From: "Sam Edwards" <captivanova@hotmail.com>
Subject: USS CALYPSO: Troubled Eyes
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 1998 05:20:36 PDT
 
SD 100408
 
[Sickbay, during physical]
 
        Joanna knew that Zahn's readings weren't likely to show up
anything her internal diagnostics wouldn't... she couldn't help but
start conversation.
 
        "I think I am depressed," she remarked softly.  Wistfully, even.
 
        It was intriguing enough to get a reply, if it was because he
hadn't come across an android with such a problem, or because she had a
problem.  "How's that?" he inquired.
 
        Joanna sighed and raised her hands briefly.  "Lots of things."
She turned her head to look at him, convey her frustration, anger,
despair, pain... her eyes were so troubled by the emotions.  "Maybe... I
could tell you, over a five-course meal?" she smiled; but it was a tired
old smile.
 
        "Any difficulty in finding emotional support?" he suggested,
closing the tricorder with a smart click.
 
        Joanna frowned.  "To be honest, yes.  I... there was someone on
the GALILEO I missed, and-"  She shook her head and rubbed at the tip of
her nose thoughtfully.  "I cannot say I have made a lot of friends,
Doctor."  She ran a hand through her hair uneasily.  "The war..." she
began quietly, and stopped.
 
 
[CSO's Office]
 
        "... and finally, we've been officially cleared of saboteurs,"
the security officer reported.
 
        Joanna nodded slightly.  "Pay attention to the routine checks...
if there is anyone who slipped through the net, we will find them."  She
leaned forward, addressing the few key officers she'd called.  "Now.
About this stowaway.  No, I do not need to hear about how she got on
board - we already established that earlier.  I need to talk to the
captain about this, and I need your opinions."
 
        CPO Alissa Hayes was first to speak as always.  "Sir, with due
respect... she's just a kid, probably doesn't even know what's going on.
How can we-"
 
        Alissa was interrupted by the headstrong junior lieutenant next
to her.  "Classify her as a security threat?  Of course we can.  She's
Romulan and she's not supposed to be here, what more reason do we n-"
 
        Joanna coughed politely.  "Mister Sheridan, I need complete
opnions, no interruptions.  Thank you."
 
 
[Ready Room, brief advice]
 
        "Captain, I would have to say that I am clear on... this.  It is
true that there is no proven security threat, and I... I support you on
this, I feel like you are doing the right thing.  However..."  Joanna
let out a small sigh.  "I cannot say how popular your decision is among
the crew.  Some... suggested you should have more faith in the fostering
system, or turn her over to the Romulans."
 
        Li regarded her closely, the strained expression, her pain-
filled eyes.  "Why are you coming down on my side?" he asked with a hint
of curiousity, and perhaps concern.
 
        Joanna stood, almost turned away, and then faced him again, her
hand trembling as it held the PADD.  "Because... because you had the
same decision when I arrived out of nowhere, and you took me in as if I
were one of your own," she said softly, anxious and afraid, trying to
keep her emotions in check to finish what she was saying.  "If you were
right about me... won't you be right about her?"
 
        He nodded, understanding the rationale that she posed.  "I'm
sure you'll agree there are differences.  Are you... all right?"  The
question was tentative, yet prompting Joanna to pull herself together.
 
        "I have been better," she admitted with a gloomy shake of the
head.  "I..."  She sighed exasperatedly.  "I do not know what to do,"
she shrugged resignedly.  "Except go on being miserable, I suppose.  At
least while this war is on..."
 
 
-o+<nrpg>+o-
Greg: I feel like I dumped that scene on you, somewhat *grin*.  Any
questions, just fire away :)  She can't eat much, I'll put in *smirkle*.
 
Lyn: Chance here to uncover how she really feels about things, I'd say.
 
    Sam M. Edwards o-o http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Station/6307/
captivanova@hotmail.com -o- LCDR Joanna Houston [TAC/CSO USS CALYPSO WW]
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    "Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast." - Arnold J. Rimmer