driftfleet | (no subject)

Entry tags:

(no subject)

Who: Everyone!!!
Broadcast: No
Action: The Iskaulit
When: For the rest of the month

[Now that we've all had time to settle back into our ships, let's see what's going on over on the Iskaulit! For the new folks, there are already a few establishments and projects going on, but there's plenty of room for everyone, either to join in or to build their own thing. So mingle away!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I don't know.

[With a frown, she pushes away from Daneel to stalk the room.]

It's not as if he really talked to me, is it? I would have listened - won't ever condone or forgive, no - but I would have tried to understand! But he didn't even - he just tried to turn it all on me, as if it was my fault for being there, as if I was the one in the wrong!

[She stops pacing, turning to face Daneel again.]

You want to know what the ridiculous thing is? I believe he is scared. He is so used to putting on whatever mask he wants with people that the fact that I saw under one of them terrified him. And when people like that are scared... You don't know what they might do.

Fear can provoke unreasonable responses. At least, this is true for humans. It would not surprise me to know it can be true for other races, as well. His fear may pass in time. It may also intensify. I don't know him well enough to say which.

[That is to say, this could resolve itself, or it could get worse.]

I don't either... which is exactly why I don't want you getting involved.

That isn't a sufficient reason.

[Daneel shakes his head. He's gentle, but he's very firm.]

It would be extremely unwise for you to proceed to act alone. You may have nothing to fear, but that may not be true, and this is not something anyone should be facing without assistance.

[Beverly heaves a long sigh and leans back against the nearest table with her arms crossed. He's right, that she shouldn't be dealing with this alone - hadn't she said as much to Finrod, in his calibration (and oh god, Finrod... what is she going to say to him about all this?) - but she had wanted to give herself more time to process before talking to anyone. Nor does she want to see anybody hurt, especially not a friend, because of her.

She should have known though: you can't hide from empaths.

Besides, there is a very significant part of her that wants him here, wants the comfort and reassurance. Even simply letting her cry on his shoulder was helpful.]

Fine. I can see I'm not going to dissuade you. But please, please can you promise me you won't try to approach him or go talk to him on your own?

I can promise this.

[If Tek comes to speak to him, that's another matter, but he can at least promise not to aggravate the situation. Whether tampering in this situation would be helpful, well, that's another question altogether.]

Dr. Crusher. You must not hesitate to ask me for my help, either.

I won't.

[Of course what she most needs is counseling and who she most wants right now is Deanna.]

I don't suppose you happen to have any psychiatric programming, do you?

I do not. I have the advantage of experience and observation, but that isn't something I was ever intended for.

[He's almost apologetic.]

It would be a useful thing for me to learn, perhaps.

Perhaps...

[She sinks to the floor with a sigh and rubs her temples.]

I just can't stop thinking about it.

That is understandable.

[Daneel comes and kneels on the floor beside her.]

What can I do, if I cannot intervene directly?

[She gives him a sad smile.]

I don't know. Though the hug was a very good start.

If you want more, it is no trouble.

[Yes, he's serious.]

[There's only the tiniest of hesitations before she nods. Yes, that would be a very welcome thing right now.]

[He hugs her, then, gently. It's not much, but it can at least make her feel a little better. The rest will... have to wait.]

[Grateful, she wraps her arms around him tightly. Despite her efforts to protect him and keep him out of all of this, in the end she is glad that he's the one who found her. There are only a few other people in the fleet she'd be willing to be this emotionally vulnerable with. Softly:]

Thank you.

I have hardly done anything worth being thanked for, yet.

[Still, he offers a small smile. A serious one. Because all his smiles are like that.]

[A smile. That's the first one she has seen from him. It warms her and the smile she gives in return is not quite so strained as her previous one.]

Don't say that.

[Breaking out of the hug, she shifts to rest her head on his shoulder.]

I needed a friend and here you are. Your presence is more than enough to deserve thanks.

[He pats her back, gently.]

Then I am here, for as long as you have need of me.

[That's a promise.]

I know. And I'm going to be there for you too.

[Suddenly aware of how exhausted she is - the unrelenting image of Tek's cold anger floating around her head has kept her awake these past couple of nights - she curls up against Daneel's warmth and closes her eyes.]

I'm so tired.

[Physically and emotionally.]

Perhaps it would be best, Dr. Crusher, if you were to rest for a time. If you don't intend on going back to your own ship yet, then perhaps we can find a place for you to rest nearby. I can ensure you aren't disturbed.

[He can even help her rest, if necessary.]

[She opens her eyes with a sigh.]

You're right. I can't very well sleep in here.

[Though it is nice, in its own way, with the heat of the sunlamps and the smell of earth all around.]

I suppose I should get back to the Blue Fish.

[Should, but doesn't want to.]

Whatever you prefer.

[He tilts his head to one side, faintly worried.]

Though if you wish to stay, I'm sure a place can be found, and as I said, I can ensure no one will disturb you.

No, that's... Tempting but unnecessary. My own quarters make the most sense. It's just that I don't want my mood affecting my crew. I know I cannot have been pleasant to be around recently,

[He shakes his head, very slightly.]

Your company is a pleasure, Dr. Crusher. Your mood does not change that. I would hope your crewmates feel the same.

That's very sweet of you to say, and I have no doubt my crew cares about me, as I do them. However, it is quite possible to care about someone while not always finding their company a pleasure, believe me.