Evening Research

Posted on Wed Nov 25th, 2020 @ 4:24pm by Lieutenant Noah Reed M.D. & NVeid tr'Rehu

Mission: The Shadow of Arachne
Location: Deck 11: Auxiliary Sickbay
Timeline: MD-5 1845 Hours
1419 words - 2.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Noah Reed yawned as he entered the auxiliary sickbay to check up on things and make sure supplies were stocked according to specifications. The yawning has becoming habitual since he had arrived on deck eleven. He wondered if he was taking in enough nitrogen when he spotted NVeid seated over at a desk. "Fancy seeing you here, my friend."

"Fancy?" NVeid looked up just as his boss was mid-yawn. "Tired?" he then asked, "it's just past dinner time surely it's not nearly time to be yawning?" He gestured the man over, returning his gaze towards the microscope in front of him.

"'Fancy' is sometimes used as a form of conception, in that it's unusual but pleasant to see you." He strolled over to the table and added, "I'm not really tired. I got plenty of sleep last night. In any case, what has you in this comfortable lab?" He could see that the display was presenting sets of data and pictures of what looked like blood cells.

"Our discussed research," Nveid answered, "I am looking into common blood types among hybrids, and the ratio of each parent factor. In this case, my own blood and what percentage consists of Romulan and Betazoid genetics."

Reed nodded as he glanced over what he was doing. "Yes, it's a common misconception that people of mixed heritage are exactly 50% of both sets of genes." He paused and looked at NVeid. "What have you found so far?"

"I'm not an equally divided hybrid," Nveid chuckled, shaking his head. "My blood factors are mostly Romulan, though I do have Betazoid factors. The Romulan genes seem dominant, as my physical makeup is also mostly Romulan, however my telepathic centers seem mostly made up of Betazoid genetics. At least I know my telepathic talent comes mostly from my father."

"It's easy to deduce which side that comes from," Reed agreed, then tilted his head. "If I recall, Romulan genes are not only dominant but sometimes will 'fight' the other genes during development, making close monitoring a requirement during gestation."

"There are Romulans with telepathic talent," Nveid pointed out, "like myself, they are taken from their families at a very young age and pretty much raised and used by the Tal Shiar. I was taken from my parents, that is my mother and assumed father as I didn't know any better than that he was my father, at the age of seven. I was, on rare occasions, allowed to see my mother. I barely knew my sister. Now, all I have is my Betazoid family, who thankfully will acknowledge my existence."

"I'm sorry that you had to go through that experience. Fortunately, you have risen above that challenging time and we are all lucky to have you here." He paused before letting NVeid refute the compliment. "I was always intrigued by the telepathic abilities of Vulcans and Romulans. It's much more subtle than species such as Betazoids."

"Vulcans in general are only touch telepaths. Most Romulans that have any telepathic talent, tend to be such too. I'm not... I'm as telepathic as a Betazoid, though I think having used it from a young age also helped hone the skill. Especially, when I lost my voice and had to resort to telepathic communication for a long time."

Reed nodded along but then perked up when he heard mention of NVeid losing his voice. "That must have been very traumatic for you. I must say that your voice box replacement is doing well." He empathized with the man, having read the medical reports about the savage knife attack in his youth.

"Painful, humiliating and traumatic," Nveid answered, "yes I finally had the courage to risk the surgery, thanks to a very young and gifted doctor. I realize I'm not speaking as well as you or others on this ship, that I do have quite an accent but I'm confident that in time that will pass."

Reed held up a gentle hand. "You're doing amazing, NVeid. I'm very impressed with how far you've come. The procedure isn't always successful and even when it is, in many cases it is a big challenge to speak correctly. You just keep doing your therapy and you'll be just fine." He nodded for emphasis and turned back to the man's research station, being reminded of their blood bank. "I'm glad we've been storing little amounts of your blood type just in case."

"Why is that?" The Romulan asked in surprise, "are you seeing something out of the ordinary?" As far as he knew there were no abnormalities in his blood. Anything odd after a great many transfusions when he so badly needed them were, as far as he knew, long gone.

Reed looked NVeid in the eyes. "Why, in case of a medical emergency, of course. Space is dangerous and you run the risk of injury or infection with away missions." He didn't mean to alarm the surgeon, only to point out the soundness of the general idea of the blood bank. "We don't want you having a mishap on some planet and not have any blood laying around, after all."

"I hope I've already had my share of mishaps," Nveid answered solemnly, "already nearly lost my entire blood volume once. It's something I'd rather not repeat. I'm sure you've seen my records..." He sighed. "I thought you were referring to something you saw under the microscope..."

Reed nodded as he now understood that they were talking about different things. "So what is under the microscope?"

"A smear of my blood," Nveid answered, "along with general bloodwork analysis of said sample." he gestured for the man to take his seat. "I am not sure what I was hoping to find... perhaps you see something I haven't?"

Noah took the chair and scooted it up to the scanner screen to take a look at the magnified spot of green blood. He saw the familiar shapes of the cells that looked like the others he had seen numerous times. "Everything seems in order." He turned and grinned at his pointy-eared colleague. "So, how have things been going with the female persuasion since we last talked in the lounge?"

"Im not sure I understand what you mean. Female persuasion?" NVeid arched an eyebrow at him. "If you mean have I met anyone, the answer is no. So far, I've only had competitive swimming sessions with Mister Paxton, but I've not met with any females. Have you?"

Reed was taken by surprise at the counter question. "Who, me? No... I'm trying to stay out of trouble." He coughed as a way to break the subject. "Well, just be patient and remember to be yourself. Women love genuine guys."

"So basically you're saying women are trouble?" Nveid mulled over that one. "Or are you so troublesome?"

"Oh, it's definitely women," he replied with overconfidence. He had had several liaisons over the years and was at the point which he was content with his current status and the thrill of the game.

"What about men?" the Romulan hybrid then asked, "or have you never considered such. I must admit that I have not, but I do know some who do."

Reed let out a soft shrug as he thought about the question. "Well, men tend to get into trouble in pursuit of basic needs while women tend to scheme and plot for what they want." He raised an index finger in an 'a-ha' moment. "Which would explain why women tend to dislike other women and find them as competition," he added.

"I was actually referring to dating men," Nveid clarified, "have you ever considered that?"

"Oh!," Reed said as he caught on. "No... I'm definitely only into women. Good thing they're so enticing, otherwise the species would die out." He let out a chuckle. "Which, I suppose, sounds illogical in and of itself, eh?"

"Logic isn't my game," NVeid chuckled, "I'll leave that to the other pointy ears if you don't mind? I've never considered it either, doesn't mean men have never tried though. Anyway.." He shut down the microscope. "I think it's enough for tonight, I'm getting hungry, aren't you?"

"I'm famished, actually. Let's go hit up the galley for some appropriate grub." Noah stood from his chair and pushed it in. "I'm thinking about a ribeye steak. What about you?"

"I think I'll have the same, I'm in the mood for some Earth food," NVeid answered as he stood as well. "Let's go.