Blood on your Hands Pt7

Posted on Tue Nov 3rd, 2020 @ 8:53pm by Captain Rhenora Kaylen & Lieutenant JG Sarah Wilson & Chief Petty Officer Remal Kajun

Mission: Diplomatic Masquerade
Location: Sickbay

Meanwhile back in sickbay Doc Wilson mulled over the computer terminal - putting the pieces of the puzzle together in her mind. Was there some kind of genetic mutation on the strain that had affected Remal? Was his genetic code just a tad different to the Captains in order for such a different reaction to manifest? She started to dig into both of their medical files, pulling the most minute detail she could from them and cross referencing it where she could. They both carried a standard Bajoran genetic structure, both had the usual minor defects that came with the diversification of a species. She stumbled across a file from several years ago where the couple were experiencing difficulties in conception. After a full genetic workup it was discovered the Captain suffered from a rare genetic complication, usually dormant, known as ‘fragile X syndrome’. This didn’t explain why she wasn’t as affected by the Cardassian pathogen, but it was a starting point. Taking the bait Doc Wilson delved further into Remal’s medical history, hoping to find something equally as significant.

"Doctor Wilson, this might be of significance" Nurse Taka Kawalski spoke from a distant terminal where he had been assisting in reviewing Remals medical history. "It looks like he may have been exposed to a mild form of a Cardassian flu when he was 12. From what I can tell he was never officially inoculated. Probably due to the condition in the camps at that time."

“ Interesting…” Wilson mulled, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. She looked at the records from the Captain and saw that she had been inoculated, or at least the records showed she was.

"I'm thinking that this flu coupled with the new pathogen may have created a mutated Gene in his pathology." Taka replied. "So far it's just a hunch."

“ I’ll take all the hunches I can get at this point. So far the only thing we have to go on is the Captain’s Fragile X syndrome and this. Perhaps if we were to use the genetic structure of the Cardassian Flu in Starfleet Medical Database we can correct that gene - maybe.. It’s a long shot. So far the biomemedic compounds have only slowed it down” Wilson continued, renewing her research with vigour.

"I will set up the centrifuge and begin further tests right away, doctor." Young Taka announced. He was a talented biochemist and caring bedside companion but it was his eagerness to help others which made Taka stand out among the others.

"Remind me to submit a citation on your record if this works" Wilson encouraged, thankful she had a good offsider who was more than capable of pulling off his own miracles.

As ordered, the Captain reappeared after two hours, making sure the good doc didn't keep her confined any longer than necessary. She made a beeline for Remal and stood holding his hand for a few moments.

"Hey, you're doing great, keep it up" she encouraged before turning her attention to the busily working duo in the far corner.

"Progress? You look like you're on to something" she asked, not wanting to interrupt them but dying to know what got them working so feverishly.

" Progress, working on a theory actually. Did you ever receive a Cardassian Flu vaccine?" Dr Wilson queried.

"I think so, I was young at the time but the Cardassians didn't want their workforce dying from the flu." Rhenora left Remal's form to look over Sarah's shoulder. The molecular structure that circled lazily on the monitor was well beyond the Captain's basic understanding of genetics.

"We're close, we're engineering a gene therapy that will restore your husband's immune system that doesn't seem to recognise this pathogen as a threat." The duo explained.

Taka addressed the Captain, "I apologize for taking so long. Samples three and four were not successful." His voice showed his frustration. "Our understanding of Cardassian physiology and epidemiology is in its early stages, but please know that we will keep trying." He proclaimed on an enduring note.