=The Elizabeth Dehner Institute of Psychiatric Studies=
=Wilmington, Delaware, Earth=
It had been almost a month since Trent returned to Earth after capturing Hoack.
The doctors studying Rick's case said they needed to spend some time analyzing
the data Trent had forced out of Hoack. They were called here to go over the
findings of their research.
Trent and his wife Sarah sat on a couch, while Trent and Rick's mother, Dr. Elaine
Beckett sat in a chair off to Trent's right. Dr. Rork Montalban sat across from them
in a chair of his own.
In an adjoining room, off to Trent and Sarah's left, seen through an open door, Rick
sat on the floor, playing with a large, plush ball that was programmed to return to
him whenever it rolled away from him.
"We have come to the conclusion that the information obtained by Captain Rodgers
is accurate," Montalban said. "And with this information, we may be able to provide
Rick with a more aggressive treatment. He could return close to his previous mental
state within the next couple of weeks."
"That's excellent news," Elaine said.
"What's the risk?" Trent asked, always the skeptic.
"Somewhere within Rick's mind is everything he had ever learned in his life. As a
defense against this device used against him, his mind engaged some sort of defense
mechanism in order to protect his knowledge and memories. The device could not
wipe his mind clean. It was not designed to do this. Instead, it made all of the
subject's knowledge and memories unobtainable. As you see …" Montalban nodded to
the open door where Rick was playing. "…that is the result."
Montalban leaned forward, "The past two hundred years, we've made incredible
advances in our understanding of the human brain. Unfortunately, even with these
advances, we have barely scratched the surface. With our current technology, there
is no way we can access Rick's knowledge."
"But you have plan," Elaine said.
Montalban nodded, "We have called in a Dr. Jovak from the Vulcan Science Academy.
He is an expert in this field and a former physician to President Spock. What he
suggests, and we agree, is a mind meld in order to reach deep into Rick's mind and try
to extract his memories. But, as Captain Rodgers touched on, there are great risks. It's
possible that, not only would Dr. Jovak fail to extract his memories, he could also block
any chance of Rick obtaining any further knowledge. In short, he would be in his
current condition for the rest of his life."
There was a long silence as everyone tried to digest what they had been told.
"Do it," Trent broke the silence.
Everyone looked at him.
"I know Ricky would want to take the chance," Trent continued. "He's a Starfleet officer.
He's taken numerous risks before on the Chimera. That's what he does. I know he
wouldn't want to be like this. He wouldn't want to be in this condition."
Elaine shook her head.
"But if Dr. Jovak fails, then his current condition would be permanent," Elaine argued. "At
least now, he can learn. He can once again be a productive member of society …
someday."
"What? A quarter of a century from now?" Trent said, looking at his mother. "No. Rick
wouldn't want that. Besides, he has memories. Memories that he cherishes more than any
knowledge or anything else that, as you say, would help him become a more productive
member of society. I say go ahead with the treatment. Have this Dr. Jovak do what he
need to in order to help Ricky."
"That's all well and good, Captain Rodgers, but it is not your decision to make," Montalban
stated, resulting in a grin from Elaine. "Nor is it your decision to make, Dr. Beckett."
Elaine's grin vanished.
"It's Mai's," Sarah said softly.
Montalban nodded, "Rick's wife is the only one with the authority to make this decision.
She has final say. I'll have to call her later and …"
"I'll tell her," Sarah said. "She's expecting a call from me anyhow. I'll pass along your
research to her so she can properly be informed of the situation. I'm sure she'll contact you
with whatever decision she makes."
"Very well. I'll be expecting her call," Montalban said.
Doctor Roak Montalban (npc by Rick)
Head of Neurology and Psychiatry
Dehner Institute of Psychiatric Studies
and
Captain Trent Rodgers (npc by Rick)
Commandering Officer
U.S.S. Lancelot
And other npcs by Rick
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