Posted by Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (Chief Medical Officer) in Sickbay - Confidential Investigation (Tag CMO / CO)

Posted by Captain Michael Stout (CO) in Sickbay - Confidential Investigation (Tag CMO / CO)

Posted by Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (Chief Medical Officer) in Sickbay - Confidential Investigation (Tag CMO / CO)
Posted by… suppressed (32) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Pikelsimer made his way to Sickbay and walked into the room. People were busy getting ready for the arrival of the IG ship, but Pikelsimer seemed nonplussed. Scanning the room, he didn’t see the new CMO anywhere so he grabbed a passing nurse and said “I need to to see your Chief. Now.”

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

Startled, the nurse jumped as he grabbed her arm. “O-Of course .. e-excuse me..” She waited nervously for a second until he released her arm before she dashed off towards the back. It was only a few minutes before Yuri came back up the hallway without the nurse. As he approached he glanced over the Chief, but didn’t see any immediate wounds or torn clothing or anything so it appeared that this wasn’t a medical emergency. Curious, he extended a hand in greeting. “Good Morning Mr. Pikelsimer, is everything alright?” The stubble was still a top Yuri’s head as he’d gone directly to Ops from being woken up, right into getting Medical ready for inspection without a pause in-between to shave it off.

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

Pikelsimer grasped Yuri’s flesh and blood hand with his metal one. His grip was surprisingly relaxed, yet firm. Most cyberlimbs tended not to have that degree of finesse. “I’d like to speak with you. In private. Your office.” he said, releasing the Doctor’s hand and gesturing to the CMO’s office.

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

Yuri took another mental note of the intricacies of his cybernetic limb to include his built in surprises for it. “Of course Chief, please come with me.” With his other arm he extended it with a palm up towards the back where the nurse ran off that he initially spoke with. He was curious as to what this visit entailed, granted there was still a good bit to do before the inspector arrived, but he had time for a short visit in case it was some sort of medical issue.

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

As the doors closed, Pikelsimer handed the CMO a PaDD. “This is an autopsy report. I need your take on it. Think you could take a look?”

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

“Autopsy ..?” Curiously Yuri took the PaDD and made his way around the desk and took a seat in his chair looking through the details. “Most autopsy reveal cause of death, condition of organs, chemical levels, and damage to body.” As he tapped around on the PaDD he noticed that there was no identifying information for the scans and details he was looking at. “Might I ask, who this is first..?”

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

“A dead man. Human male. Late 50’s.” was Pikelsimer’s reply. The autopsy report read as follows:

Name : REDACTED
Species: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 56 Earth Years
Time of Death: REDACTED
Circumstances of Death: REDACTED
Preliminary Attending Physician: REDACTED

Medical Findings:

Physical:

Subject presents as human male in mid-fifties in good health and with no visible signs of trauma. Preliminary visual exam reveals slight petechial hemorrhage in left eye, slight discoloration of lips. Surface scans reveal puncture wound of the dorsal aspect of the Left upper thigh. Size of wound seems to indicate a needle-like object. Wound is less than 2 mm deep.

Internal exam reveals significant organ damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. This is NOT consistent with subject’s last physical conducted less than one month prior. Damage is consistent with oxygen deprivation over a significant time.

Body Chemistry:

WBC: Normal
RBC: Depleted (Normal Range = 4.7 million - 6 million ppl / Subject= 87 ppl)
Toxicity: Normal
Drug Panel: Negative

Summary Findings: Cause of death - Hypoxia

Pikelsimer waited for Yuri to finish reading. “Well? See anything odd, Doc?’

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

“Hmm … ” Yuri carefully read through the document and tapped the PaDD against the table. “I agree with hypoxia as result of death, but tox panel does not make sense with injury. Clear indication of injection makes histotoxic hypoxia likely cause.” Yuri set the PaDD face down on the table and continued. “Old drug somewhat relevant today would be cyanide. Damages lining of red blood cell. Could explain low count. Patient exhibited no prior indication of disease. Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s for example. Both of which I believe we already have cure for.” You could see the frustration in his scrunched eyebrows as it didn’t make sense before he stood up immediately.

“One second.” He walked over to one of his bookshelves and started pulling out some books. “Not this one … Niet. Niet. Niet.... Ah!” A few that he had already piled up on his desk were a few anatomy books, some biological books before he got to the one he held in his hands regarding reptiles and snakes. “Perhaps a neurotoxic venom was used ..? Would not show up in drug screen I believe. Death would not be immediate, but if enough is internalized, body would become paralyzed. Breathing stops. Cells rupture, Body is starved of oxygen, leading to hypoxia. Perhaps injection site was for epinephrine? Was this patient allergic to anything? Severe allergy could cause throat to swell and breathing to stop.” Yuri hesitated for a moment before looking at the Chief. “Would I be able to examine this body?”

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

Pikelsimer watched as the doctor worked, his face flat and expressionless. As the ideas came from the CMO, Pikelsimer wrote on a small PaDD unlike most others in use. When the doctor asked his question, Pikelsimer said “You could, if you had the time. But you don’t. I need your opinion now. The person responsible for this needs to be identified as soon as possible.”

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

Yuri paused and thought for a moment. This man is already dead? What does he mean not enough time? Something not lining up. Yuri started aligning the things brought to him already, Unknown male at least set as unknown. Different species? No, patient was listed as human and matches with organ descriptions. Important person? Perhaps, maybe diplomat? Too many questions. Need limit. He flipped through a few more pages before stopping on one. The Mojave Rattlesnake. “Was this human from Earth ..? Or aboard a Starship? Maybe Station?” If this individual was from Earth, this venom would make the most sense .. it has hemotoxic and neurotoxic properties. The neurotoxin would paralyze the victim while the hemotoxic properties would liquefy his bloodcells causing anemia and if untreated there would not be enough cells to carry oxygen throughout his system causing hypoxia. The only unknown thought was the injection site, was it the source of poison? Or an attempt at rescue? He looked at the PaDD for any additional information that might have been provided.

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

Pikelsimer grinned. It wasn’t pleasant, more like ‘predatory’. “Yep. He was. What you got, Doc?”

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

A small shiver went up Yuri’s spine. Something about that grin did not sit well with him. He hadn’t even really seen the Chief grin about anything before, but something about it was very unsettling. He hesitated with the snake in the book for a moment just to pursue some attempt at understanding. “Chief .. are you feeling okay today?” That matched with the urgency of his grab earlier was making Yuri unnerved, he hasn’t quite picked up on it yet, but he knew something about this entire situation was wrong. Granted he was no psychologist and only had a minor in it, but he had to try and figure out what that grin was about. He’d never seen the Chief even crack a smile before, even when he was hanging out at the bar.

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

“I’m fine, Doc. I’m just trying to get this investigation sorted. I’ve got a murder to solve and a murderer to catch. And every second I stand here playing twenty questions with you is a second I lose in catching them.” and he leaned forward and looked at the young physician. While the doctor had a couple of inches on him in height, they were almost identical in weight. And while Yuri was a professional healer, Pikelsimer was the exact opposite kind of professional. And he had years of combat experience and staring down the enemy and anyone who set themselves in his way. He had a look that many an inexperienced Marine had received when the Gunnery Sergeant had them in his cross-hairs. It was a look that had backed down Generals, Klingons, Cardassian assassins, and more than a few suspects in interrogation. It was a look that held no sense of play, no sense of mercy, and absolutely no patience for stalling or lying. It was this look that the young doctor found himself on the receiving end at that moment.

Pikelsimer looked at Yuri and asked very softly and calmly “What. Do. You. Have. Doctor?”

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

Yuri shifted under this gaze though not averting from it. “I do not have any qualms in giving you information Chief Pikelsimer, seeing that this man is already dead.” Yuri wasn’t very good at reading people, but he paused trying to find some sort of intent in his eyes. “I am only concerned with what you are going to be doing with it.” He closed the book and held on to it, now that he already found the information he needed from it.

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

“I’m gonna use it to catch a murderer, Doc. That’s my job… right? Hell, you know what? Never mind. I’ll just waste a few days and have that ME back on Earth go back over his findings. Sorry to have bothered you, Doc.” and scooped up the PaDD and turned and began walking to the door.

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

Yuri tried to quickly weigh the pros and cons of providing the information. Surely it could be of use in an investigation especially if it were to catch a murderer, but something didn’t sit right with the grin and impatience of the Chief. Frowning Yuri wanted to trust the Chief in hopes that he would hold high the justice of being of office of peace would entail. “Chief wait.” He paused to allow him to turn.

Pikelsimer stopped. A slight smile crept across his face while he was turned from the young Doctor. Sometimes to get what you want, you have to show the person holding it that you are willing to walk away. It was one of those odd things that ninety-nine point nine percent of all sentient species fell for. He let the perpetual scowl replace the grin and he tuned. “Yeah, Doc?” he asked as if he was unaware that Yuri was about to give him the information.

“This person was not strangled or anything to cause asphyxiation for hypoxia. Tox screen is negative as no drugs or chemicals were in his system.” He paused for a moment again, almost second guessing himself. “It was a venom. At least that is what I believe based on evidence. A venom with hemotoxic and neurotoxic properties. A common earth reptile is Movjave Rattlesnake.” He held up the book he was looking through, ‘A deep look at Reptiles, Amphibians, and more’ though his finger accidentally covered up the author. “There is small wound on his thigh that is not deep, my thoughts is it might have been attempt at rescue utilizing epinephrine.” Yuri told the Chief as he went through his thoughts on how the neurotoxic part would paralyze the victim and where the hemotoxic would slowly break down his bloodcells, which lined up with the low rbc count, which would ultimately lead to hypoxia due to the lack of oxygen being transported in his blood.

Before the Chief left again he stopped him for a moment, “Chief. If person you are looking for is aboard station .. Do not forget to let Captain know. This person should definitely go to trial for what he has done.”

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

Piklesimer listened intently as the Doctor spoke. He then asked “But if the tox screen is clear, wouldn’t the epinephrine have shown up? And would you happen to know where someone might find that venom… or the snake that produces it?” he asked making his way slowly back to the doctor’s desk.

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

Yuri almost immediately dismissed the first question, but then remembered that not everyone was familiar with medical properties of certain substances. “Negative, all what epinephrine is, is simply, adrenaline. Natural body chemical would not show up in tox screen.” Yuri’s concern grew a bit with the Chief’s question which made him hesitate on the information again, especially since it required information in regards to the venom specifically. In answering his question though, he tried to be as vague as possible. “.. As I mentioned previously, it is native Earth reptile. Though the venom can be synthetically produced in replicator .. it can only be done at medical starbase. This shipyard station or any starship, to include medical starship, are not able to replicate due to safety protocol. It’s not even in database to replicate.”

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

“What’s the shelf life of the venom before it breaks down? And what kind of environment would it have to be in for storage and delivery? And does it have to be injected or is there another means of getting into the body?”

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

“Frozen and not long .. how would that information help catch criminal?” Yuri was a bit confused and concerned at his sudden eagerness about know the venom. He didn’t mention anything about the second question, but the only way for the hemotoxic portion of the venom to work properly, it would need to be injected. It would be the only way for something like this.

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

“Because it would give me a time frame to look at all the sources of the venom. And what about the method of delivery?”

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

“It usually does not last past a month if frozen and I suppose method would be how you would transport any liquid? Vial, maybe small jar?” Yuri wasn’t quite sure where the Chief was leading the conversation, but the more questions he asked about the venom though, the more suspicious he became. Who was this dead man anyway?

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

Pikelsimer grinned slightly. “No, no, Doc. Method of delivery. As in, into the body.”

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

“Venom of this nature can only be injected. Either with needle or hypospray. Judging by how low blood counts are and no other distinguishable marks on body, I would say hypospray was the method. Hemotoxic property would not work with any other method.” Yuri opened up to the page again in the book he was holding and handed it to the Chief so he could read a bit about the venom and how it works for the snake to capture it’s prey.

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

Pikelsimer took the book and read for a few moments, made a few notes, then flipped the cover over to look at the title and author.

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

The book looked very old, but seemed cared for very well. The pages weren’t fragile and still maintained their sturdiness as the Chief flipped through the pages. The title read as ‘Grand Encyclopedia of Snakes, Reptiles, and more!’. The author was named as Jason Vandervort and the book was dated in the late 21st Century. Yuri patiently waited while the Chief flipped through the book all the while wondering what the Chief could be thinking.

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

OOC: I just came up with a random title and name XD Hope that’s okay!

Pikelsimer noted the title and author in his notes, and then handed the book back to the doctor. “So let me sum this up and you can tell me how accurate it is or isn’t. The subject was killed by a probable injection of hemotoxic venom most likely derived from an Earth-based rattlesnake. It was either injected or hyposprayed into him. How long from administration to death?” he asked, realizing they had missed that piece of information.

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

Yuri shrugged, “Depending on dosage … a few hours to a few days? Normal snake bite dose consists of about 140mg of venom. That would take 1-2 days if left untreated.” Yuri could sort of understand why that information would be needed, though the more he asked the more curious Yuri became from the gears moving within the Chief’s mind.

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

Pikelsimer made a few notes and said “Symptoms go along with that, Doc?”

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

For some reason Yuri was compelled to attempt a bit of dry, morbid, humor with the detail that the chief was getting in to with regards to the venom. He picked up the PaDD again that the Chief had originally gave him and turned it around so that the chief could see it. “Death. If untreated of course.” He set it back down on the desk before continuing. “Normal bite or dosage as previously mentioned would take at least a day sometimes two if untreated. Other symptoms could include numbness, weakness, lightheaded-ness, and difficulty breathing due to neurotoxic properties.”

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

Pikelsimer chuckled at the humor, and wrote down the information. “Copy that, Doc.” and he flipped the notepad closed. “Thanks for your help. If I have anything else, I’ll give you a call.” and he turned and headed to the door.

Pikelsimer, Police Chief

“Be careful Chief.” Yuri waited until he was sure that he had left medical before sitting down at his desk, propping his elbow up on the top of it to rest the side of his head on his thumb, tapping his fingers on his forehead. He thought about what he should do at a time like this because he definitely didn’t feel at ease giving the Chief this information. “Computer, begin constant bioscan of Chief Pikelsimer. Alert me to any changes outside of normal. Utilize most recent medical examination as baseline.”
The computer beeped in acknowledgement as Yuri tapped his badge.

=^= Lieutenant Balashov to Captain Stout. I have matter of concern that I would like to report..=^=

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

=/\= Roger that. You need me there, or do you want to come here? =/\=

Stout, CO

For some reason Yuri hesitated for a moment in his response, decided which would be the best approach for a situation like this. After a second or two of silence, Yuri replied.

=^= I will come to you Captain. Should be there in no longer than five minutes. =^=

With that being said he stood up from his chair, rounded his desk and headed out of his office towards the medical exit to meet with the Captain.

Lieutenant Yuri Balashov (CMO)

=/\= Copy =/\= came the reply.

Stout, CO

OOC: Feel free to start a new thread at the CO’s office.