Spock's daughter

II 18

[In the Doctor's office]

Later, the doctor consulted with the resident expert on all things Vulcan.

"I'm concerned about Ensign Vorik's cortical readings. One returns to normal levels, then another one spikes. It's chaotic. As if the brain's regulatory system had simply shut down. I can't tell if he's making any progress with these meditations. I thought maybe you could suggest other possible treatments."

"I cannot", Tuvok said.

"Is that because you don't know, or because you don't want to discuss it? " the doctor asked.

"For both of those reasons there is little help that I can offer. It is inappropriate for me to involve myself in Ensign Vorik's personal situation."

"For such an intellectually enlightened race, Vulcans have a remarkably Victorian attitude about sex."

"That is a very human judgement, Doctor."

"Then here's a Vulcan one. I fail to see the logic in perpetuating ignorance about a basic biological function."

"There is nothing logical about the Pon farr. It is a time when instinct and emotion dominate over reason. It cannot be analysed by the rational mind, nor cured by conventional medicine. Anyone who has experienced it understands that it must simply be followed to its natural resolution."

"Which is what, exactly?"

"There are three options that I am aware of. Taking a mate, which Ensign Vorik has already attempted. The ritual combat which does not apply to his situation."

"Combat?"

"An ancient tradition of fighting for one's mate which as I have said, is not relevant here. The third alternative is the intensive meditation he has chosen to try."

"Isn't there anything we can do to help him with that?"

"I believe that any interference would be unwelcome and counterproductive. You must allow him to face this challenge privately. If he possesses enough discipline to reach a point of psychological resolution, then his chemical imbalance should correct itself."

"The Vulcan brain never ceases to amaze me. Thank you, Lieutenant. You've been a great help."

Tuvok turned to walk out but the doctor spoke up again.

"Tuvok?"

The Vulcan turned around.

"Yes doctor?"

"Lil showed the neurochemical imbalance too. It happened a few hours BEFORE Ensign Vorik intended to mate with her and touched her."

"What did you just say?"

Tuvok was shocked when he heard that.

"That's strange. And it really happened BEFORE?"

The doctor nodded. Tuvok thought for a moment.

"Doctor?"

"Yes?"

"I think I already know from which species the other half of her DNA is from", Tuvok said.

The doctor's eyes widened when he put the puzzle pieces together.

"No way..."

[In the Transporter room]

Lil was a little hyperactive when she and B'elanna walked into the transporter room.

"Ah, you two are awfully prompt."

"Impressed?" Tom asked.

"Oh, it'll take a little more work than that to impress me, Lieutenant." (B'elanna)

"Yes, ma'am." (Tom)

"All right. Let us show you our target area", Lil said.

"Shouldn't we wait for Ensign Vorik?" Neelix asked.

Lil and B'elanna both tensed visibly and the others noticed that Lil stayed tensed and was sweating. B'elanna noticed too and turned the others' attention away from the girl.

"He's not coming", she said turning to the computer, "this seems to be the most accessible vein of gallicite. We'll beam to the surface, then go down through this passageway until it dead ends in this chamber. Then we'll descend almost fifty metres, almost straight down. Do you see any problem with that, Tom?"

"Well, as long as we go slow and easy, we'll be fine."

"Good. You're all set, Neelix?" B'elanna asked.

"I've got a laser drill, sample cases, geo-spectral analysis kit..." Neelix answered.

"In other words, you're ready. Let's go", Lil interrupted.