Books, and Clues - Part I

Posted on Sat Jan 24th, 2026 @ 2:40am by Lieutenant Commander Aaron Marcus & Lieutenant Xavier

1,045 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Preservation Instinct
Location: Mess Hall

ON:

It had been a long away mission. Something he discovered during it plagued him like a thousand midnight ghosts. Words, stories, his mind was a mess and he hadn't slept in a few days. He didn't need make up to give his eyes a smoky look, only this time there was a bit of a hollowness to them. Not even Doctor Marcus' sleep aid was helping. He did however feel better when it came to the ankle he'd injured during the away mission and he always repaid his debts. He was never one to be beholden to anyone; a defense mechanism.

While unable to sleep he'd unpacked and come across a double item he had. Knowing that the doctor would appreciate it he headed to sickbay only to be told, by a young nurse, the doctor was at lunch. He found him in the mess and approached the table with a wrapped package.

"Doctor Marcus...my deepest apologies in disturbing your lunch. I tried sickbay but...may I join you briefly?" He knew that the doctor valued solitude so he would stay but a breath.

Aaron looked up from his BLT and for the slightest of moments he wanted to say go away. However, he knew that if he did he would never hear the end of it from the Captain. "Well many years ago people fought and died for your right to do as you please."

Xavier's lip twitched. He sat down. "February 27, 1915." He said. He slid a box towards the doctor. "The year that The Valley of Fear was published. I had a spare copy that was authenticated and signed. The documents are inside with the book. I thought you may appreciate it."

Aaron stopped mid bite. That was the last Conan Doyle ever written, and it was authentic. A true treasure if there ever was one. But the question now was why would the Lieutenant part with such a thing. He placed his sandwich back on the plate untouched. "A spare copy? Wait so you have two authentic four hundred year old books? This is a true treasure which leads me to believe that either you are dying and wish to bequeath this to me or you are out of your mind." One would not have known from his language but Aaron was truly touched and impressed by the gesture.

He shook his head. "I can assure you I am not dying...yet. I may be out of my mind, it depends on whom you speak with. But it is what it is. I collect certain books and I had two copies. I have fifteen copies of special edition Dracula. There are certain books I like. This gift is because you appreciate Holmes as I do and I rarely find someone who does. Also as a thank you for your assistance with my sleep issue. The prescription you gave me has helped. You are a rare person and I am grateful to have met you Doctor. Not many in the medical profession are as dedicated as you."

Aaron was still unsure of how to take this, however, he did take the book. Aaron may be a curmudgeon but he was far from stupid. Besides there was finally someone here who could appreciate his genius. "Well thank you Lieutenant. I will treasure this gift. There are not many who would take the time to befriend me. I am similar to Holmes in that fashion."


"I do not see why not. I find you to be quite a grounded individual and in my opinion there are such things as stupid questions. I do not see why you should be forced to answer them when your time is spent better devoted to work." He shrugged. "Plus having met your head Nurse I would think you deserve to be commended for sainthood. For a Human he talks...a lot." It was Xavier's way of fishing to confirm Tox was a Trill since there was lack of spots.

"Well first off he is not human, and secondly I am waiting for a response about sending him back to whatever hole he climbed out of. I prefer my nurses to be like my patience. Silent as the grave." Aaron flipped through the book. He was touched by the gesture, although he would never allow anyone to know that. He was also curious how someone obtained so many rare and old books. This was perhaps something worthy of investigation.

Xavier's eyes widened. He could feel, for the first time in a long time, his palms were damp. "He is not human? Oh yes I remember he said, during one of his long speeches, he is a Trill but I thought all Trills had spots. Is it rare for Trills not to be born with full spots? Also what of his grey eyes...are those common on Trill?"

Aaron's eyes narrowed he knew when someone was fishing, hell he did it with patients who refused to admit what really happened to them. "How about you tell me about the sudden interest in Tox. Then perhaps I will answer your questions. Quid pro quo and all."

Xaiver's lip twitched. "I am sure he would take your protectiveness as a sign that you adore him." He sighed. "I may know Tox...I am trying to lens out if the person I think he is, he truly is. I am unfamiliar with certain aspects of...Trill physiology but if I am correct then his eyes and ... possible partial spots are somewhat unusual for Trills."

Aaron was pretty sure he knew why this Xaiver wanted the information. Now he wanted Xaiver to admit it himself. "What do physical traits have to do with the person you think he is?"

He sighed and studied the doctor and then did something he rarely allowed others to see. He smiled a little. "You, Doctor, have missed your calling in psychology...or rather Holmes has had a good influence on you. I am trying to convince myself that he is not the man I have been corresponding with for the last fifteen years."


To Be Continued...

Lieutenant Commander Aaron Marcus
Chief Medical Officer
USS Ontario

Lieutenant Xavier
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Ontario

 

RSS Feed