Lt.(jg) Dr. Toz: To Be or Not To Be
Patty Boyle
((USS Octavia E Butler -Science lab, deck 10))
Toz was finding this brain stuff fascinating. She’d been schooled in brain anatomy and its workings but until now, she’d had no interest in it. Fer’at put the whole thing into perspective.
Fer’at: You are still two selves, but you have been blended and now feel as if you are but one. It is a delicate matter, indeed.
Yinn: I would like to know a lot more about this "brain wash" before I consent to anything.
Fer’at: Yes, it would be wise to get more information before proceeding.
Toz: It was just a thought. Would involve surgery… taking your brains out and using a solution to soak and wash them. ::shaking her head:: It won’t work. And I don’t know how to do it, anyway.
Making an uninformed decision was never wise, or even logical. Fer’at turned expectantly to the Medical Officer. He seemed to think her suggestion would be the answer. Toz took a step to the left and leaned against the bulkhead. She didn’t want to sit down but she felt suddenly tired.
Toz: If we try, it would be up to Brzezinski to actually do it.
Brzezinski: (thoughtfully pondering) It’s more like a ‘factory reset’ than turning things off and on again.
Loq: I need more than a human metaphor before you do anything to my brains. I have a right to know exactly what this procedure entails.
That certainly gave them a better idea of what it was, but there was more to a procedure than that. Thus far, they had the expectation of what a brain wash was supposed to do. Although Toz couldn’t hear the Vulcan’s thoughts, the look on his face made it clear that there were other facts that should be gleaned before the combined minds made their decision. Funny how the doctor could suddenly read a Vulcan. Very little expression on his face but his eyes spoke volumes .
Brzezinski: OK, done with this machine, we can do the next scan while the results are compiling. Because of the unique nature of the circumstances, it’ll take a little longer than usual.
Toz pushed away from the wall and was looking over the machine. In med school, large contraptions used to be used that made gawdawful noises but this one seemed quiet. Fascinating. Brains were becoming very interesting.
Yinn: Take all the time you need.
Fer’at: What are the possible side effects of this procedure?
Toz: Don’t take unnecessary risks, please. Too much experimentation could result in a catastrophic scramble of two brains. Side effects are unknown since we’ve never come across this issue before.
Brzezinski: Right here. (indicating an area on the next machine) You can talk while it runs. (beat) Wiping the brains might separate you back into two, but not necessarily. And it is risky.
It was certainly food for thought, as the human saying went, and one had to weigh both the positive and negative outcomes. Did the benefits outweigh the detriments?
Brzezinski: I mean, this indicates everything is healthy, relatively speaking. Maybe it’s best to leave well enough alone?
This wasn’t their minds that were at stake, and they could not make a decision that was not theirs to make.
Fer’at: It is your choice.
He inclined his head to the dual bodied mind.
Yinn: I—
Loq: I don't think I'm ready. We just don't have enough information.
Brzezinski: response
Toz: I agree. After all, Brzezinski knows best.
Fer’at: I can understand any reticence you might have. Perhaps it would be best to think over this before you make a decision.
Toz: Perhaps they could ponder on the decision over a couple of days. It’s a tough decision to make.
Brzezinski/Loqinn: Response
Fer’at: Perhaps the best choice is to simply run all the tests we can and take time to go over the results. A decision about the wash should not be made quickly or taken lightly.
Yinn: Agreed. Apart from my personal situation, this is a scientific phenomena with astounding implications. It would be criminal to simply... switch things off and on again, as you said... without taking the chance to study the effects.
And there it was. As much as they wanted to credit Klingon stoicism for overcoming their fear, it was scientific wonder and good old Bolian love of work. One body? Two bodies? There was a problem to be solved, and that was more important.
Toz: We’re discussing this situation as if it’s solvable. It might not be. Could be the two of you will be entwined… for a long time.
Fer'at/Brzezinski: Response
Loq: I have been studying the human practice of yoga with Nurse Miash. Perhaps she can guide me through physical therapy until I can better control both bodies independently. As soon as I'm able, I'm eager to study... well, myself. And I would still like to help with the refugee system and negotiations with the UDP. This is a crucial time for the Diplomatic Corps, and I don't want to be derelict in my duties there.
Fer'at/Brzezinski: Response
Toz: So we let Loq carry on while we -rather, Brzezinski, figures it out. She’s the brain expert.
OOC: So ends Toz’s interaction unless ya’ll want to carry on.
Lt.(jg) Doctor Toz
Acting Chief Medical Officer
USS Octavia E Butler
T239801T14