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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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.]

[Daneel's bunk has been practically untouched since he arrived, but it's made neatly and as comfortable as any other in the Fleet. And it's easy to fall into this pattern of providing what is needed, hovering around a human in order to give them what they need, standing back unobstrusively when they're satisfied. It's what he is, it's his nature, and Beverly is a friend.]

Is there anything else you might need to sleep? A drink, perhaps?

[It's strange for her, being taken care of like this, to have someone hovering about to tend to her needs. Not bad, just... strange. Usually she's the caretaker and so finds it somewhat difficult to accept the role reversal.]

Some tea might be nice, if you have any.

[And while he's gone, she'll take the opportunity to divest herself of the fleet-issued jumpsuit and settle onto the bed in her tank and shorts, though she doesn't lay down yet. Instead, she takes out her tricorder - always by her side - and starts reading some of the letters on it, hoping that will help her feel calmer.]

[He returns with the tea on a small tray; supplies are slightly crude in the Fleet, but a cup of tea is manageable. He sets it nearby for her.]

Do you take anything in your tea?

[Shaking her head, she sets the tricorder down.]

No, no, it's fine like that.

[Then she pats a spot on the bed next to her, indicating for him to sit, before picking up her tea to drink.]

[He sits, watching her carefully. Honestly, he's not quite sure why she asked him to do that, but he does anyway.]

Will you be all right?

[Were he to ask why, he'd discover a simple enough answer: she finds comfort in the physical closeness, much preferring him sitting with her to him standing apart from her.

As to the question he does vocalize, she doesn't answer immediately. Instead she swirls her cup and stares at the dark liquid with a small frown. Then she takes a sip, giving herself another moment to think.]

A very good question. But I believe so. I've pulled myself through much worse things than this.

[For a moment, he's not sure whether to express reassurance or condolences. He's glad she'll be okay, but he's sorry she's seen worse.]

I admit, it seems that there is very little I can do in cases such as this.

[Oh Daneel. Her expression softens with affection as she looks at him.]

I know it's difficult not to have a concrete plan of action, but that's okay. Some things... some things, we have to just work through ourselves, slowly, however long it might take and however painful it might be. For now, your presence is more than enough.

Edited 2016-01-05 03:17 (UTC)

[That's a lot to be responsible for, just by being here. Still, he can do his best.]

Partner Elijah insisted on that, sometimes. He would insist upon going through something dangerous or difficult without help. It was difficult for me to watch, but to prevent him would do more harm in the long run.

[She takes another sip while he speaks, thinking how he sounds almost parental in his concern for his human friends.]

Believe me, I don't want to go through with this. Hell, I don't want to feel any of it at all and I wish - well, I wish a lot of things, but that doesn't do me much good, does it?

You will be safe. I am not certain how we will ensure this, yet, but you will be safe. This can be resolved.

[One way or the other.]

How can you sound so certain of that?

[He's quiet for a moment.]

I cannot think of the alternative. I must act to avoid it.

[At that, her eyes well up again.]

Daneel...

[Hastily, she tries to wipe away the tears with the back of her hand before giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. The gesture is purely platonic, full of gratitude.]

[He closes his eyes briefly, pleasantly surprised by that, quietly grateful.]

I still think you should rest, Dr. Crusher.