Bob

Posted on Thu May 2nd, 2019 @ 5:59pm by Lieutenant Commander Carolyn Corrigan MD
Edited on on Thu May 2nd, 2019 @ 6:01pm

530 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Episode 98 - A Raid on Peace
Location: USS Mercy, Main Sickbay
Timeline: MD01, on route to Tyrod IX

Designed to complement the medical expertise aboard a starbase or ship, the Emergency Medical Hologram was both loved and hated in equal measure. With a bedside manner to equal a Klingon with a hangover, the programme was undoubtedly an invaluable resource will always managing to lack that crucial bedside manner. Aboard the USS Mercy, however, you could have multiple EMH programmes running simultaneously.

"... sophisticated programming, I am not here to be turned off and on like a light switch!"

Facing the ire of this particular EMH, Cadet Winters offered an apologetic smile. "I am sorry," she said, gesturing around the room, "but we have to be sure you can all operate simultaneously."

At this the EMH turned, looking outraged to see multiple versions of himself active. All having this exact same conversation - or similar ones at least - with anyone within earshot. Medics or engineer, it didn't matter. It was a chorus of complaints and indignation.

"I demand an explanation!" the EMH stated, turning back to the Cadet. "In the past hour alone I have been rebooted five times! Must I remind you that my subroutines are complex and extremely delicate!"

"There was a cascade failure when we brought the final EMH online, you all began to glitch," Chloe told him with a sympathetic smile, "the engineers are trying to fix it now."

The EMH huffed, "that wouldl be Four. Always a troublemaker. Something went wrong with that one's programming if you ask me."

"Four?" Chloe repeated, confused.

"That is the simplest form of his designation, so yes. Four. What, do you think we are all called Bob? Is that what I should call you?"

"Of course not! I just, didn't know what to call you. That's all. EMH gets confusing. Since you know, there are a few of you. Numbers are confusing to. You are all identical...." Chloe told him, wondering why she was feeling uncomfortable just saying it. He - it - was a computer programme.

"Oh, I see. Shall we wear name badges to make it easier for you Cadet? We are designed to save lives and administer medical assistance to the crew and any patients aboard the ship. Not socialise."

Chloe opened her mouth to - well, she wasn't sure if she was about to apologise or turn him off. She was saved the effort when one of the engineers spoke up, "initialising remaining programme."

"Hmm... Curious... I feel quite nauseous," Chloe's EMH quipped just a nanosecond before disappearing.

There was a curse from the far side of the room, before another engineer held up a hand in apology, "sorry, sorry! That was my fault. I see what it is.... we need to resynch the emitters, make some minor adjustments and then we can try again."

"We need them ready before we arrive," Dr Corrigan reminded the engineers, sounding like the admission pained her. "And assuming it wont destroy the space time continuum, I don't care if they are all confined to this main bay and we can move people around to fill in the gaps elsewhere. But we are running out of time."

"Don't worry, doc, we got this. Brining them back online now..."

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