Reunion (2)

Mala listened with horror as the altered Jeremy – or the poltergeist – threatened that it could enter other people if it wanted.  She wasn't at all sure that her cybernetics would offer a defense, though it might if the entity was electronic-based.  For a moment she was tempted to move back, at least to the edge of the room.  But she negated the idea as soon as it slid into her thoughts, more instinct than intellect.  She knew she couldn't move too far, where Jeremy couldn't see her.  She hoped that her presence might help bring him back to the forefront of his consciousness.  She refused to think he might have slipped away entirely, beneath the onslaught of this entity.

After Mala had given the counselor a quick update as to what happened to Jer on the bridge, Dr. Brisk entered and began her exam.  When the two women began searching through the information regarding Jeremy's vitals and brainwave patterns, Mala moved over to them, looking at the PADD display.

When Mala heard Jer whisper, she hurried back to the bed.  But he obviously was not conscious, and perhaps neither was the invading entity.  He occasionally mumbled, as if he talked to someone, but in a scene removed from their reality.  "It's almost like he's dreaming," Mala said.  They noticed his eye movements, appearing like REM sleep.  Just as Dr. Brisk approached to begin more tests, Haskins opened his eyes, and said "Mal."

Mala held her breath, afraid the 'other' would return and spoil things again.  But the way Jer looked at her appeared natural, just as if nothing had happened since the time they'd spent together on the holodeck.

But then he looked toward the counselor and started talking about someone named Wolfie, and someone else named Lancaster.  Mala panicked.  His mind must still be affected!  She noted that Nacin looked puzzled, yet comprehending.

Jer directed his attention back to Mala then.  His full attention.  She'd seen that expression before.  It definitely belonged to Jer.  She smiled, and even managed a slight laugh. Then he said:

"I'm alright.  Totally weirded out, but I'm alright."