Arrival of the nine

Posted on 14 Nov 2025 @ 3:42pm by Ensign Ryan Collingway & Lieutenant Commander Riah Amberlyn XMD

828 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: The Displaced
Location: Deck 6, temporary Infirmary
Timeline: Morning

----Deck Six----

As Lelina worked to scan the new alien ship, Ryan was busy helping to create a new isolation chamber on deck six. They beamed bio-beds, scanning stations, tools, and various other machinery in order to create a triage environment. It was his job to make sure everything was connected and working before their new 'guests' arrived.

Doctor Amberlyn entered the isolation chamber with her medical scanner ready to test the environment against the alien environmental model on the scanner memory. "Looks good, Ensign. Any issues?" she asked Collingway.

"No, Ma'am. We're running a bit short on time, but everything should be good to go," Ryan said.

"We're going to need to feed these people. Where is the nearest replicator?" asked Riah.

Ryan pointed to one that had been recently set up. "Right there."

"We don't have any idea what that diet may involve. I asked for allowance for a little higher oxygen content in the air. I also want to be able to control the barometric pressure. We can start with it at our normal and increase or decrease as we learn more about their needs," Amberlyn counted off on her fingers.

"Okay," Ryan said, making a note on his padd.

"And pathogen identification equipment is in place, I see, and there is a controlled access. We'll need to sterilize this entire space before we bring them into it. I don't want to infect them with something common in our own atmosphere. All who enter must wear protective gear to prevent cross contamination and go through decon before entering and upon leaving the space. I guess I'm thinking aloud here," she chuffed a laugh. "This was all in the ship's protocols for bringing at-risk alien life aboard."

Ryan wasn't surprised. "We have a remote decon chamber for that purpose. The cargo bay has been otherwise sealed off. Security will be stationed to make sure no one enters or leaves without following the procedures."

"Thank you for your help, Ensign Collingway," Riah said sincerely.

Ryan blinked and looked up from his note-taking, as though surprised. "You're welcome, Ma'am. We'll be ready for the new arrivals."

// Two Hours Pass :: Deck Six //

The aliens' initial arrival on the ship brought them into makeshift isolation where Dr Amberlyn and Dr Kim did incoming medical scans to triage those with faltering vital signs. Once the three in danger were stabilized by the xeno-medical staff's best judgment, the entire group was moved to the long-term isolation location which engineering and science had prepared.

The three with more serious medical issues were assigned bio-beds which were now programmed to scan and alert the medical staff of any changes outside a range of vital signs that corresponded to those individuals who were in relatively healthy condition. The others were also assigned beds and there was an area set up within the isolation area with tables and chairs for meals and conversation for those not confined to bed. Private sonic showers and toilets were also available.

Dr Amberlyn had sent a detailed report to the Captain while she and Dr Kim were actually doing the original examination, augmented by the computer scans and compilations of information about the species. While direct communications were challenging, as the Universal translators analyzed the language, Riah was able to establish some medical parameters. Their blood was a copper-based hemoglobin which seemed to prefer a higher density air pressure and slightly higher oxygen content than standard human breathable atmosphere. Interestingly, neurological and cognitive activity appeared to create a soft internal glow visible beneath the skin. Vision and hearing capabilities were very similar to humans, with a slightly higher and lower range of both sound and light.

The aliens were cooperative in spite of the lack of easy communication and seemed very grateful for the help offered by Arawyn and her crew. Gratitude seemed to be expressed by closing the eyes, perhaps an attitude of vulnerability and trust, and a bob of the head cocked slightly to the right. Smiles also seemed to express approval and friendliness.

Riah spoke to them just as she would any of her patients, as she wanted to allow for their possible ability in deciphering the human language cognitively. "I'm going to arrange a meeting with the Captain of the ship in a little while. I want to provide you with food and more water as well. Our universal translator is trying to deconstruct your language so we can communicate." They also answered back in their language on occasion, sometimes seeming to understand quite well, and others clearly missing the mark. However, as Riah was preparing to leave one of the woman reached gently for her arm. "Thank you," she said quite clearly if experimentally. They were quick learners.

The aliens also watched the doctor in gratitude, but with a definitely sense of worry at what had happened to them.

Lieutenant Commander Riah Amberlyn
Chief Medical Officer
USS Amberlyn

Ensign Ryan Collingway
Engineering Officer
USS Amberlyn

 

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