The Valiant - Michael Jan Friedman [52]
Picard thought that would be a good idea.
A woman in Ms. Santanas condition should exhibit precious little brain activity. For example, she should have a very quiet cerebral cortex. However, said Greyhorse, pointing to the topmost line on the readout, we see that her cerebral cortex is anything but quiet. In fact, its busier now than when she was awake. The same goes for portions of her cerebellum.
Picard mulled over the information. So youre saying some parts of her brain are actually busier in her comatose condition than they were when she was conscious?
Exactly, the doctor confirmed.
And what do you make of that?
The doctor shrugged his massive shoulders. Again, difficult to say. The patients brain may have gone into some kind of healing mode. Or His voice trailed off.
Or? Picard nudged.
If her brain works like those of other telepaths, the patient may have purposely emphasized certain functions at the expense of otherswhich would suggest the possibility that this is not a naturally occurring coma, but one she induced on her own.
On her own ? Picard thought. He looked at Greyhorse. I dont understand. Why would she do such a thing?
The other man returned his glance. You are in a better position to know that than I am, Commander.
Picard turned to Santana again, as if he hoped to find the answer written on her lips. Was it possible that she had shut herself down purposely, in order to avoid answering difficult questions?
Somehow, the second officer didnt think so. Or was it just that he didnt want to think so?
Thank you, he told Greyhorse. Youve given me much to think about. If theres any change in her condition, even a small one
Ill be sure to let you know, the doctor assured him.
Picard nodded. Then, with a last glance at Santana, he left sickbay and returned to the bridge.
Pug Joseph touched the itchy spot just above his right cheekbone and recalled Doctor Greyhorses orders not to scratch it.
In a day or so, his regenerated flesh would complete the healing process. Then no one would ever know he had hit his head against a bulkhead hard enough to knock himself out.
Fortunately, the security officer thought, he had suffered nothing more serious than a concussion. Otherwise, he would still be in sickbay along with Kochman and the other worst cases.
And they were the lucky ones, he reminded himself. The captain and some of the others hadnt made it at all.
Removing his food from the replicator enclosure, Joseph placed it on his tray. First his meat, then his rice, then his vegetables, and finally his juice. Then he moved across the crowded mess hall in the direction of one of its few empty tables.
His crewmates, who were all working triple shifts on one repair crew or another, had gathered in clusters all around the room. They were obviously seeking comfort in numberstaking the opportunity to vent their sorrows and air their concerns, of which they had many.
The Stargazer had been hobbled pretty badly in the battle with the Nuyyad. With key systems on the blink, people were worried about what they would do if another vessel showed up.
Joseph had thought about that possibility too, of courseand he probably felt the need to talk about it as much as anyone. But there were certain things he wanted very much not to talk about just then, so he had decided he would keep to himself.
Arriving at his solitary destination, he put his tray down and deposited himself in a chair. Then he pushed himself into his table and began to eat, mindful of the fact that he had to get back to work soon.
He was halfway finished when some of his crewmates walked in and took a table next to his. He recognized them as Lieutenant Werber, Chief Engineer Simenon, and a couple of the men who worked for him.
They didnt acknowledge Josephs presence. Jji fact, they didnt acknowledge anyone. They were too engrossed in then-conversation.
Joseph didnt want to eavesdrop. He was the kind of person who respected the rights of others, the right of privacy in particular. However, Werber and his companions were speaking so loudly, it would have