Calibrations Spill-Over Post

[thespaceopera]

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[thezerothlaw]

Such decisions do, and perhaps should weigh heavy on those who make them. Still, it is a heavy burden to carry. I do not envy him this.

[Gently, so gently, Daneel attempts to follow that tangle, to see what he can find without moving a single strand of it out of place. It's... rude. But it's how he is, now, and he's curious, and it does her no harm.]

[dancingmd]

I would not trust someone in the captain's chair who did not feel that burden, that responsibility, who did not experience some amount of remorse for those who die under their command.

[There's a moment of hesitation before she adds:]

When Jack died though... that was more complicated.

[thezerothlaw]

[Death is always complicated. Still, Daneel pauses, wanting to hear more of this.]

Why do you say that, Dr. Crusher?

[dancingmd]

[It's not Beverly who answers. Instead, it's the hologram of Picard, which shimmers away, before being replaced with another image of the captain, this time sitting on a log with firelight illuminating his tired face.]

I felt guilty before he died... Having feelings like that for my best friend's wife. And then later, after the accident, I promised myself that I would never tell you know how I felt. It would be like betraying my friend.

[That's it, just a fragment of a memory, and the hologram shimmers again, returning the figure of Picard back to normal.]

[thezerothlaw]

[Sexuality complicates things so much, and every world has different rules for what is appropriate.]

He felt this was inappropriate, but he still cared for you.

[dancingmd]

Yes. And I never knew.

[She stops and frowns.]

No, that's not true. There were times, certain things he said or did that made me think maybe... but I didn't want to acknowledge it, even in all those years after Jack died.

[Even once she fell in love Jean-Luc herself.]

[thezerothlaw]

[Daneel nods. He's noticed that humans aren't always straightforward about these things, even when it would be better for them to be so. Pointing that is, however, probably not welcome.

But there's still much more to see. And his own name. There's no vanity behind it, and he does know that Beverly is favourably inclined towards him, but he's honestly curious about what he might find under his own panel.

He brushes his hand against his own name.]

[dancingmd]

[This memory is much more recent, naturally, though it's not exactly of Daneel himself. Beverly's with Allen on the Blue Fish, in that excessively cheerful state she found herself in on the ocean planet. They had been talking about something serious, but now the subject of Daneel and dancing comes up.

Favorably inclined indeed.]

[thezerothlaw]

[That wasn't what he expected, at all. He looks over her with an expressio of mild surprise.]

Dancing was... a unique and enjoyable experience.

[dancingmd]

[Delighted by his phrasing, she grins.]

You liked it then? I mean... would you want to do it again? For yourself, not just for me.

[thezerothlaw]

For myself?

[How curious. He hadn't thought of it in those terms. It's still not easy to, and frankly the idea that she might want him to overshadows things, no matter what she might say.]

It is an interesting exercise. I find the meaning behind it quite interesting.

[dancingmd]

Interesting how?

[thezerothlaw]

[He tilts his head, thinking.]

Humans put much importance in small things, and cultures vary greatly. Dancing might be merely recreational or social, or a precursor to courtship, or even obscene. It's an art, and as in all art, there are conventions and patterns based upon older tradition.

Still, I am not human. I can imitate, but it will never mean something for me by itself. It does, however, mean something for you, and for other humans, and for that reason it interests me.

[dancingmd]

[She leans in towards him, her smile both playful and curious.] And what do you think it means for me?

[thezerothlaw]

It's a matter of enjoyment for you, as well as being able to entertain others. Cultural importance is harder to define without more information.

[dancingmd]

It's true, I do like to perform, and I like to stretch myself, to see exactly what I am capable of. But it's been a long time since I danced for an audience. [There may be a tiny bit of regret there, but not much. The embarrassment still holds sway: Daneel will pick up a brief barrage of fragmented memories rushing through the corridor, the words and patronizing looks of those who didn't take her seriously as a doctor because of her dancing.]

Now, dancing has become more... Intimate than that, for me. It takes trust and affection and [Rueful half-smile] maybe a little bit of a glitch, when my own pride gets in the way.

[thezerothlaw]

[He picks up embarrassment, shame, the feeling of being patronized.]

It wasn't considered a typical interest, then, and others were amused at your expense. Am I correct? That is unfortunate, but it is good that you are still able to take pleasure in it. If it this intimate for you, then I am privileged to have been able to participate.

[dancingmd]

[She nods, but the old shame easily dissipates under new affections. The level of comfort she feels with Daneel is only shared with a few others in the fleet.]

It was nice, doing it for the pure enjoyment and companionship, no expectations attached. I think maybe... I would like to find my dancing again, here.

[thezerothlaw]

Then perhaps this can be done. I would be willing to help, if at all possible.

[Not that he's entirely sure how he might be able to help, but the offer's there anywa.]

[dancingmd]

All you have to do - [She holds out her hands, in position for the Foxtrot] - is follow me.

[thezerothlaw]

As you say.

[Daneel mirrors her pose, watching her intently for her next move.]

[dancingmd]

[She can't help but laugh at that robot literalism - though the laughter isn't mocking at all, just gentle amusement as she takes one of his hands in hers and places the other on her waist.]

No, I meant like this, together.

[thezerothlaw]

Oh, I misunderstood. My apologies.

[His touch is very gentle, but he steps into the proper position easily enough. They're lacking music, but that doesn't trouble him at all.]

[dancingmd]

[The lack of music soon ceases to be a problem, as the corridor is filled with jazz, heavily featuring a trombone. Beverly leads him through the steps again, down the corridor and past all the holograms of her loved ones. It's only after a few minutes of dancing that she speaks again.]

Computer, one to beam up.

[The computer beeps in response and Daneel is surrounded by a shimmering light. He'll experience the strange sensation of having his molecules dissipate and reassemble, but it's not painful and it brings him safely out of the calibration.]