Just the facts.

[shimmerandsing]

Two weeks later, as arranged, Alison and Longshot were back in Dr. Crusher's office in the Nexus. Alison was anxious to hear what the doctor's scans and tests had concluded. She was hoping with the technology Dr. Crusher had that the doctor would be able to tell them definitively whether or not her previous miscarriage had just been a tragic combination of stress and environment as she had always thought. Or if the situation was much worse and her DNA was not compatible with her husband's. Alison would be inconsolable if that were the case.

Now, she waited -- as patiently as possible -- as Dr. Crusher set up her medical files and gathered her information for their visit. She sat in one of the chairs in front of the desk. Longshot was beside her in the other chair and she had a tight hold on his hand. Her thumb rubbed restlessly against the back of his hand.

There had to be good news. She needed good news.

Comments

[light-in-sound.livejournal.com]

Alison squeezed Longshot tighter and rubbed one hand lightly up and down his side. She'd really rather hear that there was something wrong with herself than with her husband. Her own pain was easier to handle than seeing him hurt.

"How much concern for you?" She fought to keep her tone even, for now.

[bcrusher-md.livejournal.com]

"Longshot is fine physically. I've hardly seen anyone else in better shape." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a data padd. "Except for this."

She called up the needed data and held it out the brain scan of Longshot. It was not as detailed as she would like, but that would require more and bigger equipment. And possibly the patient's uncomfortability at having big machines near his head.

"You mentioned Longshot had his memories wiped last time." She pointed to an area that was high-lighted red. "I am assuming it happened more than once because some of the damage to certain parts of his cerebral cortex are quite extensive."

[light-in-sound.livejournal.com]

"Several times, yes. I suppose having your memories ripped away over and over would have to leave damage." Alison leaned into him and held him closer. She didn't like talking about this, because she knew it hurt him.

"I always assumed that was why he had such difficulty getting some of it back."

[sonofarize.livejournal.com]

"At least six or seven times," he said quietly as he stared at the data padd. If his brain was damaged like that ... did it make him stupid?

He looked up at Dr. Crusher helplessly. He didn't even know how to ask.

[light-in-sound.livejournal.com]

The tone of Longshot's voice was almost unbearable for Alison. She shifted closer to him and spoke low and close to his ear. "You're absolutely perfect to me. No scans, or tests, or machines will ever tell me different."

She hugged him tighter and kissed his cheek softly. Tears prickled her eyes, but she held them in check. She wanted to be strong for him.

[bcrusher-md.livejournal.com]

"As it was specified that it was your memories were taken, I believe this is an area where yours are stored," Beverly said carefully. "I am concerned at the extent of the damage. If you want me to, we can do some deeper scans than what I can do with a tricorder. With that, we can determine how to speed up the healing that is happening naturally. And remove some of the places I think are blocked."

She hit a button and seven small dots blipped on the display.

"It is healing naturally, but at a very slow rate. There is a section that looks like it was formerly damaged but repaired. If I could get a better look at that, I could work up a regimen for you to repair what has been done to you."

[light-in-sound.livejournal.com]

Alison was torn in two directions. On the one hand, she knew how important it was to Longshot that he get all his memories back and be 'whole' again. On the other hand, she really didn't like the idea of anyone mucking around with his brain any more. She had no reason not to trust Dr. Crusher. But, the whole idea made her nervous.

She said nothing, though. Only held tightly to her husband and let him make this decision for himself. If he asked her, she would give him her opinion. But, the choice was his.