Mallora Vossti/Upset Stomach
((Main Sickbay, Deck 7, USS Gorkon))
With other officers taking care of handling the captured Psychic Parasite, Mallora turned her attention to assisting the rest of the ship's crew who were in the process of waking up from their telepathically induced nightmares. There were several abrasions and contusions, but nearly all of them were very minor. She was breathing a sigh of relief and looking forward to finally getting assigned quarters until the Andorian Lieutenant stumbled into sickbay.
sh’Qynallahr: Is there a Doctor in here?
Vossti: I'm Doctor Vossti. Can you tell me what's wrong?
Her antennae swung toward the short woman, and continued past her before swinging back in a pendulum-like fashion.
sh’Qynallahr: Hi, yes I need something to settle my stomach please...I think I made a mess on the carpet.
There was certainly an unpleasantly acidic scent wafting from the Andorian, accompanied by the equally pungent feeling of embarrassment and disappointment. Mallora gently directed the Lieutenant to a vacant biobed and did her best to project confidence that she did not entirely feel, as well as sympathy which she did.
Vossti: Please, sit here. We'll get you sorted out and feeling much better in no time. ::She grabbed some gauze to stem the drips of darker blue blood dripping out of the patient's nose.::
The blue patient put a hand up to her nose, trying to stem the trickle of blood.
sh’Qynallahr: No no, I’m fine, it’s not that bad, just a funny stomach, my nose is fine.
Vossti: ::Placing her hand gently on the patient's shoulder:: You're having some unpleasant symptoms. Unpleasant enough for you to come here to sickbay, right? Why don't you tell me exactly what you're feeling, so we can get you back on your feet as soon as possible, eh?
sh’Qynallahr: No, really it’s just...
The Andorian's stomach rumbled in an unpleasant way, and her other hand flew to cover her mouth. The hurried motion caused her boot to leave her grip and sail across the room, narrowly missing the Romulan physician's aid who was on this biobed only half an hour ago. Her antennae wobbled, causing the far figure to fade in and out of focus.
sh’Qynallahr: Whoops, sorry, that wasn’t--ghuk!
Her hands clamped down harder over her mouth, antennae flicking up as through sheer force of will Piravao fought back the rising tide of bile.
Mallora immediately reached into the drawer next to her and pulled out a hypospray that she had spotted earlier. She showed it to her newest patient before pressing it to the Andorian's shoulder.
Vossti: This is an anti-emetic. It will settle your stomach while we do some diagnosis to find out what's causing all this distress, okay? ::She pressed the trigger and heard the satisfying 'hiss' as the medicine flowed quickly into her patient's body.:: Now why don't you lie down so we can see what's doing this to you.
sh’Qynallahr: No no, I feel much better now. ::Sha tried to stand up but shen knees buckled.:: Ow, ok maybe not.
A Bajoran woman stumbled toward the Mallora and her Andorian patient, appearing dazed.
Tahna: I think...hit my head. Weird dream? Felt so real, what's...? 'm I going crazy?
Mallora waved her over, but spoke to one of the nurses whose names she hadn't had a chance to learn yet.
Vossti: This man just needs a little while with a dermal regenerator. Could you move him over to a seat somewhere please?
The human in the biobed was helped to his feet and escorted away from the urgent care section of the main sickbay. After that, Mallora gently held the Bajoran by her elbow and guided her to the biobed that was just vacated.
Once the Bajoran was lying down more-or-less comfortably, Mallora turned her attention back to the Andorian's readings on the biobed display. This was the crew member with the hypotension that she had seen scans of during the earlier crisis. The patient was badly dehydrated and weak, but why? The chemical analysis showed something interfering with the Andorian's autonomic nervous system, but Mallora couldn't pin down what it might be.
Vossti: Did you eat or drink anything unusual in the past – ::She stopped herself. The patient, along with nearly everyone else on the ship, had been unconscious for hours!:: Um, never mind that. Let me do a blood analysis.
Ensign Vossti touched a few buttons on the biobed's screen and the output shifted to show detailed blood chemistry. Mallora frowned, trying to figure out where the offending chemical was hiding in all the data.
sh’Qynallahr: I think all of the alcohol should be out of my system by now. Doctor Loxley and I organized this drinks tasting event on Starbase two-two-four. Classic drinks from across the Federation. Andorian Ale, Human Moonshine, something Petty Officer Liss called Savishaa Nectar, I didn’t try that one, it seemed strong enough to knock a Klingon cold.
Alcohol was certainly a toxin which affected some species more adversely than others, but Mallora vaguely recalled several popular alcoholic drinks which originated on Andoria. So whatever was affecting this patient was probably not simple alcohol poisoning. oO Is it possible that someone put a foreign toxic substance into the patient's drinks? I'll have to check. Oo
The feeling of confusion wafted off of the slurring Bajoran, almost strongly enough to create echoes of confusion in her doctor.
Tahna: 'm not dreaming, right?
The Andorian Lieutenant’s antennae swung about at the new, but familiar voice.
Vossti: You're in sickbay now, sir ::she suddenly noticed the single pip on the Bajoran's collar – uh, I mean Ensign. I'm Doctor Vossti, and I'm here to help you. Why don't you tell me why you think you might be going crazy? ::She turned on a tiny flashlight:: Could you open your eyes and look up please?
The Ensign probably had suffered a concussion as a number of others had when nearly the entire ship's population had suddenly fallen asleep, but it was good practice to check for other causes of these symptoms as well as harmful secondary effects.
She reacted with annoyance at the light, but tried to follow Mallora's instructions anyway. After a few brief moments, she closed her eyes.
Tahna: Crazy dream, unless 'm dreaming now? It felt real. I was...Maquis? In a Cardassian prison? Felt so real. Maybe it was. ::She opened her eyes and looked over at the Andorian, now wresting frantically with her jacket:: She was there.
sh’Qynallahr: Get it off me! Argh! Useless lump of cloth!
The Andorian patient was fighting with their own jacket, struggling to remove it as though it were attacking them.
Vossti: Please calm down, Lieutenant! You're safe here, I can assure you. There are loads of people just waking up from nightmares just like you … and the Ensign here as well. ::She paused, replaying her own words.:: If either of you could tell me your names, that would make this a bit friendlier, don't you think?
Mallora felt a sharp annoyance bordering on hostility from the Andorian, but it was easily forgiven since the patient was in acute distress.
sh'Qynallahr: Lieutenant Piravao sh’Qynallahr.
Tahna: Meru, Ensign Tahna Meru.
The Andorian's jacket was finally removed without being too damaged, and was tossed roughly onto the sickbay floor.
Tahna: I think you beat it, Blade-- er, Lieutenant.
sh'Qynallahr: ::grumbling to herself:: I’ll beat it again if it’s not careful.
Tahna: ::with a sigh:: What's wrong with me, doc?
Vossti: ::sighing, but smiling:: You have a modest concussion. I'm going to give you a quick treatment to counteract swelling, but it will take a few minutes. In the meantime, please try not to close your eyes except for blinking.
sh'Qynallahr: No naps yet Greenhorn.
Tahna: Wait. It's not just me? We were all dreaming about...
sh’Qynallahr: I believe it’s called Skarbek. I’ve heard some of the crew who’ve been here longer mention it a few times. First induced by a Trill freedom fighter, then a Q attempting to be a scientist. Uzaveh only knows what caused this one, though I suspect we’ll find out in a few days.
Mallora rooted around the sickbay for a few moments while her two patients talked with one another. She tried to pay attention to what they were saying while also hunting for the SDSH that she had read about in Med School but never got a chance to use. Finally, she gave up her hunt and just asked one of the nurses who was still trying to keep the sickbay from being overloaded.
Tahna: So...what is it? An alternate universe or....
Vossti: Excuse me, Ensign, ::she called to a nearby human male:: could you tell me where the SDSH device is?
Rakujia: We only have the one. It's in the surgery suite. ::He paused to look around at the controlled chaos in the sickbay:: Give me a moment and I'll get it for you. ::He headed toward the surgical section.::
Vossti: ::Turning back to the Bajoran Ensign:: It will just be another few minutes, dear. We're a little busy at the moment. ::Then she turned her attention back to the blood analysis of the Andorian Lieutenant.:: oO These readings aren't making very much sense. There's nothing especially toxic in the patient's system, but their autonomic nervous system was reacting as if it was being somehow overstimulated. If I can't find the specific toxin, can I treat the symptoms? Oo
sh’Qynallahr: Where’s my jacket? It’s really cold in here.
Despite the claim of being cold, the Andorian was sweating profusely. The shirt was stained dark and clinging to blue skin.
Vossti: ::Pulling out another hypospray:: I can't pinpoint any specific toxin right now, so I'm going to try to treat your symptoms instead. This medicine is going to temporarily shut down your digestive system. You are going to have to completely fast for the next four hours; that means no food or drink, not even water, for four whole hours. Okay?
sh’Qynallahr: I think I’ve already done more than four hours. We were in that prison for months.
Tahna: ::quietly:: And that universe for years.
Mallora did a quick double-take at the Bajoran's comment. She opened her mouth to say something, but had trouble coming up with anything that would be at all comforting if what she said was true.
sh’Qynallahr: ::Clutching at her chest as sharp pains radiated out, across her torso.:: Argh! Getting stabbed was less painful than this!
Vossti: Your body is beginning to react to your digestive system shutting down. I can give you something for the pain, but you're in for a rough few hours, I'm afraid, sir.
With that, Pira rolled into her side and there's up all over the floor (or, more accurately, her discarded jacket).
sh’Qynallahr: Ugh...you better have a big meal waiting for me once this is over.
Doctor Vossti pressed another hypo-spray into the Lieutenant's shoulder. This one was an analgesic that would moderate the pain, though was unlikely to eliminate it.
Tahna: As soon as you can hold down food we'll have a feast.
Vossti: If we can't figure out what toxin got into your system, I'm sorry but you are just going to have to wait it out and I will do everything that I can to counteract the symptoms. Is it possible that someone slipped something into one of your drinks before you … fell asleep?
sh'Qynallahr: I hope not, they were communal drinks...unless whatever this is only effects Andorian physiology.
Tahna: You too, doc. Seems like you've had a long day.
Vossti: I appreciate your concern, Ensign Meru. ::Catching herself:: Wait, no! You're Bajoran, so it would be Ensign Tahna. Sorry about that.
Tahna: 'S'okay. It's all my name.
sh’Qynallahr: I just call her Greenhorn...or rather, we dreamed we did.
Tahna: Much longer on that uhhh...anti concussion thingie?
The nurse returned from the surgical suite with the SDSH device. It was a thick plasteel circlet of adjustable size. Doctor Vossti accepted it with a quick word of thanks, then placed it over Ensign Tahna's head like a crown.
Vossti: This is a Subdural Sonic Hematostasis device. It will take just a couple of minutes to work. Just make sure to keep your eyes open. I recommend observing other people around the room, possibly including Lieutenant sh'Quallnahr. ::Turning to the Andorian patient:: Did I pronounce that right? I'd prefer not to mangle your name if I can help it sir.
sh'Qynallahr: sh’Qynallahr, not bad for your first try though. Andorian names can be...difficult for a non-native speaker.
Mallora looked again at the Andorian's blood analysis results on the biobed's readout. It looked normal. It looked like there was nothing there that would be even a little bit offensive to a healthy Betazoid. She caught herself, glanced back at her blue-skinned patient, and shook her head in disappointment. oO I'm an idiot! Andorians are going to have different toxins than Betazoids, and some substances that are harmless to us will be deadly to them. Oo She was able to stop herself from actually slapping her own forehead before grabbing a PADD and beginning to look up the literature on Andorian toxins.
sh'Qynallahr: Have you ever considered decorating the ceiling?
Ensign Tahna turned her gaze to the ceiling as well.
sh’Qynallahr: I just think it seems like a missed opportunity. How many hundreds of people occupy these beds? All staring at a boring blank ceiling. You could put some paintings up there, or some sort of visual puzzle to occupy the mind.
Vossti: ::Distracted by her research:: Back at Starfleet Medical, the pediatrics beds had video of birds nesting in tree branches projected on the ceiling.
Tahna: Would certainly help me keep my eyes open.
sh’Qynallahr: Wouldn’t an occupied mind help the body heal faster? Distract the patient from the pain or their symptoms. I don't know, I'm by no means an expert.
Vossti: ::Still reading on the PADD:: Yes, simple games or puzzles have been shown to help with – chocolate! ::She turned to the biobed readout and touched a few buttons.:: I think someone fed you chocolate, sir.
sh’Qynallahr: Oh...well that’s not good.
Tahna: Could use a hologram, too. Wouldn't have to be paintings.
Vossti: There is a way to counteract chocolate poisoning, but the medication that I already gave you means that you will still have to fast for the next four hours. I'm afraid there's no getting around that, sir.
sh'Qynallahr: Lucky me.
Tahna: We could feature different art pieces from people on the ship!
sh'Qynallahr: You seem quite fixated by this painting idea, are you an artist Ensign?
Tahna: I'm no artist, but if we got permission I could help set up some holoemitters.
Mallora found the medicine she was searching for at last. She loaded it into a hypo-spray and pressed it against the Andorian's shoulder.
Vossti: This should counteract the toxin very quickly. Thirty seconds or so, I would guess. ::She pressed the trigger and heard the familiar hiss:: Please don't eat or drink anything until your fast is over, sir. Even water could make your body think it is under attack and make you very ill.
sh'Qynallahr: I’m aware of how to fast Doctor.
Vossti: You should know that your fasting time is over when you start emitting flatulence. It will be noticable and could be quite ... loud. ::She found herself feeling embarrassment in sympathy with her patient.::
sh'Qynallahr: I see. ::Her antennae curled back:: The question now I suppose, is where do I go?
Tahna: Where do you go?
Vossti: ::shrugging:: As long as you don't eat or drink anything, you are free to go wherever you like.
sh’Qynallahr: ::Piravao’s antennae curled toward each other.:: Well, I could go back to my quarters and suffer alone...or I could remain here and treat you all to the song of my bowels...Sto’Vo’Kor or the Brew Continuum could be good choices, I’m sure Mek would appreciate the comedic value of a well timed toot. And once the drugs have worked through my system, I’ll be in the best place to grab a meal. The humans often say that sharing is caring, and I care deeply for this crew, so it is only right I share with them, no?
Mallora realized that this Andorian shared a very similar sense of humour with her roommate from her Academy days. She tried but failed to hold back a giggle at the prospect of the predicted flatulence being used as a wry weapon.
Tahna: ::Meru frowned:: No, no, sharing is scary. You could hide around corners and scare people with your toots.
Vossti: ::grinning broadly:: I will testify to the Admiral herself that your wind is medically necessary.
sh’Qynallahr: It is, though I’m not sure we could convince her that scaring people is.
Tahna: Well I thought it was a funny idea.
sh’Qynallahr: It is a very good idea Ensign, though not quite my style.
Tahna: Thank you for the help, doc, but your brain device feels funny. Can I go take a nap now?
With the amused smile still on her face, Doctor Vossti stepped over to her Bajoran patient to check the readings of the SDSH device on her head.
Vossti: Yes, Ensign. If you feel unwell at all, you can nap here. ::She looked around the rest of the sickbay for the first time in a few minutes.:: It looks like the rush of customers is just about done. Both of you, please feel free to come to me for any other medical concerns. And ::she turned to Piravao and lowered her voice a bit:: please let me know how your winds of fate treat you and your friends later today. ::She added a wink.::
sh’Qynallahr: If people start turning up in a few hours, reporting gas related injuries, you’ll know where to find me.
Vossti: ::Covering her laugh with a hand:: I can't wait to see the reactions of the other medical personnel to those patients.
sh’Qynallahr: First stop, my quarters. ::She picked up her soiled jacket:: I’ll recycle this, replicate some clean clothes, then Sto’Vo’Kor it is. Mek has plenty of games which can keep me entertained until I can once again consume food, and I imagine he’ll get a good laugh out of my plight.
Tahna: I hope so.
Vossti: ::She didn't recognize the use of the Klingon name, then quickly realized that it must be an eatery of some kind:: I haven't had a chance to visit there yet, but I'll make a point to do so soon.
sh’Qynallahr: Catch you later!
The Lieutenant collected her jacket and left as Meru slowly sat up, still looking woozy.
Tahna: Thank you, Doctor.
Vossti: It's my pleasure, Ensign Tahna. Be well.
Meru stood and walked slowly out of sickbay toward her quarters. Mallora walked back to the surgical area to return the SDSH device to its proper storage, but she remembered that it was one of the nurses or orderlies who had found it for her. She began the process of looking around the sizable sickbay to try to find the Human ensign who had retrieved it for her.
Fin.