Medical Precautions

As the crew was preparing for the jump to Transwarp 3, Doctors 011 and 110 were working to prepare for any medical abnormalities that could result from travel beyond the rate previously thought of as the "warp speed limit" or "threshold". They consulted the reports from the Horizon's previous transwarp 3 flight. It had been much briefer; a few minutes to catch up with the other ships in Operation Horizon. Now they would be traveling for an extended period of almost a full day. The reports indicated some minor queasiness from several officers, due to chronometric stress, but nothing major. The Bynar doctors noted that they would have to recommend to the Captain that the crew of the USS Horizon could have the option of being administered a preventative dose of anetrizine to slightly numb the cranial nerves so that they would not be so acutely aware of the minor time distortions.

However, what really had their attention while they worked on the routine preparations was the readings given to them by Snowfire K'Leysha, that would allow them to understand the telekinetic ability she displayed. It was the first species they knew of with the ability and to further understand the medical science behind it could lead them to write a paper on the subject and to perhaps even be granted the honor of winning a Carrington Award.

They spoke, in their own high pitched and extremely fast language, at length about the subject, while the other medical staff in the sick bay were performing their duties.

"It does not seem to be utilizing the same psionic frequency as previous studies of telepathic abilities," said 110.

"Agreed," replied 011. "Perhaps that is a good thing. The resonance frequency required to lift an object could perhaps kill someone if used to read a mind."

"Good point. A natural evolution of the ability would mean that the Ilythiiri species would not even attempt to 'move' a brain, as it were. And the higher frequency points to a higher brain function than simple telepathy."

011 nodded, her head slightly brushing 110's as she did. Even though they spoke to each other, they still retained close contact as part of the speech was telepathic with the assistance of their computer chips. "She did seem to indicate that her species was more adept at, and more commonly able to use, telepathy, or 'mindspeak', as she called it."

"Yes," replied 110. "And her telekinetic ability, or 'fetching', was limited and it appeared that a smaller fraction of her species posses it."

"It would be interesting to see if a Betazoid or Aenar with advanced telepathic aptitude would be able to be trained to adjust the frequency to the point of moving objects instead."

"Perhaps an experiment could be started with volunteers from the crew. We will have to speak to the Commander about this."

"Agreed," said 011. "Perhaps even two of our counselors on our staff... Chief Counselor Lyrya and the Betazoid, Marleenea Sirris, would be interested in volunteering. Among others from the ship, hopefully."

"Yes, we will bring it up after the test is underway, or at the next staff meeting."

As they returned to the task at hand for preparations for transwarp 3, the most subtle of a hint of a smile could be seen on both their faces.