Science/Medical Questions
SCIENCE/MEDICAL QUESTIONS
There are questions that pertain to the Science and Medical field on Federation Space. This page is a continuing work in progress.
Q: On the Diseases & Afflictions page of the Medical Department the symptoms of Schizophrenia does not list multiple personalities. Why is that?
A: Multiple Personality Disorder does not always accompany all cases of Schizophrenia.
Q: What do the wheelchairs look like are the anti-grav electric or push?
A: There have only been a few instances where someone has been shown in a form of 'wheelchair' and it was an anti-gravity model.
Q: Can telepaths project thoughts?
A: It depends on the race and ability of the telepath in question.
Q: Are we to assume that Star Fleet science officers are well versed in all sciences or do they have specializations? Did the academy teach us all that we need to carry out the majority of tasks on a starship? Can we equally assume that a minimum of cross-training was carried out at the academy for the first year, before the cadet chose his final division. That is to say that a science officer has some knowledge of self defense, basic mechanics and some piloting skills. Do we have, therefore, specialties or do we assume polyvalence. If a mission calls for a specialist, an archaeologist for example, should we state that we are one in our Bio?
A: All Cadets are trained in basic hand-to-hand combat, piloting, medical (enough to work the equipment found in medkits), science, engineering, etc.
Also, there would be specialties as well. Like in Medical, you would have Xenobiologists, Surgeons, Nurses, Cardiologists, Neuro-Surgeons, etc. Generally, your character can cover for any Science need in game, making specialties is more of a way to round out your character. For instance, Spock always went on every away mission as the 'Scientist' for the team. A tricorder allows you a lot of leeway for information.
Q: At what age do Betazoids get their powers exactly?
A: Only in rare cases are telepaths (like Betazoids), able to use their abilities from birth. Normally the abilities would come with the onset of adolescence (13-14). Some are obviously stronger than others. With Vulcans, it's part of their discipline and training. Not all of them would have the same abilities as what Spock was capable of. He was considered a VERY powerful telepath, which is likely from the results of being a hybrid. If you have a specific race in mind, I can try and get you more information. There are some races born with no vocal ability at all, only telepathy. They would be the exception to the rule.
Q: To what extent are Brikar resistant to phaser and disrupter fire?
A: Very resistant. Basing this on the New Frontier books, they should be able to withstand short durations of almost any standard energy weapon. If someone were to set a phaser or disruptor on its highest kill setting and focus a direct beam on a Brikar, it would kill them eventually, but it would take some time.
For instance, in the books, Zak Kebron is inside of a fighter that gets rammed by another fighter, causing both to be incinerated. He survived not only the impact, but the explosion, but was badly injured.
Brikars aren't 'super characters' as they pay for their strength and durability with lack of mobility, speed, dexterity, and being larger than many humanoid races. On a starship, this is not an asset. Nor would it be helpful when trying to blend in on alien worlds.
Q: What does it mean when a probe is listed as having 'stealth' capabilities?
A: The probe would be harder to detect by conventional means.
Q: Can a Trill symbiont be transferred to a new host if the current host is injured?
A: Yes.
Q: Who holds the rank in Star Fleet the Trill host or the symbiont?
A: The host holds the rank.
Q: Can a Trill hybrid be joined?
A: Not likely. There are many tests and trials to become a host and they are very particular about who becomes a host. A hybrid would not likely be approved to be a host.
Q: What is a Med Tech?
A: Med Techs are like EMT's and assistants to the Medical staff in Star Fleet facilities and ships.
Q: My character is half Vulcan and half Betazoid. If a Vulcan has Green Copper Based blood and Betazoids have red iron based blood, what kind of blood does mine have?
A: It would likely match the mother as the blood within the mother's body would sustain the child. However, it is Star Trek canon that mother's carrying mixed species children have required medical intervention. You could probably get away with choosing either as a hereditary trait from the parents.
Q: I was wondering, could a joined Trill procreate? And if so, would the symbionts memories be a part of the Host's offspring?
A: Yes a joined Trill could procreate, but the memories would not be part of the offspring. The symbiont holds the memories, not the host.
Q: Would Nurses be Officers or NCO?
A: Nurses are officers.
Q: Does Medical have any enlisted personnel?
A: Every Department would have enlisted personnel. Considering the number of people on a ship, the bulk of them would be enlisted as opposed to Officers.
Q: Would an enlisted officer still have power to deny an officer's operations in duty?
A: Only a doctor can relieve an officer of their duty assignments, and there has to be a very good reason for it.
Q: How many enlisted Science personnel would you really have? I mean I think that you could have lab technicians and stuff but I work at a research laboratory and almost everyone is a PHD or post-doc. It seems like it would be difficult to make someone with a degree in nuclear physics enlisted but maybe they would that's why I'm asking.
A: It would depend on the size of the ship and its compliment. You would likely have civilian specialists who are simply working with Star Fleet, like Carol Marcus, or you could have lab assistants who are enlisted and help out, but aren't Doctors in anything.
Q: Is the CNS a subordinate of the CMO or does he/she fill it's own particular department niche in Star Fleet medical?
A: A ship’s Counselor is equal to the Chief Medical Officer. Both considered senior officers, combined these two individual’s are able to guarantee the crew’s mental and physical wellbeing. The CMO has vastly greater responsibilities and departmental obligations because of the literal life and death consequences and greater need for physical health on a starship. The Ship’s Counselor may have a few junior counselors reporting to him or her, but that is about it. However, counselors probably allow themselves to be directed by the CMO in medical situations due to the nature of triage.
Q: Can the CNS/CMO relieve the CO of command/duty?
A: For the purposes of Federation Space, the short answer is no. The CO is the master of the ship. As such, they can replace the First Officer and any Department Head as they see fit. Should a CO appear to be acting contrary to the crew and ship's safety, the CNS or CMO can meet with the First Officer and with agreement, relieve the CO of command. On their own, no Officer has the authority to relieve a CO of their command. This covers being relieved of duty as well. A CO may have information that a DH, or even an FO may not be privy to that could affect the safety of the ship and her crew.
