Star Trek Hunter - Episode 9: The Library

[Robert Bruce Scott]

Star Trek Hunter
Episode 9: The Library
Scene 10: Denobulan Nail Care

9.10
Denobulan Nail Care​

Kenny Dolphin found taking care of Birlaura’s fingernails and toenails a delightful chore, if a very involved one. The tutorial for denobulan nail care was well over an hour long and extremely detailed. Keeping her nails trim, healthy, strong and neat took a large number of tools, solvents, lacquers and other chemicals. Denobulan nails grew non-stop and very thick, making them excellent for climbing and extremely dangerous in combat.

What made the chore delightful was Birlaura, who was an outrageous flirt, and a brilliant conversationalist. She also rewarded Dolphin’s attentions with superb, expert massages.


“You know denobulans never thought about having sex with other species,” Birlaura said. “That was a human innovation. My mother remembers when the vulcans discovered humans - she was a little girl.”

“That was about 340 years ago,” Dolphin said.

“That sounds about right. From all the trouble you caused, everyone thought humans were going to be worse than the klingons. We were worried the vulcans wouldn’t be able to control you. But we also assumed the klingons or the nausicaans or someone else would make short work of you before you became too much of a nuisance. Our galaxy was so small back then. We stayed close to our own star system. We knew only a few spacefaring species. None of them seemed all that cuddly.”

Birlaura lightly slapped Kenny’s butt before continuing the back massage. “Then we started hearing stories of humans and vulcans getting it on and we thought, why in this galaxy would anyone want to have sex with a human? Or worse yet a vulcan? Being a reasonably open-minded and curious species, we set out to find answers to those questions. Turns out you humans are a lot of fun in bed when you’re not all uptight about things. Vulcans are even more fun when they’re going through Pon Farr.”


“Quit playing with my butt…” Dolphin said. He followed that with a high pitched “woo” sound in response to her hand doing something fairly naughty.


“Oh what is your hang-up, Dolphin Kenny Dolphin?” Birlaura teased. “You’re no longer a married man.”

“But you are a married woman…”

“I’m still free. I only have two husbands. I haven’t taken my third yet. I’m still young - want to shop around. Have fun. And now that I know who you really are, I would love to have your children - just for the simple irony of it. Imagine - the man who worried so publicly about the impact of hybrid children on humanity having a secret half-denobulan love child… Come to think of it, I’m amazed you haven’t gotten propositions from women of every species - bajorans, klingons, cardassians… nausicaans…” Birlaura laid down on Dolphin’s back, hooked her feet around his, cinching his legs. She placed her hands at the base of his skull and stretched him with gentle, pulsing movements.

“There have only been three women in my life,” Dolphin said, between gentle grunting sounds as his back stretched slightly. “Only one of them was human.”

“Any denobulans?”

“Well, that’s complicated. Apparently I had an affair with a woman who was half vulcan, half betazoid, but had herself surgically altered to appear denobulan. I don’t remember much about it. She used telepathy to remove herself from my conscious memory. I only have a few flashes. She turned out to be a serial killer. Very nearly killed me.”

“That is complicated. And the vulcan girl you told me about yesterday - Pon Farr?”

“Her first time going through it.”

Birlaura lay on Dolphin’s back, stroked his hair. “Alas, my poor, starcrossed Dolphin Kenny Dolphin, when are you ever going to learn to let go and just live for yourself?”

9.10 (of 15)​

 

[Gibraltar]

Review 9.8/9.9 - I love the description of the habitat and the waterbirds! An exotic locale on an exotic world, and so well described. The trip down was exciting as well, as I'm sure the passengers and pilot would agree. I'm curious to know if the admiral's hand-written notes contain any clues as to the identity of the BK or the origin of the computer/biological virus.

 

[Gibraltar]

Review 9.10 - Dolphin could use a diversion right about now, and she seems rather... diverting.

 

[Robert Bruce Scott]

Review 9.8/9.9 - I love the description of the habitat and the waterbirds! An exotic locale on an exotic world, and so well described... I'm curious to know if the admiral's hand-written notes contain any clues as to the identity of the BK or the origin of the computer/biological virus.

Thanks for the kind words! Oh yeah... there's lots of interesting (and incriminating) stuff in the admiral's journals...
And the waterbirds will be back - eventually, they will sing...
I hope you enjoyed Napoleon's back story in 9.7.

Review 9.10 - Dolphin could use a diversion right about now, and she seems rather... diverting.

I don't know if Dolphin and Birlaura actually got it on - I chose not to peek behind that door. But if I were a betting man, I'd bet she managed to... divert him...

Thanks!! rbs

 

[Robert Bruce Scott]

Star Trek Hunter
Episode 9: The Library
Scene 11: A Sample of MLady

9.11
A Sample of Mlady​

“Lieutenant Commander Mlady is the key,” said Ensign Tolon Reeves. “From what we have been able to decipher, Dr. LaDonna Chin, under direction from Dr. Scumuk, made some adjustments to Napoleon Boles’ genome. The admiral went so far as to note he instructed Dr. Chin to tell Boles that he needed standard chromosomal adjustment due to compatibility issues between his bolian and human heritage. The actual adjustment was borrowed from Mlady’s genetic record - which the admiral was one of only 17 people to have access to.” Reeves was in the sanctuary’s communication center.

The communication array at the Sanctuary of the Waterbirds had a tremendous amount of power, which was needed to punch a clear signal through the extremely active magnetosphere of Cophus II. 2nd Lt. T’Lon, Ensign Tolon and 2nd Lt. Moon Sun Salek were in the colony’s communications center, in conversation with Lt. Commander Mlady, Dr. Jazz Sam Sinder and Dr. Chrissiana Trei aboard the U.S.S. Hunter.


“The changes were made on 8p21 and several locations on 14 and a few on 16,” Tolon continued. “Even with the differences between bolian and human physiology, those locations serve very much the same purpose - according to Scumuk. The locations used from Dr. Mlady’s genome were very different. We have the details. Given a sample, we should be able to replicate a genetic treatment that should give infected persons the ability to kill the BCBs0 virus in their system.”

“How large a sample?” asked Mlady.

“Microscopic,” Tolon responded. “Dr. Scumuk synthesized it from the genomic study you included in your dissertation. Which took him a very long time and several failed attempts. We can move much faster working from the…” Tolon paused awkwardly, “…the original, if you will. Of course we need to verify - one point of verification is whether the BCBs0 found in Dr. Boles’ bloodstream is dead or still viable.”

“There is a complication,” Mlady said. It was not a question - it was clear from the expressions on both Dr. Tolon and Dr. Moon.

Dr. Moon spoke up: “What makes BCBs0 so resilient is the computer borne aspect. The biological virus may be dead, but even with it dead, it still contains the computer borne version encoded in its RNA. Dr. Boles could be clear - all the virus in his system dead - unable to infect anyone by contact or breath. He steps through a transporter and the computer will read the code on the RNA of the dead virus, become infected and start replicating living, airborne BCBs0.”

“What are the chances of reinfection?” asked Dr. Jazz.

“Zero, or next to it,” said Dr. Tolon. “Once the body has the key, BCBs0 gets turned off on contact. But the admiral’s notes do not say anything about how to disable the computer borne aspect of BCBs0. Or if they do, we have not found it yet. And we have completed deciphering the most recent notes.”

“What are the chances you will yet come across that information?” Mlady asked.

T’Lon answered. “Lieutenant Tauk considers it extremely unlikely. However he believes there is something far more important in the admiral’s notes. We are about two days away from completing the review he asked for.”

“Why are you telling me this? Why isn’t he on this call?”

“This communication center is located at a very high altitude,” T’Lon replied. “Lieutenant Tauk couldn’t make the climb and even if he could, the atmosphere is very thin up here. He has not been having an easy time with the atmosphere in the sanctuary.”

Dr. Jazz picked up a pad, started making entries. “Lieutenant, I want you to return to the wagon and retrieve one of the emergency breather units. I am sending you a program that will alter the mix it generates to give Tauk a better breathing environment. Make sure he uses the breather - it should make him feel better and help him stand up to the return journey. The sooner he leaves that environment, the better.”

“Is Tauk still working on the admiral’s notes?” Mlady asked.

“He was when I left him,” T’Lon answered.

“Two days,” Mlady said. “Then you are ordered to bring him back. If he gets worse in spite of the breather unit, bring him back immediately - the entire team - we are not risking a second trip through that atmosphere given the telemetry I reviewed. Dr. Tolon, I want you to remain on this channel. Work with Dr. Jazz to design the treatment for the survivors of Paleonus V and the Atul Goel. Dr. Jazz, let me know exactly what you need a sample of and I will provide it. Dr. Moon - I want you to standby to work with Dr. Carrera to disable the computer-borne aspect of the BCBs0 virus. I will have him contact you within the hour.”

9.11 (of 15)​

 

[Robert Bruce Scott]

Star Trek Hunter
Episode 9: The Library
Scene 12: Destim Ski

9.12
Destim Ski​

“So what would I ask a giant bird?” Chief Flight Specialist Dewayne Guth mused to himself. He was seated in a lounge chair near the wagon and one of the waterbirds had come over to inspect the craft. One of the vulcan caretakers had noticed the creature’s interest and joined them. Guth remained seated, watching the enormous animal walking with its feet and what appeared to be its elbows, its wings folded.

The bird started speaking with a deep, fluid voice that sounded almost like a vulcan – if a little too deep and resonant. The giant beak was open slightly but barely moved – the bird was producing this speech somewhere deep in its throat. “Destim Ski has never seen a shuttle this large and was remarking on your flight. He said he thought you were flying a rock at first,” the vulcan caretaker told him.

“The wagon was made to stand up to harsh conditions. What it lacks in grace, it makes up for in structural integrity and power.” Guth smiled as he heard his words translated into the vulcan language for the benefit of a giant bird. It was a rather terrifying creature to be so close to - that beak could easily snap him in half and he had seen these birds carrying fish more than twice his size secured firmly in their talons. Those talons could easily skewer a man. But Guth had watched these birds over the past few days and was surprised at how gentle and affectionate they were with their vulcan caretakers.

“Destim Ski would like to know if there is enough room for him to enter the craft,” the vulcan caretaker said.

“I don’t know your name,” Guth said.

“I am Maa,” she responded.

“Dewayne Guth. There is only one way to find out,” Guth said. He walked around to the back of the wagon and said, “Open.”


The bird named Destim Ski followed him, then stepped carefully out of the way as the aft portal opened, revealing the interior of the craft. Guth stepped on board. Destim was able to squeeze into the rear staging area of the craft, then craned his neck into the space between the brig units so that he could look into the flight operation booth.

Maa managed to crowd into the back of the shuttle and crawl under Destim Ski’s wing. As the bird spoke fluently, she translated. “I cannot imagine flying in a machine - not feeling the wind under my wings.”

“Oh, I can definitely feel the wind - at least when I reduce the inertial dampeners. We really felt it on the way down.”

Destim Ski made an odd clucking sound, then slowly and carefully backed out of the wagon. It took a several minutes for the giant waterbird to free himself from the shuttle. Maa simply laid on the floor of the shuttle where she was until the giant bird had shrugged its body free of the wagon. Guth looked at her quizzically.

“He was laughing, Mr. Guth,” she said.

Destim Ski spoke again and Maa translated. “Perhaps someday someone will bring a craft large enough for me to fly in. I would like that. I would like to see what my world looks like from the outside.”

Guth smiled as he followed Maa out of the wagon. “Actually, I would love to know what it feels like to fly the way you do. It has to be so free - no machines - just to spread your wings and catch the wind. I don’t think there is any way I could ever feel that.”

Maa raised an eyebrow as Destim Ski responded. “Actually, you can to some small extent. Destim Ski is willing to share his memories with you. I can serve as a conduit…”

9.12 (of 15)​

 

[Gibraltar]

Review 9.11 - So, Dr. Boles genetic structure was modified using techniques gathered from the study of Mlady? How deeply was Scumuk entrenched in this operation, and for how long? At least they're on to something that might produce a cure for those infected.

Review 9.12 - What wouldn't you ask a giant bird? Some fantastic inter-species interaction here. This is why so many of our characters got into Starfleet in the first place. A pilot chatting with an enormous sentient avian about flying. Loved this whole scene! And a Vulcan willing to conduct a mind-meld between the two to share experiences is priceless. Usually you only see Vulcans performing melds in extremis, not simply to promote greater understanding between divergent species.

 

[Robert Bruce Scott]

Review 9.11 - So, Dr. Boles genetic structure was modified using techniques gathered from the study of Mlady? How deeply was Scumuk entrenched in this operation, and for how long? At least they're on to something that might produce a cure for those infected..

Right on all counts... More to be revealed about Fleet Admiral Scumuk soon...

Review 9.12 - ...This is why so many of our characters got into Starfleet in the first place. A pilot chatting with an enormous sentient avian about flying. Loved this whole scene! And a Vulcan willing to conduct a mind-meld between the two to share experiences is priceless. Usually you only see Vulcans performing melds in extremis, not simply to promote greater understanding between divergent species.

Thanks for the kind words! Maa is a very young, idealistic vulcan, born on Cophus II and has never been off-world. I wanted to present a future that is full of horrors - but also full of wonders that are worth fighting for.

Thanks!! rbs

 

[Robert Bruce Scott]

Star Trek Hunter
Episode 9: The Library
Scene 13: The Moon/Sun/Kim Upgrades

9.13
The Moon/Sun/Kim Upgrades​

“Dr. Boles’ viral load is now too low to register. We have taken samples from every organ, every tissue, and have run a full genomic screening.” Dr. Phlesc was reporting to Dr. Gyna Vadero and Commissioner Rianila Qotor on the Vyvya. “We can confirm that his genome was significantly altered, and in ways that will become problematic for him over the next few years. We can make the same changes to our infected survivors and their systems should respond by killing the BCBs0 in their systems.”

“But can Dr. Boles be safely transported?” Vadero asked.

“That will be the test,” said Dr. Tali Shae, standing next to Dr. Phlesc on the quarantine unit. “We have made the Moon/Sun/Kim upgrades to the transporter system. If this works properly, the transporter should recognize any programming written into a genetic sequence or other biological material, disable it during transport, and in the specific case of BCBs0, remove it entirely. Dr. Carrera has reported that Dr. Kim, one of our holographic doctors who was infected with the computer-borne aspect of the virus, has now been cleared of the BCBs0 code.”

“That is the part that I don’t understand,” said Rianila Qotor. “I was told the computer-borne aspect of BCBs0 would take months and probably years to crack. I have heard of Dr. Carrera’s reputation, but he was the one who gave us that estimate.”

Tali Shae managed to shrug with both her shoulders and her antennae. “I have never encountered anyone like him. But he wasn’t the one who cracked it. Apparently it was largely Dr. Kim.”

“The hologram? I have never heard of a hologram that could operate at that high a level,” said Dr. Vadero.

“Dr. Moon and Dr. Sun created an artificial environment for her and gave her an enormous amount of processing speed. Apparently it took her 37 years of concerted effort to crack the virus. Which she experienced over the period of about 18 hours,” Tali responded. “From what I am told, she has altered her appearance to appear older and has developed so much personally that additional resources are being added to her environment. She now has an additional specialty in computer engineering and they are planning to increase her response profile to make use of these new abilities.”

“How soon can you test the transporter upgrades - and will that run any risk of infecting the protected areas of the quarantine unit?” asked Commissioner Qotor.

“At the moment, the isolation transport unit is restricted to its own pad system inside the isolation area. We will beam Dr. Boles from one pad to another within the isolation area, then shut down the pads with a physical cutoff and run a diagnostic on the isolation transporter system. Dr. Boles is installing the physical cutoff systems on the isolation pads now,” Dr. Phlesc answered. “We should be ready to test within the hour.”

“Dr. Vadero - any concerns?” asked Qotor.

“I have a great many concerns regarding BCBs0, but not with this phase of testing.” Vadero answered.

“Dr. Shae, Dr. Phlesc - you may test when ready. Thank Dr. Boles for his cooperation with this process.” Commissioner Qotor cut the transmission.

“Maybe she should thank Dr. Boles in person?” Dr. Phlesc mused.

“What do you estimate the chances of that are?” Tali asked.

“I wouldn’t hold my breath,” Phlesc answered.

9.13 (of 15)​

 

[Robert Bruce Scott]

Star Trek Hunter
Episode 9: The Library
Scene 14: Tauk's Notes

9.14
Tauk’s Notes​

The Hunter broke orbit of Cophus II the moment Chief Dewayne Guth brought the wagon into the shuttlebay. Justice Minerva Irons was not yet convinced of the destination Lt. Tauk was recommending, but the Paleonus system lay along that path and the decision to take the Hunter into real danger could be made along the way.

Tauk was so insistent on the importance of this new mission that Irons went to visit him in sickbay, where he was undergoing evaluation following a less than optimal reaction to the shifting atmosphere of Cophus II. It took the young ferengi a few minutes to build up enough breath to launch into a conversation.


"Fleet Admiral Scumuk never referred to Cophus II as 'The Library'." Tauk's voice was weak and he had to stop often to take a drink or use the breather. "There were references to 'The Library' throughout his notes until the last eight months when he changed his cypher. After that, he never mentioned it. He always referred to Cophus II as "the Sanctuary" and he visited every 20 years or so. When he refers to 'The Library' until the last few times it is always as a place he was searching for. But from the last references to it, I think he found it. And I think he found it in the Beta Quadrant - in the Dead Zone."

"He seemed quite insistent that someone needs to go there," Irons said.

"There are a lot of references to the Dead Zone in his last entries before he changed to his final cypher," Tauk said. "And something about gamma radiation and some sort of hulk. After he changed his cypher, it was as if someone else had taken over writing his notes. An entirely different personality - clinical - monomaniacal - focused entirely on creating the Weapon BCBs0 virus - which he referred to exclusively as 'my bolian bug'." Tauk had to stop and use the breather for several minutes. It was clear he had much more to say.

"It can wait, Lieutenant. You need to take some time and recuperate," Irons said.

Dr. Jazz Sam Sinder was hovering, waiting to administer some sort of treatment, but the ferengi shook his head emphatically. "No," he managed to squeak, "no, I don't think it can." The effort was too much for him and he lapsed into a fit of coughing.

"I don't think you have a choice," said Dr. Jazz. "Use a pad. Write it down. You'll probably be able to communicate it more quickly that way. Especially if you have a lot more to say. Your lungs are needed just for breathing for now. No more talking."

Lt. Tauk grasped for a pad, but he was too weak to hold it and it clattered to the floor as his body was overcome with feeble coughing, blood seeping from his mouth. Dr. Jazz administered a light sedative and Tauk's coughing eased, allowing him to sleep fitfully, barely able to breathe.

2nd Lt. T'Lon, who had remained quietly seated nearby, said. "I will pull together all the references to 'the Library,' the 'Dead Zone,' gamma radiation and this 'hulk' from his notes." She turned to Dr. Jazz. "Let him know I'm on it - and that I'm putting the entire team on it. It will set his mind at ease so he can concentrate on recuperation."

Dr. Jazz had a serious expression. He called for Dr. Raj to keep an eye on Tauk and ushered Justice Irons and Lt. T'Lon into the medical office. "I'm not so certain recuperation is possible. His immune system is attacking his lung tissue. We've tried to hold it off, but at the moment he's too weak to survive surgery and I'm not certain if any course of treatment can help him at this point. You might want to be prepared to say your farewells."

"How long do you think he has?" Irons asked.

"Hours. Days maybe. Or he might hold on for another week or two, but I don't see him improving much. There just isn't that much viable lung tissue left," Jazz said.

Irons turned toward T'Lon. "Get back to your team and get started. We will be at Paleonus V soon, where we will relieve our bolian benefactors of both Dr. Tali Shae and Dr. Napoleon Boles. Apparently the computer virus tests were successful in breaking the computer borne aspect of BCBs0 and the bolians are rather anxious to be rid of Dr. Boles." She turned to Dr. Jazz. "Sam, let us know if Lieutenant Tauk takes a turn for the worse."

Dr. Jazz nodded, his bajoran family earring jingling lightly.

9.14 (of 15)​

 

[Robert Bruce Scott]

Not part of the story. Facebook just churned this photo of il Troubadore (in our guise as the 24th Century Klingon Music Project - with friends) from Starbase Indy 2012 back up into my timeline and I thought I'd drop it in here.

In front - Paul Radecki and Leonie LeDuc - members emeritus of il Troubadore (Paul was our 3rd drummer and Leonie our 3rd horn player).

Left to Right - Chancellor Gowron (Robert O'Reilly), cellist Jon Silpayamanant, mandolinist/lead singer Robert Bruce Scott, General Martok (J.G. Hertzler)

Thanks!! rbs

 

[Gibraltar]

Review 9.13 - So, the hologram shifted into machine time and processed a cure far faster than standard humanoids could have. Brilliant!

 

[Gibraltar]

Review 9.14 - So the trip to The Sanctuary has shed light on the possible location of the actual Library. Poor Tauk, barely hanging on while trying to complete one last mission. Here's hoping he'll survive long enough to see this matter resolved.

 

[Robert Bruce Scott]

Review 9.13 - So, the hologram shifted into machine time and processed a cure far faster than standard humanoids could have. Brilliant!

Thanks for the kind words!

Review 9.14 Poor Tauk, barely hanging on while trying to complete one last mission. Here's hoping he'll survive long enough to see this matter resolved...

He is one sick little ferengi... Thanks for the reviews!! rbs

 

[Robert Bruce Scott]

Star Trek Hunter
Episode 9: The Library
Scene 15: Fleet Admiral Scumuk

9.15
Fleet Admiral Scumuk​

Dr. Velesa was present for the great healer's final words. Vulcans did not respond well to quadropseudoprozadiazomine and although the drug had apparently freed the elderly admiral from the mind control that had been established over him, he was succumbing to the secondary effects. For most species these could last up to 30 hours, but for vulcans the effects were often permanent.

Five days of extreme hallucinations and madness had taken their toll on Scumuk, but he quite suddenly had a few moments of clarity.


"Dr. Velesa... That is your name, is it not?"

The denobulan doctor came and sat down beside the admiral, but she did not take his hand. He was still enormously strong and there was the additional risk that he might attempt a mind meld. "Yes, Admiral. I am Dr. Velesa. How are you feeling?”

"I am dying, doctor. I believe that Justice Minerva Irons is in the vicinity?"

"She is on a mission to Cophus II."

"That is good. She is where she needs to be. Minerva Irons is the right person in the right place at the right time. You must relay a message to her for me. It is vitally important - nothing in my life has been more important. Or in hers."

Velesa could see confusion and madness returning to Scumuk's eyes, his expression; she could hear it in his voice. The admiral was making a supreme effort to hold on to whatever scraps of sanity he had left.

"She must go to the Library! It is in my notes - how to find it. The Library is the only gamma radiation where she can... FELIX!! He will not let me say his name! Telix!! Madness - he does not care about life! He does not even care about vulcan life. All he cares for is revenge... A vulcan, obsessed with revenge to revive the hulk. She must revive the hulk! That is our only hope. Planetary shields are not enough. It's the gamma dead zone. The Library only FELIX!! Let me say what I need to say Squevix!!" The admiral grasped his head and howled in anguish - a horrible sound from a vulcan - at once pathetic and terrifying.

He reached over and grasped Velesa's coat. "Minerva! You must revive the hulk! You must go to the Library - it is the only place you can learn how. It's all about gamma radiation. Gamma... gamma...' The elderly admiral's hand fell from Dr. Velessa's coat. He looked up at her again, his eyes unfocused. "You are a remarkably beautiful woman." The light finally receded from the old vulcan's eyes. A moment later his breath stopped.

Dr. Velesa did not call for a revival cart. There was nothing left to revive. The readout had shown her the admiral's brain waves had ceased moments before his breathing.



Dr. Tali Shae looked over at Justice Irons as the recording ended. “Thus ends the greatest medical mind in, well, all of written history… At least in the Alpha Quadrant…”

Justice Minerva Irons shook her head slowly, drew a deep breath. “The more I think about it, Tali… I just realize how much worse this could have been. Whatever was controlling Dr. Scumuk, he was fighting it with everything he had. He could have broadcast that contaminated signal to all of Star Fleet - to the bolian homeworld. He must have deliberately turned that ship away from the Bolarus system. Of all the courageous and amazing things that man did in his career, his struggle against whatever was controlling him…” Irons choked up a little thinking about it.

Tali grimaced. It took her a moment to speak: “Minerva, I think we should show this to the executive staff."

"Tauk should see it," Irons said. "If he regains enough strength."

"Dr. Boles has an idea that might give Lieutenant Tauk a little more time," Tali said. "It's a crazy idea based on a procedure he developed for some rancher's prize cow, but the way he described it, it just might work. I don't think we have anything to lose at this point."

"Let's allow Lieutenant Tauk to make that decision," Irons said.

9 - The Library​

This is the final scene for Episode 9. The adventure continues in Episode 10: The Philosopher.


Episode 10 is the final episode of Book 1 - The Man Who Broke The Federation (one and the same as the Philosopher, Dr. Kenny Dolphin.) Episode 10 allows Dolphin to talk about the books he authored that got him into so much hot water.

 

[Gibraltar]

Review 9.15 - An excellent summation of Admiral Scumuk's heroism in the face of the overwhelming pressures of telepathic manipulation. He clearly gave his last, full measure in an effort to save as many other lives as he could.

 

[Robert Bruce Scott]

Review 9.15 - An excellent summation of Admiral Scumuk's heroism in the face of the overwhelming pressures of telepathic manipulation. He clearly gave his last, full measure in an effort to save as many other lives as he could.

I'm really gratified that came through. Scumuk, as villain, victim and hero.

Thanks for the reviews! rbs

 

[Will The Serious]

Loved this whole scene! And a Vulcan willing to conduct a mind-meld between the two to share experiences is priceless. Usually you only see Vulcans performing melds in extremis, not simply to promote greater understanding between divergent species.

One of the things I love about reading this story is the collection of ideas I get for my own. This one prompted me to consider a Vulcan mind meld with my conscious ship. The consideration that a mind meld may be a primarily biological act, perhaps involving some science at the quantum level; to succeed at a machine level might require an intermediary such as my Bynar crew members. Their positronic implants would make the perfect conduit. I had already consider an episode with one of the Bynars' consciousness trapped in the ship's mind. Maybe as a result of a mind meld interrupted by some cosmic energy wave.

-Will

 

[Robert Bruce Scott]

The consideration that a mind meld may be a primarily biological act, perhaps involving some science at the quantum level; to succeed at a machine level might require an intermediary such as my Bynar crew members.

Unless, like Voyager, the Vulcan has biological components woven into its core processor... Although I really like the Bynar conduit idea. Of course, being Bynar, one is not enough... There are just a million ways you could play that. Thanks!! rbs