Gamma Shift

Posted on 04 Jul 2016 @ 11:41pm by Commander Rhyan & Lieutenant JG Aeryn Zal

1,420 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Errand of Mercy
Location: Biological Sciences Laboratory
Timeline: ED4 0600

Another failed experiment.

Anti-virus number 2-1-1 made the eleventh consecutive preparation that Commander Rhyan had synthesised without successfully slowing down or reversing the effects of the ‘Zal’ virus. Frustration began to build within him as he remembered the statistically insignificant reduction in cellular infiltration with sample 2-1-0, a promising start that had been completely undone by his latest modifications to the original Ee anti-virus. As the prospect of failure began to sink in once again, the Vulcan wondered whether a fresh perspective would be required in order to combat the frustratingly complex nature of the deadly disease.

It took a surprising amount of self-control on Rhyan’s part to stop himself from punching the computer terminal facing him – the words ‘experimental failure’ flashing repeatedly on the screen. Instead, he took a deep breath and collapsed backwards into his chair. For a few moments his eyes closed allowing exhaustion to pull Rhyan towards slumber. Forcing his eyelids open, he was shocked to see the chronometer displaying 0600 hours. How long had he locked himself away in the biological sciences laboratory for? Twelve? Fourteen hours?

“Computer,” Rhyan announced, leaning once more towards the computer terminal in front of him, “catalogue all results from experiment 2-1-1 and archive them in file Rhyan-Theta-One. Once complete, deactivate all equipment and terminals until my return.”

“Affirmative. Results filed and terminals shutting down,” responded the electronic tones of the ship’s computer. Finally the red flashing abated and the screens throughout the laboratory went blank.

With some reluctance Rhyan pushed himself up from his chair, ignoring the dull ache he felt in his lower back from sitting in the same position for over twelve hours. To ease his discomfort he first of all raised his arms upwards towards the ceiling and then rotated his torso from side to side so that his aching muscles could be stretched and released. The relief was almost instantaneous.

He approached the lab doorway and deactivated the deadlock he had placed on it following Major Blackburn’s unexpected arrival. His gaze briefly passed over the shattered padd that was still scattered somewhere near the entranceway, but he gave no further thought to clearing his mess tonight. All thoughts of the Major and his conversation with her were pushed to the back of Rhyan’s mind, as he feared the anger he felt during their conversation may swell up once again and interfere with his ability to sleep. The doors parted and the Vulcan stepped through the threshold, turning immediately to watch them close again so that he could reactivate the deadlock from the other side. For now, at least, he did not want anyone else stumbling across his research – especially not Jon Marshall with whom Rhyan had an unpleasant history. He still had not completely ruled out the Ensign as a suspect in Zal’s recent infection with the modified Ee virus.

Rubbing his tired eyes, Rhyan walked through the deserted corridors of the Redemption. As an alpha-shift officer, Rhyan rarely saw the ship in this subdued state, although it did bring him back to when he was the gamma shift commanding officer on board Starbase 54. Those definitely were simpler times.

“Commander!” A voice behind Rhyan called out to him, stopping him in his tracks and forcing him to waken up. He let out a brief yawn and rubbed his eyes awake before he turned around. A young officer dressed in science-teal ran around the corridor bend, slowing to a walk as she approached the Vulcan.

As she slowed, Rhyan caught his first impressions of the young woman. Her long, slightly unkempt brown hair almost covered the similarly coloured spots that ran from her forehead down to her teal turtleneck. Her eyes were brown, and youthful – this made Rhyan assumed she was not a joined member of the Trill species. Two silver pips, one solid and one blacked-out, confirmed her to be a junior lieutenant – most likely one of his own new recruits, given her presence in the corridors littered with science laboratories and offices.

Drawing what little energy he had left, Rhyan responded to the officer in front of him. “Lieutenant, how may I help you?”

“I am sorry to bother you Commander,” she started, her breathing rushed from the sprint down the corridor, “but I felt I should introduce myself to you while I saw you. I am Lieutenant Aeryn Tigan, your new Archaeologist and Anthropologist.”

She outstretched her hand, and Rhyan returned by outstretching his own and completing a firm handshake. Their eyes locked for a brief moment, Aeryn blushing slightly and Rhyan smirking before he withdrew his hand.

A beat of silence ensued before Aeryn continued. “I was assigned by Starfleet to help you with your research into the Hadronus virus. I attempted to report in to your assistant,” she paused, her mind clearly working to find the words necessary to describe the encounter she had with Marshall, “but he was less than helpful in assigning me duties.”

Rhyan growled slightly. “Ensign Marshall was not assigned here by my choice. If I had my way,” he started the sentence, but decided against finishing it. He caught the expression on the lieutenant’s face – she was both sympathetic and surprised by Rhyan’s comment.

She smiled back at Rhyan. “I have been getting that impression from the rest of the crew. Which was why I needed to speak with you – I would like to be of some use before we reach Hadronus.”

“Archaeology is your specialty, you say?” Rhyan asked the question, but knew it had already been answered when the Trill had introduced herself. In her introduction she had mentioned Archaeology and Anthropology, coincidently the same divisions he specialised in during his time on Starbase 54 – Starfleet’s central hub of Iconian research. It appeared that he and the lieutenant had much in common.

He did not wait for a reply before continuing. The edge of his lips curled upwards in a semi-smile. “What do you know about the Ee virus?”

“Not as much as I would like,” she replied, her brow furrowing slightly as she spoke. Annoyance entered into her voice. “I had requested a transfer to the Ee Research Institute three months ago, but this was declined by Starfleet Command. Apparently they had no place for an archaeologist on their team. The Redemption was the next logical step in getting close to Ee Research.”

Rubbing his tired eyes once again, Rhyan looked directly into his new colleagues eyes. “If I can avoid us having any more direct contact with the Ee, then I will do so. This crew has endured enough as result of their actions.” He sighed slightly, and then continued. “I could do with some help into my research. I am on my way to speak with Doctor Afton, but I can give you access to my notes and you can get yourself up to speed with my experiments. Any additional insight would be welcomed.”

“Of course, Commander,” she responded, another smile appearing on her face. It appeared that the lieutenant was eager to involve herself with Rhyan’s department. Perhaps a fresh set of eyes would provide new perspective on his failed attempts to cure the Zal virus.

Eager to speak with the Doctor, and then achieve a few hours of sleep, Rhyan tapped his communicator once. “Computer, permit access to research folder Rhyan-Theta-One to Lieutenant Aeryn Tigan.”

The computer responded almost immediately. “Access granted.”

Tapping his comm badge once more to deactivate it, Rhyan returned his attention to Lieutenant Tigan. “Get yourself acquainted with my research, and then meet me again in the biological sciences laboratory to discuss your opinions. I would like to emphasise the sensitive nature of this research, and I would be grateful if you did not question me on the identity of patient zero.”

“Aye, sir,” she replied.

“Then I will rendezvous with you at 1600 hours. Once again, welcome aboard.” Rhyan smiled, nodded his head towards the lieutenant, and then turned on his heels to resume his journey to sickbay and ultimately his quarters. The smile remained on his lips even as he turned the corner away from the interesting young woman he had just met. If only he could rid himself of Marshall, he knew that he had just found his new Assistant Chief of Science.

That was one big “if”.

OFF: Just a quick post to remind you all that I am still alive. I also wanted to introduce a new NPC into my armoury.

 

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