Medical Inquiry

Posted on Tue Dec 28th, 2021 @ 9:34am by Lieutenant Leah Bailey & Lieutenant Commander Savin & Lieutenant Commander Michael Ki

Mission: With Gleaming Eyes
Location: Ithaca II - Medical Facility
Timeline: MD-03 - 1100hrs
1201 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

The science computers had been working on the data analysis overnight and still didn't have quite enough to compile a full viral breakdown. Leah was on her second cup of coffee for the day and still the breakdown on her screen wasn't behaving itself.

"It's like the data samples we have are from different viruses," she explained, looking over at the others present. "As though the cell structures are from radically different cultures. But we processed them all together, so I don't understand why the results are so divergent..." She rubbed her temples, frustrated that her knowledge of medical science was so limited.

"Have you correlated for the difference in species?" Savin asked, "Metis in their different castes, Cardassians and a variance in the mix of their species?" He paused, worry crossing his features as he too sipped his coffee. "I learned that Jerant has fallen ill as well. He was put into isolation last night, and is not feeling very well."

Michael had been staring at the wall in deep thought as he pondered all that happened, and was happening. Bailey was right it seemed confusing. However, Ki always thought when it was confusing, look deeper. He sipped his green tea as the thought came to him. He turned toward Bailey. "We know that this illness has a stronger effect on those of mixed heritage. You are saying that it appears that the samples are from different viruses. I wonder what would happen if we broke the virus down to its DNA. Would we see any similarities between it and the species it infects. If my theory is correct it should show some similarities with its first hybrid victim. A person of mixed heritage, Metis and Cardassian. We know that it was within this patient that the virus mutated."

"We can try that. If this virus is mutating at such a speed, though...that would pose a lot of dangers. Especially for those with variant DNA." Leah pored over the analysis. "The sample sizes aren't really big enough to get a full reading. We should test Jerant, and anyone else we can find who has mixed heritage." She looked at the others. "Assuming any of the Cardassians would admit to having any."

"I agree, and it is going to be hard to get the Cardassians to admit to having any mixed race children. If they refuse to answer than we will have to get covert. Walk around with open tricorders scanning everyone until we find the people. I am also ordering that no one of mixed heritage is to have direct contact with infected patients from this point on. We must limit any potential infections. Scanning the DNA and RNA of the virus can also assist in the formation of a vaccine and then potentially a cure." Ki spoke a little more animated than usual. This potential breakthrough was exciting.

"There could be slight deviations in the genetic map of the virus," Savin answered, "my knowledge of virology however, is only very basic. I am grasping at straws in the hope of being helpful to you. Perhaps we should start with sequencing the virus samples we have and compare or perhaps even overlay the results?"

"See to it and take any of the Athena's medical staff that you may need. This is top priority and all other projects can wait. We also need to see if we can get patient zero as it were. We need to see how and why the virus mutated." Ki replied .

"With all due respect doctor, you are the chief medical officer," Savin pointed out, "this should be overseen by yourself. I do not have the knowledge, nor the experience to run such tests. I am a counselor, a psychologist, not a geneticist."

"And I am a diagnostician. We are all working outside the box as it were. Your theory, you work it. Take whatever staff you feel you will need to run those tests. Your theory, your run with it. In the meantime I am going to work on getting and testing samples from the first hybrid diagnosed. Patient zero as it were, they are the key, or at least I think they are. We need to work this thing from all angles at once, so, while I know that you may be out of your depth we are going to need your assistance." Ki spoke curtly, but his face conveyed the urgency and the appreciation that he had.

"I am supposed to speak with these people," Savin countered, "I am not a scientist. I cannot run these experiments nor oversee them, as I have no expertise. I was merely offering suggestions."

"I understand, and we are all short staffed and have to pitch in where we can. So please see to it and any assistance that you may need can and will be provided." This time Michael spoke with a tone that would not accept any further argument.

Unfortunately for the CMO, the tone of voice was utterly lost on the counselor. "I cannot," he repeated. "I am going to speak with the patients," he added, then turned away and started to walk off.

Michael had hoped that the Counselor would dip is foot in the water as it were and try his hand at sequencing. However, Ki also knew that he could not let an opportunity dwindle away over egos. An idea occurred to him and he jogged after Savin. He reached gently for the Counselor's arm to get the man's attention. "I believe there is something of great help that you can do and it will be right in your specialty. We need to find the Cardassian/Metis hybrid that the virus mutated in, Patient Zero as it were. Perhaps you can ask around and see if you can find the person and get them to come in for an examination. In the meantime I will handle the sequencing and inoculation tests." He made sure to change the look on his face to convey that he was apologetic for what had just transpired.

Savin whirled as he was touched, his expression almost murderous at the undesired contact. when he saw who did it, his expression softened almost instantly. He watched intently as the CMO spoke, then smiled almost devilishly. "I believe I was suggesting I do that all along," he answered, "you do what you do best, which is unravel medical mysteries, and I do what I do best, which is talking to people. We will find your patient zero, at some point. I will speak with the patients here in the ward first." He paused, his smile fading. "Just make me one promise doctor... do what you can for my aide? And please do not make him your guinea pig?"

"I will try my best. With any luck patient zero will be the guinea pig." The mention of Jerant reminded Michael that he was going to have to reiterate an enforced quarantine of sorts. No one of hybrid descent is to come down to the planet. This was an imperative directive and he quickly rattled off a message to Captain Kane as Savin left on his mission of sorts.