Tasha's Prosthetic arm: Difference between revisions

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Tasha's Prosthetic arm (view source)

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<br>Armed and ready
<br>Armed and ready
<br>Whole again
<br>Whole again
----
((Tasha’s Cabin, Cloud Skipper))
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>Tasha was sitting on her bed with a large bowl of chocolate ice cream, still quietly sobbing. Her belongings were scattered across the cabin and there were several other empty ice cream bowls stacked in an untidy pile next to the bed.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>She gave an anguished howl and took a large mouthful of ice cream. Why had it been so traumatic sending that letter to her family. She had completely forgotten that they didn’t know. She had assumed that Starfleet would give them all the appropriate details of her injury and that she wouldn’t have received a letter from her brother asking what happened.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>Tasha glared at pair of pants lying crumpled on the end of the bed. She slipped a foot under them and with and angry yell, kicked them off. It was a powerful kick and they gained good height before slapping into the far wall. Why the hell had Starfleet not given her family the details. Surely some administrative screw up was to blame, even so, once the information had been requested surely it should have been released.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>She gave a startled yelp when her combadge chirped from somewhere on the floor.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
Yiggtissi: =/\= Yiggtissi to Ensign MacFarlane. =/\=
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>She took another large mouthful of ice cream before putting the bowl aside. She slid off the bed and began hunting through her scattered belongings. It took a moment but she eventually found her combadge sitting inside one of her boots.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
MacFarlane: ::between sobs:: =/\=I...errr...H-how can I-I ‘elp y-yeh d-d-doc?=/\=
Yiggtissi: =/\= Ensign, I was hoping that you could possibly come to sickbay as soon as possible.  I believe we have settled on a replacement for your missing appendage. I would like to get your approval on our design. =/\=
MacFarlane: =/\=I-I-I-I...I c-can be there in-in a f-few minutes. I-I’m c-c-currently on t-th’ Cloud Sk-Skip-Skipper. I-I also have a f-f-few id-d-deas on th’ d-design.=/\=
Yiggtissi:  =/\= I have the medical team in early stages of construction but , as I said, we are early in the process so design changes can be easily be made at this point.  I look forward to seeing you.  Sickbay out. =/\=
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>Tasha took a deep breath and wiped the tears from her face. She looked down at her shirt, which was covered in tears and ice cream. Then she looked at her cabin which was decorated with her scattered possessions.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>She struggled out of her dirty clothes and put on the least crumpled shirt and shorts she could find, quickly washed her face, and activated her combadge again.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
MacFarlane: =/\=Ensign MacFarlane t’ Gorkon, one t’ beam up=/\=
((A few minutes later, Sickbay, USS Gorkon))
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>Having quickly dropped into her quarters to collect a PADD, Tasha arrived in the sickbay. She quickly spotted the green skinned Saurian and approached him.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
MacFarlane: Hiya Doc.
Yiggtissi: Ensign, it is good to see you.  Ah and this is?
MacFarlane: ::Passing him the PADD:: I ‘ad some ideas f’ th’ replacement.
Yiggtissi: Spectacular!  :: He looked over the PADD and scrolled through the information. :: Hmm..titanium alloy structure. These power cells are very intriguing as well.  Here is what I have planned as well.  We will begin by connecting the replacement arm to a small motor cortex interface module to your distal humerus, here.  :: He pointed to the image on the screen. ::  While Ensign’s Sim and Namura concentrate on the nerve and wiring connections, I will focus on installing the somatosensory and motor processor directly to the Brodmann areas of your brain.  They will receive signals remotely from the motor interface from your arm.  This should allow you to feel all the sensations that a normal appendage would experience, even in your fingertips.  The skin material will actually be processed from your own skin cells and will resemble your normal skin with a small access port here, near the wrist, to allow you to quickly change power cells or to line in to the programming port.  It will be completely customizable to your liking.  Now please be aware that it will susceptible to malfunction when exposed to high EMP fields and some forms of extreme radiation.  After twelve to fifteen years, you may need a revision surgery in case of aseptic loosening.  Nothing major however.  What do you think?
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>The doctor certainly knew what he was talking about, and that filled Tasha with confidence. She would have had more confidence if she had understood all of what he had said.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
MacFarlane: Aye, tha’ seems like a good plan.
Namura: I am looking forward to helping with your aftercare. ::she nodded, instead of offering
her hand:: Ensign Tali Namura.
Sim: I would also like to offer my ear, should you need it. I may not be a councillor but :: tapping his leg :: I know what you're going through. As much as anyone can, anyway.
MacFarlane: ::Not quite sure of herself:: So...with th’ prosthetic...yer gonna be wirin’ it into m’ nervous system?
Namura: The base model, yes; how it connects to your... ::she gripped her own elbow:: ...remaining tissue and dense bone, and how it makes a rudimentary connection to your reflexes.
Yiggtissi: :: He turned to Macfarlane. :: I would like for you to work with Namura on the programming of the motor and sensory interface processors.  Sim and I will complete the titanium structure. I would like to start the installation in about an hour or so.
MacFarlane: Aye, ::She gave a sly grin:: programin’ is more o’ an Engineer's job than tha’ o’ a doctor
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>Tasha headed towards clear workstation with Namura while Yiggtissi and Sim headed to a different station.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
Namura: Have you experienced any phantom limb sensations, Ensign? Like a clenched fist, or numbness and tingling?
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>Tasha felt a slight twinge in her missing arm at the thought.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
MacFarlane: Yeah, uhh, usually ‘appens when people mention it. Anthin’ from a slight twinge t’ feelin’ like there is a hot knife goin’ through m’ ‘and.
Namura: That should fade with time… and counseling. ::she added the latter as an afterthought:: Have you been prescribed medication fitting with the symptoms?
MacFarlane: Aye, th’ counsellor gave me some medication. It ‘as ‘elped...somewhat. Shall we start th’ programmin’?
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>Tasha turned on the console before her and pulled up a schematic of the prosthetic arm. She tapped in commands, much more slowly than she would with both arms, and brought up the basic programming for the arm.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
MacFarlane: Correct me if I’m wrong doc, but this basic programmin’ need t’ be adapted f’ the specific requirements o’ m’ body?
Namura: Yes, it does. The Human body is a complex network, and yours more so now. In order for the bionic component to fit properly and be usable in all functions, it needs tuning to your rhythm. ::she span around the medical tricorder:: I have been taking scans while we spoke, and we should enough information to start and I will carry on feeding the scans into the computer.
MacFarlane: Aye, then lets get t’ work.
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>With that, Tasha began to slowly adapt the code before her, fine turning it for her body and her needs.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>While she worked Namura continuously scanned her, providing a constant stream of information, which allowed Tasha to fine tune the code.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
Namura: New data coming through shortly. A more in-depth look at your functioning shoulder muscle. Can you hold your arm out for me, please?
MacFarlane: Aye.
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>Tasha held out her stump and the doctor scanned it. Tasha watched the console as information was transferred from the tricorder to the screen before her. Slowly a model of her arm built up on the screen.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
Namura: You are doing a fine job one-handed, Sir. ::she paused for a moment, crossing her arms:: We may have to use nanites to initially control the neural pathways, to build the connections between your biological network and the bionic optics. How do you feel about that?
MacFarlane: Nanites are a simple technology, I ‘ave no problem with ‘em.
Namura: The programming port through the wrist - If we map the connections to your brain… ::she highlighted the functional area on the rendered map:: ... you may experience drowsiness, possibly some mild headaches in the few moments after reprogramming while your neural network adapts. It might be something to work on in the future.
MacFarlane: Aye, tha’ shouldn’t be too much o’ a problem.
Namura: How is the programming progressing?
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>At almost the same moment that Namura asked her question, Sim approached and asked the same question. Talk about good timing!<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
Sim: The doctor was just wondering how you two were progressing? We've completed the construction of your arm, Ensign MacFarlane, and we're ready to begin the operation. If you could both let us know when you're ready, Ensign Namura and I will scrub in, and we can start.
MacFarlane: Aye, it shouldn’t take more than another minute or so t’ finish th’ code.
Namura: We have compiled the physical requirements for connection and should have enough information to proceed.
Sim: Very good. Tasha, if I may be so bold, you have a long road to recover ahead of you - losing a limb is an incredibly emotionally draining experience, as is training the prosthetic. If you ever need a sympathetic ear, my door is always open to you. Now, if you let us know when you're ready, we can begin.
MacFarlane: Aye doc, thanks. You two go an’ get yersleves ready, I can finish up th’ code, I ‘ave all the data I need.
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>The two doctors moved away and Tasha returned her focus to the code, checking over it one last time to be sure. Once she was satisfied she left the console and approached the Saurian doctor.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
MacFarlane: Hey Doc, th’ code is ready...I am ready. ::Tasha could feel her heart pounding away in her chest:: We can do this once yer staff are prepared.
Yiggtissi: Thank you Ensign. We were about the scrub in. If you will please enter surgical bay two, I have attending nurses ready to assist you in dressing out. They will begin the process of anesthesia. Once we have the unit installed, I will awaken you and we will begin testing the link between the arm and the processors.
Sim: With any luck, it should be a fairly easy process.
<nowiki>::</nowiki>Tali managed a slight amused smile.:: Namura: With any luck.
MacFarlane: ’ow long d’ yeh think th’ operation will take?
Yiggtissi: If all goes as planned, the procedure should take no longer that twenty-five or thirty minutes.
MacFarlane: I see...I...I’m really nervous about this...I jus’ thought yeh should know.
Yiggtissi: No reason for the anxiety Tasha. :: He placed his green scaly hand on the young woman’s shoulder and smiled. :: You are in good hands.
Sim: We'll be with you every step of the way.
MacFarlane: I’m ready when you are, let’s do this.
Yiggtissi: Good. Report to Corpsman Denato in surgical bay two. We will see you shortly. :: He motioned to Namura and Sim.:: Shall we?
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>Tasha nodded and headed to the surgical room. Denato was there ready and waiting, as was her new arm, suspended in a localized graviton field. Denato passed Tasha a surgical robe and averted his gaze as she quickly got changed. She climbed up on the biobed and lay down. Denato moved closer and Tasha heard the hiss of a hypospray. Moments later she passed out.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
((Some time later))
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>Tasha opened her eyes. She could see ensign Sim smiling down at her and assumed that the surgery must be over.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
Sim: Good morning Ensign.
Yiggtissi: ::Leaning over MacFarlane. :: How do you feel ensign?
MacFarlane: Woozy...but I reckon tha’ is from th’ anesthetic…’ow long did it take?
Yiggtissi: Forty-three minutes but all is well. The biomechanical arm appears to be operating at peak efficiency. However, I am no engineer.
Sim: I have to admit, I enjoyed the little thumbs up it gave us as we switched on. Very amusing.
Namura: Your hand is very adapted to your personality, it would seem.
MacFarlane: ::Tasha grinned:: Tha’ was th’ plan, its part o’ me now, it should act like part ‘o me.
Yiggtissi: More than likely, it will take at six to eight weeks before you are completely comfortable using your new appendage. We can greatly shorten that if you adhere to the various exercises I have detailed for you in this rehabilitation program. :: He held up a PADD. :: I adapted the program so you may do them in your personal quarters but feel free to come here if you wish. We will assist you in any way.
MacFarlane: Aye doc, thanks.
Namura: Aftercare is important so regular updates will be scheduled.
Yiggtissi: Shall we run through some quick tests? We will monitor the connections as you perform them.
MacFarlane: Aye, what d’ yeh want me t’ do first?
<nowiki>::</nowiki>The Doctor held up the PADD near her replacement hand.:: Yiggtissi: I want you to reach out and take hold of this PADD.
MacFarlane: Jus’ grab th’ PADD?
Yiggtissi: It is alright. Now reach out and grab it.
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>At first it felt a little odd. Almost as if the arm wasn’t quite attuned yet. However she was able to take the PADD without any trouble.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
MacFarlane: It’s not bad, I...I ‘ave m’ arm again. ::Tasha could feel tears welling up in the corners of her eyes::
Yiggtissi: Very good. Now tell me how the device feels in your hand. We need to make certain the finger receptors are transmitting at the right frequency.
MacFarlane: It’s cold, metallic ::Tasha ran her new thumb across the screen:: It...it feels…::She transferred to to her real hand and back again::...it feels the same in both ‘ands.
Yiggtissi: The processing speed is at 99.3 percent. Very good. You are doing very good Tasha.
MacFarlane: It’s slow, I can feel it.
Yiggtissi: :: He shot her a small smile. :: I will leave you with Namura and Sim. They will assist you with completion of the testing. I am going to complete your post-surgical report.
MacFarlane: Aye doc, thank you, thank you so much.
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>And that was that. The Doctor nodded and headed out of the surgical room. If anything, this was a success and Tali had been happy to be a part of it. She considered herself a junior Doctor, in many ways, so this was another string to her ever growing trainee bow. Going to clasp her hands behind her back, she remembered she was still in scrubs, gloves quite red, and thought better of it.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
Sim: Now, Ensign MacFarlane, what do you need from us? The physical side of the operation is complete, but you will need some time to recover and regain total control of your arm. We'd understand if you'd like to rest, but we can also run some more vigorous exercises and tests. Completely up to you.
MacFarlane: I feel fine, I think more test are a good idea, they will give me a chance t’ get used t’ it an’ catch any bugs in th’ code, although I doubt there will be many o’ those.
Namura: Would you be more comfortable outside of the operating room? We do have a secluded room prepared for your recovery with some items for practice, if you prefer.
MacFarlane: Aye, I think we should go t’ a different room, an’ I wanna put m’ proper clothes back on.
Namura: Of course. I will change, scrub up, and see what I can do about that. ::she inclined her eyebrow:: Can I tempt you with something to eat? Ice-cream is sometimes agreeable after surgery.
MacFarlane: Aye, Ice Cream sounds good.
Sim: An excellent choice.
((A few minutes later, Recovery Room, USS Gorkon))
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>Having changed out of the shapeless surgical robe and into a comfortable pair of shorts and a loose shirt, Tasha entered the surgical recovery room, Sim and Namura were already waiting inside.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
MacFarlane: So, did yeh ‘ave anythin’ yeh though I should start with?
Sim: I believe we should start with some reflex tests - make sure you're up to speed so to speak. ::picking up a small yellow ball:: Catch!
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>Tasha reached out with her new arm and caught the ball, not too difficult, but she had always had good reflexes and hand eye coordination.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
Sim: Excellent. Obviously that's quite basic, but we'll get a little more complicated. Throw it back to me.
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>Tasha nodded and tossed it in a gentle underarm throw. Sim moved to catch it, dropping his cane in the process and almost fall to the floor. Namura was able to reach out and catch him, and Tasha also took several steps forward.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
Sim: Thank you Namura, most appreciated.
Namura: You're welcome, Sir. ::she chuckled to Tasha:: You have a good arm on you.
MacFarlane: ::Tasha looked at Sim, slightly worried:: Aye, well constructed, an’ attached by someone who knew ‘is job. ::She smiled at him.::
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>While Sim sat and recovered from his near fall, Tasha and Namura continued the tests. Most of them made little sense to Tasha, but she felt herself quickly becoming more confident with her new arm. After several minutes Sim stood up.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
Sim: If you'll both excuse me, I'll just stretch my legs.
Namura: No problem. ::she looked to Tasha:: Do you want to continue?
MacFarlane: Aye, I wanna get used t’ this new arm as quickly as I can. ::She smiled, eyes twinkling:: Thank yeh, Doctor Sim, f’ all yer ‘elp.
Namura: OK, how about we test the grip strength? What did you program that to?
MacFarlane: ::Tasha smiled:: Uhh...higher than it was, an’ higher than it is in m’ other arm.
Namura: All the better to grip a claymore with. Size, weight and inertia all comfortable?
MacFarlane: Aye, nothin’ feels off.
Namura: How about autonomy; try some free range movements.
MacFarlane: ::she swung her arm this way and that, rotating the wrist and flexing:: I ‘ave a great range, no different from m’ other arm
Namura: Great. ::she checked it off on the PADD and recorded the outcomes:: How does it feel?
MacFarlane: Good, it almost feels th’ same as before I…::Tasha stopped, not quite wanting to say it::...before th’ incident.
Namura: You're doing incredibly well, considering. ::she placed the PADD down:: I think we could use a drink. Coffee? Tea?
MacFarlane: Not f’ me thanks doc. If yeh don’t mind I’m gonna head t’ m’ quarters an’ rest an’ get used t’ m’ new limb.
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>As Namura headed off Tasha left the room too. Heading down the hallway she noticed that not as many people were staring as before, it was an interesting observation, and one that Tasha was glad about, she didn’t like all the attention that her missing limb had generated.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>A few minutes later Tasha entered her quarters, as often happened when she opened the door Spark made an attempt to escape. With a chuckle she scooped him up and petted him with her new hand, feeling his soft fur beneath her synthetic fingers.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
<p><nowiki>::</nowiki>She felt tears creeping into the corners of her eyes.<nowiki>::</nowiki></p>
MacFarlane: I’m whole again Spark, I’m whole again. ::as the tears started to roll down her face.::




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