Stardate: 70117.0048
Title: Seeking answers
Author: Cory Anderson
Time: After "Déjà vu, Part 2" 
Scene: Various


Ensign Cory Anderson paced back and fourth reviewing the information supplied on the rescued Civilians. News of there arrival had been announced, and spread out ship-wide and whilst there was whispers occurring, and the usual rumors going around - it was something Cory had not cared for. 

The work-load had been a lot more effort, then Cory had initially anticipated, although he was enjoying the challenging role. Working out the Medical Roster had been difficult to begin with, and attempting to please everyone had become impossible, so the Ensign decided to operate on a rotating roster so that everyone was satisfied.

[Ensign Anderson, please report to Holodeck 1.] A voice sounded over the comm.

Cory sighed, switched the PADD of and sat it down on the desk. He recognized the voice as Ensign Adams from the Security Department. This told Anderson that it must have been important. "I'm on my way."


=/\= Holodeck 1 =/\=

Cory Anderson entered the Infirmary, and was quite surprised by the number of people present. Captain Khavok, Commander Winters, Ensign Adams were all present and Lieutenant Jenna arrived minutes after the arrival of the medical officer. As the two officers approached the small group of gathered officers separated. Lying on the floor was the body of Captain Merdlock. 

Cory was stunned, and Lieutenant Jenna was speechless.

Ensign Adams began speaking and explained what was required. Between Cory and Maxine they were to determine the cause of death. It was more a role for the Medical Department, but it had been decided that having Science personnel involved would also be recommended.

Cory nodded and organized for the body to be transported to the infirmary where he could begin running scans. The whole situation was still a shock for those that were aware of the situation, and an answer to what had occurred was required.


=/\= Sometime Later =/\=

Commander Winters entered in her usual professional manner. She began looking at the Console display whilst Ensign Anderson was reviewing some notes he had taken on Captain Merdlock.

"Anything to report Doctor?"

Cory looked up and digested the question he had just been asked. "My diagnostics are completed, Commander." Still holding the PADD firmly, he gestured with his hand for the XO to enter the CMO's office.

Abigail Winters entered. Cory proceeded around the desk and sat down.

"From the tests I have conducted, it seems that Captain Merdlock was poisoned." He began.

"Poisoned," The XO queried.

"I found quite a substantial amount of what I believe to be Anthrax in his system. I cannot be quite sure yet, and I have asked Lieutenant Jenna to run some further scans to determine and confirm my initial finding."

"Anthrax," the XO repeated, "and you believe he was poisoned from this?"

Cory nodded and sat the PADD down. "Anthrax can enter the human body through the intestines via indigestion, through the lungs via inhalation, or via the skin cutaneous. Usually, respiratory infection initially presents with cold or flu-like symptoms for several days, followed by severe respiratory collapse. In the instance of Captain Merdlock, his dosage was so high that it proved fatal.

Until I hear back from the Science Lab then I cannot give you a definite amount that was ingested but in my medical opinion I would guess 10,000 - 20,000 spores.

Abigail nodded, "He just lost quite a lot. He lost his Ship and Cargo. Suicide is probably the most logical answer." 

"If we had of known or if he sought assistance then we possibly could have saved him however, we would have needed to act quickly. He would have needed a large dose of intravenous and oral antibiotics, such as penicillin, and vancomycin - then this is depending on how the Anthrax got into his system. For inhalation, antibiotics treatment would not have been very effective unless initiated within a day of exposure, but then with the amount that we found - chances of survival were minimal.

Abigail nodded again. "Thank you Doctor. I will have to go and inform Captain Khavok. Keep me updated." 

Cory Anderson nodded, and with that the XO turned on her heel in search for the Captain.


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Ensign Cory Anderson
Medical Officer
USS Relentless
NCC-11966
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