morning, Commander."

Woo nodded in acknowledgment.

The doctor perused his PADD of downloaded information. "It seems to me that you've grown an additional organ. The question is: why?" he smiled. "Let's see whether we can unlock this mystery, shall we?" Merlin looked at the PADD again. "I don't think we have a throrough geneology for you. Once again for the record: What is your species, and what species are or were your parents, their parents, and their parents as well?"

While waiting for Eric Woo's response, Merlin tapped his combadge. Aware that communications had yet to reconfigure his designated signal, he knew he still had to use his former title: "EMH to Nurse Yin. Could you bring me another cortical monitor please?"

Nurse Elzara Yin

Nurse Yin had just finished making Kudet's final arrangements with one of the ships chaplains when the EMHs call came through. She closed the link with Chapel and tapped her combadge as she hopped off her stool. "Acknowledged, Doctor."

Rummaging briefly in the medical storage compartments, she soon found what she was looking for then went in search of the EMH. She found him attending to Lieutenant Commander Woo and went over to join him, barly hiding her surprise when she noticed the rank pips that seemed to have been added to his collar.

"Excuse me, Doctor." she said, the words sounding more like a question than a form of address. "I've brought the cortical monitor you requested."

Dr. Merlin

"Ah, thank you, Nurse," he said pleasantly. The doctor removed the current cortical monitor from behind Woo's earlobe and attached the new one. "I want to compare readings, see if they're consistent from one device to the next - correlate a definitive reading to help pinpoint the source of Commander's sudden physiological changes." He turned to Lt Commander Woo in anticipation of his patient's geneology...

The nurse smiled and went back to her previous duties.

Lt. jg Carlos

Carlos strode into Sickbay, his freshly completed report in hand. Carlos shuddered as he spotted the row of bio-beds. He had only been here on very rare curcumstances, his arrival on the Endeavour, where he was drugged and drained by the ordeal of his ressurection. Other than routine medical check ups, he had thankfully avoided the place............until now. "Still, at least it's someone else on the bed, not me!" he thought, quickly correcting himself. "That might of come out wrong...." He looked around the busy room, looking to catch someone's attention.........

Lt. Commander Woo

My Lord, Eric thought: everybody seems to be finding out about his condition; how utterly embarrassing, he thought. Then, he realized that everyone that he has seen that seems to know about this are the doctors themselves... that did not alleviate the embarrassment.

He looked at the Doctor, who had asked him about his genealogy. Very plainly, he replied, "My parents were human, my grandparents were human, both maternal and paternal, my great-grandparents were human, and so on and so forth. However, in light of recent evidence that is contrary to my statement, I may have to reevaluate my past. I most certainly had no reason to suspect that I was Betazoid in any way... well... that's not quite true... I had always amused myself by convincing myself that I could read people's minds; I thought it was all a game that my mind concocted for me... maybe it wasn't so made-up after all... And then there were the times when the entire family was in the common room, in total silence... and my father would get up to go to the kitchen and grab some fruit for my mother... I always thought it was a corny attempt of romance... hmm. But other than that, there was nothing... I was told nothing when I visited the doctor... I never really knew my extended family, though... we would sometimes talk through subspace communication, though. An uncle of mine was a computer specialist who was stationed on Deep Space Three..."

As the doctor was replacing his cortical monitor, Eric decided to do a little experimentation... he looked at one of the visitors in the Sickbay, and tried one of his "tricks" that he used as a child when pretending to mind-read... but there was nothing... he tried a little harder, concentrated, focused... but then he realized that he was violating her privacy, and turned away immediately.

Dr. Merlin

"So as far as you can tell, you're family is human," said the doctor, "although there had been discrete incidents which suggest that your parents may have possessed some sort of ability which went beyond the synchronicity normally attributed to companionship in most humanoid species..."

Woo nodded tentatively.

"Outpost DS3 did you say? What was the name of your-"

It became apparent that Commander Woo was listening to someone else, and Merlin impulsively looked about Sickbay. That was when he caught sight of Lieutenant Carlos inside the door. The hologram slowly turned back to Woo, who met his eyes. The doctor tilted his head almost imperceptibly, eyebrows raised. The slightest wrinkle twitched on the security chief's brow; it was all Merlin needed to see.

He turned and walked over to the door and smiled. "Well, hello, Mister Carlos. How may I help you today?"

Lt jg Carlos

"Hi Doc. I just heard about Eric." Carlos greeted, looking over the holograms shoulder to see Woo on the bed. "Is he gonna be okay? As the XO of security, I'll need an update on his condition?"

Commodore Siit

Commodore Siit and Ambassador Athon entered sickbay looking for minor treatment and check up respectively; Siit for the cut on his left forearm/elbow.... and Athon for concussion after been rendered unconscious. He looked around to see who was available.

Dr. Merlin

The holographic doctor diplomatically assured Lt. Carlos of his superior's condition, "He's just fine, Lieutenant. We're just running a few tests. As soon as he's ready to return to duty, you'll be the first to know." He smiled for emphasis.

Seemingly satisfied, Carlos left to return to his post. That was easy...

Passing the security officer in the doorway were Commodore Siit and Ambassador Athon. They supported one another as they staggered in. At once Nurse Yin helped Merlin come to their aid and assist them to neighboring biobeds. The ambassador was dazed, and appeared grateful to be able to lie down.

Judging by their outfits, it was fairly clear to the doctor how the two had sustained their injuries. "Good game?" he asked as the nurse brought him a tricorder.

Lt jg Carlos

Carlos, satisfied with Merlin's assurances on Woo's condition, turned to leave. As he headed for the door, they parted prematurely as Siit and Athon walked in.
Both looked exhausted and battered............
"Commodore........." Carlos greeted the El-Aurian in surprise. "Seem's like half the senior staff will be in here at this rate........" he looked over to Woo on the bio-bed, to prove his point.

Dr. Merlin

Lt. Carlos' remark hadn't escaped the hologram. It amused him, and he half-smiled while he instructed Nurse Yin to provide him with a hypospray of Lectrazine and a Retinal Imager. That's why he's not in Medical, he thought.

As Merlin checked both new patients with a tricorder, he shrugged off the fact that the Commodore had not responded to his casual question, reasoning that perhaps it was not for him to have asked it in the first place. He checked his tricorder readings. "The Commodore's wounds are only minor." Merlin administered Lectrazine to ensure there'd be no resulting infection or irritation, then instructed Nurse Yin to clean him up.

While the nurse tended to Siit's cuts, the holograpghic doctor checked out Athon's condition. Of the two, he seemed to be the more addled, Siit only having appeared so from trying to support the relatively diminutive Ambassador. Setting the Imager on a low beam to discourage Athon's reptillian pupil from narrowing, Merlin made his observations.

"You'll be fine, Ambassador," he said, "A cool compress for a few hours will do the trick." he continued to address Athon as he trained the Dermal Regenerator on the Commodore's arm: "If you find yourself not as lucid as you'd prefer, I can administer an Inaprovalene derivative. It's entirely up to you."

Ambassador Athon

All Athon could do was lay back on the biobed and try to forget what had just transpired. He was utterly embarassed and ashamed of himself for not defeating Siit. If it had been a real battle, and not just a test of skill, Athon's house would have been dishonored until he won a great victory.

In this case, it was just his pride that was bruised. Well, there was that throbbing headache...

"Oh yes Lieutenant. Absolutely thrilling..." Athon sighed, glancing at the rank pips on the mans collar. "I'll be fine, just give me something for the pain so I can crawl into a hole and die."

Dr. Merlin

"I'm afraid I won't let you off THAT easily, Ambassador..." Merlin gave the Zarnac an analgesic . "You'll be sticking around with us for quite a bit longer. The headache should subside in a few minutes. Try to get some rest."

The doctor turned back towards Commodore Siit, who was sitting up on the edge of his biobed. "Sir, you're discharged. If you would care to remain, I can have a chair brought over."

Lt Commander Woo

Eric was sitting on the biobed, working on his report when his communicator was activated, with a message from Captain P'Trell about a senior officers' meeting...

Oh great, he thought... darn it, does he even need to stay in Sickbay now? He felt as if there was no reason to stay in Sickbay, since all that was happening was that the cortical monitor was collecting information.

He looked around for a doctor, any doctor, but could not see one anywhere, for some reason... thus, he activated his communicator. "Woo to the EMH. Am I still needed in Sickbay, or may I attend the senior officers' meeting?" Even though he had personal problems right now, it shouldn't have to interfere with his duties.

Dr. Merlin
Dr. Kamala Rosea

Kamala walks into main sickbay, she sees that Dr. Merlin has everything under control as expected. {I wonder if Day will be able to handle Sergeant Bronski now.}

{The Commodore and Ambassador that was at the meeting. Interesting. Commodore Siit shouldn't be doing such strenuous activity in his condition, are all men no matter what species this way.}

She gets a call for the senior staff members to go to a meeting in the mess hall briefing room. {At least I can have a cup of coffee there.}

Kamala answers Woo. "The Doctor is occupied right now, and since I will be attending the meeting you may go, I'll keep an eye on you should your pain return, or you collapse, I will have you beamed back to sickbay."

She looks around for Dr. Merlin. She sees him in the back of sickbay going through the test readings. "Dr. Merlin. I'm letting Lt. Commander Woo attend the senior staff meeting, I'll be with him, please stay ready to recieve him should he show signs of collasping again.

"Aye, Doctor," Merlin nodded. "And if his cortical monitor shows any signs of unusual activity, I'll be sure to notify you."

"Have you any questions before I leave for the meeting?"

"Everything's under control here, Doctor. The ambassador will be released within the hour, as soon as his analgesic takes effect. I'm set." he grinned.

Dr. Merlin

Sickbay always kept various sets of the most frequently administered medicines around, which could accommodate various physiologies. Having never treated the Zarnac before, Merlin was impressed with the modified analgesic's effectiveness; it had Ambassador Athon squirming with restlessness in no time.

The hologram came back to Athon's biobed and took a quick set of readings, then said the magic words with a smile: "You're free to go, Ambassador. You're just fine. If you happen experience any dizziness, please don't hesitate to contact us. But I doubt you'll run into any problems."

Lt. Diana "Wildcat" Beverly

Diana … headed to sickbay. Once in there she looked around and saw senoc laying on a bed.

Looking around she fond one of the doctors that didnt look to busy and walked over. "Um excuse me doctor but do you have a moment?"

She stood there waiting so she could ask the doc about senoc.

Dr. Merlin

Merlin was just finishing off his reports for Commodore Siit and the ambassador, when a woman in Fighter Ops uniform caught his attention.

"How may I help you?" he asked.

Diana Beverly

Diana nodded, "Um I was wondering about my fiance Senoc. Is there anything you can tell me?" She looked at the doctor with pleading eyes and started to fiddle with her ring.

Dr. Merlin

Merlin skeptically raised an eyebrow. "One moment, please." He went to the main console and keyed in Senoc's profile. He found what he was looking for: a list of those whom Senoc had approved disclosure of his medical condition. He turned back to the anxious woman. "Lt. Beverly?"

She nodded.

Merlin smiled. "Your fiancé is resting for the moment. He missed his medication during a period of duress, and we've resumed it. This deep sleep is a common side effect of resuming treatment. He should awaken sometime this evening..."

Diana Beverly

Diana nodded,"Um would it be alright if I stayed doctor?"

Dr. Merlin

Merlin had to think of the patient's needs first. And theirs as well, which was why they were in sickbay. He needed to be absolutely certain that Senoc was all right, and no longer a threat to himself, the medical staff, or others. An emotional companion might not understand the responsibilities involved by looking at someone calmly sleeping, but they had to try.

"We're not allowing visitors at this time. Those hours are later this afternoon and again this evening." he said with an air of professionalism, mixed with gentle diplomacy. "His condition isn't serious enough to warrant your deserting your duty shift, which I don't think would do either of you any good, but neither is he officially declared stable as yet. Since we still have tests to run on your husband-to-be AND he still requires a session with a counselor, I'm afraid you'd only impede his treatment. Would you settle for my contacting you as soon as he awakens? Perhaps a short visit then if he's up to it? Then, once all these procedures are behind us, a more extended visit will be possible."

Diana Beverly

Diana nodded, "I understand Doctor. Please inform me the minute he awakens." She smiled and walked over to senoc kissing his forhead and then turned and left heading back to Bee Roots.

Dr. Merlin

A grin on his face, Dr. Merlin checked Woo's biomonitor. So far so good, he thought; readings were within normal parameters...

He wandered around, entering a progress report on Woo's remote condition, when he realized he had made it to far end of Sickbay. He looked up, and there beheld Marisha's body lying peacefully in the dimmed room. His mouth opened for a moment, but his vocal processor was unable to produce any sound. For a moment, his autonomous breathing simulation ceased.

Merlin gulped hard and continued to stare through the glass, almost as if to will his former friend to get up and walk away from infinity. Suddenly, aware of a presence, he turned to see Nurse Yin watching him.

Nurse Elzara Yin

Stifling a yawn, Elzara closed down the console she was working at and began gathering up her PADDs. A quick glance at the chrono told her it was almost time for the shift change and she allowed herself a small sigh of relief - it'd been a long day and she was glad to be going off duty. Before she'd have that luxury however she had to give a hand-over report to the nurse on duty this evening.

She gathered up the last of the PADDs and made her way over to the nurses station, pausing for a moment as the EMH caught her eye. He seemed frozen, as if in shock and the reason was clearly evident. For a moment she stood there, not quite knowing what to say, but feeling like she had to say something. If she walked away now she'd just be avoiding the problem and that wouldn't help anyone.

She was still standing there, searching for words when he turned to look at her. "I'm sorry, Doctor." she said simply "How are you feeling?"

Dr. Merlin
Nurse Elzara Yin

"Feeling?" Merlin asked vaguely.

Elzara winced a little, annoyed at herself for making a difficult situation even more awkward. She tended to forget the Doctor was a hologram, to her he was another member of the crew. "I'm sorry," she apologised again. "you just looked sad. I thought you might want to talk about it, if you'd think it'd help that is."

Merlin looked down briefly, trying to find the right words to describe what he'd never experienced before. "Dr. Rosea gave me time off, but, "he hesitated " -I don't know HOW to mourn. Based on what I am experiencing, I don't believe something which has had this intense an effect on one's existence could possibly go away, and I don't think I'll ever recover." He looked over at the other patients beyond Elzara's shoulders. "I wonder whether it will affect my performance, whether I remain capable to do what I came here to do..."

Elzara shifted a little uncomfortably, remembering faces from her past, or rather the Yin symbiont's past. Most of them were gone now, nothing remained of them except memories. She looked at the Doctor with sympathy, feeling more than a little useless. "Its always hard to leave people behind," she told him, clutching the PADDs to her chest, remembering an old earth saying from her past. *time is the best healer* "but it does get better with time."

"I hope you're right. Right now, it feels so - endless," he sighed. Elzara nodded "I don't think it will ever go completely, but the pain does fade." she smiled gently "Have you considered visiting one of the counselors, or one of the chaplains?"

He nodded. "I spoke with Counselor Dayanair early this morning. I believe we will meet several more times. I don't believe the ship's spiritual representatives would be of any help."

Elzara glanced past him towards Kudets room; she was unfamiliar with her religion but perhaps the doctor wasn't. "Sometimes it helps people when they lose a friend or relative. It helps them to feel closer to the one they lost....it might be worth some consideration."

The hologram furrowed his brow, slightly perplexed. "I wouldn't see how that would make any difference. Everyone has their own idea about how the universe began and how they end up, don't they? The theories and faiths in those theories are almost as varied as the number of families we're transporting with us."

Elzara nodded. "True, they do. But I think it helps some people to be surrounded by their loved ones' things. Whether it be belongings or beliefs, sometimes it helps gives them peace. It can be a great comfort."

"I see," Merlin pondered. "Well, Nurse Yin, you've given me a lot to think about. Thank you - " He attempted to break his sad demeanor with a faint smile, " -for rescuing me. For some reason, being reminded that others have had to deal with this makes it somewhat more tolerable."

"You're welcome, anytime. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'd be more than happy to listen." She glanced over at the night staff, chatting quietly amongst themselves at the nurses station. "Duty calls." she said with a smile, "Goodnight, Doctor."

He nodded as his smile warmed. "Goodnight, and thank you."

Counselor Annie Flynn

The doors to Sickbay parted and the Klingon Marine and the Terrachian Counselor walked in. They found the nearest medical person.

"Is Dr Rosea in?" Annie asked.

"No, Dr Merlin is in charge at the moment," the young nurse said.

"Thank you," Annie said. She then stopped. She didn't know who Dr Merlin was. She frowned. "Could you point Dr Merlin out to me?" she then asked the nurse. The nurse pointed towards.....

The EMH? Annie did her best to hide her surprise and nodded her thanks. She then nodded to Kamja, indicating he should come with her and she approached the EMH.

"Dr Merlin," she said, "I'm Lt Annie Flynn, one of the Counselors under Dayanair. Could we ask you a few questions?" she said, indicating Kamja. "My friend has been having some disturbing visions and we were wondering if there was a physical source to it."

Dr. Merlin

"Why certainly, Counselor. Come this way." He and a medic took the crewman from Counselor Flynn and brought them to a biobed.

Merlin took out a tricorder. "Please start at the beginning - either of you. Do they exist at a specific time of the day or following a certain activity, for example?"

Counselor Annie Flynn

Annie felt the clouded expression boring in her direction and turned in time to see Moore leaving Sickbay. She hadn't even needed her empathy. A person knows when they're being watched. She sighed and turned back to Kamja and the holodoc, nodding at Kamja to tell the doctor what was wrong.

Dr. Kamala Rosea

After the meeting Kamala returns walking into main sickbay, she smiles then quickly changes her expression. Nor wanting it noticed by the others how pleased she was. {Dr. Merlin has things well in hand as expected.}

She nods to him since he is busy speaking to Counselor Flynn, walking into her office she sits down and goes over the records for what had taken place in her abscence.

Dr. Kamala Rosea
Dr. Merlin

Having noticed that Dr. Rosea returned from her meeting, Merlin graciously excused himself and went to her office.

Kamal looks up when he entered and smiled. "Dr Merlin, I see you have kept everything in order, have you anything to report?"

"Everything is under control, Doctor," he grinned. "We're close to reviving Mister Senoc. And there appears to be a strike in the Marine Infirmary; we're getting their cases up here for the time being. Will Lt. Commander Woo be returning to us shortly?"

"I'll be contacting Lt. Commander Woo, and have him report in for a follow up, I would like to see if he has been bothered by any more pain... If not I will release him with orders to return should he be bothered again. As for the Marines it is my understanding their strike is to be over very soon. I will instruct the cases to return there for treatment unless of course it's an emergency." She smiles.

"There is a new case from them right now, in fact," the hologram turned momentarily to look at Counselor Flynn and the Klingon marine. He smiled and gestured he'd be with them in a moment. "Counselor Flynn and a 'Kamja' I believe."

"Counselor Flynn and Kamja, They are the marines?"

Dr. Merlin nodded. "Lt. Annie Flynn counsels the Marines. Kamja has recently begun to experience disturbing visions. They want to rule out any medical explanation for them. You came in just after they did."

"Since it is not a life-threatening emergency, they may return to the marine sickbay for testing, I'm sure Sergeant Amar is fully qualified to run the tests, since she was a doctor before joining the marine core." Kamala looks up at him. She stands and walks around her desk. "I will speak to them."

Standing his usual straightness, Merlin nodded respectfully to his superior. "Very well, Doctor. I'll tell them."

The holographic doctor emerged from the office and rejoined Flynn and Kamja. "Doctor Rosea will see you now in her office," he smiled.

Dr. Merlin

Merlin was about to request a stimulant from the nurse on duty to revive Senoc, when he heard purring, then a sudden crash in an obscure corner of Sickbay. Rushing towards the noises, he and the nurse found the Marine Bronski sitting on the floor, playing with a tribble.

"How did he get all the way up here? Did you see him come in?" he asked.

The nurse shrugged and shook her head. She was as baffled as he was.

He went over to the main console and keyed in a few commands. The strike was over. He smiled and hit communications. "Main Sickbay to Marine Infirmary."

A familiar voice responded. =/\= Yes Doctor, what can I do for you? =/\=

"Dr. Amar, we have a fugitive from your area sitting in a corner of Main Sickbay. A certain Stev Bronski? Perhaps you can send someone up for him?" He and the nurse grinned at eachother; never a dull moment.

Sgt. Bronski was oblivious, stroking his tribble and listening to it purr.

After many moments, Dr. Amar responded:

=/\= He's supposed to be in the counseling department. The must not have had a security field in place, I'll send Private Maddison to take him back. =/\=

"Very good, Doctor. Thank you. Main Sickbay out." Merlin left the console and grabbed his tricorder. Might as well check his condition. The holographic doctor knelt before Bronski and ran the diagnostic component down and up, then rejoined the nurse. "He's as well as can be expected. Apparently he has an aversion to living with two lungs; he keeps undermining treatment. They should have kept him anesthetized until he was well." he sighed. "That was MY original plan, at any rate."

"I'm sorry, Doctor," said the nurse in a sympathetic tone.

"Don't be," he smiled. "What's done is done. Prepare a hypospray of Cortolin while we wait. As soon as this is resolved, we'll move on to Senoc."

"Yes, Doctor...?"

"Merlin," he grinned. "Doctor Merlin."

The nurse grinned back, then went about her duty.

Private Kamja

Kamja follows Annie into the doctors office and stood there waiting to be ask to be seated.

Kamja then saw another strange thing in front of him. He tried to act like nothing was there but this thing was laughing at him and tanting him something he never took lightly.

Suddenly, Kamja went into at fighting stance ready for a fight. He was ready for whatever this thing wanted from him.

Counselor Senoc

Mean while Senoc has just awoke and singaled for a nurse and asked, "Who does a guy need to kill for a drink of water?" The nurse went tense and told him that she would have to ask a doctor.

Senoc then tried to sit up, but couldn't for he felt dizzy from the ordeal he went through. He then looked around and saw Kamja and Annie in the doctors office and communicated with Annie telepathicly, ~what is wrong with Kamja? I sense unrest in his mind.~ Sending that message took a lot out of him. So, he laid down waiting for the doctor.

Dr. Merlin

Merlin approached Senoc's bed. "Well. Mister Senoc. It looks like you beat us to it. We were just about to wake you up. How are you feeling this evening?"

Counselor Annie Flynn

Annie nearly jumped out of her skin as Kamja jumped to his feet and prepared to fight..... She looked around the room. Nothing? She looked at Kamala and was about to say something when...

{What is wrong with Kamja? I sense unrest in his mind.} Annie turned and glanced out the window towards Senoc. He was laying back now and the other doctor, Merlin they said he called himself?, and a nurse were attending to him.

{I'm not sure, yet, Senoc,} Annie replied before turning back to Kamala. She sighed.

"I understand that, since Kamja's a Marine...." he was stalking something in the office... "that we should probably be down in the Marine Infirmary...." he stopped, looking for it again... "but we were already up here and it was closer...." Annie watched Kamja, not really paying attention to what she was saying to Dr Rosea. "Kamja, what do you see?" she asked, interrupting herself.

Counselor Senoc

Senoc replies, "Thristy. Very Thristy!" He then asked, "What is wrong with Kamja over there. He is a friend of my?"

Senoc was waiting for the doctor.

Private Kamja

Kamja replied, "Someone is tanting me! He wants to fight, but keeps on running and hiding getting me really mad!"

Then Kamja sensed Senoc,s mind and looked over towards his way and he saw his prey standing mocking his warrior's skills.

He then dashed out of the office and headed towards the being and was about to grab him when he recieved a message, ~Kamja this is Senoc let go of the nurse or i will have to make you.~

Then Kamja snapped out of it and saw a very fighten nurse with his hands around her beautiful throat. He then let go and backed off as the rest of sickbay was staring at him.

Kamja apolijized to the nurse and returned to Annie's side.

Dr. Merlin

He nodded towards the nurse, who promptly fetched a glass of water and a small caraffe for Senoc, who gulped down the first glass of it eagerly.

"I don't know what Kamja is here for, Mister Senoc. In fact, it's possible he'll be going back down to the Marine Infirmary now that their brief strike is over. It will be up to Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rosea." Merlin took new readings and entered them into his PADD. "And it looks as though your own tenure is over - in Sickbay." The hologram smiled. "Your condition is stable. The medication seems to be doing its job, and all biochemical interaction is normal. You're being discharged on the condition that you contact Counselor Day for recuperative therapy for three sessions - or more if she sees fit. Upon her approval, you will then be able to return to duty. "In the meantime..." Merlin keyed in a brief entry on the PADD "...You will come by regularly for your medication. We'll be handling it and monitoring your levels to be certain that the dosage is correct for you at this time. I'll see you in two days. Take it easy, Mister Senoc, and just get your bearings for now."

Counselor Senoc

Senoc said, "Thank you Doctor." and proceeded to try to get up. It took several tries when he finially made it to his feet.

Senoc then headed for the exit while looking back at Kamja who was now next to Annie. He sent a message to Annie telepathicly, ~Please let me know how Kamja is doing. I will be seeing Diana then Day after that i be at be'roots please join me for a drink.~

He smiled her way then left to see Diana.

Dr. Merlin

Satisfied with Senoc's gait as he left Sickbay, Merlin smiled and went over to the main console. He uploaded the data from his PADD on Senoc, then went on to the next profile: Woo.

He could have had the Nurse or an idle Medic research the information for him, but the former EMH didn't want to abuse his newfound position. A little delving into the database, and he found what he needed. He sighed as he downloaded the data to his PADD. This was not going to be so easy.

Merlin tapped his combadge: "Dr. Merlin to Lt. Commander Woo: Please report to Main Sickbay." It had occurred to him that perhaps Woo didn't know his new name. No matter; the familiarity of his voice would suffice.

Lt Commander Eric Woo, Security CO

Eric hurried back to the Sickbay, where he was sure that the EMH was waiting with an onslaught of complaints about why Eric wasn't quick enough to return for an important check. Shaking it off, he made it back and stepped through the doors, where, thankfully, the EMH was working on something else.

"Well, I'm here, as requested..."

Dr. Merlin

Dr. Merlin turned from the main console to greet Woo. "Commander. I didn't think you heard my page. I'm glad you could make it." He removed the neuromonitor from his patient's neck. "Come with me, please."

Ensign Anneli Sek

In her quarters, Anneli discovered an automated message reminding her that she needed to go for a baseline medical. She sighed...it had only been a few months since her last Cadet medical...or had it? She checked the records and was surprised to find it had been a whole year ago.

"I suppose I'd better go"

Anneli smiled. Talking to herself? Perhaps she should go and see a counsellor instead!

Main Sickbay was most impressive compared to the Academy one - fewer emergencies there. Anneli looked around...there was a Doctor over to one side just taking something off a Security Officer's neck, and various others around. Anneli wasn't sure who to approach and hovered in the middle of the room, hoping one of the others would know what to do.....

Dr. Merlin
Lt Commander Eric Woo

With the office currently occupied by his superior, Merlin led Woo to one of the isolation rooms for their chat. He gestured for the tactical officer to sit down as he locked the door.

Eric gulped. "Why do I get the feeling you're about to spring something on me? I'm concerned whenever someone feels it is necessary to lock the door..."

"Doctor-patient confidentiality, Commander. This is as good a place as any to discuss your situation," said the hologram calmly. "However, what I've discovered IS quite profound."

He smiled, and took a seat. "Heh, if you mean it's going to surprise me, I have to be honest with you: nothing surprises me anymore... there can't be anything you have to say that will affect me any more than what I already know about myself..."

Merlin raised an eyebrow. "And if I told you that you were raised by wolves on Arctus Prime for the first six months of your life, that wouldn't surprise you?" The slightest curve formed on his lips.

"I envy your sense of humor, doctor, I REALLY do."

For a moment the doctor broke into a full grin, then looked down at his PADD and keyed in some commands. "Well, I can't say the news I have for you is anywhere near that dramatic. And frankly, I don't believe it WILL surprise you. In addition to the tests we ran on you, I did some checking on the database over on DS3. According to the records, your parents were both Betazoid."

After about two seconds, Eric started laughing. "Well, GEE. Could have fooled me! Oh, wait, it did... " He sighed, slumping his shoulders. "I don't know why it's affecting me so much... it's not as if I have three months to live or something."

Merlin impulsively put his hand on Woo's shoulder. "I know this is big news for you. There was no way of knowing under the circumstances." He keyed in another command on his PADD and showed Woo the display. The neural scan to the left was from your first physical on this ship over a year ago. The image to the right is from one Dr. Rosea made on you hours ago. Note that I've highlighted the paracortex, which appears on the more recent scan."

Woo half looked at the display.

"The neuromonitor caught the additional information I needed. The gland was suppressed by a local - clamp, if you will. A procedure is done shortly after birth, in which organic tissue is placed strategically so that it creates specific pressure to discourage the gland's function. This also suppresses any secondary Betazoid characteristics, such as exceptionally dark eyes. The effect of the added tissue is expected to be permanent. However, in your case, the job wasn't done so precise; instead, the obstruction gradually disappeared. The readings from the monitor are consistent with those of the final stage of this process."

Obstruction gradually disappeared... but how was it possible to hide every bit of my internal physiology from the doctors? Surely humans and betazoids must have more differences than simply a paracortex and dark eyes... at least internally..."

The doctor shook his head. "Even externally. For you to have brown eyes until now, for example, there had to have been a human somewhere in the family for that dormant characteristic to kick in. Otherwise you would have had black eyes all this time."

Woo stared at him.

"Your eyes have gradually darkened since you came in earlier, yes. But I digress: with the exception of some cerebral and neurological aspects, Betazoid and Human physiology is virtually the same. The ability to control and tune out the telepathic onslaught is a discipline which gradually becomes second nature..."

Eric smiled; smiled? At a time like this? "Heh, you happen to be the second person who has lectured me on the control of telepathy... Well... all I can say is, what happens now? Has the procedure harmed me?" Cold, Eric thought, I'm just too cold for my own good sometimes... no point in crying over spilt milk: what's done is done... cold.

"Not at all, Commander. You're in perfect health. However, the neural blocker which you were given will be wearing off soon. In your case, I don't believe it is wise to continue it. Rather..." The doctor tilted his head. "Have you spoken with Lt. Commander Dayanair recently?"

"Actually, I have, after the senior officers' meeting... we had an interesting talk about my apparent Betazoid lineage... and a briefing on control over telepathy..."

"Good, good," pondered Merlin as he keyed in the latest info into Woo's medical profile. "I'll speak with her about arranging a transitional regimen for you. This is something which will have to be followed daily, and with her close guidance." After some more thinking, he added: "Since you're being exposed to a telepathic lifestyle at such a late age, we MIGHT synchronize your progress with carefully set doses a neural blocker to gradually get you adjusted. We'll see what she has to say."

Eric smiled, albeit weakly. "Thank you, doctor... uh... did you just say late age? No, I'm kidding... just kidding... well, for the time being... anything special?"

"The blocker should still work through the night. Expect a call by early morning from someone about your first session, possibly a visit here first for a hypospray. I have to make arrangements."

The two stood, but before Merlin opened the door: "Commander, have you any idea why your parents would have wanted to suppress your true physiology?"

Eric frowned, obviously confused about the entire situation. "I have absolutely no idea... sorry, Doc..."

"Hm." grunted the hologram. "I hope some day you find out. In the meantime, get yourself a good night's rest."

Dr. Merlin
Counselor R. Dayanair

As Lt. Commander Woo exited Sickbay, Merlin activated communications on the main console. "Sickbay to Counselor Dayanair."

In moments, Day's visage filled the viewscreen. Her smile betrayed exhaustion. =/\= Doctor =/\=

He nodded in greeting. "I wanted to discuss Lieutenant Commander Woo. We've confirmed he's a full Betazoid. Right now he's on a neural blocker, which will wear off by morning. I thought perhaps you and I could come up with a balance between medication and mental training, which will help make his transition as smooth as possible."

=/\= Yes, I just spoke with Commander Woo..=/\= she couldn't get the surprised look off her face now...as she sat up further in her office chair, =/\=...so he is full Betazoid....Woo told me Dr Rosea did some tests and that he may have some Betazoid in his lineage? =/\=

Merlin smiled. "Both parents it seems. I checked their profiles from the DS3 database. My concern is this sudden deluge of thoughts he will no doubt be experiencing. I recommend that I administer a superficial dose of the neural blocker, and with every other day reduce the dose while he undergoes therapy to develop the necessary disciplines. What do you think?"

=/\= Yes, I agree.....if he is truely full Beta....he will definitely need a neural blocker and some guidance... =/\= The counselor sighed, then continued: =/\=...I offered my assistance.....to help him adjust.....but Woo is under the impression that this 'change'....will not affect his everyday life or his job....but I believe he will find it more difficult than he realizes.=/\=

"We've since discussed his condition," said the holographic doctor, "and he appeared amenable to any regimen we arrange for him. I told him to expect a daily schedule from each of us in the morning." Merlin then gave the counselor a wiley look. "He'll cooperate. It's either that, or a constant bombardment of voices in his head."

=/\= Very true doctor.....depending on what the Commodore needs me to do.....there has been times when I have felt part of some sort of collective...like the Borg...Woo will certainly start to feel the same way....until he learns discipline...=/\= she cleared her throat before continuing.....as she started to feel too tired to talk anymore....so she nodded and smiled, =/\=...you and I, Doctor, will work with Woo...I want to see him overcome this and stay the productive Chief of Security that he has always been....the Commodore will expect nothing less from you and I.=/\=

He grinned. "I see that we are on the same wavelength, Counselor. I'll go ahead and set up a dosage schedule. Thank you, and have a nice evening."

Merlin signed off and switched to the Sickbay calendar...

Dr. Merlin

Having taken care of Woo's dosage schedule for the next two weeks, Merlin smiled and stepped back from the Sickbay computer. That's when he caught sight of a young woman in gold colors.

Ensign Anneli Sek

Anneli had waited patiently, thinking over the day so far, until someone noticed her. The Doctor, apparently now finished with the security officer brought her out of her reverie.

"May I help you, Ensign?" he asked.

Anneli jumped slightly, she'd been deep in her thoughts.

"I'm sorry Doctor. My name is Ensign Anneli Sek" 'stupid' she thought 'he can see I'm an Ensign'.

"I've been told I need to have a baseline medical - I've just started in Ops" she couldn't help but let a hint of pride creep in at the edges of her voice "Is it convenient to have it done now, or should I make an appointment?"

Dr. Merlin

Merlin returned to the Sickbay console and keyed "Anneli Sek" into the database. "Ah yes," he said. "You were sent a routine request to schedule a full physical. Barring any unforseen crises, how would tomorrow morning at 0800 be? It should give us plenty of time before your duty shift begins."

Ensign Anneli Sek

Anneli smiled at the Doctor.

"That should be fine..." she paused, frowning slightly "...you said 'full physical' does that mean I'll be tired afterwards? I wouldn't want to fall asleep on duty!"

Dr. Merlin

Merlin walked with the new OPs officer as she headed towards doorway. "Don't worry, Ensign. Rest assured we'll be doing all the work." He smiled. "I'll see you then. Just don't eat anything after midnight tonight."