A New Voice

Posted on Thu Aug 27th, 2026 @ 7:02pm by Lieutenant Commander Mila Lynn & Nveid tr'Rehu
Edited on on Thu Aug 27th, 2026 @ 10:34pm

2,444 words; about a 12 minute read

Mission: Chapter IX: Shady Business
Location: Science Lab, Ourainavassa
Timeline: 2387-10-17, morning

Finally. Five months after the evacuation of Romulus, the crew was on a new mission. Mila smiled to herself as she sat in the science lab, tinkering with a piece of technology the Captain had suggested she develop. From what she had been told, the new surgeon, Doctor Nveid tr'Rehu, had lost his voice due to traumatic injury, and an attempt to restore it through surgery had failed. She'd immediately realised that there was more to the story than had been said, but it didn't matter to Mila. Without being able to speak, Nveid would have trouble communicating in emergency situations, and with him being a surgeon, that was a problem. While he had the ability to communicate telepathically, that would be seen as a major intrusion by most, if not all, of his crewmates. so that was not an option.

However, the telepathy opened another avenue for potentially solve the issue, Mila realised. Among the various prosthetics and cybernetic aid systems developed by her father was a voice box that could be controlled with a small chip implanted into the patient's brain, basically the reverse of how her auditory implants functioned. She believed that, with minor adjustments, the same device could be used by telepaths, without needing surgery. However, she would need the help of a telepath to test that theory, and actually make the adjustments. So, she had requested that Nveid come visit her in the science lab, where she had manufactured a voice box, and also had a device to measure telepathic signals available.

Both anxious but also excited, NVeid made his way to the science lab, curiously glancing around the area. One foot at the time, he stepped inside, conscious of the equipment around him but also ready to turn and leave should it become necessary. Quietly, he approached the woman, making sure he was seen before he was anyway near her.

Waiting until she looked up to acknowledge his presence, NVeid felt that anxiety was already starting to win it from curiosity. He consciously willed himself to stay put.

"Ah, Doctor Nveid, thank you for coming," Mila finally said when she looked up from her work and noticed him. "Mila Lynn, Chief Science Officer," she introduced herself, intentionally leaving out her rank, as being addressed as "Commander" still felt wrong to her. "I have been told about your predicament when it comes to communication, and how it makes your work as a surgeon nearly impossible in a crisis situation."

She indicated the little device on the table in front of her. "My father is an engineer, specialised in the development of cybernetics. My hearing implants, for example, were designed by him, and he's also created replacement eyes and limbs. This device here is designed for patients with conditions such as yours, losing their voice due to injury. The way it's designed, it's meant to be implanted into the patient's throat, and then controlled via a neural interface, similarly to how my hearing works. However, I understand that you are reluctant to have another surgery, is that correct?"

His eyes widened a fraction at the mention of cybernetic visual replacements, but he nodded in confirmation of his name. He did wonder why people kept addressing him as just his first name in combination with his title but he didn't correct her. As she explained the workings of the device his expression changed to concerned. [I'd prefer not to...if it can be avoided but if it's necessary...] A hesitation followed as he wondered how to jetst explain. [My last surgery failed after a few years, and I don't want to be faced with another failure.]

NVeid was visibly trying not to reject the prospect out of hand but all the same he was utterly terrified that he'd be facing a similar situation as now in the near future. [What are the chances of this failing as well?]

"That is what I thought," Mila replied, noticing how nervous Nveid was at the mention of surgery. "Given that aversion to surgery, I have been looking for an alternative option. Since the control chip for the voice box utilises signals directly from the brain, I believe it can be modified to be controlled using your telepathic abilities. As for the voice box itself, while it is designed to use the physical body of the wearer for amplification, modifying it to function as a simple speaker is no problem at all, and it could then be installed, for example, in a communicator badge."

She picked up another device from the table, a loop of material with what appeared to be several sensors attached to it. "Now, in order to modify the controller, I will need some readings of your telepathic signals. I've built this rig based on Federation and Romulan designs, it will record your brain activity while you speak telepathically. Would you be willing to try?"

The Romulan nodded uncertainly. [Are you willing to be on the receiving end?] He queried cautiously. [If this is in my badge, would there not be a risk if my badge was taken from me? I would be left without means to communicate if there's no-one who knows sign. I would not take my PADD if it's not necessary to do so.]

Mila sighed. "As much as I dislike telepathic communication, it is the best way to proceed. As for where to put the voice synthesiser, well, that's something to talk about once we actually make it work." She stood and stepped towards a chair in the corner of the lab, next to a computer terminal. "Please, take a seat."

Once Nveid had sat down, Mila placed the rig on his head, then made sure it was linked up to the console. "Okay. To get a baseline, and to test if any signals are being picked up to begin with, please just say something. Telepathically. Just basic small talk is fine, doesn't have to be much, either."

Despite the reluctant permission, the relief coming from the Romulan was visible and palpable. Thank you. the warmth in his mental voice was audible, in contrast to his usual mechanical voice on his PADD. I understand the reluctance but I do appreciate it. As he spoke, he signed as well, seeming more relaxed now that he didn't have to be so tightly controlled. He paused for a moment, considering her suggestion.

Mila watched the display on the console as Nveid 'spoke', and held up her hand. "Okay, okay. It works. Now, we need more data. But first," she added, touching her hand behind her left ear. [Had to turn off my hearing implant or I'll get even more of a headache from this,] she signed with a smirk. [Now, to get the full reading, just, talk. Doesn't matter about what, really. I'll tell you when I've got enough, and then we can move on to the next step.]

Telepathically? he queried just to be certain. Talk about anything, but what was he to talk about? I hope we can manage to build swimming facilities if there aren't any already. he started carefully, watching her closely for signs of discomfort. during my years with Starfleet I used holodeck facilities to create a pool of there wasn't a physical pool available. I also like to paint, it helps to calm my nerves and my thoughts.

Mila smiled and nodded as the data began coming in. [You'd have to talk to the Council about the swimming. As for painting, I've never been particularly good with a paintbrush,] she admitted. [What sort of thing do you paint?]

In time then, I don't feel I'm in a position to request anything at the moment. I paint mostly fruit bowls if I'm honest, though with all this nature here around us, I might have a go at the flora and fauna here. he smiled fondly over the memories his other hobby. I don't paint people, I'm terrible at faces. It's not something I endeavour to improve either. I'm happy with what I can do in that aspect. And I'll agree it's not everyone's hobby either. Jarron doesn't have the patience for it. a feeling of sadness washed over the mental voice as he remembered his son.

[I must say, for how inhospitable it is, the colony sure is pretty to look at,] Mila agreed. She checked the console again, and nodded. [Right, we've got enough data. You can take the rig off now.]

With another touch behind her ear, she reactivated her auditory implants. "I know I can use my voice even if I can't hear, but honestly, it just feels wrong," she said out loud with a chuckle as she reached for a hypospray on her desk. "Let me just quickly get rid of this headache, and I'll get to work. It shouldn't take too long to sync everything up, so either you wait here, or if you have somewhere to be, I can always call you back later. Your choice."

[I can wait here, if that's alright with you.] He gave her a small smile of encouragement. [Using your voice is up to you, Savin does use his too, but of you feel uncomfortable I am comfortable with signing, I understand it quite well.] Obviously. [You mentioned other cybernetics before... do they resemble the original lost...part?]

"When I can hear, and I am talking to people who can hear, I prefer using my voice," Mila replied as she began tinkering with the voice box again. "Keeps my hands free to do other things, as I'm sure you very well know." She chuckled. "As for the other cybernetics, function wise they can be made as a perfect replacement, or even with some improvements. Most people can't adjust the sensitivity of their hearing, for example. As far as appearance goes, they're pretty customisable." She looked directly at NVeid. "So, yeah, if you want that eye replaced, no problem. The parts can all be replicated, so all we'd need is a few scans to get the appearance and fit right."

NVeid nodded. [It has given me so many issues...] He hesitated again, looking away. [A tiny error and I spent an entire day with headaches until it can be repaired. All I desire is that it isn't directly visible that it isn't real.]

"That should be easy enough," Mila replied with a reassuring smile. "Quite different to this," she added, frustration noticeable in her voice. "My deepest apologies, Doctor Nveid, but this will take longer than I thought. The scans also recorded some of your brain patterns, so, I should be able to make the box repeat things you said to me in my mind. But it just won't accept the input."

NVeid frowned. [I don't understand.] Cybernetics weren't his area of expertise after all. [Why doesn't it accept it? Did something go wrong?]

The young scientist held up her hands. "If I knew, I could fix it!" She sighed in frustration. "I think it's to do with trying to get the signal in wirelessly, as it would through telepathy. It's just not picking it up strongly enough." She adjusted some more settings.

"I appreciate the hope to paint." Mila looked up and tilted her head at the standard voice used by Starfleet in their computer systems suddenly sounded out from the little voice box. "Okay. That did something. Utter nonsense, but something." She looked back at Nveid. "Since I don't have a sample of the voice you want to use, I've set it up to use the standard computer voice at the moment," she explained. "But that is very easily changed. As you heard, we got it to say something that at least has some of the words you used in it. So it's receiving a signal, but with considerable delay, and extremely fractured."

"There's no point." Mila shook her head. "In you waiting around, anyway. This will take a while, and even then I'm not sure I can get it to work."

[I would want it to use my voice, similar to what my PADD does.] NVeid looked concerned. [What if you can't discover what the issue is, what then?]

"Like I said, setting it to a different voice really is the smallest issue, I can just copy that over from the PADD." Mila sighed. "Let's look at the positives. We managed to get it to say something. Now we just need to get it to actually say things that make sense. So the theory works." She looked up at Nveid and smiled. "Give me a few days. I'll figure it out. The fact that I was genetically engineered to be a genius has to count for something, after all. Making the impossible happen is what I do best."

Her smile gave him hope, but not much. [As long as you need ] he replied, offering a faint smile in return. [If you need anything else, let me know. I'm at your disposal whenever you need me and I'm not needed in the infirmary.] The sooner this was fixed however, the sooner he could return to being a doctor and a surgeon. [And my eye, did you want scans now or another time.]

Mila shook her head. "I am not a medical professional in any meaning of the word," she explained. "It would be best if you were to discuss the replacement of your eye with Doctor Gable instead." She paused for a moment. "If you were willing to undergo surgery, we could just utilise the regular controller for the voice box. The placement of the box itself is flexible, it doesn't have to be implanted. It might be the easiest way forward, really."

NVeid sighed miserably and he looked smaller than he did before, obviously fearful of the idea. But if there was no other choice... He nodded slowly. [If that will help me back to work sooner, I have little choice in the matter. I need this to work, and it is necessary to preserve my sanity.] Indirectly, he was consenting to the surgery, but it still left him highly anxious about it. [As long as it reflects my own natural voice...]

"Like I said, the voice produced by the box itself is easy to set up to sound like whatever you want. I'll continue trying to get this to work," Mila solemnly declared. "You'll have your voice back, that much I promise."

[Thank you.] The gratitude was genuine as he offered a warmer smile than before. [I have faith in your ability, no matter what happens.]

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