driftfleet | mingle part deux

It's all right, if you're not. [She doesn't want to push, just... nudge a little.] I simply don't want you to think that only because you were never given the opportunity to try. Creativity is by no means only a human thing.

[A pause, as she corrects a step, makes a readjustment.]

Data paints, plays the violin, and writes poetry. [Admittedly really bad poetry but the point here is the endeavor, not the result.] Not to mention, of course, all the thousands of other species who produce their own art.

[He blinks, several times.]

Your Data does this? And he is successful?

[This is an entirely new idea. His mind is being blown.]

I believe he is, yes. He struggles with the emotional side of art, however, not being able to experience them himself.

[Supposedly, anyway. She still doesn't really buy the argument that Data is totally emotionless.]

So sometimes his work veers too much towards the technical. Personally, I think he does the best with music. After all, music shares much in common with mathematics, which is something he understands very well. He plays the violin beautifully - I always enjoy hearing his performances.

Really, the end result is not the most important thing, for him, or for me either. It's the process of creating art that matters - the exploration, if you will. Data is no less an explorer than the rest of us, maybe even more so.

[He's thoughtful on this point for a moment, dancing in silence.]

I've enjoyed fiction and hyperwave dramas in the past. I don't, however, feel capable of creating it. Perhaps I might have more success with painting or music.

[This is such a weird idea and it shows. He speaks slowly, picking his way through the idea.]

It wouldn't hurt anything to try, right? Whatever you wanted to do, you'd have my full support.

[Seeing him turning the idea over in his mind, she falls silent to give him room to digest, only speaking now and then to gently correct a movement or to explain what they're about to do next.]

[He follows along in silence for a time, but he's thinking hard on this.]

I would like to try portraits.

[After all, it's people that interest him.]

[That gets a big, delighted smile.]

I think that's a wonderful idea! We'll have to find someone to teach you.

Would that require a teacher? I wouldn't want anyone to be inconvenienced by my taking on this sort of project.

[She's so pleased by it. To a surprising degree.]

[She can't help it, she's happy that he's taking one of her suggestions. Maybe it'll open up something for him. After all he's done for her, she wants to give something back.]

It wouldn't hurt to ask. You never know, maybe someone likes teaching art. I love to teach and I can't be the only one here who does. And if not... maybe you could find a book about it.

I would be content with a book of artistic techniques, certainly. As for supplies, perhaps some might be obtained on our next stop.

[She nods.]

I can help you keep an eye out. Maybe start with drawing first? Pencils and paper are probably the easiest to find.

That would be a good place to start.

[Simple, basic, and if it leads to something, there's room to go from there.]

Thank you, Beverly.

You're very welcome.

[She stops moving, though she doesn't let go.]

Are you ready to try twirling me?

I believe so.

[He hesitates, lifts their hands together, then hesitates again. How does this go?]

Am I meant to forcibly twirl you?

[That doesn't seem right.]

[She huffs out a small laugh.]

No, don’t worry, I’ll do most of the work. You’re there to keep me steady. You simply turn your arm out like this... [She guides him into the appropriate position, then slowly demonstrates how the turn works, spinning away from him and back in.] See?

[Yes, this makes much more sense.]

I see. It's a cooperative technique.

Exactly.

[It's part of what she loves so much about dancing, the cooperative expression.]

Want to try again?

Of course.

[He's rather more graceful this time, having a sense of what he's supposed to do, and he extends an arm to twirl her.]

[Not going quite as slowly as before, Beverly twirls out with an easy grace and an even easier smile. It really is nice, dancing like this again, with a partner she feels completely comfortable with and with no one else watching. Oh, she's danced at official functions and at the weddings of friends and other such occasions where dancing is expected, but she was always still uncomfortably aware of any potential embarrassment.

As she spins back in to Daneel and takes his hand to resume the rest of the dance, she wonders if it really has been since before Jack died that she danced without worrying - without the help of the augment of course. A sad thought, but she doesn't bother trying to shove it away.]

[That touch of a sad thought -- it's curious. Daneel doesn't think it has something to do with him, but something that he's somehow recalled to her.]

Is everything all right, Beverly?

Oh... [She gives him a soft smile.] I'm all right. I was just thinking about Jack, and how we used to do this.

Oh. I'm sorry.

[He thinks he should be sorry.]

Did you wish to stop?

No, no, of course not! You did nothing wrong. You helped me remember and that's a good thing.

[Sad, but good. Those things are not mutually exclusive.]

Ah. Then it is a sad memory that is nevertheless pleasant to remember. I understand.

[He does, quite honestly.]

Exactly. And I know Jack would be very happy to know that I was dancing again.

[She grins.]

Though he might be a little jealous of you.

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