The door closed behind Joshua, leaving him in darkness. “Computer, lights; full illumination.” The darkness was quickly swallowed by the room’s lights. Joshua quickly surveyed the science stations and found his. “Computer, activate the workstation designated for Dr. Joshua Bryant,” he said as he briskly walked to the station.

The computer terminal blinked to life and began running diagnostics. “Computer, override setup diagnostics via voice print match.” The terminal chirped and stopped mid-line of setup code and began displaying the main access screen.” Joshua carefully set the plant down on the nearby table. “Computer, create an enviro-field of 1 cubic meter acceptable to an Aurous carnivorous plant. Place it at,” Joshua checked the table. “Table area 23x-y1.” A chime toned and a field appeared on the table.

While the order was being processed, Joshua opened the enviro-capsule and gingerly took the plant into the enviro-field’s warmth. He pulled a leaf from the plant after setting it down. Joshua steepled his fingers in front of his mouth and watched the plant. “I hope it’s not too late,” he said with a deep sigh. “There’s nothing else to do with you but wait.”

He took the leaf and place it in a diagnostic machine and closed the lid. “Computer, run a diagnostic on the sample. Emphasize any deficiencies in proteins and nutrients.” He drummed his fingers while watching the terminal do its work. A series of electrolyte and nutritional figures quickly moved across the screen. “I should’ve asked for a list of the nutrients that aren’t deficient; it would be a shorter list,” he chuckled wryly.

Joshua watched the figures scroll by and something caught his eye: a tube grub. He cursed and picked up the enviro-capsule. Most of the tube grubs were dead due to the high temperature, but a few ambitious ones were making their way across the table. He scooped them up with the capsule and sealed the lid. He looked over the capsule, it was completely fried. A mechanically inclined person might be able to repair it, but it’s far above his skill. Joshua gave it a mock salute, “You did your duty faithfully.”

He set the capsule down and move to the terminal. The results weren’t good. “Computer, cross reference the Starfleet database’s medicine database with the deficient nutrients. Include alternative and experimental formulations.” The results displayed on the screen, a few good possibilities. One specifically in the experimental section.

 “Computer, access civilian and Starfleet personnel records on Starbase Bravo for individuals with the education necessary to synthesize medication designated X-2544b?” He scrolled through the list and picked a few candidates. It was time to make some friends.