Odin’s Palace fell silent for the first time in hours. Everyone’s attention was called to the dance floor for some mid-party entertainment. It started subtly: One rhythmic thread, joined by another, and another until there was a brilliant symphony of lights all moving in time. But in time with what? Selara pondered. She looked around and saw equally enthralled party guests.

“Oh, there’s mine!” Someone at her table quietly exclaimed, pointing to a thread of green light.

Selara studied the patterns and found her own: a red light weaving through a blue light, making a beautiful purple. And then a yellow, with an explosion of orange. As Selara watched it, she became conscious of her own breathing and heartbeat. “It’s matching everyone’s biometrics, fascinating,” She said with wonder.

Studying the light show, Selara noticed some discordant beats. The beats were subtle enough to be mistaken for parts of the show, but she scanned the crowd. It took a minute, but a few of the guests at other tables were making mild convulsing motions. Selara discretely moved away from her table and weaved through the tables, eyes locked on the tables.

Along her path, Selara tapped the shoulder of someone in a teal-colored uniform. “I need your help,” she absently said, continuing without waiting for a response.

Tanna fell into step behind the Doctor, who had a look of growing concern on her face. Whatever this was, it was important. “What’s going on, Doctor?” Tanna asked as she hurried to keep up, “does it have something to do with the AI music?”

Selara turned to see Tanna next to her, “Ah, hello Lieutenant.” She smiled, “And congratulations.” Selara frowned in thought, “I believe so, but I hope I’m wrong. There seems to be a feedback loop using the biometrics from the program to affect people’s health.”

“Thank you,” Tanna said quickly, taking a look around. “So, the music that was being influenced by people’s biometrics, is now starting to affect those same biometrics?”

“Precisely,” Selara said. “Let’s start with these two.” She pointed to the guests they were heading to. “Keep a watch on those two,” Selara pointed to guests at another table.

Tanna followed her gaze to a table where a couple were sitting. At first, she didn’t notice anything wrong, but as she watched, she noticed them convulse slightly, in time to the music. The ribbons of light twisted and pulsed, and the convulsions followed. “That is weird.” Tanna said with a frown, “We should get closer and see if we can get a handle on it.”

The two women arrived at the table. “Since I don’t have a tricorder, we’ll have to do this the old-fashioned way,” Selara started checking the pulse of one of the gyrating guests. It could almost be mistaken for swaying to the music. “Have you ever seen anything like this before?”

“No, but I’ve never experienced any AI music like this. We didn’t have anything this fancy on the Cromwell.” Tanna said, taking a position next to the other person and grabbing their wrist. She felt the faint pulse of a heartbeat, but it was not beating in the regular rhythm. It felt as she continued to monitor, that it was most definitely beating in time with the music. “I think you’re right Doctor.” Tanna said, “But what should we do about it? Is there a way to cut the power to the music? I’m no engineer, but if I can get to the panel, I should be able to shut it down.”

Kneeling down to the other guest, Selara felt their pulse. Its irregularity confirmed her suspicion. The pulse reminded her of something… atrial fibrillation, she remembered. Selara only read about it in medical texts. It was largely made irrelevant in the Federation due to things like artificial hearts.

Selara shook her head, “I don’t think that would be wise. If the AI program is controlling the guests, shutting it down will cause them to arrest. We have to prevent startling the other guests, lest we have an outbreak of this condition.” She placed her hand over the guest’s eyes and checked the pulse. No change in pulse and behavior. “It’s not visual based, because of course not,” Selara sighed. She had to think fast, “I have an idea.” She looked at Tanna, “Go to the replicator and grab two hyposprays of Merfadon and Metrazene.” She wasn’t sure if medications could be replicated in common areas, but it was worth a try. “If you need to, use my authorization.”

“On it,” Tanna said and wheeled around quickly. She headed for the replicators on the wall opposite, ducking and weaving her way through the mass of moving and gyrating bodies in the middle of the room. “Computer, I need a Merfadon and Metrazene hypospray. Two of each. Authorization Doctor Selara.” she said to the replicators.

Affirmative. said the computer and four injectors materialized inside the small window. Tanna grabbed them and started back towards the table where the Doctor was standing. “Here you are, Doctor.” she puffed as she reached the table, holding out the hyposprays to Selara.

“Excellent,” Selara took the hyposprays and laid them out on the table. She injected one hypospray into the neck of a guest, followed by the other. The officer stiffened and slumped in his chair. Selara slapped the com badge on his uniform, “Selara to Sickbay.”

This is Rajia, go ahead doctor.

“I’m sending you patients, four in total. They experienced a biological response to an AI program at Odin’s Palace. I’m giving them Metrazene and inducing unconsciousness with Merfadon. They’ll need neurological and cardiac workups. After the fourth is sent, I’ll be on my way for a full report. Initiate site-to-site transport to sickbay. Lieutenant Irovin will call when the second patient is ready.”

Understood, sickbay out.

The connection was closed and the officer disappeared in a swirl of transporter light. Selara looked at the light show and watched the officer’s light make one more swirl and disappear. Selara nodded in approval. She turned to Tanna, “I’m going to go to the other table,” Selara adjusted the hyposprays and gave them to Tanna, “Give her the Metrazene first,” Selara motioned to the other guest, “Count to three, and then the Merfadon. When she starts to slump, call sickbay. Got it?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Tanna replied. “Metrazene, then Merfadon.”.

Selara nodded, “Good, join me when you’re done.” She grabbed the other two hyposprays and disappeared into the crowd, bound for the second table.

Tanna moved to the woman at the table. She pressed the first hypospray injector to the woman’s neck and pressed the button. A small hiss came from the device, and Tanna began her count. 1…..2……3…… Then she placed the second injector and repeated the process. As she pitched forward, Tanna caught her and brought her to the floor. She tapped her comm badge. “Lieutenant Irovin to sickbay, one to transport.”

Affirmative, Irovin. Sickbay out. Came the voice from the comm badge, and an instant later, the woman disappeared in a swirl of light and sound. Tanna picked up the sprays and headed to Doctor Selara.

“All finished, Doctor,” Tanna said to Selara as she approached. “Are there any more?”

“Just about finished up with the third,” Selara replied. The crewmember disappeared in a transporter swirl. “All right, one more to go.”

The fourth partygoer was injected and transported to sickbay. “That’s all of them for now,” Selara sighed, “I’m going to sickbay to see what’s going on. Keep an eye on the party, since you know what to look for. Report any patients back to me. There shouldn’t be any more, but this night has been full of surprises,” she chuckled wryly.

“You’re telling me Commander.” Tanna said with a sigh. “I’ll be on the lookout.” As she turned away from the doctor, she headed for the bar. She ordered a drink, sat down and turned her stool to face the crowd. She watched as she drank, looking for any more symptoms but none emerged. The rest of the party passed without incident, mostly, and Tanna was soon headed back to her quarters. She changed out of her uniform and flopped down on to her bunk, ready for whatever adventure was next.