It wasn't just a matter of paralysis. He looked like he was burned horribly, and he couldn't move at all from the neck down. And it seemed like he couldn't really move his head, either. The delta radiation is probably so intense that it makes curing him impossible, definitely far different than reviving a kidney. And he got massive doses of it saving cadets. Frankly, when the quality of life becomes as dismal as that, what are you really saving? I chose Starfleet, given the options. To be able to live on a starship and explore space is awesome, even though my chances of being redshirted are 50-50.
I'd work for Allied Worlds Transport, the Maersk of the stars, transporting interstellar cargo. Or I'd work for Starfleet as a space forklift driver in a cargo bay.
SISKO: The Federation is made up of over a hundred planets who have allied themselves for mutual scientific, cultural and defensive benefits. The mission that my people and I are on is to explore the galaxy. DS9 Battle Lines
I suppose that maybe “bringing those kids out” could have involved getting closer to the radiation source and shutting it down, so he would have been exposed to a much more serious dose of delta rays.
Poison, then. Plenty of deadly plants around to do the job. Or venom from a lethal snake or other creature.
My observation on 'what are they really saving' was about Pike himself. Burned body, unable to move, in constant pain, and can only beep 'yes' or 'no' for the rest of his life. When someone is that far gone, what are they really saving?
One would think that you could craft a living will the way you can today. Essentially, you tell your doctor (or EMH) that if certain extreme measures are required to save your life, you don't want it saved.
I agree. The only thing I can think of Pike never thought to have one made. At least, until DISCO shows he knows that will be his fate. You'd think he would create one after that knowledge. Until that point in the franchise, I always figured such a thing didn't really occur to him.
I think part of Pike is that he won't do something he wouldn't have done before his knowledge. Or he feels like there is something more to experience despite the pain.
I'd actually be really curious to see if he does create a DNR will to doctors. Itbwould be a loophole out of his fate, since he would gave still saved those cadets but would not be a prisoner to that horrible fate.