• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

By Root 444 0

Tuvok"--had successfully completed a vascular repair and dermal fusion regimen, and was removed from the treatment queue. On the examination table currently positioned in front of the holographic interface's primary projection location, Patient #3 persisted in moving erratically as attempts were made to complete a primary long-bone regenesis. Decision Track 333 required restraining the patient until unconsciousness rendered the patient immobile; Decision Track 1700 performed an override, and instead the holographic interface produced an expression of acerbic displeasure designed to secure the patient's cooperation in his own treatment. Patient #3 displayed no discernible reaction to this expression.

A free-ranging communications signal intruded on the medical unit's sensor space, and an organically originated voice said, "Bridge to Janeway."

Nonpatient #1--VRM 547, "Janeway, Captain Kathryn M."--responded by opening a corresponding channel via the personal communications device mounted on her uniform. "Go ahead."

"Captain, two Kazon ships are approaching the Array."

Janeway, Captain Kathryn M. began moving for the primary exit, followed by Nonpatient #2--VRM 870, "Paris, Thomas E."--Nonpatient #3, and Nonpatient #4, formerly Patient #1, Temporary VRM #1, "Ocampa Female: Kes." "Set a course," she vocalized toward an unspecific receiver.

"I'm on my way."

Nonpatients #1 through #4 then passed through the sickbay doors and exited from immediate sensor range. The Temporary Life-Form Identification Subroutine deleted the corresponding labels from its directory.

Patient #3 abruptly flexed and extended his right leg, and produced a nonverbal vocalization apparently indicative of satisfaction rather than pain. However, diagnostic databases indicated that vigorous activity was not advised so shortly after successful long-bone regenesis. Before an appropriate Decision Track could be engaged, Patient #3 rose from the examination table and snapped his fingers in the direction of Patient #4.

"We have to get to our ship."

A level-three alarm triggered in the Patient Inter-Face Subroutine as Patient #4 rose from her bed and placed both feet on the deck. As Patient #4's Physical Condition Rating was six points higher on the Optimum Humanoid Functionality Scale than Patient #3's, the vocalization subroutine directed its statement for Patient #4's hearing. "I strongly advise you to rest."

Patient #4 exited the sickbay in the company of Patient #3. The Temporary Life-Form Identification Subroutine flagged their records for deletion pending diagnostic review of their conditions at the time of voluntary self-release. The system had not been advised as to any specific permanent labeling for either patient, so could not immediately cross-reference their temporary files with Voyager's larger personnel database.

While secondary systems still compiled preliminary data, Patient #1 rose from the examination table and proceeded in the same direction as Patients #3 and #4.

Advisory Number Eight vocalized at fifteen decibels, "I will not be held responsible for the consequences--" The vocalization subroutine automatically aborted upon Patient #1's exit from the vicinity.

Patient #2--VRM 566, "Kim, Ensign Harry"--was the only high-level life-form remaining in the sickbay. The holographic patient interface relocated to a position twenty-seven centimeters from the foot of Patient #2's bed. "Is the crew always this difficult?" the Patient Interview Subroutine queried on behalf of the Data Management System.

Patient #2 lifted his shoulders in a humanoid gesture of uncertainty.

"I don't know, Doc. It's my first mission."

Patient #2 then exited behind Patients #1, #3, and #4 without further interaction.

The holographic interface became motionless upon the removal of all external stimuli. The vocalization subroutine adjusted its default volume by + 118 decibels, and queried, "Doesn't anyone know how to turn off the program when they leave?"

None of the absent Patient Labels