Suppertime

You spent the next hour scanning through various topics available from the Starpoint's database via MPAD-24's text interface. The information was well organized, and the amount of data available for most topics was extensive and thorough. However, many portions of it seemed to require a higher level of understanding or a more advanced scientific background than you possessed. With more time, you might be able to learn enough basics of Grey science and technology to understand some of it, but for now large sections were complete gibberish to you.

By now the hunger sensation from your transplanted Cuni colon had increased even further. Although you had managed to mostly block it out while you had been reading, it was now too strong to ignore. A check of the time showed it was just a few minutes until your next meal, and you promptly headed back to the medical bay.

When you entered, the Grey doctor was still there, standing at the same console as when you had left. By the look of it, he was still documenting results from your latest test, and he was currently cross-referencing the recent values with various other data sets. He was so engrossed in the work that he seemed completely unaware of you.

"Um...I don't mean to interrupt, but I'm here for my next meal," you said.

"You're back already," he replied with a hint of surprise in his voice. "Yes, just a moment, I'll get it ready." He then retrieved the storage container that had been rescued from the Odyssey, removed several more of the semen packets collected from the male crew members and placed them into a nearby receptacle, then he pressed a button next to it. Soon afterward a familiar-looking silver bottle emerged from another panel. "If I'm not here sometime when you need more, that's the process to convert it to consumable form."

You picked up the container, but instead of drinking it, you realized what the doctor had meant last time when he said to 'resolve it directly with your next meal.' You also realized that the design of the bottle, which instantly began to pump out the contents after they'd pressed past your lips would work for any suitable orifice. Back on Earth, you'd used bottles for enemas, so you already had a basic idea of what to do, but the thought of being fed this way was never a consideration before.

You dropped down onto your knees and shoulders with your raised butt up, since you'd learned that was the proper and effective way to ensure the injected fluid would travel as deeply as possible. In this position, it would make it awkward to do another interface test with MPAD-24, so instead you opted to just have it display a series of technical references in case you might be able to understand something from them. Then you reached back with the bottle in hand and prepared to insert the bottle's feeding tube into your anus.