Star Jumper

Episode 12 - Naked Now

Stardate: 41209.2

Earth Standard Date: March 17, 2364.

Location: USS Enterprise-D

The steady thrum of the Enterprise's engines reverberated through the deck plates, an ever-present backdrop to life aboard the starship. In the lounge of 13-Forward, Tyson sat at a table, his fingers dancing across the surface of a PADD as he studied starship upgrade options. Though he could have simply accessed the information through his HUD, however, the PADD provided a convenient prop as he worked in the public space.

13-Forward bore an uncanny resemblance to the more famous 10-Forward, though it was located several decks below on the saucer section. Tyson had initially assumed he was in the famous lounge when Q first dumped him back into the Star Trek universe, before realizing his mistake. The two lounges were nearly identical in layout and decor.

A low murmur of conversation and the occasional clink of glasses filled the air as off-duty crew members relaxed in the lounge. Tyson kept his eyes down as he continued his research.

A projection of Vicky materialized in the seat next to Tyson. She wasn't physically there, it was Ivy, a virtual intelligence copy of Vicky's program that was part of his Gray Goo Suit. She interfaced with his HUD to produce a visual replica only he could see.

"Ship Rating seems to be the most important dictator of a ship's power," Tyson said. They had been discussing how ships interacted with his system. He tapped the PADD, bringing up a comparison chart. "And its Rating at baseline is based on the ship's size. So the Sith Interceptor is a small fighter with a Rating of I, while the Star Forge was massive and Rated V. According to these numbers, the Enterprise-D should be a Rating III vessel. But I can't be certain without having control of the ship and importing it into the system."

Ivy's holographic form leaned in. It looked like she was scanning the data, though as a VI, she could assimilate any information that he saw, through her interface within his HUD. "And you can upgrade a Vessel's rating," she added.

Tyson nodded in agreement. "200 Ship Points to increase a Vessel's rating one Rank up to V after that, the cost doubles."

"So with 400 Ship Points, your Sith Interceptor could match the Enterprise-D?" Vicky asked, her eyebrow raised in a perfect imitation of human curiosity. "That seems pretty cheap."

Tyson shook his head. "No. It's not so simple. Sure that would make them the same ranks and upgrade its current systems to the same Rank as the Enterprise's. But the Sith Interceptor still has no shields and no FTL engine. The Enterprise has torpedoes and transporters and hosts of other systems that the Interceptor lacks. If I tried to bring it up to being a match for the Enterprise, I'd end up blowing all my Ship Points."

Ivy processed this information in a millisecond, then stated, "So it's better to start with a better ship to build from."

"Absolutely," Tyson agreed, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for inspiration among the stars streaking past the viewports.

"So where are you going to get a better ship from?" Ivy pressed, her tone carrying a hint of challenge.

Tyson's lips quirked into a mischievous grin. "I could always ask your main self to give me one as your apprentice. An Interdictor-class Cruiser wouldn't be a bad base to build from."

Ivy's laughter filled the air, a surprisingly human sound from her holographic form. "A warship for my apprentice, sure thing!"

Tyson chuckled, then leaned forward, his expression growing serious. "The alt-form size reduction for 200 SP is a given," he mused, his fingers tracing patterns on the table's surface. "It'd allow the ship to keep its functionality, but be reduced to the size of a fighter."

"Why a fighter?" Ivy asked, her head tilted in curiosity.

"Because I can open portals only up to 80 square meters. That way I could move it between realities as needed. Otherwise, I'd have to spend the Reality Points to increase the size of my portals, which would run me 200 Reality Points."

Ivy ran the calculations. "200 Reality Points to open a portal large enough for an Interdictor or the Enterprise, versus 200 Ship Points per ship to shrink them."

Tyson tilted his head back and forth, weighing the options. "Eh, it could go either way. I'm not sure how often I'll be able to find derelict ships to Decommission, versus how quickly I can earn Reality Points from completing episodes. But I'm leaning toward you being right, Reality Points should be easier to come across as time goes on. And for a ship the size of a capital ship, I'd need to invest in creating portals not on flat surfaces and be able to create them far enough out that the ship could fly through. Those upgrades would run me another 300 Reality Points. So it's closer to 500 Reality Points, which is more than I have, versus 200 Ship Points per ship."

Tyson leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming a restless rhythm on the smooth surface of the table. The PADD before him glowed with a wealth of information, ship schematics, and technical specifications scrolling across its screen.

"So, is there much difference in the ships between Star Wars and Star Trek universes?" Ivy asked.

Tyson's brow furrowed as he considered the question. "Not so much as the System is concerned," he replied, his voice low and thoughtful. "It takes a pretty generic look at the ships. Given that the technology is so different, it roughly categorizes them and makes them comparable. But there are significant differences in how they work."

Ivy's holographic eyebrow arched in a perfect imitation of T'Pol's expression. "Like what?"

Tyson gave her a deadpan look, wondering if she'd mimicked the gesture intentionally. "Like in their propulsion. So the Enterprise and all starships in Star Trek use two different drives; an Impulse Drive and a Warp Drive. The system categorizes these as Torch Drive and Alcubierre Drive respectively." He lowered his voice slightly to not draw attention, since to anyone else, it would look like he was talking to himself. "It doesn't matter if you're using a Warp drive like the one on the NX-01 Enterprise or the Enterprise-D, the System looks at them the same, but gives them a different Rating based on their speed."

"And the Star Wars ships?"

Tyson's fingers danced across the PADD, pulling up new schematics. The blue glow of the screen reflected in his eyes, giving them an almost manic gleam. "So the Star Wars ships use Ion Drives and Hyperdrives. Ion Drives are not considered Torch Drives, they're Inertialess Drives. Because they accelerate past the speed of light, ignoring relativistic laws by using a form of minor temporal shielding."

His words came faster now, driven by enthusiasm. "Hyperdrives, as best I can tell, use an interdimensional mechanism to allow the ship to travel many times faster than the speed of light."

"Which is faster?"

Tyson's lips quirked into a half-smile. "The Star Wars ships are far faster. But they come with some limitations, namely the Inertialess Drive is expensive under the System, and Hyperdrives require Hyperlanes to travel in. That's not a big deal because, in the Star Wars Universe, the Hyperlanes are well documented. But in the Star Trek Universe, hyperspace lanes aren't known of at all."

After a moment, Ivy spoke again, her voice carrying a note of challenge. "So what's the best option?"

Tyson snorted. "Loaded question," he said, shaking his head. "Probably a high rating Inertialess Drive, but that comes with its own risks. If the temporal shielding failed, you'd end up moving through time as you moved through space, meaning it would seem like you traveled to the future from your perspective. A Hyperdrive with the best system-available sensors to map the Hyperspace lanes, and a computer capable of doing all the calculations would probably be best. That would cost even more Ship Points because I'd be upgrading other systems. Alternatively, ignoring the previously mentioned FTL methods, the system offers a Jump Drive which lets you travel pretty much anywhere, it just needs a little time to calibrate, but that requires at least a Rating VI ship. Making it even more expensive."

Vicky leaned back, mirroring Tyson's posture. "Lots of options," she commented, her tone thoughtful.

Tyson nodded, his gaze drifting to the stars beyond the viewport. "So many options," he agreed, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "And I don't even have a real ship yet."

The lounge hummed with the quiet energy of off-duty crew members, their conversations a backdrop to Tyson's musings. A young ensign laughed at a nearby table, the sound sharp and bright. Over the past few minutes, the background noise in 13-Forward swelled, pulling Tyson's attention from the PADD before him. He looked up, his eyes narrowing as they swept across the room. The scene that greeted him was far from the usual professional demeanor of the Enterprise crew. Two crewmen were locked in a passionate embrace, their lips meeting with an urgency. As Tyson's gaze traveled further, he noticed more pairs and small groups engaged in various states of intimacy. Hands caressed, bodies pressed close, and the air thrummed with an energy that was decidedly different from the ship's usual atmosphere.

A female crewman approached Tyson's table, her eyes gleaming with an intensity that set off warning bells in his mind. She pulled her chair closer, her hand reached out, fingers seeking his with clear intent.

It was unusually forward. Enough so that Tyson's reflexes kicked in and he slid his hand away. He willed his shield to activate. The bubble of energy bubble sprang into existence around him creating a shimmering barrier between himself and the increasingly chaotic room.

The woman's fingers brushed against the shield, her touch exploratory and insistent. "Come on, handsome," she purred, her voice a husky invitation. "Lower your shield. Let's have some fun."

Tyson's brow furrowed as he opened his mind, allowing his Empathy to flow outward. The emotional landscape of 13-Forward hit him like a tidal wave. Elation, amusement, and arousal swirled together in a potent cocktail. It was a far cry from the usual mix of curiosity, professionalism, and controlled excitement that typically permeated the Enterprise.

Ignoring the woman's continued attempts to breach his shield, Tyson made his way to one of the wall consoles. His voice was steady as he spoke. "Tyson to Counselor Troi."

After a moment, Troi's voice filled the air, calm and professional despite the underlying tension. "Troi here, go ahead Tyson. What can I do for you?"

Tyson's eyes darted around the room, taking in the increasingly uninhibited behavior of the crew. "Counselor, I'm in 13-Forward and the crew is acting unusually. I'm sensing a lack of inhibitions through my empathy. Is something wrong?"

Troi's response was swift and to the point. "There's a contagion moving through the ship. I recommend trying to isolate yourself from others, and avoid direct contact."

A frown creased Tyson's forehead as memories of an early Star Trek episode surfaced in his mind. This was the one where there was a 'disease' spreading that made the crew drunk and chaos ensued. "Understood, counselor," he said, closing the comms.

He turned to Ivy, his voice low and urgent. "Is the Spacesuit functionality of the Gray Goo Suit active? When was the last time I had direct skin contact with anyone?"

Vicky's response was instantaneous, her tone as crisp and efficient as ever. "Your Spacesuit is active. You have not had direct skin contact with anyone since returning to the Enterprise. All contact has been to the Gray Goo Suit. You have not had direct contact with any crew members in 4 hours and 16 minutes."

Tyson's frown deepened as he recalled a crucial detail from the episode. The contagion had affected Commander Data, an android. Who knew if it could penetrate or even worse, could it affect his Gray Goo Suit? The last thing he needed was to be covered in drunk nanobots.

By now, his position at the console had not gone unnoticed. Several women were now approaching, their eyes fixed on him with an intensity that spoke of more than casual interest. Tyson's Augment physique and natural attractiveness made him stand out, and he realized that he'd soon be swarmed if he remained where he was.

Without hesitation, Tyson placed his hand on the wall opening a portal to his Personal Reality. The portal took a few seconds to open to a size large enough for him to step through. So he reached out with the Force. A telekinetic wave pulsed from him, pushing back the advancing crowd. Bodies stumbled, drinks spilled, and startled cries filled the air as the invisible force created a bubble of space around him.

Tyson stepped through, emerging directly into his Medical Bay.

The portal snapped shut behind him, cutting off the sounds of confusion and protest from the affected crew members.

— Star Jumper —

Tyson centered himself as he considered his next move. The contagion on the Enterprise was a threat, not just to the crew, but potentially to his systems. He needed to find a way to help, to solve this problem before it spiraled further out of control. He wasn't a doctor, and Augment or not, he wouldn't be able to learn enough to solve this problem before it spiraled out of control. He had his Medical Bay, which could heal him, but what about his Gray Goo Suit? If the suit had been contaminated, there was no way for the Medical Bay to repair it, it didn't work on nanobots.

Tyson contemplated his limited options. He could use the Medical Bay to scan himself and confirm he was not infected, then abandon his Gray Goo Suit until a cure was discovered. His Spacesuit remained stored in the Warehouse; he could retrieve it to protect himself in the interim. However, the Spacesuit lacked the defensive capabilities of the nanobot suit. Without the Gray Goo's integrated shield and armor, Tyson would be far more vulnerable.

Or perhaps there was another way. Tyson opened his interface, considering the Reality Points at his disposal. He could invest them to upgrade the Medical Bay, enhancing its abilities to not only heal and cure any pathogens but also repair the compromised nanobots. This would allow him to salvage the Gray Goo Suit while also creating a way to help cure the afflicted crew.

[100 RP] The Nano-Medical Lab (Personal Reality)

The Medical Bay can now tell exactly what every nanoscale contaminant inside a living body does and, optionally, remove them without causing harm to the host. The NML can also replicate and administer Medical and Augmentation Nanites as long as you have the materials and requisite know-how. All NML-administered Nanites have fiat backing.

[100 RP] The Bio-Synthesis Lab (Personal Reality)

This upgrade covers all serums, viruses, bacteriological agents, and other chemical, genetic, or retroviral repair and boosting sciences, giving the results fiat-backing. Does not provide any knowledge base.

Reality Points: 150

The Medical Bay expanded and transformed before his eyes, new side chambers materialized behind strong transparent windows. The Nano-Medical Lab and Bio-Synthesis Lab appeared, their advanced equipment visible from Tyson's position.

Tyson's gaze swept across the improved biobeds, taking in the additional stations and displays that now adorned them. Each bed seemed more like a miniature medical center than a simple diagnostic tool. He approached one.

A container sat next to the side panel display, its purpose clear. Tyson willed his Gray Goo Suit to leave him. Silver liquid began to stream from his hand in a mesmerizing flow of nanobots that had been his second skin since its purchase days earlier. The sight was fascinating, the suit had become such an integral part of his life that he'd almost forgotten what it looked like in its base state. As the last of the nanobots entered the container, Tyson felt oddly vulnerable. He'd grown accustomed to the constant presence of the suit, and its absence left him feeling exposed despite the safety of his Personal Reality. And it didn't help that he was now naked.

Tyson lay down on the biobed. The surface adjusted to his body, conforming for optimal comfort and scan efficiency. A soft hum filled the air as the bed began its work, various sensors and scanners passing over his body in a choreographed dance of diagnostic precision.

Seconds ticked by, each feeling longer than the last as Tyson waited for the results.

Finally, the display lit up with its findings. Tyson's eyes scanned the readout, tension draining from his body as he processed the information. He was clear. No contaminants, no hidden surprises lurking in his body. A quick glance at the container holding his Gray Goo Suit confirmed that it, too, was unaffected.

"Better to be safe than sorry," Tyson muttered to himself.

Leaving the Gray Goo Suit safely contained in the Medical Bay, Tyson made his way to the Warehouse. The vast space contained only sparse items. He moved with purpose, heading directly for where he knew the Spacesuit was stored.

He donned the helmet and belt. The skintight garment spread across his body like a second skin.

As the final seals engaged, Tyson took a moment to adjust to the feeling. The suit's air supply kicked in, the soft hiss of filtered oxygen filling his ears. He flexed his fingers, testing the suit's responsiveness. It moved with him, perfectly. While lacking the defensive measures of the Gray Goo Suit, it would keep him safe from the contaminant running rampant in the Enterprise. Fully equipped and as protected as he could be, Tyson made his way to the antechamber. Instead of opening a portal, he opted for the Access Key to return to the Enterprise, stepping into his quarters.

Tyson had the Medical Bay and the potential to make a difference. The question was, how best to apply these resources? Should he reveal his Personal Reality, and offer help to cure the infected crew members? Or perhaps there was another solution, one that wasn't immediately obvious but could prove just as effective without exposing his abilities?

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a ship-wide announcement.

"Attention all decks, all divisions," Picard's voice rang out, echoing through the corridors. "Effective immediately, I have handed over control of this vessel to Acting Captain Wesley Crusher."

Wesley's voice filled the air, brimming with unearned confidence and misplaced enthusiasm. "Thank you, Captain Picard, thank you. And with that order dawns a brave new day for the Enterprise."

Tyson sighed heavily, his eyes rolling skyward in exasperation. "Wesley," he muttered under his breath.

He knew exactly where he needed to start.

Tyson left his quarters, the door swooshing shut behind him. The corridors of the Enterprise, usually a model of efficiency and order, now held an air of barely contained chaos. Crew members moved about with an unsettling lack of purpose, their usual professionalism replaced by giggles and whispered conversations. Tyson's spacesuit drew curious glances as he made his way towards Engineering. He ignored the stares and suggestive comments, focusing on the task at hand.

The turbolift doors opened. A pair of ensigns were engaged in an impromptu dance contest. Tyson stepped around them, continuing his journey to Engineering.

Commander Riker stood with Assistant Chief Engineer MacDougal.

Riker's voice, tinged with frustration, carried across the room as he updated Captain Picard over his combadge. "Captain, the ship's engines are cut off from the bridge. The Assistant Chief Engineer pulled out the isolinear optical chips from command. All engines are offline."

Picard's response came through the comm system, his tone sharp with urgency. "What have you learned, Number One?"

Riker continued, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for a solution. "Wesley has hooked some kind of tractor beam to the ship's power and he has it aimed at the door. We can't get past to get to the computer."

"Can you short out the power?" Picard's questioned.

MacDougal stepped forward, her voice steady despite the circumstances. "Yes, I can. But it's going to take some time."

"Do it!" Picard's command was clear and unequivocal.

As the exchange concluded, Tyson approached the group. At first, Riker paid him no mind, his outlandish spacesuit blending in with the surreal party atmosphere that had infected most of Engineering. But as Tyson's demeanor registered as reasonable and focused, Riker's gaze sharpened, taking in the incongruous sight before him.

"Tyson?" Riker asked, his voice carrying a mix of confusion and curiosity. "Why are you in a spacesuit?"

Tyson's response was matter-of-fact. "There's a contagion spreading around the ship… Why aren't you?"

Riker's eyebrows shot up, a flicker of realization crossing his face. "A good point," he conceded, "but we've got a crisis on our hands if you haven't noticed."

"That's why I'm here," Tyson replied, "Looks like you have a forcefield in your way. I can get you around it."

Riker's eyes narrowed, a mix of skepticism and hope battling in his expression. "How?"

Tyson stood silently for a moment, considering the best way to prove his worth. He knew the truth of his abilities would come out eventually. If he showed them now when they could make a difference, and demonstrate their value; then they may be more acceptable to the Enterprise crew going forward.

Without a word, Tyson placed his hand on the nearest wall. The air shimmered and warped as a portal began to open. On the other side, the engineering section where Wesley had barricaded himself came into view. Riker's jaw dropped, his usual composure momentarily shattered. He looked from the portal to the forcefield and the portal entrance inside the forcefield area, then back again, disbelief etched across his features.

"It's safe?" he asked cautiously.

Tyson's response was tinged with grim humor. "Safer than leaving Wesley in control of the ship."

With that, Tyson stepped through the portal. Wesley's voice, filled with misplaced enthusiasm, greeted them from the other side. "Wow, that's a neat trick."

Riker and MacDougal followed cautiously. As soon as they were through, Tyson grabbed Wesley by the back of his collar, like an unruly puppy, and lifted him effortlessly.

"Want me to take him to Sickbay?" Tyson asked, his tone casual as if he were offering to carry groceries rather than a wayward teen turned mutineer.

Riker nodded, relief evident in his voice. "Please."

Tyson closed the existing portal and opened a new one, this time leading directly to Sickbay. He tossed Wesley onto a biobed and sealed the portal behind him.

Turning back to Riker, Tyson's voice was all business. "Anything else I can help you with, Commander?"

Riker shook his head, still processing the events of the last few minutes. "Maybe. Stay close."

As Riker and MacDougal began assessing the damage to the isolinear chips, pushing aside the assistant chief engineer who'd caused the problem, Tyson thought ahead.

"Commander," he suggested, "Data might be the best to help with that." The android could complete the task far faster than the human engineers.

Riker nodded, his expression clearing as he recognized the wisdom of the suggestion. "He's right." He tapped his combadge, his voice carrying the authority of his position. "Riker to Data. We need you in Engineering immediately."

The response that came through was not what anyone expected. Tasha Yar's voice, tinged with playfulness, filled the air. "Data's currently busy. I'll be done with him soon."

The implications of Yar's words hung in the air. Riker's face cycled through a range of emotions. Confusion, concern, and finally, recognition of what Yar had implied.

"This is worse than I thought," he muttered. Turning to Tyson, his eyes narrowed with focus. "We need to contain this situation before it gets any more out of hand. Do you have any other tricks that might help?"

"Actually, I do," Tyson answered. "I have access to a Medical Bay that can cure this pathogen."

Riker's eyebrows shot up, a mixture of hope and skepticism battling across his features. "Dr. Crusher found a cure?"

"No," Tyson replied simply.

The commander's brow furrowed, his tactical mind already racing ahead. "Has it been tested on anyone?"

"Only myself," Tyson admitted.

Riker's decision was swift. "Do it," he ordered, his voice carrying the weight of command. "Bring Dr. Crusher with you to oversee."

Tyson nodded, responding, "Aye aye."

He strode over to the other Assistant Chief Engineer, the man who had pulled the isolinear chips and stacked them on the floor like blocks. Tyson hauled the engineer to his feet. "I'll start with him and Geordi," Tyson explained, "If I can get them back on their feet, they're another set of hands that can help."

Tyson's hand found the wall, and a portal shimmered into existence, revealing Sickbay. He stepped through, the disoriented engineer in tow.

Dr. Beverly Crusher looked up from her work. Her red hair was wild, her eyes wide with concern, not just from this pathogen, but from the portals that keep opening in her Sickbay.

"Tyson, what's going on?" she asked, her voice carrying a note of professional interest despite the circumstances.

Tyson responded, "I have a cure for this, doc, but Commander Riker wants me to have you supervise."

Crusher's eyebrows shot up, surprise evident in her voice. "You never said you were a doctor."

"I'm not," Tyson admitted, "I just have access to some advanced methods."

Without further explanation, Tyson closed the portal to Sickbay and opened another. This time, the view beyond was not unlike the Sickbay they stood in; The Medical Bay of his Personal Reality. Crusher recognized some of the technology, but others were completely foreign to her.

Tyson guided the assistant chief engineer to one of the biobeds, the man's eyes wide with a mixture of confusion and awe. Then Tyson stepped back into Sickbay and retrieved the unconscious form of Geordi LaForge. He placed the chief engineer on another biobed in the Medical Bay, the advanced systems immediately beginning their work.

Dr. Crusher followed, her scientific curiosity overriding any lingering hesitation. Her eyes darted around the room, taking in the unfamiliar technology with a mixture of fascination and professional interest. Without prompting, she pulled out her medical tricorder. As the biobeds hummed to life, holographic displays sprung into existence above each patient, and Dr. Crusher moved between them. Her tricorder beeped and chirped as she verified the readings, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"These readings... they're incredible," she muttered, more to herself than to Tyson. "The level of detail, the speed of analysis... I've never seen anything like it."

Tyson stood back, allowing the doctor some room to work. "The system is designed to handle nearly any ailment automatically," he explained, "It should be able to isolate the contagion affecting the crew and develop a targeted treatment."

Dr. Crusher looked up from her tricorder, her eyes sharp with curiosity. "And you're certain this is safe? This technology... it's far beyond anything we have on the Enterprise."

Tyson nodded, his expression serious. "I've used it on myself, doctor. I can assure you, it's safe enough. And right now, it might be our best hope of containing this situation before it spirals completely out of control. Take whatever scans you care to to ensure they aren't harmed."

As if on cue, one of the biobeds emitted a soft chime. The holographic display above the Assistant Chief Engineer flickered and changed, a cascade of data scrolling across its surface.

Dr. Crusher moved to the biobed, her eyes scanning the display with practiced ease. "It's... it's identifying the pathogen," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and professional excitement. "And it's already synthesizing a treatment. This is remarkable." Her fingers danced across the biobed's controls, calling up more detailed readouts. "If these readings are accurate, we should start seeing results within minutes." She paused, her gaze shifting to Tyson. "This technology... it could revolutionize medical treatment across the Federation."

Tyson's expression remained neutral, but he knew that they likely wouldn't be able to duplicate the effects of his Medical Bay. "One crisis at a time, doc," he said softly. "Let's focus on getting your crew back on their feet."

Dr. Crusher's tricorder beeped insistently. She checked the readings, her eyes widening. "It's working," she breathed, "The pathogen is being neutralized. His system is returning to normal."

The soft chime of the biobed signaled Geordi's stirring and the chief engineer's return to consciousness.

"Welcome back, Chief. How are you feeling?"

Geordi blinked, his eyes moving beneath his visor as if trying to focus on something just out of reach. "I feel really good," he said, surprise evident in his tone. "Like better than I have in my entire life." A moment later, he groaned, his hand moving towards his face. "Except my eyes. Everything seems wrong, out of focus, hard to see."

Dr. Crusher stepped forward, her tricorder already humming as she scanned the chief engineer. Her voice was calm and professional, but there was an undercurrent of excitement that she couldn't quite hide. "You were affected by a contagion. But we've managed to neutralize it." She paused, her eyes widening as she read the tricorder's display. "As for your eyes... Geordi, take off your visor."

Confusion flitted across Geordi's face, but he complied, his hands moving with the practiced ease of years to remove the device. As the visor came away, Geordi's eyes widened in shock. For the first time in his life, he could see without assistance.

"I... I can see," Geordi whispered, his voice thick with emotion. His gaze darted around the room, drinking in colors and shapes that had been nothing more than electronic interpretations for so long.

Dr. Crusher's voice was filled with awe as she turned to Tyson. "This technology is miraculous. It not only handled the contagion, it repaired Geordi's vision."

Tyson added, "You're probably feeling a little off because this lab is set up to handle pathogens and nanomachines, but not cybernetics. There may be some complications with your vision, but if the cybernetics are removed, the Medical Bay should be able to heal your eyes without issue."

The moment of wonder was short-lived, however, as the reality of their situation reasserted itself. Dr. Crusher's expression hardened. "We'll need to find a way to synthesize a treatment for the entire crew. And we'll need a way to administer it quickly. Perhaps we could use the environmental systems..."

Tyson was already shaking his head, his expression serious. "The Medical Bay doesn't work like that," he explained, "We'll need to bring the crew here to be healed. Our attentions are better focused on preventing reinfection and isolating those already infected with the contagion."

Dr. Crusher nodded, her professional demeanor fully restored now that she had a clear course of action. "In that case, agreed. We'll need to coordinate with Commander Riker. And we'll need to prioritize key personnel. Bridge crew, engineering, security."

Tyson responded, "With my portals, I'll handle it," he said, already moving towards the wall. "But Doc, you need treatment yourself. Now that you know it works, get in the bed. I'll talk with Commander Riker and get Geordi back to work."

The assistant chief engineer, also now fully recovered, stood ready. With a gesture, Tyson opened a gateway back to Engineering.

Commander Riker looked up as they entered, hope and wariness warring in his eyes. Tyson wasted no time with pleasantries. "Crusher approved the treatment," he reported, "The assistant chief engineer and Geordi are back on their feet."

As if to punctuate his words, Tyson stepped aside, allowing the two engineers to move towards their stations. "Don't touch each other," Tyson warned, his voice sharp. "Get some gloves and get to work."

Riker's eyebrows shot up as he took in Geordi's appearance, noting the absence of the visor. But there was no time for questions. Tyson was already turning back to the portal. "The rest of you, in here to receive your treatment. It's only a few minutes. Then we need to come up with a plan to systematically clear the crew."

The Engineering crew hesitated for a moment, eyeing the shimmering portal with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Riker's voice cut through their hesitation. "You heard him, people. Move!"

As the crew began filing through the portal, Tyson turned to Riker. "Commander, Doctor Crusher recommended we prioritize bridge crew, security, and key personnel in each department. We can't risk the contagion spreading further while we're trying to contain it."

Riker nodded, his tactical mind already racing ahead. "Agreed. I'll coordinate with security to set up containment zones. We'll need to isolate anyone showing symptoms until we can get them through your... Medical Bay."

Geordi, now at his station and working furiously to restore the ship's systems, called out without looking up. "Commander, I can get the engines back online. But we're going to need to run a full diagnostic on all systems. There's no telling what damage has been done while the crew was... compromised."

Riker's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Focus on getting the engines functioning again. The captain is worried about the star out there, diagnostics can wait if needed. Tyson, how quickly can you process people through your treatment?"

"The treatment itself only takes a few minutes per person. The Medical Bay itself can accommodate any number of crew. The bottleneck will be getting people to and from the Medical Bay. With my portals, we can move quickly, but we'll need to be systematic."

As they spoke, more crew members emerged from the portal, their eyes clear and focused, ready to return to duty. The chaos that had gripped Engineering was slowly giving way to order as trained professionals reclaimed their faculties.

Riker tapped his combadge. "Riker to bridge. Status report."

Captain Picard's voice came through, tinged with confusion and the last vestiges of the contagion's influence. "Number One? What's happening?"

Riker cut him off, his voice gentle but firm. "Captain, we have a situation. I'm sending Tyson to bring you and the bridge crew for treatment. Stand by."

Tyson was already moving to open another portal knowing they couldn't risk any mistakes on the bridge; it was the ship's command center.

Riker called out. "Tyson." He paused, his expression a mixture of gratitude and determination. "Good work. Let's get our ship back."

The familiar sounds and sights of the bridge greeted him as he emerged from the portal. Captain Picard looked up confused. Tyson straightened, his voice clear and confident as he addressed the bridge crew.

"Captain, I need you and the bridge officers to come with me. We have a cure for the contagion, but we need to act quickly." He gestured to the portal. "If you'll follow me, we can begin the treatment process immediately."

— Star Jumper —

Captain Picard and his crew returned to their stations. The fog of confusion that had gripped them earlier had lifted, replaced by the sharp clarity that came with their recent treatment in Tyson's mysterious Medical Bay.

Captain Picard's voice rang out, crisp and authoritative. "Initiate shipwide lockdown. All crew members are to remain in their current locations until further notice." His fingers danced across the command console, implementing the isolation protocols that would allow them to systematically heal everyone on board.

The familiar beep of the ship's computer acknowledged the command, and status lights across the bridge shifted to yellow alert, indicating the lockdown was in effect.

They had a plan, a way forward. For a moment, it seemed as though the crisis was under control.

Then, without warning, the star on the viewscreen shrank and exploded in a brilliant flash of light and energy. The sudden violence of the cosmic event shattered the brief moment of calm, plunging the bridge back into crisis mode.

Worf's deep voice cut through the stunned silence, his words clipped and urgent. "What we're seeing, sir, is a huge chunk of the star's surface blown away, heading for us."

Picard's response was immediate, his command instincts kicking in. "Take us out of here."

The tension on the bridge ratcheted up a notch as Worf's fingers flew across his console, only to be met with resistance. "Controls are still offline, sir."

"Override," Picard ordered, his voice tight with controlled urgency.

Worf's response came back negative. "Same result, sir."

Picard's jaw clenched as he tapped his combadge. "Picard to Riker, status."

Riker's voice crackled through the comm system. "We have engineering under control, the engines are nearly restored. Geordi requested to run diagnostics before engaging the engines."

Picard cut him off, the urgency in his voice palpable. "The star is collapsing. We're directly in the path of the stellar matter."

As if to underscore the captain's words, Worf's voice rang out again, his tone grave. "Sir, I estimate fourteen minutes until that mass gets here."

Picard's response was swift and decisive. "Tell Geordi he's got ten minutes."

"Yes, Sir," Riker acknowledged, the sound of rapid movement audible in the background as he relayed the order.

The bridge fell into a tense silence, broken only by the soft beeps and whirs of the ship's systems. The viewscreen showed the approaching stellar mass, a looming reminder of the danger they faced.

Picard turned to Tyson. "Your work has been exemplary," he said, his voice carrying the weight of command. "I must ask you to continue while this crisis continues."

"Of course, captain."

Tyson moved to open another portal, preparing to continue the treatment of the crew. The dual threats of the contagion and the approaching stellar mass hung over them. As the engineering crew worked feverishly to repair the ship, Tyson continued his efforts to treat the infected crew members. His portals shimmered into existence and disappeared as he moved throughout the ship, bringing small groups to the Medical Bay for treatment.

The minutes ticked by, each second bringing them closer to potential disaster. The approaching stellar mass loomed larger on the viewscreen, a constant reminder of the danger they faced.

Suddenly, Geordi's voice crackled over the comm system. "Engineering to bridge. We've got engines!"

A collective sigh of relief passed through the bridge crew, but Picard's voice remained tense. "Not a moment too soon, Mr. La Forge. Mr. Worf, tractor beam on the Tsilokovsky. Engineering, full impulse power, get us out of here!"

The familiar hum of the Enterprise's engines vibrated through the deck plating as the ship lurched into motion.

As the immediate danger passed, Picard turned once more to Tyson. Since he had access to two portals, he'd kept one open to the bridge in case of emergency. "Mr. Tyson, status report on the crew."

Tyson answered, "We've treated approximately 30% of the crew, Captain. At our current rate, we should have everyone cleared within the next two hours."

Picard nodded, a small smile of approval crossing his face. "Excellent work. Continue your efforts. It seems we've weathered this storm, thanks in no small part to your assistance."

As the Enterprise moved further away from the collapsing star, the tension on the bridge began to ease. They had faced two potentially catastrophic events and came out on top. But Tyson knew once things were settled, he'd have some explaining to do. And he knew exactly how he'd handle it.

When in doubt. Blame Q. It worked well enough so far.

Episode: Star Trek The Next Generation - The Naked Now Complete!

+100 RP

Reality Points: 250

— Star Jumper —

Tyson

Origins: Human, Humanoid, Drop-In, Space Pirate, Bad Guy

Race: Augment Human-Betazoid (Hybrid)

Character Points: 1400, [250 KOTOR (Vicky)]

Reality Points: 250

Ship Points: 3050

Credits: 116,450

Status Effects: (none)

Drawbacks:

Gauntlet (Locked)

Ensign Marty Stu

A Simple Re'Q'uest

Hybrid (Betazoid)

Amok Time/Blood Fever

Outlawed

Mary Sue

Perks:

Cosmic Awareness

Out of Nowhere

Going Native

Live and Let Live

This is (Not?) Rocket Science

Kinda Bland

Determinator

Painted On

Snakeskin

Adaptable

Duelist

Master with your Hands

Best of the Best

Everything Is A Weapon

Augment

Force Specialization: Intelligence

Tactical Info

Sever Force

Items:

Laser Blade

Spacesuit

Agony Booth

Cloaking Minefield

Lightsaber

Gray Goo Suit

Companions:

(Vicky) V-KO IV Nursedroid: Access Key, Artificial Intelligence Upgrade, Gray Goo Upgrade, Master With Your Hands, Light Weapon, Jumper's Master Key, Scaling Cloak, Origin: Jedi, Force Specialization: Intelligence, Enhanced Mind, Lightsaber, Armored Robes, Battle Meditation

T'Pol: Access Key

Personal Reality:

Access Key (Additional Keys, Key Link)

Security System

High-Security Inter-Reality Connecting Door (Star Trek Enterprise, Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic)

Medical Bay (The Nano-Medical Lab, The Bio-Synthesis Lab)

Housing Complex (Basic Nutrition, Choice Apartments, Who's Got the Powa, Pipes Pipes Pipes)

Playing With Portals (Portal Link)

Spaceships:

Tramp Freighter (Destroyed - Respawn on 02/28/2365)

Sith Interceptor (Bridge Upgrade)