Medicine is a real Science

[atadiscoverer]

[Medical Labs / Sickbay - Multiple Days]

So, it's been a busy few days, and a few days where a certain Dr. Beckett has basically been a permanent fixture in Sickbay and the labs adjacent. He'll have been seen bustling in and around, always with a PADD, Tricorder, hypospray or specimen vial in his hand.

He's running tests, comparisons, air screenings, water screenings, filter screenings, asking other people for their advice on terms and systems he knows not a thing about... He's quite the dilligent worker... or obsessed, whichever you prefer.

He always has time to answer questions, though, even though he has few answers at this point. People can catch him in Sickbay, or on the way to the labs. When in the labs, he can be seen hunched over equipment, asking the computer questions, and, sometimes, even holding what seems to be a non-Federation scanning device. When he's using this piece of equipment, he's physically writing things down in an odd-looking language.

He may seem tired, but one thing that never fails is his professionalism and dedication.

Comments

[ethnobotany]

"A lot more distance from the sound of it," Beverly corrects, smiling wryly. Something like that would certainly help against the Dominion. But if it got into Dominion hands instead? It would be catastrophic.

"How delightful." Add both to the list of things she's glad they don't have here. "I'm guessing humans weren't well-liked by whoever made those."

[atadiscoverer]

"On the contrary, humans were created by the Ancients." Carson frowns. "It's a wee bit complicated, but the Ancients were the first evolution of this form, and they were dying because of a plague." He folds his arms. "In order to make sure life survived, they reseeded the Milky Way galaxy with life in their image; Us. Well. Earth Humans. After that, they fled to the Pegasus Galaxy on Atlantis, a giant cityship, and seeded Pegasus with human life, too."

And then he frowns slightly.

"Although we never confirmed this, we suspect the nanovirus was made in response to a threat in the Pegasus Galaxy. The Wraith. They're a vampire-like species that suck the life energy out of humans to feed, so the nanovirus could have been made to cull the Wraith's feeding ground."

[ethnobotany]

In this case, it's actually nice that she was wrong in her assumption. She doesn't like to be right in cases of assault or battery and certainly not genocide. This, though, isn't a perfect solution, but it is a better one.

"Whatever the reason, I hope it never finds its way here or we'll be studying the different species it does and doesn't affect," Beverly muses. That is one scientific study she would rather never have.

[atadiscoverer]

"I shouldn't think so. Not unless the creators of the nanovirus show up here."

Which they might. They never confirmed this, either, but it was suspected the nanovirus was a precursor to the Asurans; a race of intelligent, self-replicating machines that could assume human form. They were created by the Ancients.

"Besides, we only have one Wraith on-board. It's not like he's a threat to the entire galaxy."

[ethnobotany]

"Let's hope not." The very idea leaves a bad taste in her mouth. Few things could be worse at this point.

Though the idea of a Wraith being here jogs some sort of familiarity. Doubtless it would trigger more than just that if she were an actual member of sickbay again. "What's he like?"

[atadiscoverer]

"The Wraith?" Oh, god. How to explain Todd to Beverly. "He's... different from most of his species. Older." He frowns. "It seems he's from a point in my future, after I..." He trails off, not really wanting to finish that sentance.

"Anyway, he's worked with us before. And Colonel Sheppard seemed to trust him, before he disappeared." And if there's one thing he's learned, it's to trust Sheppard. "I'm... wary. But... he doesn't seem to be wanting to harm anyone."

[ethnobotany]

"Then I guess we'll have to hope he remains on our side," she offers, hoping that it goes without saying that she'd like to know if something starts going weird with this Wraith. Or at least that she would like someone to know. "Until then, we have our work cut out for us here."

The computer is still running the analyses, but there's time for coffee or tea or some sort of drink to cool off with. She's starting to get a headache with all of this work, mostly because they keep hitting dead ends. Maybe one of the analyses will come up with something.

[atadiscoverer]

"He seems fixated on survival." Carson remarks. "He's even altered his own biology, allowing himself to metabolise normal food whilst on-board." But, yes, Carson is still keeping as close an eye on "Todd" as he can. "But, aye... Bigger problems... Or, should I say, smaller?"

A little joke, trying to break the tension as he looks back to the monitor. Of course, he looks as exhausted and beleagured as many of the Sickbay Staff.

[ethnobotany]

It works. A little, but a little is better than not at all. Beverly offers a small, tight-lipped smile for the joke.

"Something like that," she answers tiredly. "Though with the computer busy with our analyses, we might want to take the time to rest. Hard to do in the middle of a crisis, but..." Her voice trails off, her thoughts wandering to Zelien. How many times had she dealt with exhaustion there? Too many to count. In fact, she had lost count of the sleepless hours during the last... week or so she was in Zelien. It was all a sleepless blur. Funny that the same should happen here.

[atadiscoverer]

Carson watches for a moment, quietly, before shifting and putting a hand on Beverly's shoulder.

"Then I think we should go have something to eat, then get a few hours' sleep. I think that's a sensible prognosis, do you agree, doctor?"

[ethnobotany]

"Agreed," Beverly answers with a tired smile, pushing herself to her feet. "We can at least try." She won't be getting any sleep, but she can promise she will at least try. "Thanks for your help. It's nice to have extra hands in here."

[atadiscoverer]

"It's my pleasure." Carson smiles, warmly. "I'm glad I'm able to help... There's so much about this place I don't know... I feel a wee bit like a dinosaur at times."

[ethnobotany]

"I know I'm still displaced myself, but if there's ever anything I can do to help you settle in more, please ask," Beverly offers with a small smile. "Believe me, I know it's hard to adjust."