meerashaya

[meerashaya]

[meerashaya]

'An unfortunate habit.' She stated, not apologising. Rather, reminding Tuvok of the conditions they were in. Or, perhaps, she assumed much on his behalf. Meeran had become accustomed to relentless questioning by those of higher and lower rank for reasons dubious to her. A few days ago, one of the Ensigns declared his desire to ''get to know her better.'' After a while of dealing with the aliens, she assumed she would have to provide more basis for her actions and remind those around her of the Vulcan essence. Then, it had occurred to her how rarely she and Tuvok sought each other's presence with all the work they had been subjected to. An oversight, now that she realised. Up to "correction" if she were to survive the hazardous procedure.

'You chose not to inform the entire crew of potential dangers.' Her flat tone was that of understanding. Times were tough, and panic made things worse, considering the nature of the more emotional species aboard the ship. Everyone else but Meeran and Tuvok, to be exact.

'Motivation for a diseased individual to spread his ailment is an interesting development and suggests a possibility for internal or external neurological stimulation, as well as an aptitude for agitation. Your presence is necessary and logical.' She nodded and gently raised a hand, urging him to get as settled in the medbay as he thought needed. For the moment, it appeared as if she had ended the conversation and switched to meticulously examining the ointments she prepared for the occasion. 'May I voice a proposition? I shall assist with the interrogation. I am capable of executing sedative techniques through neuropressure. These techniques will be beneficial to keeping Ensign Marques stable and heightening his responsiveness to your methods.'

Deferentially, the Vulcan listened to her report. Succinct, logical, and pragmatic — characteristics human elucidations oftentimes lacked… With his arms clasped behind his back, and his dark eyes oscillating from her to the patient at irregular intervals, he inclined his head to signify he comprehended her rationale. He did not interpolate, did not think it was necessary to meddle in affairs that were situated outside his disciplines — her approached was adequate.

The subsequent question, however, drew his attention back to her, his jaws clenched and eyebrow arched marginally. A valid enquiry.

‘On the contrary, I regard your capabilities as apposite and commendable,’ Tuvok replied, the cadence in his voice, congruent with his demeanour, was immersed in equanimity. ‘And there is no need to lecture me on the durability and physiology of Vulcans, for I, myself, am one. However, the reason that lies embedded in my attendance during this procedure, is Ensign Marques; he has become a liability, and poses a significant threat to the safety and integrity of the ship and its complement. Unbeknownst to you, approximately 9 hours ago, he attempted to sabotage primary power conduits and release a lethal pathogen — the one he is presently contaminated with, no doubt — directly into the air handling system, in all probability with the intention to infect the entire crew. For what purpose, I have yet to determine. In the meantime, I shall remain here — as a safety precaution. When he has come to, it is imperative I subject him to a cursory interrogation.’

[meerashaya]

@spacetimewriter: “That sounds like a hazardous procedure… albeit a logical one.” — From Tuvok!

He was realistic in his word choice. Hazardous. Potentially, both for the patient and Meeran. However, she remained serene as always. A simple nod, in all its subtlety, hinted that she didn't oppose his assessment.

'The pathogen is highly viral and quick to attack the physical and neural aspects of the Ensign's body. However, a combined procedure shall yield effects. If, simultaneously, the Emergency Medical Hologram is resultative in applying targeted ionizing radiation and I shall successfully perform the neuro-pressure, chances of the Ensign's survival are 92.47 percent.' Without the conjoined actions, Ensign Marques would perish. The attempt was logical, just as Tuvok said. Meeran appreciated a confirmation, for she had come to a similar conclusion. There was something that concerned her, though. It wouldn't be very restrained, yet she had to ask.

'We are in agreement, then, to what do I owe your company?' Being one of the few Vulcans on Voyager, spending time with the Lieutenant Commander was a rare privilege that brought solace and reminded her of home lost, but…

'You do not doubt my capabilities?' Quickly, she added: 'As a Vulcan, I am uniquely qualified to apply the technique. Additionally, I can withstand the neural and physical damage the pathogen brings.' Allegedly.

[meerashaya]

Meeran stood practically motionless, seemingly unsurprised by the android nature of the person before her. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a younger member of the crew and the specific twitch of his brows. He could as much as lift them in question. Thus, she freed a finger from the grasp behind her back, and the only other indication was the slight movement of her jaw directed at him. That was all it took for the youth to collect himself, and she did nothing else with the digit, returning it to the grip.

The list of casualties, however, provoked an involuntary reaction. The fact that she was positioned in front of the rest was most convenient. It was truly shameful, but as the description of the horrors went on, she… blinked, having kept her eyes closed longer than usual. And the wrinkles at the edges creased, too.

'I operate under the assumption that our presence is required on the planet's surface and is crucial to the potential survival of the 252 individuals in peril.' The pace of her phrasing dared to quicken ever so slightly. But almost to anyone, she appeared composed. 'You have diverted us from landing directly, which may result in otherwise preventable loss of life, and I have already submitted a formal protest on the matter.' She removed the arms from behind her back and held them above her stomach for a moment before tipping her fingers together. 'If the reason behind your decision is rooted in security, I insist you let us depart immediately. My colleague Valeris possesses a broader scientific background, and she suggests that you wish to accompany us by appropriating space in our shuttlecraft.' Head subtly tilted in appreciation to the mentioned specialist, but Meeran's piercing blue eyes were focused on Data. 'In which case, I must submit another formal protest.'

Tranquilly, the android regarded the rear hatch of the shuttlecraft as it disengaged with a characteristic hiss, granting the complement onboard the opportunity to disembark and spill into the shuttlebay. He remained stationary while the party advanced; his gaze centred on the tall Vulcan, chartreuse eyes effervescing with professional inquisitiveness. Vulcans were most intriguing beings, and their predilection for rejecting emotions both mystified as well as fascinated him.

A deferential inclination of the head acknowledged the Vulcan’s introduction and salutation.

‘Greetings. I am Lieutenant Commander Data,’ he reciprocated the exchange of formalities with the stoic efficiency of a machine. ‘Correct. The Captain sustained considerable damage during the peace treaty negotiations, along with several other members of the away team and approximately 300 people native to Kelmak III. Doctor Crusher and her medical officers are tending to the away team and 4 dozen Kelmakians. The remaining 252 victims are still down on the planet surface. And although they have their own medical facilities, their medical and technological advancements are vastly inferior compared to ours, and they are thus unable to process the high influx of victims. Our Security officers are still investigating the cause of the explosion, but progress is stagnant and the reinforcements have been unexpectedly delayed by 2 days, 10 hours, 39 minutes, and 18 seconds.’

[meerashaya]

@my-timing-is-digital <3 ty

When the shuttle doors opened, a tall Vulcan woman exited first, as a leader should, followed by other members of the medical crew at her side. With precise and refined movement, she closed the gap between herself and the reception party, raising a hand in the well-known customary salute.

'I am Meeran,' she tilted her chin upwards and opted in favour of not bothering to disclose her full name for the sake of ease. 'The Medical Officer in charge of the Secondary Crisis Response unit.' Her eyes darted briefly to her colleagues while she provided their names before searching for the one person who was supposed to officially welcome the newcomers to the Enterprise, or so she was told. 'Coordinator Talak informed me that the Captain will not meet us upon arrival.'

[meerashaya]

Seated at the table, Meeran produced a series of meditative breaths, focusing her mind on the source of motivation that drove her all the way out of the comforts of her home and into the vast unknown of space. She reminded herself why she volunteered to lead a team of medical researchers in a field that was as far from her expertise as Vulcan was from her current whereabouts. That was what her cousin would have done under the similar circumstances. For the sake of duty and in the name of the clan.

Back in the healing facilities on Shi'Kahr, her work came with no challenges, supported by her talent of an easy soothing touch, and gentleness of a pleasant voice suitable for guided meditation. Out here, on the frontier, eighty years old was a plentiful number to learn anew and be left with no sense of direction.

[meerashaya]

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