Page 94 of Ahelno
Selica picked something up. “It’s this, but I don’t know how to use it.”
“Computer,” I said, “how do I run a diagnostic with a portable medscanner?”
The computer told us what buttons to push and how to sweep it over a Ptexari’s body. Selica ran the scanner over Lanicar, then we asked the computer how to read the results. The computer walked us through how to pair the medscanner with the computer’s network, and then it read us the diagnosis.
“The Ptexari scanned has contracted the Jetabi plague,” the tinny voice intoned.
“What’s the Jetabi plague?” I asked.
“The Jetabi plague is a highly infectious disease caused by the jetarabol pathogen. It infects the lungs, then attacks the lymph nodes and blood, causing internal organs and tissues to turn black. The fatality rate is seventy-two percent if left untreated.”
“Fuuuuuck,” I said.
The computer continued, “The pathogen is airborne and is spread via infectious droplets. Treatment includes an emergency injection of aelrjenine and a course of ouerbxo tablets for four days when a patient regains consciousness.”
“Computer, how soon does death occur?” I asked. I wrung my hands, terrified to know the answer.
“Death occurs within 50-60 hours of onset of first reported symptoms, unless treated with an emergency injection of aelrjenine.”
“Ok, how do we get aelrjenine injections?” I asked.
“Aelrjenine and the required needle injectors can be obtained from any replicator connected to the Network,” the computer droned.
Selica heaved a sigh of relief. “Ok, looks like we need to start replicating.”
“Right,” I replied. “Computer, how many Ptexari are in the palace right now?”
“There are 186 living Ptexari currently in the palace.”
“Ok, please create two doses of aelrjenine and two needle injectors here, then provide us with instructions on how to use them.” Two vials of liquid appeared in the replicator along with two hypodermic needles. All this technology, and that’s the best they can do?Where’s the Star Trek hypospray when you need it,I thought. “Computer, is it possible to produce the hypodermic needle with the aelrjenine already loaded into it?” I asked.
“Yes,” the computer answered.
“Please do so,” I requested. The vials disappeared, and two new needles appeared that contained an amber liquid.
We watched the video on the panel screen that showed how to inject the Ptexari (in the neck!). Selica and I each took a deep breath and picked up a needle. “Wait, computer, do we need alcohol wipes or something before we administer?” I queried. Selica looked at me curiously.
“There is no evidence that swabbing the skin prior to injection has any beneficial or prophylactic effect,” the computer intoned.
Ok, well, the Network had the collective knowledge of the universe, so I guess I would trust it. “Ready?” I asked Selica. She nodded and returned to Lanicar’s side. I went to hisassistant, eased the needle into her neck and gently pushed the plunger. I counted to four and removed it. The patient didn’t stir.
“Computer, how long after administering the aelrjenine does the patient wake up?” I asked.
“Patients typically recover consciousness within two to four hours after receiving the injection. Patients should begin the first dose of ouerbxo tablets once they are conscious and able to swallow. Following medical protocol reduces fatality rates from seventy-two percent to less than eight percent.”
“Great. Ok, please recycle these syringes and produce two doses of ouerbxo tablets and two cups of water. Leave a message for Lanicar and…” I trailed off and looked at Selica. “I’m sorry, I don’t remember her name.”
“It’s Trunar,” she informed me.
“Right. Computer, leave a message for Lanicar and Trunar here to take the ouerbxo tablets.”
“Acknowledged.”
“Ok, computer, create at least five needles full of the correct dose of aelrjenine in each replicator of the palace.”
“Working….Command complete.”
“Selica, I’ll take the top floor. You take the second. We’ll meet back down here.”
