August 2007 - Post Selection (2)

ON : The EMH's Scheme

Day: 10 - Time: 19.10
Scene : DM Sickbay

It was now more than ten minutes that the doc was bent over his microscope, analysing Trok's vial in complete silence. June forced a heavy sigh out, hoping that Hereward (npc) would get the message, but he didn't even raise his head from his work.

"Some of us have plans for this shore-leave," she declared, her frustration fuelled by the fact with her being late, Erz (npc) could have called her, but he had not... "How long does it take an incredibly knowledgeable holo-doc to tell whether a drug is dangerous or not?"

This time the EMH stood up, and turned to address the Ferengi. "Where did you say you obtained this substance, Mister Trok?"

"How many times do I have to say it, I didn't 'obtain' it, it was given to me, right into my palm. Dellaert wanted me to inject Ms Craig with it. But, because I am an honest gentleman, I chose to remain on the right side of the law."

"Please Trok, one more line like this and I think I'm going to be sick!" June continued. "We are all wasting our time, doc. Trok is obviously trying his best to ruin my shore leave. You don't have to play his game."

"I prefer to be referred to as 'doctor', Ms Craig," he replied with pride. "As for this substance..." He peered into the now half empty purple vial, "it contains very interesting elements, notably neuro- transmitters that would render most sentient beings, blissfully unaware of their surroundings. I have never encountered anything quite like this before."

"You are not serious..." June added, still reluctant to believe that Trok was telling the truth.

"I don't think I have ever been 'not serious', Ms Craig. The mere fact this Dellaert was in possession of such a substance makes him a dangerous man. I am concerned by not only what he could have done to you, but also what he could do to other people on the starbase. We should alert its security."

"Not so fast!" Trok intervened, blocking the EMH's way towards his com console. "If we want to catch Dellaert and his accomplices, we'll have to pretend that we don't know anything. Send Craig to the base as instructed and then rely on the intervention of security."

"Craig is not a dummy who can be treated like a dispensable unit," June warned him. "I'm not doing anything that could put me in contact with Dellaert! Call security now, doctor, so that we can all wash our hands on what happens next."

"What about the drug?!" Trok shrieked. "Can we take the risk that other people could use it, with or without their consent?"

"Hmm... Mister Trok has a point," the EMH agreed, deep in thoughts. "We need to catch Dellaert, his accomplice, and his drug supply."

"Which is exactly what security will do," June insisted.

"Except that without your participation, Ms Craig," Trok pointed out, "they will have no clue where to start. In addition, your absence from section 33e is sure to make him suspicious."

"I can't believe this!" June snapped back. "Next, he will convince you to inject me with that drug! I'm out of here!"

"There is another way out of this," Hereward announced before she could reach the doors. "A solution that would not require to put you into any form of danger, Ms Craig. Let me show it to you... although it will take a few minutes..."

June stood were she was, wary that the doc might have something unpleasant in mind for her. Holo-programs have numerous safeguards, but they can also be devious when they think that they are right and their patients aren't. Fortunately, at the moment he seems to be content to just consult one of his consoles.

"What do you make of that?" The EMH finally asked, facing them.

June looked at him, agape. It was like staring into a mirror whose only aim was to highlight every default that a person might have. The EMH had adopted her own appearance.

"This is impressive," June admitted, her voice affected by her surprise. "But I don't look like that." Her skin was a tad too pale and she could swear she was a bit slimmer too.

"What do you mean?!" Trok exclaimed, as he turned around the EMH to examine his new self. "He looks exactly like you. Same height, clothing, make-up, voice and hairstyle. Two Craigs in the same room, it's enough to give anyone serious health problems!"

Hereward/Craig nodded with satisfaction. "I used your medical profile to help me with this rendition, Ms Craig. Trust me, this is a perfect match."

"I love it when you smile, Ms Craig," Trok said to the EMH.

The holo-doctor indulged in a large smile that June found creepy.

"So what's the plan?" She asked severely. "You will go to sector 33e, pretending to be under the influence of the drug, and wait until security can rescue you?"

"That's it." He agreed. "Besides, thanks to my holo-emitter, I will be able to beam out, should the situation become a bit too hot for my photons. How is that smile?" He asked them, making an attempt at looking blissfully happy. "That's the only thing I need to conjure up without a model to rely on."

"Very funny," June protested. "I'm calling Lt Berg (npc) to explain the situation to him. You carry on with your training, _June_."

Hands on 'his' waist, the doc was still smiling in a euphoric way. "I must say that this body is excellent," he added as if he was speaking to himself. "Slender, more agile. The voice too, has an edge to it..."

"Knock it off", doc, June told him before she tapped her commbadge.

OFF:

June Craig
Lounge Manager
USS Dark Matter