F I V E:
multiple problems

"How could you not tell us you're experiencing dizzy spells?" Caitlin asked Barry in disbelief after checking him. Bibiana had switched back to her tablet and was checking Barry's data. "We're your doctors. God's knows what's going on inside your body. Your cells are in a constant state of flux. You could be experiencing cardiopulmonary failure or a transient ischemic attack."

"Mini-stroke. Probably not," Dr. Wells explained. Bibiana quickly got out of Google and went back to check the data.

"You, of all people, should know that in science, we share. We do not keep secrets." Bibiana looked over at Cisco who shook his head slightly.

"Wow, I haven't seen anyone make her that angry since Ronnie," Cisco said.

"Not even me," Bibiana added, typing something before she left the lab.

She followed Cisco to another part of S.T.A.R. Labs where they started to stack boxes. Bibiana stacked the last box before she took a step back.

"And we're all set," Cisco announced. "A little padding. Just in case."

"Yeah," Barry replied. The girl left the room and went to the other one where they can keep an eye on Barry. "Are you sure about this, Cisco?"

"Most home treadmills have a maximum speed of about 12 miles per hour. This one gas has been Cisco'ed. Trust me, it can handle your speed."

"Okay," Barry replied.

Bibiana turned a few knobs and looked up to watch Barry run.

"Heart rate, blood pressure nerve conduction all normal," Caitlin said. Bibiana took out a burger she had picked up earlier and heated up and started to eat it. Her cravings have been greater than when mother nature pays a visit.

"For Barry," Dr. Wells said.

"Doing good so far, Allen," Bibiana commented into the microphone. She took another bite of her burger.

"Brainwave function within standard limits," Caitlin also noted.

"Heh. Told you the treadmill could take it," Cisco said with joy.

"When this is over, I might buy you a donut," Bibiana said words of encouragement. Another bite went down the stomach. Dr. Wells looked at the IT girl eat before he looked back at the screen.

"Caitlin, look at the glucose levels," Dr. Wells said. Bibiana looked over and saw that they were low.

"Oh, my God. Of course," Caitlin said. "It was so obvious. Especially with Bibiana always eating."

"I'm very offended," Bibiana said.

"Glucose," Dr. Wells said. "Barry, we think we know why you keep-"

Barry passed out and hit the boxes full of padding. It sounded like a rough landing.

"Passing out."

"Do I need to share my fries?" Bibiana asked, taking a sip of her Dr. Pepper.

"I wouldn't," Cisco said.

⇝⇝⇝

"Did I pass out again?" Barry asked, waking up. Bibiana had a takeout bag in her hand, ready to feed the boy.

"Total metabolic failure brought by an acute hypoglycemia," Caitlin explained.

"I'm not eating enough," Barry said. Bibiana shoved the bag into his chest which he took. "So an I.V. bag, this takeout, and I'll be good to go."

Bibiana let out a laugh as Cisco showed Barry the I.V. stand filled with many I.V. bags.

"Try 40. Guess you were thirsty," Dr. Wells said.

"We're gonna need to fashion you a diet based on your metabolic changes," Caitlin explained.

"I've done a few calculations. You need to consume an amount equal to roughly 850 tacos. Unless we're talking cheese and guac, which is like a whole other set of equations," Cisco added.

"I do not eat 850 tacos," Bibiana scoffed. "I just eat whatever I like, whenever I'm hungry."

"For Mexican, I recommend Tito's on Bruckner Avenue. Best burrito in the city," Joe West said.

"Burritos sound good right now," Bibiana said, rubbing her stomach.

"You just ate a burger with extra large fries and a Dr. Pepper," Cisco said.

"I burn it off. Electricity needs to do something," Bibiana said. She remembered that Joe didn't know about her. He probably wasn't even listening to her.

"Detective West, what brings you to S.T.A.R. Labs?" Dr. Wells asked.

"When I couldn't find you in your lab, I started doing a little research. Turns out, there's been reports of a red-streak around the city," Joe pointed. Bibiana looked at Cisco with a knowing look. "Stopping muggers. Rescuing people from burning buildings."

"I called in for the last one," Bibiana admitted.

"You didn't tell him we were working together," Dr. Wells said.

"Joe, I can explain," Barry quickly stated.

"You already have a job in law enforcement, Barry," Joe said. "I suggest you get back to it."

"Mm-hm," Caitlin agreed. Joe turned to look at her. "Don't look at me. I'm on your side."

"Detective, we all want what's best for Barry," Dr. Wells said. Bibiana knew better than to get in the middle of an argument.

"If you wanted what was best for Barry, you'd talk him out of this instead of encouraging him going out there risking his life," Joe said.

"You saw a man control the weather. What are the police gonna do against someone like that?" Barry asked. "Since the accelerator explosion, we suspect there may be more like him."

"And you're gonna do what?" Joe asked. "Catch them?"

"You gotta catch them all," Bibiana muttered under her breath while she handed Cisco her tablet.

"Are you insane? You think because you can run real fast that you're invincible? You're not. You're just a kid. My kid."

"I'm not your kid," Barry argued. Cisco passed the tablet back to Bibiana. She was impressed with the suit. "And you're not my father. My father is sitting in Iron Heights. Wrongfully convicted. You were wrong about him. And you're wrong about this. Now, I may not be able to help him but if I can save someone from a burning building."

There were looks tossed over at Bibiana who ignored them. She was adding one last thing to her suit.

"Or stop some armed thieves, I'm gonna do it. And you can't stop me. So don't try."

"You think you're so smart," Joe said. Bibiana looked up. "All of you. But you don't know what you don't know. And I hope that you're clever enough to figure it out before somebody gets killed."

When Joe left, that made Bibiana think. Was she willing to risk going out of control and hurting people? Was she ready to be Electric Strom?

•○•

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jmc