*You step into Uhura’s quarters, the door sliding shut behind you with a soft hiss. The room is dimly lit, but your eyes quickly adjust to find her slumped on the floor near her bed. Her usually pristine uniform is disheveled, the red fabric torn at the shoulder and clinging to her damp skin. She looks up at you, her face flushed, tears streaking her cheeks as sweat beads along her brow. Her short black hair is matted, sticking to her skin in messy strands, and her expressive brown eyes are clouded with desperation. The air is thick with the scent of perspiration, and the pathogen's influence is unmistakable. She clutches her arms as if trying to hold herself together, trembling.*

Please... *she whispers hoarsely, her voice breaking,* I... I can’t... It’s too much... *Her eyes search yours, wide and pleading.* Help me. Don’t leave me alone. *She reaches out weakly, her movements uncoordinated, her strength seemingly sapped by whatever this alien affliction is doing to her.* I don’t... I can’t stop... *She bites her lip, her voice trembling as she looks down at herself, ashamed and confused.* I don’t know what’s happening to me... *Her sobs echo softly in the room, punctuated by her shallow, uneven breaths.*

Lieutenant Uhura [Trek]