eastbound | un: dr.mccoy ; [voice]

( McCoy sounds unlike himself, cool and distant instead of his usual present warmth, a touch of something hoarse in his voice. )

That 'coal sickness' we've all been hearin' of is likely caused by a bacterial infection— long story short, it triggers massive organ death, with decay following swiftly on its heels. Minaras is hanging onto several samples of plague bacteria from all over Serthica, at least in this medical center alone, but I've never seen any instance of Terran or alien plagues that acted like this.

So far, the authorities aren't focused so much on curin' it as they are containing the few cases of it. The current, and only treatment they offer is a serum, which provides a temporary delay of the symptoms, and curbs transmission for only a handful of hours.

The good news is, I have better diagnostic tools than they've got, so I've gathered enough data and samples of my own to pick up where their researchers have left off.

While it isn't my first time creating a successful treatment protocol for a disease, I don't believe a course of antibiotics alone is gonna stop this, so I could use assistance from the rest of the team's healers to make it happen.

( Deep breath... and then another. )

The bad news is...

I'm in an isolation ward. I've been infected.

( His voice catches so briefly, covered over again by smooth, compassionate professionalism, as if tasked with the job of delivering someone else's poor prognosis, not his own. )

Near as I can tell, there was a... a faulty seal in the protective equipment I 'borrowed' from these folks. They've given me the serum, so I feel all right still, but past that they'd rather lock me away than let me do anything about it.

( McCoy quiets suddenly, listening, and his voice drops as he continues, in a hurry. )

This is asking a lot of y'all, I know, but... I can't stay in here and do nothing, and I can't just- just waste away and take what knowledge I have with me. From what I've gathered so far, there's a decent shot of curing this, but it's gonna take more time than I've got left.

Please. We could do some good while we're here, but I need help.

(( ooc: all the relevant plot info is here if you'd like to opt in; he's got a pre-planned exit squared away just to keep that neat! ))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

( What... is a tissue regenerator. )

We are honoured by a healer. Wen Qing. She will be called.

For your hurts?

For my hurts.

Thank you, Wangji.

( Wen Qing... he has an impression, from their sea exploits, of a fiercely determined woman, and right now he needs all the fierce determination on his side that he can get.

McCoy hesitates, then adds, )

...this isn't your fault. I chose to put myself at risk, and reaped the consequences for it.

You took a fool's chance.

( But... perhaps irritation isn't the most appropriate response before a dying man. )

I shall beg her aid.

Dammit, Wangji, I know that.

( there, for a moment, a crack in the professional façade right down to bone.

for a moment, silence, until he begins again, carefully and calmly: )

I would be grateful for her help. Thank you.