*** Rangis Quarters * USS Chimera *** {Peter Griffin...I knew I'd seen the name.} Rangi leaned against the soft back of her sofa.It was quite late in the evening and she was feeling tired but had taken time to read through some reports. She had been searching for a particular name and now she had it. She smiled to herself, satisfied at her result. She had spent the evening alone, knowing that Shane was having dinner with the Governor of Tetris II...a semi formal occasion she imagined, as the presence of the AXO had not been required. Taking a sip from a large mug of hot chocolate, Rangi eased herself off the sofa and padded over to the small computer terminal, tapping a couple of buttons to activate it and sitting down on the high wooden stool in front of the workplace. "Computer...find the whereabouts of Professor Peter Griffin." After a few moments of processing,the Computers clear monotone reply came back. "Griffin, Peter. Professor of Botany, PH.D in Botany,Xeno-biology and Planetary Sciences.Graduated from the University of New Venus in 2380. Currently working on Lunar, Sol System at the New Tycho University. Currently researching Genetic Variation in the Preserver origin plants. Past works include, Sentient Root Networks and Pollen/Spores and Fungal reproduction." {That's him} Rangi shifted on the stool. "Computer...send a message to Professor Griffen....a personal message." The computer bleeped. "Record when ready." Sitting up straight Rangi said: "Begin recording....Professor Griffin? I am Lieutenant Commander Rangi Summers CMO of the USS Chimera..Sir...recently the crew of this ship came into contact with pollen from a plant named theWildwood Rose originating from Dornia II. I believe you've done research into this plant.Sir...I would like to know more about the pollens effect and wonder if you could spare me a little of your time....Thankyou" She paused and told the computer to send the message. A few seconds passed before the computers voice told her : "Personal message sent to Professor Peter Griffen. New Tycho University. Lunar. Sol System." Clicking the 'off' the buttons, Rangi turned away from the terminal and slid down from the stool hoping the professor would reply to her request. She collected her mug and headed for her bedroom. =/\= Later...=/\= Peter tapped his fingers on the desk absent mindedly. The recent message had intrigued him. And whats more he loved to talk about his research, and this was the perfect chance for him. He waited for an answer. Oblivious to the fact it might be a very unsociable time to call. Rangi surfaced from a deep sleep, put a hand to her head and propped herself up on one elbow. She yawned, realized what the steady 'bleeping' was said "Computer... lights" and scrambled out of bed squinting as the dark room brightened. Pulling on her dressing gown, she hurried to the main room where the computer screen showed an incoming transmission awaited her attention. Beneath the SSF Logo the senders name was visible.Rangi ran her hands over her tousled hair as she sat on the tall stool. "Open link" she said and watched the head and shoulders of a figure 'swim' into view.It was a man, about the same age as her father but with a mop of greying hair above a thin yet kindly looking face. "Professor Griffin?" she asked, leaning forward a little and waiting for his reply. "Ah yes..." said Peter, his face lighting up with a smile, "How nice it is to speak with you. It's very rare that I find anyone remotely interested in my more complicated research topics. I trust it is that you wish to talk to me about?" He spoke very fast, almost stumbling over his words in the rush to say them. Rangi blinked and gave a polite smile. "Yes professor it is. Thankyou for returning my call so promptly." "Not a problem. Not a problem." beamed Peter. "As I said.." Rangi began,settling herself more comfortably on the stool. "..it concerns the Wildwood Rose....and the ongoing effects of the pollen.Initially those affected exhibited heightened personality traits....and almost all have returned to..normal for want of a better word." She stopped, uncertain now how to frame the question that was the very reason for her contacting the professor.She glanced down then remet his gaze. "I'm certain that two of the crew are actually still experiencing the effect...and instead of decreasing, it is in fact becoming steadily worse. I wonder if you can tell me what other instances you have recorded of this. How common is it..and how long before the patient regains their former state?" She looked hopefully at Professor Griffin. Peter leant back in his padded chair. "As with all disorders there are occasionally those who react much differently than others. The effects of the pollen are no different in this case really. Some people can actually get steadily worse as you say instead of normally getting better." His eyes took on a sort of glazed look as he started to recall cases, "It doesn't last forever but it can last for quite sometime. There was one case where a patient suffered from auditory hallucinations for a couple of years after being exposed. That was an extreme case though." Peter shrugged, "Most of the instances were around the month range rather than year." "I see...." Rangi replied, momentarily dropping her gaze to the edge of the terminal. {A whole year..or possibly more of this?} She looked back at the kindly expression of the professors face and smiled weakly. "Well Professor...I think I can add more to your case histories." She saw his interest quicken and continued: " One of the crew here is experiencing visual hallucinations...of his dead wife and long lost friends....." Peter nodded in sympathy. Though he loved the new data he could get from this he hated the fact it adversely effected people so. "...and I am having great difficulty in controling a growing dislike of a...friend." Rangi paused. "Ah..." exclaimed Peter. Things made a little more sense now. His sympathy grew tenfold. A most awkward position for a doctor to be in. "From what you say, it seems that its likely more of the crew will have these ongoing ...experiences... and I'll organise a recall of all pollen affected crew first thing in the morning.Professor?..is there anything at all that will control this or is it simply a matter of letting things run their course?" He laced his hands together and placed them on his lap. "Well we've found that letting it run its course works but can be problematic. As you no doubt are aware. It maybe a good idea for the effected crew to take counselling. Being aware of the condition may allow for a better control of the symptoms." Rangi nodded slowly, her heart sinking to her boots.{Take counselling.....} She smiled politely at the figure on the screen. "Thankyou professor.....I appreciate your taking the time to answer my questions.If it would be of interest to you...I can send you a full report of recent and ongoing events?" Professor Griffen leaned forward and replied eagerly, "If you would commander...every instance is of great value.Please do that and...good luck." he added with an encouraging smile. "I'll certainly do it....thankyou again...goodnight professor" Rangi responded and when the standard SF logo appeared on the screen, she switched the terminal off and headed back to her bed. She lay staring at the ceiling for a long time in the dim light. "Take counselling" she said quietly and sighed. "From whom?" *** End Log *** LtCmdr Rangi Summers CMO/AXO USS Chimera & Professor Peter Griffin Research Scientist (npc) by Guest Cmdr Pelham Carter, Commander of Omicron SubFleet