Jaso watched as Ensign Solari left his office in good spirits. “That went better than I expected,” Smiling, he uploaded the test results to his secured PADD and walked out of the office. Walking down the hall, he came to Dr. Montgomery’s office. Ensign Parker started to rise from her seat, and Jaso raised his hand to stop her. “That’s all right, ensign, I know the way.”

Parker didn’t sit but instead tapped the console on her desk, “Deputy Director, Lieutenant Erdian is here to see you.” The door clicked, and the voice on the other end told her to send him in.

Cassidy Montgomery glanced up from her desk as Jaso walked in, “Ensign Parker is particular because she wasn’t particular once.” She tapped on the console, and his report flickered onto one of the holo displays, “As for the reason you’re here…,” The deputy director’s eyes searched the screen, “This looks…beyond promising.”

“Indeed, it is Dr. Montgomery. Firstly, I’d like to thank you for your annotations and analyses. They were helpful in the solving of this problem. I isolated the nanites to the area mentioned here and here,” He pointed to the bio screen in turn. “They seem to revert to previous locations once the transporter biofilter had passed over it. It was a matter of having them cyclically rotate at random frequencies. It’s not unlike a game of hide and seek; when the hider returns to a spot it believes the seeker would not look again.” 

Cass teased out the lines of the report as he talked until she got to a certain point of the sensor reports, “You’re leaving something out, Lieutenant.” She focused the screen on the biometric readings that had been dumped into the data portion of the transporter report, “There’s a difference from when Ensign Solari entered the transporter to when he came back. And it’s not the nanites.” Another tap, “His heart rate and other stress-related readings were significantly elevated on his return.” Montgomery turned, “That is beyond a curiosity. That’s downright…weird.”

“We did have a bit of,” Jaso cleared his throat, “conflict shortly after his arrival. It could be credited to him internalizing it. We ended up being amicable towards one another.” He looked at the readings Cassidy was mentioning, “I do see what you mean; that is curious. It’s hard to make a clear guess; he appeared fine before and after the transport. Perhaps it could be credited to nervousness? He did appear anxious at every one of our sessions.” He paused, “And rightly so, he was being asked to continually return to the very thing that caused the ailment.” Jaso frowned, “I can’t think of anything beyond that.”

Montgomery remained focused on the sensor reports. “Your background is in engineering, Lieutenant Erdian. Not much is nobler than understanding the complexities of starship and station engineering. I’ve known my share of engineers. Your understanding of how it all works rivals that of a physician.” She worked the holo screen a little more, “I’m a doctor, not an engineer. Where you look for power couplings that have worn out or EPS conduits carrying too much power load…I look at the hearts and minds of my patients for clues to my questions.” She broke her stare on the screen, “I’ll pull Solari in for a consult. Could be nothing…could be something.” The General Medicine Deputy Director saved the data and closed the screen, “It’s impressive work. You’ve found the answer to the night terrors of an entire generation of Starfleet officers here on Bravo, Jaso.” She used his given name without his rank intentionally.

“My intention wasn’t to imply my knowledge of human physiology was superior but to offer an assessment. It was more of a layman’s assessment. I grant it was inferior to a medical professional because, as you say, I am an engineer.” He paused, “On a personal note, I do hope it turns out to be nothing. Ensign Solari is a fine officer and an affable person. If it does turn out to be something, I know under your care, he will overcome it.” He looked at the bio screen thoughtfully, “I appreciate your words, Doctor. It’s not every day someone makes such an impactful difference. I’m honored that I was able to take part in this mission.”

Cass chuckled, “There’s no inferior assessment here, Lieutenant. You could easily pass for a Vulcan with that kinda thinking.” She glanced up, “Not that there’s anything wrong with that – Vulcans are, at times, the envy of many species for their unique and powerful control over their emotions.” She sent the results and the reports of the test up the chain of their project, “Translation – take the compliment you were given. You may not be a medical doctor, but you’ve got an incredible talent for analysis and interpretation. That’s something. I’m fairly confident that Bravo is in capable and knowledgeable hands with you and your team.”

“Thank you, doctor. I take such a compliment in high regard.”

She gave him a nod, “You keep the station together, and I’ll keep the people together. Thank you for your efforts, Lieutenant Erdian.”

“You are most welcome. Since my work is done, I’ll collect my things from the office. It’s been a pleasure working with you.” He nodded and left Montgomery’s office.

She watched him leave and sank in her chair. They had an answer. They had a path.

They had a chance at beating this thing.