Reproducing and reprogramming the nanites to correct Benson's mental disabilities
was no small task, namely because most of the data related to Down's Syndrome
was centuries old, and rudimentary at best. Ciara had, however, managed to isolate
the particular genetic sequences that needed to be altered while Ming was able
to reproduce enough nanites to do the job.
Finally, the day had come to try the procedure. Ming and Ciara requested a conference with Ryan, Karissa, and Shara.
"As you know," Ming announced, "since knowledge of the clandestine genetic engineering project came to light both Ms. Tierro and I have worked practically nonstop to find a resolution to the problem, and to track down those responsible for this illegal experiment.
"I'm happy to say that we have made some progress. The nanite treatment that was successful in treating Lieutenant Gregholt, we believe, will be useful on Private Benson. By correcting the initial defect in his genetic sequence--the one that prompted his parents to seek out the services of Dr. Mikori--we should be able to help Benson attain at least an average level of intelligence.
"Unfortunately, this same therapy won't work for Commander Bentara or Lieutenant Mikori," Ciara continued. "The engineering on their genetic sequencing was too extensive; any modification to the genome to the extent desired would result in more problems than it would solve. We're sorry," Ciara said, sensing the disappointment of all involved.
"What we can do, however, is mitigate some of the more severe problems--such as spontaneous abortion of any pregnancy, and perhaps either arrest or reduce the effects of the annual estrus cycle," Ming said, only blushing a little. He had come a long way since those first few days aboard the Ronin when his world had been ripped out from under him. That didn't mean he had forgotten, however...
"This...this is all good news," Karissa said. "I mean, I don't think I'd really want you to reverse the effects of the experimentation even if you could. They're a part of me, and I have to accept that. But if you could take care of the other problems..."
"We're not even sure if this treatment will work yet," Ciara cautioned. "We were lucky with Gregholt--he's from pure human stock. Because Benson's DNA was defective to start with, we're not sure if we won't be doing him more harm than good. We've sent a message to his family on Earth for consent to perform the procedure. If it works, and there is absolutely no guarantee of that, then we might have enough data to begin working on the two of you."
"How soon can we expect the consent?" Ryan asked.
"Hopefully by the end of Beta Shift today," Ming said. "I sent the message with this morning's packet."
"Let me know as soon as it comes in," Ryan replied. "Of course you have my consent for this project, and Admiral Pike consents as well. Once we return to the Alpha Quadrant he plans on initiating a formal investigation into this illegal experimentation. Any and all data you acquire in this project will be critical for holding whoever did this accountable."
"Understood, sir. I've done my best to brief Benson on what's about to happen. I'm pretty sure he understands," Ming said. "But if this works, he will need extensive counseling support."
"I should think so!" Karissa replied. "This is going to change his entire life! Once we have some indication that the procedure worked, get with me to schedule follow-up."
"Ming, I'd like to be there when you work on him," Shara said. "I was put in charge of him back on the Parnassus, and I wasn't exactly a friend to him--more like a keeper, actually. I want to make it up to Benson."
"Of course."
Later that day, Ming was studying telemetry from the nanite colony when his terminal alerted him to an incoming message. He saw the signature on it and smiled broadly.
The image of Margaret Benson, Rob Benson's mother, displayed on his screen. [I don't want to get my hopes up, Lieutenant. You see what happened the last time we got our hopes up over Robbie. But if you honestly think this treatment is the real thing, then by all means you have our consent. Do what you think is best for him!] she said, almost breaking down into tears before signing off.
"Well, that's it. We work tonight," Ming said quietly to himself.
Minutes later, in Sickbay, Benson lay on a diagnostic bed with Ming, Ciara, and Shara in attendance. Uncharacteristically, Shara held Benson's hand, his hulking grip almost swallowing her diminutive hand up to the wrist.
"Now, one last time, Rob: do you understand what's about to happen?" Ming asked.
"Yes, Mr. Wang. Ms. Tierro is going to inject me and I'm going to get smart!"
"That's what we're hoping, Rob. If it shouldn't work though, just remember that we're always going to be here for you," Ciara said. He's aware of what's about to happen, Ciara thought to Ming. I don't think he understands the consequences should things go wrong, but we do have contingencies for that.
Ming nodded solemnly. There was a very high probability that the treatment would render Benson even more feeble-minded than he was currently; in fact, the nanites could well render Benson a vegetable. If that were to happen, they had the authorization to administer euthanasia. Ming prayed to every god he could name that that contingency would not be necessary.
"Okay, Ciara, administer the injection."
Ciara applied the hypospray to Benson's neck. A long hiss sounded. "That tickles!" Benson said, laughing.
"Well, nothing yet," Ming said, monitoring his tricorder. "Let's wait and see."
Two hours and a pot of coffee between the four of them later, Ming's tricorder began alarming. He grabbed it and studied the readings. "Dopamine and serotonin levels are increasing!" he said.
"Rob, do you feel any differently?" Ciara asked, noting with her telepathic powers a definite increase in neural activity.
"I don't feel anything yet," Rob said--much more clearly than he'd ever managed before without being in berzerker mode.
The three non-patients looked at one another with amazement. It was working!
"Remember that test you took when you first got here?" Ciara asked. Rob nodded. "Would you like to take it again?" she asked, handing the PADD to Benson.
Benson took the PADD and quickly worked through the exercises--a simple shape-matching/counting game, normally a teaching program for kindergarten-age children. Diagnostic tools for mentally-challenged individuals were not in great demand amongst the general population in the 24th century, and certainly not in Starfleet. He handed the PADD back to Ciara.
"His score has increased by
50%!!! Both memory and processing speed have
improved!
Ming entered data into his terminal. "At this rate of expansion he should be up to normal function in roughly two weeks. Rob, would you like to learn some new things?"
"I can read!" he said, excitedly. His emotional responses were still in need of work.
"Yes, I know, and that's very good. How would you like to learn math?" Ming asked. Benson nodded enthusiastically. Previously he could barely handle simple arithmetic.
"You'll learn math, and you'll read a lot more stuff--hard stuff, like we read," Ming said. "And you'll learn other things, too!"
"I want to learn," Benson said. "I don't like being dumb."
"I'd like to help him, if I can," Shara said. "He is my big brother in a way, after all."
"We're going to need all the help we can get!" Ciara said. "I'll get in touch with Karissa and tell her we'll be needing those counseling sessions after all!"
"Great. Now, I know what your answer to this is, Rob. The rest of you: shall we get something to eat?" Ming asked.
The four of them headed out of Sickbay
to the mess hall.