driftfleet | (no subject)

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(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!]

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[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.

Perhaps.

[For humans, anyway. Not for him.]

But if this concerns you, I would still suggest finding another place you might rest.

[All right, she'll give in, just a little.]

Did you have a particular place in mind?

[It's not as if anyone has built a hotel here.]

You could come to the Wonderduck and rest there, if you wished. We might also be able to find a bench here that you could use. Either way, I can ensure no one will disturb you.

[She's going to have to take an immediate pass on the bench plan... but the Wonderduck... there is some appeal in that offer. Jennifer would be there too, and there are very few other people in the fleet with whom Beverly feels so naturally comfortable around as those two. Even thinking that, though, sends a twinge of guilt through her. She loves her crew, she really does, and none of this is their fault at all: she just has a need to get away and until they reach another planet...]

I don't know... [Her brow furrows.] Are you sure you don't mind?

Edited (.... internet silliness ) 2016-01-02 20:47 (UTC)

[Ah, that twinge of guilt does not go unnoticed.]

It is no trouble, Dr. Crusher. I was provided with a bunk that I have no use for. I cannot think of a better use than this.

[Were he almost anybody else, the social implication of such an offer would give her further pause, but with him she takes it as it was no doubt intended: at face value. So she relents with a sigh.]

All right. [There's a slight quirk of a smile.] You're just going to worry about me if I don't agree, aren't you?

[He gives her a look that is just slightly pointed, but not unkind.]

I would be concerned in any event, Dr. Crusher.

[What little hint of a smile there was fades and she says, very softly:]

I wish I could tell you there's no reason to be.

I will be glad when I can believe that.

[He puts his hand gently on her arm.]

Did you want to go now?

Might as well.

[She still has doubts about whether or not this plan will actually help her sleep but it's worth a try anyway. Climbing to her feet, she gestures for him to lead the way back to the Wonderduck. The trip to his ship is made mostly in silence while she tries to sort through her emotions now, with mixed success. Opening up to Daneel was a good first step in the right direction at least. Still, it will take her some time to reconcile with everything she's seen.]